New Rand McNally StreetFinder Wireless Keeps Wireless Phone Users on Track

location based services


New Rand McNally StreetFinder Wireless Keeps Wireless Phone Users on Track

SKOKIE, Ill., -- Unfamiliar surroundings, misplaced directions or a change in plans are no longer problems for anyone with a wireless phone.

The new Rand McNally StreetFinder(R) Wireless application is a downloadable mobile application that delivers easy access to maps, directions and directory listings for the entire United States. For download information visit http://www.randmcnally.com/sfw .

Great for in-town help or out-of-town travel, StreetFinder Wireless quickly and efficiently guides users to their destinations. Subscribers can look up a location by category or business name, and download maps, driving directions and contact information. In addition, subscribers whose wireless phones include global positioning system (GPS) capabilities can use StreetFinder Wireless to find their exact location in real time.

StreetFinder Wireless helps overcome users' difficulties commonly associated with running applications on wireless phones, since screen prompts keep button pushing to a minimum. The service also stores subscribers' favorite places of interest, which can be quickly accessed with simple shortcuts and used as origins and destinations for driving directions.

Road Atlas Access Codes Offer Greater Detail
Subscribers can select a variety of map options, including favorite and recent places, airports, or specific locations entered by address, intersection or zip code. In addition, users can view greater street detail and points of interest information for metro areas by selecting Express Access Codes from the Rand McNally Road Atlas. At randmcnally.com, subscribers can use the Express Access Codes to find additional information about local destinations and area road construction.

StreetFinder Wireless enables users to calculate different route types, such as fastest, shortest and reverse trip. Routes may be created using new and/or saved addresses, intersections, airport names, points of interests and favorite locations. The turn-by-turn directions can be viewed as a full list of text or as an overview map.

Subscribers can access the StreetFinder Wireless Directory to find nearby banks, gas stations, restaurants, recreational areas, airports and other points of interest, easily searched by name, area or category. Details include phone numbers, which users can call directly from StreetFinder Wireless with one push of a button.

Navigate the Urban Jungle
"Rand McNally's new StreetFinder Wireless offers subscribers everything they need to navigate the urban jungle," said Robert Apatoff, president and chief executive officer of Rand McNally. "With 24/7 access to maps, directions and directory listings, this is a must-have resource for on-the-go wireless phone users."

Rand McNally has partnered with TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (Nasdaq: TSYS), a global leader in wireless communications, to offer Rand McNally StreetFinder Wireless.

"A recent survey of Rand McNally Traffic users found that ease-of-use and quick access to information are essential features in a mobile mapping application," said Tim Lorello, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for TCS. "Rand McNally StreetFinder Wireless addresses that need by uniquely offering four ways for users to view directions and one-click access to points-of-interest nearby or along a route -- interactivity not found in other mobile navigation products."

Rand McNally SreetFinder Wireless is initially available to Sprint (NYSE: S) customers with compatible Sprint and Nextel phones. The low monthly subscription fee is charged directly to the customer's monthly wireless bill.

To subscribe or to find more information about Rand McNally StreetFinder Wireless, visit http://www.randmcnally.com/sfw . Wireless users also may subscribe using the phone vending machine option on their phones' wireless Internet.

About Sprint
Sprint is a data services company in the content and media distribution business committed to delivering a seamless experience that gives customers the power to connect, share and access information instantly on a mobile phone. As wireless technology, consumer electronics and entertainment converge, Sprint is leading the industry through innovative applications, differentiated content and connectivity to consumers and businesses anywhere, anytime and always on. By using their mobile phone as a source for information, communications, personalization and entertainment, Sprint customers can realize the power of the "third screen".

About Rand McNally
Rand McNally & Company, founded in 1856, is America's indispensable travel guide, providing mapping, routing and trip-planning tools for the consumer, business, education and commercial transportation markets. The company produces print and electronic products featuring national and local maps for the United States and Canada, including the Rand McNally Road Atlas and The Thomas Guide(R) books. Rand McNally offers trip planning on randmcnally.com. For more information, call 800/333-0136 or visit http://www.randmcnally.com .

About TeleCommunication Systems
TeleCommunication Systems, Inc. (TCS) (Nasdaq: TSYS) is a leading provider of mission critical wireless data solutions to carriers, enterprise and government customers. TCS' wireless data offerings include location-based Enhanced 9-1-1 services, and messaging and location service infrastructure for wireless operators, real-time market data and alerts to financial institutions, mobile asset management and mobile office solutions for enterprises, and encrypted satellite communications to government customers. For more information visit http://www.telecomsys.com .