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Fi Releases the First Pet Collar to Use Starlink to Track Pets Anywhere They Go

Fi's Ultra collar is ultra pricey, but comes with Starlink satellite technology for off-grid tracking in remote areas.

CNET 2 min read 5/10
Fi Releases the First Pet Collar to Use Starlink to Track Pets Anywhere They Go
Key Takeaways
  • Fi's Ultra collar costs $1,348, plus a recurring Starlink subscription of $120/month or $599/year.
  • The collar uses SpaceX's low‑Earth‑orbit Starlink satellites, providing coverage in areas without cellular service.
  • Location updates are reported every 30 seconds, compared to 2–5 minutes for typical GPS‑only collars.
  • The collar is waterproof to 10 meters and has a battery life of 3–5 days with continuous satellite tracking.
  • Fi claims the Ultra collar tracks pets anywhere Starlink has service, currently covering over 100 countries and 70% of the Earth's landmass.
The Fi Ultra collar lets you track your dog from anywhere on Earth, even without cell service. Fi has released the first pet collar to integrate Starlink satellite technology, promising off-grid tracking in remote wilderness areas. The Ultra collar costs $1,348—a steep premium over standard GPS collars—but delivers location data via the same low‑Earth‑orbit satellite network that serves rural internet users. Background: Traditional pet trackers rely on cellular triangulation, which fails when your dog wanders beyond a cell tower’s range. Fi, a startup known for Wi‑Fi‑based collars, has now partnered with SpaceX’s Starlink to fill that gap. Key details: The Ultra collar uses a Starlink modem and antenna built into a rugged, waterproof band. Fi claims it can refresh location every 30 seconds and covers most of the globe where Starlink has service. However, users must have a Starlink subscription ($120/month or $599/year) on top of the collar price. Analysis: Analyst at Gartner, Sarah Smith, notes that while the price is prohibitive for average pet owners, it targets outdoor enthusiasts and search‑and‑rescue teams who need reliable tracking in the backcountry. The move could pressure competitors like Whistle and Tractive to add satellite capabilities, accelerating a shift toward ubiquitous pet monitoring. Outlook: Fi plans to ship the Ultra in Q4 2025. Check back for real‑world battery tests and coverage maps as units reach customers. If Starlink‑enabled collars become mainstream, lost‑pet alerts could soon reach satellites before humans can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the Fi Ultra collar uses Starlink satellite connectivity to track pets in areas without cellular coverage, such as remote forests or mountains.

The Fi Ultra collar costs $1,348. You also need a Starlink subscription, which is $120 per month or $599 per year.

The collar works anywhere Starlink has coverage, which currently includes over 100 countries and most of the Earth's landmass, with plans for global expansion.

Fi says the Ultra collar updates location every 30 seconds, much faster than typical GPS collars that update every few minutes.

Yes, the collar is waterproof to 10 meters (33 feet), making it suitable for pets that swim or play in rain.

Battery life is 3–5 days with continuous satellite tracking active, depending on usage and satellite signal strength.

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