Carriers up the ante on Note 7 hold-outs: now blocking it from mobile networks

It seems some people really can’t take a hint. Despite the fact that the Note 7 is considered so dangerous it’s a criminal offence to take one on board a U.S. aircraft, some owners are still refusing to return them. After Samsung limited charging rates, several carriers are now upping the ante by remotely blocking the device from connecting to mobile networks …

Stuff reports that all carriers in New Zealand will block the devices from November 18. The move is being made with Samsung’s agreement, and it’s likely that other countries will follow suit.

Telecommunications Forum chief executive Geoff Thorn said while most of the devices had been returned, it estimated there were still a few hundred in the hands of Kiwi consumers […]

‘Samsung Note 7’s won’t work on any of New Zealand’s mobile networks after November 18. Numerous attempts by all providers have been made to contact owners and ask them to bring the phones in for replacement or refund.’

Frankly, anyone not returning one at this point needs to be considered a Darwin Awards candidate …