Fire Risk Found With 650 Mobile Hotspots Used By BCPS Students

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Approximately 650 mobile hotspot devices being used by Baltimore County Public Schools’ families while learning from home during the coronavirus pandemic have been recalled by Verizon. During the past year, BCPS schools distributed 8,000 hotspots from multiple wireless carriers to families to provide internet access for virtual learning.

Verizon has issued a nationwide recall of 2.5 million Ellipsis Jetpack hotspots due to a small risk of overheating the lithium-ion battery, which may pose a fire and burning hazard. A recall notice posted by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission indicated that Verizon had received 15 reports of its Ellipsis Jetpack hotspots overheating. Six of those 15 reports indicated that fire damage had occurred to bedding or flooring. Two reports involved minor burn injuries.

Once BCPS has secured replacement hotspots, families will receive information about exchanging the Ellipsis Jetpack hotspot for a replacement.

Families that have a Verizon Ellipsis Jetpack can keep using it but should abide by the following safety instructions per BCPS:

• If the device is off, turn it on so that the Ellipsis Jetpack can receive two automatic software updates that will enable access to the hotspot’s identifying number to help facilitate its exchange. The software updates also will prevent the device from charging while the device is plugged in and powered on.
• The software update has been applied when the hotspot’s identifying number can be seen scrolling across its screen.
• After the software update is applied, leave the hotspot powered on while it is plugged in.
• When not in use, turn the hotspot off, unplug it, and store it securely.
• Do not expose the hotspot to extreme temperatures for extended periods of time.
• Do not expose the hotspot or its battery to water or other liquids.
• Do not drop the hotspot, and do not insert foreign objects into the battery or hotspot.

More information can be found on the Ellipsis Jetpack Mobile Hotspot Recall Information website.