Interested in getting a Bell or Rogers MiFi mobile hotspot, well it might not be a good time. We were surprised to see that both items were "out of stock" in their respective carrier's website and later learned that a fauty battery has resulted in a device recall. More after the break.
Rogers and Bell have recently recalled their Novatel MiFi 2372 product. The device’s 4-hour rated battery is prone to swelling and possibly heating and may be a safety hazard to consumers. Below is the official explanation from Novatel.
Novatel’s top priorities are to serve our customers and end-consumers and to provide for the safe use of our products. There have been two incidents reported from Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada, with battery overheating issues. While we can’t comment on specific consumer incidents, it has been reported that some customers have had difficulties opening the battery door thus utilizing sharp objects or excessive force to open it. While doing this, customers can inadvertently puncture the battery when trying to remove it and this can cause the battery to over-heat. To reduce the probability of user-induced damage to the battery, we have redesigned the battery door to make it easier to open.
Any product or battery issue is considered a matter of utmost importance for Novatel Wireless. Consistent with that and as a preventive measure, the Company has communicated an exchange program for Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada customers to replace the MiFi 2372 battery and battery door.
The MiFi 2200 — addressing the CDMA market — represents the majority of the MiFi units we have sold and has different design features and components, hence, it is not effected.
Bell customers needing mobile Internet are given a loaner U998 Turbo stick while they wait. Users are advised to contact Bell in order to enable the recall, and anyone who opts to skip the recall, will their device deactivated remotely.
Rogers, on the other hand is promising a 7-10 business day turnaround time for customers to get their MiFi back. While they haven’t provided any loan, they will instead credit your bill while the MiFi is being replaced. Any questions or comments about this issue is asked to call 1-866-511-5311.