MCI launches broadband VPN service

MCI today announced a new broadband VPN service utilizing the symmetrical DSL network it bought from the bankrupt Rhythms NetCommunications and its wholesale agreement with Covad Communications.

The new service will allow MCI to extend its enterprise and large business VPN services to companies with numerous retail locations or branch offices, filling a gap in its product portfolio focusing on national chains and franchisers, said Ralph Montfort, director of access products for MCI.

The service is designed to be plug-n-play with MCI sending pre-configured routers to each remote location, where they can be quickly installed and connected to an office’s local area network. The router connects offices seamlessly with the corporate IP VPN, where a centralized IT department can monitor and manage any of the individual connections. The service is also optimized to work with MCI’s remote access solution for telecommuters and mobile workers.

MCI’s SDSL footprint covers 709 central offices in 55 major markets. Add to that an additional 1100 COs operated by partner Covad, and MCI is capable of covering 35% of the country’s COs with its own direct broadband connections. For the rest of the country MCI can supply fractional T-1 lines, but it allows its customers to get their broadband connections from other providers. In March, MCI plans to launch satellite broadband services, blanketing the rest of the country with connections as fast as 384 kb/s downstream and 128 kb/s upstream. And MCI is also in discussions with broadband aggregators to supply DSL or cable modem service outside of its DSL footprint, Montfort said.