Fi Ultra: Satellite Connectivity for Wandering Pets
The Fi Ultra arrives as the first pet tracker leveraging SpaceX’s Starlink constellation to maintain a connection where cellular networks fail. By integrating T-Mobile’s T-Satellite direct-to-cell service with standard GPS and LTE, the device aims to provide coverage across the entire United States, though early testing highlights significant compromises in battery longevity.
Priced at $199 with an additional $189 annual subscription, the tracker is designed to attach to existing collars or harnesses. Its technical suite includes dual-band GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi for proximity tracking. The hardware measures 75mm by 40mm by 25mm and weighs 68g, meeting IP68 and IP66K standards for protection against dust and water, including saltwater environments.
Performance in the field presents a distinct trade-off. The 513 mAh battery is rated for only two days of use, a limitation for a device marketed toward outdoor enthusiasts and their dogs. Beyond location tracking, the unit includes a vibration motor and speaker to support the company’s shock-free Callback training system. During trials near South Carolina’s Francis Marion National Forest, the device successfully transitioned to satellite connectivity once the cellular signal faded, proving its utility in true dead zones.
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