Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones will have their network connectivity snuffed, starting from December 15. As a result, the device will no longer be able to connect to Australian cellular networks used to make phone calls and access data. Working in conjunction with telcos, Samsung is hoping the move will help recover the last of the Note 7s still being used by locals.
While the decision to discontinue Note 7 connectivity will not stop you from using the phones (they'll still connect to in-home Wi-Fi networks, for example), it will remove the ability to make phone calls, send text messages, and use your data allowance.
The move follows a tumultuous couple of months that saw the Note 7 recalled over safety concerns amid reports of devices overheating to the point where they'd catch fire. While Samsung had begun the process of swapping out the initial batch of Note 7s for "safe" replacement devices, multiple users in the United States reported that these were also catching fire. This led to a second recall while Samsung investigated the incidents, which ultimately led to a decision to kill off the Note 7 entirely.
This resulted in an all Australians airlines banning passengers from taking the Note 7 on a plane, and a software update that limited to the device's maximum charge capacity.
If you've still got a Note 7 - whether it's an original device or replacement unit - you should really get around to replacing it, as it's going to be pretty useless from December 15 onward. Samsung has a recall hub on its website with further instructions, as well as a list of incentives from Australian telcos and retailers.
Alex Choros
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