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                                 UNITED STATES
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                   FORM 10-K
                            ------------------------
(MARK ONE)
 
     [X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
        THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
                                       OR
 
     [ ]  TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF
        THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
         FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ____________ TO ____________ .
 
                         COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-20803
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
             (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
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<S>                                            <C>
                   DELAWARE                                      75-2644120
(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION       (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
               OR ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
         1122 CAPITAL OF TEXAS HIGHWAY SOUTH, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78746-6426
                    (ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
      (REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE): (512) 328-1112
 
        SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OF THE ACT: NONE
 
           SECURITIES REGISTERED PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(g) OF THE ACT
 
                     COMMON STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
    SERIES A JUNIOR PARTICIPATING PREFERRED STOCK, PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE
                                (TITLE OF CLASS)
 
     Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant (1) has filed all reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the
Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days.  Yes [X]  No [ ]
 
     Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of Registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this
Form 10-K. [ ]
 
     The aggregate market value of the Common Stock of the Registrant held by
non-affiliates of the Registrant on March 19, 1999, based on the closing price
of the Common Stock on the NASDAQ National Market on such date, was
$1,711,187,165.
 
     The number of shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, outstanding (the only
class of common stock of the Company outstanding) was 36,602,934 on March 19,
1999.
 
                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
 
     Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement to be filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission within 120 days of December 31, 1998, in
connection with the Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference
into Part III hereof.
 
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<PAGE>   2
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                                   FORM 10-K
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
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<S>       <C>                                                           <C>
                                   PART I
Item 1.   Business....................................................    4
Item 2.   Properties..................................................   29
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings...........................................   30
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.........   30
 
                                  PART II
Item 5.   Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related
          Stockholder Matters.........................................   31
Item 6.   Selected Financial Data.....................................   32
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
          and Results of Operations...................................   32
Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market
          Risk........................................................   43
Item 8.   Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................   43
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
          and Financial Disclosure....................................   43
 
                                  PART III
Item 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant..........   44
Item 11.  Executive Compensation......................................   44
Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and
          Management..................................................   44
Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions..............   44
 
                                  PART IV
Item 14.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form
          8-K.........................................................   44
Signatures............................................................   50
Glossary..............................................................   51
Financial Statements..................................................  F-1
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                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     We have included "forward-looking statements" throughout this document.
These statements describe our attempt to predict future events. We use the words
"believe," "anticipate," "expect," and similar expressions to identify
forward-looking statements. You should be aware that these forward-looking
statements are subject to a number of risks, assumptions, and uncertainties,
such as:
 
     - Risks associated with our capital requirements and existing debt,
       including the need to obtain additional capital to refinance indebtedness
       and provide working capital for operations;
 
     - Risks associated with increasing competition in the telecommunications
       industry, including industry over-capacity and declining prices;
 
     - Risks associated with our ability to successfully integrate our recent
       acquisitions;
 
     - Changes in laws and regulations that govern the telecommunications
       industry;
 
     - Risks related to continuing our network expansion without delays
       including the need to obtain permits and rights-of-way;
 
     - Risks associated with our ability to continue our strategy of growth
       through acquisitions; and
 
     - Risks related to our ability to prepare our information technology
       systems for Year 2000.
 
     This list is only an example of some of the risks that may affect our
forward-looking statements. If any of these risks or uncertainties materialize
(or if they fail to materialize), or if the underlying assumptions are
incorrect, then our results may differ materially from those we have projected
in the forward-looking statements. We have no obligation to revise these
statements to reflect future events or circumstances.
 
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ITEM 1. BUSINESS
 
OVERVIEW
 
     We are a leading provider of data and voice telecommunications transmission
services. We own and operate an advanced coast-to-coast digital communications
network that includes 9,300 fiber route miles of fiber optic transmission
facilities. Substantial additions to our network are under construction, and we
project our network to include approximately 16,400 fiber route miles by the end
of 1999. Our facilities also include 9 long distance switches and 26 ATM-Frame
Relay switches, which we are using to capitalize on the growing demand for
Internet and electronic data transfer services. Through a combination of our
facilities and the facilities of other carriers, we originate and terminate long
distance traffic in all 50 U.S. states, and terminate long distance traffic in
over 200 foreign countries. Revenue has grown rapidly, from $154.7 million in
1995 to $668.6 million in 1998.
 
     Our customers include AT&T, MCIWorldCom, Sprint, PSINet, Inc., Cable &
Wireless, Excel Communications, Inc., Qwest, Frontier and over 500 other long
distance companies, wireless companies, cable television providers, Internet
Service Providers ("ISPs") and government agencies. We also have over 113,000
retail customers, most of which are small and medium size businesses.
 
     We have three principal segments of business. First, we lease dedicated
circuits, or private lines, to other companies for the transmission of voice and
data. Second, we provide long distance switched services by transmitting long
distance traffic through our switches. Finally, we are an Internet services and
backbone provider that also provides ATM-Frame Relay-based switched data
services.
 
     Private Line. Our private line customers include ISPs, long distance
carriers and cable television companies. Our customers may transmit voice, data,
or Internet traffic over our network. Our pricing for private line sales
contracts varies with both the amount of capacity, or bandwidth, and the length
of the leased circuit. We provide capacity in varying increments, including the
ability to provision circuits with multiple OC-192 capacity. Private line sales
contracts are typically either service agreements that provide for recurring
monthly payments or indefeasible right to use ("IRU") agreements, in which a
large payment is received by us at the beginning of the service term. Generally,
month-to-month service contracts contain substantial "take or pay" commitments
that require the customer to make the payment regardless of whether full
capacity was utilized. We provide private line circuit contracts to over 275
customers, including AT&T, MCIWorldCom, Sprint, PSINet, Level 3 Communications,
Cable & Wireless, Qwest Communications, and Frontier.
 
     Long Distance Switched. Our long distance switched services are processed
through digital switches and carried over our network or over other long
distance circuits and transmission facilities that we lease. We sell these
services on a per-call basis, charging by minutes of use, with payment due
monthly after services are rendered. Our focus in this business is end users,
however, we also service long distance resellers (both switchless resellers and
switched resellers that lack switches in geographic regions). The end users, our
retail customer base, consist primarily of small and medium size businesses. We
are expanding our sales to retail customers through internal growth after the
acquisition of Telecom One in 1997, Eclipse Telecommunications, Inc. (formerly
named Network Long Distance, Inc.) in 1998, and the planned acquisition of
Coastal Telecom Limited Company in 1999. Additionally, we formed a joint venture
with Unidial Communications to sell communications services using our network
through a full-time, national direct sales force. We may continue acquiring
additional resellers that provide significant network or product synergies. We
sell long distance switched services to over 113,000 end users and over 245 long
distance resellers.
 
     Data/Internet Services. Our network includes 26 ATM-Frame Relay switches
and was built with SONET technology and broadband capabilities. It supports
advanced, capacity-intensive products that use comparatively large amounts of
bandwidth, such as ATM-Frame Relay, multimedia, and Internet-related
applications. We market a full line of data/Internet products and services. We
market these products and services to ISP's, resellers, CLECs and end users.
Included in our suite of products are back office support functions including
branded order entry and provisioning. To simplify Internet connectivity for
customers requiring dedicated services, we include a comprehensive line of
customer-premise equipment in our offerings.
 
