WP7611 - Yellow Brd- Monitor Cellular link status

WP7611+Yellow EVB is connected to ATT cellular network. MIMO 2x2 config. The Yellow EVB is connected to Windows PC via USB cable
We had to use a dialup connection (dial *99#) to get internet using the cellular modem. Is this the right procedure to enable cellular connection ?

  1. In this process, the Modem COM port is used by Dialup. Is it possible for me to send AT commands using the UART1 interface ?
  2. Is it possible to monitor the cellular link status using UART 1 - Active/low power, Band, TX POUT, etc ?
    Thanks