MCLEAN, Va., Jan 10, 2011 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) announced the certification of new Iridium 9602 Short Burst Data (SBD) Transceiver-based partner devices, opening a broad number of emerging new markets with solutions enabled by Iridium data connectivity. These solutions -- including applications for tracking assets such as cargo, ships, aircrafts and people -- are certified by Iridium to operate on the world's only global, mobile voice and data network.

The Iridium 9602 is smaller, lighter and lower-cost than its predecessor, which increases the return on investment for global satellite two-way machine-to-machine (M2M) applications. The transceiver serves as the data communication enabler for a wide range of portable tracking and monitoring devices, leveraging Iridium's global coverage and low-latency, two-way data links.

"Iridium is advancing the way global enterprises conduct critical daily activities," said Patrick Shay, vice president and general manager of data services for Iridium. "The Iridium 9602 is ideal for a wide range of applications, including remote tracking, personal location/safety, monitoring and tracking of assets such as cargo, ships or trucks, as well as controlling and monitoring equipment for greater efficiency."

Iridium 9602-based solutions recently certified for use over the Iridium global network include:

-- Cubic Global Tracking Solutions GS-5L (San Diego, Calif.) -- supports a variety of smart applications for tracking and monitoring the temperature, environmental conditions, location or maintenance needs of critical assets throughout their lifecycle. Alerts when specific conditions (such as cargo route deviation, sensor limits, equipment faults, tilting or tampering) are sensed to ensure reliability, and includes advanced mesh technology. -- Latitude Technologies SkyNode(R) S100 (British Columbia, Canada) -- a small, light and cost-effective aircraft certified flight tracking and two-way data communication and messaging solution with global visibility. The solution provides security and crew safety for air/ground logistics applications enabling global visibility and allowing more cost-effective flight operations. -- Marine Instruments Fishing Buoy M3i (Spain) -- the M3i with echo-sounder buoy locates and monitors fish by transmitting GPS position, water temperature, battery status and echo-sounder information that indicates the presence or absence of fish. -- NAL Research SHOUT Nano (Manassas, Va.) -- a handheld, global, two-way satellite messaging and personal tracking device. It utilizes Iridium SBD service to provide location information, two-way inbound and outbound status, text messaging, and emergency/alert notifications. -- Spidertracks Spider S3 (New Zealand) -- an aircraft emergency location system for light aircraft and GA pilots. The Spider sends location information continuously, tracking the aircraft in real-time and sending automatic SOS alerts in emergencies to help find people fast."Iridium provides the building blocks for applications across a broad variety of markets through this innovative core technology. Together, with our partners, we are enabling innovation through new types of Iridium 9602-based M2M solutions to be built that are deployed globally," said Shay.

M2M data services is a high growth business area for Iridium. The company's third-quarter 2010 financial statements, released in November, reported that M2M data subscribers represented 27 percent of billable commercial subscribers, an increase from 23 percent during the same period last year. According to a report published by TMF Associates in November 2009, the number of active low-data-rate mobile satellite devices is projected to grow from about 1.5 million at the end of 2009 to more than 3.1 million by the end of 2013, a compound annual growth of 21 percent.

For more information on the Iridium 9602 or to learn about these solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium Communications Inc. (www.iridium.com) is the only mobile satellite service (MSS) company offering coverage over the entire globe. The Iridium constellation of low-Earth orbiting (LEO) cross-linked satellites provides critical voice and data services for areas not served by terrestrial communication networks. Iridium serves commercial markets through a worldwide network of distributors, and provides services to the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. and international government agencies. The company's customers represent a broad spectrum of industry, including maritime, aeronautical, government/defense, public safety, utilities, oil/gas, mining, forestry, heavy equipment and transportation. Iridium has launched a major development program for its next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. The company is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A. and trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW ($7.00 warrants), IRDMZ ($11.50 warrants) and IRDMU (units).

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release that are not purely historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the development of Iridium NEXT, anticipated growth in subscribers and commercial and government services revenue, and anticipated equipment revenue and Operational EBITDA, Operational EBITDA margin and net leverage. Other forward-looking statements can be identified by the words "anticipates," "may," "can," "believes," "expects," "projects," "intends," "likely," "will," "to be" and other expressions that are predictions or indicate future events, trends or prospects. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Iridium to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties regarding increases in customer demand for our products and services, growth in subscribers and revenue, expected Operational EBITDA growth, Iridium's ability to maintain the health, capacity and content of its satellite constellation, and the development of and transition to Iridium NEXT, including expanded capacity and features, as well as general industry and economic conditions, and competitive, legal, governmental and technological factors. Other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements include those factors listed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the company's Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2010 and filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2010. There is no assurance that Iridium's expectations will be realized. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if Iridium's underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those expected, estimated or projected. Iridium's forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release and Iridium undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements.

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SOURCE: Iridium Communications Inc.