Item 1A. Risk Factors
Risks related to our satellites and network
Our satellites may experience operational problems, which could affect our ability to provide an acceptable level of service to our customers.
From time to time, we experience temporary intermittent losses of signal cutting off calls in progress, preventing the completion of calls when made, or disrupting the transmission of data. If the magnitude or frequency of such problems increases and we are no longer able to provide a commercially acceptable level of service, our business and financial results and our reputation would be hurt, and our ability to pursue our business plan would be compromised.
In the future, we may seek to make changes to our constellation to offer new services or adjust the power. Any such changes may require prior FCC approval, and the FCC may subject the approval to other conditions that could be unfavorable to our business. In addition, from time to time we may reposition our satellites within the constellation in order to optimize our service, which could result in degraded service during the repositioning period. Although we have some ability to remedy some types of problems affecting the performance of our satellites remotely from the ground, the physical repair of our satellites in space is not feasible.
Our products could fail to perform or could perform at reduced levels of service because of technological malfunctions or deficiencies, regulatory compliance issues, or events outside of our control, which would seriously harm our business and reputation.
Our products and services are subject to the risks inherent in a large-scale, complex telecommunications system employing advanced technology and heavily regulated by, among others, the FCC and similar authorities internationally. Any disruption to our satellites, services, information systems or telecommunications infrastructure, or regulatory compliance issues, could result in the inability or reduced ability of our customers to receive our services for an indeterminate period of time. These customers include government agencies conducting mission-critical work throughout the world, as well as consumers and businesses located in remote areas of the world and operating under harsh environmental conditions where traditional telecommunications services may not be readily available. Any disruption to our services or extended periods of reduced levels of service could cause us to lose customers or revenue, result in delays or cancellations of future implementations of our products and services, result in failure to attract customers, or result in litigation, customer service or repair work that would involve substantial costs and management from operating our business. The of any of the diverse elements of our system, including our satellites, our commercial gateway, our satellite teleport network facilities or our satellite network operations center, to function as required could render our system to perform at the quality and capacity levels required for . Any system , repeated product or shortened product life, or extended reduced levels of service could reduce our sales, increase costs, or result in warranty or liability or , cause us to extend our warranty period, and our business.
Our satellites have a limited life and may fail prematurely, which could cause our network to be compromised and materially and adversely affect our business, prospects and profitability, or cause us to incur additional expense to launch replacement satellites.
We have in the past and may in the future experience in-orbit malfunctions of our satellites, which could adversely affect the reliability of their service or result in total failure of the satellite. In-orbit failure of a satellite or temporary outage of a service or a satellite may result from various causes, including component failure, software issues, loss of power or fuel, inability to control positioning of the satellite, solar or other astronomical events, including solar radiation and flares, and space debris. Other factors that could affect the useful lives of our satellites include the quality of construction, gradual degradation of solar panels and the durability of components. We do not have, and do not have plans to obtain, in-orbit insurance to protect against losses. As a result, a failure of one or more of our satellites, the occurrence of equipment and other related would constitute an . Although we do not incur any direct cash costs related to the of a single satellite, if a satellite , we record an charge in our statement of operations to reduce the remaining net book value of that satellite to zero, and any such charges could reduce our net income for the period in which the occurs. Further, a large number of such could shorten the expected life of our constellation, which would increase our depreciation expense, or require us to replace our constellation sooner than currently planned, which would increase our projected capital expenditures.
If our ground operations were to be disrupted, we may experience interruptions in our ability to provide service to our customers.
Our commercial satellite network traffic is grounded at our satellite teleport network facilities and supported by a gateway in Tempe, Arizona, or, for traffic within Russian boundaries only, a gateway in Izhevsk, Russia. We operate our satellite constellation from our satellite network operations center in Leesburg, Virginia. Our ground operations may be disrupted as a result of, among other things, natural disasters, extreme weather, power outages, equipment failures, software issues, cyber or physical attack or sabotage, delays in deliveries, or regulatory issues, any of which could cause service shutdowns or periods of reduced service. Any such disruption would impede our ability to provide service to our customers. While we have business continuity and disaster recovery contingency plans designed to maintain operations in the event of disruptions, they may not be successful in practice nor contemplate all possible . If we were to use our primary commercial gateway in Tempe, we expect it could take us up to several hours to switch operations to our backup facility for most services, and potentially longer for some services. During this time, our customers would be to use those services, and we could a of revenue and to our reputation. When operating on our backup facility, any further could leave us to offer services for an extended period.
Our customized hardware and software may be difficult and expensive to service, upgrade or replace.
Some of the hardware and software we use in operating our gateways is significantly customized and tailored to meet our requirements and specifications and can be difficult and expensive to service, upgrade or replace. Although we maintain inventories of some spare parts, it nonetheless may be difficult, expensive or impossible to obtain replacement parts for the hardware due to a limited number of those parts being manufactured to our requirements and specifications, if they are at all. Furthermore, for certain equipment, the OEM no longer supports the equipment, increasing the risk of service disruption in the event of any equipment failure. In addition, we expect to update or replace some of the hardware and software in our network as technology advances, but the complexity of our requirements and specifications may present us with technical and operational challenges that complicate or otherwise make it expensive or infeasible to carry out such upgrades and replacements. If we are not able to suitably service, upgrade or replace our equipment, our ability to provide our services and therefore to generate revenue could be .
Ongoing and significant technological changes in the satellite communications industry may impair our competitive position and require us to make significant additional capital expenditures.
The satellite communications industry is subject to ongoing technological advancement and innovation. We face competition from companies using new technologies and new satellite systems, including a significant number of new entrants who are developing or have announced a wide array of technologies, some of which compete directly with one or more of our existing or planned products and services. New technology, despite lengthy cycles, can fundamentally alter the competitive landscape and could render our system obsolete or less competitive by satisfying customer demand in more attractive ways or through the introduction of incompatible standards. Particular technological developments that could adversely affect us include the deployment by our competitors of new satellites and satellite constellations with greater power, flexibility, efficiency or capabilities than ours, as well as continuing improvements in terrestrial wireless technologies. Artificial intelligence technologies have rapidly developed in recent years, and our business may be affected if we are to integrate the technology into our business processes, products and service offerings as effectively as our competitors. For us to keep up with technological changes and remain competitive, we have made and expect to continue to make significant research and development and capital expenditures, including capital to design and launch new products and services over the short to medium term, and, over the longer term, the potential acquisition of additional spectrum, new satellites, launch vehicles and other network resources to support continued growth. Customer acceptance of the products and services that we offer will continually be affected by technology-based differences in our product and service offerings compared to those of our competitors. New technologies may also be protected by patents or other intellectual property laws and therefore may not be available to us. Any on our part to implement new technology within our system may compromise our ability to compete.
