DETROIT, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- OnStar Hands-Free Calling, the voice- activated in-vehicle safety and security communications system for OnStar subscribers, is now available throughout Alaska with the help of Alaska Communication Systems (ACS). Originally launched in August 2001, OnStar subscribers today are purchasing over 27 million wireless minutes each month through OnStar Hands-Free Calling. OnStar Hands-Free Calling is now available to most of OnStar's current subscribers as well as all future subscribers that purchase a new OnStar equipped vehicle in the state of Alaska. Any OnStar subscriber with a 2001 or later OnStar-equipped vehicle need only to push the blue OnStar button in their vehicles to confirm they have a local number in their OnStar system. All new OnStar subscribers receive 30 complimentary calling minutes to experience OnStar Hands-Free Calling for two months after they purchase their new vehicle. New subscribers can activate Hands-Free Calling at the same time they activate their OnStar safety and security system during the sales delivery process. "At OnStar we are always working towards enhancing our services and providing a safe alternative for our subscribers to make and receive calls from the road," said Tony DiSalle, vice president of OnStar Sales, Service and Marketing. "OnStar is committed to being the industry leader in providing its customers safety, security and peace of mind while traveling in their OnStar equipped vehicle." OnStar Hands-Free Calling gives you: * Voice-activated dialing to keep your eyes on the road and your hands on the wheel * Programmable nametags that allow you to store and speed dial frequently called numbers * In areas of limited reception, OnStar provides superior range to keep customers connected * A safe and easy way to stay connected while driving OnStar's enhanced 3-watt system and external antenna results in a connection more powerful than a standard hand-held phone. Also, OnStar Hands- Free Calling can be used throughout the United States and Canada. Hands-Free Calling talk time can be purchased through PrePaid Minute Packages with no additional long distance or roaming charges, no recurring monthly fees, and no extra equipment to purchase. Subscribers can purchase additional OnStar Hands-Free Calling minutes day or night, any day of the week, simply by contacting OnStar through the Phone button. About OnStar by GM OnStar, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors, is the nation's leading provider of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services using wireless technology and the Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite network. OnStar is available on more than 50 GM models for 2005. Over the next several years, OnStar Service will become a standard feature for one year for GM's retail customers in the United States and Canada, covering all segments and prices except for some commercial vehicles. OnStar safety and security services include automatic notification of air bag deployment, stolen vehicle location assistance, emergency services, roadside assistance, remote door unlock, and GM Goodwrench remote vehicle diagnostics. OnStar Hands-Free Calling allows drivers to make and receive hands-free, voice-activated calls from their vehicle. Hands free calling requires a Hands Free Calling Enabled Vehicle, existing OnStar service contract and prepaid calling minutes. More information about OnStar can be found at http://www.onstar.com/ . About Alaska Communications Systems ACS is the leading integrated communications provider in Alaska, offering local telephone service, wireless, long distance, data, and Internet services to business and residential customers throughout Alaska. More information can be found on the company's website at http://www.acsalaska.com/ or at its investor site at http://www.alsk.com/ . DATASOURCE: OnStar CONTACT: Anne Mittelstaedt of OnStar Communications, +1-313-667-0874, cell: +1-248-515-2512, Web site: http://media.gm.com/ http://www.gm.com/ http://www.onstar.com/ http://www.acsalaska.com/ http://www.alsk.com/

Copyright