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June 08, 2005 -- OnStar
by GM is widely recognized for its safety, security, peace
of mind service and also offers hands-free voice-activated
calling service for OnStar subscribers. The OnStar Personal
Calling system is embedded in the vehicle, and is available
just in case your cell phone is lost, forgotten or has a
low battery. The hands-free calling feature provides a distinctive
value proposition with no access fees, roaming or long distance
charges, and the minutes are purchased through prepaid packages.
"We're
encouraged by the tremendous growth we're seeing with the
use of OnStar Personal Calling, and the increase in subscriber
call volume," said Tony Lent, Vice President OnStar
Wireless. "Our calling service helps reinforce the
commitment to the in-vehicle safety and security of our
subscribers, because OnStar Personal Calling allows subscribers
to keep their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road."
Each
OnStar-equipped vehicle has its own phone number, and the
number can be used for both outgoing and incoming calls.
On new OnStar-equipped vehicles the first 30 minutes are
complimentary and good for two months from vehicle delivery.
After those initial complimentary minutes are used, additional
Personal Calling minutes can be purchased in prepaid packages,
good for 12 months. When the OnStar subscriber purchases
a new OnStar-equipped vehicle, any unused minutes can be
transferred as well as the phone number to their next OnStar-equipped
vehicle.
Over
1.5 million subscribers have bought an OnStar Personal Calling
minute package since the service was launched in the fall
of 1996. In addition, on a monthly basis OnStar subscribers
make over seven million calls a month with OnStar Personal
Calling.
Another
hands-free option that is offered is the America's Choice
Plan with OnStar. Verizon Wireless' America's Choice Plan
with OnStar lets subscribers use their Verizon Wireless
plan minutes and receive a single bill from Verizon Wireless.
With the America's Choice Plan subscribers can make calls
outside the vehicle using their Verizon Wireless hand held
phone and when making calls from inside the vehicle using
the embedded OnStar calling system. This plan is available
in Verizon Wireless markets and on most vehicles equipped
with OnStar digital technology. Subscribers must have both
an OnStar subscription and Verizon wireless contract.
General
Motors recently announced that OnStar will be a standard
feature for retail customers in the United States and Canada,
covering all segments and prices except for some commercial
vehicles. Only GM offers a full range of cars, trucks and
SUVs that provide safety protection before, during and thanks
to OnStar, after vehicle collisions. | 