Cyberattacks and other security threats and disruptions could have a material adverse effect on our business.
We expect the secure transmission of confidential information over public networks to continue to be a critical element of our ability to compete for business, manage our risks, and protect our customers and our reputation. We and our distributors, partners, vendors and customers face numerous and evolving cybersecurity threats to the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our respective information technology systems, including threats from computer hackers and sophisticated nation-state or nation-state supported actors, as well as incidents attributable to employee error or wrongful conduct, malfeasance, the exploitation of misconfigurations, “bugs” and other vulnerabilities in hardware or software, or other disruptions caused by sophisticated social engineering and malware exploits (e.g., ransomware). Unauthorized access or use of
information on our network, or the networks of our distributors, partners, vendors and customers, could result in material service interruptions, delays or malfunctions in our devices, services or operations, any of which could materially harm our reputation, cause demand for our products and services to fall, and compromise our ability to pursue our business plans. In addition, there are reportedly private products available today that may attempt to unlawfully intercept communications made using our network. Protecting against and responding to cybersecurity threats and attacks requires significant resources and compliance with applicable data breach and government contracting laws and regulations. Cyberattacks may also cause reputational harm and result in costly litigation. In addition, in the event of such a security incident, our customer contracts may not protect us liability to third parties with whom our customers conduct business. to our physical sites or to physical infrastructure we rely on could also impact our operations. A security affecting us, our systems, devices or services could have a material effect on our operations or financial results or reputation and result in substantial liability.
Our satellites may collide with space debris or another spacecraft, which could adversely affect the performance of our constellation.
In February 2009, we lost an operational satellite as a result of a collision with a non-operational Russian satellite. Although we have some ability to actively maneuver our satellites to avoid potential collisions with space debris or other spacecraft, this ability is limited by, among other factors, uncertainties and inaccuracies in the projected orbit location of and predicted conjunctions with debris objects tracked and cataloged by the U.S. government. Additionally, some space debris is too small to be tracked, and therefore its orbital location is completely unknown; nevertheless, this debris is still large enough to potentially cause severe damage or a failure of our satellites should a collision occur. The total number of satellites in low-Earth orbit has increased significantly in recent years and is expected to continue to increase in the future, increasing the risk of collisions if not coordinated. Collisions between satellites or other space debris, such as rocket fragments, could cause a cascading effect of multiplying debris and within Earth’s orbit, which could result in significant risk to the operation of our constellation. If our constellation experiences additional satellite with space debris or other spacecraft, our service could be .
The space debris created by the February 2009 satellite collision may cause damage to other spacecraft positioned in a similar orbital altitude.
The 2009 collision of one of our satellites with a non-operational Russian satellite created a space debris field concentrated in the orbital altitude where the collision occurred, and thus increased the risk of space debris damaging or interfering with the operation of our satellites, which travel in this orbital altitude, as well as satellites owned by third parties, such as U.S. or foreign governments or agencies and other satellite operators. Although there are tools used by us and providers of tracking services, such as the U.S. Combined Space Operations Center, to detect, track and identify space debris, we or third parties may not be able to maneuver the satellites away from such debris in a timely manner. Any such collision could potentially expose us to significant losses and liability if we were found to be at fault.
Risks related to our business operations
Our business plan depends on increased demand for mobile satellite services, among other factors.
Our business plan is predicated on growth in demand for mobile satellite services. Demand for mobile satellite services may not grow, or may even contract, either generally or in particular geographic markets, for particular types of services or during particular time periods. A lack of demand could impair our ability to sell products and services, develop and successfully market new products and services and could exert downward pressure on prices. Any decline in prices would decrease our revenue and profitability and negatively affect our ability to generate cash to pay down our debt or for capital expenditures, investments and other working capital needs.
Our ability to successfully implement our business plan will also depend on a number of other factors, including:
• our ability to maintain the health, capacity and control of our satellite constellation;
• the level of market acceptance and demand for our products and services;
• our ability to introduce innovative new products and services that satisfy market demand;
• our ability to expand our business using our existing spectrum resources both in the United States and internationally;
• our ability to sell our products and services in additional countries;
• our ability to comply with applicable regulatory requirements, both in the United States and internationally;
• our ability to maintain our relationship with U.S. government customers, particularly the DoW;
• the ability of our distributors to market and distribute our products, services and applications effectively and their continued development of innovative and improved solutions and applications for our products and services;
• the effectiveness of our competitors in developing and offering similar services and products; and
• our ability to maintain competitive prices for our products and services and to control our costs.
Our agreements with U.S. government customers, particularly the DoW, which represent a significant portion of our revenue, are subject to termination and renewal.
The U.S. government, through a dedicated gateway owned and operated by the DoW, has been and continues to be, directly and indirectly, our largest customer, representing 29% and 28% of our revenue for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We provide the majority of our services to the U.S. government pursuant to our EMSS, SDA, ECS3 and SITH contracts. We entered into these contracts in September 2019, May 2022, March 2024 and August 2025, respectively. The EMSS contract continues through September 2026 with one six-month extension option exercisable at the election of the U.S. government. The SDA contract had a base term until January 2025, which was subsequently extended through September 2029, and we are currently in the second year of the first two-year extension period relating to operations and maintenance (O&M) services, with up to three remaining one-year options for O&M services exercisable at the election of the U.S. government to extend the term. The ECS3 contract had a base term through March 2025, and we are currently in the first one-year extension period, with up to three remaining one-year options exercisable at the election of the U.S. government to extend the term . The U.S. government may terminate these agreements, in whole or in part, at any time for its convenience. Our relationship with the U.S. government is also subject to the overall U.S. government policies, budget and appropriation decisions and processes. U.S. government budget and policy decisions, including with respect to defense spending, are based on government priorities and objectives, which are subject to change and are driven by numerous factors, including administration changes, geopolitical events and macroeconomic conditions, and are beyond our control. If the U.S. government any or all of these agreements, we would a significant portion of our revenue.
In addition to budget policy uncertainty, potential government shutdowns, the use of continuing resolutions and federal debt ceiling debates could also adversely affect funding for our U.S. government contracts or entering into new contracts, including renewals. The current political climate, including potential shifts in agency leadership, changes to procurement priorities and policy realignments, may also result in a delay or suspension of funding for our U.S. government contracts and delay of new contract awards, which could disrupt our cash flows.
The EMSS contract represents more than 10% of our revenue and is critical to our U.S. government business. While we expect to renew the contract upon its expiration, there are significant risks and we may be unsuccessful in renewing on as favorable terms or at all, either of which could adversely affect our results of operations and future business with the U.S. government.
