Dog Tracker Uses Starlink to Work Anywhere in the U.S.
A new dog GPS tracker connects through satellites, so it works even in remote areas without cell service. Pet parents can finally track their dogs on hiking trips, hunting expeditions, and rural adventures.
Lost dogs in remote areas just got a lifeline thanks to technology originally designed for space.
Pet tech company Fi launched the Fi Ultra on July 8, the first consumer device outside smartphones to use Starlink's satellite network. The tracker keeps tabs on dogs anywhere in the United States, even miles beyond cell tower range.
For years, GPS dog trackers had a frustrating flaw. They could pinpoint a dog's location perfectly, but they couldn't send that information to worried owners without a cell signal. A dog running off during a mountain hike or hunting trip essentially disappeared until it wandered back into coverage.
Fi Ultra solves this by connecting through T-Mobile's Starlink-enabled satellite service. SpaceX's low Earth orbit satellites beam the signal down, creating a nationwide safety net for adventurous pups.
"For years, there's been a hole in the market for a tracker for off-grid adventures," said Fi cofounder and CEO Jonathan Bensamoun. He said rural pet owners and outdoor enthusiasts have consistently asked for exactly this product.
The company shipped its millionth tracker last year and expects many current subscribers to upgrade. But they're also betting on attracting new customers who previously avoided trackers because they simply didn't work where they lived or explored.
The device clips onto standard dog collars and harnesses, including those from older Fi models. It sends alerts when a dog leaves a designated safe zone and includes a speaker and vibration motor to help guide lost dogs back home. A lost mode can even alert other Fi users nearby to help with the search.
The Ripple Effect
This marks an important moment for satellite technology moving beyond emergency services. While satellites have rescued hikers and boaters for years, Fi Ultra brings that same peace of mind to everyday pet owners exploring with their four-legged friends.
The technology also opens doors for other consumer devices. If a dog tracker can tap into satellite networks affordably, similar innovations could follow for tracking kids' backpacks, elderly family members, or outdoor gear.
Fi Ultra costs $199 for new customers plus a $20 activation fee and annual membership starting at $189. Current subscribers can upgrade for $299.
Now the family dog can safely join wilderness adventures without disappearing into a cellular dead zone.
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Based on reporting by SpaceNews
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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