The Onstar System – The End of The Analog Network

Posted on 02. Jan, 2008 by Ryan in 2000-2009

The Onstar System, a telematics system owned by General Motors has been in use with Saab automobiles beginning in model year 2001. January 1st, 2008 marks the end of the use of this analog system for a number of Saab customers that have enjoyed their Onstar system in their Saabs.

I have recently placed a call directly to the Saab Customer Assistance Center in order to give us more clarification on which models are affected and which are not. As a result of this call, I have received the following information:

In 2002, the FCC decided to end the use of the analog network which immediately affected industries that used this technology such as General Motor’s Onstar system.

I have also requested information pertaining to what year and model Saabs were effected, however, the computer system that this center uses is designed only to look at your vehicle identification number or VIN. Given that I was not prepared to read from a list of millions of VIN #’s over the phone to the representative that I did not have, in order to get a quick rundown summary of what’s affected, I did not get as far as I would have preferred.

What I have been able to figure out thanks to the knowledgeable folks at New Salem Saab’s sales department, includes the following helpful summary:

Update: I have just received a corrected and more concise version of this listing from Saab Automobile USA who visited this site recenty. Thank you to their product manager for setting the record straight!

2000-2004 – Saab 9-3s and 9-5s used analog only.
2005-2006 – Saab 9-5s used digital, 9-7x used digital, 9-3s and 9-2xs were not equipped with onstar
2007-2008 – Saab Saab 9-3s, 9-5s, 9-7x that came with Onstar were 100% digital.

2001 – Saab 9-3 & 9-5s used analog only.
2002 – Saab 9-3 & 9-5s used analog only.
2003 – Saab 9-3 convertibles, 9-3 sport sedans & all 9-5s used analog only as an option.
2004 – Saab 9-3s & 9-5s used analog only.
2005 – Saab 9-3s, 9-5s used analog, 9-7x used digital, 9-2x were not equipped with Onstar
2006 – Saab 9-3s, 9-5s used analog, 9-7x used digital, 9-2x were not equipped with Onstar
2007 – Saab 9-3s, 9-5s & 9-7xs that came with Onstar were 100% digital
2008 – Saab 9-3s, 9-5s & 9-7xs that come with Onstar are 100% digital

This information in concert with the information below from GM’s Onstar website should bring clarity to this matter. Of course, don’t hesitate to call Saab’s Customer Service Center to verify your VIN # as well for confirmation.

According to the Onstar website, there are three types of Onstar systems:

All OnStar-equipped vehicles have one of three types of equipment, based on wireless network technologies:

* Analog-Only:
OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog-only equipment were designed to operate only on the analog wireless network and cannot be upgraded to operate on the digital network. Vehicles with this equipment will no longer be able to receive OnStar services beginning January 1, 2008. At that time, service will be available only through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment. Analog-only vehicles cannot be upgraded to digital equipment.

* Analog/Digital-Ready:
OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog/digital-ready equipment operate on the analog wireless network, but can be upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment if available for that vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service will not be available on these vehicles unless the OnStar equipment has been upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.

* Dual-Mode (Analog/Digital):
OnStar-equipped vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment operate on both the analog and digital wireless networks and will not require an upgrade in connection with the wireless industry’s transition to the digital network.

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