If we fail to comply with the terms of our U.S. government contracts, including applicable federal acquisition regulations and executive orders, we may be subject to contract price adjustments, contract terminations, civil or criminal penalties, or suspension or debarment from future U.S. government contracts.
As a U.S. government contractor or subcontractor, we are subject to extensive laws and regulations governing the award, administration and performance of U.S. government contracts. Among other things, these laws and regulations govern the allowability of costs incurred by us in the performance of U.S. government contracts. The pricing of some contracts, including the SDA contract, is based on estimated direct and indirect costs. The U.S. government is entitled to examine our cost records with respect to such contracts and to seek a downward adjustment to the price of the contract if it determines that we failed to furnish complete, accurate and current cost or pricing data in connection with the negotiation of the price of the contract. As a government contractor, we are also subject to government audits and to review and approval of our policies, procedures and internal controls for compliance with procurement regulations and other applicable laws. If we are found to be non-compliant with the terms of a contract, or an applicable regulation, statute or executive order, we could be subject to downward contract price adjustments or refund obligations, assessed civil and criminal penalties, or debarred or suspended from obtaining future contracts for a specified period, among other potential consequences. A significant portion of our revenue is directly or indirectly derived from government contracts and thus any such adjustment, , or other sanction could have an effect on our business. In addition, if we are to comply with security clearance requirements, we may be to perform these contracts or compete for other projects of this nature, which could affect our revenue.
Aireon, our primary hosted payload customer, may not successfully grow its business, which could reduce or eliminate the value of our agreements with, and ownership interest in, Aireon.
Aireon is our primary hosted payload customer, and we expect annual revenue to us from Aireon hosting, data services and power fees to be approximately $32.7 million. In addition, we currently hold a substantial ownership interest in Aireon’s parent company, Aireon Holdings, and, if and when funds are available following a planned refinancing of Aireon’s credit facility, Aireon Holdings is required to redeem a portion of our ownership interest for a payment of $120.0 million. Based on Aireon’s current business plan and restrictions under Aireon’s debt facility, we do not expect this redemption of our ownership interest to occur for several years.
Aireon’s business model requires expansion of its customer base to achieve its projected financial results, which may not occur when projected or at all. While our fee arrangements with Aireon are fixed, if Aireon does not achieve its projected results, they may not be able to pay us the contractually required hosting, data services and power fees in a timely manner or at all. Further, Aireon may need to seek additional financing. Any sale of equity securities by Aireon would dilute our ownership if and to the extent that we do not invest additional funds to maintain our proportional ownership interest. If additional funding is not available, Aireon may default on its credit facility, which could result in the loss or reduction in value of our investment in Aireon, or be forced out of business, in which case we would not receive any further hosting, data or power fees, or the expected $120.0 million redemption payment, and we would lose the fair value of our retained investment in Aireon Holdings.
Our ability to protect our proprietary technology is subject to limitations.
Our success depends in part on the competitive advantage derived from the technologies we use in our products and services and our proprietary rights therein. We generally rely on a combination of patents, copyright and trade secret laws, and contractual terms and conditions to protect our technology and proprietary rights. We also enter into confidentiality agreements with our employees, consultants, contractors and customers, and control access to and distribution of our proprietary information. Despite our efforts, third parties may attempt to copy or obtain and use our technology and proprietary information without authorization. If such attempts are successful, third parties, including competitors, could use the technology we have developed to enhance their own products and services, which could materially harm our business. Preventing the unauthorized use of our technology may require us to commence litigation to protect our proprietary rights. If we are unsuccessful in any such litigation, our rights to enforce such proprietary rights may be going forward. We do not know whether the steps we have taken will be in use of our technology, including in foreign countries where the laws may not protect our proprietary rights as extensively as in the United States.
We depend on intellectual property licensed from third parties to operate our constellation and sell our devices and for the enhancement of our existing devices and services.
We license critical intellectual property and technology to operate and maintain our network and related ground infrastructure and services as well as to design, manufacture, and sell our devices. This intellectual property and technology is essential to our ability to continue to operate our constellation and sell our services and devices. In addition, we depend on third parties to develop enhancements to our current products and services even in circumstances where we own the intellectual property. If any third-party owner of such intellectual property or technology were to terminate any license agreement with us or cease to support and service such intellectual property or technology or perform development on our behalf, or if we are unable to renew such licenses on commercially reasonable terms or at all, it may be difficult, more expensive or impossible to obtain such intellectual property, technology, or services from alternative vendors. Any substitute intellectual property or technology may also be costly to develop and integrate, or could have lower quality or performance standards, which would adversely affect the quality of our devices and services. In connection with the development of new devices and services, we may be required to obtain additional intellectual property rights from third parties. We can offer no assurance that we will be to obtain such intellectual property rights on commercially reasonable terms or at all. If we are to obtain such intellectual property rights on commercially reasonable terms, we may not be to develop certain new devices and services.
Our failure to effectively manage the expansion of our portfolio of products and services could impede our ability to execute our business plan, and we may experience increased costs or disruption in our operations.
To achieve future revenue growth, we must develop and market new products and services. We currently face a variety of challenges, including maintaining the infrastructure and systems necessary for us to manage the growth of our business. As our product and service portfolio continues to expand, the responsibilities of our management team and demands on other company resources also increase. Consequently, we may further strain our management and other company resources with the increased complexities and administrative burdens associated with a larger, more complex portfolio of products and services. For example, we have in the past experienced quality issues and incorrect market assessments in connection with the introduction of new products and services, and we may experience such issues in the future. Our failure to meet these challenges as a result of insufficient management or other resources could significantly impede our ability to execute our business plan, which relies in part on our ability to leverage our largely fixed-cost infrastructure. To properly manage our growth, we may need to hire and retain additional personnel, upgrade our existing operational management and financial and reporting systems, and our business processes and controls. to effectively manage the expansion of our portfolio of products and services in a cost- manner could result in in product and service quality and customer , of our operations, or increased costs, any of which would reduce our ability to increase our .
We could lose market share and revenue as a result of increasing competition from companies in the wireless communications industry, including cellular and other satellite operators, and from the extension of land-based communications services.
We face intense competition in all of our markets, which could result in a loss of customers and lower revenue and make it more difficult for us to enter new markets. We compete primarily on the basis of coverage, quality, portability, and pricing of services and products.
Our competitors may have more extensive capital resources, or more specialized engineering, technical, marketing and servicing capabilities than we do in certain areas. Current and new competitors may develop new technologies, or new equipment, including new and proposed LEO constellations and satellite direct-to-device (D2D) services, that could successfully compete with our offerings. For example, in September 2025, SpaceX signed an agreement to acquire certain rights and licenses to an aggregate of 50MHz of S-band spectrum, and announced plans to develop a global satellite D2D service using the acquired spectrum. Although development of such a D2D service using the acquired spectrum faces regulatory, technical and business hurdles, if successfully deployed, it could significantly increase competition to portions of our business. In addition, we may face competition for our services in the United States from service providers with ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) authorities who are designing a satellite operating business and a terrestrial component around their spectrum holdings. Competition may adversely affect our results of operations and long-term prospects, including negatively affecting subscribers, product and service revenue, operating margin and potentially resulting in increased operating and capital expenditures, impairments and changes in capital allocation decisions.
