>> >> serial modems then, despite their relatively high cost.
>> >
>> >That's safer.  Not because the USB modem driver doesn't work, but
>> >because most USB modems are "winmodems" that the driver cannot handle.
>> 
>> Just for the record ... the one USB modem I tried "just worked" with NetBSD.
>could you tell the name

Mine says on it, "New Media V.90 USB Modem".  I don't have the box anymore,
but I seem to recall that it said "Hayes Compatible", which I took to mean
it implemented the good ol' "AT" command set ... which it turns out that
it does.  So I figured it wasn't a "winmodem".  Maybe looking for a "Hayes
Compatible" USB modem is what you want?

--Ken