By: Tech Heritage Desk
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." 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 . By: Tech Heritage Desk A: As of 2025,
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. Vodafone Idea (Vi) began a phased shutdown of
But the digital graveyard is full of obsolete tech. With Idea Cellular merging with Vodafone to create , and with 3G networks being completely shut down across India between 2020 and 2022, that old 3G Netsetter has likely become a paperweight.
A: Your dongle is showing a 2G signal for voice/SMS towers. Data services are disabled on that band for your SIM profile. The tower is telling your dongle: "I see you, but I won't serve you data."
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.