Thanks for the tips; I tried this and a lot of other things and finally got it working so I thought I'd post in case anyone else is interested. First you need to download the appropriate driver for the huawei modem. Then,
in system preferences> Network
configuration = Default
telephone number = #777
account name = card
password = card
In Advanced:
Vendor = Other
Model = HUAWEI Mobile Connect 3G Modem
Check "enable error correction..."
Dialing = "tone"
Sound = "on"
And that worked for me.