[LUNI] Cellular internet access & Linux

[Seva Epsteyn]

Often, you could also use the phone itself as the modem, either via 
Bluetooth or USB.

For example, I have RAZR V3xx which is also an HSDPA "modem" and on AT&T 
network with a phone data plan (MediaNET Unlimited - $20/mo) I can use it 
for Internet access via Fedora's system-config-network.  This is what 
generated wvdial.conf looks like:

	[Modem0]
	Modem = /dev/ttyACM0
	Baud = 460800
	SetVolume = 0
	Dial Command = ATDT
	Init1 = ATZ
	Init3 = ATM0
	FlowControl = CRTSCTS

	[Dialer hsdpa0]
	Username = user at att.net
	Password = user at att.net
	Phone = *99***3#
	Stupid Mode = 1
	Init1 = ATZ
	Init2 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0
	Inherits = Modem0


	[Modem1]
	Modem = /dev/rfcomm0
	Baud = 460800
	SetVolume = 0
	Dial Command = ATDT
	Init1 = ATZ
	Init3 = ATM0
	FlowControl = CRTSCTS

	[Dialer hsdpa1]
	Username = user at att.net
	Password = user at att.net
	Phone = *99***3#
	Stupid Mode = 1
	Init1 = ATZ
	Init2 = ATQ0 V1 E1 S0=0 &C1 &D2 +FCLASS=0
	Inherits = Modem1

Combined with the other configuration system-config-network generated 
(such as /etc/sysconfig/network-scripts/ifcfg-hsdpa*) I can simply use 
"ifup hsdpa0" for USB attached phone or "ifup hsdpa1" for Bluetooth 
attached phone.

The important part is that the phone number to "dial" is "*99***3#" (not 
sure if that's phone specific or network specific)

Additionally, NetworkManager in Fedora 9 will have pretty decent support 
for cellular modems, for example see http://blogs.gnome.org/dcbw/

Note, I've had some troubles with Bluetooth so I usually just use USB.

As far as AT&T, I've had few problems due to their network, but I am going 
to switch as soon as I can find a phone I like because their customer 
service is absolutely horrendous.

-Seva

On Thu, 28 Feb 2008, Mike Scott wrote:

> I am considering a new laptop and was wondering if anyone out there is
> using a Cellular data plan.
> I was figuring that a PCMCIA card would be better than built-in so I am
> not locked into a particular provider (at least no longer than the
> contract term for the plan vs the life of the laptop).
> Which of these cards work well with Linux (or is it transparent)?
> 
> Also which carriers should I avoid?  I seem to remember Verizon had some
> fine print whereby they could terminate your service if you do streaming
> audio/video and they determine you are streaming if your monthly
> transfer rate exceeds a certain threshold 9even though their plan is
> billed as "unlimited".
> 
> - Mike Scott
> 
>