KDDI Expands Iridium Relationship With Introduction of Iridium OpenPort(R) Service

MCLEAN, Va., April 22, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 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

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