Denial of Extension Requests
On August 28, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission's Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) and Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) jointly released an Order (DA 26-892) denying three separate requests for an extension of time to submit public comments in PS Docket No. 26-189.
The underlying proceeding concerns a proposal to prohibit the continued importation and marketing of certain previously authorized foreign-produced uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and critical UAS components that are listed on the FCC's Covered List and meet specific military-grade definitions.
- Order DA 26-892 adopted and released on August 28, 2026.
- Proceeding: PS Docket No. 26-189.
- Public comment deadline remains September 2, 2026.
Background and Extension Petitions
PSHSB and OET originally released a Public Notice (DA 26-758) on July 21, 2026, which was subsequently published in the Federal Register on August 3, 2026 (91 Fed. Reg. 48870), establishing a comment deadline of September 2, 2026.
Three stakeholder groups submitted filings requesting additional time to gather data and coordinate responses:
- American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM): Filed August 4, 2026, seeking an extension of at least 30 days to survey member reliance on affected equipment and evaluate complex technical and operational issues.
- DRONERESPONDERS (DR): Filed August 24, 2026, requesting an extension from September 2 to September 30, 2026, citing the need for public safety agencies and emergency response personnel to coordinate operational, supply chain, and cybersecurity input.
- Commercial Drone Alliance (CDA): Filed August 26, 2026, supporting a 28-day extension to gather marketplace data and develop specific recommendations.
FCC Ruling and Regulatory Rationale
Under 47 CFR Section 1.46(a), Commission policy dictates that extensions of time shall not be routinely granted. PSHSB and OET determined that national security considerations require the agency to act expeditiously and maintain the established schedule.
The bureaus highlighted prior Commission guidance from the Equipment Authorization Security proceeding (ET Docket No. 21-232), which instructs OET and PSHSB to take reasonable steps to conclude proceedings expeditiously to promote regulatory certainty and secure the communications equipment supply chain.
The Order was made effective immediately upon release pursuant to 47 CFR Section 1.102(b)(1). Inquiries regarding the matter may be directed to Greg Haledjian, Legal Advisor in the Operations and Emergency Management Division of PSHSB.
- Statutory and regulatory authority: 47 U.S.C. §§ 154(i), 154(j), 155(c), 303(r) and 47 CFR §§ 0.191, 1.46, 2.939.
- Ruling signed by Zenji Nakazawa, Chief, PSHSB, and Andrew C. Hendrickson, Chief, OET.