Hi
I don't have an answer but maybe a solution. I assume that embarq have issued you with an id and password for your account, therefore if you can you access your modem control panel, usually with something like 192.168.2.1 or 10.0.0.1 followed by the admin username and password, you can often enter your login details right into your modem. This would then mean that your modem connects to the ISP and usually stays connected whilst your PC merely connects to the modem. I had a similar problem before and this worked for me.

Good Luck