Iridium Extends and Expands Trade-Up Program

BETHESDA, Md., July 20 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Satellite LLC (Iridium) announces that it is extending and expanding its popular Trade-Up to Iridium program to include its new-generation 9555 satellite phone.

Iridium launched the Trade-Up to Iridium initiative in January 2008 to provide an opportunity for customers affected by the well-publicized degradation of Globalstar's satellite voice service to take advantage of Iridium's high network quality and global coverage. The program offers credits of up to $550 for North American Globalstar subscribers switching to Iridium, including up to $250 off the cost of the handset and up to $300 in airtime credits when signing up for a qualified Iridium North American calling plan with a participating service provider.

The incentive program, which originally applied to trade-ins for Iridium 9505A handsets, now offers Iridium 9555 satellite phones in exchange for Globalstar handsets. Introduced late last year, the Iridium 9555 provides enhancements over the 9505A, including a space-saving, internally retractable antenna, large illuminated weather-resistant keyboard, SMS with predictive text entry capability, integrated speakerphone and other features. It is 30 percent smaller and 27 percent lighter than the 9505A, and offers a rugged design built to withstand the world's toughest environments with resistance to water, dust and shock. Included with the 9555 satellite phone is a robust assortment of accessories and support materials including chargers, international adapters, an external antenna, leather case, data cable, headset and user guide to enable ease of use in a variety of situations. Iridium delivers the only mobile satellite services (MSS) devices that provide truly global coverage.

"So far, thousands of users have participated in the Trade-Up to Iridium program," said Don Thoma, executive vice president, Marketing, Iridium. "We recognize that satellite phones are critical items of equipment for first responders and relief agencies in emergency situations when terrestrial landlines and cellular networks are destroyed or overburdened. Likewise, satellite phones are an important utility, particularly during the North American summer season, where they can be the only connection with the outside world in Alaska, Canada and other wide-open spaces across the continent. We want to ensure they have uninterrupted access to reliable MSS when and where they need it."

The Trade-Up to Iridium program lasts through Dec. 31, 2009.

About Iridium Satellite LLC

Iridium Satellite LLC ( 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's subscriber growth has been driven by increasing demand for reliable, global communications. Iridium serves commercial and government markets through a worldwide network of hundreds of distributors. 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, which will result in continued and new Iridium MSS offerings. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Md., U.S., and is currently privately held.

SOURCE Iridium Satellite LLC

Web site: http://www.iridium.com/