Unless they changed something, you will not lose your Bluetooth connectivity or hands-free calling when you stop your on star subscription . I did not extend beyond the trial period and I still use both of these functions. You will have to pair your cellphone to the vehicle and set it up, but that's a relatively easy process.

 

We cancelled our OnStar service, and the handsfree/bluetooth phone phone connection still works as it did before. Our SRX is a 2011 model (no Cue), but I would imagine that yours would be similar.

 

I don't have On Star and my Bluetooth works fine.

 

My Bluetooth works fine... No On Star.....

 

The hands free including the Bluetooth pairing are a VCIM which is separate from CUE. The VCIM is a communication interface module that has a built in cellular phone and an antenna built into the vehicle. Without OnStar, you will not use the built in cellular phone, but instead rely upon your own cell phone and it's antenna. For that reason, the OnStar cellular connection is superior to your cell phone in your pocket in fringe areas.

I use my cell phone all of the time paired to the VCIM saving the OnStar minutes for emergencies. Connectivity is usually very reliable except for very rural areas where cell towers may be a long way away. A few years ago, OnStar used the analog cellular network for the greater range. They converted to digital as primary because of the demise of the analog network. I believe the current VCIM's supporting the Verizon cellular network continue to be hybrid. The new OnStar on the AT&T network may be digital only but I have not seen information to that detail.

 

OK, thanks. I had only one use for OnStar the entire 1st year we've had our SRX (slide-off in ND) and while being able to talk to the advisor was conforting, their "roadside assistance" was of no help getting a tow truck called in such a remote area (lack of contracted service providers in that local). I understand that OnStar's (VCIM?) "built-in" cellular system is more reliable than my lowly Tracfone, but not enough to make a difference to me. Everything else OnStar offers I can (and have been for decades) living without. My phone connects via bluetooth no problem and its nice to be able to call a contact through it using the CUE's hands-free voice recognition.

I'll be pushing the little blue button soon to NOT renew OnStar.

 

I gave up on OnStar too. I do 99% city driving so I doubt I would ever need even Safe & Sound in a wreck because somebody is going to see me. It's only a matter of time before somebody write an app for your cell phone that taps into your accelerometer and determines that sufficient G forces are at play to warrant a 911 automatic call. It may already exist!

I have an app that will take a photo out your front window (or where ever you have your phone mounted) when G forces exceed a certain value). Nice for insurance purposes should their be an accident.

 

Ford has an "app" for this built into the car:

http://support.ford.com/sync-technology/911-assist-overview-sync

Calls 911 if airbags deploy or if emergency fuel shutoff occurs. Of course it uses your cell phone and not a magic phone in the sky...

 

That interested me on the Lincoln MKX when I was comparing before the purchase of my SRX. I like the feature to call emergency without subscribing to OnStar, but wondered what the system reported and how effective it was without an agent talking with the police. It cannot remotely unlock or shut down the Lincoln if it is stolen.