Onstar 3G/4G question

[yukontruckman]

Hello,

I am interested in a 2015 Yukon SLT. I found one locally configured the way I want.

My research has found that the 2015 3G Onstar utilizes Verizon and the new 2015i 4G Onstar utilizes ATT. I don't really have a need for the 4G hotspot feature, but want to make sure I don't purchase something that is going to be obsolete.

Verizon plans to phase out 3G service in or around 2021. I have no idea if that would include their Onstar commitments. We do plan to keep the truck at least 6 years so I don't want to lose the Onstar service at some point or reduce the resale value in the event we go to sell or trade it in 6 years.

Do you think this a legitimate concern or am I thinking too far ahead? I would prefer to get a 2015 now, but would wait the 8-10 weeks to order a 2015i if I absolutely had to.

 

[Lyon]

I think your concern about obsolescence is well founded. The pre-LTE version of OnStar actually runs on Verizon's 2G (not 3G) network. This worked fine because there isn't much in the way of bandwidth required to perform the tasks OnStar has traditionally performed. For a while GM has offered a separate 3G hotspot system for some of its SUVs and Trucks but that operates a separate cellular connection outside of OnStar's connection. Now that OnStar is providing the hotspot hardware and connection, they've had to increase bandwidth to LTE.

I fully expect 3G to be with us for a number of years but 2G is more concerning. That said, CDMA (Verizon's 2G network) is the backbone of their claimed superiority when it comes to making voice calls over cellular. Heck, the iPhone 6 I ordered early this morning still has CDMA in it.

My advice? If you can wait, wait. If you NEED transportation now buy it now... but really try and nail them on price. Any vehicles on the lot are a little bit like last year's model at this point. It's not as marked a difference as it would be if you were looking at the Denali but there are still a number of new options on the SLTs for 2015i.

Source.

 

[Tahoe14]

There is a 3G kit listed at 2015 Tahoe accessories, part#22871071, for approx. $500.00. Should also apply to GMC. You can take a look online and see if it applies. Good luck.

 

[Lyon]

There is a 3G kit listed at 2015 Tahoe accessories, part#22871071, for approx. $500.00. Should also apply to GMC. You can take a look online and see if it applies. Good luck.

My understanding is that kit creates a hot spot in your car so passengers can use internet connected devices but it won't allow an older, 2G, OnStar system to connect to OnStar? The new LTE system provides both functionalities.

 

[yukontruckman]

Thanks for the reply Lyon. It appears GM started installing the 4G Onstar ahead of the 2015i update.

According to GM, any Yukon built after 9/8/14 has the upgrade.

Link below, click vehicle availability/GMC/

https://www.onstar.com/us/en/4glte/

I need the vehicle sooner than later, so best case scenario I find one "in transit" to a dealer that was built after 9/8/14.

 

[Lyon]

Thanks for the reply Lyon. It appears GM started installing the 4G Onstar ahead of the 2015i update.

According to GM, any Yukon built after 9/8/14 has the upgrade.

Link below, click vehicle availability/GMC/

https://www.onstar.com/us/en/4glte/

I need the vehicle sooner than later, so best case scenario I find one "in transit" to a dealer that was built after 9/8/14.

Excellent sleuthing! Make sure the vehicle you find lists the RPO code for the Onstar LTE, VV4, before buying. Most car salesmen don't really know a damn thing about the product they're selling and will simply tell you what they think you want to hear about the vehicle. There should be a sticker inside the glovebox lid that lists all the RPO codes for that specific car; if it's not on that sticker, it's not on that car.

 

[yukontruckman]

Excellent sleuthing! Make sure the vehicle you find lists the RPO code for the Onstar LTE, VV4, before buying. Most car salesmen don't really know a damn thing about the product they're selling and will simply tell you what they think you want to hear about the vehicle. There should be a sticker inside the glovebox lid that lists all the RPO codes for that specific car; if it's not on that sticker, it's not on that car.

