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OnStar

OnStar Technology


 


More About OnStar

With more than two million subscribers, OnStar¹ is the leading provider of telematics services in the United States. Telematics is the transmission of data communications between systems and devices. OnStar's in-vehicle safety, security, and information services use Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite and cellular technology to link the vehicle and driver to the OnStar Center. At the OnStar Center, advisors offer real-time, personalized help 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.


Stay Connected With Onstar:
  • Contact OnStar using the three-button system
  • Establish direct voice contact with an OnStar Advisor using the built-in microphone, cellular antenna in your vehicle, and cellular network
  • An Advisor can pinpoint your location using GPS technology. (Based on model availability.)
  • On most newer models, built-in crash sensors can also automatically alert OnStar even if your airbags do not deploy, and send critical crash details
  • OnStar module connects vehicle computer to OnStar via cellular antenna
  • Cellular antenna connects vehicle through cellular network

OnStar Equipment:
All OnStar-equipped vehicles have one of three types of equipment, based on wireless network technologies:
  • Analog-Only:
    OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog-only equipment were designed to operate only on the analog wireless network and cannot be upgraded to operate on the digital network. Vehicles with this equipment will no longer be able to receive OnStar services beginning January 1, 2008. At that time, service will be available only through dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment. Analog-only vehicles cannot be upgraded to digital equipment.
  • Analog/Digital-Ready:
    OnStar-equipped vehicles with analog/digital-ready equipment operate on the analog wireless network, but can be upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment if available for that vehicle. Beginning January 1, 2008, OnStar service will not be available on these vehicles unless the OnStar equipment has been upgraded to dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment.
  • Dual-Mode (Analog/Digital):
    OnStar-equipped vehicles with dual-mode (analog/digital) equipment operate on both the analog and digital wireless networks and will not require an upgrade in connection with the wireless industry's transition to the digital network.