MCI launches IP VPN remote access, new last-mile options

MCI on Wednesday revealed plans for a host of new access services, filling in last-mile gaps for its business and enterprise customers. This week, MCI launched a network-based IP VPN remote access solution, allowing its customers to connect to their corporate networks through MCI’s IP backbone regardless of which network platform the customer subscribes to. MCI also unveiled plans to add Wi-Fi hot spot services to its remote access platform and to augment its own last-mile access portfolio with Tachyon satellite services.

The remote access platform is the first service MCI is launching using its Secure Internetworking Gateway, which allows customers to migrate IP services over their existing frame relay, ATM and private IP networks as well as link them to an IP VPN. The carrier plans to launch a slew of cross-platform services over the gateway in the coming year.

The Wi-Fi and Tachyon announcements are intended to breach the gap between dial-up and T-1 lines in areas where MCI doesn’t offer DSL (MCI’s DSL footprint covers about 35% of the country). While MCI currently offers satellite services through Hughes targeted at small and home offices, the Tachyon deal gives MCI more bandwidth to play with, allowing it to offer more capacity for larger businesses as well as give it an international footprint Hughes can’t provide. MCI is currently finalizing Wi-Fi agreements now and will launch the services in July.

“We’re going to keep adding access pieces to our network,” said Kevin Gatesman, MCI manager of emerging technologies.