New Zealand disconnects Note 7 devices from mobile network

The New Zealand Telecommunications Forum announces that the telecom industry, in consultation with Samsung, has decided to disconnect Note 7 devices from the mobile network. The devices will be shut down on November 18.

In a message, the organization states that the shutdown means that the devices can no longer be used on New Zealand’s mobile networks. A message from Samsung shows that users can no longer place calls, send text messages or use their data bundle. The organization goes on to say that carriers have made repeated attempts to force Note 7 owners to return their phones. This action should contribute to more people handing in their device.

Reports indicate that the action has to do with security considerations. Samsung says it will attempt to notify all Note 7 owners in New Zealand of the decision between November 4 and 18. In Europe, Samsung recently took the decision to push a firmware update to Note 7 owners, allowing the battery to be charged to a maximum of sixty percent.