EDS Seeks $14.7-Million Refund From WorldCom

Electronic Data Systems Corp., the world’s second-largest computer services seller, asked a court to force WorldCom Inc. to return $14.7 million it says the telecommunications company owes local telephone companies.

WorldCom received the money to pay local carriers that handled services for Electronic Data in areas that WorldCom’s long-distance network doesn’t reach, EDS said in a filing with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Manhattan.

WorldCom, the No. 2 U.S. long-distance company, kept the money instead, EDS said. WorldCom provides long-distance phone service to EDS customers under a 1999 agreement. EDS runs WorldCom’s computers.

EDS spokeswoman Kristin Dobrowolski said service has not been interrupted as a result of the disagreement with WorldCom. Julie Moore, a WorldCom spokeswoman, said she didn’t know when the company would respond to EDS’ claim.

EDS set aside $101 million in the second quarter to cover payments it doesn’t expect to get from WorldCom, which in July filed for bankruptcy protection.