FAA Recognizes MCI for Network Service in Wake of Hurricane Katrina

MCI Account Team, Network Operations Restored Service Quickly

ASHBURN, Va., October 18, 2005-MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCIP) today announced it has been honored by the Federal Aviation Administration for its efforts to restore network services in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.

The FAA recognized MCI for outstanding service for its commitment and performance in restoring Air Traffic Control communications under the FAA's Leased Interfacility National Air Space Communications System (LINCS) and its FAA Telecommunications Satellite System (FAATSAT) after the hurricane devastated parts of the Gulf Coast. The LINCS network allows air traffic controllers to communicate securely with pilots and each other to manage the nation's air traffic and FAATSAT is a satellite-only network adding diversity and redundancy to the air traffic control system.

"MCI's recognition by the FAA is a testament to the hard work of our account team and network operations and technology organization who worked tirelessly to restore service and keep the FAA's mission-critical network running,'' said Jerry Edgerton, senior vice president of MCI Government Markets. "As the FAA's primary communications provider for well over a decade, MCI has responded rapidly to ensure the continuation of service in emergency conditions such as California earthquakes, the September 11 tragedy and major hurricanes."

In recognizing MCI, the FAA honored MCI's employees for their dedication, teamwork and determination, citing they were critical to the rapid restoration and redeployment of telecommunications services to the FAA's National Airspace System.

During Hurricane Katrina, the FAA sustained considerable damage to its communications infrastructure in the Gulf Coast region. With MCI's managed network expertise the company was able to help restore critical communications services needed to re-establish the FAA's National Airspace System in New Orleans, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; and in Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi. In a matter of days, MCI helped restore communications to allow relief flights to bring needed supplies to the hard-hit region. Commercial flights resumed to New Orleans in part, because of MCI's abilities to restore FAA LINCS and FAATSAT services quickly and efficiently.

For 13 years, MCI has been managing the data and voice communications infrastructure for the National Airspace System through LINCS, a highly specialized, reliable network used by air traffic controllers to communicate securely with pilots and each other to manage the nation's air traffic. LINCS also is used to transmit radar, weather and other data used in support of air traffic management. The system connects some 5,000 locations in the U.S. and carries over 20,000 separate connections between the FAA and the Department of Defense sites. In 1991, MCI was competitively awarded a ten-year contract to provide highly reliable communications services to the nation's air traffic control system. In March 2002, MCI and the FAA signed the five-year LINCS Bridge Contract to continue LINCS services through 2007.

In 1996, MCI was selected by the FAA to provide satellite services under the FAATSAT contract, which expires in June 2006. MCI designed and built a high-performance, high-availability satellite telecommunications system that delivers voice and data communications to 106 FAA air traffic control facilities. Managed by MCI, the FAATSAT network provides primary and backup communications, and can ensure diversity to terrestrial-based communications media. FAATSAT supports both broadcast and point-to-point applications, and is compliant with the FAA's strict performance requirements.

About MCI, Inc.
MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCIP) is a leading global communications provider, delivering innovative, cost-effective, advanced communications connectivity to businesses, governments and consumers. With one of the most expansive global IP backbones and wholly-owned data networks, MCI develops the converged communications products and services that are the foundation for commerce and communications in today's market. For more information, go to www.mci.com.