Fi’s Starlink Pet Tracker Located My Dog When LTE Failed

The Fi Ultra is the first pet tracker that utilizes Starlink technology, enhancing traditional GPS and LTE tracking with automatic failover to T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service in areas with poor cellular coverage. This means you can track your furry friend anywhere in the U.S. using SpaceX’s network of low Earth orbit satellites. However, our initial tests revealed some drawbacks, particularly in battery life, which is less impressive for a pet tracker.

Designed for “adventure dogs of any size,” the Fi Ultra is meant to fit onto your existing collar or harness. It retails for $199, plus a $20 activation fee, and requires an annual subscription of $189. In addition to LTE connectivity, it boasts always-on dual-band GPS, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi for enhanced accuracy.

The tracker features a 513 mAh battery, which is expected to last about two days. It measures 75mm × 40mm × 25mm and weighs 68g, with IP68 and IP66K ratings for dust and water resistance, including saltwater. It also includes a small vibration motor and speaker to support Fi’s new shock-free Callback training system.

To put the Fi Ultra to the test, I took a drive near the Francis Marion National Forest in South Carolina, where cellular service drops off. Attaching the tracker to my dog Gus’ collar was straightforward, thanks to a spring-mounted clasp. However, the claim of fitting “dogs of any size” seems a bit exaggerated; it appeared quite large on Gus, who weighs 80 pounds, and would likely be too bulky for smaller breeds.

The Fi Ultra connects to the Fi app, providing a live view of Gus’ location. I activated Lost Mode to simulate a scenario where he might wander off, which boosts the device’s radios for real-time tracking instead of periodic updates. Outside of regular LTE, the tracker quickly switched to the Starlink-based T-Satellite network, indicated by a satellite icon in the app, with location updates occurring every 2 to 3 minutes. While this may feel slow during a frantic search, it’s comparable to the update frequency I experienced with low LTE signal in my neighborhood.

Three minutes can feel like an eternity when a dog is on the loose, but it’s certainly better than having no tracking capability in areas without LTE coverage.

During a 30-minute live tracking session using Starlink, there were moments when the device got stuck on “reconnecting,” causing delays of nearly 5 minutes without location updates. According to Fi, the tracker prioritizes terrestrial cell towers, but when using T-Satellite, it frequently switches between satellites while trying to maintain a terrestrial signal, which can lead to these reconnection lags.

The extensive use of radios takes a toll on battery life, and I found it challenging to achieve the promised two days on a single charge during my testing week. I had to recharge it daily after long walks or every other day during less active periods. In just the 30-minute tracking session, the battery dropped nearly 20%.

While it charges in under two hours via USB-C, the short battery life makes it more suitable for occasional use rather than daily wear. Fi’s other models, like the Fi Mini and Fi 3 Plus, can last several weeks on a single charge and offer additional features such as health, sleep, and behavior tracking, all included with a paid membership.

The company attributes the battery drain to the added power demands of satellite connectivity and more frequent high-accuracy location updates. The Fi Ultra relies heavily on GPS for continuous tracking, unlike Fi’s non-satellite models.

However, if you already have a subscription, you can add the Fi Ultra for a flat fee of $299, which is a more economical option in the long run compared to purchasing it separately. You can attach it to an existing Fi collar, allowing both devices to work together in the app, ensuring you’re covered in areas without cell service while still enjoying the benefits of Fi’s standard tracking features.

Having lived in rural Idaho, where my dog Stanley often chased deer into valleys, I understand the appeal of a tracker that functions beyond cellular reach. If you frequently hike or camp in remote locations, the Fi Ultra could serve as a valuable investment for peace of mind. Just be ready to charge it more often than a typical GPS tracker.