TeleCommunication Systems Introduces First Text-to-911 Interoperability Lab for Public Safety

ANNAPOLIS, Md., March 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology, today announced that it will open the text-to-911 capable, TCS ESInet Interoperability Lab in April 2014. The TCS Emergency Services IP Network (ESInet) Interoperability Lab, the first of its kind, will enable NENA i3-compliant call-handling solution vendors to test their text-to-911 interfaces and software prior to deployment by Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) public safety answering points (PSAPs). 

In addition to phone calls for assistance, PSAPs are preparing to receive Short Message Service (SMS) text messages from the public. The TCS ESInet Interoperability Lab will allow call-handling solution vendors to test the interfaces that process these messages. This will provide an effective path to ensure smooth deployment of Message Session Relay Protocol (MSRP)-based interfaces for text-to-911.  PSAPs, in turn, will know that the vendor's call-handling software has been proven effective and reliable prior to relying upon it to process emergency text messages from the public.

News Facts:

• NG9-1-1 standards define the interfaces for PSAPs to receive and process text messages from the public.
• The TCS ESInet Interoperability Lab will be the first site where call-handling solution vendors can test the interfaces and software that will process these text messages.
• Vendors will connect to the lab remotely through a secure web portal connected to TCS' lab, located in Seattle, Washington.
• Vendors interested in scheduling appointments for testing with the TCS ESInet Interoperability Lab should email [email protected]
• TCS leads the nation on ESInet deployments and is the premier provider of NG9-1-1 software and end-to-end solutions. Offerings include NENA i3 standards-compliant call-routing and call-handling systems. In 2006, TCS became the first company to deliver NG9-1-1 calls, and the company has since delivered more NENA i3 9-1-1 traffic than all other manufacturers combined.
• TCS completed the nation's first successful cellular 9-1-1 call more than a decade ago and now deploys cellular and Voice over IP (VoIP) 9-1-1 service to operators nationwide, supporting half of all wireless and VoIP Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) calls.

TCS Safety & Security Group Vice President Thomas Ginter said: "The ability for PSAPs to accept and process SMS text messages from the public is crucial as the nation takes the next step toward NG9-1-1. The TCS ESInet Interoperability Lab will serve as a catalyst for this future public safety need, allowing both PSAPs and call-handling solution vendors to move forward confidently, knowing that their systems which process those messages meet NENA i3 standards."

About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS) is a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology. TCS infrastructure forms the foundation for market-leading solutions in E9-1-1, text messaging, commercial location and deployable wireless communications. TCS is at the forefront of new mobile cloud computing services, providing wireless applications for navigation, hyper-local search, asset tracking, social applications and telematics. Millions of consumers around the world use TCS wireless apps as a fundamental part of their daily lives. Government agencies utilize TCS' cybersecurity expertise, professional services and highly secure deployable satellite solutions for mission-critical communications. Headquartered in Annapolis, MD, TCS maintains technical, service and sales offices around the world. To learn more about emerging and innovative wireless technologies, visit www.telecomsys.com.

Except for the historical information contained herein, this news release contains forward-looking statements as defined within Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and are based upon TCS' current expectations and assumptions that if incorrect would cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Risks include without limitation those detailed from time to time in the Company's SEC reports, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Existing and prospective investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise the information in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or circumstances, or otherwise.

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SOURCE TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

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