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West Marine Selects MCI As Voice and Data Communications Provider

Posted on: Tuesday, 14 September 2004, 06:00 CDT

WATSONVILLE, Calif., Sept. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- West Marine, Inc., , the nation's largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and apparel, today announced it has selected MCI as its primary provider of voice and data services. Under terms of the three-year agreement, MCI will deliver managed broadband digital subscriber line (DSL) and voice services to West Marine's 355 retail stores and Internet as well as catalog sales support systems.

"This strategic alliance with MCI will enable us to maximize our telecommunications capabilities to serve our customers faster and more efficiently," said John Edmondson, West Marine's chief executive officer. "We will count on MCI's communications expertise and look forward to growing our business capabilities with the quality service and support we know to expect from them."

MCI's managed DSL solution will provide cost-effective, high-speed connectivity for West Marine employees and customers nationwide at speeds seven times faster than the company's existing connectivity. After transitioning its services to MCI, West Marine store associates will be equipped to handle a higher volume of customer requests and complete inventory searches more quickly.

West Marine will also use MCI as its primary communications provider for its customer contact centers. By delivering toll-free services with enhanced call routing capabilities, MCI's managed services unit, MCI Solutions, is enabling West Marine to expedite responsiveness to customer orders through the reduction of call wait times and ensuring calls are answered by the appropriate customer service representative.

"Building upon our voice and data capabilities and network reach, MCI is able to provide West Marine with a tailored, cost-effective solution that will grow with the company's demands," said Jarrett Appleby, senior vice president, MCI Solutions "This agreement demonstrates how MCI can enhance a customer's business operations and improve customer relationships through a solution that addresses their unique needs."

Telwares directed the project on behalf of West Marine by managing the entire RFP process and negotiating the pricing, terms and conditions of the contract.

ABOUT MCI

MCI, Inc., , 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 the number of company-owned points of presence, and wholly-owned data networks, MCI 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/.

ABOUT WEST MARINE, INC.

West Marine, Inc., is the nation's largest specialty retailer of boating supplies and apparel, with more than 355 stores in 38 states, Puerto Rico and Canada, and more than $600 million in annual sales. The Company's catalog and Internet site offer more than 50,000 products -- far more than any competitor - and the convenience of being able to exchange Internet purchases at West Marine retail stores. The Company's Port Supply division is the country's largest wholesale distributor of marine equipment, serving boat manufacturers, marine services, commercial vessel operators and government agencies. For more information on West Marine's products and store locations, or to start shopping, visit http://www.westmarine.com/ or call 1-800-BOATING (1-800-262- 8464).

MCI, Inc.; West Marine, Inc.

CONTACT: Media - Samantha Curley of Sawyer Miller San Francisco,+1-415-399-1002, scurley@sawyermillerpr.com; or Natasha Haubold of MCI PublicRelations, 1-800-644-NEWS

Web site: http://www.mci.com/http://www.westmarine.com/

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