Nokia warning about batteries

The world's top cellphone maker Nokia said last night 46 million batteries used in its phones could overheat and the company would replace them for no cost to consumers.

The Nokia-branded "BL-5C" batteries were made by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006.

Nokia said 100 overheating cases of the batteries in question have been reported globally, but no serious injuries have been reported.

Information from Nokia:

How to identify a BL-5C battery manufactured by Matsushita during the relevant period

In order to determine if a battery is subject to this advisory, it is necessary to remove the battery from the device. A Nokia battery will have "Nokia" and "BL-5C" printed on the front of the battery. On the reverse, the Nokia mark appears at the top and the battery identification number (consisting of 26 characters) is found at the bottom.

Consumers should refer to this identification number to determine if their battery is among the batteries manufactured by Matsushita between December 2005 and November 2006. A comparison of that number with those subject to this advisory will determine a consumer's ability to obtain a replacement free of charge.

Consumers should visit the website www.nokia.com/batteryreplacement or contact their local Nokia call center.

Nokia Care Line telephone number for New Zealand is 0800 665421 which can be called from 8.00am- 8.00pm 7 days a week.