MCI Wins Communications Contract With Commonwealth of Virginia

MCI to Provide Advanced Networking and Voice Services to Government and Educational Organizations

ASHBURN, Va., November 19, 2003 - MCI (WCOEQ, MCWEQ) today announced it has entered into an agreement with the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide advanced voice, data and Internet communications for the Commonwealth of Virginia Network (COVANET) initiative. COVANET is one of the most technologically advanced statewide networks in the country, designed to deliver advanced communications services to state agencies, local and county governments, public universities and schools.

Through the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, MCI will provide the Commonwealth with an integrated data and voice communications network that will enable it to take advantage of the flexibility of IP today while serving as the advanced platform for Virginia's ongoing e-government initiatives. Using MCI's very high performance Backbone Network Service (vBNS+), the Commonwealth of Virginia will securely and reliably link state organizations together to enhance operational efficiencies and statewide communications.

Awarded following a competitive bidding process, the four-year contract, with six one-year renewal options, is valued at up to $250 million. The contract is expected to save the Commonwealth approximately 12 percent on its annual communication costs.

"MCI is honored to be teaming with the Commonwealth of Virginia to provide a solution that maximizes its network resources today while paving a path to a converged data and voice network in the future," said Jerry Edgerton, senior vice president of MCI Government Markets. "The COVANET contract award is an indication that MCI continues to provide outstanding services and is on track to assist our customers as they transition to next generation communications solutions."

During its 12-year relationship with the Commonwealth of Virginia, MCI has enabled the state to maintain its leading edge in developing and delivering services to its citizens and business. Through COVANET, customers will be able to take advantage of the combination of high-performance networking and a portfolio of advanced IP services. These services make COVANET an unparalleled network for today's most demanding customers and their applications.

About WorldCom, Inc.
WorldCom, Inc. (WCOEQ, MCWEQ), which currently conducts business under the MCI brand name, 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 POPs, and wholly-owned data networks, WorldCom develops the converged communications products and services that are the foundation for commerce and communications in today's market. For more information, go to http://www.mci.com.