Fi has launched the Fi Ultra, a smart dog tracker that uses Starlink’s satellite network to provide GPS tracking even where there is no cellular signal. This is the first widely available pet tracker designed to send location data outside of LTE coverage, making it ideal for dogs that escape to remote forests, mountains, or other off-grid areas.
Unlike most pet trackers that rely solely on cellular networks, Fi Ultra switches between multiple connectivity options: Starlink satellite, LTE, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. It uses dual-band GPS for more accurate positioning. In urban areas, these redundant channels provide backup if one fails, but in rural or wilderness environments, Starlink’s satellite link becomes an advantage over traditional trackers-a common pain point for pet owners.
Fi Ultra offers the usual set of features pet owners expect: customizable safe zones with exit alerts, detailed walk histories, and activity tracking. A standout is Fi Callback, which uses sound and vibration cues to train dogs to return without relying on electric stimulation-an ethical alternative in a market where shock collars remain popular.
Fi Ultra dog tracker specifications
- Connectivity: Starlink satellite, LTE, Wi‑Fi, Bluetooth
- Dual-band GPS for improved accuracy
- Safe zones with exit notifications
- Walk history and activity monitoring
- Fi Callback: sound and vibration training cues
- Water resistance rated IP68 and IP66K
- Battery life up to 2 days, USB-C charging
Fi Ultra boasts water and dust protection with IP68 and IP66K ratings, meaning it can handle rain, mud, water jets, and rough outdoor conditions. However, its battery life of up to two days could be a limitation for an emergency tracker intended for remote escape scenarios, where longer autonomy might be expected.
The pricing structure of the Fi Ultra tracker is as follows:
- Fi Ultra device: $200
- Annual subscription for new users: $190
- Upgrade price for existing Fi owners: $300
This pricing makes upgrading more expensive than purchasing a new device, which could create friction among loyal Fi users.
For context, the U.S. pet industry is booming, with over $150 billion spent on pets in 2024 alone, according to the American Pet Products Association. Within GPS collars, Fi faces competition from brands like Tractive, Whistle, and Halo Collar, which mostly use cellular networks and proprietary subscription services. Introducing Starlink satellite connectivity sets Fi Ultra apart by targeting an underserved niche: tracking dogs in areas where cell networks fail first.
Starlink’s integration isn’t just a marketing gimmick but an effort to create premium pet tracking for truly off-the-grid scenarios. The real test will be whether Fi can retain subscribers and prove that satellite connectivity consistently helps find lost pets where traditional trackers fall short. If successful, expect competitors to adopt similar technology quickly as smart pet devices rapidly evolve and premium collars become a distinct category of pet electronics.