TCS First to Integrate Multimedia Mobile Messaging and Location Services; Demonstration at 3GSM World Congress, Cannes, France.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

3GSM World Congress 2002

ANNAPOLIS, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 18, 2002

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (Nasdaq:TSYS), a key architect of wireless messaging and location software, today introduced its Multimedia Message Service Center (MMSC).

TCS' MMSC manages the much-anticipated delivery of rich text e-mail, sound, fax, color photos, animation, video, Internet and location services to multiple device types. It is the first and only MMSC to fully integrate multimedia messaging and mobile location services.

"TCS' MMSC enables mobile operators to deliver messages that are highly relevant to their subscribers by integrating location and multimedia capabilities," said Maurice B. Tose, president, chairman and CEO of TeleCommunication Systems. "Additionally, since the MMSC uses standard, off-the-shelf Sun servers as hardware for all computing elements, it significantly lowers operators' deployment costs."

TCS' MMSC features timesaving operation support tools, turnkey service interaction with partner applications, and loyalty-enhancing user preference management featuring tools that will allow subscribers to control who can access their MMS handsets. TCS' MMSC supports both the GSM and CDMA air interfaces and requires MMS capable handsets with 2.5 or 3G data access. The MMSC is compliant with the latest versions of the 3G Partnership Project (3GPP), MMS and WAP specifications.

"The combination of location and multimedia messaging, for instance, will enable a mobile subscriber to receive a photo from a loved one who just had a baby, reply with an animated e-greeting card, download a map of the nearest florist, receive a discount florist coupon, and show up at the hospital with a beautiful bouquet," said Timothy Lorello, chief marketing officer and senior vice president of TCS.

TCS' MMSC integrates seamlessly with TCS' Xypoint(R) Location Platform, due to its common design based on TCS' Voyager(TM) architecture. The MMSC is built upon TCS' expertise in text messaging, enhanced messaging and its Wireless Internet Gateway(TM). The result is the first solution to provide mobile operators with the capability to blend messaging and location. Combining the MMSC and Xypoint Location Platform on TCS' Voyager architecture makes it easy for third party application developers to design applications around it, assuring that there will be numerous applications from which operators can select. Additionally, by blending location into messaging, these applications will have significantly more value, helping to drive average revenue per user for network operators.

TCS' Voyager architecture is open and scalable, which allows mobile operators to easily and inexpensively upgrade their messaging capacity without a need for a heavy investment in infrastructure. By combining messaging and location, TCS lowers operational and support expenses for its network operator customers. This architecture also enables mobile operators to deploy and configure applications in weeks rather than months.

The Xypoint Location Platform compliments the MMSC by providing the intelligence that enables mobile operators to locate subscribers, optimize their network and offer more complex and relevant applications. Additionally, the Xypoint Location Platform helps mobile operators protect their subscribers' privacy via its Privacy Center and offer applications such as Instant Messaging via its Presence Center.

Demonstrations and presentations of TCS' MMSC and Xypoint Location Platform will be available at the TCS booth -- Stand D26 in Hall 2, at the 3GSM World Congress 2002, in Cannes, France, starting February 19th though February 22nd.

About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.

TCS is evolving wireless technology. As the key architect of wireless messaging and location technology, TCS is delivering essential software, services and solutions to carriers that enable people to better manage their mobile lifestyle. TCS occupies a privileged position within the core of the wireless carrier network enabling it to develop technology that ensures the security, reliability and privacy of people's wireless messages.

Today, TCS is a preferred technology provider to carriers worldwide including Vodafone, Cingular, Verizon Wireless, Telefonica and Qwest. Through its Solutions group, TCS deploys advanced technologies and products that promote the continued evolution of wireless services. Visit the web site at www.telecomsys.com.

This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of 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 based upon TCS' current expectations and assumptions that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that would cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated.

The actual results realized by the Company could differ materially from the statements made herein, depending in particular upon the risks and uncertainties described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). These include the risks and uncertainties relating to the company's future financial results and ability of the Company to (i) reach profitability as early as anticipated, (ii) continue to rely on third parties to market and sell the Company's products and for other relevant support, (iii) adapt and integrate new technologies into its products, (iv) expand its business offerings in the new wireless data industry, (v) capitalize on opportunities in the marketplace, (vi) develop software without any errors or defects, (vii) implement its sales and marketing strategies, and (viii) deploy its software and services quickly.

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.