Community Forums

John66 · 08-25-2005, 06:34 AM

Hello, we've been discussing analog TV going away 'next year', but I just found out that analog cellular may not be far behind.

'The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that wireless carriers will no longer be required to support the analog wireless network beginning in 2008.' (from OnStar's website)

This seems to imply that if you have an analog phone wired into your vehicle, it may no longer be supported. Also, as analog currently has more range and better coverage in the boonies than digital, areas which have coverage now may not in the future.

I don't know if or when the cellular companies will stop supporting analog usage, but OnStar says they will stop supporting it on Jan 1, 2008. And they claim that if you have an analog only Onstar (as does my 2004 motorhome), it will not work and cannot be replaced...

John66 · 08-25-2005, 06:34 AM

Hello, we've been discussing analog TV going away 'next year', but I just found out that analog cellular may not be far behind.

'The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that wireless carriers will no longer be required to support the analog wireless network beginning in 2008.' (from OnStar's website)

This seems to imply that if you have an analog phone wired into your vehicle, it may no longer be supported. Also, as analog currently has more range and better coverage in the boonies than digital, areas which have coverage now may not in the future.

I don't know if or when the cellular companies will stop supporting analog usage, but OnStar says they will stop supporting it on Jan 1, 2008. And they claim that if you have an analog only Onstar (as does my 2004 motorhome), it will not work and cannot be replaced...

Zimectrin · 08-25-2005, 07:05 AM

John,

Our Cell serevice is a lot of the time analog and we have noticed the coverage is getting less.

Our old AT&T digital(TDMA??) is also getting spotty. Cingular says we need to migrate to GSM. Have been told we may not be happy with GSM, so we are going to try Verizon.

Route 66 · 08-25-2005, 07:06 AM

John,

Perhaps your MH cannot be upgraded, but some vehicles can. I have a 2004 GMC Yukon, and it can be upgraded by a GMC dealer. There is no charge for the upgrade, but you must extend your contract for 3 years. Not cheap, but it will enable OnStar to work beyond 2007.

John66 · 08-25-2005, 12:27 PM

Dirk, there are allegedly 3 OnStar systems currently in service. Gen 4, which I seem to have, is analog only, and cannot be upgraded
'because the wires are completely different'. Gen 5 is analog, but can be upgraded to digital as you mention. Gen 6 already has digital capabilities and does not need any upgrades.