Bracknell, UK — January 4, 2008 — NETGEAR®, Inc. (NASDAQGM: NTGR), a worldwide provider of technologically advanced, branded networking solutions, announced a voluntary recall of its XE103 Powerline Ethernet Adapter made for Europe and other countries using 220-240 volt power sources and sold individually or in a bundled kit. Approximately 82,000 of these products have been sold to date. Photos of the products are being distributed with this announcement, and are available on the NETGEAR web site.
Results of tests carried out for NETGEAR on the affected Powerline Ethernet Adapter have shown a potential for a semiconductor integrated circuit within the product to malfunction in 220-240 volt environments, causing the product to stop working and potentially overheat. NETGEAR has not received any reports of any personal injury or damage to property caused by this potential malfunction. However, to maintain the integrity and quality of its products, NETGEAR has decided to issue this recall. XE103 Powerline Ethernet Adapters sold in North America or other countries using 100-120 volt power sources are not affected by this recall. As an added precaution, NETGEAR advises against deploying them in 220-240 volt environments and is making available a new product label to that effect for existing users.
“As a company, NETGEAR is firmly committed to providing consumers with the safest, most reliable home and small business networking solutions possible,” stated Patrick Lo, chairman and chief executive officer of NETGEAR. “Although we do not know of any injury or damage caused by the affected Powerline Ethernet Adapter, the safety and satisfaction of our customers remain our top priorities — as they always have, and will continue to be. This voluntary recall is an example of our dedication to preserving the worldwide reputation of the NETGEAR brand for outstanding product quality.”
NETGEAR therefore requests that customers immediately stop all use of the affected Powerline Ethernet Adapter, unplug it from the electrical outlet, and contact NETGEAR to obtain information as to how to return the device to NETGEAR and obtain a replacement product.
Customers may obtain information on the recall from NETGEAR in one of two ways:
o Customers may call a local toll-free NETGEAR customer service number (http://kbserver.netgear.com/kb_web_files/n101460.asp)
o Customers may register details via the Internet at https://my.netgear.com/myNETGEAR/checkxe103.asp
NETGEAR is working with relevant regulatory authorities in affected countries to ensure that this recall process is carried out in an appropriate and effective manner.
