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Analog-to-Digital Transition
In November, 2002, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that cellular carriers would no longer be required to support the analog cellular network as of early 2008.
Currently, OnStar relies on the analog and digital cellular networks. We want to make you aware of the FCC ruling, and assure you that if you have an analog-only system, it will be functional until January 1, 2008.
Beginning January 1, 2008, however, OnStar services in the U.S. and Canada will be available only through equipment that operates on the digital network. OnStar subscribers with affected equipment will be contacted with additional information well in advance of January 1, 2008.
To obtain more detailed information about the Analog-to-Digital Transition, just click on the links below.
View the FCC ruling.
View OnStar's Analog-to-Digital Transition statement.
Learn more about OnStar-equipped GM vehicles.
Learn more about GM's Upgrade Program
- What different types of equipment do OnStar-equipped vehicles have?
OnStar-equipped vehicles have one of three types of equipment:
Analog-Only: OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog-only equipment were designed to operate only on the analog cellular network and there is no digital upgrade available. Vehicles with this equipment will no longer be able to receive OnStar services beginning January 1, 2008. At that time, service will be available only through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment. (Refer to Question #6 for additional details.)
Analog/Digital-Ready: OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog/digital-ready equipment operate on the analog cellular network, but can be upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment if available for that vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service will not be available on these vehicles unless the OnStar equipment has been upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.
Dual-Mode (Analog/Digital): OnStar-equipped vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment operate on both the analog and digital cellular networks and will not require an upgrade in connection with the cellular industry's transition to the digital network.
- What kind of equipment does my OnStar-equipped vehicle have?
To determine the equipment type in an OnStar-equipped vehicle, you may: - Click here
You will be prompted to input your vehicle identification number (VIN) into the OnStar look up tool and it will determine what type of equipment was factory-installed in the vehicle. - Ask an OnStar Advisor
Press the blue OnStar button in the vehicle or call 866.579.7726 and ask the OnStar Advisor which OnStar equipment type was factory-installed in the vehicle.
- How does the transition to the digital network affect me right now?
You don't need to do anything at this time. Your OnStar equipment will function as it always has until January 1, 2008. The FCC ruling requires cellular carriers to support the analog network until early 2008.
- Will I still be able to get an OnStar subscription after January 1, 2008?
OnStar service will be available to vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment after January 1, 2008. If you currently have analog/digital-ready equipment and your vehicle manufacturer is offering an equipment upgrade for your vehicle, it will need to be upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment to continue service as of January 1, 2008. (Refer to Question #7 for additional information.) If your vehicle has analog-only equipment, you will not be able to upgrade the equipment nor will your vehicle be able to receive OnStar service, including Hands-Free Calling, as of January 1, 2008. (Refer to question #2 to determine which type of equipment was factory-installed in your vehicle.)
- Will my OnStar-equipped vehicle's analog-only system still work after January 1, 2008?
No. As of early 2008, cellular carriers will no longer be required to support the analog network. Cellular carriers in the U.S. and Canada are in the process of transitioning their networks from analog to digital technology. Without the analog network, OnStar cannot ensure the national coverage that would allow us to provide subscribers with analog equipment the services they expect from us. As a result, beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service in the United States and Canada will only be available through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.
- Why didn't OnStar begin to utilize digital technology sooner?
At the time of the ruling, there were three digital technologies, none of which provided nationwide coverage in the U.S. or Canada. It was not clear which of these technologies would survive and, in fact, one of the technologies has since been discontinued. It would have been impractical to try to provide services on multi-system equipment capable of connecting to all of these networks. Moreover, in order to provide OnStar services on the digital network, a new technology had to be developed to support OnStar's unique requirements to transmit both data and voice on the same digital call.
- Will a digital upgrade program be available for subscribers with earlier versions of OnStar equipment?
Each vehicle manufacturer will determine whether it will offer an Analog-to-Digital Transition plan for subscribers who have analog/digital-ready OnStar equipment and are interested in upgrading to digital equipment. Learn more.
- Where do I go with questions about the FCC ruling that cellular carriers will no longer be required to support the analog network?
- What is the FCC?
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a U.S. government agency charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and U.S. possessions.
- How does the FCC ruling impact OnStar in Canada?
Since most Canadians live within driving distance of the U.S./Canadian border, OnStar needs to be able to provide the same service in both markets. The FCC ruling is a U.S. regulation, and no date has been set for ending analog service in Canadian provinces. However, cellular carriers in Canada have made the decision to follow suit and have begun their transition from analog to digital networks as well. Therefore, beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar services in the U.S. and Canada will only be available through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.
- What are cellular carriers?
The independent cellular communication companies that hold cellular broadcast licenses in various areas are called cellular carriers or cellular service providers. OnStar relies on a nationwide cellular network of these carriers to provide communication to and from all OnStar-equipped vehicles.
- What is analog?
Analog cellular service transmits voice on a continuous radio wave using frequency modulation similar to an FM radio, and operates in the 800 MHz frequency range. All 800 MHz analog systems operate under a common industry standard, known as Advanced Mobile Phone Services (AMPS).
- What is digital?
In a digital cellular system, voice is converted to a digital signal and then transmitted over air. Digital cellular service operates in both the 800 MHz and 1900 MHz frequency range. The three dominant systems in the U.S. and Canada are CDMA, GSM and TDMA. OnStar-equipped vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment have been engineered to work in the 800 MHz frequency for analog or CDMA digital networks, in addition to the 1900 MHz CDMA digital networks.
- How can I get more information if I have an OnStar-equipped vehicle manufactured by a vehicle partner?
For information on OnStar-equipped vehicles manufactured by our vehicle partners, please contact them directly:
| Acura: | 1.800.382.2238 |
| Audi: | 1.800.822.2834 |
| Isuzu: | 1.800.255.6727 |
| Subaru: | 1.800.782.2783 |
| Volkswagen: | 1.800.822.8987 |
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