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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.