Iridium® Satellite Data Confirms Consumers are Increasingly Staying Connected when Going Off-the-Grid During COVID-19 Pandemic

Rhea-AI Summary

Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM) reported a significant rise in subscriber visits to national parks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data reveals a 26% year-over-year increase in August 2020, following a steep 41% decline in April 2020. As lockdowns eased, more consumers utilized Iridium's satellite devices for communication in remote areas, reflecting a shift toward outdoor activities. The company's unique satellite network supports 1.4 million customers globally, providing essential connectivity where traditional services fall short.

Positive

• 26% year-over-year increase in subscriber visits in August 2020 to top national parks.
• Iridium's unique satellite network supports 1.4 million customers, demonstrating strong market demand.
• Gradual recovery from a 41% drop in April 2020, indicating resilience and market adaptability.

Negative

• 41% year-over-year decline in subscriber visits in April 2020 shows initial impact of COVID-19.
• Subscriber visits decreased significantly during nationwide lockdowns, affecting revenue.

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 7, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Iridium Communications Inc. (NASDAQ: IRDM), whose technology provides connections beyond where terrestrial cell phones are used, today announced their data shows consumers are indeed heading far off the grid during the COVID-19 pandemic and bringing Iridium devices with them.  For example, an analysis of the data shows that in the month of August, there was a 26% year-over-year increase in Iridium subscribers visiting the top 10 most visited national parks in the United States.  Iridium Connected^® devices like personal trackers, messengers and satellite phones are commonly used by consumers at national parks and other places that lack reliable cell phone coverage. These handheld devices are ideal for those who want to go off the grid, but not be out of touch, while making safety a priority.

Iridium satellite data shows increasing numbers of subscribers visiting national parks during COVID-19.

The top national parks included in the analysis, based on publicly available 2019 visitor numbers, are Acadia, Glacier, Grand Canyon, Grand Teton, Great Smoky Mountains, Olympic, Rocky Mountain, Yellowstone, Yosemite and Zion.  At the start of nationwide quarantines and lockdowns in much of the United States, Iridium saw substantial decreases in subscriber numbers and traffic at these parks, several of which were closed to new visitors for a month or more, resulting in an April decline of 41% year-over-year.  A dramatic swing then took place over the following four months, showing gradual increases as restrictions loosened, culminating in the large increases in July and August activity. The data correlates with assumptions that as parts of the United States began to emerge from COVID-19-based quarantines, previously cooped-up individuals and families engaged in new ways to socially distance and enjoy the outdoors.

"As the leading provider of personal satellite communication devices for consumers, it's good to see people escaping their work-from-home confinement and getting truly socially distanced into the wild," said Iridium CEO Matt Desch. "So many of us really have not been able to go to restaurants, concerts, the gym, movie theaters and so many other places. It makes sense that people are taking up activities that let them safely enjoy the summer and our nation's natural beauty."

Month	YoY Percent Decrease or Increase in Subscriber Visits
April 2020	-41%
May 2020	-27%
June 2020	3%
July 2020	23%
August 2020	26%
Monthly analysis of the combined top 10 most visited national parks in the United States and  year-over-year Iridium subscriber visitation.

The analysis used GPS boundary information for each national park and satellite geolocation to determine levels of Iridium subscriber visits on a per-month basis. Iridium operates the world's only completely global satellite constellation and supports nearly 1.4 million customers around the world.  The combination of Iridium's unique coverage, small-form-factor devices and network of over 450 partners around the world, gives the company unique insight to off-the-grid trends and the positive role played by satellite communications.

For more information about Iridium, visit: www.iridium.com

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. In 2019, the company completed a generational upgrade of its satellite network and launched its new specialty broadband service, Iridium Certus^®. 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.

Press Contact:	Investor Contact:
Jordan Hassin	Kenneth Levy
Iridium Communications Inc.	Iridium Communications Inc.
Jordan.Hassin@Iridium.com	Ken.Levy@Iridium.com
+1 (703) 287-7421	+1 (703) 287-7570
Twitter: @Iridiumcomm

 

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iridium-satellite-data-confirms-consumers-are-increasingly-staying-connected-when-going-off-the-grid-during-covid-19-pandemic-301147289.html

SOURCE Iridium Communications Inc.

FAQ

What data did Iridium Communications Inc. release on October 7, 2020?

Iridium reported a 26% year-over-year increase in subscriber visits to national parks in August 2020.

How did COVID-19 impact Iridium's subscriber visits?

Iridium experienced a 41% decline in subscriber visits in April 2020 but saw recovery in the following months.

What is the significance of the 26% increase in August for IRDM investors?

The increase indicates a growing demand for Iridium's satellite devices as consumers seek reliable communication in remote areas.

How many customers does Iridium Communications Inc. support?

Iridium supports nearly 1.4 million customers globally.