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Telecommunications systems

MCI WorldCom Frame Relay Network Outage Leaves 12,000 Customers Disrupted

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A critical frame-relay network outage at MCI WorldCom has left nearly 15% of its customers, including the Chicago Board of Trade's (CBOT) electronic trading system, without high-speed access for over a week. The disruption has affected 12,000 customers, including Internet service providers, banks, and other businesses. MCI WorldCom's failure to deliver on promised service quality has led to a significant backlash from the CBOT, which will move to its backup systems indefinitely.

Key Takeaways:

  • The outage affected nearly 15% of MCI WorldCom's 12,000 customers who rely on high-speed frame relay networks.
  • The Chicago Board of Trade's (CBOT) electronic trading system was among the affected customers, leading to a significant disruption in its operations.
  • CBOT President Tom Donovan stated that the exchange will move to its backup systems indefinitely due to MCI WorldCom's failure to deliver on promised service quality.
  • The outage was caused by a glitch in software systems purchased from Lucent Technologies.
  • The disruption could cost MCI WorldCom customers, dollars, and credibility.

Statistics:

  • 12,000: The number of MCI WorldCom customers affected by the frame relay network outage.
  • 15%: The percentage of MCI WorldCom customers affected by the outage.
  • 1 week: The duration of the outage affecting CBOT's electronic trading system.

Sources:

  • MCI WorldCom, 601/360-8608
  • Lucent Technologies, 317/322-6848
  • Chicago Board of Trade, statement by President Tom Donovan

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