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Iridium Provides Satellite Voice and Data Communications for 2010 Iditarod Sled Dog Race

IRIDIUM PROVIDES SATELLITE VOICE AND DATA COMMUNICATIONS FOR 2010 IDITAROD SLED DOG RACE

 

Global Satellite Company Teams with Service Partners to Provide Vital Safety Lifeline for Mushers, Dogs and Volunteers

 

Bethesda, Md. – March 4, 2010 – Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) is teaming with its service partners, Satcom Global (Americas) and IonEarth, to provide satellite voice and data services for the Iditarod^® Sled Dog Race, which begins March 5 in Anchorage, Alaska.

 

IonEarth is equipping each of the participating sleds with a lightweight battery-powered GPS tracking device, which will transmit the sled's location, speed, heading, altitude and air temperature every 15 minutes through the Iridium satellite network to provide a vital safety communications lifeline for the race's mushers, dogs and volunteers. Race officials and fans can view the latest position and status of each competitor on a 3-D map on the Iditarod Website (www.iditarod.com). This not only comes in handy for race monitoring, but also because it allows for a regular stream of data on the racers and sled dogs. The racers themselves will not be able to view the data from the trackers in the field, preserving the tradition of self-sufficiency and independence in competing against each other and fighting the elements.

 

Satcom Global (Americas) is deploying 55 Iridium satellite phones which will be used by race officials and volunteers during the race.

 

The Iditarod trail, which snakes across more than 1,000 miles through the Alaskan wilderness from Anchorage to Nome, covers some of the world's harshest terrain. Most of the route – particularly through the center of Alaska – is not covered by terrestrial landlines, cellular networks or other satellite communication services.

 

"Iridium is the only satellite system providing reliable coverage in all of Alaska," said Stan Hooley, executive director of the Iditarod Trail Committee (ITC). "The Iridium tracking devices and phone handsets will again provide a critical safety lifeline for mushers, dogs, veterinarians, medics, media, bush pilots and volunteers who man the isolated checkpoints along the trail."

 

"This is the second year ITC is requiring our satellite tracking devices as mandatory safety equipment on all sleds competing in the Iditarod," said Jerry Miller, president of IonEarth. "For the 2010 race, we are introducing new features, such as a 'Race at a Glance' iPhone^® application enabling fans to follow the racers from the palms of their hands. Also new this year is a live replay capability that lets viewers turn the clock back to any point in the race."

 

"Organizations and individuals who live, work and travel in Alaska have learned to rely on Iridium satellite phones as their critical communication lifeline to the outside world," said Teri Petram, director of sales and marketing, Satcom Global (Americas). "Iridium is the only choice when it comes to reliable communication in the large portions of Alaska's frontier regions beyond the reach of cellular networks. There are no alternatives."

 

Greg Ewert, executive vice president of global distribution channels for Iridium, observed that the satellite data technology employed in IonEarth's devices is also being deployed for tracking remote assets all around the world. "Mobile data is Iridium's fastest growing business area," he said. "Every day, our satellite network is being used to track vehicles, aircraft, shipping containers, construction equipment, supplies and individuals globally."

 

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 Bethesda, Md., 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 IonEarth

IonEarth (www.ionearth.com), an Iridium value-added reseller, provides real-time tracking and logistics support for a wide range of sporting events, including long-distance off-road and sailing races, as well as expeditions in the remote regions of the world. The company is based in Traverse City, Mich.

 

About Satcom Global

SatCom Global (www.satcomglobal.com), a member of SatCom Group, is an Iridium value-added reseller and service provider.  SatCom Global supplies reliable satellite communications equipment and airtime throughout an international network of service providers and dealers.

 

About Iditarod

The Iditarod Sled Dog Race (www.iditarod.com), billed as the "Last Great Race on Earth," runs from Anchorage, in south central Alaska, to Nome on the western Bering Sea. The racers will cover almost 1,000 miles in 10-17 days. The iconic competition pays homage to the mushers who, in 1925, raced across the Alaskan wilderness to deliver needed diphtheria serum to Nome via the Iditarod Trail mail routes. 

Matt Randall

Bird In The Sky Satellite Communications

Www.birdintheskycommunications.com

 

 

Fwd: Press Release - Iridium Selects Hughes to Develop Access Network Controller as Major Step Toward "Iridium NEXT"

This is the future of voice communication. 

