Samsung, already under intense scrutiny from airlines and airports over its defective Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, suffered another blow Sunday when AT&T said it won't even issue the replacement phones for the product.
The manufacturer today has subsequently halted production of the Note 7s.
"We are temporarily adjusting the Galaxy Note 7 production schedule in order to take further steps to ensure quality and safety matters," Samsung said in a statement. "We recognize that carrier partners have stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 in response to reports of heat damage issues, and we respect their decision. We are working diligently with authorities and third party experts and will share findings when we have completed the investigation."
That follows reports that the replacement model for the Galaxy Note 7 is also prone to catching fire, just as the original.
"Based on recent reports, we're no longer exchanging new Note 7s at this time, pending further investigation of these reported incidents," Fletcher Cook, Associate Vice-President of Global Media Relations at AT&T, told ZDNet. "We still encourage customers with a recalled Note 7 to visit an AT&T location to exchange that device for another Samsung smartphone or other smartphone of their choice."
Now, airlines and airports will be even more diligent about the devices.
[READMORE]READ MORE: Plane In Louisville Evacuated Over Samsung Galaxy Note 7[/READMORE]
Delta Air Lines has already issued a statement in which it has advised passengers with the product to:
* Turn off the device;
* Disconnect the device from any charging equipment;
* Disable all applications that could inadvertently activate the phone (e.g. alarm clock);
* Protect the power switch to prevent the phone from being unintentionally activated or turned-on;
* and keep the device in carry-on baggage or on their person, and do not place in checked baggage.
AT&T joins T-Mobile and Verizon in its decision not to sell the original Galaxy Note 7 or the replacement edition.
"While Samsung investigates multiple reports of issues, T-Mobile is temporarily suspending all sales of the new Note 7 and exchanges for replacement Note 7 devices," T-Mobile said in a statement. "Customers can still bring their recalled Note 7 or the new replacement Note 7, along with accessories they purchased from T-Mobile, to a T-Mobile store for a full refund and choose from any device in T-Mobile's inventory. We'll waive any restocking charges, and customers who purchased during preorder can keep the free Netflix subscription and Gear Fit or SD card they received."
For the latest travel news, updates and deals, subscribe to the daily TravelPulse newsletter.
Topics From This Article to Explore
