MCI WorldCom to Launch Internet Service

MCI WorldCom Inc., the No. 2 U.S. long-distance company, plans to launch a consumer Internet-access service, possibly in a week, sources said. Consumers would be able to buy the Internet service separately or buy a package of services, including Internet access and long-distance telephone service, sources said. Details on pricing and brand name were not immediately available. MCI WorldCom declined to comment. Four months ago, MCI Communications Corp. was forced to sell its Internet business to gain regulatory approval for its merger with WorldCom Inc. The company will not face the same kind of regulatory scrutiny for developing an Internet service internally, analysts said. MCI WorldCom rose $2.31 to close at $79.88 on Nasdaq.