BETHESDA, Md. -- Iridium Satellite LLC, the global supplier of mobile satellite communication services, announces that its subscriber base increased by 25.4 percent from the second quarter of 2005. Reflecting continued growth of its commercial and government businesses, the company had approximately 159,000 subscribers worldwide as of June 30, 2006. Iridium's revenue in the second quarter was $53.6 million, an increase of 31.4 percent over second quarter 2005. Second quarter 2006 EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization) was $13.2 million, which represents a 99.6 percent increase over the same quarter last year. Commercial service revenue in the quarter was up 24.8 percent versus the same quarter last year, and comprises approximately 70 percent of Iridium's total revenue.

"By all the important metrics -- subscribers, revenue and EBITDA -- it was another particularly strong quarter for Iridium," said Dan A. Colussy, CEO, Iridium Satellite. "Our strategy to penetrate vertical segments of the maritime, aviation, enterprise and defense industries is proving to be highly successful as we mark the company's sixth consecutive quarter of profitability."

"I continue to be impressed by the contribution of our exceptional partners as they broaden demand in the commercial market for critical, embedded Iridium-based data communications and voice solutions," Colussy added. "Our combined efforts have resulted in a spectacular first half of the year."

In addition to continued growth in the second quarter, commercial revenues were $104.6 million, an increase of 19 percent over the first half of 2005. Cumulative EBITDA for the first half of 2006 was $25.9 million, an increase of 85 percent over the first half of last year, adjusted for one non-recurring item in 2005.

Going forward, Iridium continues progress on engineering studies launched in February for its future satellite constellation replenishment and replacement strategy. The company is collecting and analyzing performance data from its existing 66 cross-linked, low-earth orbiting (LEO) satellites, and evaluating technology and products required over the next two decades and beyond, from mobile TV to on-demand radio to enhanced GPS services, to augment and build upon its product portfolio. The culmination of this effort will continue to place Iridium at the forefront of satellite technology benefiting commercial and government users around the world.

Iridium Communications Inc. (Nasdaq: IRDM)