Profile: Telecommunication Systems Inc (TSYS.O)

TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) develops and delivers wireless communication technology. The Company’s mobile cloud computing services provide wireless applications and operator infrastructure for E9-1-1 call routing, navigation, asset and social applications, telematics, and text messaging. Its engineered satellite-based solutions incorporate cyber security expertise, and include base station management, deployable solutions for mission-critical communications with field support, and professional services, including training. It operates in two segments: Commercial and Government. On January 31, 2011, the Company completed the purchase of Trident Space and Defense, LLC. In July 2012, the Company acquired microDATA GIS, Inc., a provider of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) software and solutions. In December 2012, the Company and IP Cube Partners Co. Ltd announced that the Company sold two of its United States patents to IP Cube Partners.

The Company’s commercial services and systems enable wireless carriers to deliver location-based information, Internet content, and short text messages to and from wireless phones. Its hosted and managed services include mobile location-based applications, including turn-by-turn navigation, E9-1-1 call routing, customers use its software functionality through connections to and from network operations centers, paying the Company monthly fees based on the number of subscribers, cell sites, call center circuits, or other metrics. Customers include wireless carrier network operators, Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, state and local governments deploying 9-1-1 technology, and automotive industry suppliers. It designs, furnishes, installs and operates wireless and data network communication systems, including its SwiftLink deployable systems, which integrate high speed, satellite, and Internet Protocol (IP) technology, with cryptologic devices. It also owns and operates satellite teleport facilities, resell access to satellite airtime (known as space segment), provide professional services, including field support of its systems, and cyber security training and services to the United States Department of Defense and other federal, state and local government agencies, and foreign customers.

Commercial Segment Products and Services

TCS designs and develops software for second, third, and fourth generation cellular carrier and enterprise networks that enable the delivery of content, services, and transactions to wireless devices. Most of the Company’s commercial software is designed and delivered together with third-party software and related hardware, which is integrated into new and existing networks (on customer premises or hosted/managed in its co-located or leased facilities) by its engineers. The Company operates network operation centers at a number of locations that host software and equipment for which customers, mainly wireless network operators, make monthly usage payments. For its location-based services (LBS) applications, the user device’s precise location (the X/Y coordinates) is extracted from networks and used for E9-1-1 call routing, navigation directions, identifying points of Interest locations near the user (such as gas stations, restaurants, or hotels), and locating other network subscribers near the user’s current position.

The Company provides software applications that incorporate real-time location-sensitive events, such as traffic, and allow wireless carriers to deliver travel directions, generate device-appropriate maps, and search for nearby points of interest. Through wireless carriers, it sells subscriptions to services using its client software as a white label vendor to the operators. It provides wireless subscriber applications that use location-based technology, for which subscribers pay recurring monthly fees. It deploys real-time downloadable mobile applications that deliver access to maps, directions, points-of-interest directories, moving listing and event information, traffic conditions, speed camera alerts and weather information. As of December 31, 2011, the Company was under contract to provide E9-1-1 services to approximately 40 customers, including wireless carriers and VoIP service providers. Its Xypoint Location Platform (XLP) infrastructure system interacts with wireless networks to extract the precise location of a user’s device.

The Company provides software development and professional services to customers engaged in telematics, which is the use of mobile communications technology and related data for application within vehicles on the move. Customers include Denso Corporation, Mercedes-Benz, and Agero Group, formerly ATX Group for Hyundai Motors America and services include points-of-interest applications, and compilation and maintenance of geographic information databases used in vehicle navigation systems for products, including Toyota, Lexus, and others. Its Short Message Service Center software enables wireless carrier subscribers to send and receive text or data messages to and from wireless devices. The Company provides operational support, including administration of system components, system optimization, and configuration management. Maintenance services include tracking customer support issues, trouble shooting, and developing and installing maintenance releases.

The Company competes with TeleNav, Inc., Intel Corporation, West Corporation, Motorola Mobility Holdings, Inc., Ericsson LM Telephone Co., TomTom, Garmin Ltd., Comverse Technology Inc, Google Inc. and Nokia Corporation.

Government Segment Products and Services

TCS engineers and provides communication solutions, including deployable wireless communication systems and related support services with focus on satellite-based technology, to agencies of the United States Departments of Defense (DoD), State, Justice, Homeland Security, as well as other government customers. Its SwiftLink product line is a series of communication systems, which can be deployed in remote areas for wireless satellite-based or point-to-point communications where other means of communication may not be available. SwiftLink products provide voice, video and data communications for personnel in austere environments. Uses include critical communications for DoD warfighters in command and control headquarters, emergency response, news reporting, public safety, drilling and mining operations, field surveys and other activities that require remote capabilities for voice, video, and data transmission. In addition, its deployable broadband wireless systems provide extensions of wireless communications services for up to 30 miles from a SwiftLink point of presence.

The Company offers field and maintenance support of wireless deployable communication systems, including its SwiftLink systems, as well as other vendors’ systems. This includes basic and extended maintenance services, training, depot support, product resets, and documentation. TCS provides cyber security training and services encompassing all areas of computer network operations, which includes Computer Network Defense, Computer Network Exploitation, and Computer Network Attached. The Company develops software tools and database applications related to system testing, security, engineering, and analysis. TCS designs, installs, and operates data networks that integrate computing and communications, including systems that provide communications via both satellite and terrestrial links. It also provides ongoing network operation and management support services, including telecom expense management under multi-year contracts with government customers.

The Company owns and operates a high-speed satellite communications teleport in Manassas, Virginia that is connected to the public switched telephone network, and operates two facilities in Europe for government customers. These facilities provide transport services for IP-based media content consisting of VoIP, Internet, video and messaging data using Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) satellite technology as part of its communication solutions for its customers. The Company provides connectivity between users of its deployed SwiftLink systems in remote locations back to the Company’s teleport and eventually onto customers’ back-office desktops and cell phones. TCS purchaseS space segment (satellite airtime) and resell it to customers using its facilities. TCS also maintains two satellite-based stations in the Pacific region.

The Company competes with General Dynamics Corp., CACI International Inc., Globecomm Systems, Inc., Computer Sciences Corporation, Rockwell Collins, Inc. and ViaSat Inc.