Trump admin exempts SpaceX's Starlink from FCC ban on foreign-made routers
The Trump administration has granted SpaceX's Starlink an exemption from an FCC ban on foreign-made routers. While Starlink manufactures some routers in Texas, others are produced in Vietnam, necessitating this waiver to comply with national security regulations.
Why it matters
This highlights the ongoing tension between domestic manufacturing mandates and the globalized supply chains required for modern telecommunications infrastructure.
Starlink routers avoid ban Trump admin exempts SpaceX’s Starlink from FCC ban on foreign-made routers Starlink has a Texas factory but also makes routers in Vietnam.
18 A Starlink satellite dish and router on February 12, 2024 in San Anselmo, California. Credit: Getty Images | Justin Sullivan A Starlink satellite dish and router on February 12, 2024 in San Anselmo, California. Credit: Getty Images | Justin Sullivan Text settings Story text Size Small Standard Large Width * Standard Wide Links Standard Orange * Subscribers only Learn more Minimize to nav The Trump administration today exempted SpaceX’s Starlink routers from the Federal Communications Commission ban on foreign-made routers.
A public notice issued by the FCC said Starlink routers received approval from the Department of War (also known as the Department of Defense). SpaceX’s exemption is good until February 1, 2028.
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