MCI

MCI (Microwave Communications Incorporated) was the #2 long-distance provider in the United States; the early history is discussed below. It merged with WorldCom, Inc. in 1998 for US $34.7 billion, creating MCI WorldCom. MCI WorldCom dropped the "MCI" from its name in 2000, becoming simply WorldCom. More recently, in light of a huge accounting scandal, new WorldCom was renamed MCI. MCI thus refers both to one of the companies entering into the merger between MCI and WorldCom, as well as to the resulting entity.

In 1963, Microwave Communications, Inc. was formed by John Goeken[?] to offer long-distance telephone service for businesses between Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis, Missouri. The company became licensed by the Federal Communications Commission in 1969 and began service under the new name MCI Communications in 1970.

In 1991, British Telecommunications PLC purchased 20% of the company and later made an offer to purchase the rest in 1996. A larger, competing bid from WorldCom was ultimately accepted.

After an internal audit discovered that US$3.8 billion had been 'misaccounted.' and a investgation by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the company has changed its name to MCI.

To see for info on the new MCI look under WorldCom

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MCI is also the airport code for the Kansas City International Airport[?] in Kansas City, Missouri, USA.