TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) will collaborate with Cisco during a demonstration illustrating the use of Wi-Fi technology to complement standard 9-1-1 solutions for the purpose of providing indoor location information in emergency situations. The demonstration takes place at the NENA Annual Conference, TCS booth #515, in Nashville’s Music City Center, June 16-19.

Using Cisco’s Mobility Services Engine (MSE) for Wi-Fi together with TCS’ GEM9-1-1 information mapping solution, the companies are demonstrating how the MSE can provide an indoor caller’s location information to 9-1-1 call takers. When a cell phone or other device is used to call or text 9-1-1 from a Wi-Fi-equipped indoor area (e.g., an office building, a mall, or an airport), the location of a nearby Wi-Fi access point can be obtained and displayed to the 9-1-1 call taker. This information is very useful at times when other location techniques such as GPS aren’t accurate.

News Facts:

• About 70% of the 500,000 daily 9-1-1 calls nationally are placed from cell phones. Various location techniques, including GPS, are helpful in providing location for the caller, but when the caller is indoors, those techniques lose much of their accuracy. If the caller is unable to verbally specify his or her location, first responders lose precious time locating the caller.
• There are now tens of millions of Wi-Fi access points deployed across the U.S. with the number growing by millions each year.

“Every second counts in an emergency situation, so we need to find a way to provide accurate information to 9-1-1 dispatchers, especially when victims request help from a mobile phone,”  Cisco Senior Director of Government Affairs Mary Brown said. “Cisco is committed to applying our Wi-Fi technology to save lives. We believe this demonstration shows how our Mobility Services Engine can dramatically improve indoor location information associated with emergency calls, reducing the time first responders are able to locate and assist the caller. We are pleased to be collaborating with TCS, a recognized pioneer in wireless E9-1-1 and leader in next generation 9-1-1 technology and solutions.”

“TCS has long been a leader in developing new technology approaches for the Public Safety community,” TCS Safety & Security Group Vice President Kent Hellebust said. “Cisco is applying its IT knowledge in the pursuit of this same goal, and together we offer this technical approach as a solution to the challenge of improved indoor location information in emergency situations.”

Since deploying the first U.S. wireless Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) solution in 1998, TCS has been leading public safety solutions for wireless E9-1-1, NG9-1-1 and E1-1-2. TCS supports half of all U.S. wireless E9-1-1 calls, serving more than 140 million wireless and IP-enabled devices. TCS is leading the enablement of text-to 9-1-1, and TCS also leads the nation in emergency services IP network deployments. TCS is the only non-carrier TL 9000-certified company that supports E9-1-1 services. Its E9-1-1 and NG9-1-1 solutions ensure that a subscriber’s emergency call is routed to the appropriate PSAP and automatically pinpoints the caller’s location information.

About TeleCommunication Systems, Inc.
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. 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.

About Cisco
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