Telecommunications giant MCI WorldCom signed an agreement with CheckFree, a provider of electronic billing and payment, that will allow MCI WorldCom residential customers the option to receive and pay their bills using the Internet.

Financial terms of the arrangement were not disclosed.

To register for electronic bill delivery and payment, MCI WorldCom customers can enroll in MCI WorldCom's online account manager at www.mci.com/service and choose to change their payment option, or go to the CheckFree E-Bill Web site. Both sites require the customer's MCI WorldCom account number and an e-mail address. After registering, MCI WorldCom customers will receive a final paper bill by mail, then all future bills will be presented electronically.

Using CheckFree E-Bill, MCI WorldCom residential customers can click to approve the bill for payment, and the amount of the bill is deducted electronically from their designated bank account.

"The Internet allows us to make everyday tasks easier for our customers," said Joyce Dorris, director of brand marketing for MCI WorldCom. "This E-Bill offering with CheckFree gives our customers added convenience they want while giving MCI WorldCom added cost savings by driving more business online."

"Enabling electronic billing and payment for MCI WorldCom customers is an important step forward for the industry," said Pete Kight, chairman and chief executive officer of CheckFree. "And as more financial services companies are coming online with bill presentment, including leading institutions like Bank One, an even broader range of consumers can electronically receive and pay their core bills."