Ubuntu – How to get a 3G USB modem to work

10.04configurationusb-modemusb-modeswitch

Since at least Jaunty, I've tried to get my wife's 3G USB modem to work on Ubuntu, always with the same result – instant, complete system freeze.

I've tried installing`wvdial and usb-modeswitch, I've read tons of documentation but it gets quite disjointed from one release to the next, nothing works. I can't run lsusb because the system hangs immediately.

I'm using Lucid and it's a Rogers "Rocket Stick" (in Canada)

Best Answer

Try this “automagic” script: sakis3g. No need to install anything, just run the script; it will guide you through menus.

After you make it work, you can create a small script calling the sakis3g-script having set up some environment variables for your convenience. Here follows mine:

export BAUD=MAX MODEM=1bbb:0000 APN=3g-internet SIM_PIN=1234
(sakis3g-script helper&)&

The $MODEM is the vendor-id:product-id code so I don't have to select it everytime I start the sakis3g-script; $APN is your provider's suggested login name; the SIM_PIN is rather obvious.

See also that question in SuperUser.

Related Question