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 newer dongles can create a Wi-Fi hotspot for multiple devices simultaneously—some supporting up to 10 devices at once. This is a significant improvement over the single-device NetSetter.
: Unlike the old Netsetter which only gave internet to the device it was plugged into, 4G wingles broadcast a local Wi-Fi signal. You can connect up to 10 to 15 devices simultaneously, including smartphones, laptops, and smart TVs. Option B: Pocket 4G Mi-Fi Router idea 3g netsetter upgrade to 4g
4G often employs MIMO (Multiple Input, Multiple Output) technology, requiring two or more antenna chains. A 3G dongle typically has a single, simple antenna. Even if you somehow swapped the chip, the physical radio frequency (RF) path, filters, and amplifiers would not support LTE bands (Band 3, 5, 40, 41 in India).
Visit your nearest official Vi Store or authorized mini-store. If you need to keep your old Idea
It's important to note that while the 4G SIM itself is often provided free of cost by the company, some retailers may ask for a nominal fee. Reports suggest this can be around ₹50 to ₹100. However, the official policy states the upgrade is free for eligible customers.
If you want to keep your existing Idea data number while upgrading your hardware, follow these steps: : Unlike the old Netsetter which only gave
If you prefer the exact form factor of your old Netsetter, you can buy a dedicated 4G LTE USB dongle. Modern equivalents are often sold unlocked, meaning they can accept SIM cards from any major provider.
Instead of a traditional USB dongle that only connects to one laptop, the modern replacement is a 4G pocket Wi-Fi router.
To verify if your device is compatible with the Idea 4G LTE network, send an SMS with the text <check> to 12345 .