In addition to our satellite-based competitors, terrestrial voice and data service providers, both wireline and wireless, could further expand into rural and remote areas and provide the same general types of services and products that we provide through our satellite-based system. Although satellite communications services and terrestrial communications services are not entirely interchangeable, the two compete in some markets and for some services. Consumers generally perceive terrestrial wireless voice communication products and services as cheaper and more convenient than those that are satellite-based. Many of our terrestrial competitors have greater resources, wider name recognition and newer technologies than we do. In addition, industry consolidation could negatively affect our competitive position us by increasing the scale or scope of our competitors, thereby making it more difficult for us to compete in various market segments.
We depend on third parties to market and sell our products and services, and their inability to do so effectively could impair our revenue and our reputation.
We select third-party distributors, in some cases on an exclusive basis, and rely on them to market and sell our products and services to end users and to determine the prices end users pay. We also depend on our distributors to develop innovative and improved solutions and applications integrating our product and service offerings. As a result of these arrangements, we are dependent on the performance of our distributors to generate most of our revenue. Our distributors operate independently of us, and we have limited control over their operations, which exposes us to significant risks. Distributors may not commit the same level of resources to market and sell our products and services that we would, and these distributors may also market and sell competitive products and services. In addition, our distributors may not comply with the laws and regulatory requirements in their local jurisdictions, which could limit their ability to market or sell our products and services. If our distributors develop faulty or poorly performing products using our technology or services, we may be subject to claims, and our reputation could be harmed. If current or future distributors do not perform , or if we are to locate competent distributors in particular countries and secure their services on terms, we may be to increase or maintain our revenue in these markets or enter new markets, we may not realize our expected growth, and our brand image and reputation could be . The distribution of the Iridium NTN Direct service we are developing is expected to rely heavily on global MNOs and roaming agreements. If we are in partnering with MNOs, our Iridium NTN Direct service may be affected.
In addition, we may lose distributors due to competition, industry consolidation, regulatory developments, business developments affecting our distributors or their customers, or for other reasons. In 2009, one of our largest competitors, Inmarsat (now Viasat), acquired our then largest distributor, Stratos Global Wireless, Inc., and in 2014, Inmarsat acquired Globe Wireless, one of our service providers. Following each acquisition, Inmarsat essentially stopped promoting sales of our products and services, and they and other competitors could further reduce their distribution efforts with respect to our products and services in the future. Any future consolidation of our distributors would further increase our reliance on a few key distributors of our services and the amount of volume discounts that we may have to give those distributors. Our two largest commercial distributors, Marlink Group and Garmin, together represented approximately 10% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025, and our ten largest distributors represented, in the aggregate, 28% of our revenue for the year ended December 31, 2025. The loss or consolidation of any of these distributors, or a decrease in the level of effort expended by any
of them to promote our products and services, could reduce the distribution of our products and services as well as the development of new products and applications, which would negatively affect our revenue.
We rely on a limited number of key vendors for supply of equipment, components and services and the loss of any such supplier, shortages experienced by such suppliers, or changes in trade policy such as tariffs, could cause us to incur additional costs and delays in the production and delivery of our products, which could reduce the sales of those products and use of the related services.
We currently rely on a limited number of manufacturers of our devices, including our mobile handsets, L-band transceivers and SBD devices. We also utilize sole source suppliers for some of the component parts of our devices. If any of our suppliers terminate their relationship with us, we may not be able to find a replacement supplier in a timely manner, at an acceptable price or at all. Further, our manufacturers and suppliers may cease production of our components or products or become capacity-constrained, or could face financial difficulties, which could adversely impact our ability to fulfill customer orders, increase our costs and reduce revenues.
U.S. trade policy changes in 2025 increased our costs and caused us to evaluate alternative sourcing arrangements. Future changes to trade policy by the U.S. or foreign governments, including tariff and customs regulations, could increase our costs, cause delays or cause us to further evaluate alternative sourcing, all of which could adversely impact our operations.
Even if we are able to replace or supplement sole source or other component suppliers, there could be a substantial period of time in which our products would not be available; any new relationship may involve higher costs and delays in development and delivery, and we may encounter technical challenges in successfully replicating the manufacturing processes. If our manufacturers or suppliers terminate their relationships with us, fail to provide equipment or services to us on a timely basis, or fail to meet our performance expectations, we may be unable to provide products or services to our customers in a competitive manner, which could in turn negatively affect our financial results and our reputation.
Our Russian operations have been and may continue to be affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and related sanctions imposed in response, and we may in the future choose or be required to further limit or shut down those operations entirely.
We provide satellite communications services in Russia through two local subsidiaries employing approximately 40 people and authorized Russian service providers, using a dedicated gateway in Russia. As a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, we adjusted our operations to comply with U.S. and international sanctions. In each of the years 2023 through 2025, revenue from our operations in Russia, all of which was service revenue, represented approximately 2% of our total revenue. Our sales in Russia are conducted in rubles and then translated to U.S. dollars in our financial results. The value of the ruble has been volatile since the invasion, which may affect our reported revenues. As a result of these factors, we expect revenue from our operations in Russia to be variable and difficult to predict.
In addition, we may in the future choose or be required to further limit or cease operations in Russia entirely, in which case we would no longer receive any revenue from these operations, and could incur significant expenses as a result of the process of shutting down operations in Russia. Our Russian operations also pose a reputational risk if certain government or commercial customers object to our current business in Russia.
Conducting and expanding our operations outside the United States creates numerous risks, which may harm our operations and compromise our ability to expand our international operations.
We have significant operations outside the United States. We estimate that commercial data traffic originating outside the United States accounted for 96% and 94% of total commercial data traffic for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively, while commercial voice traffic originating outside the United States accounted for 92% and 91% of total commercial voice traffic for the years ended December 31, 2025 and 2024, respectively. We cannot provide the precise geographical distribution of revenue from end users because we do not contract directly with them. Instead, we determine the country in which we earn our revenue based on where we invoice our distributors. These distributors sell services directly or indirectly to end users, who may be located or use our products and services elsewhere. We and our distributors are also seeking authorization to sell our services in additional countries.
Conducting operations outside the United States involves numerous risks and, while expanding our international operations would advance our growth, it would also increase our exposure to these risks.
