Connecting Macbook Pro to Tiscali broadband

Just received my new Macbook Pro (very fast delivery) and on first impressions I'm very impressed with it. The build quality and screen are stunning, and it was definitely worth the extra cash.

I'm trying to set up my broadband connection. I've got an old S@gem modem. I've managed to update the drivers using information from this site, but I'm not able to connect.

Is there an issue with Tiscali and Macs? Will I have to contact Tiscali and get something reset? I've been using the modem for years with my PC without a problem. The drivers seem fine, so I'm wondering if it's a Tiscali issue.

Thanks for reading.

 

What kind of modem are we talking about? DSL? Dial up? How old is it? Perhaps it's time for Tiscali to upgrade you with a wireless router?

 

It's an old sagem f@st 800-840 DSL USB modem. I'm going to buy a wifi option (or I might try and see if I can get one free from Tiscali), but just wanted to check Tiscali isn't an issue.

I love this new Mac though!

 

Yeah, USB modems tend not to work really well with Macs, since the guys at Apple sort of dropped support for those devices.

Assuming you've been a very long time customer with Tiscali, you should be able to request from them a free wireless router (note that you probably will have to sign a new 12 month contract). Otherwise you could just spend some money (~$50) on a cheap router.

 

Thanks. I emailed support but haven't had a reply, no surprises there Tiscali are the worst company I've ever dealt with regarding support. Not sure if I can face a two hour phone call but I might have to.

I'm pretty sure I have the modem set up correctly but it's saying it can't find a PPPoE server, which I'm hoping doesn't mean that Tiscali don't support it or that it's not available on my connection.

I guess the wireless router is the next thing, but I'm concerned about spending more money on something that doesn't work.

I've got no choice, if I can't sort this out soon the Mac will have to go back.

 

Tried connecting at a friends place, who uses the same modem and same ISP on his G5 without a hitch, but my MBP won't connect. Looks like I need PPPoA, not PPPoE, which I have.

So as the Apple support bloke says, the Mac Book Pro does not support USB modems.

I'm sending the machine back on Monday, that's just not good enough.

 

so you are sending it back just bc of that?also,mac's do support usb modems!

 

Mabye there's a missing piece of software? I frequently use a Verizon USB modem on my Aluminum Macbook when on travel, and it works fine for me. There was a disk that came with the modem to set up the software/firmware, so that might be your problem.

 

also,check their website!

 

Yes, they may have some software updates, or even a fix for your situation. You may even want to enter your IP address in the url bar, to see if the internet is even going to your router. Have you tried it on a different machine?

 

Yes, and this one doesn't, apparently (according to Apple support).

Thanks for the replies. I've spent two days looking for updates. There's bugger all on the Tiscali or Sagem websites but I eventually found and downloaded the latest versions. They work fine on a G5, but not on the Macbook Pro.

It's an incredibly common modem in the UK, supplied by one of the biggest ISP's and Apple doesn't support it.

I'm going to try out another modem on Monday, and test a wifi connection too just in case. But I need to be able to connect using a USB modem as wifi isn't always an option.

I thought Apple had stopped all of this incompatability madness (which is why I stopped using Macs 10 years ago), but the non-standard miniport and now this issue with not supporting USB modems will have me heading straight back to a PC.

 

sounds like you need tiscali to send you a free wireless router. i used that old usb modem they used to send without and problems,but once they had that deal where you could get a free wireless modem we called them and they sent us the free wireless modem. the usb modem was good for that upto 8mb line that why they sent the free wireless modem.

if you dont have that upto 8mb internet then just upgrade to it and will only be a few £ more plus youll ge the free wireless modem.

 

Tiscali refuse to upgrade my modem, even though it's now discontinued, and say that if I want a new modem then I have to sign up for a 12 month contract (I'm on a month by month account now as I've been with them for about 6 years).

I could almost be tempted, but they say they 'cannot guarantee that the new modem will work with my Mac'.

So I'd be signing up to a 12 month contract with a company on the skids, and getting a modem that might or might not work.

Hmmmm...let's think about that. Thought about it - no thanks.

Looks like I'll have to buy my own, and I've had a couple of recommendation's for the Netgear DG834G

 

Another option is to switch your ISP. Most ISPs (such as BT, O2 a.k.a Be, Virgin) will give you a free wireless router if you sign up with them (12 month contract).

 

I've looked at a few deals. Unfortunately I'm out in the sticks in Wales and we've got a limited number of ISP options, and some of those are charging extra as we are outside the 'special zones'.

That's why we've stuck with Tiscali for so long, despite the fact their service has been very ropey.

It's a shame, there's some great deals out there (Be look good too) but we can't get them