MCI To Offer Free Phone Calls To Troops in Iraq Over Holidays

Company to Enable U.S. Troops to Call Home 


ASHBURN, Va., Nov. 15  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- In an ongoing effort to keep military families and loved ones connected, MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCIP) today announced it will provide free phone calls and Internet access throughout this holiday season to U.S. Armed Forces personnel stationed in Iraq.  As a primary communications provider to the U.S. Department of Defense, MCI is also providing a variety of services over the holidays to connect military personnel and their families around the world.

MCI will provide military personnel free phone calls for the holidays, from November 20 through 27 and from December 18 through January 1.  MCI offered free calling over the holidays for military personnel in 2003 and 2004 as well.

"A phone call or an e-mail message can go a long way to lift the spirits of those separated from family over the holidays," said Jerry Edgerton, senior vice president of MCI Government Markets.  "This effort to help our troops stay connected to their loved ones is a gesture of appreciation for the sacrifices they make every day."

In Iraq, MCI has deployed a mobile communications trailer to Camp Victory. This communications facility is outfitted with phones and Internet connectivity, allowing military personnel to make calls and send e-mail 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

MCI is continuing to make resources, technology and employee support available to military personnel and their families around the world. Throughout the year, MCI has continued to donate pre-paid calling cards to U.S. troops traveling, stationed or recuperating in the United States and their families.

MCI is also supporting the USO of Metropolitan Washington at Fort Belvoir, Virginia, with "MCI's Phone Home for the Holidays" on December 17. MCI will deploy one of its mobile emergency communications vehicles to allow troops and their families to make free local, long-distance and international calls.

About MCI, Inc.

MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCIP) is a leading global communications provider, delivering innovative, cost-effective, advanced communications connectivity to businesses, governments and consumers. With one of the most expansive global IP backbones 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 http://www.mci.com/. 

DATASOURCE: MCI, Inc.



CONTACT:  Stefanie Scott, MCI Media Relations, 800-644-NEWS



Web site:  http://www.mci.com/

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