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In order to accelerate our ability to provide these offerings to our customers,
we acquired four companies in the Internet technology business, as follows:
 
     - We acquired Network Evolutions, Inc. ("NEI"), a company that provides
       data consulting services and network design solutions. Beginning in 1999
       NEI will also become a Cisco Systems, Inc. certified training center;
 
     - We acquired The Data Place, Inc. ("Data Place"), which supplies companies
       with complete network systems integration solutions. This acquisition
       gave us additional expertise in the systems integrator channel for
       selling broadband services.
 
     - We acquired ntr.net Corporation ("NTR"), an ISP located in Louisville,
       Kentucky. NTR offers custom back office support to wholesale customers as
       well as multiple Internet dial-up services. Through this subsidiary, we
       offer a fully operational back office solution, including private label
       capability for supporting wholesale accounts. This affords us a wholesale
       dedicated and dial-up product for both our wholesale and retail customer
       bases.
 
     - We acquired the assets of SMARTNAP, a subsidiary of SMART Technologies in
       Austin, Texas. SMARTNAP is an ISP that provides aggregated Internet
       access, collocation of Web servers and routers and end-site Internet
       managed connectivity. These operations gave us an immediate entry into
       Web hosting and dedicated Internet connectivity markets.
 
     In addition to these acquisitions, we consummated an agreement with PSINet,
Inc. in which we provided PSINet an IRU in 10,000 miles of OC-48 capacity on our
network in exchange for 10.2 million shares of PSINet's common stock. We also
acquired 34% of Applied Theory Communications, Inc. This investment gave us
access to critical Internet expertise. Applied Theory services the New York
state research and education community.
 
     In December 1998, we activated the first coast-to-coast next generation
Internet Protocol OC-48 backbone network to carry both commercial and research
community traffic. Named Gemini2000, this network carries traffic at speeds of
2.5 gigabits per second. Gemini2000 will offer a full range of voice, data,
Internet and integrated communications services to our customers.
 
     Fiber Sales. We have sold IRUs in excess fiber to various other
communications companies including MCIWorldCom, LCI International Management
Services, Inc. (now a subsidiary of Qwest), and The Williams Companies. We
received cash proceeds of approximately $128.5 million in cash and $105.2
million in notes receivable from these sales in 1998. Revenue from these
transactions amounted to only $8.9 million in 1998 because we recognize revenue
from sales of fiber over the term of these agreements, which range from 10 to 25
years. In addition to fiber sales, we have swapped excess fiber with other
carriers. In 1997, we acquired rights to fiber in routes to be constructed from
Los Angeles to San Francisco, Las Vegas to Portland, Washington, D.C. to
Houston, and New York City to Washington, D.C. in such exchanges.
 
     International Joint Ventures. We formed Storm Communications, Ltd., a joint
venture with Telenor AS, the Norwegian national telephone company, to provide
telecommunication services to carriers and resellers in Europe. We also
indirectly hold a minority interest in Grupo Marca-Tel S.A. de C.V. ("Marca-
Tel"), a Mexican telecommunications provider.
 
     Our principal executive offices are located at 1122 Capital of Texas
Highway South, Austin, Texas, 78746. Our telephone number is (512) 328-1112.
 
INDUSTRY
 
  Development and Regulation
 
     The development of the long distance telecommunications industry was
strongly influenced by a 1982 court decree requiring the divestiture by AT&T of
its seven RBOCs and dividing the country into approximately 200 LATAs. The seven
RBOCs were allowed to provide local telephone service, local access service to
long distance carriers and intra-LATA long distance service (service within a
LATA), but were
 
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prohibited from providing inter-LATA service (service between LATAs). The right
to provide inter-LATA service was given to AT&T and the other interexchange
carriers, including the LECs that are not RBOCs. The FCC requires all
interexchange carriers to allow the resale of their inter-LATA services to long
distance carriers, and the 1982 court decree substantially eliminated different
access arrangements as distinguishing features among long distance carriers.
These and other legislative and judicial factors have helped smaller long
distance carriers emerge as alternatives to AT&T, MCIWorldcom and Sprint for
long distance services.
 
     The Telecommunications Act of 1996 ("Telecom Act"), among other things,
allows the RBOCs and others such as electric utilities and cable television
companies to enter the long distance business. The Telecom Act will
substantially alter the way in which the telecommunications industry is
regulated. Such changes are, however, difficult to predict accurately, because
FCC proceedings and appellate review of the numerous administrative regulations
adopted to implement the Telecom Act, including universal service and access
charge reform, are still ongoing. Entry of the RBOCs or other entities such as
electric utilities, cable television companies or foreign companies into the
long distance business may result in reduced market shares for existing long
distance companies and additional pricing pressure on us and other long distance
providers. See "-- Risk Factors -- Competition," "-- Risk Factors -- Recent
Legislation and Regulatory Uncertainty" and "-- Regulation."
 
Market and Competition
 
     General. The telecommunications market is highly competitive. Competition
for both resellers and end-user customers is based upon pricing, advertising,
customer service, network quality and value-added services. Industry observers
estimate that over 600 smaller companies have emerged to compete in the long
distance business. See "-- Risk Factors -- Competition."
 
     Private Line Services. Long distance companies may be categorized as
facilities-based carriers (those who own transmission facilities) and
non-facilities-based carriers (those who do not own transmission facilities).
Sellers of private line services are generally facilities-based carriers that
own long distance transmission facilities, such as fiber optic cable or digital
microwave equipment. The first-tier and some second-tier long distance companies
are facilities-based carriers offering private line services nationwide.
Facilities-based carriers in the third tier of the market generally offer
private line services only in a limited geographic area. Customers using private
line services include: (1) facilities-based carriers that require long distance
transmission capacity where they have geographic gaps in their facilities, need
additional capacity or require geographically diverse routing; (2)
non-facilities-based carriers requiring long distance transmission capacity to
carry their customers' long distance traffic, and (3) ISP companies who desire
capacity to provide a more robust Internet atmosphere for their customers. Our
competitors in the private line business include AT&T, MCIWorldCom, Sprint,
Qwest, Frontier, Williams, Level 3, and certain regional carriers. Important
competitive factors in the private line business are quality, reliability,
price, customer service, network location and availability. See "-- Private Line
Services."
 
     Long Distance Switched Services. Long distance companies may be
characterized as switched or switchless carriers. A switch is a device that
opens and closes circuits or selects the paths or circuits to transmit
information. Switching interconnects circuits to form a transmission path
between users. Sellers of long distance switched services are generally switched
carriers that own one or more switches that direct telecommunications traffic.
Facilities-based carriers are generally switched carriers. Our customers for
wholesale switched services include both switched and switchless resellers. Our
retail customers are generally small to medium size businesses seeking
inexpensive, reliable long distance voice and data transmission capability.
Competitors in the long distance switched services business include AT&T,
MCIWorldCom, Sprint, Qwest, Frontier, as switched carriers. Important
competitive factors in the long distance switched services business are price,
customer service (particularly with respect to speed in delivery of computer
billing records and set-up of new end users with the LECs), ability of our
network to complete calls with a minimum of network-caused busy signals, scope
of services offered, reliability and transmission quality.
 
