MCLEAN, Va., July 28, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) today announced broad availability of the world's first truly global mobile satellite hotspot. The new Iridium GO!TM connects to smartphones and tablets by creating a satellite-based Wi-Fi zone, dramatically extending voice and data coverage of these devices when they are out of range of terrestrial networks. This first of its kind product is also the lowest cost device and service offering that Iridium has ever made, making global connectivity more affordable than ever.

Iridium GO! is well suited for uses ranging from adventure travelers to remote, off-the-grid workers in industries like aviation and maritime. Supporting a variety of specialty applications - such as customizable global weather forecasts and enterprise applications that can track vehicles and vessels globally - Iridium GO! is unlike any other device available.

Two free applications are available to download on smartphone and tablets: Iridium GO!, which supports voice calls, texting and other key functions, and Iridium Mail & Web for email, weather, web and social media access.

"Iridium GO! enables people to use their smartphones and tablets when they are outside of cellular coverage through the complete global reach of the Iridium® network," said Bryan Hartin, executive vice president, sales and marketing, Iridium. "Additionally, the Iridium GO! platform is unique in the control it provides iOS and Android app developers. No other satellite provider offers a program like this that allows app developers to manage their access with the Iridium network." 

By using the Iridium GO! apps on their smartphone or tablet, individuals can connect up to five devices over a Wi-fi connection on the Iridium network to make voice calls, text, interact with social media, surf the web, send their precise location to family and friends and even report a personal emergency through an integrated SOS service available after registration with GEOS.

Like Iridium's satellite phones, Iridium GO! is designed to be rugged; it is built to withstand rain, sand, dust and rough use. The included SOS functionality enables a fast, two-way connection with an emergency provider - bringing peace of mind anywhere in the world.  

With one of the smallest form-factors in the industry, Iridium GO! is highly portable, providing a Wi-Fi network with a coverage radius of 100 feet (30 meters). In addition, Iridium GO! is Iridium NEXT-ready; it works on the current satellite network as well as the new Iridium NEXT satellites that are scheduled to begin launching in 2015.

Concurrent with the availability of Iridium GO!, the company has also launched a developers' program and provides a software developer's kit (SDK), along with a certification program, for third parties wishing to develop or adapt applications to work through the Iridium GO! platform and the Iridium satellite network.

More than 25 developers in vertical industries, including maritime and aviation, have already signed on to create applications that are uniquely suited for Iridium GO!. Applications currently in development or available include OCENS Grib Explorer Plus, which transforms GRIB and classical weather, ocean and fishing data into interactive decision tools; McMurdo Group's Fleet Management Software, which enables communication of critical information and the ability to conduct business operations from anywhere on the ship, anywhere in the world; and Global Marine Networks (GMN) XGate, which optimizes email services for maritime use.

Iridium GO! is now available for purchase through Iridium's launch partners and their global distributors. A number of accessories, including carry bag, external remote antenna, and extra batteries have been designed to accompany the product and are available separately. For more information on Iridium GO! and how to purchase your own device, go to www.iridiumgo.com.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for markets that require truly global communications. The company has a major development program underway for its next-generation network — Iridium NEXT. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean, Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

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. The Company has based these statements on its current expectations and the information currently available to us. Forward-looking statements in this presentation include statements regarding the features of Iridium GO!; the development and availability of apps for Iridium GO!; the development of the Iridium NEXT constellation; expected Iridium NEXT deployment and launch schedule; and expected Iridium NEXT functionality and compatibility with Iridium GO!   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 Iridium GO! performance, Iridium NEXT development and functionality, potential delays in Iridium NEXT deployment, and the company's ability to maintain the health, capacity and content of its satellite constellation, 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 March 31, 2014, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("the SEC") on May 1, 2014, as well as other filings Iridium makes with the SEC from time to time. 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.

CONTACT: Press Contact:

         

         Ashley Eames

         Iridium Communications Inc.

         +1 (703) 287-7476

         Ashley.Eames@iridium.com