Verizon has recalled 2.5 million mobile hotspot devices because their lithium-ion batteries can overheat, causing a fire hazard.
Verizon sold the Ellipsis Jetpack hotspot from April 2017 through March 2021. A U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notice noted some schools distributed these faulty hotspots to remote-learning students.
These are dark navy plastic oval devices, about 3.5 inches wide and 2.25 inches tall, with “Verizon” printed below the digital display window on the front of the device.
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The models in question are labeled MHS900L, MHS900LS and MHS900LPP. You can find the identifying numbers on a sticker on each device’s charging wire.
Verizon has received 15 reports of the hotspots overheating, according to a recall notice from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Two incidents resulted in minor burns, and six involved fire damage to bedding or flooring.
Verizon pushed out a software update to powered-on hotspots that prevents them from charging while powered on, reducing the overheating risk.
The company also suggested best practices to prevent overheating in all devices, including turning them off when they’re not in use; putting them on a flat, solid surface like a floor or table; making sure nothing is covering them; keeping the devices near room temperature when they’re in use; and not exposing them to extreme temperatures for long periods.
“The safety of our customers is our highest priority,” Verizon said. “We are taking the situation very seriously, and we are working diligently to determine the cause of the issues with the supplier and to provide replacement devices for all of our customers, free of charge.”
Parents who received hotspots from their children’s schools are advised to contact the schools about getting replacements. Others can request a replacement by going to ellipsisjetpackrecall.expertinquiry.com or calling (855) 205-2627.
