OnStar OnImpressed

Yes..just like on the phone.."Your call is important to us >>>>"

= = = = = =

Not at all--always quick and polite. Since 2001, on two separate cars, I've always had excellent response but we have their intermediate service (Basic + Nav and hands-off phone -- not the high-end concierge service). Haven't experienced any delays in reaching advisors. A couple of calls to OnStar to report Freeway accidents have involved more delay in CHP's 911 operator picking up on the transfer than for OnStar to process the call.

OnStar's GPS accuracy has fallen within a CEP of about 40 yards. Only bitch is that they don't provide navigation coverage south of the border in Mexicali, Tijuana etc. which is where I really need it.

This morning, while on the way to the dealer for a 3K service I called Onstar to find out if there were any outstanding codes to mention to the Service Advisor. Onstar picked up on the second ring, transfer to maintenance took about 10 seconds, callback and scan another 10 sec. OnStar was back with a negative code report within another few seconds. Probably 2 minutes max from button push to final answer.

We have seldom used the Nav/Directions function. I'll drop it at the end of the year. Maybe when we step back down to the basic, security, emergency and door unlock service I'll see slower service.

I think they would do better by unbundling their offerings. I just don't need the whole intermediate package. Perhaps pricing on a "per incident" basis (a la Microsoft) might bring them more customers.

...PJ

just heard that a rancher had a heart attack, his cell was outta range (west texas). Onstar got a med helo out there fast to the boonies and saved his life.

How? OnStar is a cellular-phone-based service.

Different providers use different tower networks with varying degrees of coverage. The obvious answer to your question is that in the case referenced by "robrjt", OnStar had better location coverage.

I think onstar utilizes a satellite..like the euros do. ( cell towers are not used where it really counts sats are the best choice).

the euros do not use a satellite either. they have a different type of cell phone system.

well duh !!!

For the time being (until January 2008) Onstar gets far better range than most cellphones because it can employ the Analog side of cell sites. This lets it freely (OnStar covers the roaming charges for other than phone calls) access any of the carriers (Sprint, Verizon, Nextel, Cingular etc. in the United States.)

Last month I rideshared with a buddy on a four day business trip from SoCal to Boise (stops in Adelanto, Sparks & Fallon). Route was mostly along U.S. 95. We had our regular handsets from Cingular and Verizon and we both had teleconference skeds to meet during the 3 day trip. Cingular digital had about 35% of the route covered and Verizon digital was a bit better, perhaps 50%. OnStar had a couple of short gaps. OnStar became backup for each of us when our digital services had no bars. Only problem is that the OnStar conference was distracting to the other user when both of us were conferencing.

The gas pain is that the stupid Powell dominated FCC sold the analog frequencies to private carries and they will be lost to OnStar users in two years. Onstar systems for model year 2003 and subsequent will switch to digital and be little better than a $ 1.98 cell phone. Until then, enjoy. After that you can thank Colin Powell's son for the mess. (Unfortunately, the acorn fell a long distance from the tree.)

PJ

Thanks for the informative response.. Learn something everyday I am lucky enough to wake up :-)

Hmmm, real problem. I try to get vertical & most mornings I make it!

PJ

The wireless carriers did not sell any frequencies. The mandate is lifted that original cellular carriers such as Cingular and Verizon do not have to provide analog coverage on their 850 spectrum. The analog is old, expensive to upkeep, the phones batteries overheat and only last a short time in analog mode. As carriers upgrade their systems farther into rural areas analog will be phased out. Back in the day phones were the old bag style phones that were higher power and usually came with a remote antenna on your car. The signal would travel farther and your phone could transmit farther as well..... Digital will eventually make it everywhere your analog works as more cell sites are added. If not, a satelite phone will always work.