Obsolete OnStar
Below is a message that I posted to the board back in March. I have yet to see or read anything to contradict it.
ot the newer digital - version of OnStar. Reproduced below is the e-mail correspondence I've had with OnStar. The bottom line is that our 2005 Corvettes have an obsolete version of OnStar and the only remedy is to shell out even more money. We've been deceived in my opinion and OnStar and GM should be made aware that we are not happy about it. If you agree, take a few moments to let OnStar know of your displeasure (their email address is below).
My email:
I was interested in adding OnStar minutes to my Verizon calling plan and called OnStar to confirm that my car has the digital version of OnStar. Much to my surprise, and more to my disappointment, I was told that my 2005 Corvette has the analog version of OnStar. The Corvette is among the most expensive cars that GM sells as well as among the most technologically advanced. To say that I am disappointed that my new Corvette, for which I paid over fifty thousand dollars, has an OnStar system that is no more advanced than that offered five years ago and, worse, that the system will not even be functional before long, is an extreme understatement. In effect, me and every other buyer of a new Corvette with OnStar has been duped and cheated. Why is there no mention in the literature on the Corvette that it has a long-outdated obsolete OnStar system and that it will soon be unsupported and unusable? I can assure you that I wouldn't have purchased the OnStar option and I can also assure you that the service will not be renewed beyond that period that I already paid for when I purchased the car.
The OnStar response:
Dear Mr. Stanford,
Thank you for taking the time to e-mail OnStar.
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 February 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.
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 February 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.
All GM vehicles equipped with analog/digital-ready hardware will be eligible for an upgrade to digital equipment. However, the timing of upgrade availability will vary, depending on model year and specific vehicle type. Vehicles with analog-only hardware are ineligible for digital hardware upgrades.
Digital upgrade kits are now available for some GM vehicles. Upgrades for these vehicles will be provided to OnStar subscribers with the purchase of a non-refundable, 3-year OnStar subscription. The digital hardware upgrade program is currently limited to U.S. subscribers only. Canadian subscribers will be contacted prior to January 1, 2008. To check if digital upgrade kits are available for your vehicle, arrange for an upgrade, or obtain more information on digital hardware upgrades, please contact your local GM dealership.
To determine the hardware type of your vehicle, please press the White Dot button in the vehicle. If the system responds "READY", then your hardware is analog-only. If the system responds "ONSTAR READY", then your hardware is analog/digital-ready.
If you have any other concerns, please feel free to contact the OnStar Customer Care Department at 1-888-4ONSTAR (1-888-466-7827), prompt 4, between the hours of 6am and 1am EST.
Sincerely,
Krista
OnStar Information Specialist
My response:
Dear Krista,
None of this was explained, mentioned, alluded to, or even hinted at when I purchased my car. You write that "five years is a long time" but, in fact, the OnStar system in my new Corvette will be obsolete in less than three years unless, of course, I pay for a NON-REFUNDABLE 3 year subscription. In other words, I'm stuck with an obsolete system unless I pay even more than the $55,000 I already paid for the Corvette that I bought with what I thought was an OnStar system that would last at least as long as the payments!
To not make it plain in selling the OnStar system that, in fact, it will be obsolete in three years (unless you pay more than you already have) is misleading and deceptive.
L. R. Stanford
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LRS
'75 L82 Classic White T5
'05 LS2 Victory Red T56
