Before WvDial, dialup on Linux sucked so hard. I cringed when I read WvDial in the title because it brought back memories of what it replaced. I didn't realize how long it's been...I always think of myself as having used Linux for "about ten years", but I've been thinking of myself that way for at least five years.
I'm surprised to learn that people are still using modem emulation on cell phones, though...it's been about five years since I've seen a phone that could do that (though only a couple of years since I got a phone that could be tethered via USB or Bluetooth).
My Verizon USB-3G modem is basically only usable under Linux if I use WvDial and treat it like dial-up. It's equally hilarious when you find out that connecting requires the hardcoded password of "777" regardless of your individual details.
Depends on USB or BT profiles supported by the phone.
If it supports only USB CDC ACM or BT DUN, you are stuck with dialing. If it supports USB CDC ECM, USB RNDIS (Windows has to be special...) or BT PAN, things are much better and the phone is just another ethernet interface in your computer.
I'm surprised to learn that people are still using modem emulation on cell phones, though...it's been about five years since I've seen a phone that could do that (though only a couple of years since I got a phone that could be tethered via USB or Bluetooth).