Matt Randall

661.406.2499

IRIDIUM SELECTS HUGHES TO DEVELOP ACCESS NETWORK CONTROLLER AS MAJOR STEP TOWARD "IRIDIUM NEXT"

 

BETHESDA, Md. – February 8, 2010 – Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) has selected Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) to develop an Access Network Controller (ANC) in its gateway ground radio control network. The ANC is part of a multi-year plan for Iridium to upgrade and evolve its gateway network in preparation for Iridium's next-generation satellite constellation, Iridium NEXT. Under the development contract, Hughes will design and supply a fully tested, turnkey ANC system, which will be integrated with Iridium's existing system, together with training and maintenance. Iridium expects the ANC to be complete and operational by the fourth quarter of 2011.

 

"The new ANC will be a pivotal component of Iridium's global satellite network, processing all voice and data calls based on the Iridium air interface," said Matthew Mohebbi, vice president and general manager of mobile satellite, Hughes. "Hughes is using state-of-the-art Advanced Telecommunication Architecture (ATCA) platforms to design an ANC with significantly increased bandwidth and signal-accessing capabilities to expand Iridium's network capacity, and support the additional features and services planned for Iridium NEXT."

 

"The ANC project with Hughes is a significant step forward for Iridium's gateway ground network," said John Roddy, executive vice president of ground operations and product development, Iridium. "Initially, it will support all of our current telephony services, more than double the capacity of the existing Iridium system, and create a flexible gateway network with the ability to cost-effectively add earth terminal sites. In the long term, the ANC positions us to offer Iridium NEXT services and provide for added capacity and service demands in a cost-effective manner with enhanced reliability and an improved user interface."

 

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 Bethesda, Md., 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 Hughes Network Systems, LLC

Hughes Network Systems, LLC (HUGHES) is the global leader in providing broadband satellite networks and services for large enterprises, governments, small businesses and consumers. HughesNet^® encompasses all broadband solutions and managed services from Hughes, bridging the best of satellite and terrestrial technologies. Its broadband satellite products are based on global standards approved by the TIA, ETSI and ITU standards organizations, including IPoS/DVB-S2, RSM-A and GMR-1. To date, Hughes has shipped more than 2.1 million systems to customers in over 100 countries.

 

Headquartered in Germantown, Md., USA, Hughes maintains sales and support offices worldwide. Hughes is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hughes Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: HUGH). For additional information, please visit www.hughes.com.

 

 

Iridium Provides Satellite Data Links for Management and Recovery Solutions for Remote Communication Network Sites

From: "press releases" <pressreleases@rhodescomm.com>
Date: January 26, 2010 6:16:20 AM PST
Subject: Press Release - Iridium Provides Satellite Data Links for Management and Recovery Solutions for Remote Communication Network Sites

IRIDIUM PROVIDES SATELLITE DATA LINKS FOR MANAGEMENT AND RECOVERY SOLUTIONS FOR REMOTE COMMUNICATION NETWORK SITES

 

Uplogix and Data Technology Solutions Supply Iridium-Based Automated Remote Management Systems for Proactive Communications Customers

 

BETHESDA, Md. – January 26, 2010 – Proactive Communications is deploying a new automated remote management (ARM) system that uses satellite data links provided by Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) for out-of-band backup access to remote communication network sites.

 

Data Technology Solutions (DTS), an Iridium value-added reseller, is supplying the system, which uses ARM technology developed by Uplogix, an Iridium value-added manufacturer. The Uplogix system relies on Iridium's global satellite circuit-switched data service.

 

"The Iridium satellite data link acts as a secure 'back door' to provide a secondary means of accessing devices and systems if the primary connection has been lost," explained Michael Guidroz, president of DTS. "This ensures rapid restoration of service to the network, as well as a substantial reduction in IT support costs."

 

"Our mission-critical satellite communication sites are located in places like Afghanistan, Iraq, natural-disaster areas and remote geographic locations, which are not readily accessible for maintenance and repair," said Larry Hall, chief operations officer of Proactive Communications. "With Uplogix's Iridium-based ARM, our customers can restore network connectivity within minutes, without dispatching a technician to the location. It also gives our customers unprecedented visibility into the status of their network nodes."

