The Trump administration granted SpaceX’s (NASDAQ:SPCX) Starlink routers an exemption from Federal Communications Commission restrictions on foreign-made consumer routers, allowing the company to seek approval for new hardware through Feb. 1, 2028.
Starlink Secures Conditional Approval Through 2028
The FCC’s Covered List now identifies Starlink routers as conditionally approved by the Department of War. SpaceX makes routers in Vietnam, although it produces hardware in Texas and labels devices "Made in the USA."
The FCC added foreign-produced consumer routers to the Covered List in March after national security agencies concluded they posed "unacceptable risks." The agency said foreign hardware could create supply-chain vulnerabilities and expose U.S. households and critical infrastructure to cyberattacks.
The rule blocks new covered models from receiving FCC equipment authorization before entering the U.S. market. It does not stop consumers from using existing routers or retailers from selling approved models.
FCC Broadens Crackdown On Foreign Routers
"Following President Trump’s leadership, the FCC will continue to do our part in making sure that U.S. cyberspace, critical infrastructure, and supply chains are safe and secure," FCC Chair Brendan Carr said in a public press release in March.
Manufacturers can avoid the restriction if the Department of War or Department of Homeland Security determines their products do not present unacceptable risks. Netgear Inc. (NASDAQ:NTGR) and Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) previously secured approvals covering Nighthawk, Orbi, Eero and Amazon Leo routers. TP-Link had not appeared on the FCC’s exemption list Monday.
SpaceX Adds To Recent Regulatory Wins
The decision extends SpaceX’s regulatory momentum. In January, the FCC authorized another 7,500 second-generation Starlink satellites, expanding the approved Gen2 network to 15,000 spacecraft and supporting gigabit internet and direct-to-cell services.
The agency later modernized satellite spectrum-sharing rules, saying the change could unlock up to seven times more broadband capacity and more than $2 billion in economic benefits. Reuters reported that SpaceX requested the update, while Viasat and DirecTV warned about interference.
SpaceX and T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ:TMUS) also won the FCC’s first commercial authorization for a satellite operator and wireless carrier to provide supplemental coverage from space. The license allowed Starlink satellites to extend mobile service into remote areas and "dead zones."
Benzinga Edge Rankings indicate SpaceX Stock performs poorly on Short, Medium and Long Price Trends.
Price Action: SPCX stock traded 3.17% lower at $109.91 in pre-market trading on Tuesday.
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