Ubuntu 13.04 and Reliance Netconnect USB Modem

I have recently procured a Reliance Netconnect+ USB connection for accessing internet. I have the following observations:

1. Netconnect+ Modem is detected by Microsoft Windows but is not detected "visually" by Ubuntu 13.04 In fact, when I tried using lsusb and dmesg, I can actually "see" that the modem (which is said to act both as CD and USB), is detected.

2. I have tried using gnome-ppp and wvdial and both "fail" to detect the modem interface wise. However, the vendor, in this case Reliance, assures that the modem works in Ubuntu.

Do not panic. Its not at all difficult.

First and formost thing is connect your ubuntu desktop or laptop to internet using ethernet connection or any other connection which is possible.

Update your system with following two commands in terminal window. ( Ctrl + ALT + T )

sudo apt-get update  
sudo apt-get upgrade

With this commands your Ubuntu system is updated.

Now install following packages using terminal window.

 sudo apt-get install usb-modeswitch

 sudo apt-get install wvdial

Now put your Reliance netconnect+ usb modem into to usb drive. After waiting for about 20 seconds, you can give following command in terminal window

lsusb

Note down ZTE WCDMA Technologies device id and product id on a piece of paper.

In my case it was 19d2:ffe9

Here 19d2 is device id and ffe9 is a product id.

Create new file using following file.

sudo nano /etc/udev/rules.d/90-zte.rules

Enter following code. [ everything is one line ]

SUBSYSTEM=="block",SUBSYSTEM=="scsi",ATTRS{model}=="USB Storage FFE9",ACTION=="add",RUN+="/sbin/modprobe usbserial vendor=0x19d2 product=0xffe9"

and save this file. Please remember to change the vendor id and product id as noted down on piece of paper earlier.

Now give following command and press return.

sudo /sbin/modprobe usbserial vendor=0x19d2 product=0xffe9

On command prompt type following command.

sudo wvdialconf /etc/wvdial.conf

This will create wvdial.conf file in your /etc directory.

edit this file using following command.

sudo nano /etc/wvdial.conf 

remove ; before username and password.

username = your 10 digit mdn number
password = your 10 digit mdn number

save this file.

Now you can create a connection in network management under Mobile Broaband

Gve anyname for the connection say "Reliancenetplus"

Number should be #777
Username is : mdn number
password is : mdn number 

• mdn number is like your mobile number in 10 digit. Save this connection.

Disconnect your earlier connection using wired or broadband connection.

From network manager you will now see Reliancenetplus . Just click.

You are now connected...

Enjoy.