Battery Issue Forces Bell Mobility to Recall MiFi 2372 Router

11:37 am on May 4, 2010 | Category: Cellular, Mobile Devices, Wi-Fi, Wireless Technology

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Canadian wireless operator, Bell Mobility, has recalled Novatel’s MiFi 2372 router due to a problem affecting the device’s lithium-ion battery.

Bell has contacted customers who bought the router asking them to return it for repairs. The fix is expected to take six to eight weeks, during which time each MiFi 2372 owner will get a Novatel U998 USB modem.

The MiFi 2372, which converts Bell’s 3G cellular broadband signal into a Wi-Fi hotspot, is also available through Rogers Wireless, although the Rogers version does not appear to be affected by the problem.

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    1. Hello,

      This is Kevin Thornton with the Novatel Wireless team, below is the official statement from Novatel Wireless regarding the Bell MiFi 2372:

      Novatel’s top priorities are to serve our customers and end-consumers and to provide for the safe use of our products. There have been two incidents reported from Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada, with battery overheating issues. While we can’t comment on specific consumer incidents, it has been reported that some customers have had difficulties opening the battery door thus utilizing sharp objects or excessive force to open it. While doing this, customers can inadvertently puncture the battery when trying to remove it and this can cause the battery to over-heat. To reduce the probability of user-induced damage to the battery, we have redesigned the battery door to make it easier to open.

      Any product or battery issue is considered a matter of utmost importance for Novatel Wireless. Consistent with that and as a preventive measure, the Company has communicated an exchange program for Bell and Virgin Mobile Canada customers to replace the MiFi 2372 battery and battery door.

      Comment by Kevin Thornton — May 4, 2010 #

    2. We have had one of the Bell MiFi for 6 months and it has stopped operating on several occasions.
      The indication given on each occasion was “low battery”. The battery would be warm, yet perfectly capabable of restarting and powering the unit if simply removed and put back in, without charger attached.
      The unit was otherwise left on ac power 24/7 normally.
      Whilst the cover is difficult to remove, I did not have to resort to the use of tools of any kind.
      I do notice however that the fine ribs – apparently to locate the ID label – inside the cover do appear to score the battery surface.

      Comment by Phil Insull — May 5, 2010 #

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