     Data/Internet Services. This business consists of assisting customers in
using the Internet for internal purposes and for advertising and selling their
products over the Internet. Also known as "e-commerce", the
 
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sale of products and services over the Internet is growing rapidly. The ability
of businesses to participate in e-commerce depends upon the technological
expertise available to the businesses, either internally or from others. As
e-commerce is a recent phenomenon, few small or medium size businesses have
sufficient internal technological resources. As a result, these companies look
to consultants for Internet, networking and web-hosting assistance. Service
providers in the industry range from small consulting firms to large
telecommunications industry leaders such as MCIWorldCom. We provide service to
resellers in the wholesale market and to end users in the retail market.
 
Call Routing
 
     An inter-LATA long distance telephone call begins with the caller's LEC
transmitting the call by means of its local switched network to a point of
connection with an interexchange carrier. The interexchange carrier, through its
switches and long distance transmission network, transmits the call to the
called party's LEC, which then completes the call over its local facilities. For
each long distance call, the originating LEC charges an access fee. The
interexchange carrier also charges a fee for its transmission of the call, a
portion of which consists of a fee charged by the LEC used to deliver the call.
Under the Telecom Act, state proceedings may in certain instances determine LEC
access charge rates. Further, ongoing access charge proceedings at the federal
level may affect the access charges long distance carriers pay to LECs. It is
uncertain at this time what effect such proceedings may have on such rates.
 
Network Transmission Medium
 
     Long distance voice traffic generally is transmitted through digital
microwave or fiber optic systems. Long distance data traffic is generally
transmitted through fiber optic systems or satellites.
 
     Fiber Optic Systems. Fiber optic systems use laser-generated light to
transmit data and voice in digital format through fine strands of glass. Fiber
optic systems are characterized by large circuit capacity, good sound quality,
resistance to external signal interference and direct interface with digital
switching equipment. A pair of modern fiber optic strands, using current
technology, is capable of carrying eight or more OC-192s. Because fiber optic
signals disperse over distance, they must be regenerated at sites located along
the fiber optic cable (on older fiber optic systems the interval is 20 to 25
miles; on newer systems that utilize modern fiber optic cable and splicing
methods, such as is used in the expansion of our network, it is approximately 50
to 75 miles).
 
     Microwave Systems. Although limited in capacity in comparison with fiber
optic systems (generally, no more than 28 DS-3s can be transmitted by microwave
between 2 antennae), digital microwave systems offer an effective and reliable
means of transmitting voice and data signals over intermediate and longer
distances. Microwaves are very high frequency radio waves that can be reflected,
focused and beamed in a line-of-sight transmission path. Because of their
electro-physical properties, microwaves can be used to transmit signals through
the air, with relatively little power. To create a communications circuit,
microwave signals are transmitted through a focusing antenna, received by an
antenna at the next station in the network, then amplified and retransmitted.
Because microwaves weaken as they travel through the air, this transmission
process must be repeated at repeater stations, which consist of radio equipment,
antennae and back-up power sources, located on average every 25 miles along the
transmission network.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     Our objective is to become the preferred provider of integrated
network-based information delivery solutions, utilizing our high-capacity,
state-of-the-art nation-wide fiber network. To that end, we plan to:
 
     - focus on high value integrated data and voice services to end users;
 
     - expand our network by constructing, swapping and building new fiber
       routes and reduce operating costs by replacing capacity currently leased
       from other carriers with our own network capacity;
 
     - integrate our Internet-related services, our voice services, and our
       private line services to accommodate complete business solutions;
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     - pursue additional revenue opportunities in our private line business by
       leveraging our network's capacity and focusing on large capacity
       requirements of customers;
 
     - capitalize on the rapid growth in demand for data transmission services,
       by aggressively marketing data services;
 
     - expand retail channel revenue through Telecom One, Eclipse, and Coastal,
       and by making selective acquisitions of other strategically positioned
       resellers; and
 
     - utilize international alliances to obtain additional international
       traffic on our network and provide global connectivity to our customers.
 
     In order to implement this strategy we intend to pursue the following:
 
     Expand the Data and Internet Business. The SONET technology and broadband
capabilities in our network provide a platform to support advanced,
capacity-intensive products such as ATM-Frame Relay, multimedia, and
Internet-related applications. We have equipped our network with 26 data
switches and other equipment that has allowed us to be in the ATM-Frame Relay
transmission business. In 1998, we acquired four Internet-related businesses to
improve our offerings in this area. We acquired NEI, which provides Internet
consulting; Data Place, which supplies businesses with complete network systems
integration solutions; NTR, which supplies back office support to wholesale
customers and Internet dial-up services to end users; and the assets of
SMARTNAP, which provides aggregated Internet access, collocation of Web servers
and routers, and end-site managed connectivity.
 
     Increase Private Line Revenue. We will continue to sell high capacity (e.g.
OC-3, OC-12, OC-48, OC-192) long- term private line agreements. These
transactions will consist of both IRU capacity agreements and monthly leases of
capacity. We expect our current success of supporting major ISP's will expand in
the future as e-commerce increases.
 
     We designed our network to traverse routes geographically diverse from
those of other facilities-based carriers. In recent years, companies such as
AT&T, MCIWorldCom and Sprint have used our network's routes to help protect
their networks in case of a service outage. Such companies prefer routes
separated geographically from their own networks to increase the possibility
that the alternative route will be functional in case of a natural disaster. We
believe our network expansion greatly increases the attractiveness of our
network as an alternative routing backup to the major carriers.
 
     Improve the Long Distance Switched Services Business. We have established
ourself as an alternative provider of long distance switched services with
nationwide origination and domestic and international termination capability. We
plan to expand the focus of our retail products and services, including services
designed to enhance our customers' ability to pursue business and manage their
business over the Internet. We plan to market these integrated data and voice
services to the end users through our retail marketing organization, which
currently consists of Eclipse, Telecom One, and will also include Coastal if and
when the purchase of that company is completed. We have approximately 113,500
retail long distance customers.
 
     Reduce Operating Costs. As we expand our network, capacity leased from
other carriers may be transferred to our network. Revenue growth may result in
increased future off-net usage if revenue opportunities include geographic areas
that our network currently does not reach or if capacity on our network is
unavailable.
 
     Enter Into Cost-Saving Arrangements. We have built excess fiber in our
network that can leased or sold to other carriers or exchanged for fibers or
capacity on other carriers' networks. We will seek to obtain the right to
install our fibers in new routes being constructed by other carriers along our
planned network expansion routes in exchange for sharing network construction
costs, allowing the other carrier to use excess fiber along certain of our
existing routes, or allowing the other carrier to add its fiber to existing
certain segments of our network. We have already completed several fiber
exchanges with other carriers that have reduced the per-route-mile cost of
construction.
 
