Onstar & Verizon Wireless

genesisdj · April 8, 2004

I am on a onstar survey panel, and I just got some recent info that I think might be a great way to utilize the onstar sevice better. As you may already know, ONstar works on the Verizon Wireless network. THey are looking to team up with Verizon to allow you to use the onstar personal calling, and combine the minutes from your verizon wireless account. So you could choose to use your onstar speakerphone for use in the truck, and still use your cell phone anywhere else. And it deducts from your cell phone minutes.

gave20 · April 8, 2004

How would this benefit Onstar? They charge around $13 for 30minutes of time, so if people used there Verizon minutes then Onstar would lose money unless Verizon kept track of minutes used in the truck and elsewhere which would cost more and Verizon would lose cutomers. Sounds like a lose lose situation.

bartlanz · April 8, 2004

I would be passingly interested in ONstar if it would deduct from my existing VZW account. Of course, my tahoe doesnt have onstar, it would be cheaper to add the genuine Motorola full install car kit than onstar. So as cool as that sounds its a bust for me.

However it is news to me that onstar works off of VZW's network, and good to know. people here keep telling me it works off of satelites?

BlackSilver · April 8, 2004

That might be a good-news/bad-news thing. I have both OnStar and Verizon (Nationwide), and they serve different purposes.

The current "buy minutes good for a year" business model of OnStar is very handy for me when traveling in areas that would entail roaming charges on my Verizon account.

jlh0799 · April 8, 2004

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is anything out there that will allow you to connect your phone to the speaker system that onstar uses. I have seen a Benz that has a device that you hook your phone to and it uses the mic and speakers in the car. Is there anything aftermarket that will allow you to do this? Also, do you have to have a subscription to onstar to be able to do this?

NothinButBowTies · April 8, 2004

I was wondering if anyone knows if there is anything out there that will allow you to connect your phone to the speaker system that onstar uses. I have seen a Benz that has a device that you hook your phone to and it uses the mic and speakers in the car. Is there anything aftermarket that will allow you to do this? Also, do you have to have a subscription to onstar to be able to do this?

It really depends on what phone you have. Nokia makes a really nice car kit. If your phone is blue tooth compatiable you can run completely wireless! The kit ties into the wiring harness going to your stereo.

Tolliverme · April 8, 2004

I like the Idea. I might extend my Onstar for the emergency service then.

BlackSilver · April 8, 2004

However it is news to me that onstar works off of VZW's network, and good to know. people here keep telling me it works off of satelites?

The GPS-related functions of OnStar work off the military satelites like any other GPS.

The communications functions of OnStar work through the terrestrial cell-phone network, and OnStar has a contract with Verizon to provide the connections.

BIG RED DAWG · April 9, 2004

This would be great for me. I have 2 Onstar accounts and 3 phones using the Verizon service. If they did this, I would use the personal calling option whenever I needed to make a call when in either vehicle. Currently the "personal calling" minutes just aren't competitive with regular cell phone service. Especially in the LA/Orange county markets.

Markeaux · April 9, 2004

Unbelievably Onstar Personal Calling is STILL unavailable the central Texas area ... going on at least 3 years now ... the last time I talked with Onstar about this they said it was due to a shortage of phone numbers in the area - sheesh.

Redapple · April 9, 2004

I have OnStar, and I have Verizon, however, the only way, and I do mean the only way this would be viable option for me would to have my Verizon number work in my truck. The same fees etc. None of this 13 bucks for 30 mins. It needs to be financially feasable.

Bill

Import Hater · April 10, 2004

If I remember the OnStar newsletter right...the government is going to be taking the analog cell phone band off the ar i like 2005 or 2006. My 2001 Silverado's OnStar equipment uses analog only. So in a couple years, I'll have a useless $30,000 phone. How about OnStar work on making that right for everyone who was sold by their service in their early years before they find new ways to expand?

The 2004 Acura TL I get to work on is Bluetooth compatible. Any phone that has it from whatever provider that can work in that car totally handsfree. If this technology catches on, I think OnStar will be out of business.

Greg · April 10, 2004

I believe 2008 is the year cellular providers are allowed to drop analog service. I know my CTS is digital-ready (able to be upgraded) and others are digital capable now.

I didn't previously see much benefit to OnStar, but since having it about 6 months, I'm planning on renewing the service. This OnStar / Verizon idea appeals to me because I already have OnStar personal calling and a Verizon phone.