Network Enables Public to Transmit Text, Images, and Video to Public Safety Answering Points for Increased Reliability and Precise Wireless 9-1-1 Communications
ANNAPOLIS, MD, Aug 10, 2011 — TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology, and the State of Iowa today announced that the State of Iowa Homeland Security Emergency Management Division (HSEMD) has awarded TCS a five-year contract valued at approximately $8.5 million to supply Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG 9-1-1) systems and services.
This emergency services network will comply fully with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) i3 standards. These standards enable Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) to accept incoming emergency requests from wireless, Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)-based and Internet Protocol (IP)-based end-users. The TCS NENA i3-based solution will enable Iowa HSEMD to use the diverse and redundant IP networks owned and operated by the State. Initially, TCS will enable legacy wireless calls and legacy i2 Voice over IP (VoIP) calls to be delivered via the new Next Generation 9-1-1 solution; additional plans include support of emergency requests using text, images and video. This solution is expected to be the first NENA i3 compliant Next Generation 9-1-1 system in the United States to be deployed on a state-wide basis.
“This solution will equalize emergency services across Iowa by allowing its 119 PSAPs to connect to the statewide Emergency Services IP Network in order to receive and process requests from both legacy and new technologies,” said Barbara Vos, E9-1-1 Program Manager for Iowa HSEMD. “TCS’ NG9-1-1 solution provides us with maximum flexibility to improve our emergency service while utilizing our current equipment and network. TCS’ approach allows HSEMD to leverage a solution that fits our specific needs as opposed to adapting to a generic approach.”
“TCS is dedicated to creating NG9-1-1 solutions that improve the capabilities and quality of emergency communications,” said Chris Nabinger, senior vice president of safety and security for TCS. “We understand that each 9-1-1 jurisdiction must determine which NG9-1-1 features it needs, when it requires them, which existing E9-1-1 features it must retain and how long it must retain them. We worked closely with the State of Iowa to ensure two things: first, that we met all of its requirements for protecting its residents, and second, that the state’s PSAPs can receive a wide range of information promptly and accurately. TCS’ emergency services deployment makes the State of Iowa a model for other states to follow.”
The TCS NG9-1-1 solution offers public safety providers options to increase control over the system, bypass costly legacy architecture and deploy the solution as systems, services or a mix of the two within any existing IP network. For more information on TCS’s NG9-1-1 solutions, visit http://www.telecomsys.com/NG9-1-1.
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 and professional services. Headquartered in Annapolis, Maryland, TCS maintains technical, service and sales offices around the world.
Company Contact:
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
Meredith Allen
410-295-1865
Media Contact:
Welz & Weisel Communications
Evan Weisel
703-218-3555
Investor Relations:
Liolios Group, Inc.
Scott Liolios
949-574-3860
