Re: How to get Bell Canada 3G USB network up?

[Scott Ferguson <prettyfly.productions@gmail.com>]

On 30/05/11 16:44, Christian Jaeger wrote:
> Another update in my quest to get that UMTS modem work properly:
> 
> Bell technical support told me that I should run a firmware upgrade on
> the stick (and gave me a link to the exact file). Of course that's a
> windows .exe. I tried to run it in a second hand computer store that
> let me plug in my Bell stick, but it didn't work, probably because I
> didn't install the driver beforehand, the installer and upgrade
> utility conflicted with each other. So I gave up for some time.
> 
> Now I've finally gotten an own computer with Windows (XP), so I
> installed the modem first, then ran the firmware upgrade. Both worked
> without problems. Also, on Windows the modem doesn't seem to exhibit
> that disconnect problem. Then I tried again on Debian, and nothing
> changed, disconnection on first try. Duh.
> 
> So, if anyone knows what's left that I could try (well I'll try
> contacting some network manager people), or knows which USB UMTS modem
> works on Debian in Canada (with Bell), please tell.
> 
> Thanks
> Christian.
> 
> 

For future posterity. Please post testing results.

==============
Search terms: USB modem 3G Bell wireless Novatel Ovation
==============

I've located a debian Novatel modem configuration package designed for
Ubuntu based distros if anyone would like to try it. I don't have any
Novatel/Ovation modems so am unable to test.
The .deb was packaged by a "Dirk De Schepper" - a link for it is:-
http://www.novatelwireless.com/images/stories/support/linux/novatel_modem_drivers_config_1.1_6.deb

There is a Novatel/Ovation driver package here:-
http://www.novatelwireless.com/content/files/novatel_modem_drivers_binary_2.6.18.1_1.1_1.deb
NOTE: this package appears to be built for an old kernel but the udev
rules should be useful (don't use the provided modules, use standard
debian modules instead)

Instructions here:-
http://www.novatelwireless.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=83&Itemid=164

Should the packages vanish let me know and I'll make copies available.
NOTE: it would appear that these packages can "flip" the device so
usb-modeswitch may not be required.

Cheers

-- 
We all pay for life with death, so everything in between should be free.
 ~ Bill Hicks