3G Modems and Ubuntu

[fritzm]

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

[fritzm]

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

[morkhans]

They are Hauwei modems, so should just work in Ubuntu.

[wndrbees]

The 21.6Mbps is a Huawei E1820 modem. Does not work with linux out of the box.

[fritzm]

Any idea which Hauwei ? I'm using an E220 at the moment, so it's very likely that I will be comaptible then.

Fritz

[Trybble]

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*

[milomak]

The 21.6Mbps is a Huawei E1820 modem. Does not work with linux out of the box.

what makes you say this?

[fritzm]

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

[morkhans]

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*

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

[Ockie]

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???? :-)

[Trybble]

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

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*

[morkhans]

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*

IP lookups confirm you are now on MTN.

[Trybble]

IP lookups confirm you are now on MTN.

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.

[ginggs]

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.

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.

Why is this posted in the Vodacom section btw???? :-)

Since when does Vodacom have exclusive rights to Linux?

Update: usb-modeswitch works fine with Cell C E1820 as well.
To check balances using USSD, see here.

[Ockie]

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?

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 :-)