I have noticed the past few days, usually on off peak times for longer connection that the UML290 will connect without VZAM running. I am running W7 Home Premium and the latest software/firmware updates. I first noticed this last night when I started the desktop and the network icon showed connected with Internet access and worked for several hours but since then it is flakey at best most of the time. As a mater of fact I had to switch to another connection to complete this post. Point being I connected to VZW network from bootup without Access Manager running. I did notice PTUML290 Connection Manager Service was running and Network sharing center showed the UML290 connection connected with internet access.