When OnStar debuted back in 1996, it was an analog-based system, because at that time digital systems didn't cover enough coverage to rural areas. Now, a decision by the FCC made in 2002 doomed the future of analog. As a result many vehicles with the earlier analog-based OnStar may go silent. This involves roughly half of OnStar's subscribers...
Whether all the older analog units can be converted to digital is not clear. To see whether your vehicle can be converted, OnStar has set up this webpage. For the full story which ran on Autoblog, click here. This conversion will go into effect in 2008. If your vehicle is a 2006 or later model, this will not be a problem.
estreka says:
01:44 PM, 11/23/06
Wow. That's gonna to piss off a lot of people.
Any news whether OnStar subscribers still within warranty will get the upgrade for free?
roar02ram says:
02:56 PM, 11/23/06
So if the FCC released the ruling in 2002, why is it only 2006 and newer vehicles that won't be affected? Oh, GM...
jerrywimer says:
11:06 AM, 11/27/06
estreka- no. No free upgrades. I had a 2003 Trailblazer, then a 2004 Silverado. I believe the way I was told it worked when I called OnStar about the truck's system was that the system upgrade is basically free. The catch is that you have to sign up for a contract (year or more, don't remember the exact length) and pay for that up front. Then OnStar will have your local dealership upgrade the hardware.
If you have enough money up front, and were planning to pay for OnStar for the time you own your vehicle anyway it's not really a bad thing. If on the otherhand you don't fit that situation, or if your vehicle can't be upgraded, I guess you'd be out of luck.
ateixeira says:
12:16 PM, 11/27/06
Good way to lose half your customers. :-(