Verizon’s Reminder of 2.5 Million Overheating Wifi Hotspots

Illustration for the article titled Verizon's Recalling 2.5 Million of Its Dangerously Literal Hotspots

Photo: David Ramos (Getty Images)

Verizon, along with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), has recalled about 2.5 million Ellipsis Jetpack hotspots as it literally gets too hot to handle.

So far, Verizon has received 15 reports of the devices overheating, six of which have resulted in fire damage to bedding or floors, according to CPSC. There were also two reports of minor burns. The problem seems to be with the lithium-ion battery, which could potentially overheat. For Verizon statement, the models involved are the MHS900L, MHS900LS and MHS900LPP and were imported via Franklin Wireless Corp. The hotspots mentioned are made of dark blue plastic, are oval and measure 3.5 centimeters wide and 2.25 centimeters long. The units were sold to customers between Verizon stores nationwide between April 2017 and March this year, as well as other stores and school districts.

What the recalled mobile hotspots look like.

What the recalled mobile hotspots look like.
Image: CPSC

If you have one of these units, Verizon is offering free replacements for an Orbic Speed ​​device. You can also visit Verizon’s recall page to find out more about the hotspot exchange, call 855-205-2627.

Hotspots became a popular option once the pandemic occurred. In particular, they served as a bandaid for schools try internet access for the 17 million students which does not have home internet for distance learning. If you have received one of the returned Ellipsis Jetpack hotspots from a school, the CPSC recommends contacting your school for further instructions and email packages to return the device safely.

Meanwhile, Verizon has released two updates for affected devices. One allows you to more easily find the IMEI number of the device needed to exchange the hotspot, while the other reduces the risk of overheating by preventing the device from charging while it is switched on and plugged in. .

This is of course the best way to get the device back as quickly as possible. However, if this is your only internet connection source, you can do a few things until it is possible to return. After receiving the updates, the CPSC recommends: leaves the device is switched on while plugged in. When not in use, the appliance is switched off, unplugged and stored away from children in a fire-safe environment. Verizon also recommends storing the device on “flat, solid, and sturdy” surfaces, and away from extreme temperatures. And while the problem is battery-related, consumers should not try to remove it it itself.

.Source