ok.. that kinda did something... the Z seemed to occasionally "see" the phoine--though I think I might be wrong about how the phone contacts the isp.
anyway, here is the log from querying the modem in windows 2000. Maybe it will give someone a flash of insight? So far, I'm still not getting the Z to connect.
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - File: C:\WINNT\system32\unimdm.tsp, Version 5.0.2195 - Retail
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - File: C:\WINNT\system32\unimdmat.dll, Version 5.0.2195 - Retail
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - File: C:\WINNT\system32\uniplat.dll, Version 5.0.2195 - Retail
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - File: C:\WINNT\system32\drivers\modem.sys, Version 5.0.2195 - Retail
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - File: C:\WINNT\system32\modemui.dll, Version 5.0.2195 - Retail
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - Modem type: Sierra Wireless USB Modem
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - Modem inf path: oem15.inf
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - Modem inf section: Modem1
09-13-2006 17:35:27.796 - 230400,8,N,1, ctsfl=1, rtsctl=2
09-13-2006 17:35:27.812 - Initializing modem.
09-13-2006 17:35:27.812 - DSR is low while initializing the modem. Verify modem is turned on.
09-13-2006 17:35:27.812 - CTS is low while initializing modem.
09-13-2006 17:35:27.828 - Send: AT<cr>
09-13-2006 17:35:27.828 - Recv: <cr><lf>OK<cr><lf>
09-13-2006 17:35:27.828 - Interpreted response: OK
09-13-2006 17:35:27.843 - Send: ATL0M1X4<cr>
09-13-2006 17:35:27.843 - Recv: <cr><lf>OK<cr><lf>
09-13-2006 17:35:27.843 - Interpreted response: OK
09-13-2006 17:35:27.859 - Send: AT+cdcont=1,"IP","cellular1wap","",0,0<cr>
09-13-2006 17:35:27.859 - Recv: <cr><lf>ERROR<cr><lf>
09-13-2006 17:35:27.859 - Interpreted response: Error
09-13-2006 17:35:27.859 - Session Statistics:
09-13-2006 17:35:27.859 - Reads : 0 bytes
09-13-2006 17:35:27.859 - Writes: 0 bytes
I think the "cellular1wap" bit is wrong....