Ubuntu – Unable to Connect to Internet with 3G USB Dongle for Particular ISP

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I'm using USB 3G Dongle for Internet. Previously I was using Tata Docomo (India) as provider, and the Internet was working fine. Now I've changed to BSNL, but I'm unable to connect to the Internet on Ubuntu. However, I've checked access point settings and other configuration which are required for BSNL, and it is working fine with same Dongle on Windows 7. Also, I'm able to connect Internet with other providers on Ubuntu, but problem persists only with Ubuntu. The access point for BSNL in my region is bsnlnet. In fact I configure the Dongle with BSNL using default Network Configuration wizard that pops up when USB Dongle is attached.

When Dongle is attached and configured with BSNL, I can see network strength in Messaging menu, in Mobile Broadband category, of Ubuntu (note: my network icon still shows "not connected" status). And when I try to use the connection that I've created, it fails to connect. So far, I tried using Sakis3g script that I came up with while wandering over this issue on other forums, it didn't worked either. I also made sure that there are no special configuration made for BSNL on my Windows 7 installation, and still it is working fine there, the problem is only with Ubuntu.

How can I fix it?

Update:

While I was unable to fix the issue in Ubuntu 11.10, it still exists in 12.04 too. I hope someone finds a solution and posts it, as I want to become full time Ubuntu user but only way to connect internet in Ubuntu for now is to use other provider.

And I bet the problem has something to do with providers network band-type. Since both Tata Docomo and BSNL operate on different GSM band, while in Windows, Huawei Mobile partner manages this and I can use any GSM provider to connect with Internet, I guess this is not happening with Ubuntu, and I can only use Tata Docomo and other providers which operate on same band.

Best Answer

Take a look at this unofficial guide about "How To Setup Mobile Broadband Like BSNL 3G USB DataCard On Ubuntu 11.10".

Besides, according to this answer, there is a bug concerning two USB dongles, Huawei E220 and E1550, on Ubuntu 11.10. The workaround suggested in the thread of the bug is:

  1. Plug your usb dongle;
  2. execute in terminal: sudo usb_modeswitch -v 0x12d1 -p 1003 -V 0x12d1 -P 1003 -R
  3. Then unplug and replug the dongle, and now it will connect.

Hope it helps and don't forget to mark the bug as affecting you, in order to solve it as soon as possible.

If you are still not able to connect to the internet, you can try the solution proposed in this similar question.

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