MCIP Mci (MM)

ASHBURN, Va., Sept. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MCI, Inc. (NASDAQ:MCIP) is working closely with government officials, relief agencies and other organizations in the U.S. Gulf Coast and surrounding areas impacted by Hurricane Katrina to restore vital network infrastructure and to bring humanitarian relief to people in need. MCI has pledged to contribute $500,000 in cash to the American Red Cross on behalf of its employees and the company. That donation comprises a $250,000 immediate cash donation by the company and another $250,000 to be raised through a company-wide employee matching program. MCI's goal is to raise a minimum of $3 million for storm relief through corporate contributions, an employee cash match donation program, in-kind donations, volunteerism and other relief support efforts. "Our thoughts are with those whose lives have been disrupted by the hurricane and its aftermath," said Michael D. Capellas, MCI president and CEO. "MCI and our employees are doing everything we can to make things better for people in these hard-hit areas." In addition, MCI is providing technology products and services and other aid. To date, the company has: * Deployed three of its Emergency Mobile Communications Facilities to the New Orleans, La., and Biloxi, Miss., areas for use in conjunction with Emergency Operations Centers in those locations. These self-contained mobile facilities, also called the MCI Big Blue Fleet, provide free Internet, telephone, wireless hotspot and fax capabilities to the public via satellite links. In addition to the Big Blue Fleet, MCI is preparing to dispatch five communications trailers to the hurricane impacted area for use by government agencies that are providing emergency services to the communities in the hurricane stricken area. * Pledged more than 20,000 one-hundred-minute pre-paid phone cards to the American Red Cross. * Supplied sleeping, parking and logistics space at MCI sites for utility workers from other companies who are working to restore power facilities. * Outfitted portable offices with satellite and other communications equipment for use by U.S. government agencies, relief organizations and businesses that have no access to office space. MCI has approximately 800 employees located throughout Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana. 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: Brittany Feinson, MCI Public Relations, +1-800-644-NEWS Web site: http://www.mci.com/

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