Samsung is partnering with carriers to force you to return your Note 7

The Galaxy Note 7 saga is all but over, but it seems that there are still enough owners of the device for carriers in New Zealand to take action. The Note 7 was the subject of two international recalls due to faulty batteries, prompting carriers to pull the device from storefronts and with the exception of a sketchy store or two, it’s next to impossible to purchase one anymore. However, it seems that even with a device that is a literal ticking time bomb, folks are still taking a chance and holding onto the 2016 flagship failure.

As part of our commitment to ongoing safety, Samsung would like to make our customers aware of plans to discontinue network service for Note7 devices.From the 18 November, customers still using the Note7 will no longer be able to connect to any New Zealand mobile network services to make calls, use data or send SMS messages.

We strongly urge any customers still using their Note7 to return their device to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement. Between November 4th – 18th, we will contact our customers on at least two separate occasions with information about this network discontinuation event to ensure they have received adequate notice.

Now, it seems that carriers in Samsung is partnering with carriers in New Zealand to combat this issue, as the manufacturer has announced that starting on November 18th, the devices will be shut down. This means that users will no longer be able to use network services, (i.e. SMS, data usage, phone calls) if the device is still active.

If you want to be a rebel, you can still use the device on Wi-Fi or offline, but you will be blacklisted from using the device on the network. On a positive note, it seems that most of these devices have already been returned, but there are “still a few hundred” devices being used.

Samsung is offering different promotions to encourage users to exchange their Note 7’s, including offering $100 credit, as well as giving owners either a Galaxy S7 Edge, Galaxy S7, or a full refund. With February approaching fast, Samsung is doing whatever they can to keep customers safe, as well as put this debacle behind them as they look towards the release of the Galaxy S8.

[Samsung]