Device Sales Delays Possible as Reviews Halted by US Shutdown

Device makers such as Google may have to delay introductions of new smartphones and other products because the partial US government shutdown halted certifications that the gadgets don’t cause interference.

Every computer, mobile phone, gaming system, TV, wireless medical device and anything that emits radio waves needs to pass a review by the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC clears about 16,000 electronic devices annually, according to figures presented last month to lawmakers by FCC Commissioner Jessica Rosenworcel. That output is now at zero, and that “could be something that’s a real drag on the digital economy the longer it goes on,” said Commissioner Rosenworcel. The FCC may become backed up once it resumes operations, creating the potential for delays in introductions of devices from Google, Apple, Samsung Electronics, HTC, and LG Electronics, law firm Hogan Lovells said in an Oct. 9 note.