July 27, 2016-- Comtech Telecommunications Corp. (NASDAQ: CMTL), a world leader in secure and highly reliable wireless communication technology, announced today the release of the “Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Geo-Targeting Using Cell Radio Frequency (RF) Propagation Algorithm” research study. Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T), the study demonstrates how Comtech’s recently acquired subsidiary, TeleCommunication Systems, Inc., developed a new algorithm that utilizes area footprints associated with radio frequency (RF) coverage to significantly improve geo-targeting granularity and accuracy for the delivery of WEA messages.

The research included the modification of WEA software using new and enhanced geo-targeting algorithms that were tested in both laboratory and real-world environments with the help of ClearTalk Wireless. The report, which was issued by DHS, documents these field testing activities, findings and analysis showing that the new algorithm is superior to any other existing method deployed to date. The new method is expected to provide a number of new additional benefits to WEA users, agencies and operators, including:

  • The ability to target much smaller alert areas down to a square mile regardless of the physical location of the cell towers;
  • The ability to use the Required Monthly Test (RMT) message with alert target location capability, allowing WEA alerts to be tested at chosen live sites without impacting the general public;
  • Geo-targeting at the cell sector granularity;
  • Enhanced reachability to people in harm’s way;
  • The ability to enable other alert categories to be defined because of allowable small alert target area size;
  • The ability to target cell sites that, while physically are outside the geo-targeted area, have RF coverage over the geo-targeted area; and
  • A solution that requires no change to the current WEA standards and network.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the results of this study, which further underscores the importance of our commitment to advancing WEA and E-911 technologies and services. We’ve created a viable solution that requires no change in standards and specifications, making it easily deployable today. More importantly, the lessons learned from this project will allow us to improve our testing techniques over time so we can continue to enhance our solution,” said Dr. Stanton Sloane, President and Chief Executive Officer of Comtech Telecommunications Corp. “It was a pleasure working with DHS on this study as well as ClearTalk Wireless.”

The method developed in this project can be deployed without changes to existing networks, protocols or handset software. While the Federal Communications Commission's Communications, Security, Reliability, and Interoperability Council (CSRIC) working group continues to refine the standard for improving WEA geo-targeting accuracy, this method can complement the CSRIC effort.

To review the complete report issued by DHS, please visit: https://www.dhs.gov/publication/geo-targeting-using-rf-propagation-algorithm.

To learn more about Comtech Telecommunications Corp.’s Wireless Emergency Alerts Solution, please visit: http://www.telecomsys.com/products/wireless_emergency_alerts.aspx.

Comtech Telecommunications Corp. designs, develops, produces and markets innovative products, systems and services for advanced communications solutions. The Company sells products to a diverse customer base in the global commercial and government communications markets.

Certain information in this press release contains statements that are forward-looking in nature and involve certain significant risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from such forward-looking information. The Company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings identify many such risks and uncertainties. Any forward-looking information in this press release is qualified in its entirety by the risks and uncertainties described in such Securities and Exchange Commission filings.

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