TeleCommunication Systems Selected by U.S. Department of Homeland Security to Research Improvements in Geo-targeting Accuracy for Wireless Emergency Alerts

ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 4,  2014 /PRNewswire/ -- TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology, today announced that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) has selected TCS to perform the first phase of its research study: Constructing Algorithms that Utilize RF Cell Site Propagation Footprints for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA). The study focuses on using the area footprints associated with radio frequency (RF) coverage to improve geo-targeting granularity and accuracy for delivery of WEA messages.

News Facts:

• Established by the WARN Act in 2006, WEA is a voluntary national emergency alert system that is designed to deliver critical and emergency messages to the public. WEA messages include presidential emergency alerts, AMBER Alerts, and warnings of imminent national and local threats to life and property, such as natural and man-made disasters.
• The outcome of TCS' research will provide DHS S&T with recommendations to enhance geo-targeting methods with a goal of providing more focused geo-targeting alert area notifications and increased safety to wireless device users.
• The research study also will help standardize algorithms and data management processes that can be critical for increasing citizens' awareness of pending emergencies within their immediate geographic location. The benefits of improved geo-targeting will translate into a better user experience and alert notification integrity to help protect lives.
• The study's scope is limited to test environments only, as actual testing in the production environment would require the involvement of mobile operators.  A second phase of the project is currently under discussion and would facilitate field-testing with mobile operators to verify theoretical concepts.
• As a thought leader and current member of the Communications Security, Reliability and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) committee, TCS is dedicated to developing innovative solutions to ensure public alerts are available when and where required.

TCS Commercial Software Group, Vice President of Mobility Solutions Keith Bhatia said: "Undertaking this study deepens TCS' involvement with DHS, and we welcome this opportunity to conduct research for S&T.  We are dedicated to the success of the WEA program and to the continued improvement of geo-targeted and precise alerts through all available mediums.  Public safety depends on this constant evolution, and TCS has committed teams that are working to advance mobile technologies and to innovate new solutions."

Over the past year, TCS' secure mobile communication technology has powered the delivery of over four trillion text messages and more than 65 million annual wireless emergency calls. TCS' wireless technology serves U.S. military customers with mission-critical solutions. TCS operates the only non-operator TL 9000-certified network operations center supporting E9-1-1, text messaging and location-based solutions. A member of the TIA and ATIS standards bodies, TCS has been actively involved in WEA-related standards working sessions since January 2008.

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.  

About Department of Homeland Security Science & Technology Directorate

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science & Technology (S&T) Directorate's First Responders Group (FRG) is responsible for the testing, evaluation, research, and development of the Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) Service, a national capability to deliver relevant, timely, effective, and targeted alert messages to mobile devices. WEA is part of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS), providing an additional dissemination path for alert and warning messages.

The S&T FRG fulfills a congressional mandate to focus on WEA research and development efforts by assessing current and future technologies that affect WEA, such as geo-targeting, and researching the public response to alerts. These activities encompass a multi-year effort, expected to conclude in the next two years, which will influence where future research funding is directed.

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.