EXHIBIT 99.1


                 MICHAEL D. CAPELLAS NAMED CHAIRMAN AND CEO OF
                                WORLDCOM, INC.

                       Pledges "Commitment to Integrity"

New York -- November 15, 2002 - WorldCom, Inc. (WCOEQ) today announced that it
has named Michael D. Capellas as Chairman and CEO. Mr. Capellas is the former
president of Hewlett-Packard Company. Prior to HP, he was Chairman and CEO of
Compaq Computer Corporation.

"I took this job because I am convinced that WorldCom has the assets, the
customers and the people to regain a leadership role in this industry," he
said. "In order to do this, we must first regain trust and win respect.
Accordingly, together we will rebuild WorldCom into a model of good corporate
governance and management integrity."

"Today we are launching a new company, one that will reclaim the strengths of
its past and focus on a promising future," Mr. Capellas said.

"I remember when this company was founded with a vision of convergence of
computers and the Internet. WorldCom has always been on the forefront of this
trend and will continue to lead it," he said. "I have spoken to many groups -
creditors, managers, and board members - and it is everyone's desire to see
this company succeed. WorldCom is made up of 60,000 hard-working men and women
of high integrity, dedicated to quality of service and innovation. It is a
company with great brands and a diverse and first rate customer base, and a
company that plays a central role in our nation's communications industry."

Mr. Capellas said he also was encouraged by the company's stabilized financial
position, including more than $1.4 billion in cash, as well as the steps that
current management has taken to ensure the improper conduct that occurred in
the past cannot happen at the company in the future.

Those steps include the appointment of a new CEO and CFO, a restructuring of
the accounting department and accounting functions, doubling the internal
audit staff with that function reporting directly to the audit committee of
the board, the establishment of a corporate ethics office, and the
establishment of a zero-tolerance policy for any actions that do not meet the
highest standards of integrity.



Page Two

John Sidgmore, who led WorldCom's search for a new CEO, said Mr. Capellas was
the company's top candidate.

"Michael Capellas is an executive of great accomplishment, integrity and
talent, who brings both seasoned experience and a fresh perspective," Mr.
Sidgmore said. "His acceptance of our offer confirms our optimism about the
future of our company. We are very excited about the opportunities his
leadership will bring. We are confident that he will be able to capitalize on
its strengths and maximize its growth."

Irwin Gold, senior managing director and co-head of the restructuring group of
Houlihan Lokey, financial advisors to the Official Committee of Creditors
noted, "The creditors committee fully supports and endorses the appointment of
Michael Capellas to lead WorldCom. We are optimistic that the skills he brings
will add significant value to the company and its customers."

Terms of Mr. Capellas's compensation are subject to court approval, which the
company expects to seek as early as today.

"I see this as a great opportunity," Mr. Capellas concluded. "I look forward
to hitting the ground running."

About WorldCom, Inc.
WorldCom, Inc. (WCOEQ, MCWEQ) is a pre-eminent global communications provider
for the digital generation, operating in more than 65 countries. With one of
the most expansive, wholly-owned IP networks in the world, WorldCom provides
innovative data and Internet services for businesses to communicate in today's
market. In April 2002, WorldCom launched The Neighborhood built by MCI - the
industry's first truly any-distance, all-inclusive local and long-distance
offering to consumers. For more information, go to http://www.worldcom.com.


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