TeleCommunication Systems Selected by Public Broadcasting Service for Key Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) Technology
ANNAPOLIS, MD and ARLINGTON, VA, Apr 16, 2012 –TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology, and the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) today announced that PBS has chosen the TCS CMAS gateway product to enable Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) communications through PBS broadcast technology. The PBS Warning, Alert, and Response Network (WARN) system delivers CMAS emergency messages via free, over-the-air digital TV signals broadcast by PBS Member Stations and other Non-Commercial Licensees who receive the PBS Satellite Feed. This technology serves as a redundant pathway for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)’s CMAS emergency notifications. The system also provides carriers with a reliable and cost-effective method for connecting to FEMA and ensures mobile subscribers stay informed during times of emergency.
Established by the WARN Act in 2006, CMAS is a voluntary national emergency alert system, designed to deliver critical messages to the public, including 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 PBS WARN system adds protection against cyber attacks and immunity from Internet disruptions.
“TCS has deep knowledge, expertise and experience in the emergency alerting market, including being involved with the creation of the CMAS standards,” said Aaron Silverman, Communications Director of WARN, for PBS. “Working with TCS helps PBS to be an active participant in the effort to aid Commercial Mobile Service Providers (CMSPs) in their efforts to protect and quickly inform the public via a proven emergency alert system.”
As one of the few vendors trusted by national mobile network operators, the U.S. government and public safety officials, TCS provides mission-critical, life-saving technology that is currently deployed and field-tested with national and regional CMSPs. TCS’ hosted CMAS is built on the proven, patented, TCS Voyager(TM) platform, used today to process nearly 50 percent of all wireless E9-1-1 calls in the United States. TCS’ customized implementation of the PBS WARN system is based on TCS’ CMAS gateway product and is FEMA certified with full compliance to the J-STD-101 “C” interface specification, independently validated and verified by FEMA using the J-STD-102 standard test plan.
“Through their use of CMAS, PBS is providing a valuable service to the public by serving as a redundant gateway for CMAS messages,” said Mark Titus, vice president of carrier software at TCS. “Using TCS’ proven CMAS technology, PBS, as well as CMSPs can be important lifelines for prompt and accurate transmission of FEMA emergency messages.”
Over the past year, TCS’ highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology powered the delivery of nearly a trillion text messages and over 65 million wireless emergency calls. TCS wireless technology also serves U.S. military customers with mission-critical solutions. TCS operates the only non-operator TL 9000-certified network operations centers supporting E9-1-1, and supports next generation emergency, text messaging and location-based solutions. Wireless operators across the United States and abroad use TCS emergency alerting technology. A member of the TIA and ATIS standards bodies, TCS has been actively involved in CMAS-related standards working sessions since January 2008.
About PBS
PBS, with its nearly 360 member stations, offers all Americans — from every walk of life — the opportunity to explore new ideas and new worlds through television and online content. Each month, PBS reaches 124 million people through television and 20 million people online, inviting them to experience the worlds of science, history, nature and public affairs; to hear diverse viewpoints; and to take front row seats to world-class drama and performances. PBS’ broad array of programs has been consistently honored by the industry’s most coveted award competitions. Teachers of children from pre-K through 12th grade turn to PBS for digital content and services that help bring classroom lessons to life. PBS’ premier children’s TV programming and its website, pbskids.org, are parents’ and teachers’ most trusted partners in inspiring and nurturing curiosity and love of learning in children. More information about PBS is available at pbs.org, one of the leading dot-org websites on the Internet, or by following PBS on Twitter, Facebook, or through our apps for mobile devices. Specific program information and updates for press are available at pbs.org/pressroom or by following PBS Pressroom on Twitter.
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.
