3G Modems and Ubuntu

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fritzm

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Can anyone tell me what the Cell C branded modems actually are so I can check for compatibility with Ubuntu Linux ? Has anyone used them with Linux ?

Fritz
 
Cell C data promo modems and Ubuntu

Does anyone know what the Cell C branded modems actually are ? Anyone tried them with Linux ? I run Ubuntu on an Acer Aspire One netbook.

Fritz
 
They are Hauwei modems, so should just work in Ubuntu.
 
The 21.6Mbps is a Huawei E1820 modem. Does not work with linux out of the box.
 
Any idea which Hauwei ? I'm using an E220 at the moment, so it's very likely that I will be comaptible then.

Fritz
 
The 21mbps modem is the E1820 (black) and the 7.2mbps modem is the E1752 (white). Both will work in Ubuntu if you have 'usb-modeswitch' installed. After that it's just a matter of setting up the connection in network-manager and letting rip. Don't forget to make sure that there's no username or password set up in nm or you'll be in for a whole world of pain.

CellC helpdesk and technical support (and salesdroid) all claim that it won't work under Linux because the modem is designed to work only with Windows. Do not believe them and do not let them convince you otherwise. Both modems work just peachy. Just make absolutely sure with your salesdroid that the SIM is actually activated/provisioned for data access and not merely loaded with the data bundle. Got the T-shirt.

I can't say for the E1752 but the E1820 isn't network-locked. Got an MTN SIM in there at the moment, typing this. I'll check out the E1752 during the week.

*Trybble*
 
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Thanks trybble, that's extremely helpful. I'll probably get mine next Saturday if the Cell-C network hasn't been reported to come to a screeching halt when all the Capetonians get on it.

Fritz
 
Trybble said:
I can't say for the E1752 but the E1820 isn't network-locked. Got an MTN SIM in there at the moment, typing this. I'll check out the E1752 during the week.
*Trybble*
Click to expand...

While I believe you on the fact that the modems are unlocked (all cellular devices in SA must be unlocked by law). IP lookup clearly shows you are on Cell C ;)
 
I checked on the ubuntu forums and they say it does work. you might have to install that ozCDoff or something package. Should be easy to fix. Why is this posted in the Vodacom section btw???? :-)
 
morkhans said:
While I believe you on the fact that the modems are unlocked (all cellular devices in SA must be unlocked by law). IP lookup clearly shows you are on Cell C ;)
Click to expand...

The original posting was done from CellC, the edit was via MTN. Right now, got the MTN SIM back in the modem and creating this new message. Connection information shows that I'm definitely on MTN's network right now :)

*Trybble*
 
Trybble said:
The original posting was done from CellC, the edit was via MTN. Right now, got the MTN SIM back in the modem and creating this new message. Connection information shows that I'm definitely on MTN's network right now :)

*Trybble*
Click to expand...

IP lookups confirm you are now on MTN. :D
 
morkhans said:
IP lookups confirm you are now on MTN. :D
Click to expand...

Good, 'cos the thought that I'd still be on CellC with an MTN SIM loaded was freaking me out a bit. MTN SIM back in phone, CellC SIM back in modem and I'm sure you'll spot the difference. :)
 
ocleroux said:
I checked on the ubuntu forums and they say it does work. you might have to install that ozCDoff or something package. Should be easy to fix.
Click to expand...
I recently struggled to get an E220 working in Ubuntu 10.10, it only appeared as a usb-storage device, I ended up installing 'usb-modeswitch' [-]and 'comgt' packages[/-].
ocleroux said:
Why is this posted in the Vodacom section btw???? :-)
Click to expand...
Since when does Vodacom have exclusive rights to Linux? :p

Update: usb-modeswitch works fine with Cell C E1820 as well.
To check balances using USSD, see here.
 
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ginggs said:
I recently struggled to get an E220 working in Ubuntu 10.10, it only appeared as a usb-storage device, I ended up installing 'usb-modeswitch' and 'comgt' packages.

Since when does Vodacom have exclusive rights to Linux? :p
Click to expand...

Since I joined here! Others from other networks are not "Free, They are Dom!" and so have no right to use Linux!!!!!!!!! LOL (Just kidding)

Ja, some modems, including the E156 modem needs the modeSwitch package or else it does not pick up the modem side of it. It is very easy to install though. It is packaged with the Betavine Vodacom for linux package and it should be under synaptic also.

What is Ubuntu 10.10 like ginggsie??? Looking forward to its release I have to say :-)
 
ginggs said:
I recently struggled to get an E220 working in Ubuntu 10.10, it only appeared as a usb-storage device, I ended up installing 'usb-modeswitch' [-]and 'comgt' packages[/-].
Click to expand...
Still struggling on and off with this, if the "Enable Mobile Broadband" still does not show up in Network manger, try this:
Code: 
sudo modprobe option
This manually forces the 'option' driver to be loaded, this driver works with Huawei devices too, not sure about Novatel and Sierra Wireless, etc.
 
E220 and new CellC dongle both work out the box in Maverick. usb-modeswitch and usb-modeswitch-data are installed by default in 10.10, whereas you needed to install them manually in 10.04 and earlier. One funny is that if you choose CellC in the New Mobile Broadband dialogue then it adds an odd username in the connection settings. So edit the connection manually after creating it and remove the username. Otherwise you'll be prompted to a password continuously.
 
wndrbees said:
The 21.6Mbps is a Huawei E1820 modem. Does not work with linux out of the box.
Click to expand...

I am running opensuse 11.3 and the 21.6Mbps huawei modem works out the box with Knetworkmanager I just set up a new mobile broadband connection gave the connection a name , set phone number to *99# username - guest - and password - guest - and tick - connect automaticaly - all other settings were default.

the only issue I have is some times (very erratic) it drops the connection and the only way to restart is to remove the modem from the usb port and plug it back in.

hope this helps.
 
Configuring Vodacom 3G modem to run on Ubuntu 10

I bought a Vodacom Internet starter pack. The modem is supposed to be plug and play. Model K3570-Z. It lights up and that's about it. Ubuntu sees it as a CD drive.
I need a step by step please. I desperately need to get this working.

Thanks
 
HamishPillay said:
I bought a Vodacom Internet starter pack. The modem is supposed to be plug and play. Model K3570-Z. It lights up and that's about it. Ubuntu sees it as a CD drive.
I need a step by step please. I desperately need to get this working.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Hi there. Go into synaptic and look for this package 'usb-modeswitch' . Install it and reboot. Try it again after that.
 
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