For millions of Indian internet users between 2010 and 2017, the Idea Netsetter was not just a device; it was a lifeline. In an era before Jio’s 4G blitz, the small, humming USB dongle—often white with the iconic red "Idea" logo—provided connectivity to students in hostels, temporary offices, and rural homes. The "3G Netsetter" was synonymous with "portable broadband."
A: Yes, but only at 2G or 3G speeds if the network still offers those bands. Since 3G is shut down, you will get 2G (0.1 Mbps). Useless. idea 3g netsetter upgrade to 4g
In 2020, the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) allowed operators to shut down 3G networks to refarm the spectrum (the 900MHz and 2100MHz bands) for 4G and 5G. Vodafone Idea (Vi) began a phased shutdown of 3G services starting in and completed it by mid-2022 . For millions of Indian internet users between 2010
A: As of 2025, Vi has largely exited the dongle market. They prefer you use a smartphone hotspot. You will mostly find third-party dongles (TP-Link, ZTE) that are "unlocked" or "Vi compatible." Since 3G is shut down, you will get 2G (0
By: Tech Heritage Desk
When a network shuts down 3G, your unused data on a 3G-only plan is forfeit. Vi will not refund you. However, if you do a SIM swap to a 4G SIM (Path 2 above), Vi might credit the residual balance to your new 4G account, but this is rare for old data-only dongles.
If you need to keep your old Idea Netsetter number (for OTPs or billing), you can port it to Jio or Airtel using Mobile Number Portability (MNP). Do not stay on Vi just because "Idea was good." Many users delay upgrading because they have a few hundred rupees of data balance left on their Idea 3G Netsetter.