On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 15:49:21 -0500, Jer <gdunn@airmail.ten> wrote:

>karlkrandall@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>> On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 03:46:18 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>> wrote:
>>
>>> karlkrandall@sbcglobal.net wrote:
>>>> On Sun, 18 Mar 2007 03:12:54 GMT, John Navas
>>>> <spamfilter1@navasgroup.com> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> On Sat, 17 Mar 2007 08:40:17 -0700, SMS <scharf.steven@geemail.com>
>>>>> wrote in <45fc0be2$0$27166$742ec2ed@news.sonic.net>:
>>>>>
>>>>>> catalpa wrote:
>>>>>>> BeyondWireless is telling customers that Cingular is shutting down the
>>>>>>> entire TDMA network on March 31, 2008. Is Cingular telling TDMA customers
>>>>>>> the same date for shutdown?
>>>>>> I think Cingular was saying February 2008, but maybe they built in some
>>>>>> margin and Beyond Wireless is taking advantage of that. Cingular is also
>>>>>> planning to shut down AMPS at that time, at least all of AMPS that is
>>>>>> covered by GSM.
>>>>> All of AMPS period.
>>>>
>>>> I have a friend who got a letter from General Motors informing
>>>> them their Onstar Service will cease functioning after Dec. 31, 2007
>>> The new OnStar is CDMA, isn't there an option to change the system? Not
>>> clear if AMPS is still part of OnStar for non-digital areas.
>>
>>
>> Onstar hasn't said BOO about an upgrade. You have an older system,
>> you're S.O.L.
>>
>> Revised January 16, 2007
>>
>> Important Information about the Analog-to-Digital Transition
>> OnStar service was launched in 1996 using proven analog technology,
>> which had the broadest geographic coverage of the available cellular
>> network alternatives at the time. Usage of analog technology enabled
>> us to evolve into the most comprehensive in-vehicle communications
>> provider offering safety, security and peace of mind to millions of
>> vehicle owners.
>>
>> Because OnStar connected to the proven analog network, our technology
>> helped ensure that if an airbag deployed in the U.S. or Canada, the
>> vehicle would be connected using the cellular network with the largest
>> geographical coverage available. Since we signed up our first
>> subscriber in 1996, OnStar has assisted subscribers and others in more
>> than 3.5 million emergency situations, including airbag deployment
>> notifications, remote door unlock requests, roadside assistance, good
>> samaritan, and other emergency calls. We are proud of OnStar's
>> societal contribution, which not only has been widely recognized by
>> our subscribers, but by the emergency response and medical communities
>> as well.
>>
>> However, based on a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruling,
>> cellular carriers will not be required to support the analog cellular
>> network beginning in early 2008. Without the analog network, we can't
>> ensure the coverage that will allow us to provide subscribers, with
>> analog equipment, the services they expect from us. As a result,
>> beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service in the United States and
>> Canada will be available only through vehicles that are capable of
>> operating on the digital cellular network.
>>
>> We at OnStar sincerely regret that we will not be able to provide
>> OnStar service to vehicles with analog equipment after December 31,
>> 2007. All OnStar subscribers affected by this change will receive a
>> letter from OnStar that outlines how this affects their service.
>
>
>Have they not offered even one word about what their AMPS clients can do
>- other than 'see ya'? I'm not an OS client, but surely there's some
>plan for preserving their service beyond the magic moment.



Further surfing the Onstar online FAQ gives this "SEE YA" message:

Q: Why can't a GM vehicle's analog-only equipment be upgraded?
A: Nearly 90 percent of OnStar subscribers driving GM vehicles are
either capable of operating on the digital cellular network or can be
upgraded to operate on the digital cellular network. When General
Motors and OnStar learned that the FCC would allow cellular service
providers to discontinue providing analog cellular service in 2008, we
engineered digital capable upgrade kits to be compatible with most
electrical systems found in vehicles previously produced by General
Motors. Unfortunately, digital capable upgrade kits were not created
for a small percentage of earlier GM models due to significant
differences in their electrical systems.