Risks associated with the potential expansion of our international operations include:
• difficulties in penetrating new markets due to established and entrenched competitors;
• difficulties in developing products and services that are tailored to the needs of local customers;
• lack of local acceptance or knowledge of our products and services;
• lack of recognition of our products and services;
• unavailability of, or difficulties in establishing, relationships with distributors;
• significant investments, including the development and deployment of dedicated gateways, as some countries require physical gateways within their jurisdiction to connect the traffic coming to and from their territory;
• instability of international economies and governments;
• effects of a global pandemic, including on international economies, supply chains and travel;
• changes in laws and policies affecting trade and investment in other jurisdictions, including tariffs;
• exposure to varying legal standards, including data privacy, security and intellectual property protection in other jurisdictions;
• difficulties in obtaining required regulatory authorizations;
• difficulties in enforcing legal rights in other jurisdictions;
• local domestic ownership requirements;
• requirements that operational activities be performed in-country;
• changing and conflicting national and local regulatory requirements;
• foreign currency exchange rates and exchange controls; and
• ongoing compliance with the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, U.S. export controls, anti-money laundering and trade sanction laws, and similar international anti-corruption and trade laws in other countries.
If any of these risks were to materialize, it could affect our ability to successfully compete and expand internationally.
Government organizations, foreign military and intelligence agencies, natural disaster aid associations, and event-driven response agencies use our commercial voice and data satellite communications services. Accordingly, we may experience fluctuations in usage due to changing global circumstances, including, for example a reduction in commercial voice and data subscribers in 2025 that we believe was caused, in part, by reductions in U.S. government funding.
The prices for our products and services are typically denominated in U.S. dollars. Any appreciation of the U.S. dollar against other currencies will increase the cost of our products and services to our international customers and, as a result, may reduce the competitiveness of our international offerings and make it more difficult for us to grow internationally.
Pursuing strategic transactions may cause us to incur additional risks.
We may pursue acquisitions, joint ventures or other strategic transactions from time to time. We may face costs and risks arising from any such transactions, including integrating a new business into our business or managing a joint venture. These risks may include adverse legal, organizational and financial consequences, loss of key customers and distributors, and diversion of management’s time. To the extent we pursue additional strategic transactions, we also may not be successful in integrating the acquired business or otherwise deriving the expected benefit from the transaction.
In addition, any major business combination or similar strategic transaction may require significant additional financing, and our ability to obtain such financing may be restricted by the credit agreement governing our currently outstanding term loan with various lenders administered by Deutsche Bank AG (Term Loan) . Further, depending on market conditions, investor perceptions of our company and other factors, we might not be able to obtain financing on acceptable terms, in acceptable amounts, or at appropriate times to implement any such transaction. Any such financing, if obtained, may dilute existing stockholders.
Spectrum values historically have been volatile, which could cause the value of our business to fluctuate.
Our business plan is evolving, and it may in the future include forming strategic partnerships to maximize the value of our spectrum, network assets and combined service offerings in the United States and internationally. Values that we may be able to realize from such partnerships will depend in part on the value placed on our spectrum authorizations. Valuations of spectrum in other frequency bands historically have been volatile, and we cannot predict at what amount a future partner may be willing to value our spectrum and other assets. In addition, to the extent that the FCC takes action that makes additional spectrum available or promotes the more flexible use or greater availability of existing satellite or terrestrial spectrum allocations, for example by means of spectrum leasing or new spectrum sales, the availability of such additional spectrum could reduce the value of our spectrum authorizations and, as a result, the value of our business.
We may be negatively affected by global economic conditions.
Our operations and performance depend significantly on worldwide economic conditions. Uncertainty about global economic conditions poses a risk as individual consumers, businesses and governments may postpone spending in response to tighter
credit, negative financial news, declines in income or asset values, or budgetary constraints. Reduced demand would cause a decline in our revenue and make it more difficult for us to operate profitably, potentially compromising our ability to pursue our business plan. We expect our future growth rate will be affected by the condition of the global economy, increased competition, maturation of the satellite communications industry, and the difficulty in sustaining high growth rates as we increase in size. Any substantial appreciation of the U.S. dollar may also negatively affect our growth by increasing the cost of our products and services in foreign countries.
Our ability to operate our company effectively could be impaired if we lose members of our senior management team or key technical personnel.
We depend on the continued service and institutional knowledge of key managerial and technical personnel and personnel with security clearances, as well as our ability to continue to attract and retain highly qualified personnel. We compete for such personnel with other companies, government entities, academic institutions and other organizations. The unexpected loss or interruption of the services of such personnel could compromise our ability to effectively manage our operations, execute our business plan and meet our strategic objectives.
Risks related to our capital structure and ownership of our common stock
We have a considerable amount of debt, which may limit our ability to fulfill our obligations and/or to obtain additional financing.
As of December 31, 2025, we had $1,774.7 million of consolidated gross indebtedness. Our capital structure and reliance on indebtedness can have several important consequences, including, but not limited to, the following:
• If future cash flows are insufficient, we may not be able to make principal or interest payments on our debt obligations, which could result in the occurrence of an event of default under one or more of those debt instruments.
• Our leverage level could increase our vulnerability to adverse economic and industry conditions.
• Our indebtedness requires us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flow from operations to payments on our debt, thereby reducing the availability of our cash flow for operations and other purposes.
• The interest on our debt is floating, and increases in the rate could increase our interest payments significantly for the portion we do not hedge (see “Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk” in this report for more information about our hedging activities). Furthermore, our current fixed rate cap ends in November 2026, and we do not expect to be able to maintain the same interest rate cap level, which could result in a significant increase in our interest payments.
• Our leverage level could make it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations to our lenders, resulting in possible defaults on and acceleration of such indebtedness.
• Our leverage level could place us at a competitive disadvantage compared to any competitors that have less debt or comparable debt at more favorable interest rates and that, as a result, may be better positioned to withstand economic downturns.
• Our consolidated indebtedness has the general effect of reducing our flexibility to react to changing business and economic conditions insofar as they affect our financial condition . The interest rates at which we might secure additional financings may be higher than our currently outstanding debt instruments or higher than forecasted at any point in time, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
• Market conditions could affect our access to capital markets, restrict our ability to secure financing to make planned capital expenditures and investments and pay other expenses, which could adversely affect our business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations.
Further, despite our substantial levels of indebtedness, we and our subsidiaries have the ability to incur substantially more indebtedness, which could further intensify the risks described above.
Our Term Loan and the credit agreement governing our Term Loan may limit our financial and operating flexibility.
We will need to repay our Term Loan in full at maturity in September 2030. If our cash flows are insufficient to repay the loan at maturity, we may have to undertake alternative financing plans, such as refinancing at potentially higher interest rates with more restrictive covenants, selling assets, or raising additional capital. However, market conditions or our financial position may prevent us from successfully pursuing these alternatives. Failure to repay the loan at or prior to maturity would result in an event of default.
