MCI Metro, Inc. was incorporated July 15, 1994 as part of MCI's efforts to develop local telephone networks. The company was to build fiber optics rings in major U.S. metropolitan areas and consequently increase competition in the local telephone market. A wholly-owned subsidiary of MCI Telecommunications Corporation, MCI Metro, Inc. changed its name to MCImetro, Inc. on June 27, 1995. MCI Metro's predecessor, W.U. ATS, Inc. was purchased by MCI Communications Corporation circa 1990 and held the Western Union (right of way) ROWs which were to be used by MCI Metro, Inc.

The records of MCI Metro, Inc. contain right of way and other agreements and locality files all from Western Union. The right of way and other agreement files (59 feet) are comprised mainly of telegraph right of way agreements made with railroad and a few other companies. These and other agreements, along with supporting documentation, (7 feet) include valuation records which document the facilities in question - mainly poles - and their values with many maps and drawings of the rights of way. Also included are records of safety codes, bills, permits, and "facilities furnished" or how the rights of ways were outfitted for telegraph use. There are also limited records which document the establishment of telegraph offices at railroad stations, and of the history of some rail companies.

The locality files (3 feet) are arranged alphabetically by locale and include diagrams and plant maps; selected agreements; documentation of local regulations and compliance; documentation of cable installation and removal; and mergers of local companies and facilities (a.k.a plants).

Records are organized in two subseries: Subseries A. Western Union Right of Way and Other Agreements; Subseries B. Western Union Locality Files.