- 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 frustrating for camera enthusiasts and professionals alike – as they’re set to miss 25 launches this year alone – but we finally have a silver lining, albeit a small one.
Your older DJI drones should remain reliable for a little longer.
That’s because the FCC has announced that it is extending the waiver for certain drones to receive software updates in the United States. 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 this means that manufacturers should not be blocked from releasing significant security or bug fixes to already sold technology (at least not until 2029). In the past, this was a fear when the waiver ran out, and could have left some technology unable to function if it encountered a bug, or turned your drone into the kind of safety hazard the FCC’s ban is meant to avoid.
Meanwhile, DJI is trying to appeal the FCC’s decision in US courts. The ban came about when DJI was put on the ‘Covered List’ – a list of devices believed to be a threat to national security – although 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 safety audit by DJI, despite the company submitting to one.
The whole process has been frustrating to watch – especially given the excellent quality of DJI’s camera and drone technology. Hopefully this exemption extension will help alleviate some issues, but we’ll have to wait and see how the DJI appeal goes for a more definitive ruling on the drone brand’s fate in the US.
Have your say
If you’re frustrated by the DJI ban, the FCC is currently giving the public a chance to submit comments on its move — though the form closes today (May 11), so you don’t have much time left.
As highlighted on the r/drones subreddit, just go to the FCC’s Send an Express Comment page and fill out the short form; in the first field, type “26-22” to find the DJI decision where you want to comment.
You must 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 can question the confusing implementation of the ban – how it affects all of DJI’s technology rather than just its drones, or how the ban doesn’t seem to be applied fairly to other similar drone manufacturers.
Likewise, if you think the ban has had a positive impact (although we here at TechRadar would disagree), you can also leave a comment explaining why you hope the ban stays in place.
Just remember to keep your comments civil, the FCC probably 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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