MCLEAN, Va., June 9, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM), the only provider of real global, mobile and reliable satellite phones, announces important new features for its Iridium 9555 satellite handset.

The latest firmware release for the Iridium 9555 includes the ability to directly interface with computers running on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, as well as Mac Version 10.4 or later.  The upgrades now make it easier for users to send and receive e-mails and exchange computer files through the Iridium satellite phone.  The Iridium 9555 connects to the laptop with a standard mini-USB cable.

In addition, the Iridium 9555 has enhanced short-message service (SMS) text capabilities.  Iridium 9555 users can now send and receive long SMS texts up to 1,000 characters in length to an e-mail address or mobile phone.  Previously, the Iridium 9555 offered the ability to text up to 160 characters.

"These new features will greatly enhance users' experience with Iridium satellite phones and are part of our program of continuous product improvement," said Joel Thompson, vice president of product management for Iridium.  "Since its introduction in 2008, the Iridium 9555 has maintained market leadership as the only satellite phone that provides dependable communications-on-the-move globally, including places where other satellite systems cannot reach."

"The compact lightweight Iridium 9555 has established the standard for satellite phones in terms of convenience and portability," said Thompson.  "The Iridium 9555 has proved to be a critical communication link for relief and recovery operations during recent earthquakes and other natural disasters in which reliability and mobility are crucial."

The Iridium 9555 phone uses the company's constellation of 66 cross-linked satellites orbiting about 500 miles above the Earth's surface.  The satellite orbits intersect over the North and South poles, providing complete coverage over the entire Earth's surface.

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., USA 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).

CONTACT:  Iridium Communications Inc.
          Marie Knowles
          +1 (703) 287-7476
          marie.knowles@iridium.com
         
          Rhodes Communications, Inc.
          Jim Rhodes
          +1 (757) 451-0602
          jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

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