Analog OnStar Ends Jan. 1, 2008

This goes as a reminder to those who own a GM car or truck with OnStar that works on an analog network: As of January 1, 2008, your service is finished.

The reason for this is a bit complicated, but here is the Cliff’s Notes version: Back in 2002 the Federal Communications Commission ruled that cellular companies no longer had to support analog networks and could switch to strictly digital networks. OnStar was on an analog network set up by Verizon in 1996.

What does this mean for GM owners? Well, that depends. If you bought your vehicle in the last few years, it is likely digital-only and you have no reason to worry. If it was purchased between 2002 and 2004, the OnStar system may be dual mode, meaning it is set up as analog with the option of upgrading to digital. For $15, GM will update the OnStar system of these vehicles to receive a digital signal. This includes parts and labor but not the $199 one-year subscription fee.

As for GM owners who do not have equipment capable of an upgrade, they should have already received a letter from GM informing them of the end of the service. Unfortunately, these owners are simply out of luck.

OnStar goes dark for analog subscribers on 1/1/08 (Autoblog)