System Operation

The OnStar(R) operation is actually a combination of many different technologies working together to form the OnStar(R) Service.
- Cellular Telephone Equipment with Handsfree Audio Processing
- Cellular Data Modem
- Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation system
- GM Class 2 Electronic Communications between Vehicle Component Modules
- GM Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter (UART) communications on vehicles with limited Class 2 communications
- Entertainment and Communications buss (E&C) communication between vehicle entertainment and comfort modules
- Desktop computer software allowing the OnStar(R) Center advisors to send/receive data to the vehicle over the cellular modem
- Map software that allows the OnStar(R) Center to view the vehicle's exact location superimposed on a computer generated map
- Extensive database storage and retrieval capabilities to allow OnStar(R) Advisors the ability to quickly access requested information