Effect On Internet Users

Less attention has been given to WorldCom's internet service, UUNet. WorldCom merged with UUNet in 1998. UUNet, is one of the Internet's primary backbone providers. It controls the wires that Internet service providers use as superhighways to carry Internet traffic between cities and across continents.

UUNet handles more than 40 percent of U.S. Internet traffic, including a majority of e-mails sent within the United States and in the world. With KPNQwest in Europe, it handles over half of European traffic as well.

Thousands of companies in over 100 countries rely on WorldCom for Internet access, including the Defense Department and the State Department. The potential of the loss off UUNet is disastrous and analysts predict that governments and companies wouldn't let UUNet die. However, worldwide layoffs at WorldCom could lead to problems such as slower connections as fewer employees are available to maintain the network.