| Q1. | What different types of equipment do OnStar-equipped vehicles have? |
| A1. | 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 this time, service is available only through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment. (Refer to Question #4 for additional details.)
Analog/Digital-Ready: OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog/digital-ready equipment operated on the analog cellular network, but can be upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment if available for that vehicle (while supplies last). 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. |
| Q2. | What kind of equipment does my OnStar-equipped vehicle have? |
| A2. | 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 is installed in the vehicle. - Ask an OnStar Advisor
Call 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827) and ask the OnStar Advisor what OnStar equipment type is installed in the vehicle.
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| Q3. | Will I still be able to get an OnStar subscription after January 1, 2008? |
| A3. | OnStar service is available for vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment. 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 #6 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 what type of equipment is installed in your vehicle.) |
| Q4. | Will my OnStar-equipped vehicle's analog-only system still work after January 1, 2008? |
| A4. | No. As of early 2008, cellular carriers will no longer support the analog network. 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. |
| Q5. | Why didn't OnStar begin to utilize digital technology sooner? |
| A5. | 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. |
| Q6. | Will a digital upgrade program be available for subscribers with earlier versions of OnStar equipment? |
| A6. | 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. To learn more, click here. |
| Q7. | Where do I go with questions about the FCC ruling that cellular carriers will no longer be required to support the analog network? |
| A7. | For more information about the FCC ruling, visit fcc.gov, or click here for a downloadable version of the ruling. For the latest information about the OnStar Analog-to-Digital Transition plan, please continue to visit onstar.com/digital-transition. |
| Q8. | What is the FCC? |
| A8. | 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. |
| Q9. | How does the FCC ruling impact OnStar in Canada? |
| A9. | 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 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. |
| Q10. | What are cellular carriers? |
| A10. | 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. |
| Q11. | What is analog? |
| A11. | 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). |
| Q12. | What is digital? |
| A12. | 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. There are two dominant systems in the U.S. and Canada, CDMA and GSM. 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. |
This is the first place to find answers to the most common questions asked about OnStar. If you have a question that is not addressed here, please contact us or call us directly at 1.888.4.ONSTAR (1.888.466.7827). Or if you are an OnStar subscriber, push the blue OnStar button in your vehicle.
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