With this merger, WorldCom accelerates by 12-to-18 months our ability to provide world-class managed Web and application hosting services -- one of the highest growth markets in the industry,

The benefits of this merger are compelling for the stockholders of both MCI and WorldCom -- powerful synergies and ownership in the best performing communications stock over the past decade. This merger is about growth -- value for stockholders, enhanced products and services for customers and new opportunities for employees.

The benefits of this merger are compelling for the stockholders of both MCI and WorldCom -- powerful synergies and ownership in the best performing communications stock over the past decade. This merger is about growth -- value for stockholders, enhanced products and services for customers and new opportunities for employees,

It is very clear from our financial performance that our employees remained focused on delivering results. Our core management and employee strength -- which has predominantly come from successful mergers over the years -- continues to drive industry-leading performance,

Our core strengths are very complementary.

Our communications services revenue growth is being driven by continued strong top-line performance in data, Internet and international -- three of the fastest growing and most profitable areas within communications services.