MCI Extends Partnership With PGA TOUR Event Through 2010

Ashburn, Va. and Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, August 18, 2004 - Continuing an 18-year tradition, MCI and the PGA TOUR announced that MCI will extend its sponsorship of the MCI Heritage golf tournament through 2010. The current agreement would have expired in 2006. "We are thrilled that MCI will continue its sponsorship of the tournament," said Tim Finchem, PGA TOUR Commissioner. "The MCI Heritage has been a popular fixture on the PGA TOUR since 1969 and Harbour Town Golf Links is recognized as one of the favorite courses among the players. We look forward to MCI's continued involvement with the tournament and the PGA TOUR." MCI has sponsored the tournament since 1987. Over the years, the MCI Heritage has created many memorable champions, including 2004 winner Stewart Cink. "MCI is delighted to continue our longtime sponsorship of this historic tournament," said Michael D. Capellas, MCI President and CEO. "In addition to attracting some of the best players in professional golf, The MCI Heritage, has helped raise more than $10.5 million over the past 18 years for the Heritage Classic Foundation, which provides college scholarships to thousands of students throughout the state of South Carolina. MCI is proud to continue our tradition of supporting the Heritage Classic Foundation and the Hilton Head Island community." Economic impact studies have shown that the MCI Heritage is directly responsible for more than $60 million in revenue generation for Hilton Head Island and the surrounding communities. "The Heritage Classic Foundation has given more than $10.5 million to charity since it was founded in 1987 and has an economic impact in excess of $60 million annually," said tournament director Steve Wilmot. "Over the last 18 years, MCI has been an important partner to the PGA TOUR, the Foundation and the Hilton Head Community. We couldn't be happier that this tradition will continue." About MCI Heritage
Harbour Town Golf Links, designed by Pete Dye in consultation with Jack Nicklaus, has been the only venue for the annual PGA TOUR tournament, held at Hilton Head Island, SC since 1969. The 6,973-yard course is a favorite among TOUR players.

The Heritage Classic Foundation, the Hilton Head Island nonprofit organization that stages the event, has contributed more than $10.5 million to charity since it was founded in 1987. In 2003 the charity total topped $1.2 million. 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. For more information, go to www.mci.com. About the PGA TOUR
The PGA TOUR is a tax-exempt membership organization of professional golfers. Its primary purpose is to provide competitive earnings opportunities for past, current and future members of the PGA TOUR, Champions Tour and Nationwide Tour; to protect the integrity of the game; and to help grow the reach of the game in the U.S. and around the world.

Approximately 110 events are being contested on the three Tours in 2004, for nearly $310 million in prize money. In addition to providing competitive opportunities for its membership, TOUR events also generate significant sums of money for charity. TOUR events have raised more than $820 million for charity since 1938, the first year such records were kept. The PGA TOUR's Web site address is www.pgatour.com.