User's Manual

13
monitor your connections
¾ The USB device driver software that enables the Modem to work with
your computer’s operating system.
The USB driver and application software must be installed before you insert the
Modem for the first time if you choose to connect the Modem with your PC USB
port. AxessManager application is optional: you can install it at anytime or not
installing it altogether. Detailed instructions are provided in the following chapters.
A GSM/GPRS/EGDE/WCDMA service provider account
Companies that operate
GSM/GPRS/EGDE/WCDMA networks and provide access to these
networks are called service providers. To use the Modem, you must have an
account with the service provider.
Each service provider has its own pricing options. There may be flat rate accounts,
which provide you a maximum number of minutes of network usage for a fixed
monthly fee. There may be accounts for which you are charged for network usage
by the minute or by the amount of data transmitted.
Your account may include a variety of other services such as SMS messaging.
Each Modem has been provisioned at the factory for use with a particular service
provider. This sets the Modem to use particular radio channels and enables
services specific for that provider.
The process of setting up your account is called activation. Activation involves
action by the service provider and configuration of the Modem.
The WCDMA wireless network
This is the worldwide infrastructure providing the radio coverage that allows you to
stay connected. Made up of radio towers and a variety of network switches,
routers, and servers, the network is an interconnection of many service providers.
Note: More information about WCDMA networks is available on the GSM core
development group web site, www.3gpp.org.
Note: Some service providers have coverage maps on their web sites.