OnStar and Verizon Offer Shared Minutes
OnStar, the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety,
security and information services, and Verizon recently
announced a partnership that will allow Verizon Family Share
Plan customers to share their cell phone's wireless minutes
with OnStar's Hands-Free Calling at a lesser charge than
applied previously, while providing the convenience and
simplicity of receiving only one bill.
Now
available, any OnStar digitally-equipped vehicle can be
added to a Verizon Wireless Family Share Plan, which start
at a monthly price of $69.99 and include 700 minutes. The
Family Share Plans, which include unlimited Night and Weekend
Minutes and Verizon-to-Verizon calling, offer multiple line
pricing. The average number of minutes used in the wireless
industry by consumers is 600, according to Dave Dau of OnStar.
In
an attempt to maximize digital opportunity and increase
subscriber revenue, GM's OnStar is also increasing basic
customer interaction with the OnStar program. Boasting safety
and convenience benefits, Hands-Free Calling uses voice-activated
dialing while providing added range and reception. Although
cell phones and cars will be equipped with separate phone
numbers, calls can be forwarded and/or transferred to the
vehicle or wireless phone whenever needed. Verizon billing
statements will be itemized to show both cell phone and
OnStar Hands-Free Calling minutes.
To
enroll, OnStar subscribers must have a digital vehicle,
labeled Generation 6 or newer. These vehicles can be identified
by an OnStar window sticker that reads "Analog-Digital."
Verizon customers must also be in a digital market (currently
occupying 86 percent of the U.S. marketplace) and also have
a Verizon Wireless digital cell phone and minimum one-year
Verizon Wireless contract.
Once
enrolled, Verizon will add the vehicle to a Family Share
Plan and minutes can be shared as soon as the vehicle is
activated, usually within 24 hours.
For
more information, OnStar subscribers can call 888-4-OnStar
or press their Blue OnStar button to speak with an advisor.
About
Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless is the nation's leading provider of wireless
communications. The company has the largest nationwide wireless
voice and data network and 40 million customers. Headquartered
in Bedminster, NJ, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of
Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) and Vodafone (NYSE and
LSE: VOD). Find more information on the Web at www.verizonwireless.com.
To receive broadcast-quality video footage of Verizon Wireless
operations, log onto www.thenewsmarket.com.
About
OnStar
OnStar, available on more than 50 models from General Motors
and select models from six other auto manufacturers, is
the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security
and information services using the Global Positioning System
(GPS) satellite network and wireless technology. OnStar
services include automatic notification of air bag deployment,
stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services,
roadside assistance with location, remote door unlock, GM
Goodwrench remote vehicle diagnostics, route support and
convenience services. OnStar Personal Calling allows drivers
to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated phone calls
through a nationwide cellular network and access a wide
range of other information services. Additional information
is available at www.onstar.com
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