Samsung Is Cutting the Note 7's Access To Mobile Networks In New Zealand (techcrunch.com)

An anonymous reader quotes a report from TechCrunch: No one can claim there hasn't been ample warning. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 saga dragged out over multiple months, encompassing two recalls, several travel bans and then, ultimately, the untimely end for the troubled handset. Even still, some people just have trouble letting go. Starting November 18, Note 7 owners will not be able to connect to mobile networks in New Zealand, courtesy of a joint effort by Samsung and the The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum (TCF) to "blacklist" the device. No calls, no texts, no mobile data. Users will still be able to access WiFi, but the device will essentially be turned into a big Samsung iPod Touch. Samsung New Zealand added that it will work to contact all remaining Note 7 owners twice prior to the shut down, "to ensure they have received adequate notice." It remains to be seen whether the company will take similar action in other markets. "Numerous attempts by all providers have been made to contact owners and ask them to bring the phones in for replacement or refund, this action should further aid the return of the remaining handsets," TCF's CEO said in a statement issued today.

Comments

Re:Sort of concerning

[Espectr0]

Its sort of concerning that Samsung can just reach out and kill your phone, in effect at their whim.

stop the FUD. samsung won't do anything. The carrier will just flag all Note 7 IMEI's so they won't get service. Quite simple and don't need a backdoor to do that

Re:Sort of concerning

[Zontar The Mindless]

Oh, look, another idiot who thinks if he starts a fire on his property, the neighbours aren't allowed to complain about the smoke.