Lexus Link
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Lexus Link, launched October, 2000, is a subscription-based safety and security service from Lexus, a division of Toyota Motor Sales, USA, Inc. Lexus Link is a factory-installed option, available on certain Lexus models (LX, GX, LS, and GS), that offers call-center-based telematics services to Lexus owners with equipped vehicles in the United States and Canada.
The second-generation Lexus Link system utilizes a dedicated cellular phone (dual-mode CDMA/analog), Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) technology and 24-hour live-operator support (provided by OEM Telematics Services) to provide the subscriber with fast, accurate service.
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[edit] History
The first-generation Lexus Link system was a private-labeled brand of OnStar, operating on Verizon Wireless’ cellular network, available as a factory-installed option on the following vehicles in Model Years 2001-04: LS 430 ('01-'04), GX 470 ('03-'04), LX 470 ('03-'04), SC 430 ('03-'04) and RX 330 ('04). The first-generation system was analog-only and is no longer operational (see FCC Report and Order 67 FR 77191, Dec. 17, 2002, as amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004).
The second-generation Lexus Link system was launched October 2005 as a private-label brand of OEM Telematics Services, available as a factory-installed option on MY 2006 and later LX, GX (vehicles produced October 1, 2005 and later) and MY 2007 and later LX, GX, LS, GS vehicles and uses dual-mode (digital/analog) technology operating on Verizon Wireless’ cellular network.
| Item | 2nd Generation Lexus Link | 1st Generation Lexus Link |
|---|---|---|
| System Diagram | Bus buffer not listed | Bus buffer listed |
| Cellular Network Infrastructure | Digital (CDMA) / Analog | Analog only |
| Voice Recognition | Available (English Only) | Not available |
| Voice Prompt Language Selection | English, some Spanish | English |
| Automatic Theft Notification | Not available | Available |
| Remote Horn and Lights | Available | Not available |
| Memo Record | Not available | Available |
| Advisor Record | Available | Not available |
| Personal Calling | Available | Not available |
| Advanced Services | Available | Not available |
| Backup Battery | Non-rechargeable Type | Rechargeable Type |
| Diagnosis/Status | LED Only | LED and Voice Prompt |
[edit] Lexus Link Services
Lexus Link can be sold in the continental U.S and Alaska. Service will operate in U.S. (50 states) and Canada but cannot be sold to Canadian-based customers. Currently, Lexus Link offers two different packages to subscribers as well as a personal calling option that allows active subscribers to make hands-free phone calls throughout the US and Canada with pre-purchased minutes.
While safety and security are the main purpose of the Lexus Link system, the technology has many other benefits. Owners can enhance their service with things like driving directions, information assistance, traffic, weather, stock quotes, or Personal Calling.
| Service Name | Service Description | Safety Plan ($199) | Directions Plan ($399) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Deployment Notification | In the event of an airbag deployment, an automatic call is made to Lexus Link call center for assistance. | X | X |
| Stolen Vehicle Location | If a vehicle is reported stolen, Lexus Link Advisor can work with law enforcement to determine its location. | X | X |
| Emergency Services Notification | Priority call to Lexus Link call center for assistance. | X | X |
| Roadside Assistance | Lexus Link Advisor will provide vehicle location to Lexus Roadside Assistance. | X | X |
| Remote Door Lock/Unlock | By calling Lexus Link’s toll-free number, an Advisor can lock/unlock the vehicle’s doors. | X | X |
| Remote Horn and Lights | By calling Lexus Link’s toll-free number, an Advisor can flash the lights and sound the vehicle’s horn. | X | X |
| Accident Assist | An Advisor can walk driver through a checklist after an accident. | X | X |
| Driving Directions | Lexus Link call center can verbally provide driving directions. | X | |
| Information / Convenience Services | A Lexus Link Advisor can locate and contact businesses from a national database. | X | |
| Ride Assist | Lexus Link can arrange alternative transportation on subscriber’s behalf. | X |
[edit] Pricing
| Plan Level | First Year (With Purchase of $900 Lexus Link Option) | Renewal (Annual) | Renewal (Monthly) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | Included ($199 value) | $199 | $16.95 |
| Directions | $200 ($399 value) | $399 | $34.95 |
[edit] Personal Calling Feature
Personal Calling is a hands-free, voice-activated calling system using prepaid cellular minutes. The system allows a subscriber to make calls by simply speaking the number or programming in a name. A Lexus Link Advisor can also download numbers directly to the vehicle so the system can recall them later. An active Lexus Link subscription and pre-purchased minutes are required to use the Personal Calling feature. Purchased Personal Calling minutes are good for 12 months and are available in the following prepaid package options: 100 minutes 300 minutes 500 minutes 1,000 minutes
Personal Calling, like all Lexus Link services, is subject to CDMA cellular connectivity and is not available in all areas.
