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OnStar and Verizon Wireless Offer Shared Minutes


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