TSYS (MM)

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (NASDAQ: TSYS), a leading provider of mission-critical wireless communications, today announced the issuance by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office of patent number 7,640,031 entitled "Mobile Originated Interactive Menus Via Short Messaging Services."

TCS patent number 7,640,031 describes a two-way interactive short message system (SMS) that provides personalized messaging menus to a handset. Unlike browser-based menu systems for mobile devices, this invention enables mobile originated interactive menus using SMS communications instead of circuit switched data (e.g., instead of Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) communications), thus leaving traffic channels available for voice calls. Moreover, mobile-originated mobile devices are less costly than are WAP or Wireless Local Area Network (LAN) equipped mobile devices, thus allowing mobile carriers to offer service providers a larger customer base, and subscribers less expensive options to access wireless services.

Mobile originated interactive menus as described in this patent provide several advantages to the wireless carriers, service providers and mobile device users. These interactive SMS menus may be implemented as a feature of a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) that allows service providers to configure several levels of menus with multiple options per menu. Each option guides the user to either the next menu level, or to a final action to be executed according to the path followed by the subscriber. The flexibility of interactive SMS menus allows service providers to define their own base offering of menus, depending upon their targeted customer segments.

On the handset user side, users may define the content and frequency they want, whether it is a scheduled delivery or on-demand. The interactive SMS menu options offer customers a simple-to-use technique and apparatus for checking stock quotes, local weather, and/or other Web-based news and information when they want it. The interactive nature of the service allows the wireless network to poll the user for their next response, with multiple menu options offered, making it highly intuitive. Replacement of messages in TDMA and GSM mobile devices allow for heavy usage without filling up the user's phone buffer by allowing prior messages to be overwritten. This assures that only the latest information is all that is being displayed and read.

"Enabling wireless carriers to offer a robust, bandwidth efficient and less expensive alternative to browser-based interactive menus gives those carriers a competitive edge," said Drew Morin, chief technology officer of TCS. "This invention also demonstrates how innovative thinking can take an established technology like SMS and stretch its boundaries to provide new solutions."

TCS now holds 108 patents with over 300 applications pending.

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 reports on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008 and Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2009.

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.

Company Contact: TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. Meredith Allen 410-295-1865 MAllen@telecomsys.com Media Contact: Welz & Weisel Communications Evan Weisel 703-218-3555 evan@w2comm.com Investor Relations: Liolios Group, Inc. Scott Liolios 949-574-3860 info@liolios.com