Sprint/WorldcomMCI
 

Maybe since the merger is not going to happen we will see more mileage offers as these two companies begin to compete head to head again.

I don't think that competition really affects the mileage offers, at least as long as AT&T is around. It seems to me that, if the airlines are willing to "pay" miles to Sprint and/or MCI, then the phone companies are game. I don't get the impression that they offer miles promotions by themselves; it's all up to the airlines.

Miles cost money, MCI and AT&T are paying for those FF miles they give you. Long distance rates are falling, and revenue is shrinking for the telcos. I would expect to see more plans that give great prices and no mileage down the road on a more wide scale basis. Only top rate paying customers and large monthly billers will benifit from FF mileage.

How much is FF mileage worth. Calling cards from MCI & AT&T are usually at least 70% higher then a good pre-paid card.

From my limited experience with NWA/Sprint, I get the impression that the promotions are done at NWA's discretion/directive. While that doesn't make sense, it definitely was the impression the phone people gave me. Which, in turn, suggests to me that they give the miles to the long-distance companies as part of some deal.