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THE NETWORK
 
  Facilities
 
     Our network includes approximately 9,300 fiber route miles. Our owned
facilities are supplemented with approximately 283,000 DS-3-equivalent miles of
capacity obtained from other carriers. Of such capacity, we lease over 244,000
DS-3 miles. Approximately 39,000 DS-3 miles of such capacity has been obtained
through long-term capacity-exchange agreements with other companies. These
exchange agreements are possible because of the placement of our network in
locations where other facilities-based carriers require additional capacity and
the comparatively large expense to other carriers of constructing new fiber
optic facilities. Such exchange agreements increase the scope of our network
through the addition of the exchanged capacity and reduce our cash expenditures
for off-net facilities.
 
     Our network includes nine digital long distance voice/data switches in
major cities. Each of the switches is directly connected over on-net or off-net
private line circuits to: (1) at least two other switching centers; (2) certain
of our hubs (central locations where telecommunications traffic is collected for
transport and distribution); and (3) certain switching centers or central
switching facilities of LECs (central offices). The hubs are connected
(generally by off-net circuits) to LEC central office switches, which in turn
are connected to end-user telephone lines. The switches use common channel
signaling (SS7), which reduces connect time delays. The network also includes 26
ATM-Frame Relay data switches located in major cities. Our switched operations
are supplemented by agreements with MCIWorldCom. Under these agreements
MCIWorldCom supplies switched capacity on a per-minute basis, automatically
handling calls routed through LEC central offices not connected to our hubs or
switches and handling calls which exceed the capacity of our switched network.
The capacity of our switches may be expanded with processor upgrades, and
additional memory and ports.
 
     Our fiber optic routes are constructed with fiber capable of supporting
bi-directional SONET rings for enhanced network reliability. As each new route
is completed and placed into service, it is equipped with at least one OC-192 in
order to provide initial transmission capacity. We also equip certain of our
routes with additional OC-48/OC-192 capacity in order to meet customer demand.
 
  Network Reliability
 
     Our network offers a reliable means of transmitting large volumes of voice
and data signals. Monitoring is conducted from the national operations center in
Austin on a 24-hour, seven-day per week basis. This system alerts technicians to
situations that could affect customer transmission and generally allows us to
take remedial actions before customer service is affected. In addition, at
December 31, 1998, approximately 157 operations personnel were employed along
our network to perform preventative maintenance as well as repair functions on
our private line network. Operations personnel conduct annual system performance
testing and make periodic unannounced visits to terminal sites to evaluate
technician performance. At December 31, 1998, a staff of 31 technicians was
employed to provide maintenance and other technical support services for
switched long distance services.
 
  Network Expansion
 
     The expansion of our network delivers the following significant strategic
and financial benefits:
 
     - substantial savings by moving traffic onto our network that is currently
       carried on circuits that are leased from other carriers;
 
     - high-capacity new routes and substantially increased capacity on certain
       existing routes, allowing increased revenue by leasing additional
       circuits to customers, including high-capacity circuits such as OC-3s,
       OC-12s and OC-48s;
 
     - lower underlying transmission and network operating costs;
 
     - addition of sufficient capacity to support increasing demand from
       Internet and ATM-Frame Relay; and
 
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     - reduced capital costs through sales and exchanges of excess fiber which
       is included in our network expansion specifically for that purpose;
 
     We are adding thousands of additional fiber route miles to increase the
geographic scope and capacity of our network. Our network connects our switches
with high-capacity private line circuits, utilizing advanced fiber optic
technology capable of efficiently transmitting capacity-intensive services, such
as Internet, Intranet, multimedia applications, and ATM-Frame Relay. The routes
of our network expansion have generally been geographically diverse from the
existing fiber networks of AT&T, MCIWorldCom and Sprint.
 
     Construction. Our network expansion is planned to cover, to the greatest
extent practicable, routes where one or more of the following factors are
present: (1) customer demand indicates a need for high-capacity fiber network on
the route; (2) the route is attractive as a complement to the routes of other
carriers, allowing the lease of capacity on the route to other carriers to
exchange a portion of capacity on the route for capacity in routes from other
carriers; or (3) the capacity will replace capacity currently leased from other
carriers.
 
     Cost. The principal components of network expansion cost include: (1) fiber
optic cable in conduit; (2) engineering and construction labor; (3) optronic and
electronic equipment and (4) rights-of-way. The rights-of-way are provided
pursuant to long-term leases or other arrangements (some of which may provide
for substantial continuing payments) entered into with railroads, highway
commissions, pipeline owners, utilities or others. Although we have not yet
obtained all the necessary rights-of-way along the planned routes, it is
anticipated that the rights-of-way will be available.
 
     Through cost-saving arrangements, our network cost has been reduced. The
cost-saving arrangements include: (1) leasing or selling excess fiber to other
carriers; (2) exchanging excess fiber for fibers or capacity on other carriers'
networks; or (3) installing our fibers in new routes being constructed by other
carriers along our proposed network expansion route in exchange for (a) sharing
network construction costs; (b) allowing other carriers to use excess fiber
along certain of our network routes; or (c) allowing other carriers to add their
fiber to certain segments of our network. See "Risk Factors -- Negative Cash
Flow and Capital Requirements." We have experience with these arrangements with
several major carriers, including MCIWorldCom, Sprint, Cable & Wireless, Qwest,
GST and the Williams Company.
 
PRIVATE LINE SERVICES
 
  Overview
 
     Approximately 33.7% of total revenue in 1998, approximately 31.0% of total
revenue in 1997, and 35.4% of total revenue in 1996 were generated by the
private line business. We currently have over 275 active private line customers.
 
  Strategy
 
     We seek to expand our private line business through meeting these
objectives:
 
     - expand our network to provide additional capacity on existing routes and
       new high-capacity routes with access to major population centers
       (including routes that may be attractive to other major carriers as
       backup routes);
 
     - provide high-quality, reliable private line services on a fixed-cost
       basis at rates generally below those currently offered by competitors;
       and
 
     - use the expanded network as a platform to support increased private line
       circuit demand from Internet, ATM-Frame Relay, multimedia, and other
       capacity-intensive applications.
 
     We have reduced expenses in the private line business related to
transmission expense as traffic from circuits leased from other carriers moved
onto our network.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   11
 
  Customers and Marketing
 
     We have over 275 active private line customers, including AT&T,
MCIWorldCom, Frontier, Sprint, PSINet, Cable & Wireless, Qwest and Level 3
Communications. We have historically enjoyed a high customer retention rate in
the private line business.
 
     Private line circuit capacity is generally marketed to: (1) ISP's to
support their Internet business; (2) facilities-based carriers that require
private line capacity where they have geographic gaps in their facilities, need
additional capacity or require geographically different, alternative routing;
and (3) non-facilities-based carriers requiring private line capacity to carry
their customers' long distance traffic. Most of our direct sales efforts are
focused on providing customer support services to existing customers and on
adding new customers. A single sales force sells both private line and wholesale
long distance services. That sales force consists of 43 account managers based
at our headquarters in Austin and at direct sales offices in or near Washington,
D.C., New Haven, San Francisco, Kansas City, Chicago, St. Louis, Houston and
Sunrise Beach, Missouri.
 
     During 1998 MCIWorldCom accounted for approximately 19.4% of our private
line revenue. See "-- Risk Factors -- Reliance on Major Customers."
 
  Prices and Contracts
 
     Private line sales contracts are typically either service agreements that
provide for recurring monthly payments or IRU agreements in which a large
payment is received by us at the beginning of the service term.
 
