Revamped Online Customer Service Site Provides Consumers with
Added Convenience and Simplicity
ARLINGTON, Va., April 5, 1999 --
You've tried banking, buying Christmas presents and even shopping
for cars online, now MCI WorldCom's consumer e-service offering --
Online Account Manager -- makes buying, managing and paying for
telecommunication services easier with just the click of a mouse. MCI
WorldCom announced today that enrollment in Online Account Manager is
up 115 percent over last year, resulting in increased customer
satisfaction levels, online sales and overall cost savings.
"Twice as many customers are using MCI WorldCom's e-service
this year," said Joyce Dorris, director of brand marketing.
"That means twice as many customers get around the clock access to
the simplest way to view and update their MCI WorldCom
services--translating into a more loyal, satisfied customer base along
with lower costs for MCI WorldCom."
MCI WorldCom's Online Account Manager is the most robust and
accessible online customer service in the residential long-distance
industry. Online Account Manager is available as a free benefit to all
MCI WorldCom residential customers at www.mci.com/service.
Automation Nation
Online Account Manager automates virtually all customer service
transactions traditionally handled via mail or telephone resulting in
faster service and increased customer satisfaction. In fact, customers
using Online Account Manager are 75 percent more satisfied with their
customer service experience. These customers prefer servicing their
account online versus traditional customer service because, in addition
to timely answers to their questions, they receive greater detail and
they can see information "in writing."
MCI WorldCom customers are able to view all of their billing
statements online and change or update their payment options
automatically. E-billing is provided to customers selecting credit card
or direct debit payment options and via CheckFree E-BillSM, MCI
WorldCom's newest payment option. Highlighting the business
benefits of e-billing, MCI WorldCom realizes at least $1.00 in savings
for every invoice that gets paid online. "Ease and convenience are
what make MCI WorldCom's Online Account Manager so popular with our
customers," added Dorris. "Being able to view your account,
get answers in writing and gain instant account access 24 hours a day,
7 days a week is improving the customer service experience while
lowering MCI WorldCom's customer service costs."
Full-Service Self-Service
From frequent flyer miles to international calling plans, MCI
WorldCom's new Online Account Manager puts information at the
customer's fingertips. All of MCI WorldCom's popular calling
plans, calling card and Personal 800 Number rates are provided online
as well as product features and instructions. New products, like MCI
WorldCom Internet, are also featured and sold through Online Account
Manager.
The newest Online Account Manager feature, coming in May, allows MCI
WorldCom's frequent flyer customers to instantly view the miles or
flight credits they've earned through their MCI WorldCom services.
Frequent Flyer customers already enjoy quick access to their
airline's frequent flyer program website via Online Account
Manager.
"MCI WorldCom customers want control," said Dorris.
"Reviewing account information online and learning about other
services from MCI WorldCom enhances satisfaction and helps drive our
online sales."
Site Security
MCI WorldCom's Online Account Manager employs the leading online
security tool online today, SSL (Secure Socket Layer) technology. Port
to port filtering is implemented by MCI WorldCom security, which allows
information to be shared only when a customer is behind the MCI
WorldCom firewall.
To get behind the firewall, customers must both enroll and log on to
Online Account Manager. When a customer enrolls they provide unique
information (telephone number or account number and social security
number or MCI WorldCom Card PIN) and then choose a username and
password. The username and password serve as the private identifiers
for a customer to view their account information.
About MCI WorldCom
MCI WorldCom is a global communications company with revenue of more
than $30 billion and established operations in over 65 countries
encompassing the Americas, Europe and the Asia-Pacific regions. MCI
WorldCom is a premier provider of facilities-based and fully integrated
local, long distance, international and Internet services. MCI
WorldCom's global networks, including its state-of-the-art
pan-European network and transoceanic cable systems, provide end-to-end
high-capacity connectivity to more than 40,000 buildings worldwide. For
more information on MCI WorldCom, visit the World Wide Web at
www.wcom.com
.
