MCI Expands Wireless IP Relay Services to Business Customers

Support for BlackBerry Enables Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Employees to Make "Wireless Calls"

ASHBURN, Va., October 7, 2004- MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCIP) today announced the launch of the first wireless IP-Relay communication service targeting deaf and hard-of-hearing business customers, making it possible for them to communicate using a BlackBerry Wireless Handheld(TM) from Research In Motion (RIM) (Nasdaq: RIMM; TSX: RIM). This service turns a BlackBerry Wireless Handheld into a "wireless phone," enabling the hearing impaired to communicate "on the go" with anyone, anywhere in the U.S by utilizing the SkyTel nationwide, wireless data network.

MCI's Wireless IP-RELAY.com for BlackBerry® delivers critical communications for businesses with mobile deaf and hard-of-hearing employees. The new service enables enterprise customers to manage their day-to-day communications by extending IP-RELAY.com to a readily accessible BlackBerry Wireless Handheld.

In minutes, software can be downloaded to a BlackBerry 957(TM) making it possible to place and receive relay calls. Once enabled, users simply click on the Wireless IP-RELAY.com icon and are connected with a Relay Operator. Users simply type what they want to say on the wireless device and the operator facilitates the call. The software also features keyboard shortcuts, font size and style options plus the ability to make sequential calls.

"MCI is utilizing the SkyTel wireless data network, its connectivity to other wireless networks, and the BlackBerry wireless platform to deliver innovative solutions like Wireless IP-RELAY.com services to our business customers and their deaf and hard-of-hearing employees," said Bruce Deer, president of SkyTel "MCI's leadership delivering IP Relay services, coupled with its expertise serving the business market, makes us an obvious choice for companies who want to implement the most reliable, mobile communications available today."

There is currently no charge to use Wireless IP-RELAY.com for calls anywhere in the United States. However, normal connectivity rates charged by wireless carriers may still apply.

About IP-RELAY.com
IP-RELAY.com, powered by MCI, is the one-stop site for relay calling. The deaf and hard of hearing can sign their conversations via IP-RELAY VRS, receive calls from voice users via IP-RELAY Voice/NexTalk, communicate with any voice user through IP-RELAY Text in addition to a host of other communication options. MCI was the first company to offer IP-based relay service and is committed to providing the most convenient, confidential and technologically advanced ways to keep people connected.

About MCI
MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ: MCIP) is a leading global communications provider, delivering innovative, cost-effective, advanced communications connectivity to businesses, governments and consumers. With the industry's most expansive global IP backbone, based on the number of company-owned points of presence, 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. SkyTel, a veteran wireless messaging provider, is a fully owned subsidiary of MCI For more information, go to www.mci.com.

The BlackBerry and RIM families of related marks, images and symbols are the exclusive properties and trademarks of Research In Motion Limited.