[ubuntu-uk] Mobile broadband modems - using them on multiple networks

[Rob Beard]

Hi folks,

I'm looking to get a mobile broadband modem for Christmas.  I was 
originally considering getting a T-Mobile stick for £50 as they do the 
£2 a day mobile broadband.  However it seems that I can't get T-Mobile 
3G where I live, it appears that the reception is a bit better on Three.

I found this guide on The Inquirer a while ago about using a Three E220 
modem (IIRC the soap on a rope modem) on Vodafone - 
http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/784/1007784/avoid-roaming-disasters

Now I was wondering if it's just a case of plugging the modem in and 
changing the profile settings, or do the modems need some sort of 
firmware update to unlock them?

 From what I gather with the case of the E220 it just needs some 
different software from Huawei's web site.

So I just wondered if anyone had managed to use a SIM from another 
network in a Three or T-Mobile USB broadband modem stick on Ubuntu?

Rob