MCLEAN, Va., May 23, 2011-- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) today announces its annual "Test Your Satellite Phone Week," May 23-28, 2011, as part of an ongoing educational program reminding satellite phone users worldwide about the importance of preparing for emergencies. In addition, this year, Iridium is introducing "Pure Reach," a campaign designed to generate greater online engagement and awareness for emergency preparedness.  

(Watch the Pure Reach video featuring GlobalMedic.)

Pure Reach supports GlobalMedic, a provider of emergency medical relief services and capacity building programs in delivering clean, pure water programs to regions and people in need. For every satellite phone tested (dial toll-free: 00-1-480-752-5105) during the Pure Reach campaign, Iridium will make a donation towards GlobalMedic's household-level water purification program. Iridium will also make a donation on behalf of individuals who participate through the Pure Reach, Test Your Satellite Phone Facebook and twitterpages.

Users should charge and test their satellite phones periodically throughout the year to ensure they are ready before an emergency. The toll-free number will be available for users to test their satellite phones 24/7 all year long. For more information on testing your phone and emergency preparedness tips, visit www.TestYourSatellitePhone.com.

"Now in its fifth year, Test Your Satellite Phone Week has been successful in communicating the need for advanced disaster and emergency preparedness," said Don Thoma, Iridium executive vice president, marketing. "We developed the Pure Reach online campaign in hopes of generating further awareness of the importance of emergency preparedness — whether it is communications or water lifelines. We're pleased to be supporting GlobalMedic's efforts in providing clean drinking water when serving the global community."

"Iridium has been a critical communications partner to us, and their support of our disaster relief efforts has been immeasurable," said Rahul Singh, founder and director of GlobalMedic. "We have found that two of our most vital needs to address during disaster relief operations are reliable, critical communications, as well as access to clean water, since local water supplies are often contaminated. It is gratifying to know that Iridium, through their ongoing partnership with GlobalMedic, is helping to provide both for those in desperate need."

GlobalMedic's sister program, GlobalWater, provides longer-term clean water access for families attempting to rebuild their lives after disasters or conflicts. They are able to purify water using GlobalWater's Rainfresh gravity water filters.

Through Pure Reach, Iridium has committed to donate up to $6,000 toward GlobalMedic water purification efforts. For more information, visit www.iridium.com/purereach.

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).

CONTACT: Marie Knowles

         Iridium Communications Inc.

         +1 (703) 287-7476

         marie.knowles@iridium.com

         

         Jim Rhodes

         Rhodes Communications

         +1 (757) 451-0602

         jrhodes@rhodescomm.com