The credit agreement governing our Term Loan also contains cross-default provisions, meaning a default under another debt instrument could trigger immediate acceleration of all amounts due under the Term Loan. Events of default include cross-defaults, bankruptcy, and change in control events. Upon default, lenders may demand immediate repayment of all principal
and interest and foreclose on pledged assets of our domestic subsidiaries, including our principal operating subsidiary, Iridium Satellite LLC.
Additionally, the credit agreement governing the Term Loan contains restrictive covenants that limit our financial and operating flexibility, including restrictions on incurring liens and indebtedness, engaging in mergers or asset sales, paying dividends, making investments and loans, and engaging in other specified transactions. These restrictions, typically structured with dollar limits based on our trailing twelve-month EBITDA and leverage ratios, may impair our ability to execute our business plan and compete effectively.
Our Board of Directors may reduce, suspend or terminate our planned dividends.
Since 2023, we have paid quarterly cash dividends on our common stock. Decisions regarding future dividends are within the discretion of the Board of Directors and may be influenced by a number of factors, including the price of our common stock, general business and economic conditions, our financial condition and operating results, the emergence of alternative investment or acquisition opportunities, changes in our business strategy and other factors. These or other factors could cause our Board of Directors to reduce, suspend or terminate our planned quarterly dividends, which could reduce the value of our common stock. For more information on our dividends, see “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Conditions and Results of Operations.”
Adverse changes in our credit ratings or withdrawal of the ratings assigned to our debt securities by rating agencies may negatively affect us.
Our ability to access capital markets is important to our ability to operate our business. Increased scrutiny of the satellite industry and the impact of regulation, as well as changes in the competitive landscape, our financial performance and unfavorable market conditions could result in credit agencies reexamining our credit ratings. A downgrade in our credit ratings or withdrawal of ratings by credit agencies could restrict our access to capital markets, increase borrowing costs and make obtaining additional financing more difficult or expensive, which would limit our financial flexibility and ability to operate our business effectively.
The market price of our common stock may be volatile and the value of our common stock may decline.
The trading price of our common stock has recently been subject to substantial fluctuations in response to various factors and may continue to be volatile. Factors affecting the trading price of our common stock may include:
• failure in the performance of our satellites;
• actual or anticipated variations in our operating results, including termination or expiration of one or more of our key contracts, or a change in sales levels under one or more of our key contracts;
• failure of Aireon to successfully carry out its business plan or obtain expected financing;
• failure to comply with the terms of the credit agreement governing our Term Loan;
• sales of a large number of shares of our common stock or the perception that such sales may occur;
• the dilutive effect of outstanding stock options and other equity awards;
• changes in financial estimates by industry analysts, or our failure to meet or exceed any such estimates, or changes in the recommendations of any industry analysts that elect to follow our common stock or the common stock of our competitors;
• impairment of assets;
• actual or anticipated changes in economic, political or market conditions, such as recessions or international currency fluctuations;
• actual or anticipated changes in the regulatory environment affecting our industry;
• changes in the market valuations of our competitors;
• low trading volume; and
• announcements by our competitors regarding significant new products or services or significant acquisitions, strategic partnerships, divestitures, joint ventures or other strategic initiatives.
The trading price of our common stock might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us, or may be volatile. If our stock, the market for other stocks in our industry, or the stock market in general experiences a loss of investor confidence, the trading price and the value of an investment in our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of our business.
Risks related to legal and regulatory matters
Our business is subject to extensive government regulation, which mandates how we may operate our business and may increase our cost of providing services and slow our expansion into new markets.
Our ownership and operation of a satellite communications system and the sale of products that operate on that system are subject to significant regulation in the United States, including by the FCC, the U.S. Department of Commerce and others, and in international jurisdictions by similar local authorities. The rules and regulations of these U.S. and international authorities may change, and such authorities may adopt regulations that limit or restrict our current or future operations or expand those of our competitors, including our orbital debris mitigation obligations. Such authorities may also make changes in the licenses of our competitors that affect our spectrum. Such changes may significantly affect our business. Further, because regulations in each country are different, we may not be aware if some of our distribution partners or persons with whom we or they do business do not hold the requisite licenses and approvals. Our failure to provide services in accordance with the terms of our licenses or our failure to operate our satellites or ground stations as required by our licenses and applicable laws and government regulations could result in the imposition of government sanctions on us, including the suspension or cancellation of our licenses. Our failure or delay in obtaining the approvals required to operate in other countries would limit or our ability to expand our operations into those countries. Our to obtain industry-standard or government-required certifications for our products could compromise our ability to generate revenue and conduct our business in other countries. Any imposition of sanctions, of license or to obtain the authorizations necessary to use our assigned radio frequency spectrum and to distribute our products in the United States or foreign jurisdictions could cause us to sales, our reputation and our ability to pursue our business plan.
In addition, one of our subsidiaries, Iridium Carrier Services LLC, holds a common carrier radio license and is thus subject to regulation as a common carrier, including limitations and prior approval requirements with respect to direct or indirect foreign ownership. A change in the manner in which we provide service, or a failure to comply with any common carrier regulations that apply to us or to pay required fees, could result in sanctions including fines, loss of authorizations, or the denial of applications for new authorizations or the renewal of existing authorizations.
Interference with our satellite spectrum, including by operators seeking to repurpose L-band for terrestrial services, could adversely impact our ability to provide our services.
Although we have globally coordinated rights to the use of our spectrum, spectrum interference may adversely affect the performance of our system for customers of our existing and future services. Sources of harmful interference could include unauthorized use of our spectrum, increased use of shared spectrum and certain usages in adjacent bands. In particular, the FCC granted a waiver in 2020 to Ligado Networks to operate a terrestrial nationwide network in the United States on MSS spectrum that includes a 10 MHz band close to the spectrum that we use for all of our services. Ligado’s implementation of ATC or D2D services, whether on its own or by leasing its spectrum to a third party, may affect the performance of our system for customers of our existing and future services. We, along with a variety of other private parties and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration on behalf of federal government users, filed petitions for reconsideration opposing this waiver out of concern for the interference that we believe Ligado’s proposed operations would cause. While the FCC’s decision to approve Ligado Network’s waiver included conditions designed to protect satellite services that use L-band spectrum from , these conditions may prove , resulting in with our satellites and devices. These petitions remain pending.
In October 2023, Ligado sued the U.S. government alleging that the Department of Defense, the Department of Commerce, and Congress unlawfully prevented Ligado from using its FCC authorized spectrum and seeking damages based on its inability to deploy ATC services in the spectrum. The litigation is ongoing.
