Amazon reveals Fetch pet tracker and Sidewalk network

Image Credit: James Martin/CNET

Amazon has announced a low-bandwidth, long-distance wireless network designed for low powered devices and a smart pet tracker

At its annual hardware event in Seattle this week, the online retailer announced the new wireless protocol designed to connect Internet of Things (IoT) devices over long range, both inside and outside your home.

“Amazon Sidewalk is a brand new low-bandwidth network that uses the already existing free over-the-air 900 megahertz spectrum,” said Dave Limp, Amazon’s device chief.

A range of wireless standards are currently used to connect IoT devices. Wi-Fi uses low power consumption and high capacity but coverage is limited. Bluetooth affords high bandwidth but with a short range. Then there is 5G, which is promising, but still some way off full deployment and could be costly.

The 900MHz spectrum Amazon look to use with Sidewalk is used mainly for amateur radio transmissions, meaning it is relatively empty, and has a potential range of between 500 metres to 1 mile.

Limp said: “We think it will be great for keeping track of things, keeping things up to date — but first and foremost, it will extend in the distance at which you can control these kinds of simple, low-cost, easy-to-use devices.”


READ MORE: Amazon Unveils Alexa-Powered Ring and Glasses



One of the devices announced to coincide with Sidewalk will make pet lovers happy – a smart dog tag called Ring Fetch.

This low-powered device clips onto your dogs collar, connecting to the Amazon Sidewalk network.

Owners can set a geofence perimeter up to one mile away, and when a dog strays too far from home, the owner is able to track their rogue pet with GPS.

The Ring Fetch clips easily onto a collar / Credit: Amazon


Among other devices tipped for use in this low-powered, long range network are water sprinklers, mailboxes, lightbulbs and doorbells.

As the Amazon push for increased connectivity among its family of devices, the online giant has delivered 700 devices to homes and businesses in Los Angeles in order to begin testing. However, they do admit that the network is in its early stages. It could be some time before we see it scheduled for consumer use.

Luke Conrad

Technology & Marketing Enthusiast

TPIs are the Future of Energy Solutions

David Sheldrake SVP POWWR • 19th June 2025

The energy industry is undergoing a transformation, and Third-Party Intermediaries (TPIs), those brokers and consultants who help businesses procure energy, are at the centre of it. With growing complexity, increasing regulation, and evolving customer expectations, the role of TPIs is shifting from price-focused brokers to strategic energy advisors. While renewable energy adoption continues to reshape...

Quick Commerce and the Retail Media Revolution

Sue Azari • 11th June 2025

Quick commerce has transformed the way consumers shop, redefining convenience with near-instant delivery of groceries, meals, and household essentials. However, beyond its impact on logistics and e-commerce, quick commerce is now emerging as a major force in digital advertising. As consumer behaviours shift toward on-demand purchases, these platforms are leveraging their vast first-party data and...

Is It Time for a VMware Alternative?

Wind River • 22nd May 2025

Companies have options when it comes to replacing VMware as their cloud platform, to address rising costs, support concerns, and a shrinking partner ecosystem. If you are ready to contemplate a different vendor, here are five reasons why Wind River Cloud Platform should be on your short list of VMware alternatives.

AI Leads as VivaTech Unveils Top 100 Startups

Viva Technology • 14th May 2025

Viva Technology has unveiled the first edition of its “Top 100 Rising European Startups for 2025,” spotlighting the most promising young companies shaping Europe’s tech future. Germany, France, and the UK lead the ranking, which highlights high-growth startups across 13 countries. Artificial intelligence dominates the list, with 15 companies spanning AI agents, models, and infrastructure....

Birmingham Unveils the UK’s Best Emerging HealthTech Advances

Kosta Mavroulakis • 03rd April 2025

The National HealthTech Series hosted its latest event in Birmingham this month, showcasing innovative startups driving advanced health technology, including AI-assisted diagnostics, wearable devices and revolutionary educational tools for healthcare professionals. Health stakeholders drawn from the NHS, universities, industry and front-line patient care met with new and emerging businesses to define the future trajectory of...

Why DEIB is Imperative to Tech’s Future

Hadas Almog from AppsFlyer • 17th March 2025

We’ve been seeing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) initiatives being cut time and time again throughout the tech industry. DEIB dedicated roles have been eliminated, employee resource groups have lost funding, and initiatives once considered crucial have been deprioritised in favour of “more immediate business needs.” The justification for these cuts is often the...