My 03 came equipped w/On Star 1 yr free. I activated it, but never had to use it and only used the phone once during the free time on it, just to see if it worked. Always able to get out on my hand held, except at Cade's Cove in the Smokies, and On Star couldn't get out either!


As I got closer to the end of that yr. I got increasingly strident leters from On Star reminding me to renew to prevent coverage interruption. I decided to wait it out and see what happened.


Couple of days ago On Star called me and offered to give me 2 months extra free if I would reup for 1 yr. Took them up on it, as that's approx 16% discount! Also bought 30mins phone time for $13.99, good for 1 yr. just in case.


Anybody found a spot where On Stat worked and hand held wouldn't?

I just picked up my truck last week and have the 1 year free too. The bad part is they don't offer the personal calling in my area, don't know why.http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif

I've only had mine for a few weeks and have not had a chance to really try it out. There are a number of places I go where my handheld won't work, or must roam in order to do so.


Lots of mountains and space in between some of the towns out here. I've been trying to find out exactly how it works, but it's a tough proposition. The phone part works on analog rather than digital, which ususally has more range. It's also supposed to be a 3 watt transmitter since it's vehicle mounted, versus your handheld's .6 watt transmitter.


If I understand it correctly, the GPS stuff works off the satellite and it is not dependent on the phone, but I can't confirm that. Of course if you can't talk to them, having the GPS work wouldn't be much value except for stolen vehicle tracking. If anybody knows exactly how this setup does work, I'd be interested in finding out.....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Ermm.gif


As far as the local calling, it has to be in an area where they've cut a deal with one of the carriers who still offers analog service. If I read the material correctly, the phone is digital capable, but runs analog right now. Much the same as when the original switch over to digital started with the handhelds.

Zeeb, You have a handle on how it works, it's supposed to go digital soon, don't know when. Stolen vehicle tracking can only work when the phone is within range. It's easily disabled so it would only catch a stupid thief, of course you'd have to be stupid to be a thief. IMHO it's a very expensive cell phone, but the emergency call if the airbag deploy's may be worth it.

it's supposed to go digital soon, don't know when.


Here is some more info.



<TABLE cellSpacing=5 cellPadding=5>
<T>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>Topic:</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>Federal Ruling</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>Summary:</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>Recently, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that wireless carriers will no longer be required to support the analog wireless network after February 16, 2008. After that, if the carriers for OnStar elect to provide only digital service, beginning Feb. 16, 2008, OnStar service will only be available through dual-mode (analog/digital) hardware. As of June 2003, all OnStar systems utilize analog-only hardware. From the beginning, OnStar has relied on a nationwide analog wireless network to provide communication to and from OnStar-equipped vehicles. Today, the analog network continues to provide the most extensive coverage across the U.S. and Canada. However, the U.S. wireless carriers have begun to shift from analog to digital networks and so will OnStar.</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>1.</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>Will my OnStar-equipped vehicle's analog system still work after Feb. 16, 2008?</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>A.</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>The FCC ruling states that wireless carriers are required to support the analog wireless network only until February 16, 2008. After that, if the carriers for OnStar elect to provide only digital service, OnStar service will only be available through dual-mode (analog/digital) hardware. Still, five years is a long time, so it is difficult to know for certain what level of analog service carriers will offer, if any, after Feb. 16, 2008. Rest assured that OnStar will continue to monitor analog coverage throughout the five-year transition period and provide updates as they become available. Refer to question #4 for additional information.</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>2.</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>Will I still be able to get an OnStar subscription after Feb. 16, 2008?</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>A.</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>Yes. OnStar service will be available through dual-mode (analog/digital) hardware.</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>3.</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>What do I need to do right now about this ruling?</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>A.</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>You don't need to do anything at this time. The FCC requires that U.S. wireless carriers provide reliable, nationwide analog service up until February 2008. As a result, we do not anticipate any impact on OnStar service during the five-year transition period. If you happen to be in the market for a new vehicle, OnStar-equipped vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) hardware will be available on select GM models in the 2004 model year.</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>4.</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>What are the different types of hardware on OnStar-equipped vehicles?</TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD vAlign=top align=right>A.</TD>
<TD vAlign=top>All OnStar-equipped vehicles will have one of three types of hardware:

Analog-only: Most 2003 model year and earlier vehicles have analog-only hardware. Fortunately, the FCC ruling requires that U.S. wireless carriers provide reliable, nationwide analog service up until February 2008. We do not anticipate that OnStar service will be impacted in any way during the five-year transition period. However, if the carriers for OnStar elect to only provide digital service after that, then beginn

IMHO it's a very expensive cell phone, but the emergency call if the airbag deploy's may be worth it.


Kind of my thought exactly being in the business I'm in. Minutes can be critical and proper identification of the accident location can be difficult in rural areas or lightly populated sections of urban areas. Even getting a good location on the freeway can be tough at times.


But that brings up another question about the OnStar. I've heard reports that the airbag deploy notification function works whether you have an active subscription or not, anybody know about that?

Thanks Voodoohttp://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Clap.gif

Thanks for the post VooDoo.


I checked the info from my truck and it's listed as "Analog/Digital-Ready".

Zeeb, I've wondered the same thing. Can you imagine the lawsuit GM would face if your loved one was dying in the truck and GM wouldn't make the call because your check was late? I think that GM deactivates the system after some time period if their not paid though. Personally I think it would be one heck of a sales boost if GM would advertise that they cared so much for their customers that they were the only vehicle company that would make that call without being paid and leave all of the other services on a pay as you go basis

Dirty old man,
I had to use OnStar 3 times at Cade's Cove last year when the cell phone I had, and none in the group worked either. Onstar worked and we were able to give directions to people coming in and let others in the group call family members.
I have had problems on I-40 heading to NC and on 25E in KY, but only for short stretches.

Zeeb,


I was playing with mine today, and forgot to see what one I have. I would guess it is the same is yours "Analog/Digital-Ready". I'm having so much fun driving it I haven't even programed the stereo yet.


I LOVE MY TRUCK!

I haven't had luck using the cell phone. Bought 60 min for a year to use once in a while. Three times I was in a area that only gave me some message that wanted a credit card to proceed. Then one time when I really needed it my minutes suddenly disappeared. Called ONSTAR, said they made some kind of mistake and my minutes would be back the next day. They were not interested in the fact that I needed it right now. Not for me, I will just use my hand held.

Zeeb,


I was playing with mine today, and forgot to see what one I have. I would guess it is the same is yours "Analog/Digital-Ready". I'm having so much fun driving it I haven't even programed the stereo yet.


I LOVE MY TRUCK!





Well I'm ahead of you...


I have one station on the XM-1 programmed, but only because the salesman did it.....http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/smileys/Embarrased.gif

Good for you on the discount. I tried to get OnStar to make me some kind of deal as my subscription is going to lapse soon (1 free yr) and I am planning for the future. They only quoted me the $199/yr and stated that I had to subscribe for multiple years to get a discount. I guess they only give out deals to certain people. If they wait too late, I'll already have another providor.

This weekend my OnStar worked in a campground where a friend's Motorola V60 would not work. That was nice.