Final message on this topic (at least for the time being).
Having failed to make a connection using the ethernet cable I resolved to connect to the HUAWET modem B618-1944 using a WiFi adaptor. I bought two, both alleged to be compatible with Linux: a cheapy for $2AU and a TP-LINK TL-WN722N for $20AU. The latter arrived today with instructions on drivers and a CD. This was said by a Ubuntu forum postee to be plug-n-play on LinuX Ubuntu. I plugged it in (ignoring the instructions) and it worked instantly. After following the Telstra modem stuff my Linux Ubuntu desktop PC and all the other WiFi-enabled devices (laptops, mobile phone, etc) are connected with the Internet via the Telstra WiFi modem. All is well.
Thanks to all again, Geoffrey Combes -- ubuntu-au mailing list [email protected] https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-au
