MCLEAN, Va., May 25, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) today announced that President Barack Obama has appointed CEO Matt Desch to serve on the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee (NSTAC). The committee, composed of telecommunications and technology industry CEOs, advises and provides recommendations to the President and other government leaders on matters of security that relate to the nation's telecommunications systems.

"With the only voice and data network able to deliver connectivity everywhere — beyond the 10 percent coverage of traditional networks and covering 100 percent of the globe — Iridium is proud to be an integral component of the U.S. Government's communications infrastructure," said Desch. "Iridium plays a vital role not only in national emergencies and disaster response, but in the daily conduct of our nation's business. I am honored by this appointment to work with the Administration and the leadership of our telecommunications industry in keeping our country safe."

Desch joined Iridium in 2006 and has more than 30 years of experience in the telecommunications industry.  Iridium has grown significantly under his watch, transitioned to a public company, and secured its future with the funding and development of Iridium NEXT, the company's next generation satellite constellation to be launched starting in 2015. He has also served on the board of directors of several high tech telecom companies and industry associations.

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: Press Contacts:

         Marie Knowles

         Iridium Communications Inc.

         +1 (703) 287-7476

         marie.knowles@iridium.com

         

         Jim Rhodes

         Rhodes Communications

         +1 (757) 451-0602

         jrhodes@rhodescomm.com