NOTE: This Howto was cobbled together using multiple web page sources. In some
instances the wording was so clean and precise as to make rewording a fools' errand.
No deception is intended.

First, I'll bring you up to speed:

The PCTel modems are specifically made for M$-Windows systems, and have
drivers which are specific for M$-Windows. They are also called 'Winmodems'.
Most of the Winmodems do not work with GNU/Linux. Because manufacturers use
patented technologies, drivers for these modems cannot be developed as
Open Source. However, for a few of these modems, drivers have been developed
by some rather nice people. Winmodems, that work in Linux, are commonly
referred to as 'Linmodems'

Who put the HSP in these PCTs'...The world may never know.

What is HSP? HSP stands for Host Signal Processing. This refers to the
modem using the host computers' processor (Pentium or Pentium class) in place of
a dedicated chip on the modem to perform the Digital Signal Processing (DSP).
Which results in slower system performance.

"Don't Waste Your Money...Winmodems are junk." Maybe. I suppose It depends
on your 'Rationale' ( http://www.linmodems.org/ ) If your Winmodem isn't one of the
handful with an open source driver in existence, I recommend you purchase a
"Linux supported" modem (It says so on the box.), rather than reinventing this
wheel. If you have a Winmodem, and a driver does exist, install it.
You may learn something. I did.

Howto - Install PCTel HSP MicroModem 56/PCT789T

NOTE: PCTel only manufactures the chips for these modems. So if you see
XXX modem and PCTel then you have a PCTel linmodem.

Step 1: Identify the modem's CHIPSET.

In Windows:

A. >> Use PciTree.exe -> http://modemsite.com/56k/pcitree.asp

B. >> In newer versions of Windows, you can get the PCI ID information
from the Modem Properties Screen. (Control Panel -> System ->
Hardware -> Device Manager -> Modem. PCI ID is in the
'Hardware ID' field:)

C. >> If everything else fails, try ATI commands under Windows.

In Linux:

A. >> Issue the bash$ lspci command. If your output resembles this:

00:09.0 Communication controller: PCTel Inc HSP MicroModem 56 (rev 01)

you have what is commonly called a PCTel linmodem.

B. >> Download the scanmodem utility:

http://linmodems.technion.ac.il/#scanmodem


Step 2: Search the database:

http://www.idir.net/~gromitkc/winmodem.html#Database,

To see if your modem is or isn't supported. Also see:

http://free.hostdepartment.com/g/gromitkc/pctel/pctel_1789.html


Step 3: Download your kernel:

http://linmodems.technion.ac.il/pctel-linux/

Follow the install instructions.


FAQ/Troubleshooting:

http://www.telenovela-world.com/~spade/linux/howto/mini/PCTel-MicroModem-Config/trouble.html