MCLEAN, Va., April 22, 2010-- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) has extended its relationship with KDDI Corporation by making it an authorized service provider for the Iridium OpenPort high-bandwidth maritime satellite communication service in Japan. KDDI has secured Japanese product type approvals and will distribute Iridium OpenPort units and service into the Japanese merchant shipping and commercial fishing fleets.

"KDDI has been a valued Iridium service provider since 2005, and the ability to include KDDI as our Iridium OpenPort distribution partner will significantly augment its portfolio of Iridium-based products," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president of global distribution channels, Iridium. "We expect to see strong growth for Iridium OpenPort in the substantial Japanese maritime satcom market."

"Iridium OpenPort is an excellent product that meets a growing need for higher-capacity voice and data in today's maritime industry," said Yuzuru Takayama, general manager, MSAT Business Solution Sales Department, KDDI Corporation. "With its multiple independent phone lines, IP-based architecture, scalable data services to 128 kbps, and low equipment and usage costs, Iridium OpenPort is an ideal solution for shipping companies and fishing fleets. In addition, Iridium's global coverage means that ships will be in constant touch wherever they sail, even including high Polar Regions."

As of March 16, 2010, Iridium delivered and activated more than 1,500 terminals on a wide range of vessels, including large ocean-going ships, naval craft, commercial fishing vessels and private yachts.

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 Market under the ticker symbols IRDM (common stock), IRDMW ($7.00 warrants), IRDMZ ($11.50 warrants) and IRDMU (units).

About KDDI Network & Solutions

KDDI is a Japanese leading communications company, offering both fixed-line and mobile communications services.

CONTACT:  Iridium Communications Inc. 
          Marie Knowles
          +1 (703) 287-7476
          marie.knowles@iridium.com 

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          Jim Rhodes
          +1 (757) 451-0602
          jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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