<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF WORLD ACCESS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED MARCH 31, 2000, AND IS
QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000

                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END>                               MAR-31-2000
<CASH>                                         145,347
<SECURITIES>                                    43,922
<RECEIVABLES>                                  284,067
<ALLOWANCES>                                    24,014
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               748,409
<PP&E>                                         196,119
<DEPRECIATION>                                  41,869
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                               2,048,685
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                          405,173
<BONDS>                                        400,533
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          6
<COMMON>                                           597
<OTHER-SE>                                   1,228,268
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                 2,048,685
<SALES>                                        255,541
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               255,541
<CGS>                                          223,855
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  223,855
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                41,535
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              14,545
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                (21,243)
<INCOME-TAX>                                     3,460
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                            (17,783)
<DISCONTINUED>                                  (6,374)
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                   (24,157)
<EPS-BASIC>                                      (0.45)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.45)