The Recall Desk
Our severity:SevereCPSC·21106·Announced 2021-04-08

Verizon Recalls 2.5 Million Ellipsis Jetpack Mobile Hotspots for Fire Risk

Verizon is recalling 2.5 million Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspots because the lithium-ion battery can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

What this means for you

Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 4/5 (Severe).

The hazard poses a serious risk of illness, injury, or structural failure. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect (lithium-ion battery) resulting in reported fire damage and minor burn injuries, which meets the criteria for a Severe rating (significant injury/property-damage reports).

Plain-English summary

Verizon is recalling approximately 2.5 million Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspots imported by Franklin Wireless Corp. The recalled devices are dark navy plastic oval units, approximately 3.5 inches wide and 2.25 inches tall, with "verizon" printed below the digital display. The recall is due to a defect in the lithium-ion battery, which can overheat and pose fire and burn hazards.

The hotspots were sold at Verizon stores nationwide, other retail locations, to school districts, and online at www.verizon.com from April 2017 through March 2021 for between $50 and $150. Verizon has received 15 reports of devices overheating, including six reports of fire damage to bedding or flooring and two reports of minor burn injuries.

Consumers should immediately power off the unit, unplug it from its power source, and store it on a hard surface away from children and combustibles. If internet access is required, users should apply two specific over-the-air software updates to prevent charging while powered on. Consumers can contact Verizon to receive a free replacement hotspot and a return envelope for safe disposal. Schools that distributed the devices have been contacted by Verizon with specific instructions for students and parents.

The recalled product

Product
Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspots
Manufacturer
Franklin Wireless Corp., of San Diego, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Mobile Hotspots
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

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