Two-Way Satellite, Gigabit Ethernet and OC-48 Services Offer More Accessibility, Speed and Reliability to Businesses Nationwide
CLINTON, Miss., November 27, 2001 – WorldCom (NASDAQ: WCOM), the leading global business data and Internet communications provider, today announced three powerful new additions to its extensive portfolio of Internet access services for ISP, ASP and enterprise customers nationwide. With the introduction of WorldCom Internet VSAT (very small aperture terminal) Service, WorldCom is the first major data services provider to offer two-way satellite broadband access to business customers throughout the continental U.S. In addition, WorldCom announced nationwide commercial availability of its high-speed Gigabit Ethernet and ultra-high-speed OC-48 Internet access services.
WorldCom Internet VSAT Service
Under an agreement with Hughes Network Systems, the world's leading provider of broadband satellite solutions, WorldCom is combining the ubiquitous access capabilities of DIRECWAYTM with the unrivaled reach and reliability of the WorldCom global IP network. This allows WorldCom to deliver high performance broadband service virtually everywhere -- in metropolitan, suburban and even the most remote geographic areas, where fast Internet connections, like DSL, are limited or unavailable.
With downstream information rates of up to 1 Mbps (megabits per second), WorldCom Internet VSAT enables remote users to utilize advanced business applications such as multicasting, data-casting and interactive services, with efficient remote access to IP VPNs, Intranets and Extranets. Easily adapted for services such as satellite television, streaming video, Internet distance learning and video-on-demand, it allows customers to also avoid additional equipment costs. Similar to a satellite TV system, WorldCom's Internet VSAT uses small, oval satellite dishes to send and receive information.
Priced comparably to DSL connections, WorldCom Internet VSAT is an "always on" service that does not require the installation of landline connections.
"The combination of DIRECWAY and WorldCom's award-winning IP network, make WorldCom Internet VSAT a powerfully reliable and cost-effective broadband access solution anywhere, anytime," said Dave Zatloukal, vice president of services and operations for Hughes Network Systems. "WorldCom's Internet VSAT makes cost effective ubiquitous broadband VPN access a reality."
"WorldCom Internet VSAT is the new broadband access solution for businesses of all sizes, offering immediate primary connectivity and business continuity for reliable network back-up services, in any location," said Ralph Montfort, Director WorldCom Internet Services. "Adding VSAT to our existing DSL and dedicated access offerings, plus our new Gigabit Ethernet and OC-48 services, gives WorldCom the unique ability to give our customers exactly what they want and need – individually tailored access solutions based on their business applications, network architecture, geography and budgetary requirements."
WorldCom Gigabit Ethernet and OC-48 Services
Delivered through its own network facilities, WorldCom also is now offering high-speed Gigabit Ethernet Port-Only and ultra-high-speed OC-48 access services to corporate enterprise and service provider customers across the U.S. – backed by SLA performance guarantees.
WorldCom Gigabit Ethernet Port-Only Service unleashes a new, simple, cost-effective high-speed alternative to dedicated optical circuit connections. Using Gigabit Ethernet ports, WorldCom customers are able to utilize familiar Ethernet LAN technologies with less expensive Ethernet equipment to effectively achieve data transmission speeds greater than OC-12 (622 Mbps). Offered to customers based in WorldCom network collocation centers or WorldCom qualified third-party colocation facilities, WorldCom Gigabit Ethernet Port-Only Service enables customers to easily upgrade to significantly faster connections with speedy installation.
WorldCom OC-48 Service offers the fastest commercial connections available today for transmission of massive amounts of data with maximum efficiency and reliability at 2.488 GPS (gigabits per second). For ISPs, ASPs or Web hosting providers whose data communications applications have reached the lower OC-12 (622 Mbps) ceiling, WorldCom OC-48 delivers a new cost-effective threshold of ultra-high-speed service. Through its joint marketing agreements with industry-leading equipment vendors, WorldCom has pioneered the industry's development and delivery of ultra-high-speed data connectivity, like OC-48 Service, for the large enterprise.
About Hughes Network Systems
Hughes Network Systems, a unit of Hughes Electronics Corporation, is the world's largest provider of broadband satellite network solutions for businesses and consumers, with over 400,000 systems installed in more than 85 countries. HNS pioneered the development of high-speed satellite Internet access services, which it markets globally as DirecPC® and DIRECWAY(tm). HNS is also a leading manufacturer of the DIRECTV®.
Headquartered in Germantown, Maryland, USA, Earnings of HUGHES, a unit of General Motors Corporation, are used to calculate the earnings per share attributable to the General Motors Class H common stock (NYSE:GMH)
About WorldCom Group
WorldCom Group (NASDAQ: WCOM) is a preeminent global communications provider for the digital generation, operating in more than 65 countries with annualized revenues of more than $20 billion. WorldCom provides the innovative technologies and services that are the foundation for business in the 21st century. For more information go to http://www.worldcom.com.