Thanks for the tip. Now the hunt begins...

 

[Niner]

Thanks for the info!!

 

[mickeyk]

Thanks for the reply Lyon. It appears GM started installing the 4G Onstar ahead of the 2015i update.

According to GM, any Yukon built after 9/8/14 has the upgrade.

Link below, click vehicle availability/GMC/

https://www.onstar.com/us/en/4glte/

I need the vehicle sooner than later, so best case scenario I find one "in transit" to a dealer that was built after 9/8/14.

This is a rip off for them to charge us for something that we thought was already there. The wi-fi hotspot was one of the reasons I purchased my 2015 Yukon. The salesman said it was already on there and after I purchased it, I find out it is not there and if I want it it now I have to $500 for it.....I am so mad

 

[yukontruckman]

This is a rip off for them to charge us for something that we thought was already there. The wi-fi hotspot was one of the reasons I purchased my 2015 Yukon. The salesman said it was already on there and after I purchased it, I find out it is not there and if I want it it now I have to $500 for it.....I am so mad

I believe the Wifi hotspot was always advertised as "late availability". Sadly, many salesman don't know enough about the vehicles they sell.

If you are in need of a Wifi hotspot you should check with your cellular provider. Most smartphones (iPhones, Samsung's, etc.) have hotspot capabilities now.

 

[tquick67675]

This is a rip off for them to charge us for something that we thought was already there. The wi-fi hotspot was one of the reasons I purchased my 2015 Yukon. The salesman said it was already on there and after I purchased it, I find out it is not there and if I want it it now I have to $500 for it.....I am so mad

Yep, they got me too! I was also told that an update would come for the Intellilink to make it app capable and have heard that isn't true as well. My vehicle is a Co Vehicle and two others execs bought theirs on the same understanding. Starting a letter writing campaign. Probably won't do a lot of good...

 

[Terrell2014]

the cost of the data plan for these in vehicle offerings is pretty steep. Limited data and high cost. I use my verizon hotspot my company gives me (unlimited data). On a side note, I too was told my GMC 2015 Yukon SLE had this feature, and well, ummmm shocked sales guy was like Oh? Really, I um- yeah, Hey, Lift gate button. Look at that.


They are WORTHLESS

 

[Anon2015]

"I believe the Wifi hotspot was always advertised as "late availability". Sadly, many salesman don't know enough about the vehicles they sell. "

That may not entirely be the salesman's problem. First GM says "in the 2015 model year OnStar goes to AT&T". Second, and some what later, they say late availability for 4G LTE. Meanwhile, the accessories book "May 2014" has a WiFi accessory (no mention of 3G or 4G) for 2015 Yukons. The Order Workbench also had a WiFi option for 2015 Yukons. If one tried to order it, the order was rejected "because they were not available but the kit could be ordered later". OnStar (in writing) was telling those who'd care to ask, that it would certainly be possible to add 4G LTE to the early '15s once the module became available. In the end, it wasn't until late April when dealers starting getting their training the misinformation from GM, production, parts, and OnStar was corrected.

In defense of the sales person (and a consumer), if you have a WiFi accessory for a 2015 vehicle on the Order Workbench, in the accessories catalog and the online accessories listing, AND you're saying WiFi 4G LTE in 2015 models, what kind of assumptions are salespeople going to make. (Yeah, I know about the Ass-U-Me saying.)

Now for Tquick67675...really bad news dude. If your AT&T mobile (cellular) service is an individual or family account...no problem. You can add the data service to your current AT&T pricing and share plan. If however you have a business account, you're in deep dodo. AT&T will not add the 4G LTE in your GM vehicle to your business account. (rather silly don't you think?) If you start to consider the business uses for WiFi in your trucks it's really a poor move on AT&T's part. (Someone in AT&T 'suggested' this was due to an incompatibility in their billing systems. I guess they don't pay attention to their own press releases giving them an 18 month lead time to address those problems.)