Date: Sat, 21 Oct 2000 17:44:17 -0700 From: John Davies <jedaviesNOSPAMnopsamier1.net> Subject: Re: 2001 9-5 Phone
On Sun, 22 Oct 2000 00:31:13 GMT, "Ken Ferguson" <Ken_Fergusonnopsamosoft's.web-based.e-mail.com> wrote: >My understanding of the OnStar system is that it used Analog cellular for >all transmissions. The GPS receiver is just that, receive-only. If you are >out of cellular coverage and have an accident, I don't think the system >would work. The airbag sensor is supposed to activate the phone to place a >call to the service center. Somehow the GPS location gets sent with the >phone transmission, but the phone has to have coverage. In the fine print >on the OnStar brochure it says "cellular telephone coverage has to be >available for features to work properly." They picked analog cellular >because it has a bigger nationwide coverage area, but digital is catching >up. Bottom line, don't have a wreck out in the middle of nowhere. > >Ken > Thanks Ken...that pretty well spells it out. I have been reading the OnStar website and nowhere does it address this issue. If you are travelling main highway corridors in popuated areas you would be fine, I guess. I e-mailed OnStar to see if they would send me a cell phone coverage map for my state so that I could see how far into the boonies the protection extends. At $200 USD per year for basic coverage, it would not be a good investment if coverage was marginal for my driving area. I wish the system were still optional. Now the thing is standard equipment on all 2001 Saabs in the USA. If I get any useful info from them I will post it to the group. John Davies Monroe WA USA
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