BETHESDA, Md., Nov. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium(R) Satellite LLC announces its support of a recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to give Iridium exclusive access to 2.625 MHz of previously shared spectrum for global mobile satellite services (MSS). In addition, the FCC granted Iridium 0.95 MHz of shared spectrum.

"The global nature of this decision is critical," said Matt Desch, chairman and CEO, Iridium. "Iridium expects that demand will continue to rise for our mobile voice and data solutions around the world, particularly as our troops rely heavily on Iridium no matter where they're deployed."

"The FCC decision is clearly in the public interest," Desch continued. "As the fastest growing MSS provider, the additional spectrum will allow Iridium to continue to offer high-quality service to first responders, emergency workers, national defense and homeland security forces, and other enterprise verticals around the world. The FCC order provides direction globally, so Iridium will begin using the new spectrum immediately around the world." The FCC order ensures that Iridium will have the global spectrum needed to support the continued dramatic upsurge in subscribers and traffic through its satellite network. The company's third-quarter results, released today, reveal the best single quarter ever for Iridium subscriber additions. The Iridium subscriber base has increased by 33 percent to 225,000 during the last 12 months.

The FCC order, issued November 9, gives Iridium exclusive use of 2.625 MHz of L-Band spectrum, which was previously shared. Under the new ruling, Iridium will have exclusive assignment to 7.775 MHz of spectrum, and will continue to share a 0.95 MHz segment.

"By this ruling, the Commission establishes a fair allocation of MSS spectrum and opens the way for competition in the marketplace, domestically and internationally, under stable and predictable ground rules," said Desch.

About Iridium Satellite

Iridium Satellite LLC (http://www.iridium.com/) is the only provider of truly global satellite voice and data solutions with complete coverage of the earth (including oceans, airways and Polar Regions). Iridium delivers essential communications services to and from remote areas where no other form of communication is available. The Iridium constellation consists of 66 low- earth orbiting (LEO), cross-linked satellites and has multiple in-orbit spares. The constellation operates as a fully meshed network and is the largest commercial satellite constellation in the world. The Iridium service is ideally suited for industries such as maritime, aviation, government/military, emergency/humanitarian services, mining, forestry, oil and gas, heavy equipment, transportation and utilities. Iridium provides service to the U.S. Department of Defense. The company also designs, builds and sells its services, products and solutions through a worldwide network of more than 150 partners.

CONTACT: Liz DeCastro of Iridium Satellite LLC, +1-301-571-6257,
liz.decastro@iridium.com

Web site: http://www.iridium.com/