     The first type of sales contract is the monthly service agreement. These
agreements generally provide for either a lease with original terms of 1 to 5
years and for monthly payment in advance on a fixed-rate basis, calculated
according to the capacity and length of the circuit. Generally, month-to-month
service agreements contain substantial "take or pay" commitments. Furthermore,
circuit orders under private line agreements are generally for a term of one
year or more and may not be canceled by the customer. However, the agreements
generally provide that the customer may terminate service without penalty "for
cause" in the event of substantial and prolonged outages arising from causes
within our control, and for other defined causes. Generally, the lease
agreements further provide that the customer may terminate the agreement "for
convenience" at its discretion at any time upon giving us notice. However,
termination for convenience generally requires either full payment of all
charges through the end of the initial lease term or payment of substantial
termination fees intended to allow the recovery of certain costs and, in some
cases, lost profits. Damages attributable to a customer's termination of the
agreement are generally reduced by an offset for any income earned from
re-leasing the terminated capacity during the remaining portion of the lease
term.
 
     The second type of sales contract is the IRU agreement. IRU agreements
generally give the customer the right to use a specified level of capacity for a
fixed period. The terms of IRU agreements range from 10 to 20 years and are
typically longer than the terms of monthly service agreements. IRU agreements
are typically paid for by the customer at the time the contract is signed.
 
  Competition
 
     Our competitors in this business include AT&T, which is the largest
supplier of long distance voice and data transmission services in the United
States, MCIWorldCom, Sprint, Qwest, and the Williams Company. Certain of these
competitors have substantially greater financial resources than we have and some
have a more extensive transmission network than our network. Because of the
Telecom Act and agreement with the World Trade Organization ("WTO"), countries
are required to open world telecommunications markets to competition. This
became effective on February 5, 1998, and so United States carriers could now
face competition from foreign carriers. In the future, we will face competition
from the RBOCs, GTE Corporation and others such as electric utilities and cable
television companies. See "-- Risk Factors -- Competition."
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   12
 
LONG DISTANCE SWITCHED SERVICES
 
  Overview
 
     Long distance switched services are telecommunications services processed
through digital switches and carried over long-haul circuits and other
transmission facilities we own or lease. We sell long distance switched services
on both a wholesale and a retail basis charging by minutes-of-use per call, with
payment due monthly after services are rendered. In 1998, sales of long distance
switched services accounted for approximately 62.0% of total revenue.
 
  Strategy
 
     We seek to increase margins from long distance switched services business
through meeting these objectives:
 
     - increase retail penetration in small and medium size businesses through
       our rapidly expanding retail sales force;
 
     - offer higher-value integrated packages of dedicated circuit, Internet and
       long distance services to end users;
 
     - offer pricing which is generally lower than that charged by AT&T and
       competitive with that of other long distance service providers
 
     We seek to increase the profitability of the long distance switched
services business by offering higher value packages of services, decreasing our
average cost per minutes-of-use through efficiencies achieved with higher
volumes and through reducing network costs through our network expansion. See
"-- Business Strategy."
 
  Customers and Marketing
 
     We intend to focus on selling retail long distance services directly to
small and medium size businesses, targeting those businesses that use $1,000 or
more per month of such services. At December 1998, 305 sales executives were
responsible for selling retail long distance services. The wholesale business
sales efforts have been focused on large reseller customers with monthly volumes
of at least $1.0 million.
 
     Excel. Excel has been our largest long distance switched services customer.
In 1998 Excel accounted for 18.2% of total switched long distance revenue. Going
forward, this will change as our contract with them has been amended to include
both private line and long distance switched service business. We expect Excel
to use more of our private line services and reduce its use of our long distance
switched services.
 
     Customer Contracts. Our rates for switched long distance services generally
vary with the duration of the call, the day and the time of day the call was
made and whether the traffic is intrastate, interstate or international. The
rates charged are not affected by which facilities are selected by the switching
centers for transmission of the call or by the distance of the call. Different
rates are applied to combined origination and termination services than are
applied to termination services. The agreements with customers for long distance
switched services generally provide for payment in arrears based on
minutes-of-use. The agreements generally also provide that wholesale customers
may terminate the affected service without penalty in the event of substantial
and prolonged outages arising from causes within our control, and for certain
other defined causes. Generally, the agreements provide that the customer, in
order to avoid being obligated to pay higher rates (or, in some cases,
penalties), must use at least a minimum dollar amount (measured by dollars or
minutes-of-use) of long distance switched services per month for the term of the
agreement.
 
     Customer Care. We believe that customer support is an important factor in
attracting and retaining both wholesale and retail customers for our long
distance switched services. Customer service for long distance switched services
includes processing new accounts, responding to inquiries and disputes relating
to billing, credit adjustments and cancellations and conducting technical repair
and other support services. We manage customer care for wholesale customers
using IXC Online, which is our proprietary customer service software
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   13
 
that is designed to allow customers to: (1) place orders for switched services;
(2) arrange with the appropriate LEC to register the carrier as the designated
long distance carrier for its new end users; and (3) download current call
detail records for its end users for billing purposes.
 
  Decreased Costs through Increased Volumes or Greater Efficiency
 
     Large minutes-of-use volumes should enable us to spread fixed network costs
over more minutes-of-use and to more efficiently configure our network, thereby
reducing the average cost per minutes-of-use. We seek to efficiently configure
the circuits available so that calls are completed on a cost-effective basis.
Periodically, calling patterns are analyzed using mathematical formulas to
determine the circuit capacity required to cost-effectively service the expected
call volume. For example, if there is sufficient calling traffic available, the
transmission circuitry in an area may be upgraded from DS-1 to DS-3. A similar
analysis will be made when deciding whether to install a new switch in a region.
We are continuing to develop procedures to better analyze expected traffic
patterns in order to enhance network efficiency and identify customers
generating an unprofitable mix of traffic.
 
  Services
 
     We market a variety of wholesale and retail switched long distance
services, including 1-800, credit card, operator services, directory assistance,
international service and the following:
 
     1 Plus Switched Service. Provides direct-dial service over our network.
 
     1 Plus Dedicated Service. Provides direct-dial service over our network for
end users that have arranged to connect to our nearest hub through a local loop.
This service is less expensive than 1 Plus Switched Service because the access
charges of the end user's LEC are reduced.
 
     800/888 Switched Service. Provides service for business over our network
that allows calls to be made for specific location at no charge to the calling
party. Use of the "800" or "888" service code denotes calls that are to be
billed to the receiving party.
 
     800/888 Dedicated Service. Provides 800/888 service over our network for
end users that have arranged to connect to our nearest hub through a local loop.
This service is less expensive than 800/888 Switched Service because the access
charges of the end user's LEC are reduced.
 
     Calling Card Service. Provides telephone card service.
 
     Debit Card Service. Provides prepaid telephone card service.
 
     Switched Termination Service. Provides carrier customers using a switch in
one area with termination services in other areas.
 
     Direct Access Line Service. Provides customers with direct access to long
distance lines, bypassing the LEC lines.
 
