OnStar transitioned to digital service with the help of data transport technology developed by Airbiquity, but warned customers who could not be upgraded to digital that their service would permanently expire on January 1, 2008.

In April 2007, MapQuest announced a partnership with General Motors ' OnStar that will allow OnStar subscribers to plan their driving routes on MapQuest. com and send their destination right to OnStar's turn-by-turn navigation service.

OnStar, formerly unavailable on the Grand Prix, was made standard on GTP, optional only on GT.

OnStar now an option on GTP.

GM's optional OnStar system available was standard this year uses a dedicated button on the cellular telephone putting drivers in contact with an information center that can provide them with emergency assistance.

" This offered the choice between OnStar, rear DVD entertainment, or ( on sedans ) a power sunroof at no extra charge.

OnStar became standard on LT models and LS models with the new Z71 package.

New features included a new exterior and interior design, charcoal perforated leatherette seating surfaces, OnStar and standard on all models, available XM Satellite Radio, available leather-wrapped steering wheel wand shift knob are now included with perforated leatherette seating surface option, Driver Information Center with outside temperature display and fuel economy / driving range function, new 15 " 5-spoke aluminum wheels, GM Oil Life Monitoring System, ECOTEC 1. 6L DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder MFI engine with Variable Valve Timing and Dual Continuous Variable Cam Phasing ( 107 hp @ 6400 rpm, of torque @ 3800 rpm ), 5-speed manual transmission to include shift indicator light.

* 1998 MY-Available Stabilitrak all-wheel-drive system, power sliding doors and available OnStar were options on all models.

A new aftermarket interior rear-view mirror with a built-in OnStar module, branded as OnStar FMV, became available to the public on July 24, 2011.

The OnStar service relies on CDMA mobile phone voice and data communication, primarily via Verizon Wireless in the United States and Bell Mobility in Canada, as well as location information using GPS technology.

From 2002 to 2005, OnStar service was available on vehicles produced by Acura, Audi, Isuzu, Subaru and Volkswagen through a licensing agreement.

The GMAC Insurance Low-Mileage Discount is an innovative program offered to OnStar subscribers in 34 states, where those who drive less pay less on their auto insurance.

Eligible active OnStar subscribers sign up to save on their premiums if they drive less than 15, 000 miles annually.

Under the program, new GMAC Insurance customers receive an automatic insurance discount of approximately 26 percent upon enrollment ( existing OnStar customers receive a discount based on historical mileage ).

OnStar has 24-hour emergency call centers in Warren, Michigan, Charlotte, North Carolina and Ontario, Canada, and other call centers in Makati, Philippines and Oshawa, Ontario.

In 1996, GM North America Operations President Rick Wagoner officially launched OnStar at the Chicago Auto Show.

In North America, a similar service is available by GM via their OnStar service.

Prominent ACN systems include OnStar AACN service, Ford Link's 911 Assist, Toyota's Safety Connect, Lexus Link, or BMW Assist.

Use of digital / analog trimode ( two digital bands and one analog band ) technology allowed the 2005 RL OnStar technology to survive the planned 2007 phase-out of the analog OnStar to fully digital OnStar service.

In September 2011 the president of OnStar stated that the service had more than six million customers.

The OnStar service allows users to contact OnStar call centers during an emergency.

OnStar delivered its first product and service to the market in 11 months, in the fall of 1996 for model year 1997 Cadillac DeVille, Cadillac Seville and Cadillac Eldorado models.

In April 2006, GM notified approximately 500, 000 of their OnStar customers who had analog service that their service would be terminated effective December 31, 2007, because starting February 18, 2008 the Federal Communications Commission ( FCC ) would no longer require US cell phone systems to operate in analog mode.

A law firm in Pennsylvania representing some of the affected customers sought to have a class certified for a class action lawsuit for damages claimed in the cancellation of OnStar service.

In 2000, GM produced a series of Batman OnStar commercials that featured Batman ( using the Batmobile and props from the 1989 film ) using the service to call people, access his mail, navigate to certain locations, and to unlock the Batmobile.

The 5. 3 L engine was dropped for 2005 and the OnStar system was upgraded.

In the 1990s, Motorola ’ s technology was the driving force behind intelligent power switches for anti-lock brake systems, one of the first microelectromechanical systems ( MEMS ) inertial sensor for automotive airbags, and Motorola ’ s MPC5200 microprocessor deployed telematic systems for General Motors ’ OnStar systems.

Also included was a 2. 25 inch exhaust system with a Chrome-tip pipe that allowed for a more aggressive exhaust note from the tailpipe and GM's OnStar System.

Drivers and passengers can use its audio interface to contact OnStar representatives for emergency services, vehicle diagnostics and directions.

OnStar subscribers may be eligible for anti-theft and low mileage insurance discounts.

Also, with certain insurance companies ( for example, GMAC Insurance ) and with subscriber permission, OnStar will send the insurance company the vehicle's odometer reading every month.

It is theoretically possible for OnStar to be remotely activated by malicious third parties or under government order.

In its document of privacy practices, OnStar states that it is not possible for them to listen to or monitor conversations in a car without the knowledge of the occupant.

According to Chief Marketing Officer Sam Mancuso, the campaign was designed to change how people view OnStar, “ It ’ s not about waiting for something to happen but something people can use every day .”

GM is currently deploying OnStar Generation 9 hardware that includes enhanced services and diagnostics and the ability to use the mobile application, RemoteLink, which allows a subscriber to perform many functions without the need for calling into the OnStar centre.

OnStar hardware is currently only manufactured by LG Electronics as of 2011, although early models were made by Hughes for Gen 1, Delphi, for Gen 2 and Motorola for Gen 4 to Gen 6.

* OnStar official website for the United States

* OnStar official website for Canada

The OnStar Virtual Advisor was developed at this time as well for General Motors.

The OnStar assets were turned over to EDS to run for General Motors.

Information sent from OnStar to GMAC Insurance pertains solely to mileage, and no additional data is gathered or used for any purpose other than to help manage transportation costs.