Bell Novatel MiFi 2372 “battery may swell”… customers asked to discontinue use

Bell recently released the Novatel MiFi 2372 over about 6 months ago and apparently an issue has popped up. A document we received states that “Bell Mobility has become aware that in some cases a Novatel MiFi 2372 battery may swell causing the device to malfunction.” Ouch. No worries though, Bell has put a plan in place for your mobile hotspot to be replaced and in between the 6-8 week it’ll take to fix your MiFi you’ll get a Novatel U998 Turbo Stick.

They state that to “ensure that battery replacement is made simple, a new battery cover is now available. All clients with MiFi 2372 units have been asked to discontinue use of their unit and return it. Novatel will replace the existing battery as well as the battery cover. In the next few days, clients will receive a pre-addressed, prepaid envelope in which to return their device to Novatel Wireless client care centre. Bell Mobility estimates that most clients will receive their devices back within 6 to 8 weeks of receipt of the device by Novatel Wireless… In order to ensure clients discontinue use of the device until their battery and battery cover are replaced, Bell Mobility will be deactivating all Novatel Wireless MiFi 2372 devices as follows:

• Consumer, Small Business, Employee Purchase Plan and INDV accounts will be deactivated at 11:59am EDT, Monday, May 3rd 2010.
• Corporate accounts will be deactivated at 10:00pm EDT, Monday, May 3rd 2010

We regret any inconvenience this may cause our clients. If clients have any additional questions or concerns, or wish to discuss alternative temporary Internet options, please instruct them to contact Bell Mobility’s specific dedicated Novatel MiFi Client Care team at 1 800 611-6600.”