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Gee, thanks, GM! - Onstar analog to go silent - READ ONLY

223 messages,  Last post on Jun 27, 2012 at 6:36 PM

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#1 of 223 Gee, thanks, GM! - Onstar analog to go silent by fezo

Nov 21, 2006 (1:06 pm)

Saw this item in the New York Times - http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/19/automobiles/19ONSTAR.html
 
As of the beginning of the year Verizon Wireless, the provider of the Onstar signal will shut off their analog network. GM knew this as far back as 2002 yet for two years continued to build cars with analog Onstar.
 
"OnStar declined to make an executive available for this article, but in a statement said, “We at OnStar sincerely regret that we will not be able to provide OnStar service to vehicles with analog-only hardware after Dec. 31, 2007.” When asked why it continued to install equipment that could not be upgraded even after the F.C.C. ruling, the company said that 'each vehicle has its own development and manufacturing schedule, not all vehicles will receive the same OnStar equipment at the same time.'"
Nice....
 
"Dealers will upgrade some 2002-4 vehicles to work on digital networks if customers buy a three-year subscription to the Safe and Sound package at $199 a year."
Swell.
 
"The company would not say how many of its subscribers have analog-only or upgradeable equipment. But as many as half of OnStar’s customers, or two million subscribers, now drive cars that cannot be upgraded, according to Frank Viquez, an industry analyst at ABI Research."
 
Now remind me again why GM is having problems with market share. Onstar is one of the few services that might entice me to look at a GM vehicle these days. Seeing how they look out for their customers probably tossed that thought away.

#2 of 223 Re: Gee, thanks, GM! - Onstar analog to go silent [fezo] by rockylee

Nov 21, 2006 (6:08 pm)

Replying to: fezo (Nov 21, 2006 1:06 pm)
WOW, that is interesting. If GM, doesn't take care of its customers they will lose more. I can't believe Rick Wagoner, is not addressing this problem to make sure to retain customers who buy GM, because of Onstar, and most importantly it's the right thing to do. A business blunder on GM's part.
 
Rocky

#3 of 223 Re: Gee, thanks, GM! - Onstar analog to go silent [rockylee] by fezo

Nov 21, 2006 (6:38 pm)

Replying to: rockylee (Nov 21, 2006 6:08 pm)
Yeah. I mean I've been ticked off enough with GM for keeping the technology to themselves and then they screw up the technology? Oy!
 
I would be very happy to have Onstar. Was just waiting for them to put out a product that both met my needs and seemed appealing. Still waiting, though I'll admit that things like the G6 hardtop convertible are getting closer. Now I'm back into the I'm not sure I can rely on them track.

#4 of 223 Re: Gee, thanks, GM! - Onstar analog to go silent [fezo] by rockylee

Nov 21, 2006 (6:49 pm)

Replying to: fezo (Nov 21, 2006 6:38 pm)
Well that article sure does make somebody thinking about a GM, product wonder. I'm really surprised Wagoner, hasn't stepped in.
 
Rocky

#5 of 223 Re: Gee, thanks, GM! - Onstar analog to go silent [fezo] by jrdwyer

Nov 22, 2006 (8:38 am)

Replying to: fezo (Nov 21, 2006 1:06 pm)
OnStar does have a pretty strong following, so abandoning customers with analog only hardware is somewhat damaging.
 
Also, analog does provide better service coverage in areas without good cell tower abundance (rural area and a lot of the West). Of course, this is more of a carrier issue.
 
Too bad they didn't think to make OnStar better. My in-laws would have kept the service after the free year had there been a phone touchpad in the car. They complained the voice system would not dial because it could not understand their slightly NE accent.
 
I suppose the typical demographics of an OnStar customer shows they get a new car every 2-4 years and hence it is not a big issue to GM.

#6 of 223 Obviously GM has no say with Verizon Wireless by obyone

Mar 28, 2007 (10:57 pm)

Course GM could always offer free upgrades for current subscribers.....yeah right!!

#7 of 223 Think OnStar is bad? by lemko

Mar 29, 2007 (6:01 am)

Try Comcast. I can't see HBO without a digital box! There was a message along the bottom of the screen telling me I had to convert to digital or else I won't be able to see HBO! Geeze, right before the new season of "The Sopranos" which starts April 8th!

#8 of 223 Re: Think OnStar is bad? [lemko] by paisan

Mar 29, 2007 (6:06 am)

Replying to: lemko (Mar 29, 2007 6:01 am)
Yeah we had to go digital on our cable systems a while ago here if you wanted any kind of good services. I wish I could get Direct TV here in Manhattan but I am stuck with Time-Warner
 
-mike

#9 of 223 Re: Gee, thanks, GM! - Onstar analog to go silent [rockylee] by gagrice

Mar 29, 2007 (6:14 am)

Replying to: rockylee (Nov 21, 2006 6:49 pm)
GM has no control over the network. I am sure they kept the analog as long as they could. It has superior range and sounds better than any of the digital networks. It is being abandoned because it is more expensive to maintain. Plus uses more of the precious bandwidth. There are thousands of customers in rural communities that will no longer have Cell service after they shut down of analog cell service.
 
The vehicles equipped with Onstar digital with have a much decreased range. To me the whole reason for Onstar is if you have a problem in a remote area. Your digital Onstar will not work anyway. Isn't progress grand????

#10 of 223 Re: Gee, thanks, GM! - Onstar analog to go silent [gagrice] by paisan

Mar 29, 2007 (6:21 am)

Replying to: gagrice (Mar 29, 2007 6:14 am)
I still bet there is a way to put an alternate digital cellular device in that would work with the original onstar. Even if Onstar has no control over the fact that the analog system is going away, it is going to look bad for them.
 
-mike

Messages Page 1 of 23

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