Network doesn't work in generic kernels

I've tested the system with several generic kernels packaged in the range linux-image-3.13.0-88-generic - linux-image-4.2.0-41-generic. While with their lowlatency counterparts, both wired and WiFi networks work, with generic kernels they don't.

`ifconfig -a' shows only lo interface.

`dmesg' shows the kernel identifies the WiFi USB adapter, but there is no driver ath9k_htc to request the free firmware.

`lsmod' doesn't list ath9k_htc module.

Someone else able to reproduce this? Thanks!