Samsung Galaxy Note7 - Update from O2

[Chris_K]

27th February 2017 Update

Hi Everyone. This week we will be posting letters out to any customers who have not yet made arrangements with us to return their Samsung Note7 devices. If for any reason you misplace or do not receive it for whatever reason, here's a copy:

---

We’ll soon block the Note7 from our network. It’s important that you get in touch today and we’ll get you back on track with a new device.

We’ll make switching to a different device simple, and give you £100 off the upfront cost. Or, if you prefer, we’ll cancel your Airtime Plan. Either way, we’ll cancel and refund your Device Plan.

Is your Samsung Note7 insured with us? We’ll also cancel your policy and refund your premium.

Simply back up your Note7, turn it off and call our hotline 0344 809 0202 or 202 free from an O2 mobile. Need a hand backing it up? Chat to an O2 Guru online.

For more details, visit http://o2.uk/Note7Update.

If you’ve already called us, please ignore this letter.

30th January 2017 Update

Hello everyone,

Samsung have notified us of their plans to release a new mandatory software update that will limit Note 7 devices to a 0% charge, effectively eliminating its ability to function as a mobile device. This software update is expected to be pushed out tomorrow, 31^st January, so if you are still using this device (which we don't recommend for your safety) please take any necessary steps to back up any important data while you can.

Why are you doing this?
To be transparent and clear, this is Samsung’s decision and is European-wide. This is a further step in Samsung looking to retrieve as many devices as possible so as to ensure customer safety.

I'm still using my Note 7 - what now?
Once your device downloads the mandatory update it will cease to charge. We understand the inconvenience this may cause and we want to make transitioning to another device as easy as possible. If you are affected by this, please contact us as soon as is convenient on 0344 809 0202. We will also be in touch in the coming days by email and letter with more details, including how to change to another device and return your Note 7 to us if not yet done so.

I've already returned my Note 7 - what does this mean to me?
If you've already returned your Note 7 to us, there's nothing further you need to do. If you're in this position, we anticipate you'll already have switched to an alternative device. If this isn’t the case though, we’d recommend you speak to us as soon as you’re able to on 0344 809 0202.

[MI5]

---

@Anonymous wrote:
Bit frustrating. Received my device, recycled old phone and now being told I've got to return it under the 14 day period. Can't understand why I cannot keep hold of the device, be careful and use common sense with it, then replace it like for like when 'improved' note 7's are readily available. I understand it may blow but Samsung indicate no issues with UK phones 'yet' and I'm fully aware of the risks of using it still.

---

I would email Samsung (so you have something in writing) asking if they are OK with you doing that.

[jonsie]

Bit of a dilemma for you but I would be sending it back personally. 

[Glory1]

I'm with Jonsie. I haven't received my phone but if I had I'd be sending it back pronto. No matter how careful you are it could still be a dodgy phone. Why take the risk for a couple of months' wait. I assume you have another phone to use until the new/updated Note7s arrive in the UK. Be safe.

[jonsie]

It's not just the phone though,  the potential is there for risk to loved ones and the home. I can't see an insurance company,  Samsung or O2 paying out given the clear concise instructions. 

[MI5]

The problem will be that many customers will have sold / recycled their old phones so will have to either buy or borrow a phone to see them through the waiting period.

[Glory1]

Good point MI5. That's why I kept my Note 4 until I had the Note7 in my hot little hand. I can't afford to be without a phone for 1 day let alone 2 months. Hopefully it will be less than 2 months for this to be all sorted. But however long it takes there are going to be many very unhappy people. I'm not thrilled myself with this situation I was really looking forward to my new phone.

[MI5]

I had to wait 6 weeks for my Note 4 due to a supply problem with the colour I ordered - it was murder, lol

[Cleoriff]

---

@MI5 wrote:
I had to wait 6 weeks for my Note 4 due to a supply problem with the colour I ordered - it was murder, lol

---

I didn't wait that long for mine...and it was the same colour as yours....

[Anonymous]

Exactly my issue, paid off my iPhone 6 and recycled it so I'll have no phone to use if I send this back.

Wouldn't mind too much however I use my phone for work (work calls come through to my mobile, BT Cloud Phone) and so if I have no phone, I don't get phone calls.

Coupled with the fact that no other phone takes my fancy at the moment, I'm reluctant to delve into another 24 month contract with a phone I don't want. Note 7 beats the S7 edge IMO and after coming from an iPhone 6 I see no reason to get the iPhone 7 based on current rumours.

So I sit around with no phone for 3-4 weeks and twiddle my thumbs?

[MI5]

O2 should really be offering some additional help to people in your situation.