Department of War Grants Conditional Approvals for Specific Routers
On July 20, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (PSHSB) released Public Notice DA 26-756, announcing that the Department of War (DoW) has issued Conditional Approvals for certain foreign-produced routers. Pursuant to Section 2 of the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 and sections 1.50002(a) and 1.50003 of the Commission's rules, these specific devices are granted exemptions from the FCC Covered List.
Under the interagency framework, foreign-produced routers pose national security risks unless reviewed and granted a Conditional Approval by DoW or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). PSHSB determined that the DoW reviews constitute specific determinations that the evaluated devices do not present unacceptable national security risks to the United States or U.S. persons during the designated approval windows.
- Gryphon Safety Online, Inc.’s Parental Control WiFi Router (Conditional Approval valid through January 10, 2028)
- Sercomm Corporation’s Air4992 Wi-Fi 7 Router (Conditional Approval valid through January 10, 2028)
Regulatory Context and Covered List Administration
On March 23, 2026, the FCC added 'routers produced in a foreign country, except routers which have been granted a Conditional Approval by DoW or DHS' to the Covered List under DA 26-278. This categorical addition stemmed from a National Security Determination by an Executive Branch interagency body.
Under 47 CFR §§ 1.50002(a) and 1.50003, PSHSB is obligated to maintain, monitor, and publish updates to the Covered List on the FCC website. In addition to updating the roster of covered and exempted equipment, Commission staff continues to provide ongoing guidance to Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs), test labs, and equipment authorization applicants pursuant to sections 0.191 and 0.31(i) of the Commission's rules.
- Proceeding Dockets: WC Docket No. 18-89, ET Docket No. 21-232, EA Docket No. 21-233
- Public Notice Reference: DA 26-756 (Released July 20, 2026)
- Bureau Contact: Chris Smeenk, Attorney Advisor, Operations and Emergency Management Division, PSHSB