Compaq Australia recalls 5000 modems

SYDNEY--Compaq Australia yesterday recalled about 5000 modems in Australia, a result of a schematic design change made by its modem supplier, which wasn't discovered until a standard post-production audit.

The 56K internal modems shipped with Compaq's Presario 5300 and 5600 series desktops in Australia between October and yesterday's recall.

Manpal Jagpal, product manager for Presario's desktops at Compaq Australia, declined to name the modem manufacturer involved. Jagpal said there were no safety issues, nor any danger to the telecommunications network.

The schematic design change meant that the modem fell short of Australian Communication Authority (ACA) performance standards.

Jagpal said the recall was only on the modems, and did not affect the Presario desktop.

Compaq is advising customers affected to discontinue use of the modem being recalled, and to order a replacement immediately. Models affected were: Presario 5311AP; Presario 5320AU; Presario 5620AU; Presario 5640AU; and the Presario 5660AU. Compaq is advising affected customers to call 1300 368 369.

Staff writer Vivienne Fisher reported from Sydney.