TeleCommunication Systems Supports ATIS/TIA Interim Text to 9-1-1 Solution for Emergency Text Communication

ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology, today announced that it fully supports and conforms to the new J-STD-110 Joint ATIS/TIA Native SMS to 9-1-1 Requirements & Architecture Specification, a standard that, upon implementation, will provide short message services (SMS) subscribers the ability to send an SMS text message to 9-1-1. This interim solution is part of the larger effort to enhance public safety through the use of SMS text messaging to 9-1-1.

The FCC requires that carriers implement technology to allow customers to send text messages to 9-1-1 in areas where public safety answering points (PSAPs) are prepared to receive the texts. In an emergency situation where the caller is hearing- or speech-impaired, in noise-sensitive situations or when networks are congested with voice calls, SMS 9-1-1 allows rapid communication with public safety first response dispatch facilities via text. TCS has been a key contributor to the new J-STD-110 standard and is currently deploying products compliant with this important industry solution.

News Facts:

• TCS has collaborated with ATIS, the Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions, in conjunction with TIA, the Telecommunications Industry Association, to develop and publish this new standard outlining the requirements, architecture and procedures for text messaging to 9-1-1 emergency services using native wireless operator SMS capabilities for the existing generation and next generation (NG9-1-1) PSAPs.

• This industry accepted standard positions carriers to have a fully operational text to 9-1-1solution capable of delivering SMS text messages to any PSAP in the U.S., including legacy (TDM) PSAPs, IP-transitioning PSAPs and NG9-1-1 PSAPs that are NENA i3 compliant.

• This interim solution enables the routing and delivery of SMS 9-1-1 text messages via different methodologies, including TTY (teletype interface used primarily in telecommunications devices for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), a Web service interface based on secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS) and an "i3" ESInet interface defined by the National Emergency Numbering Authority (NENA) for interconnection to NG9-1-1 systems.

Supporting Quotes:

ATIS President and CEO, Susan Miller, said:
"ATIS is committed to developing and improving technical and operations standards. We are excited to be a part of the ongoing evolution of NG9-1-1 and are grateful for the dedication of companies such as TCS in helping to develop this new standard and thereby improve public safety."

TCS Senior Vice President and General Manager, Safety & Security Group, Chris Nabinger, said:
"We are pleased to be a key contributor to this new standard and are currently deploying products that meet the requirements of the JSMS911 guidelines. TCS recognizes the importance of ongoing collaboration with leading industry associations such as ATIS and TIA to accelerate the transition towards NG9-1-1, which will help solve the many challenges public safety officials face today and over the coming years."

Since deploying the first U.S. wireless E9-1-1 solution in 1998, TCS has been leading public safety solutions for wireless E9-1-1, NG9-1-1 and E1-1-2. TCS supports half of all U.S. wireless E9-1-1 calls, serving more than 140 million wireless and IP-enabled devices. With the nation's only non-carrier TL 9000-certified wireless and VoIP E9-1-1 Network Operations Center (NOC), TCS' highly-reliable E9-1-1 solutions ensure that a subscriber's emergency call routes to the appropriate PSAP and automatically pinpoints the caller's location information. TCS is an innovator in public safety technology; the company holds over 250 patents, 37 of which relate to public safety, and more than 350 pending worldwide. 

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' cyber security 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.  

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120503/PH99996LOGO )

SOURCE TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

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