Iridium and Appareo Partner to Bring Next Generation Telematics Solutions

Iridium and Appareo Partner to Bring Next Generation Telematics Solutions and Global Connectivity to Customers — Solutions to Enable Greater Efficiency, Reliability for Customers in Agriculture and Aviation Industries

MCLEAN, Va., Jan. 28, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iridium Communications
Inc. (Nasdaq:IRDM) and Appareo Systems, LLC today announced a
partnership to provide advanced telematics solutions enabled with
global connectivity to a number of key industries. Appareo, a
recognized leader in providing innovative electronic and software
solutions for original equipment manufacturers in the agriculture,
general aviation and aerospace, and construction industries will extend
global data connectivity to their customers using Iridium’s 100 percent
global satellite network. The initial focus will be for solutions to
the agriculture and general aviation marketplaces.

In the agriculture industry, Appareo provides a variety of telematics
solutions including precision agriculture, planting, diagnostics and
vehicle control, all of which enable greater efficiency and
productivity. Appareo’s new offerings will utilize Iridium’s unique,
global satellite network, which delivers superior, reliable
connectivity globally, enabling customers to connect across the 90
percent of the earth’s surface not covered by traditional terrestrial
networks.

Furthermore, as part of a long-term development and supply agreement
with Iridium, Appareo will integrate the Iridium(R) 9603 chipset into
its products and solutions for the verticals it serves, including
construction, mining, forestry, fleet and aviation. As with all current
Iridium devices, the Iridium 9603 chipset will be compatible with the
Iridium NEXT satellite network, scheduled to begin launching in 2015.

“The accelerating growth of M2M has already resulted in a
transformative effect across a variety of industries. Iridium’s M2M
network delivers the full investment of M2M without boundaries, and
will similarly benefit the agriculture and aviation industries,” said
Bryan Hartin, Executive Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Iridium.

“Pushing boundaries is at the core of our identity,” said Jeff Johnson,
Vice President of Business Development, Appareo. “Global connectivity,
with no compromises on coverage, latency and connectivity is becoming
more and more critical in the industries we serve. This partnership
will ensure Appareo solutions serve our current and future customers
with the furthest reaching technology.”

The Iridium NEXT satellite network will consist of 66 in-orbit
satellites and a number of in-orbit spares. The constellation is
expected to begin launching in 2015 and will offer continued high
quality service for Iridium customers as well as greater bandwidth and
data speeds when fully operational in 2017.

About Iridium Communications Inc.

Iridium is the only mobile voice and data satellite communications
network that spans the entire globe. Iridium enables connections
between people, organizations and assets to and from anywhere, in real
time. Together with its ecosystem of partner companies, Iridium
delivers an innovative and rich portfolio of reliable solutions for
markets that require truly global communications. The company has a
major development program underway for its next-generation network —
Iridium NEXT. Iridium Communications Inc. is headquartered in McLean,
Va., U.S.A., and its common stock trades on the NASDAQ Global Select
Market under the ticker symbol IRDM. For more information about Iridium
products, services and partner solutions, visit www.iridium.com.

About Appareo Systems

Appareo Systems, LLC is a recognized leader in the custom design,
development and manufacture of innovative electronic and software
solutions for aerospace and agriculture original equipment
manufacturers. Through a creative application of cutting-edge
technologies, Appareo creates complex end-to-end solutions that include
both mobile and cloud-based components. Appareo also provides advanced
research services for electro-optic, electromechanical, kinematic and
MEMS-based sensors. The company is privately held, with world
headquarters located in Fargo, ND at the North Dakota State University
Research and Technology Park. Learn more at www.appareo.com.

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