In January 2025, Ligado and its affiliates filed a petition for voluntary reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. As part of its reorganization, it executed an agreement to lease and potentially transfer its satellites, ground assets and L-band spectrum to AST SpaceMobile, Inc (retaining Ligado’s ability to deploy ATC subject to resolution of its litigation with the U.S. government). The outcomes of the litigation and the bankruptcy may impact the outcome of the pending petitions for reconsideration before the FCC and the ability of Ligado or a lessee to implement ATC or D2D services that may affect the performance of our network. If other countries permit similar terrestrial use of L-band spectrum in the 1.6 GHz band, the performance of our system may be subject to interference there as well.
If the FCC revokes, modifies or fails to renew our licenses, or fails to grant a new license or modification, our ability to operate will be harmed or eliminated.
We hold FCC licenses, specifically a license for our satellite constellation, licenses for our U.S. gateway and other ground facilities, and blanket earth station licenses for U.S. government customers and commercial subscribers, that are subject to revocation if we fail to satisfy specified conditions. The FCC licenses are also subject to modification by the FCC. Our satellite constellation license expires on February 23, 2032. Our U.S. gateway earth station and the U.S. government customer and commercial subscriber earth station licenses expire between February 2036 and March 2037. There can be no assurance that the FCC will renew the FCC licenses we hold or grant new ones or modifications. If the FCC revokes, modifies or fails to renew the FCC licenses we hold, or fails to grant a new license or modification, or if we fail to satisfy any of the conditions of our respective FCC licenses, we may not be able to continue to provide mobile satellite communications services.
As we and our distributors expand our offerings, including more consumer-oriented devices, we are more likely to be subject to product liability claims, recalls or litigation, which could adversely affect our business and financial performance.
Through our distributors, we offer several services and devices aimed at individual consumers, and we and our distributors continue to introduce additional services and devices for use with our services, including additional aviation safety and PNT services. We are working to enable satellite messaging and emergency services directly in smartphones and other devices using our services, which may dramatically increase the number of devices that use our services. Our services and devices using our services, such as location-based services, emergency services, satellite handsets, smartphones, and personal locator devices, may contain design and manufacturing defects. Defects may also occur in components and devices that we purchase from third parties or that our distributors offer. There can be no assurance we or our distributors will be able to detect and fix all defects in the services, hardware and software that we or our distributors sell. These services and devices could be used in isolated and dangerous locations, including emergency response situations, and users who suffer property damage, personal injury or death while using such services or devices may seek to assert or bring lawsuits us. Further, it is possible that our distributors’ devices could become the subject of consumer protection , enforcement actions or , including class actions. We seek to limit our exposure to all of these by maintaining a consumer protection compliance program, and through appropriate notices, disclosures, indemnification provisions and , but these steps may not be or available in all cases. We also maintain product liability insurance, but this insurance may not cover any particular claim or , or the amount of insurance may be to cover the brought us. Product liability insurance could become more expensive and to maintain and might not be available on acceptable terms or at all. In addition, it is possible that our or our distributors’ devices could become the subject of a product as a result of a device . We do not maintain insurance, nor do we have control over our distributors’ devices, and any could have a significant effect on our financial results. In addition to the direct expenses of and potential liability for product liability , , and , a claim, , or might cause us publicity, which could our reputation and compromise our ability to sell our services or devices in the future.
The collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of user data and personal information could give rise to liabilities or additional costs as a result of laws, governmental regulations, and evolving views of personal privacy rights and information security standards.
We transmit, process, and in some cases store in the normal course of our business, personal information. Many jurisdictions around the world have adopted laws and regulations regarding the collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of personal information. The legal standards for processing, storing and using this personal information continue to evolve, impose additional obligations and risk on our business, and have the potential to make some of our business processes more costly or less feasible. For example, numerous U.S. states have adopted consumer privacy laws that give residents expanded rights to access and delete their personal information, opt out of certain personal information sharing, and receive detailed information about how their personal information is used by requiring companies to provide new disclosures to consumers and provide such consumers new ways to opt out of certain sales of personal information. In the EU, the European Commission enacted the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which since 2018 has imposed more stringent EU data protection requirements and provided for greater penalties for noncompliance.
In addition, the interpretation of privacy and data protection laws and regulations regarding the collection, storage, transmission, use and disclosure of such information in some jurisdictions remains unclear. These laws may be interpreted, applied and enforced in conflicting ways from state to state and country to country and in a manner that is not consistent with our current business practices. Complying with these varying privacy and data security legal requirements could cause us to incur additional costs and change our business practices. Further, our services are accessible in many foreign jurisdictions, and some of these jurisdictions may claim that we are required to comply with their laws, even where we have no operating entity, employees or infrastructure located in that jurisdiction. We could face direct expenses related to a variety of enforcement actions, government investigations, or litigation, and an interruption to our business and adverse publicity because of such
enforcement actions, government investigations, or litigation. Such enforcement actions, government investigations, or litigation could also cause us to incur significant expenses if we were required to modify our products, our services, our infrastructure, or our existing security and privacy procedures in order to comply with new or expanded privacy and security regulations.
In addition, if end users allege that their personal information is not collected, stored, transmitted, used or disclosed by us or our business partners appropriately or in accordance with our policies or applicable laws, or that our failure to adequately secure their personal information compromised its security, we could have liability to them or to consumer protection agencies, including claims, investigations and litigation related to such allegations. Any failure on our part to protect end users’ personal information could result in a loss of user confidence, harm our reputation, result in the loss of users, and cause us to incur significant expenses.
We have been and may in the future become subject to claims that our devices or services violate the patent or other intellectual property rights of others, which could be costly and disruptive to us.
We operate in an industry in which significant intellectual property claims and litigation are common, including the assertion of patents allegedly concerning industry standards, such as those developed by the 3GPP. As a result, we or our devices or services from time to time have been and may in the future be subject to intellectual property infringement claims or litigation. The defense of intellectual property suits is both costly and time-consuming, even if ultimately successful, and may divert management’s attention from other business concerns. The resolution of an intellectual property claim or an adverse determination in litigation to which we may become a party could, among other things:
• require disputed rights to be licensed from a third party for royalties that may be substantial;
• subject us to significant liabilities to third parties, including treble damages;
• require us to cease using technology that is important to our business; or
• prohibit us from selling some or all of our devices or offering some or all of our services.
We may be unable to offer one or more services in important regions of the world due to regulatory requirements, which could limit our growth.
