[Janner]

Instead of burying this within some of the existing threads, I'm posting this on it's own. I have talked several times with a dealership concierge. He has contacted the corporate trainer and has provided me the following information. He has texted me a few photos of documentation but said he is not supposed to share that --- and that is is subject to change. So instead of sharing the exact photos, I am including the info manually. Again, subject to change but it is provided from corporate.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ascent w/STARLINK Safety & Security Plus:

• Uses smartphone, tablet or computer
• Can be started from anywhere if vehicle is within AT&T's service range.
• Can also set:
• --- Temperature
• --- Heated Seats
• --- Fan Speed
• --- Defrost

VS

Ascent w/ OCY Accessory

• Uses separate key fob
• Can only be started from within fob's range

*Additional comments:

• the phone AND the car must both be within AT&T's range.
  
• This is only available on the packages that have the push button start.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remote Engine Start Pricing


Ascent w/STARLINK Safety & Security Plus Introductory Pricing: (PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE)


Monthly: 4.95
3 Years: 74.95
4 Years: 149.90
5 Years: 224.90
6 Years: 299.90
7 Years: 374.90


Starting with the Ascent, subscriptions can be added to a lease, financed or paid for by credit card

VS

Ascent w/ OCY Accessory Pricing

• Indefinite - $411 (if port installed. More if retailer installed)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

STARLINK Safety & Security Plus also includes:

• Remote Engine Start with Climate Control / Heated Seats
• Stolen Vehicle Recovery Plus Stolen Vehicle Immobilizer
• Remote Vehicle Locator
• SOS Emergency Assistance
• Vehicle Security Alarm Notification
• Service Appointment Scheduler
• Curfew Alert
• Speed Alert
• Boundary Alert
• Remote Lock
• Remote Unlock
• Remote Horn/Lights
• Vehicle Health Report
• Advanced Automatic Collision Notification
• Enhanced Roadside Assistance
• Maintenance Notifications
• Diagnostic Alerts
• Vehicle Condition Check

 

[LMPDX]

So your guy is still saying you don’t need the accessory remote start?

 

[Janner]

He's basically confirmed with corporate that you do NOT need the remote start. You do need a push button start and the subscription package and AT&T cell service availability. The info I posted above shows 2 options - 1 versus the other. It doesn't indicate that you need the remote installed in the printed documentation and again, the corporate trainer confirmed this.

 

[Nemesis099]

Instead of burying this within some of the existing threads, I'm posting this on it's own. I have talked several times with a dealership concierge. He has contacted the corporate trainer and has provided me the following information. He has texted me a few photos of documentation but said he is not supposed to share that --- and that is is subject to change. So instead of sharing the exact photos, I am including the info manually. Again, subject to change but it is provided from corporate.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ascent w/STARLINK Safety & Security Plus:

• Uses smartphone, tablet or computer
• Can be started from anywhere if vehicle is within AT&T's service range.
• Can also set:
• --- Temperature
• --- Heated Seats
• --- Fan Speed
• --- Defrost

*Additional comments:

• the phone AND the car must both be within AT&T's range.
  
• This is only available on the packages that have the push button start.

Hmm wonder if can set the ventilated seat as well in the Touring? Also why does the phone have to be within range of AT&T? I would think the phone/tablet just has be connected to the internet.


Anyone have an idea on what the AT&T Starlink internet access will cost and if you need to have a Starlink plan to use it?

 

[LMPDX]

I contacted AT&T because they’re my provider. They said I could add the car to my share plan for $10 a month or make the car unlimited for $20 a month. Plus applicable taxes of course.

As far as being connected to AT&T for the remote start to work I think that means the car can’t be in an AT&T “dead zone”.

 

[Janner]

Maybe back east, a dead zone isn't that common but in many of the areas I travel, different services do a better or worse job with coverage. I have Verizon because it tends to have better coverage in many of the off road areas I visit. My concierge has a cabin located in an area that he gets no AT&T cell service for his phone. His car has a bigger antenna and does get service. But since his phone can't connect, he couldn't initiate the remote start and for him, the fob is a better choice for this property. If you never experience an AT&T dead zone, then no worries on that front.

 

[Skaunit]

So, starlink uses AT&T’s Cell network, that much I get. Do you have to also have an At&T account to add the car to and pay for monthly access on top of the starlink payment? Do you have to have cell service through At&T? I feel dumb asking this and can’t imagine it’s actually the case but I just want to be clear.

Can you have Verizon as your cell provider and still use starlink safety and security to access all those features listed, as long as you don’t want the multimedia option with internet access?

 

[Burutoo]

Janner,

Thanks for sharing this information. It's in direct conflict from what SOA customer service told me today so I'm still not sure who to believe.
Good info regardless.

