What is 3G
network retirement?
Wireless data
network providers will be phasing out their 3G cellular networks to make room
for newer technologies. As a result of this decision by the network providers,
devices that require 3G wireless networks, such as the STARLINK system inside
some Subaru vehicles, will no longer operate unless they are upgraded.
When will the
3G wireless network retirement take place?
SOA has been
notified that 3G wireless network retirement will take place in February of
2022.
Which services
are affected?
Affected
vehicles include model year 2016-2018 Subaru vehicles with an active Subaru STARLINK
Safety & Security subscription. Affected services include Automatic
Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and
Remote Features such as locking and unlocking your Subaru vehicle. If the
STARLINK system in these vehicles is not updated, then the STARLINK services
will be cancelled upon the retirement of the 3G network, currently expected in
February 2022.
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How can I
continue using STARLINK Safety & Security services?
Affected
STARLINK Safety & Security service subscribers who wish to continue using
their services will need to update their vehicle's STARLINK system by visiting
an authorized Subaru Retailer before February 2022.
This STARLINK
system update will be provided to all affected active STARLINK Safety Plus and
STARLINK Safety Plus & Security Plus subscribers. An ACTIVE subscription is
required to qualify for the complimentary update.
Which Subaru
models are impacted by the 3G Retirement?
- 2016-2018
Forester 2.5i Premium
- 2016-2018
Forester 2.5i Limited
- 2016-2018
Forester 2.5i Touring
- 2016-2018
Forester 2.0XT Premium
- 2016-2018
Forester 2.0XT Touring
- 2016-2018
Legacy 2.5i Premium
- 2016-2018
Legacy 2.5i Limited
- 2016-2018
Legacy 3.6R Limited
- 2017-2018
Legacy 2.5i Sport
- 2016-2018
Outback 2.5i Premium
- 2016-2018
Outback 2.5i Limited
- 2016-2018
Outback 3.6R Limited
- 2017-2018
Outback 2.5i Sport
- 2016-2018
Impreza 2.0i Limited
- 2016 Impreza
2.0i Sport Premium with Eyesight
- 2016 Impreza
2.0i Sport Limited
- 2017-2018
Impreza 2.0i Premium
- 2017-2018
Impreza 2.0i Sport
- 2016-2017
Crosstrek 2.0i Premium with Eyesight
- 2016-2018
Crosstrek 2.0i Limited
- 2018 Crosstrek
2.0i Premium
- 2017 WRX 2.0T
Premium with Harman Kardon
- 2017-2018 WRX
2.0T Limited
- 2017-2018 WRX
2.5T STI
What happens if
I don't have my STARLINK system updated before February 2022?
If you are an
active STARLINK Safety & Security service subscriber and you do not update
your STARLINK system prior to February 2022, your services will automatically
be cancelled, and you will be issued a pro-rated refund for the unused portion
of your subscription. You will lose access to services such as Automatic
Collision Notification, SOS Emergency Assistance, Stolen Vehicle Recovery and
Remote Features such as locking and unlocking your Subaru vehicle.Â
If you are not
currently subscribed to STARLINK Safety & Security, then the operation of
your Subaru vehicle will not be affected.
How do I get my
vehicle's STARLINK system updated?
The vehicle
update must be completed by an authorized Subaru Retailer. Customers with an
active STARLINK Safety & Security subscription will be able to start
scheduling service appointments for the complimentary upgrade starting on March
10, 2021. Please contact your Subaru Retailer for further details or refer to
your MySubaru account for scheduling assistance.