 

"Our ARM solution combines the local access and control of a console server, the in-depth monitoring and diagnostics of systems management software and the intelligence of an on-site technician into an integrated remote management appliance," said Mark Piening, vice president of marketing, Uplogix. "We have designed it to ensure internal security and management policies are always observed, even during a network outage."

 

"Iridium's global coverage area, reliable network and low-latency satellite circuit-switched data service, with very small, low-cost hardware, provides an ideal medium for this out-of-band solution," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium. "It's another great example of how our growing ecosystem of value-added partners is developing and deploying new Iridium-enabled technologies to solve real-world problems for users around the world."

 

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 Bethesda, Md., 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 Data Technology Solutions

Data Technology Solutions (DTS) (www.dtscom.com) was founded in 2002. Based in Breaux Bridge, La., with a sales office in Houston, Texas, and an operations office in Oklahoma, DTS is a full-service telecommunications company. DTS' portfolio includes satellite products and services for the oil and gas industry, commercial shipping, disaster recovery, recreational boating and government and military markets.

 

About Proactive Communications

Proactive Communications, Inc. (www.proactivecommo.com) was founded in 2000 with a mission to provide reliable and secure enterprise-class communication capabilities to government agencies, military and corporate entities around the world. The company is headquartered in Central Texas, near Fort Hood, and is a certified veteran-owned business.

 

About Uplogix

Uplogix provides the first fully integrated remote management solution. The company's co-located management appliances automate routine administration, maintenance and recovery tasks – securely and regardless of network availability. In comparison, traditional network and systems management depends on the network, uses multiple tools and remains labor intensive. Uplogix is a member of the Cisco Technology Developer program. The company is privately held and headquartered in Austin, Texas with European offices in London. For more information, please visit www.uplogix.com.

 

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Press Contacts:

 

Marie Knowles

Iridium Communications Inc.

+1 (301) 571-6279

marie.knowles@iridium.com

 

Jim Rhodes

Rhodes Communications, Inc.

+1 (757) 451-0602

jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

 

<image003.jpg>

Press release distributed by Rhodes Communications, Inc.

Phone:  +1 (757) 451-0602

Fax:      +1 (757) 451-3141

www.RhodesCommunications.com

PressReleases@RhodesComm.com

 

 

 

 

 

Fwd: Press Release - Iridium Unveils Smaller, Lower-Cost Satellite Data Transceiver

Good info

Matt Randall

661.406.2499

Begin forwarded message:

From: "press releases" <pressreleases@rhodescomm.com>
Date: January 20, 2010 8:56:02 AM PST
Subject: Press Release - Iridium Unveils Smaller, Lower-Cost Satellite Data Transceiver

IRIDIUM UNVEILS SMALLER, LOWER-COST SATELLITE DATA TRANSCEIVER

New Product Will Provide Global Two-Way Data Links for Remote Tracking and Monitoring Devices

PHOENIX – January 20, 2010 – Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) today unveiled its next-generation "Iridium 9602" satellite data transceiver at its annual Partners Conference in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Iridium 9602 is a full-duplex short-burst data (SBD) transceiver designed for embedded applications in the rapidly growing market for remote asset tracking and monitoring solutions. The product, which is the culmination of a two-year R&D program, has completed prototype testing, and Iridium expects to begin commercial deliveries in June.

"The smaller, lower-cost Iridium 9602 will serve as the data communication engine for a wide range of portable tracking and monitoring devices, leveraging Iridium's global coverage and low-latency, two-way data links," said Don Thoma, executive vice president for marketing at Iridium. "Our service partners are already testing prototypes in their Iridium 9602-based solutions for applications such as tracking soldiers and military vehicles in the field, telemetry from unattended sensors, fleet management, enterprise logistics and supply-chain visibility, as well as personal two-way navigation and mapping devices."

"The matchbox-sized Iridium 9602 is 69 percent smaller, 74 percent lighter and considerably less expensive than the first-generation Iridium 9601 SBD modem, which we designed the Iridium 9602 to replace," said Thoma. "The very small form factor and low power consumption will offer greater flexibility to value-added manufacturers (VAM) and resellers (VAR) embedding the Iridium 9602 into their products."

