Samsung is kicking Galaxy Note 7 users off Aussie telco networks

Customers refusing to get rid of their dangerous Galaxy Note 7 smartphones will soon lose their network connections following Samsung's last-ditch effort to discontinue use of its fire-prone devices.

The phone maker has been working to remove all its potentially combustible Galaxy Note 7 smartphones from use after deciding to stop producing the smartphone in October over safety concerns.

The same overheating issues that plagued the first generation of the flagship devices resurfaced with replacement Note 7s.

Samsung asked its partners to stop selling the device and its customers to power down and stop using their phones, offering an exchange program.

To help propel its recall program for devices that customers have yet to hand back, Samsung last month pushed out an over-the-air update to limit the battery's charge to a maximum 60 percent, in order to avoid the overheating issue.

However, a "small number" of local customers are continuining to use their smartphones despite the safety warnings.

This has prompted Samsung to today notify that it would discontinue network services for the remaining Galaxy Note 7s still in use, in partnership with telcos, from December 15.

The phone maker urged Galaxy Note 7 owners to stop using their devices and hand them over for a refund.

It is offering a Galaxy S7 or Galaxy S7 Edge as a replacement device, with a refund for the difference in resale prices for outright purchases.

Samsung today said customers who bring their devices in for exchange will also receive a specific partner offer worth $250 until December 22.

Offers for $250 credited to a customer's account are available from the major Australian telcos, while the likes of JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, Bing Lee and The Good Guys are offering $250 off the price of a customer's new device.

Samsung's own retail stores will also offer $250 off a new device, while its online shop will provide a Visa gift card with $250 plus the difference in retail price between the new phone and the Galaxy Note 7.