 

[Janner]

That's the reason I wanted documentation and honestly, I have 3 SOA slides that say exactly what I typed and say "versus" - you choose one option or the other. None of the slides say you have to do both and the pricing slide specifically shows choosing one option versus the other and cost to the consumer. The concierge went to what he thought was "the top" - the corporate office trainer. I'm still considering what to do because I know some areas I go to are AT&T dead zones. Oh well, I waited to post until what I thought was fairly reliable info. Guess everyone still isn't on the same page.

 

[Burutoo]

Talk about timing: I just got this message from Melissa at Berman:
"I can confirm - you do not need the remote start accessory to be installed from the factory if you intend to start it from your phone app - you will need to purchase an upgraded Starlink Package when the Ascent arrives to access that feature."

I still don't know what to do - should I just get the accessory remote start added from the factory and have the option to remote start in several ways? Or just utilize the startlink app. Assuming the above pricing is accurate I can get 6 years of that service for about the same cost as the accessory remote start option.

Janner, were you the one that removed the accessory from your order already?

 

[Trey T]

Talk about timing: I just got this message from Melissa at Berman:
"I can confirm - you do not need the remote start accessory to be installed from the factory if you intend to start it from your phone app - you will need to purchase an upgraded Starlink Package when the Ascent arrives to access that feature."

I still don't know what to do - should I just get the accessory remote start added from the factory and have the option to remote start in several ways? Or just utilize the startlink app. Assuming the above pricing is accurate I can get 6 years of that service for about the same cost as the accessory remote start option.

Janner, were you the one that removed the accessory from your order already?

Conceptually, I prefer control via hardware (key fob) over software (app) when it comes to automation.

 

[Burutoo]

Conceptually, I prefer control via hardware (key fob) over software (app) when it comes to automation.

Yah, that's why i'm torn. If it works as described it should be great and convenient. It's if it doesn't then I'll wish i got the hardware redundancy. My fear is regarding the need for AT&T service - I don't trust it very much locally.

 

[Janner]

Yes, I removed it - and I'm still debating. Got my confirmation letter today too. The reality for me is the phone is going to be more convenient than carrying around an extra fob. I like to travel light and an extra fob would probably be offloaded if I didn't use it daily. I know if it was a major inconvenience, it could be added on later. I added on my remote start to my Outback 15. At least this way, a few less dollars to finance.

 

[adee]

So AT&T connection for car is required over and above Subaru's subscription cost

 

[Trey T]

Get it and don't have high hopes for it. I mean, no body will know until they try it, particularly w/ cellular signal coverage at a given location.

 

[Trey T]

Right now, OEM RS (app or accessory) is not for me. The lack of key takeover is a deal-breaker. I was an alarm/RS installed for many years and I know they have key takeover (at least 45sec), keeping the engine running after door open.

If I buy an Ascent and install an aftermarket RS, I'll likely post up a DIY tutorial, which I've done before on other vehicles I've owned in various forums.

 

[Burutoo]

Right now, OEM RS (app or accessory) is not for me. The lack of key takeover is a deal-breaker. I was an alarm/RS installed for many years and I know they have key takeover (at least 45sec), keeping the engine running after door open.

If I buy an Ascent and install an aftermarket RS, I'll likely post up a DIY tutorial, which I've done before on other vehicles I've owned in various forums.

Do you anticipate that the aftermarket options will take some time for development to function with the Ascent or since it's a Subaru it should work with whats available in the marketplace today?

 

[kohyuta]

I've heard from 4 different local dealers that the factory remote start is REQUIRED for the StarLink phone app remote start to work. It makes sense to me, as I figure the phone app signals StarLink to start your car, and when your car receives the signal it activates the factory remote start. I've also been told that it's a dealer installable option.

For anyone that has removed the factory remote start from their order, I'd re-confirm AGAIN

 

[Burutoo]

I've heard from 4 different local dealers that the factory remote start is REQUIRED for the StarLink phone app remote start to work. It makes sense to me, as I figure the phone app signals StarLink to start your car, and when your car receives the signal it activates the factory remote start. I've also been told that it's a dealer installable option.

For anyone that has removed the factory remote start from their order, I'd re-confirm AGAIN /forum/images/smilies/smile.gif

I decided to remove the accessory from my order based on the info here and what my dealer told me today. Worst case I’ll just go with an aftermarket system.

 

[Trey T]

Do you anticipate that the aftermarket options will take some time for development to function with the Ascent or since it's a Subaru it should work with whats available in the marketplace today?

That's a very good observation and I'm not 100% sure. The main concern for RS is bypassing the engine immobilizer and there are two types Subaru uses. The key takeover I mentioned about is specifically for the push-button-start (RFID technology), which is on the Limited and Touring only; that's where the issue can be. Historically, manufacturer tend to not change up the technology significantly to cause a stop in the aftermarket supports. Therefore, I believe the current technology available for 2018 Subaru will likely to support the Ascent.

For the Base and Premium, the RS installation is a non-issue.