I tried adding
/sbin/modprobe usbserial vendor=xxx product=xxxx
to the rc file like was suggeseted, but it didn't completely work. It would load the module, but the comm drivers (ttyUSB0,1,2,3) were not available until i unplugged the modem and re-inserted it. so i then modified the rc file as this
/sbin/rmmod uhci_hcd
/sbin/modprobe usbserial vendor=xxx product=xxxx
/sbin/modprobe uhci_hcd
Now the module loads at boot, and the drivers are ready. I can call my script to log into the network. Now i am trying to use the ttyUSB0 as the default modem and get SME to use it instead of a serial port or isdn for default connection to the internet!
Thanks for the help, i am sure i will be back!