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OnStar - How Does It Work?

DarkEye

DarkEye

Charter Member
SM 2003
Full Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2002
Messages
122
Location
Jacksonville, FL
OnStar says that personal calling is not available in my area :cry: and they don't know when it will be available. Yet I can talk to Onstar using the system. Does the system use cellular technology even if you press the OnStar button? If not, what does it use to communicate with OnStar (digital satillite?)?

If personal calling is in the area and you drive to some city that it is not available, does it stop working?

Are there any good websites that explain how this all works other than the Onstar site?
 
From what I understand ONSTAR uses Analog Cellular to do communications. It recieves GPS and calculates postion and then relays that via cellular as well.

The personal calling took it a step further and allows you to make calls using the ONSTAR system. ONSTAR has contracts with I believe all the Cellular providers for analog roaming in our trucks for using the ONSTAR.

I think some of these cellular companies have not signed on to them allowing ONSTAR customers to make calls though.

NOw with all that said:

I COULD BE WRONG!
 
I am yet to try the ONstar pers. calling feature only because the rates here in NJ...are tremendous with there minute to minute features.....

A lot cheaper just to use the Cell phone.....though not a safe as the onstar.
 
Onstar works by satellite and analog cell phone service. I think Onstar has very high rates for the phone service. I still have my 30 free minutes incase I want to try it sometime. I do have the premium plan. The nice thing if you ever do use it is that you can buy your minutes before you go on a trip. ONstar will let you know when you are down to 10 minutes. You pay upfront and that's it. You don't have to worry about roaming charges, etc. There's no roaming charges throughout the continental United States and Canada. I would wonder how well the service works though if it only works on analog and not digital. :eek: :rolleyes:
 
I believe those 30 free minutes are only good for a month. I activated mine and only used around 17 minutes before the rest of them expired !!! I was pissed!

Since you (shafman1) have the premimum plan maybe your 30 minutes last longer than a month?

 
I use the personal calling feature of my Onstar. I paid $175 for 500 min. which is good for one year. Works out to 35 cents a minute, no roaming or long distance fees. Yes it is more than portable cell service but I really like the convenience of it.
Onstar claims they are still using analog service because it actually has more coverage across the US than digital. Since the unit is built in they can use a higher power transmitter for the phone and I know for a fact I get better connection service in my area with the Av than my digital cell phone.
I like the safety and convenience of the hands free operation, no headsets or fumbling for the speaker phone button on the cell phone.
I use the Internet feature on occasion for news but mainly just to "Wow" people. :eek:
So for me, I think it's worth it and I will re-new basic Onstar and buy a years worth more of minutes after the first year is up.
 
Okay, I'm feeling like quite the dummy here... I had no idea OnStar did all this. I figure it was there if I crash in a ditch and don't have a phone.

Anyone else never use it?! :-[ ;D

Is all of this cool stuff included in the free one year thing from Chevy?
 
marc_w said:
Okay, I'm feeling like quite the dummy here... I had no idea OnStar did all this. ?I figure it was there if I crash in a ditch and don't have a phone.

Anyone else never use it?! ? :-[ ? ;D

Is all of this cool stuff included in the free one year thing from Chevy?
Click to expand...

No, all that's included in your free year is the Safe and Sound Plan. You can check out what that gets you on OnStar's site. The Personal Calling thing is an add-on to the other OnStar packages.
 
Mark_W,
Read up on On-Star it is really an amazing system. ?The personal calling is a little pricey, but very convenient. ?The "deluxe" plan gets you all kinds on concierge type services, dinner reservations, theatre tickets, etc., if that is "your thing". ?The basic "safety and convenience" plan that you get free for one year (about $200/year after that) will alert the authorities if your air bags go off; ?Will summon emergency personell any time you push the "red cross" button; will unlock your AV with a phone call if you lock your keys inside; remotely check for codes if your "check-engine' light comes on and tell you the most likely cause of the problem; help local police locate your AV in the event it is stolen, and flash your lights and sound your horn if you can't find your vehicle on a crowded parking lot with just a phone call! ?In my opinion that is a lot of "peace of mind" for $200. ?I am sure others will disagree, and there are other systems available. ?Some people are concerned that "big brother" can locate them at any time using the GPS, but that kind of stuff doesn't particularly bother me. ?If "big brother" wants to know where you are there are plenty of ways that you can be tracked. ?Credit card use, cell phone signals, etc.
Just my 2 cents, or with inflation $1.95!
 
The OnStar cell function is nothing but a rip-off :7: :7:
I added 100 units before a trip to the AL and FL coast and I was assured that was good coverage....
I was unable to use the phone during the week long trip. When I contacted their Tech Supp. Iwas told they would look into the problem and get back with me in 5 days!!!!!! Phone works perfectly around my local call area.
After a half dozen calls, they still have to give an answer. I'm having Amex reverse charges.
Moral of the story...always take your cell phone with you. do not relay on OnStar.
 
The nicest features of the On-star system in my opinion are 1: When you are buried in 6 feet of snow in the middle of no where and you have no idea where you are. On-star can locate you via GPS to send help.

2: You're going down the road and you get a check engine light. On-star diagnoses your vehicle and gives you a heads up before you ever make it to the dealer.

3. You're running late for dinner and you forgot to make reservations. Onstar can help you find a restaurant, make reservations for you all while you are on your way to pick up your wife or girl-friend. (I did this last Valentine's day).

The only bad thing I will say about On-star is that it needs a back-up system. If your battery gets damaged in a car accident, the fuse gets pulled or On-star loses power some other way, it will not work. That to me is a dumb oversight. :eek:
 
Does anyone know where their onstar is installed in the AV? I suppose it is under the dash somewhere but the last post got me thinking about installing a back-up battery in there. That was a good idea. I will let everyone know how it works out. Another reason is that if your car gets stolen and the bad guys immediately remove the battery, OnStar can't track it.

Jake
 
Just read this at USA Today. ?Talks about the FCC going to let the Cell Phone companies shut down their analof networks within the next 5 years.

Analog phones could hang it up

Guess that in a few years all of us with OnStar will have to upgrade.


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