With the country transitioning to higher network connectivity, GM’s OnStar has announced that its in-car service will be ending soon. However, OnStar service will continue but through other methods – not just through the three-button interface in older GM vehicles.
The reason for this change is the mobile operator upgrading from 2G network to 4G or 5G connectivity. Since older GM vehicles use 2G connections, these cars will lose OnStar service in their cars. In the US, most major network providers will complete the transition from 2G networks by December 2022.
According to OnStar, vehicles affected by this network upgrade (aka 2G network outage) include select 2015 model year and older GM vehicles, including previous GM brands, such as Pontiac, Saturn, and Hummer. If you’re not sure whether your GM vehicle is one of the affected cars, you can check using OnStar online VIN finder.
With the discontinuation of the 2G network, several OnStar services under the Safety & Security Plan will not be available for these older GM vehicles, namely Automatic Crash Response, Stolen Vehicle Assistance and Turn-by-Turn Navigation. The Remote Key Fob service under the Essentials Plan will also not be available.
According to the GM Authority, the affected member’s monthly subscription fee will be reduced. Billing changes will be effective on January 1, 2023.
Other OnStar services are still accessible to owners of these older GM vehicles. OnStar Active Members will be able to use key services by contacting an OnStar Advisor at 1.888.4ONSTAR. These services include Roadside Assistance, Crisis Assist, or Emergency Services.
Services can also be accessed via the OnStar Guardian app, which is included in the Safety & Security Package and OnStar Guardian. Location Status and Mobile Crash Response can also be accessed through the app.
