Wacker Chemie GmbH Awards MCI With Multi-Year, Multi-Million Dollar Contract

-- Global Chemical and Semiconductor Manufacturer To Deliver Tomorrow's Solutions and Innovations Using MCI Communications Services --

ASHBURN, Va., April 24, 2003 -- MCI today announced that Munich, Germany-based Wacker Chemie GmbH (pronounced Vauker), a leading global provider of chemicals and semiconductor operations, has selected MCI as its primary global communications provider. Under terms of the multi-year, multi-million dollar agreement, MCI will design, build, and fully manage a new global VPN network for Wacker to carry data and voice traffic among 70 facilities located on four continents.

Wacker will use its new network infrastructure to consolidate operations, foster greater internal communication, and increase returns on its existing network investments. MCI will help Wacker to integrate legacy systems with its new VPN solution, which will be comprised of MCI's IP VPN, global frame relay and private line services. In addition, Wacker will use MCI Internet access, audio and videoconferencing, and voice services to help it better communicate internally and with business partners.

Wacker's technology team challenged five leading communications providers to propose a solution that would consolidate Wacker's fragmented IT communications environment, streamline operations, and increase Wacker's return on their technology investments. MCI stood apart from the competition. It presented a unified and innovative solution that leverages MCI's global network with a wide range of services that will support voice traffic, financial and groupware applications as well as enable real-time applications that deliver immediate solutions for Wacker's global customers.

"Wacker can rely on MCI to manage its communications while focusing on its core business," said Blair Crump, MCI senior vice president of Commercial Accounts. "Our expertise delivering managed global solutions that blend private and public IP networking will help Wacker achieve new business capabilities while maximizing efficiencies."

About Wacker-Chemie GmbH
Wacker is a globally active company with a well-balanced mix of chemical and semiconductor operations, as well as promising new business fields. The company's diverse activities are organized within four independently operating business divisions: WACKER SILTRONIC, WACKER SILICONES, WACKER SPECIALTIES and WACKER CERAMICS. They hold technology leadership positions in many markets and collaborate closely with customers to provide tailored solutions for tomorrow.

Wacker is a management-driven corporation oriented toward the standards of globally operating incorporated companies. Wacker is a limited liability company, where 51% are hold by the Dr. Alexander Wacker Familiengesellschaft mbH, and 49% by Hoechst AG. For more information, go to http://www.wacker.com.

About WorldCom, Inc.
WorldCom, Inc. (WCOEQ, MCWEQ) is a leading global communications provider, delivering innovative, cost-effective, advanced communications connectivity to businesses, governments and consumers. With the industry's most expansive global IP backbone and wholly-owned data networks, WorldCom 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.