OnStar to Become Silent on Millions of Vehicles

The familiar OnStar service, which helped millions escape traffic and acted as an emergency communication device, is about to become quiet on millions of vehicles. The decision made by the Federal Communications Commission which allows all cell phone companies to turn off their analog networks, leaving many OnStar-equipped drivers on their own.

Who will be affected by this? Well, older cars equipped with OnStar relied on analog networks. Although some systems can be upgraded, others cannot. Newer cars such as the new Acura RL will also be affected.
Read Article

Mark - 11/21/2006 7:51:22 AM

+1 Boost

GM is going to have to work very hard on this issue since OnStar is one of their main selling points.

I can't believe the new RL will be affected as well.

What does the MB system work off of by the way??

johnny2007 - 12/6/2006 3:06:32 PM

+1 Boost

FYI, Mercedes uses Teleaid, and they converted the new models to digital signals during the 2005 model year. The 2007 Acura RL is listed on the OnStar web site as having OnStar, but the Acura dealer says they eliminated it.

mstangpny07 - 11/21/2006 9:00:52 AM

+1 Boost

I'm worried that my system in my 2004 Saab 9-3 convertible will be affected! I don't know what kind of system it is!

jeffy210 - 11/21/2006 10:27:44 AM

+1 Boost

mstangpny07,

Go here for more info. It says either use onstar and ask your advisor, or call a 1-800 number, or drop them an email. They can tell you.

http://www.onstar.com/us_english/jsp/explore/onstar_basics/helpful_info.jsp?info-view=tech_equip

Mark - 11/21/2006 11:27:02 AM

+1 Boost

My '06 9-3 didn't have OnStar on it standard so thankfully I don't have to worry about it.

But for $250 I could have had it installed and be worrying about it.

Now I think the '07's will have it standard again.

drew630 - 11/21/2006 10:56:24 AM

+1 Boost

here is also a helpful link:
http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/showthread.php?t=40775&highlight=onstar
look at post #30

drew630 - 11/21/2006 10:57:11 AM

+1 Boost

sorry, "look at post #30" isn't apart of the link

Neverfollow - 11/21/2006 11:33:39 AM

+1 Boost

This is why Audi pulled the system from the A8L and other models after 2005.

drew630 - 11/21/2006 11:47:43 AM

+1 Boost

The new onstar system that GM starting putting in the vehicles in 06 is all digital. The upgrade is reasonable because if you want the service and use it, then you have to pay the yearly fee anyways.

Neverfollow - 11/30/2006 1:03:15 PM

+1 Boost

Okay, so they converted to digital, big deal. The reason why Onstar worked to well in the first place is the fact that it had such huge reach in remote areas. The cars had a 3 watt analog transmitter which used a roof mounted antenna which served as a perfect ground plane. You could call from just about anywhere with it. Digital is only worth something to cell phone companies who can charge extra for all of the goodies they can tag on to your bill such as email and text messaging. The range isn't nearly as good.