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How To: Install a 3G USB modem on EeePC

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I’ve spent the last 3 days hacking around on my Asus EeePC 701 trying to find information on how to install my USB 3G modem, Vodafone 3G to be precise, on it. I was directed to a number of different websites prompting me to download a load of different drivers and all sorts of other stuff the the EeePC.

As it turns out it is really simple, and takes about a minute.

Here’s how (it’d be useful for you to turn on your Asus EeePC now);

  1. On the ‘Internet’ tab open up the ‘Network’ icon, this will take you to Network Connections
  2. Click on ‘Create’ to start a new connection
  3. Select the type of connection, for the 3G USB modem select GSM / 3G (UMTS) / HSDPA, click ‘Next’
  4. Select Hardware, huawei E-220 /dev/ttyUSB0 and plug the modem into the first (closest to front) USB slot and click ‘Next’
  5. Network Registration, click on ‘Search’ to find the modem and 3G service. Once you get the list select your provider by clicking on their name and click ‘Next’
  6. Login Data, select the operator location you’re in, ie. Australia - Vodafone, then click ‘Next’
  7. Name your connection, ie. Vodafone 3G, and click ‘Next’
  8. You can now choose for this connection to start at system start, and also when you finish the wizard. It’s up to you but I prefer to start mine manually. Click ‘Finish’ and you’re done

In your Network Connections list you should now have your new 3G USB Modem connection, right click on it and select Connect and after a short period of connection time you will have yourself a 3G USB Modem connection. Go browse the internet, download some emails, chat, etc.

Hopefully your install goes as smoothly as mine did.

July 14, 2008 | Filed Under Feature Articles, Gadgets 

comments

11 Responses to “How To: Install a 3G USB modem on EeePC”

  1. Elio on July 20th, 2008

    Thanks Mathew, following your suggestions took me less tha 60 seconds to set the modem up. Sometimes, stiil, the solutions are easier than what we can think.
    Thank again for sharing …
    Elio

  2. Ron Koenig on July 25th, 2008

    I guess you are using Windows on the EPC. I purchased one with linix and, while attracted by the planitarium and MP3 player, I think I’ll have to install XP. Did you purchase with XP or load it yourself. If you loaded it was there any problem in getting all the hardware up and running.

    Regards, Ron.

  3. Matt on July 28th, 2008

    No worries Elio, I was suprised how simple it was as well considering I’d been given really obscure directions from other users, websites, and even the ‘linux guy’ at Vodafone.

    It’s all but plug n play.

  4. Cath on July 31st, 2008

    That was so simple, thank you.

  5. Herry Purbayu on August 14th, 2008

    I tried e220 modem (which have been use with window xp notebook) as your sugestion in linux eeepc. it has not work and displayed: faild to initialized the modem (dialuppppclientservice.cpp: 896). What to do next?

  6. peter on August 22nd, 2008

    hi i went to the network wizard clicked next and it is empty, [linux]does the eeepc get the info off the modem

  7. Matt on August 22nd, 2008

    Hi Peter

    Not sure where you’re at installation wise, but the above steps should have you in the right direction. I’ve used them a on couple of different installs and not had a problem.

    The driver info for the modem is actually on the EeePC already, you shouldn’t have the modem attached till the end steps.

    I’ll see if I can grab some screencaps and upload them for you to help with this tutorial.

    Cheers
    Matt

  8. Randy on September 7th, 2008

    Hi all,

    I’ve tried following the instructions above, however when I get to the Select Hardware screen there is nothing in the list. Any ideas?

    Thanks

  9. Linda on September 9th, 2008

    Hi

    I am also having problems when I go to create
    It does not show any hardware.
    This should be so simple but alas these things are sent to try some of us.
    Any hep would be great.

  10. Matt on September 9th, 2008

    Hi Randy & Linda

    All I can suggest is that you make sure you have all the latest software updates from ASUS, and make sure you’re doing Step 3 and selecting the type of connection as a GSM / 3G (UMTS) / HSDPA connection.

    Cheers
    Matt

  11. Andrew Fisher on September 29th, 2008

    So I have a Linux 701 EEEpc and basically I stuck in my 3 network modem and it brings up an app called 3G MPT (3G Mobile Phone Tool) on AutoDetect.

    Unfortuantely all I get is options from China’s 3G service in Hong Kong which is where I pought my EEPC so does anyone know how to change this?

    The other option given above doesn’t want to work for me as I just can’t get the device to show in the select hardware screen.

    Any ideas?

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