"The Iridium 9602 focuses on highest overall value of price and performance offering global, real-time service combined with new lower pricing," said Patrick Shay, vice president, data services, Iridium. "The Iridium 9602 is the highest value in the industry."

A unique feature of the Iridium 9602 is its built-in GPS input/output ports which will permit system integrators to interface with an external GPS receiver, using a single dual-mode L-Band antenna for GPS and Iridium SBD, saving the cost of an antenna in their applications.

The duplex data links provided by the Iridium 9602 will permit two-way communications to and from the remote devices, allowing users to reprogram the unit, adjust its reporting intervals and send on-demand queries for specific data updates. It will also enable first responders and search-and-rescue authorities to respond to emergency distress signals from personal location and tracking devices.

"Prototype evaluations from Iridium's service partners have been positive," Thoma said. "More than 90 companies are working on plans to embed the Iridium 9602 in their next-generation products."

"Our phase-out program for the Iridium 9601 will allow for ample overlap with the Iridium 9602, to ensure that our VAMs and VARs will be able to transition seamlessly to the new technology," said Thoma.

According to a November 2009 report by TMF Associates, the number of low data rate mobile satellite service (MSS) devices is projected to grow from 1.5 million active terminals at the end of 2009 to more than 3.1 million active terminals by the end of 2013, a compound annual growth rate of 21 percent. Tim Farrar, a satellite industry analyst and author of the report, said, "Low-cost portable satellite tracking and messaging devices are an important new opportunity, and represent one of the fastest growing parts of the low data rate MSS market. The introduction of two-way connectivity will further stimulate market growth, particularly among professional users who may have been reluctant to rely on one-way satellite devices offering no assurance that a message has been received."

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 Bethesda, Md., 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).

The new Iridium 9602 short-burst data transceiver will provide global two-way data links for remote tracking, monitoring and messaging applications.

The small size of the new  Iridium 9602 short-burst data transceiver will enable system integrators to embed the unit in a wide range of small, portable satellite tracking, monitoring and messaging solutions.

*Images are for viewing purposes only. To obtain high-resolution copies, contact Diana Souder at dsouder@rhodescomm.com.

Press Contacts:

 

Marie Knowles

Iridium Communications Inc.

+1 (301) 571-6279

marie.knowles@iridium.com

Jim Rhodes     

Rhodes Communications

+1 (757) 451-0602

jrhodes@rhodescomm.com

Press release distributed by Rhodes Communications, Inc.

Phone:  +1 (757) 451-0602

Fax:    +1 (757) 451-3141

Web:    www.RhodesCommunications.com

Email:  PressReleases@RhodesComm.com

Whale Reporting System Uses Iridium Data Links

Matt Randall - Bird In The Sky Communications

WHALE REPORTING SYSTEM USES IRIDIUM DATA LINKS

 

Program Aims to Reduce Collisions between Ships and Whales in Western Mediterranean Basin

 

BETHESDA, Md. – (Marine NewsWire) December 22, 2009 – Chrisar Software Technologies (Chrisar), an IT company specializing in software systems engineering and signal processing in the marine environment, chose Applied Satellite Engineering (ASE) to develop a satellite data solution for a whale reporting program that uses the global satellite network operated by Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM).

 

The Real-time Plotting of Cetaceans (REPCET) program is being deployed in the Pelagos Sanctuary for Marine Mammals, a conservation area in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea. An estimated 3,000-5,000 sperm and fin whales live in this region, which has a very high density of shipping traffic, including high-speed ferries, which pose a danger to whales on or near the surface of the ocean. Whale collisions can injure or kill the animal and also cause significant damage to the ship and its passengers and crew.

 

ASE is using the Iridium short-burst data (SBD) modem with specialized software customized for this application. Watchstanders on participating ships will use the system to record and transmit reports of whale sightings through the Iridium network to a central server, which will save it into a database and transmit warnings via Iridium to all subscribing ships whose tracks are likely to take them close to the animals.

 

"Iridium's SBD service was chosen for this program because of its very low-latency, high network quality and two-way data links, which are critical components in this application," said Jeff McFarland, president of ASE.

 

"The centralized system server-client architecture and database, along with Iridium's global coverage, will facilitate rapid deployment of this unique service in other regions of the world," added Patrick Mugnier, Chrisar managing director.

