MCI Triples DSL Coverage Through New Edge Networks

--Expanded Relationship Enables MCI to Offer Broadband DSL Services to More Businesses in More Cities--

ASHBURN, Va. and VANCOUVER, Wash., JUNE 7, 2004 - MCI, Inc.(MCIA.PK) and New Edge Networks, a national provider of multi-site broadband networks for business and carrier customers, today announced they have extended their strategic relationship to deliver additional Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) services to MCI business customers nationwide. Through New Edge's expanded broadband reach called 'BigFoot,' MCI will now offer and support DSL services in more than 300 metropolitan areas across the United States.

Under the agreement, New Edge Networks will enable MCI to triple its current DSL footprint to reach more than 7,800 switching locations across the U.S. With BigFoot, MCI's new DSL coverage will reach approximately 75 percent of all U.S. locations where DSL is available today.

"This is a significant expansion of MCI's nationwide broadband capabilities that will enable us to provide more comprehensive coverage and service for small and medium-sized businesses, retail operations and teleworkers across the country," said Nancy Gofus, MCI senior vice president, Product Management. "Working with New Edge, MCI's nationwide footprint can provide greater simplicity and value for companies looking for a one-stop solution to deploy broadband and IP VPN services across multiple geographic locations."

As part of its overall broadband strategy, MCI will enhance its current DSL services as well as roll-out new ones. This fall, MCI plans to launch a suite of new Internet Solo Asymmetric DSL (ADSL) offerings to deliver more affordable Internet connectivity for small and medium-size businesses and teleworkers. MCI's new Internet DSL services along with its IP VPN Broadband Service will provide a low-cost, secure, "always-on" connectivity option for businesses in new markets.

"As a single source provider, New Edge Networks can help MCI offer its customers expanded services, while eliminating the costs and complexity of managing multiple carrier relationships," said Dan Moffat, president and CEO of New Edge Networks. "Now MCI customers can enjoy the affordability, performance and cost advantages afforded by its DSL solutions, without the difficulty and cost of self-deploying these services across the U.S."

With its BigFoot coverage, New Edge Networks has wider reach inside Regional Bell Operating Company (RBOC) territories than any of the RBOC's. This is because New Edge Networks has its own DSL equipment and access to other carriers' facilities in central office locations where the RBOCs have not yet introduced DSL. New Edge Networks also offers a wider choice of DSL options than what is generally available from the RBOC.

In October, 2003 New Edge Networks and MCI entered into an agreement that allows New Edge Networks to offer its customers expanded network reach into MCI's DSL network. As part of its BigFoot initiative, New Edge Networks has similar agreements with all of the RBOCs, major independent DSL carriers, as well as cable and satellite service providers.

About MCI
MCI, Inc., (MCIA.PK), 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 New Edge Networks
New Edge Networks is a single-source national provider of secure multi-site managed data networks and dedicated Internet access for businesses and communications carriers. New Edge Networks seamlessly integrates a wide variety of last-mile broadband access services available through multiple carriers, technologies, and geographic regions worldwide. Its customers include telecom carriers, small to midsize businesses, large corporations, and their telecommuters anywhere. New Edge Networks owns a nationwide multi-services network with more than 850 carrier-class switches and Internet routers. It has one of the country's largest coverage footprints with a strong presence in small and midsize markets. Frost and Sullivan selected New Edge Networks as its 2004 Telecom Company of the Year. The company's Web site is www.newedgenetworks.com. Telephone: 1-360-693-9009.