  Acquisitions and Investments
 
     The acquisitions of Telecom One in July 1997 and Eclipse in June 1998 were
made to enhance our retail sales growth, using shares of our common stock as
consideration. We obtained 4.25 million shares of DCI Telecommunications, Inc.
in November 1998, in consideration for a note from one of our customers which
was also a vendor of DCI and other consideration. DCI is an international
provider of telephone services, including long distance, prepaid telephone cards
and Internet services. DCI has an option to repurchase all 4.25 million shares
of its common stock from us through April 1, 1999, at a price of approximately
$18 million. In the event the option is not exercised there will be an
adjustment to the number of shares we own on June 1, 1999, if the 15-day volume
weighted average price of the DCI shares is outside the range of $4.20 to $5.88.
After this adjustment, if any, we will own common stock of DCI with a minimum
value of approximately $18 million and a maximum value of $22 million. We
account for this investment using the cost method.
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   14
 
     In January 1999, we entered into an agreement (subject to certain
regulatory requirements and other conditions) to acquire Coastal in exchange for
shares of our common stock, warrants to purchase common stock, a note and cash.
Coastal is a retail long distance service provider with over 100,000 small
business customers. We may, from time to time, acquire other businesses, assets
or securities of companies that we believe provide a strategic fit with our
business and network. We continue to review potential acquisition candidates and
have held discussions with several of these candidates. We may use our common
stock as consideration for other acquisitions. See "-- Risk Factors -- Growth
Through Acquisitions; Integration of Acquired Businesses."
 
  Competition
 
     We compete with numerous facilities-based interexchange carriers, some of
which are substantially larger, have substantially greater financial, technical
and marketing resources and use larger transmission systems. AT&T is the largest
supplier of long distance switched services in the United States inter-LATA
market. Other competitors in selling long distance switched services include (1)
facilities-based carriers such as MCIWorldCom, Sprint, Frontier, and Qwest and
certain regional carriers, and (2) non-facilities-based carriers. Because of the
Telecom Act and the recent WTO Agreement, we will also face competition from the
RBOCs, GTE and others such as electric utilities, cable television companies and
foreign companies. We believe that the principal competitive factors affecting
us are price, customer service (particularly with respect to speed in delivery
of computer billing records and set-up of new end users with the LECs), ability
of our network to complete calls with a minimum of network-caused busy signals,
scope of services offered, reliability and transmission quality. The ability to
compete effectively will depend upon our ability to maintain high-quality
services at prices generally equal to or below those charged by our competitors.
In the United States, price competition in the long distance business has been
intensive over the last 5 years. The combination of MCI and Worldcom in 1998 and
the 1995 classification by the FCC of AT&T as a "non-dominant" carrier, freeing
it from price regulation, have resulted in decreasing long distance service
prices. We believe that to compete with these large competitors, we need to
price our services below theirs. See "-- Risk Factors -- Competition."
 
DATA/INTERNET SERVICES
 
  Overview
 
     Data/Internet services generated $9.0 million of revenue in 1998,
representing approximately 1% of our 1998 revenue. Prior to 1998, we had less
than $1.0 million of revenue in this segment.
 
  Strategy
 
     We plan on expanding our data/Internet business through meeting these
objectives:
 
     - expand our network's ability to carry digital traffic by using our 26
       ATM-Frame Relay switches and using SONET technology that supports
       capacity-intensive products;
 
     - increase the products available by having our 1998 Internet acquisitions
       act as product houses to quickly bring to market new Internet-related
       products;
 
     - sell the products developed by this product group as both stand-alone
       products and as integrated products with our private line and long
       distance products;
 
     - use our wholesale and retail sales forces to sell products developed by
       our data/Internet group; and
 
     - implement a billing system that will invoice customers for data/Internet,
       private line and long distance services on one bill;
 
     In February 1999, we announced an alliance with Cisco Systems, Inc. to
deploy emerging packet-based technologies utilizing Cisco's internetworking
solutions over our network. This alliance is working on areas of emerging
Internet protocol internetworking such as packet over SONET product and service
definition. As
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   15
 
part of this relationship, we will be deploying Cisco 12000-gigabit switch
routers throughout an OC-48 advanced Internet backbone network called
Gemini2000. Using this configuration, we will be positioned to offer end-to-end
Internet Protocol based solutions at the customer premises.
 
  Customers and Marketing
 
     We had over 36,000 data/Internet customers at year-end 1998. These
customers are generally small and mid-size businesses which use our services to
enhance internal communications and communications and commerce with their
customers. In 1998 we had no materially significant customers in this segment of
our business.
 
     Our wholesale and retail sales forces provide the direct sales efforts for
these services. These sales forces have sales offices in major cities throughout
the United States. Our wholesale and retail customer service departments provide
customer care for these customers. Technological issues are handled by our
employees in the product development area.
 
  Prices and Contracts
 
     The data/Internet segment includes a variety of services; therefore, we do
not have a standard agreement. Agreements for non-usage based services are
generally 12 month agreements which may be terminated by either side with 30
days notice. These agreements may contain a minimum take or pay period. These
services are generally billed to the customer in advance of the service being
provided. Usage based services are typically also 12 month agreements with 30
day termination available. The customer is generally billed after the services
are provided. Agreements for one-time services, such as consulting work, are for
specific work performed and are billed to the customer based either upon project
completion criteria or upon when the services have been completed.
 
  Acquisitions and Investments
 
     From March through June 1998, we acquired four companies to expand our
data/Internet product offerings, as follows:
 
     - We acquired NEI, a company that provides data consulting services and
       network design solutions. Beginning in 1999 NEI will also become a Cisco
       Systems, Inc. certified training center;
 
     - We acquired Data Place, which supplies companies with complete network
       systems integration solutions. This acquisition gave us additional
       expertise in the systems integrator channel for selling broadband
       services.
 
     - We acquired NTR, an ISP located in Louisville, Kentucky. NTR offers
       custom back office support to wholesale customers as well as multiple
       Internet dial-up services. Through this subsidiary, we offer a fully
       operational back office solution, including a private label capability
       for supporting wholesale accounts. This affords us wholesale dedicated
       and dial-up products for both our wholesale and retail customer bases.
 
     - We acquired the assets of SMARTNAP, a subsidiary of SMART Technologies in
       Austin, Texas. SMARTNAP is an ISP that provides aggregated Internet
       access, collocation of Web servers and routers and end-site Internet
       managed connectivity. These operations gave us an immediate entry into
       Web hosting and dedicated Internet connectivity markets.
 
     In February 1998 we consummated agreements with PSINet in which we provided
PSINet an IRU in 10,000 miles of OC-48 capacity on our network over a 20-year
period in exchange for 10.2 million shares of PSINet's common stock. The 10.2
million shares of PSINet stock was valued at $211.6 million at December 31,
1998. We also acquired 34% of Applied Theory, which gave us access to critical
Internet expertise. Applied Theory services the New York state research and
education community.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   16
 
  Competition
 
     There are many competitors in the data/Internet field. Competition for
consultative type services range from individuals to large consulting firms such
as Andersen Consulting. Competition for providing Internet service comes from
ISPs of all sizes including MCIWorldCom, which acquired UUNet, and PSINet.
 
     Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial, technical and
marketing resources. They also have more experience in delivering
Internet-related products and therefore, have greater market share and
brand-name recognition. In addition, traditional telecommunications carriers,
such as AT&T, Cable & Wireless and Sprint compete with us in offering Internet
access services. These carriers have greater network coverage and large existing
customer bases as well as greater financial and technical resources. Internet-
related businesses compete based on price, customer service, and quality of
service delivery. The level of competition we expect to experience in the
business is affected by consolidations and mergers of existing Internet service
and backbone providers and the entry into the Internet service market of
traditional telephone service providers including CLECs and other interexchange
carriers.
 
REGULATION
 
     Certain of our subsidiaries operate as communications common carriers.
These subsidiaries are subject to applicable FCC regulations under the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act"), some of which
may be affected by the Telecom Act and regulations already promulgated and
currently being developed thereunder. See "--  Risk Factors -- Recent
Legislation and Regulatory Uncertainty." In addition, those subsidiaries that
operate our microwave network are subject to applicable FCC regulations for use
of the radio frequencies. The FCC issues licenses to use certain radio frequency
spectrum at transmitter site locations. Each license gives the right to operate
a microwave radio station for the term of the license. Currently, we hold
licenses to operate the microwave sites in the network. The licenses all expire
in 2001. These licenses are renewable upon application containing a statement
that they are used in compliance with the applicable FCC rules. We expect that
the FCC will renew these licenses in due course. The Communications Act
currently limits ownership of an entity holding such licenses by non-U.S.
citizens, foreign corporations and foreign governments. We are subject to
regulation by the Federal Aviation Administration with respect to the
construction of transmission towers and to certain local zoning regulation
affecting construction of towers and other facilities.
 
     Recent court decisions (which were issued before the Telecom Act) require
the FCC to require carriers to file tariffs. However, the FCC currently does not
actively exercise its authority to regulate such carriers' rates and services.
Moreover, the Telecom Act gives the FCC authority to forbear from applying
certain provisions of the Communications Act, including the requirement that
carriers file tariffs. In 1997, the FCC issued an order implementing a mandatory
detariffing policy that eliminates the tariff requirements for non-dominant
interstate, interexchange carriers. An appeal of the FCC's order resulted in the
order being stayed. The appeal is being held in abeyance, pending the FCC's
action on motions for reconsideration. In this proceeding, on March 18, 1999,
the FCC adopted rules requiring long distance carriers to disclose their rates
on the Internet, once interstate long distance services have been detariffed.
The FCC's public disclosure rules will not go into effect until the appellate
court has ruled on the merits of the stayed appeal. Regardless of the outcome of
the detariffing proceeding, the FCC will retain jurisdiction to act upon
complaints against any common carrier for failure to comply with its statutory
obligations as a common carrier.
 
     The FCC regulates many of the rates, charges and services provided by the
LECs. Such regulation can also affect the costs of our business and for our
customers and competitors, because carriers must purchase local access services
from LECs to originate and terminate calls. The FCC's current price cap
regulation of the RBOCs and other LECs provides them with considerable
flexibility in pricing their services. Pursuant to the Telecom Act, the FCC
issued two orders regarding access charge reform and transport rate structure
and pricing. The FCC's access charge reform order was recently affirmed by the
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. LEC tariffs implementing the
requirements of the FCC orders have gone into effect. The FCC recently sought
additional comments on access charge reform, and the outcomes of any subsequent
FCC rulemaking proceedings are impossible to predict. Future changes with
respect to access charges may occur.
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   17
 
     Further, on July 18, 1997, in Iowa Utilities Board v. FCC, the United
States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit invalidated key portions of the
FCC's August 29, 1996 interconnection order, which the FCC had adopted to
facilitate the emergence of local exchange competition. The Eighth Circuit's
order was appealed to the United States Supreme Court, and on January 25, 1999,
the Supreme Court overturned the Eighth Circuit's ruling. The Supreme Court
reinstated most aspects of the FCC's interconnection rules. However, the Supreme
Court remanded to the FCC the issue of which specific local exchange network
elements must be made available to competitors of local exchange carriers. The
further emergence and development of local exchange competition may likely be
delayed because of appeals of other aspects of the interconnection order and the
FCC's decision on the remand issue. Consequently, long distance companies such
as us may not benefit as quickly from the lower access costs that might
otherwise have resulted had competition in the provision of local access
services not been delayed.
 
     The Telecom Act directed the FCC to establish a system for compensating
payphone service providers ("PSPs") on a per-call basis for calls made from
payphones, including coinless calls, such as calling card, collect, and "800"
calls. On October 9, 1997, the FCC released an order that set a $0.284 per-call
"default" rate that long distance carriers are required to pay to PSPs for
certain coinless calls. The FCC's order went into effect, but was appealed, and
the order was subsequently remanded to the FCC. The FCC recently issued an order
setting a default rate of $0.24 per call. However, the new order has not yet
gone into effect. Further, the new order is likely to be appealed. Accordingly,
the amount of compensation long distance carriers will ultimately be required to
pay to PSPs is currently uncertain.
 
     In addition, the Telecom Act allows the RBOCs and others to enter the long
distance business. Entry of the RBOCs or other entities such as electric
utilities and cable television companies into the long distance business may
have a negative impact on IXC or our customers. The Telecom Act also establishes
criteria for RBOC re-entry into in-region long distance markets, and RBOCs are
required to obtain FCC approval before they can begin providing such services.
To date, the FCC has rejected 5 such RBOC applications, at least one of which
was appealed. In that proceeding, the FCC's order denying the application was
recently upheld by the appellate court. On December 31, 1997, the U.S. District
Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled that the provisions of the
Telecom Act that apply specifically to RBOCs are unconstitutional. On February
11, 1998, the District Court stayed its order, and the order was appealed. On
September 4, 1998, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit overturned
the district court's December 31, 1998 Order. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the
D.C. Circuit has also rejected arguments that the Telecom Act's restrictions on
RBOC reentry are constitutional. Further, the FCC has been working with the
RBOC, using a "collaborative process," to facilitate the review and ultimately
the approval of such applications.
 
     The Telecom Act also provides that state proceedings may in certain
instances determine access charge long distance providers are required to pay to
the LECs. It is uncertain at this time what effect such proceedings may have on
such rates. There can be no assurance that such rates will not be increased.
Such increases could have a material adverse effect on our customers and us. See
"-- Risk Factors -- Recent Legislation and Regulatory Uncertainty" and "Industry
Overview."
 
     Our ability to provide long distance services within any state is generally
subject to regulation by a regulatory board in that state. As of December 31,
1998, we are operating and have obtained the requisite licenses and approvals in
the 48 contiguous continental United States.
 
MARCA-TEL
 
     At December 31, 1998, we owned 50% of Progress International, LLC, which
owned 49% of Marca-Tel. This resulted in our indirect ownership in Marca-Tel of
24.5%. The remaining 51% of Marca-Tel was owned by a Mexican individual and a
subsidiary of Fomento Radio Beep, S.A. de C.V. The other 50% of Progress was
owned by Westel International, Inc. Marca-Tel is developing a telecommunications
network in Mexico.
 
