Network-manager package is not dependent on usb-modeswitch thus blocking a wide range of mobile broadband devices for less-experienced users

[AM]

Binary package hint: network-manager

Several mobile broadband devices are dependent on usb-modeswitch, but that package is NOT installed by default!
It is not easy for non-expert users to correct the problem by installing the package that specifically addresses this issue. This should be done automatically!
There are several related bugs, such as #259028. But apparently none of them describes the need for a dependency. The network-manager should be dependent on the usb-modeswitch since it is strictly necessary for several modern mobile broadband USB devices.

For instance mobile broadband modem Huawei E1550 works only after installation of usb-modeswitch.

[Eshwar Andhavarapu (eshwar.andhavarapu)]

Given the close to awesome support in Natty for the GSM/CDMA Broadband modems, it'd be very convenient for users to be able to just plug the modems in, wait a few seconds and set up the broadband connection.

Please consider this like a final step in making a smooth connection experience?

[Mathieu Trudel-Lapierre (cyphermox)]

ModemManager, not NetworkManager, has been recommending usb-modeswitch since Jan 2010 in the packaging code. This would mean it's been in every release since Lucid, so I'll mark this Fix Released.