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TeleCommunication Systems supports commitment to implement text to 9-1-1 technology nationwideDec 19, 2012 (TELECOMWORLDWIRE via COMTEX) -- TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSYS) said it supports the Federal Communications Commission 's vote to adopt proposed rules that all wireless carriers and providers of certain Internet-based text messaging applications must implement technology to allow customers to send text messages to 9-1-1 in areas where public safety answering points (PSAPs) are prepared to receive the texts. TCS also announced support of the voluntary agreement by the four leading US wireless carriers Verizon (NASDAQ: VZ) , AT&T (NYSE: T) , Sprint (NYSE: S) and T-Mobile to make text to 9-1-1 nationally available by May 15, 2014. Text to 9-1-1 allows those in the hearing/speech-impaired community and persons needing emergency assistance, but who are unable to make a voice call or otherwise prevented from reaching emergency service personnel using voice, to communicate more effectively and rapidly with PSAPs using commercially available text messaging. The FCC also proposes to require "bounce back" messages (instructing the sender to dial 9-1-1 if possible) to customers who attempt to send a message in an area where the service is unavailable, and seeks comment on the feasibility of all carriers and third-party messaging providers to implement bounce back messages by the voluntary deadline of June 20, 2013. As a leader in text messaging, location-based infrastructure and cloud-based services for the public safety system, TCS is uniquely qualified to assist wireless carriers and Internet-based text messaging providers with meeting the proposed dates suggested by the FCC. TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. is a world leader in highly reliable and secure mobile communication technology. To learn more about emerging and innovative wireless technologies, visit www.telecomsys.com. Comments on this story may be sent to [email protected] |