Massive Verizon Ellipsis Jetpack Mobile Hotspot Recall Follows Reports of Fires, Burn Injuries

Almost 2.5 million mobile hotspots sold by Verizon have been recalled, following reports the Ellipsis Jetpack devices can overheat and even catch on fire, resulting in multiple instances of property damage and burn injuries.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the mobile hotspot recall on April 8, due to the risk of the lithium ion battery overheating and combusting on millions of Verizon Ellisis Jetpacks.

According to the recall notice, Verizon has received at least 15 reports of incidents where the devices overheated. Those reports include at least six incidents resulting in fire damage to bedding or flooring, and two reports of consumers suffering minor burn injuries.

Over the last several years, loosely regulated lithium-ion batteries manufactured without a high degree of quality control have been used to power popular mobile consumer products such as vaping pens, laptop battery packs, flashlights, electric vehicles, cordless tools and various other devices that require portable power.

The CPSC has received an overwhelming amount of reports involving problems with poorly manufactured lithium ion batteries experiencing short circuit and thermal runaway events, resulting in hundreds of serious injuring, some of which requiring hospitalization and even resulting in death.

The recall affects Ellipsis Jetpack mobile hotspots imported by Franklin Wireless Corp. They are oval devices made of dark navy plastic about 3.5 inches wide and 2.25 inches tall. The recalled hotspots have “Verizon” printed below the digital display window and has a sticker on the wire that states: “Compatible: FWC MHS900L, Model: FWCR900TVL, DC151030.”

Around 2.5 million units were impacted by the recall. The devices were imported by Franklin Wireless Corp. and manufactured in Vietnam and Taiwan. They were sold from April 2017 through March 2021 for about $50 to $150.

The CPSC warns that consumers should unplug the devices if they are not needed. If the devices must be used, consumers should turn the hotspot on and plug it in to receive two software updates that will enable the devices identifying number and prevent the device from charging while the device is plugged in and powered on. After the update is done, users can leave the device powered while plugged in. When not in use, the CPSC advises them to unplug the device and turn it off.

Consumer should contact Verizon so they can receive a free replacement and return the device. Further information and ordering the free replacement can be done with the Verizon toll-free at 855-205-2627 from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET or online at www.EllipsisJetpackRecall.expertinquiry.com or www.verizon.com.