technology
FCC fines eight companies $25,000 each over drone radio authorizations
The FCC is fining eight companies for failing to respond to inquiries about radio equipment linked to a banned foreign drone maker. The agency also plans to deauthorize one testing laboratory in China.
Jul 10, 7:42 PM·1m read1 source
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The FCC is fining eight companies $25,000 each for not replying to agency letters about radio equipment that may belong on its Covered List. The companies are Cogito Tech, Fixaxo Technology, Lyno Dynamics, Skyhigh Tech, Spatial Hover, SZ Knowact, WaveGo Tech, and Xtra Technology. The FCC gave them until July 20 to answer questions before further action.
Background on the Covered List The FCC added foreign drone companies to its Covered List on December 22, which blocks new radio authorizations due to national security concerns. The agency later gained authority to retroactively revoke authorizations for products containing components from listed companies.
The FCC began contacting the eight firms this spring to determine whether they market equipment on the Covered List. None responded.
Testing laboratory review The FCC announced on May 11 its intent to disqualify SGS-CTST Standards Technical Services Co. as an accredited test lab. The lab is 15 percent owned by a Chinese state-linked entity. The agency cited determinations by the U.S. Department of Commerce that the People's Republic of China is a foreign adversary. DJI did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
