https://www.theverge.com/2019/1/18/18188807/fcc-government-shutdown-reopen-equipment-authorization-system-phone-electronics-certification

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is reopening its hardware certification program amid the partial government shutdown, averting a potential delay in releasing new phones and other electronics. The FCC said today that it was reactivating the Equipment Authorization System, reversing a decision announced on January 2nd. Several other FCC services will remain unavailable, and the FCC isn’t offering support staff for the system until after the shutdown ends.

Many electronics must receive FCC certification before going to market, and a prolonged closure could theoretically push back their release. Last week, the Telecommunications Industry Association warned that phone carriers might have to slow the rollout of new 5G phones if the shutdown continued. The concern was particularly pressing because companies often announce new products around the Mobile World Congress convention, which takes place next month in Barcelona, Spain.