Verizon Wireless has objected to the title of a “silent recall” being affixed to the recent issues relating to the BlackBerry Storm 2.
As we previously reported, Verizon has received updated Storm 2 units with improved touch screen displays, meant to address issues with units in some initial batches of the phone. These issues severely impacted the performance of the touchscreen for some users.
PhoneNews.com has historically referred to Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) as “Silent Recalls.” This attention has forced some companies in the past to disclose their technical issues and educate the public, many of whom chalked these issues up to poor design and not warranty-covered issues.
We have been a trailblazer in consumer advocacy on the issues surrounding silent recalls, and we encourage all companies to offer a mechanism, or information resource, to find out about silent recalls. This ensures that consumers can find out about known issues impacting their devices, and know how to get them fixed.
Often times companies retain TSBs as confidential information, to limit the liability surrounding the potential for expensive, product-wide servicing and replacement for customers, many of whom do not use the functions of the device that are impacted by the issue.
Verizon Wireless has yet to provide PhoneNews.com with a method of testing for end-users to determine if their Storm 2 has been affected by these touch screen issues. We continue to encourage all Storm 2 owners to take their phone to a corporate Verizon Wireless store for testing, to see if their phone is impacted by the aforementioned issues.
You might also like...
[...] Verizon has responded to our reporting, which we have noted in a follow-up article. Trackback | Permalink [...]
I purchased this handset from newegg in November and I am unable to confirm if these developments apply to me. The ‘faulty screen’ issue occurs when you type in the digits and attempt to press the call button on the bottom left hand corner of the screen. That corner becomes firm so you are unable to press it. The only way to dial the number you have typed in is to go through the menu (blackberry key) and access the call option.
Yes, it applies to all BlackBerry Storm2′s go get your replacement from Verizon.
To be clear, Verizon is not saying this applies to “all Storm 2′s.” Nor are we reporting that, nor did we report that.
What we are saying, is that all Storm 2′s sold prior to the dates noted in the original article may be affected. And, since Verizon can’t (or won’t) provide us with testing criteria to pass along to you, we’re suggesting you take your Storm 2 to a Verizon Wireless store and have it checked out. They’ll be able to tell you if the phone has been recalled or not.
Verizon’s standard line is that you should only take your phone into a store if you’re having issues. Obviously, there’s no sure-fire way for us to tell you how to test your phone (we asked, and we got a big no comment in return). So, we have no choice but to take the safe route, and tell you to take the phone in and get checked out.