TeleCommunication Systems Introduces Hosted Xypoint Location Services for Wireless Carriers; TCS' Precise Location Technology Deployed in the Americas

Business Wire, March 15, 2005

ANNAPOLIS, Md. -- TeleCommunication Systems (TCS) (NASDAQ:TSYS), a global leader in wireless data and location technology, today announced the introduction of its hosted Xypoint(R) Location Services (XLS) available as a global solution for wireless carriers. Wireless carriers can rapidly deploy TCS' hosted XLS to provide a competitive advantage and meet the growing consumer and enterprise market demand for proven, precise location-based services

The Americas continue to launch precise location offerings with TCS' comprehensive end-to-end solution. In November of 2004, TCS deployed its in-network XLP offering with the largest wireless carrier in South America. More recently, TCS launched its hosted XLS with a major carrier serving the Mexico City region. These two carriers represent over 28 million subscribers

Handsets containing Global Positioning System (GPS) chipsets are now widely in use and TCS' location technology is capable of capturing the precise location of these handsets. With these prerequisites in place, more wireless carriers are now able to deploy applications like navigation, person finder, and fleet management functions using the TCS' Xypoint(R) Location Platform (XLP). TCS has the capability to host these services for carriers using the same TL-9000 certified, carrier-grade Network Operations Center infrastructure it uses to provide wireless Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) under contracts with more than 35 carriers, including 4 of the top 5 wireless carriers in the U.S.

TCS' hosted XLS is based on TCS' proven Assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS) technology, its award-winning Xypoint Location Platform (XLP), and integration of recently acquired Kivera's Geo-spatial Information System (GIS) platform and applications. By simultaneously supporting both Internet Protocol (IP)-based user plane and call-based control plane location access methods, TCS' hosted XLS provides wireless carriers with a single technology interface to deliver location-based services to the carriers' subscribers.

TCS' hosted XLS solution has the capability to deliver a robust suite of applications on a variety of platforms, including Java 2 Mobile Edition (J2ME), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) and Binary Runtime Environment for Wireless (BREW). The service provides interoperability across diverse network environments including Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA).

Allied Business Intelligence states that carrier-based wireless location service revenues may exceed $3.6 billion by 2009, with applications such as fleet/asset tracking, navigation, and friend/child tracking garnering the most revenues (Source: ABI Research, April 2004). Wireless carriers can now capture these revenue-generation opportunities in the strong consumer and enterprise market for value-added location-based services with TCS' hosted XLS.

"Since 1997, when TCS completed the first-ever wireless E9-1-1 call in the United States and provided the caller's location coordinates to the local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) in the state of Indiana, we have been an innovator in providing location information," said Drew Morin, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer for TCS. "The launch of our hosted Xypoint Location Services featuring location-based applications secured by our acquisition of Kivera is an example of our continuing commitment to bring location technology to the consumer. Our proven location applications and service offerings continue to expand and provide wireless carriers with incremental revenue opportunities through state-of-the-art location technology."

Jake Saunders, Director of Concise Insight, a consultancy specializing in mobile location services, states, "Wireless operators are looking for ease of deployment and rapid Return on Investment (ROI) for location-based services and TCS' hosted XLS solution provides a means for operators to achieve those goals." Mr. Saunders also stated, "TCS' recent acquisition of Kivera's location platform and applications, in combination with TCS' existing location infrastructure portfolio, positions TCS with a complete hosted service in a market place where operators demand an end-to-end location-based service solution."

ABOUT TELECOMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ:TSYS) is a leading provider of mission critical wireless data technology. TCS-designed systems include location and messaging products deployed in wireless carrier networks, applications in enterprise networks for functions including logistics management and proof of delivery, and highly secure deployable communication systems used for government intelligence and defense. Messaging and location-based services, including wireless E9-1-1, and direct wireless applications are also hosted in the company's TL-9000-certified network operations centers and may be available directly from the company or through subscriptions via wireless carriers. For more information visit www.telecomsys.com.