How to Use a Huawei USB Modem in Ubuntu Without Mobile Partner

You do not normally need Huawei Mobile Partner to connect a supported USB modem in Ubuntu. Start with Ubuntu’s built-in mobile broadband setup instead of downloading an old Linux installer from a file-sharing website.

The former instructions on this page were written for Ubuntu 14.04 and an unverified Mobile Partner archive. They should not be treated as a current installation method or a guarantee that every old Huawei dongle will work.

What you need

• A Huawei USB modem supported by your Ubuntu installation and the mobile network at your location.
• An active SIM with suitable mobile data service.
• Your mobile operator’s current connection settings, including the APN if manual input is needed.
• Access to the computer’s networking menu.

The modem model, firmware, USB operating mode, network technology and SIM service all affect compatibility. Do not assume the old E160 or E220 examples are a universal recommendation for current use.

Connect through Ubuntu mobile broadband

The current Ubuntu Desktop Guide describes this procedure. Menu wording can differ between releases and desktop environments.

1. Insert the SIM as instructed by the modem manufacturer and connect the modem to a USB port.
2. Open the system menu on the right side of the top bar.
3. Select Mobile Broadband Off to expand the mobile broadband section.
4. Select Connect. On first use, the mobile broadband setup wizard should open.
5. Select Kenya as the provider’s country or region and continue.
6. Choose your network provider and the appropriate plan. The plan determines the Access Point Name (APN).
7. Review the details, select Apply and connect. If the listed plan is unsuitable, obtain the correct APN details from your operator before editing them.

Do not copy a historical Celtel, Safaricom or Airtel APN from an unrelated guide without checking it against the operator’s current instructions.

If Mobile Broadband is missing

Ubuntu’s documentation says to check that the device is not operating as Mass Storage. A USB dongle may expose a storage interface rather than the modem interface expected by the connection wizard.

Identify the exact model and how Ubuntu sees it before changing drivers or installing software. Some devices expose their own network interface or browser-based management rather than using the same setup wizard. Follow the instructions for your specific device rather than running a generic downloaded installer.

Alternative: use your phone’s USB tethering

Ubuntu’s guide notes that most phones have USB tethering, usually requiring no setup on the computer, and describes it as generally the better method for connecting through a phone’s cellular service.

Connect the phone with a suitable USB cable, enable USB tethering in the phone’s settings and check the resulting network connection. Your phone’s data plan and operator conditions still apply.

About the old screenshot

This is the original Mobile Partner screenshot, retained as an illustration of the older software, not a current Ubuntu setup screen.

Warning: Do not run an unknown script as administrator simply because it is labelled a modem driver. The obsolete file-sharing download has been removed from this guide.

Sources and useful links

• Ubuntu Desktop Guide: connect to mobile broadband