 

The pilot REPCET project is a collaborative effort managed by Chrisar and Souffleurs d'Ecume, a non-governmental organization specializing in applied environmental engineering with a principal focus on marine mammal conservation. Trials are underway on a small number of ships, and large-scale dissemination is planned for 2010.

 

"We are targeting passenger transport companies as our first priority, since these vessels operate daily at significant speeds, which statistically increases the risk of collision," said Pascal Mayol, Souffleurs d'Ecume director. "We are also in the process of expanding the program to encompass all types of vessels, such as merchant ships, private yachts, navy craft, fishing boats and racing sailboats, some of which have already expressed interest in subscribing."

 

"We are taking special care to screen the applications for participation through an ethical commission, to ensure the system is not used for harmful purposes, such as unauthorized whaling," Mayol added.

 

"Every day we discover new and exciting applications for Iridium's SBD service being developed by our value-added service partners such as ASE," said Patrick Shay, vice president of Iridium's data division. "We are especially pleased to be able to play a role in protecting the vulnerable whale populations from being injured or killed by seagoing traffic."

 

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 Bethesda, Md., 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).

 

 

 

Commercial Fishing Vessels Switch To Iridium

News Release Issued: December 15, 2009 7:05 AM EST Commercial Fishing Vessels Switch To Iridium OpenPort® For Reliable, Cost-Effective Voice And Data Communications BETHESDA, Md. – December 15, 2009 – Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) reports that its Iridium OpenPort® marine satellite system is winning an enthusiastic reception from commercial fishing fleets around the world. One specific example is FV Aart Maaskant (UK95), which was one of the first Dutch commercial fishing vessels to be fitted with Iridium OpenPort. Gannexion BV, an Iridium service partner, installed the Iridium high-bandwidth terminal to replace the existing satcom system on the 42.36-meter beam trawler, which operates in the North Sea. Jan de Boer, the vessel's owner and captain, said, "Iridium OpenPort is always online. It sends our e-mails faster in comparison to the satcom system we used previously, and it gives us the possibility to download the latest news to stay up to date with what is happening in the world." "Iridium OpenPort equipment cost and airtime charges are substantially lower than those of other satcom systems we considered," said de Boer. The crew is using the free e-mail service offered by Gannexion BV to send and receive messages at sea. The e-mail software also permits them to access Websites to download information on an adjustable schedule. "The captain sets the Iridium OpenPort terminal to automatically receive the weather forecast twice a day," said Patrick Albers, service engineer, Gannexion BV. "This way they don't need an extra subscription with a third party who will charge them for sending the weather forecast. Iridium OpenPort will also be an ideal solution for transmission of daily catch reports to meet future e-logbook regulatory requirements." Samherji HF, a major Icelandic seafood company with vessels operating around the world, has installed Iridium OpenPort on two of its trawlers under a service contract with Síminn and AST. Samherji's electronics engineer, Kristinn Danielsson, said, "Iridium OpenPort provides excellent coverage and performance even when we are fishing in Arctic waters that are not reliably served by other satellite services." Síminn, Iceland's primary telecoms company, installed the systems on the Samherji vessels. "Iridium OpenPort provides a unique value proposition for commercial fishing operators, with three independent phone circuits and a separate high-speed data port that can be provisioned for data rates from 9.6 to 128 kbps with IP-based connectivity," said Greg Ewert, executive vice president, global distribution channels, Iridium. "All of the phone and data lines can be used simultaneously without interference. Iridium's cross-linked, low-earth orbit satellite network provides complete global coverage, including the important Arctic and Antarctic fisheries, which are not reached by any other marine satellite service." Ewert noted that Iridium OpenPort has been approved in many European countries to meet the pending EU requirement for e-logbooks. "The three separate phone lines make it possible for several crewmembers to call their families and friends at the same time during their off-duty hours without having to queue for a single satellite phone," said Gylfi Már Jónsson, product manager at Síminn. "The Iridium OpenPort terminal is small and lightweight, and it is easy for one person to install the antenna without using a crane. There are no moving parts in the antenna, so maintenance costs are lower than other satcom systems with stabilized dish arrays." 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 Bethesda, Md., 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). Matt Randall Bird In The Sky Satellite Communications 661.406.2499