EDIT: If you’re feeling just a bit adventurous, why not upgrade to NetworkManager 0.7 out of the PPA and then not only will your UM175 work, you’ll also be able to use apps that rely on NetworkManager’s connection status, like Pidgin!  See this other post on that topic.  The PPA version of NM 0.7 is essentially what’s going to be in Intrepid Ibex when it rolls next month.

Just today I traded in my old Verizon Wireless V740 ExpressCard for a shiny new UM175 USB EVDO device.  Sure, both are Rev-A devices, but the new device gives me a bit more flexibility, and is nowhere near as huge as previous USB EVDO devices.  I’ll spare you the shtick on the folding and rotating USB connector, oh wait..  The Windows XP software worked pretty much as you’d expect.  Stay tuned for a similar guide featuring this device with Mac OS X.

Mind you, I only tried doing this on Ubuntu Hardy and the Desktop version at that.  I’m sure it would work much the same on Kubuntu or Xubuntu, but you’d need to use a different application than I used (gnome-ppp).

Before you get started, be sure you’re up to date on updates.  At the time this was written, the current -generic kernel for Hardy Desktop was 2.6.24-19, though I’m sure it will work much the same with other reasonably similar kernel versions.  Also, install gnome-ppp (apt-get install gnome-ppp) before you get rolling.  The last bit of information you’ll need before starting is the phone number of your device.  For the sake of this guide, let’s assume your device’s phone number is 212-555-1212.

Step 1. Plug the device in.  Ok, you’re done Step 1.

Step 2. Launch gnome-ppp, configure settings, other than the defaults:

• Modem Tab
  • Device: /dev/ttyACM0
  • Type: USB Modem
  • Speed: 460800
  • Phone Line: Tone
  • Volume: Off

• Options Tab
  • Minimize: checked
  • Dock in Notification Area: checked

Click Close.  Fill in the fields in the main Gnome PPP window:

• Username: 2125551212@vzw3g.com
• Password: vzw
• Phone Number: #777

Step 3. Click Connect

Step 4. There is no step 4.  You’re connected.

Congratulations, you’re online, EVDO style.