Getting a USB mobile modem working

[Jesse Smith]

Hello List,

I've recently installed FreeBSD on my laptop and everything seems to be
working except my Novatel mobile modem. It's a modem that plugs into a
USB port and gives me network access off nearby mobile towers.

My issue is, I hope, mostly one of ignorance. When I was running Linux
on my laptop, I'd plug the modem in and Network Manager would detect it
and automatically start a connection. Making the transition to FreeBSD
I've found there isn't any automated process. So I have two questions:

1. How can I find out if FreeBSD has the proper drivers/firmware to run
the modem?

2. Assuming the modem is supported, how do I get it working?

Thank you.