Preparing for the Upgrade to 3G and 4G Services
OnStar, the in-vehicle safety and security system offered by General Motors, is ending its 2G service on December 31, 2020. This means that millions of GM vehicle owners will no longer be able to use certain features of OnStar, such as remote start, door unlock, and theft alarm notification, unless they take action to upgrade to the newer 3G or 4G service.
The reason for the discontinuation of 2G service is that the cellular network technology used by OnStar 2G is being phased out by the wireless carriers. In order to continue providing reliable and secure service, OnStar must upgrade to newer technology.
For GM vehicle owners, the end of OnStar 2G service may seem like a nuisance, but it is actually an opportunity to take advantage of the many new features and capabilities that come with the 3G and 4G service. Some of these include:
Faster response times for emergency services
Improved location accuracy for stolen vehicle tracking
More robust security for personal data
Over-the-air updates for software and maps
In-vehicle Wi-Fi hotspot
Remote access to vehicle diagnostics and status
To upgrade to the newer OnStar service, GM vehicle owners will need to purchase a new OnStar Hardware Kit, which can be installed by a certified OnStar technician or a qualified GM dealer. The cost of the hardware kit will vary depending on the vehicle model and the level of service selected.
In addition to upgrading the hardware, GM vehicle owners will also need to activate a new OnStar service plan. There are several plan options available, including a Basic Plan that provides emergency services and stolen vehicle assistance, as well as a variety of Connected Services plans that offer additional features such as remote access and in-vehicle Wi-Fi.
Overall, the end of OnStar 2G service may seem like an inconvenience for GM vehicle owners, but it is actually an opportunity to take advantage of the many new and improved features of the 3G and 4G service. By upgrading to the newer service, GM vehicle owners can ensure that they continue to enjoy the benefits of OnStar, such as safety and security, even as the cellular network technology evolves.