MCI Honored by FAA for Restoring Network Services Following Hurricane Katrina

Strategic Insights -

MCI, a leading global communications provider, has been recognized by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its efforts in restoring network services following Hurricane Katrina. The FAA honored MCI for outstanding service in restoring its Leased Interfacility National Air Space Communications System (LINCS) and its FAA Telecommunications Satellite System (FAATSAT) after the hurricane devastated parts of the Gulf Coast.

Key Takeaways:

  • MCI was honored by the FAA for its commitment and performance in restoring Air Traffic Control communications under the LINCS and FAATSAT systems after Hurricane Katrina.
  • The LINCS network allows air traffic controllers to communicate securely with pilots and each other to manage the nation's air traffic, while FAATSAT provides diversity and redundancy to the air traffic control system.
  • MCI's account team and network operations worked tirelessly to restore service and keep the FAA's mission-critical network running, with employees cited for their dedication, teamwork, and determination.
  • In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, MCI helped restore communications services to the FAA's National Airspace System in New Orleans, Louisiana; Mobile, Alabama; and in Gulfport and Biloxi, Mississippi.
  • Commercial flights resumed to New Orleans in part due to MCI's abilities to restore FAA LINCS and FAATSAT services quickly and efficiently.
  • MCI has been managing the data and voice communications infrastructure for the National Airspace System through LINCS for 13 years, providing highly reliable communications services to the nation's air traffic control system.
  • The LINCS system connects some 5,000 locations in the U.S. and carries over 20,000 separate connections between the FAA and the Department of Defense sites.

Statistics:

  • 13 years: the duration of MCI's management of the data and voice communications infrastructure for the National Airspace System through LINCS.
  • 5,000: the number of locations in the U.S. connected by the LINCS system.
  • 20,000: the number of separate connections between the FAA and the Department of Defense sites carried by the LINCS system.
  • 2002: the year MCI and the FAA signed the five-year LINCS Bridge Contract to continue LINCS services through 2007.
  • 1991: the year MCI was competitively awarded a ten-year contract to provide highly reliable communications services to the nation's air traffic control system.
  • June 2006: the expiration date of the FAATSAT contract.

Sources:

  • MCI Account Team
  • PRNewswire-FirstCall, October 18 (Press Release)
  • MCI, Inc.
  • Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)