View Full Version : OnStar goes all digital in 2008
Onsite
06-01-2005, 10:46 PM
I am new to this forum and I am learning something new everyday!! I just got my 02 Trailblazer and activated my OnStar. I currently use Verizon Wireless as my cell phone service and they offer a plan where you can add your OnStar phone to your verizon package and share the minutes. So, I get everything going and call Verizon to get this hooked up - here is the good part!! They tell me that my 02 Trailblazer has Analog Equipment and in order to hook up with Verizon I have to get it upgraded to Digital. Then the OnStar lady goes on to explain that in 2008 they are switching everything over to digital and if you have an analog OnStar setup you will loose your service unless you upgrade.
The upgrade is where they get you by the balls!! In order to upgrade your only option is to pay for 3 years of service up front at a discounted rate of $549.00!! They will upgrade your system for free at the delearship once you buy the 3 years of service.
So, if you use OnStar now and want it to work in 2008 you are going to have to upgrade. Now, my thoughts on this is, when 2008 rolls around they will offer a very nice package to existing customers to upgrade their system rather than loose the customers they currently have.
One last note. I called my dealership to ask them about the upgrade and they had never heard of such a thing!! Does that surprise anyone?? :eek:
No surprise about the dealer not knowing about it. $549 for 36 months is actually a pretty good deal. IMO, they should give multicar discounts.
Onsite
06-01-2005, 11:24 PM
It is a good deal, I just hate that is the only way to get the upgrade. I would like the option of a monthly payment instead of coming up with the big bucks up front. OnStar said to take it to the dealership and have them call OnStar. They would tell them how to do the upgrade. This makes me a little weary, what are they actually upgrading?? If the dealership has no clue how can they do it unless there are no parts to change? I am always supicious...
I will let you know how it goes because they are doing mine on 6/6.
tb_ky
06-02-2005, 01:29 AM
Ugh i think onstar is a big rip off and a "spy system" so i dont have it activated and i will just continue to keep my verizon wireless cell phone with me. :m2:
Onsite
06-02-2005, 01:05 PM
A couple of things I really like for my wife and children when they take the TB out. I like the instant notification to Police and EMS if airbags are deployed. I also like the instant access to the Police if needed along with the GPS locator so she does not have to remember where she is. I also like the fact that if the TB is stolen it can be tracked and the Police are notified. I have seen this in action and it works great, better than lo-jack. Not every Police agency had lo-jack locators but they all have telephones for OnStar to call.
I do see your point but my main purpose is for the safety features, the phone part is just an added feature and since we are changing phone plans we are actually going to save money each month.
Mada123
06-02-2005, 09:01 PM
[QUOTE=Onsite]... if the TB is stolen it can be tracked and the Police are notified. I have seen this in action and it works great, better than lo-jack. Not every Police agency had lo-jack locators but they all have telephones for OnStar to call.
[QUOTE]
That is the only reason I'm keeping Onstar.
New to TB
07-02-2005, 06:55 PM
I also like the fact that if the TB is stolen it can be tracked and the Police are notified. I have seen this in action and it works great, better than lo-jack. Not every Police agency had lo-jack locators but they all have telephones for OnStar to call.
On the TB, both the Onstar's GPS and cell antennas are easily seen and cut (or knocked) off. Lojack is always hidden making it hard for a thief to find and disable.
Using Onstar for theft protection on a TB is like protecting your house with an alarm that has the main power wire running right by the front door with a clear label saying it's the alarm wire.
jimmyjam
07-02-2005, 07:18 PM
On the TB, both the Onstar's GPS and cell antennas are easily seen and cut (or knocked) off. Lojack is always hidden making it hard for a thief to find and disable.My sentiments exacltly. I've verified this myself.. unplug the antenna and onstar can't talk to anything. They should have at least put all the hardware somewhere difficult to get to to make it at least a little more secure.