MCI, Inc is working closely with government officials, relief agencies and other organisations in the US 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 programme.
MCI`s goal is to raise a minimum of $3 million for storm relief through corporate contributions, an employee cash match donation programme, in-kind donations, volunteerism and other self-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, Mississippi areas for use in conjunction with Emergency Operations Centres 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 prepaid phone cards to the American Red Cross.
* Supplied sleeping, parking and logistics space at MCI sites for utility workers from other companies that are working to restore power facilities.
* Outfitted portable offices with satellite and other communications equipment for use by US government agencies, relief organisations and businesses that have no access to office space.
MCI has approximately 800 employees located throughout Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana.
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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 www.mci.com.
UUNET SA
UUNET SA, an MCI company, is a leading Internet-based network service provider in Africa. Leveraging MCI`s converged communications expertise, UUNET SA provides customers with integrated voice, data and IP solutions. For more information, please visit the UUNET SA Web site on www.uunet.co.za.
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