Orbital Connectivity for Canines: Fi Integrates Starlink Direct-to-Cell

Terminal Access: Persistent Tracking Enabled

Pet technology firm Fi has announced the launch of the Fi Ultra, a next-generation dog tracker designed to eliminate terrestrial dead zones. According to SpaceNews, the device utilizes T-Mobile’s T-Satellite service, which is powered by SpaceX’s Starlink low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. This integration marks the first commercial deployment of Direct-to-Cell technology in a consumer product outside of the smartphone sector.

Hardware and Network Architecture

The Fi Ultra is engineered to maintain location telemetry even when traditional cellular signal is absent. While legacy hardware relied exclusively on terrestrial towers, the Ultra connects directly to Starlink satellites, which have been providing commercial D2C services since 2025. The footprint covers the entire United States, ensuring off-grid reliability for hunting, hiking, and rural homesteading.

CEO Jonathan Bensamoun confirmed that the product addresses a significant gap in the market for pet owners operating in low-service environments. Fi, which surpassed one million product shipments last year, anticipates a substantial upgrade cycle from its existing user base.

Technical Specifications and Logistics

• ▸Hardware Compatibility: Fits standard harnesses and legacy Fi-compatible collars.
• ▸Core Systems: Includes a speaker, vibration motor, and "Lost Mode" mesh networking features.
• ▸Acquisition Cost: New users face a $199 unit price plus a $20 activation fee. Annual membership tiers start at $189. Existing members can secure a flat-rate upgrade for $299.

By bypassing the need for specialized satellite ground stations and utilizing standard LTE protocols via space-based nodes, the Fi Ultra demonstrates the practical scalability of LEO-to-device connectivity.