Verizon CEO Hans Vestberg speaks on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange on October 22, 2019.
Brendan McDermid | Reuters
Verizon recalls 2.5 million hotspot devices after discovering that the lithium-ion battery can overheat, creating a risk of fire and burn.
The recall affects Ellipsis Jetpack mobile access points imported by Franklin Wireless Corp and sold between April 2017 and March 2021. The affected models are labeled MHS900L, MHS900LS and MHS900LPP. Verizon revealed the withdrawal Thursday along with a notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
A Verizon spokesman said just over a million of the recovered devices are currently in use, that is, currently or recently used by customers.
According to the withdrawal notice issued by the CPSC, Verizon had received 15 reports of overheating of the hot spots. Six of these reports included incidents of fire damage to bedding or the floor and two involved minor burn injuries.
Withdrawal comes at a time when more consumers have relied on the hotspots to get it during pandemic home orders. Some of the hotspots were provided to students by their schools to continue distance learning, according to the reminder notice. Parents who have received points of interest from their children’s schools are encouraged to contact the schools to receive a replacement.
Other customers can request a replacement by going to ellipsisjetpackrecall.expertinquiry.com or by calling 855-205-2627.
The company has already sent a software update to the lit access points that it said would help reduce the risk of overheating. The update prevents the access point from loading while it is turned on. Verizon also offered tips to prevent overheating, such as turning off devices when not in use, placing them on a flat, solid surface, making sure nothing covers them, and not exposing them to extreme temperatures for long periods of time. periods of time.
“The safety of our customers is our top priority,” Verizon said in a statement. “We take the situation very seriously and are working diligently to determine the cause of the problems with the supplier and provide replacement devices for all of our customers free of charge.”
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