Network World, 01/04/99

JOHN SIDGMORE CEO, UUNET; VICE CHAIRMAN, MCI WORLDCOM

John Sidgmore is leading a crusade - a crusade to topple the Old World Order of telecommunications.

His lance is the Internet.

The Internet is ushering in the Golden Age of Communications, the outspoken Sidgmore says. By 2004, 99% of the traffic on the world's networks will be Internet data, which will relegate voice to a niche application. That means the companies that have relied on voice revenue as the foundation of their businesses - the AT&Ts, the Sprints and yes, even Sidgmore's MCI WorldCom - have to move quickly and capitalize on immediate opportunities to benefit from the Internet Revolution.

Sidgmore knows a lot about that revolution. Between 1994 and 1997, UUNET increased its annual revenue from $7 million to $300 million and, under Sidgmore's leadership, became the world's largest Internet company.

Other companies spotted a winner. Competitive local exchange carrier MFS bought UUNET for $2 billion; then WorldCom bought MFS for $14 billion. Sidgmore stayed on during both acquisitions, a testimony to MFS's and WorldCom's recognition of his vision.

SIDGMORE'S CHALLENGE: The telecommunications industry has been static for years. Not anymore, Sidgmore says. Those who lack the keen insight and nimbleness to adapt will be snowed under. As CEO of the world's largest Internet backbone provider, Sidgmore's challenge will be to keep UUNET WorldCom at the Internet forefront while rivals bulk up their Internet presence.

Prior: Schohl

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