Samsung targets remaining Note 7 owners with network cut-off

Galaxy Note 7 owners who have refused to hand over their handsets will soon find themselves unable to use mobile data in some territories.

Samsung halted production of the device last month following the disastrous exploding battery fiasco. A whole range of incentives such as cash back, free swapping to an alternative device or discounts on future Samsung phones have been offered, but some users have been unwilling to hand back their handsets.

Now Gizmodo reports that Samsung New Zealand is taking the step of cutting the phones off completely. As of November 18th, Note 7 owners will no longer be able to make calls, send texts or access data services via the mobile network.

We strongly urge any customers still using their Note7 to return their device to the place of purchase for a refund or replacement,” it said. Between November 4th – 18th, we will contact our customers on at least two separate occasions with information about this network discontinuation event to ensure they have received adequate notice.”

The company has also not ruled out the possibility of employing similar tactics in other territories, too.

Samsung has already blocked Note 7 access to the Gear VR.