TeleCommunication Systems Partners with O3b Networks for High Throughput, Low Latency Satellite Products

ANNAPOLIS, Md., Aug. 11, 2014 –  TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology, today announced that it has been selected as a channel partner by O3b Networks, a global satellite service provider offering a next-generation satellite network for government and commercial enterprises. TCS will make O3b’s high-performance satellite services available to U.S. government customers through its contract vehicles and directly to commercial TCS customers.

News Facts:

• O3b Networks operates a new fiber-quality, satellite-based, global Internet backbone for telecommunications operators and Internet service providers.
• The O3b next-generation medium Earth-orbit (MEO) constellation of satellites provide higher data rates than legacy geosynchronous (GEO) satellites, with throughput up to 1.6 Gbps and fiber-like latency under 150 milliseconds.
• The O3b constellation recently expanded with the launch of additional satellites in July 2014, bringing the constellation up to eight satellites. An additional four satellites are scheduled to launch in early 2015 to keep pace with anticipated market demand.
• In a February 2014 update, Northern Sky Research predicts a 2,000% gain in High Throughput Satellites (HTS) and MEO-HTS leasing in the coming ten years. Most of the HTS and MEO-HTS capacity demand growth, over 80%, will be generated by satellite broadband access services.
• TCS’ ability to provide satellite terminals, field service support, real time 24 x 7 network monitoring and full time satellite engineering support enables a better end-to-end solution experience for its customers.

O3b Networks EVP, Government Solutions “D” D’Ambrosio stated: “O3b Networks values TCS as a partner who is recognized as an industry leader and global supplier of high reliability products and services for the aerospace, military, and industrial markets. With O3b’s fiber speed and satellite reach, TCS will be able to deploy highly reliable secure communications to remote or previously inaccessible areas globally wherever and whenever their customers need them and truly extend HQ assets to even their most austere environments.”

TCS Government Solutions Group President Michael Bristol said: “O3b state-of-the-art satellites offer game-changing technology as they are able to deliver higher capacity and lower latency at lower prices than legacy GEO satellites. TCS’ partnership with O3b allows us to now offer an affordable alternative for satellite bandwidth to our government and commercial customers that need true broadband connectivity. TCS is already discussing lower cost alternatives with several government agencies, which O3b can deliver.”

TCS’ Government Solutions Group has a 27-year track record as a proven, trusted provider of communication technology solutions to the government’s toughest technical challenges, under conditions that demand the highest level of reliability, availability and security. TCS solutions enable rapid deployment of fixed and transportable communications using wireless, satellite, and terrestrial networks. TCS satellite communications products provide highly reliable connectivity that empowers critical personnel with seamless, highly secure, interoperable communications. Learn more at TCS Deployable Communications.

About O3b Networks Limited
O3b Networks Limited is a global satellite service provider building a next-generation satellite network for telecommunications operators, Internet service providers, and enterprise and government customers in emerging markets. The O3b system will combine the global reach of satellite with the speed of a fiber‐optic network providing billions of consumers and businesses in nearly 180 countries with low‐cost, high‐speed, low latency Internet and mobile connectivity. O3b Networks’ investors include SES, Google, Liberty Global, HSBC Principal Investments, Northbridge Venture Partners, Allen & Company, Development Bank of Southern Africa, Sofina, Satya Capital and Luxempart. O3b Networks is headquartered in St. Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands.

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.