The batteries in some of Rogers' and Bell Canada’s MiFi 2372 units are malfunctioning, forcing the companies to recall units and replace both the battery and battery cover.

The Bell recall should take from six to eight weeks. Bell ordered the recall first, and Rogers has since joined suit. Bell has remotely disabled the devices, which were swelling in size and could, potentially, have been hazardous.

Unlike Bell, Rogers isn't remotely deactivating the routers. Instead, it is sending out envelopes to replace the router batteries and battery covers. Subscribers should see a complete turnaround within 10 business days. If they ask, they should be able to credit for the time off of the service.

As compensation, Bell is offering a USB 3G dongle in the form of the Novatel U998 Turbo Stick. That will help most but not all customers: if you’re using the MiFi with a non-USB equipped device like an iPad or iPod Touch, you’re out of luck.