In the United States, Samsung says that more than 93 percent of all recalled Galaxy Note7 devices have been returned. However, that still leaves 7 percent of users still refraining from returning their Note7 devices.
To further increase participation, Samsung are releasing a software update starting on December 19th and will be distributed within 30 days. This software update will prevent U.S. Galaxy Note7 devices from charging and will eliminate their ability to work as mobile devices.
Samsung stated their carrier partners are on board with this,
“Together with our carrier partners, we will be notifying consumers through multiple touchpoints to encourage any remaining Galaxy Note7 owners to participate in the program and to take advantage of the financial incentives available.”
Sprint issued the following statement:
Customer safety is our highest priority. Sprint customers with Samsung Galaxy Note7 should immediately power off the device and discontinue using it. Sprint is honoring the replacement of all Sprint Samsung Note7 devices to any other device, regardless where or when it was purchased, condition and return policy. The process is simple:
- For the best experience, make an appointment at your local Sprint store online at sprint.com/storelocator. Walk-in appointments are also available.
- Meet with a retail store representative to select a new device. Representatives can assist with transferring data from a Note7 to your new replacement device.
- Turn in your Samsung Galaxy Note7. You may be entitled to a refund if you choose a less expensive device or additional funds may be required for a more expensive device.
- Customers who elect to move to any Samsung phone will receive a $100 service credit on their bill (within 3 billing cycles). Customers who elect to move to any other phone will receive a $25 service credit on their bill (within 3 billing cycles). All upgrade, activation and restock fees will be waived.
T-Mobile will release the Note 7 update on December 27th.
“We always want to do the right thing and make sure our customers are safe, so on December 27th we will roll out Samsung’s latest software update, which is designed to stop all remaining Note7 devices from charging. These devices were recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on Oct. 13 and should no longer be used.”
AT&T is doing the same thing, but launching a few days update on January 5th.
“The battery will no longer recharge,”
“This Note 7 was recalled and is banned on all flights in both checked and carry-on luggage.”
However, Verizon won’t be releasing the update because it may stop Note7 users from using their recalled product over the holiday period.
Jeffrey Nelson, Vice President, Global Corporate Communications, Verizon stated,
“Verizon will not be taking part in this update because of the added risk this could pose to Galaxy Note7 users that do not have another device to switch to. We will not push a software upgrade that will eliminate the ability for the Note7 to work as a mobile device in the heart of the holiday travel season. We do not want to make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation.
Verizon and Samsung have communicated the need for customers with a Note7 to immediately stop using their devices and return or exchange it where they purchased it. Verizon customers with the Note7 have several options, including an additional $100 from Samsung when purchasing one of their other devices.”
Anyone who has not yet returned their device should immediately power it down and contact their carrier to obtain a refund or exchange, or visit our website at Samsung.com/us/note7recall for more information.
