[plug] Wireless Broadband - USB Modem

[Milan Pospisil]

On Wed, Jan 13, 2010 at 1:40 PM, Peter <demo9 at gswd.com> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> I'm planning to purchase a new pre-paid wireless broadband modem (for
> Laptop) and while I am familiar with a few models (having helped other
> people set them up on Linux), I was wondering if any of you have had
> particularly good experiences with any particular modems and/or providers.

Hi Peter, I have just disconnected the land line from a Linux desktop
and plugged in a 3 USB stick modem (Huawei E 160) when booting up.
Worked without any additional drivers needed.

> Preferred specs:
> * Fast/easy "plug and play" linux compatibility: Linux Mint (ubuntu/debian)
> preferred.

This particular distro is Ubuntu9.10

> * Reliable connections in rural areas would be a bonus (telsra/bigpond
> only????).

 AFAIK for rural areas only Tel$tra has the coverage, but I might be
wrong (wishful thought, albeit). I believe Ubuntu has the drivers for
Telstra modem as well.

> * Reasonably good data plan....   not mind blowing  (>2GB/mnth would be
> nice).

The modem was some $120 from Dick Smith and the data some $150 for 12
GB with 365 days before expire. I have seen Vodafone offering
something similar.

> I will be recommending these to my customers too if I find a good one! - I'm
> in Katanning and travel throughout the Great Southern.
>
> Suggestions?
> Cheers,
> Peter
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