Sony Online Entertainment Selects MCI To Help Fulfill Growing Bandwidth Needs

Online Gaming Host Populates Virtual Worlds Using a Reliable Internet Solution

HostReview.com
Wednesday, November 5, 2003; 12:00 AM

ASHBURN, Va., November 5, 2003 - MCI (WCOEQ, MCWEQ) today announced that it has expanded its relationship with Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a worldwide leader in massive multiplayer online gaming, to deliver reliable high-speed bandwidth that will help Sony Online Entertainment to continue providing quality game play experience with their suite of online games.

Under terms of the agreement, MCI will deliver dedicated, high-speed Internet connectivity between its global IP backbone and Sony Online Entertainment's game servers at several locations within the United States. SOE's connections to MCI's IP backbone will help deliver instant scalable bandwidth to meet surges in demand for SOE's games during certain times of the day or new product launches throughout the year.

"Online gamers demand fast and uninterrupted connectivity in order to effectively interact inside our various game worlds," said Adam Joffe, chief technology officer, Sony Online Entertainment. "MCI's Internet architecture and performance will continue to be a key component of our gaming offer as we strive to give our customers the most solid network gaming performance possible, with the goal of satisfying even our most die-hard players."

"Sony Online Entertainment's ambitions to create and deliver new and exciting online applications are an inspiration for MCI to fine-tune its already powerful Internet services," said Vint Cerf, MCI senior vice president of technology strategy. "Working with customers like Sony Online Entertainment, we have the opportunity to engineer premier enterprise communications solutions that spawn new innovations and efficiencies for our customers. MCI's pioneering spirit in Internet and convergence technology continues to create new answers for businesses with diverse challenges."

As the premier provider of converged data, IP and voice solutions, MCI empowers enterprises to enhance business processes and collaboration with customers, suppliers, employees, constituents and partners. With its innovative products and services, MCI is enabling companies to better compete in today's global marketplace.

About Sony Online Entertainment
Sony Online Entertainment Inc. (SOE), a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Digital Inc., is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with a subscriber base of over 500,000 active players around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises, EverQuest® and PlanetSideTM, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX and St. Louis, MO, SOE has an array of cutting-edge online games in development such as Star Wars GalaxiesTM, Lords of EverQuestTM and the highly anticipated EverQuest® II.

EverQuest is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. SOE and the SOE logo are registered trademarks and PlanetSide is a trademark of Sony Online Entertainment Inc.

About WorldCom, Inc.
WorldCom, Inc. (WCOEQ, MCWEQ), which currently conducts business under the MCI brand name, 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, based on company owned POPs, 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.

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