Network manager does not see my wifi

Hi there. Just upgraded a modem in a crowded downtown flat and many wifi connections around.

I gave the same SSID as the old modem, but networkmanager does not see it.
Changed frequencies, changed SSID, no go. I can go into "connect to hidden network.."
and click New and type in the ssid and wpa2 password and it works until I reboot.
Then its all over again, New... ssid, password.. interestingly it creates new entries like my_ssid 1 , my_ssid 2, etc.. every time.

But the ssid is not listed in its list (a dozen other are) nor does it connect automatically when the machine is turned on.
I can go into nm-network-editor and see the AP listed, and it appears correct, with the correct password, "automatically connect" and "any user can activate it", etc..

iwlist wlan0 scanning lists the AP..

Any ideas what else to try?
PS: fedora 17