Why Verizon Refuses to 'Kill' Samsung Galaxy Note 7 Despite Confirmed Fire Risk

By Raizel Albano
Verizon refuses to release last update on Samsung Galaxy Note 7.
Verizon refuses to release last update on Samsung Galaxy Note 7.  Android Beat.

Verizon, one of US' biggest network carriers, refuses to follow suit in releasing an update to 'kill' Samsung Galaxy Note 7. This last software update is intended to stop the device from being of any use. This is the carrier's final stand despite pressures from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was pulled out of the market this year due to massive cases of battery failures and device explosions, with several resulting to injuries and property damages. Galaxy Note 7's failure has caused a big blow to Samsung, with a loss of over $3 billion that the company is still trying to get back on track from. Getting back consumer confidence, more than any monetary failure, is what Samsung is also trying to work on. This has been confirmed by Koh Dong-jin, head of Samsung's Mobile Business.

But despite CPSC's warnings, the worldwide recall and shelving down of Galaxy Note 7 supplies, and airline bans on the device being carried to flights, why is Verizon holding off from the final update that will 'kill' all Galaxy Note 7 devices?

For one, Verizon thinks releasing the update is taking it a bit too far. The company has already sent out regular updates and warnings on the risks posed by Galaxy Note 7, and it seems, the stand should be on the consumer whether he/she chooses to use the device despite the given warnings.

The company is also on a stance that there should be consideration for all its users, especially for those who do not have the capacity to switch to another device. On an official statement, Verizon says it will not take part in the update "because of the added risk this could pose to Galaxy Note 7 users that do not have another device to switch to." It says the update, especially in the midst of the holiday season, can "make it impossible to contact family, first responders or medical professionals in an emergency situation."

While Verizon does not want to release the last update, it has offered the option for current Galaxy Note 7 owners to have their device exchanged or returned at retail stores where they bought the smartphone. A $100 gift card will also be given for use in purchasing other Samsung devices.

As of Samsung's last statement, "In the US, 93 percent of recalled Note 7 devices have been returned to the carriers and Samsung." This last software update is to further encourage people to make returns on their devices, and to try to stop all possible future risks.

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