New York technology firm Fi has launched the Fi Ultra, a smart tracking collar that uses Elon Musk's Starlink satellite network to locate lost pets in remote areas without mobile signal.
The device is the first pet collar on the market capable of connecting to satellite infrastructure, aiming to prevent pet loss during trips to mountains, rural locations, or zones lacking cellular coverage.
Details of the launch were published by news outlet TechSpot on August 12, 2026. To keep an accurate location signal where cellular coverage is absent, the Fi Ultra uses a hybrid connectivity system. The collar switches automatically and seamlessly between LTE cellular networks, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and satellite connections based on environmental availability, requiring no manual input from the owner.
Fi established a partnership with T-Satellite to utilize Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations, allowing the device to transmit coordinates from remote terrain. The collar also includes a high-precision dual-band GPS receiver to determine exact positioning.
Satellite connectivity for remote tracking
The integration of satellite tracking expands a growing market for pet technology. Smart home manufacturers such as Xiaomi have previously introduced automated pet care devices, including smart feeders that recognize individual animals to dispense food. Other location trackers on the market include models such as the MOVA SureTrack Pro, but the Fi Ultra is the first to leverage orbital satellite infrastructure.
Starlink, operated by SpaceX, relies on thousands of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit to provide coverage across isolated regions. Electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla has also announced plans to fit Starlink antennas onto future vehicles to maintain internet connection anywhere.
Battery performance and pricing
Operating on a satellite network requires higher energy consumption than standard location systems. Fi stated that while conventional GPS tracking collars can operate for several weeks without recharging, the Fi Ultra battery performance is reduced to a few days due to its satellite connection capabilities.
The company noted that the more accurate orbital tracking helps speed up search efforts when a pet goes missing, minimizing the drawback of shorter battery life during emergencies.
The Fi Ultra system is currently available in the United States. New customers can purchase the hardware kit for a starting price of $199, along with an annual subscription fee of $189 to maintain network access.
