- The FCC has extended its waiver on software updates for DJI drones
- The latest extension ends on January 1, 2029
- You can also have your say on the DJI ban
The US Federal Communications Commission’s ban on new DJI drones and its other technology has been a frustrating one for camera enthusiasts and professionals alike — as they’re set to miss out on 25 launches this year alone — but we finally have a silver lining, even if it is a small one.
Your older DJI drones should stay reliable for a little while longer.
That’s because the FCC has announced that it’s extending the waiver for certain drones to receive software updates in the US. Previously, it was set to expire on January 1, 2027, but now it will last until at least January 1, 2029 — foreign internet routers have also had their software access extended until this date (via Tom’s Hardware).
In terms of hardware access, nothing has changed, but it means that manufacturers shouldn’t get blocked from releasing essential security or bug fix patches to already sold tech (at least not until 2029). Previously, this was a fear once the waiver ran out, and could have left some tech unable to function if it encountered a glitch, or turn your drone into the sort of security risk that the FCC’s ban is meant to avoid.
Meanwhile, DJI is attempting to appeal the FCC’s ruling in US courts. The ban came about when DJI was put on the ‘Covered List’ — a list of entities thought to be a threat to national security — though neither the FCC nor the US government has explained exactly what DJI has done to deserve this designation.
At the same time, these entities refused to perform a security audit of DJI, despite the company submitting to one.
The whole process has been a frustrating one to watch play out — especially given the excellent quality of DJI’s camera and drone tech. Hopefully, this waiver extension will help alleviate some issues, but we’ll have to wait and see how the DJI appeal goes for a more definitive verdict on the drone brand’s US fate.
Have your say
If you’re frustrated with the DJI ban, the FCC is currently giving the public a chance to submit comments on its measures — though the form closes today (May 11), so you don’t have much time left.
As highlighted on the r/drones subreddit, you just need to go to the FCC’s Submit an Express Comment page and fill in the short form; in the first box, type “26-22” to find the DJI ruling where you’ll want to comment.
You will need to provide some personal information (such as your name and address), and then provide your comment on the ban. You can highlight how DJI drones have positively impacted your life, and/or you could question the confusing implementation of the ban — how it affects all of DJI’s tech rather than just its drones, or how the ban doesn’t seem to be applied fairly to other similar drone makers.
Equally, if you think the ban has had a positive impact (though we here at TechRadar wouldn’t agree), you can also leave a comment explaining why you hope the ban stays in place.
Just remember to keep your comments civil, the FCC likely won’t appreciate being bombarded with rude or hateful comments — and harsher words wouldn’t help either side’s arguments in this technology debate.
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hamish.hector@futurenet.com (Hamish Hector)