[edit] Advanced Services
The combination of Lexus Link's voice-recognition capabilities and Personal Calling minutes allows a subscriber access to an interactive voice-recognition system providing information on traffic, weather and stock quotes. Reports can be customized on-line at www.mylexuslink.com.
[edit] Get Traffic
Provides up-to-date reports on construction, major delays and accidents within a five-mile radius of subscriber’s location. Reports can be personalized on the Internet by expanding the range or by setting a preferred route (traffic available in most markets).
[edit] Get Weather
Provides a three-day weather report for the vehicle's current location.
[edit] Get Stocks
Provides a financial report that includes a customized selection of up to 10 stocks configured via the Internet.
The advanced services feature requires a Personal Calling plan and cellular access.
[edit] Analog Sunset
Due to the growth and acceptance of digital cellular systems, many cellular carriers have abandoned analog coverage in favor of digital service. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ruled that cellular telephone companies operating in the United States are no longer required to provide analog service after February 2008. As a result, beginning January 1, 2008, Lexus Link service in the U.S. and Canada will only be available through vehicles equipped with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.
Since the first-generation Lexus Link system uses analog cellular technology and cannot be modified to digital operation, Lexus will disable the Lexus Link system and remove the button panel from the vehicle at no cost for owners of model year 2001-2004 vehicles. Owners are encouraged to visit an authorized Lexus dealer for more information, or to go on-line to www.lexuslink.com.
Text of FCC Analog Sunset Ruling www.fcc.gov [Code of Federal Regulations] [Title 47, Volume 2] [Revised as of October 1, 2004] From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access [CITE: 47CFR22.901] [Page 183-184] TITLE 47--TELECOMMUNICATION CHAPTER I--FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (CONTINUED) PART 22_PUBLIC MOBILE SERVICES--Table of Contents Subpart H_Cellular Radiotelephone Service Sec. 22.901 Cellular service requirements and limitations. The licensee of each cellular system is responsible for ensuring that its cellular system operates in compliance with this section. (a) Each cellular system must provide either mobile service, fixed service, or a combination of mobile and fixed service, subject to the requirements, limitations and exceptions in this section. Mobile service provided may be of any type, including two way radiotelephone, dispatch, one way or two way paging, and personal communications services (as defined in part 24 of this chapter). Fixed service is considered to be primary service, as is mobile service. When both mobile and fixed service are provided, they are considered to be co primary services. In providing cellular services, each cellular system may incorporate any technology that meets all applicable technical requirements in this part. (b) Until February 18, 2008, each cellular system that provides two way cellular mobile radiotelephone service must-- (1) Maintain the capability to provide compatible analog service (``AMPS) to cellular telephones designed in conformance with the specifications contained in sections 1 and 2 of the standard document ANSI TIA/EIA-553-A-1999 Mobile Station--Base Station Compatibility Standard (approved October 14, 1999); or, the corresponding portions, [[Page 184]] applicable to mobile stations, of whichever of the predecessor standard documents was in effect at the time of the manufacture of the telephone. This incorporation by reference was approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of the standard may be purchased from Global Engineering Documents, 15 Inverness Way East, Englewood, CO 80112-5704 (or via the internet at http://global.ihs.com). Copies are available for inspection at the Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554, or at the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). For information on the availability of this material at NARA, call 202-741-6030, or go to: http://www.archives.gov/ federal--register/code--of--federal--regulations/ibr--locations.html. (2) Provide AMPS, upon request, to subscribers and roamers using such cellular telephones while such subscribers are located in any portion of the cellular system's CGSA where facilities have been constructed and service to subscribers has commenced. See also Sec. 20.12 of this chapter. Cellular licensees must allot sufficient system resources such that the quality of AMPS provided, in terms of geographic coverage and traffic capacity, is fully adequate to satisfy the concurrent need for AMPS availability. [67 FR 77191, Dec. 17, 2002, as amended at 69 FR 18803, Apr. 9, 2004]
