Wireless to compete against cable, phone monopolies for
high-speed service
BOSTON, Mass. (March 27, 2000) - MCI WorldCom today announced
plans to test cutting-edge wireless technology in Boston which soon
will offer customers a new, competitive alternative for high-speed,
broadband service. Boston is one of several markets where MCI WorldCom
will field test an advanced technology, known as Multichannel
Multipoint Distribution Service (MMDS), capable of delivering broadband
service at speeds far greater than traditional copper phone lines or
cable modems.
"We're committed to bringing innovative solutions to meet our
customers' needs," said John Stupka, President of MCI WorldCom Wireless
Solutions. "While we continue our efforts to break down the barriers to
competition in the Massachusetts local phone market, we'll aggressively
attack the market using innovative, over-the-air technologies to give
our customers what they want - reliable, high-speed bandwidth at a
competitive price."
By offering two-way, high-speed access services via radio waves, MCI
WorldCom will reach customers less likely to be touched by the cable
broadband monopolies and the "Mega-Bell" local phone companies.
"Our MMDS technology gives us a rapid, market entry strategy and our
customers a competitive, high-speed alternative with scaleable
bandwidth," Stupka said. "By using the airwaves, we can quickly reach
more customers in more markets, giving us a competitive edge."
MCI WorldCom is jointly developing an MMDS platform with its
technology partner ADC Telecommunications (NASDAQ: ADCT; www.adc.com)
of Minneapolis. ADC will provide full network management, design and
systems integration for the trial including equipment for customer
locations.
"We've developed a proven solution which enables competitors like
MCI WorldCom to reach more customers and offer a reliable, high-quality
service," said William J. Cadogan, Chairman and CEO of ADC. "Our Axityä
Broadband Wireless Access System is the only end-to-end, two-way MMDS
system specified, tested and backed by a single vendor available today.
We're excited to work with MCI WorldCom and help them turn the promise
of MMDS technology into service reality for the people of the Boston
area."
MCI WorldCom will field test MMDS in selected markets in early 2000,
with service trials underway in Jackson, Miss., Baton Rouge, La., and
Memphis, Tenn. By late 2001, the merged MCI WorldCom and Sprint will
offer its broadband "fixed wireless" service to customers in more than
100 cities. It is the combination of MCI WorldCom and Sprint MMDS that
will allow accelerated deployment of these assets to rural areas and
markets traditionally underserved by the cable and local phone
monopolies.
MCI WorldCom (NASDAQ: WCOM) is a global leader in "all-distance"
communications services with operations in more than 65 countries.
Revenues in 1999 were $37 billion, with more than $15 billion from
high-growth data, Internet and international services. MCI WorldCom and
Sprint have announced a merger agreement, which the companies expect to
close in the second half of 2000 after regulatory and shareholder
approvals. For more information go to http://www.wcom.com.