While our constellation is capable of providing service globally, our ability to sell one or more types of service in some regions may be limited by local regulations. Some countries have specific regulatory requirements such as lawful intercept and local domestic ownership requirements or requirements for physical gateways within their jurisdiction to connect traffic coming to and from their territory. In some countries, we may not be able to find an acceptable local partner or reach an agreement to develop additional gateways, or the cost of developing and deploying such gateways may be prohibitive, which could impair our ability to expand our product and service offerings in such areas and undermine our value for potential users who require service in these areas. Also, other countries where we already provide service may impose similar requirements in the future, which could restrict our ability to continue to sell service in those countries. The inability to offer to sell our products and services in all major international markets could impair our international growth. In addition, the construction of such gateways in foreign countries may trigger and require us to comply with various U.S. regulatory requirements that could conflict with or contravene the laws or regulations of the local jurisdiction. Any of these developments could limit, or otherwise with our ability to construct gateways or other infrastructure or network solutions around the world.
Export control, sanctions, security and emergency services regulations in the United States and other countries may affect our ability to operate our system and to expand into new markets.
Our operations are subject to numerous governmental regulations, including those issued by (i) the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security relating to the export of satellites and related technical data as well as our subscriber equipment, (ii) the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control relating to transactions involving entities sanctioned by the United States, and (iii) the U.S. State Department’s Directorate of Defense Trade Controls relating to satellite launch and to our support of Space Development Agency operations outside the United States. We are also required to provide U.S. and some foreign government law enforcement and security agencies with call interception services and related government assistance, in respect of which we face legal obligations and restrictions in various jurisdictions. Given our global operations and unique network architecture, these requirements and restrictions are not always easy to comply with or harmonize. In addition, some countries require providers of telecommunications services to connect specified emergency numbers to local emergency services. We have discussed and continue to discuss with authorities in various countries the procedures used to satisfy our obligations, and have had to, and may in the future need to, obtain amendments or waivers to licenses or obligations in various countries. Countries are not obligated to grant requested amendments or waivers, and there can be no assurance that relevant authorities will not suspend or our licenses or take other legal actions to attempt to enforce the requirements of their respective jurisdictions.
These U.S. and foreign obligations and regulations may limit or delay our ability to offer products and services in a particular country. As new laws and regulations are issued, we may be required to modify our business plans or operations. In addition, changing and conflicting national and local regulatory requirements may cause us to be in compliance with local requirements in one country, while not being in compliance with the laws and regulations of another. If we fail to comply with regulations in the United States or any other country, we could be subject to substantial fines or sanctions that could make it difficult or impossible for us to operate in the United States or such other country, or we may need to make substantial additional expenditures to bring our systems, products and services into compliance with the requirements.
We may be unable to obtain and maintain contractually required liability insurance, and the insurance we obtain may not cover all liabilities to which we may become subject.
Under our agreements with Motorola Solutions and the U.S. government, we are required to maintain an in-orbit liability insurance policy with de-orbiting coverage for Block 1 satellites. The current policy, together with the de-orbiting endorsement, covers amounts that we and other specified parties may become liable to pay for bodily injury and property damages to third parties related to processing, maintaining, and de-orbiting our first-generation satellites. Our current policy has a one-year term, which expires on December 8, 2026, and excludes coverage for all third-party damages relating to the 2009 collision of our satellite with a non-operational Russian satellite. Our current in-orbit liability insurance policy also contains, and we expect and future policies would likewise contain, specified exclusions and material change limitations that are customary in the industry. The price, terms and availability of insurance have fluctuated significantly since we began offering commercial satellite services. The cost of obtaining insurance can vary as a result of either satellite failures or general conditions in the insurance industry. Higher premiums on insurance policies would increase our cost. In-orbit liability insurance policies on satellites may not continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. In addition to higher premiums, insurance policies may provide for higher deductibles, shorter coverage periods and additional policy exclusions.
In addition to our in-orbit liability insurance policy, we are required to maintain insurance to cover the potential liability of Motorola Solutions, the successor to the manufacturer of our first-generation satellites. We may not in the future be able to renew this coverage on reasonable terms and conditions, or at all. Our failure to maintain this insurance could increase our exposure to liability arising in relation to our first-generation satellites.
Wireless devices’ radio frequency emissions are the subject of regulation and litigation concerning their environmental effects, which includes alleged health and safety risks. As a result, we may be subject to new regulations and we could face liability based on alleged health risks.
There has been adverse publicity concerning alleged health risks associated with radio frequency transmissions from wireless devices and lawsuits have been filed alleging adverse health consequences, such as cancer, as a result of wireless phone usage. Other claims allege consumer harm from failures to disclose information about radio frequency emissions or aspects of the regulatory regimes governing those emissions. While we believe we comply with applicable standards for radio frequency emissions and do not believe that there is valid scientific evidence that use of our devices poses a health risk, courts or governmental agencies could determine otherwise. Any such finding could reduce our revenue and profitability and expose us and other communications service providers or device sellers to litigation, which, even if or , could be to . Future lawsuits or regulatory changes due to actual or perceived risk from radio frequency emissions remain possible and could reduce the number of our subscribers and demand for our products and services.
Our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards to offset future taxable income may be subject to certain limitations.
Our ability to utilize U.S. net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes may be limited if we experience an “ownership change” under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (Code), which generally occurs if one or more stockholders or groups of stockholders who own at least 5% of our common stock increase their ownership in the aggregate by more than 50% over their lowest ownership percentage within a rolling period that begins on the later of three years prior to the testing date and the date of the last ownership change. Similar rules may apply under state tax laws. If such an ownership change were to occur, Section 382 of the Code would impose an annual limit on the amount of pre-ownership change net operating loss carryforwards and other tax attributes we could use to reduce our taxable income. It is possible that such an ownership change could materially reduce our ability to use our net operating loss carryforwards or other tax attributes to offset taxable income, which could impact our profitability.
We could be subject to adverse determinations by taxing authorities.
We are subject to regular review and audit by both domestic and foreign tax authorities. As a result, we have received, and may in the future receive, assessments in multiple jurisdictions on various tax-related assertions, including transfer pricing adjustments or permanent establishment. Any adverse outcome of such a review or audit could have a negative effect on our operating results and financial condition. In addition, the determination of our provision for income taxes and other tax
liabilities requires significant judgment, including transactions and calculations where the ultimate tax determination is uncertain. Although we believe our estimates are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our consolidated financial statements and may materially affect our financial results in the period or periods for which such determination is made.
Changes in tax laws could increase our worldwide tax rate and materially affect our financial position and results of operations.
Tax policies, laws or rates in various jurisdictions may be subject to significant change, which could materially and adversely affect our financial position and results of operations. Further, organizations such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development have published action plans that, if adopted by countries where we do business, could increase our tax obligations in these countries. Due to our U.S. and international business activities, certain of these enacted and proposed changes to the taxation of our activities could increase our worldwide effective tax rate, which in turn could harm our financial position and results of operations.
