Next-Generation SMSC Supports Seamless Integration for Wireless Carriers With Emerging IMS and LTE Networks

ANNAPOLIS, MD, — April 06, 2009 — (MARKET WIRE via COMTEX) -- CTIA - Booth # 8706 -- TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a leading provider of mission-critical wireless communications, today announced that the company's next generation Short Message Service Center (SMSC) is ready to support carriers' upcoming migrations to 4G networks including Long Term Evolution (LTE). As operators roll out 4G access networks, the TCS SMSC will make sure that their growing volume of text messages will be delivered with the same reliability as before, regardless of where the subscribers' mobile devices are registered. The TCS next-generation smsExpress(TM) platform provides intelligent dual-mode delivery of text messages over mobile broadband networks via Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) as well as over legacy networks. This capability provides a seamless user experience during such migrations where legacy and next generation networks must coexist.

As carriers are preparing to converge services across all access technologies, they are also deploying complimentary Internet Protocol (IP) Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) networks. IMS is access agnostic and provides a seamless user experience for multimedia services. TCS' next-generation smsExpress platform enables a smooth short message service (SMS) migration path to IMS, enabling delivery over next-generation access networks, and allows operators to save money and resources by offloading text messaging from expensive circuit switched legacy networks. In addition, the TCS SMSC has been fielded and tested in one of the top wireless carriers' IMS user trials with full deployment expected in the second half of 2009. TCS' smsExpress platform is poised to support new premium broadband services triggered via SMS and enabled by next generation IMS technologies.

"TCS recognizes the importance of reliable delivery of text messages now that typical users send and receive more text messages than mobile telephone calls," said Drew Morin, Chief Technology Officer of TCS. "Our smsExpress SMSC assists carriers with launching new premium SMS mass messaging promotions and enhanced services that will be enabled by the expanded capacity and global coverage provided by 4G networks such as LTE."

The TCS next-generation SMSC offers flexible deployment options and allows operators to configure its systems to meet customer messaging traffic needs. TCS smsExpress systems include its SMSC platform and related Wireless Intelligent Gateway(TM) (WIG), which also has location-based services functions. The TCS next-generation SMSC supports store and forward, first delivery attempts and voting capabilities over standard air interfaces and over mobile broadband. The WIG manages communication between wireless devices and IP services, including email, content services, and other applications. TCS Alerts(TM) provides geographically targeted messaging compatible with the Commercial Mobile Alerts System (CMAS) used for emergency alerting via cell broadcast technology. The company's fully integrated, end-to-end messaging solutions support standard protocols and architectures including XML, SOAP, SSO, SIGTRAN, SS7, Diameter, SIP, and IMS.

TCS will demonstrate the uses and benefits of its next-generation SMSC in Booth 8706 at CTIA WIRELESS 2009 taking place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, April 1-3.

About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS) engineers and delivers highly reliable wireless communications technology. TCS is a leader in wireless text messaging and location-based technology, including E9-1-1 services and commercial applications like navigation that use the precise location of a wireless device, and secure satellite-based communications systems and services. Customers include leading wireless and VoIP carriers around the world, cable MSOs, automotive telematics vendors, and agencies of the U.S. Departments of Defense, State, and Homeland Security. TCS is one of six primary vendors on a $5 billion Army Worldwide Satellite Systems Contract vehicle. For more information, visit www.telecomsys.com.

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 report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008.

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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