     Through December 31, 1998, we had invested $44.8 million in Progress,
including $14.9 million made on behalf of Westel. In 1998 Westel agreed to give
us a note for $14.9 million to repay us for certain contributions previously
made to Progress on Westel's behalf. The balance of the note receivable from
Westel at December 31, 1998, was $9.4 million. The final note payment was due in
May 1999 and was secured by a
                                       17
<PAGE>   18
 
portion of Westel's ownership in Progress. In March 1999 Westel agreed to
transfer certain of its share interest collateral to us as repayment of Westel's
note payable to us. We gave Westel the right to repurchase such share interests
no later than May 31, 1999.
 
     We account for Progress and Marca-Tel using the equity method of
accounting. Through the third quarter of 1998, we recognized our share of losses
from Progress and Marca-Tel based on the relative amount of funds we contributed
to Progress compared to Westel. Beginning with the fourth quarter of 1998, the
sum of our remaining investment in Marca-Tel and the promissory note from Westel
was below zero due to the amount of losses we previously recorded; therefore, we
suspended recognition of losses from Marca-Tel. We will continue to suspend
recognition of losses until Marca-Tel begins reporting net income and all
suspended losses have been recovered.
 
     In September 1995 Marca-Tel entered into an agreement with a vendor to
construct a portion of Marca-Tel's telecommunications network in Mexico and to
provide significant financing for construction and related equipment and fiber
purchases. The vendor has been granted security interests in all of Marca-Tel's
assets, including the telecommunications network, and the owners of Marca-Tel,
including Progress, have pledged their interests in Marca-Tel to collateralize
payment to the vendor. As of December 31, 1998, Marca-Tel owed approximately
$77.1 million to the vendor. In February 1999, Marca-Tel amended its credit
agreement with the vendor. Marca-Tel restructured its financing and deferred
certain payments until June of 1999. In exchange, Marca-Tel granted the vendor
the right to acquire up to ten percent of Marca-Tel's non-voting common shares.
As of March 1, 1999, the vendor owned 7% of the common equity of Marca-Tel. This
has diluted our ownership interest. Progress' overall ownership in Marca-Tel is
now 48%, and our indirect interest is now 24%. If Marca-Tel does not pay the
vendor, it will be in default under its amended credit agreement.
 
     Marca-Tel has put further investment in new fiber routes on hold and
reduced its scope of operations, awaiting more suitable regulatory and market
conditions. We do not anticipate providing significant additional funding to
Progress for investment in Marca-Tel until the regulatory and market conditions
in Mexico improve. We are not obligated to continue to fund Progress or
Marca-Tel. Our existing indentures and our $600 million credit facility contain
significant limitations on the amount we may invest in Marca-Tel and other
non-majority owned entities. However, failure to provide further significant
funding to Progress may prevent Marca-Tel from meeting its financial obligations
and may result in the foreclosure of the vendor's security interest. Our
interest in Progress, and thus our indirect interest in Marca-Tel, could be lost
entirely.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     At December 31, 1998, we employed 1,567 people, of whom 568 provided
operational and technical services, 62 provided engineering services and the
balance were engaged in administration and marketing. Our employees are not
represented by any labor union. We consider our employee relations to be good
and have not experienced any work stoppages.
 
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<PAGE>   19
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
NEGATIVE CASH FLOW AND CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS
 
  Significant Amount of Capital Expenditures Required in our Business
 
     Our capital expenditures were $476.4 million and our interest cost
including capitalized interest was $47.9 million in 1998. Our earnings before
interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization, or EBITDA, were $90.7 million in
1998. Our cash flow from operating activities was $202.3 million and our net
loss was $162.5 million in 1998. We expect to make capital expenditures of over
$600 million during 1999 and substantial amounts thereafter. We expect to meet
the cash requirements of our capital expenditures from:
 
     - cash on hand;
 
     - cash flow from fiber sales and operations; and
 
     - borrowings under our $600 million credit facility;
 
     - additional equity and/or debt financings; and
 
     - vendor financing, if available;
 
     We expect to incur significant additional debt to fund our capital
expenditures and expand our business. Among other factors, cost-saving
arrangements, increases or decreases in traffic on our network, and unexpected
costs, delays or advances in the timing of capital expenditures may cause
capital expenditures to vary materially.
 
     Our ability to make capital expenditures depends in part on:
 
     - completing our network expansion as scheduled;
 
     - satisfying our fiber sale obligations;
 
     - entering into cost-saving arrangements with carriers or other large users
       of fiber capacity;
 
     - meeting financial covenants to allow borrowing under our bank credit
       line;
 
     - otherwise raising significant capital; and/or
 
     - increasing cash flow.
 
     Our failure to accomplish any of these may significantly delay or prevent
capital expenditures. If we are unable to make our capital expenditures as
planned, our business may grow slower than expected. This would have a material
adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations
and the value of our securities.
 
  Insufficient Cash Flow from Operations
 
     We need cash to meet the operating expenses of our long distance switched
services and data/Internet businesses. These services are processed through
digital switches and delivered over long-haul circuits and other transmission
facilities. To offer long distance switched services, we installed switches and
connected them to our network and to the local exchange carriers or LECs, who
provide local telephone services. We acquired new software and hired personnel
to establish a national switched network. Our long distance switched services
business did not generate sufficient gross margins to cover the operating
expenses required to support this business. Our goals for continued gross margin
improvement include:
 
     - obtaining traffic that meets our profitability requirements and aligns
       with our current and planned network;
 
     - identifying new high-value products and customers with large capacity
       requirements;
 
     - identifying Internet, intranet and data traffic opportunities; and
 
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<PAGE>   20
 
     - identifying joint venture and acquisition candidates to increase the flow
       and mix of traffic on our network and increase our global reach.
 
     We cannot guarantee that we will be able to generate sufficient gross
margins in the long distance switched services business in the future. For a
discussion of important factors that could cause the failure of our long
distance switched services business to generate sufficient gross margin, see
"-- Development Risks and Dependence on Long Distance Switched Services
Business."
 
  Significant Amount of Interest and Dividend Payments
 
     We currently make interest payments on our 9% Senior Subordinated Notes of
which there is $450 million in principal outstanding. We also make interest and
principal payments under a $28 million secured equipment financing facility with
NTFC Capital Corporation and Export Development Corporation of which $23.8
million was outstanding at December 31, 1998. In addition, we also make interest
payments on a $600 million credit agreement with institutional lenders of which
$200 million was borrowed at December 31, 1998. We will also have payments due
for other debts we may incur. Dividends on our 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred
Stock are payable quarterly in cash, except that such dividends may be paid in
additional shares of 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock on or before March 31,
1999. Dividends on our 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock are payable in cash
except that such dividends may be paid in shares of the same stock on or before
February 15, 2001. Dividends on our 6 3/4% Convertible Preferred Stock are
payable quarterly in cash, except that we may pay dividends using shares of
common stock if we are prohibited from paying dividends in cash under the terms
of our debt agreements. Our ability to meet our debt and dividend obligations
and to obtain additional funding could be impaired by the following factors:
 
     - delays in our network expansion;
 
     - larger than anticipated capital expenditures for our network; and
 
     - continued negative cash flow from the long distance switched services
       business.
 
     Any of these factors would have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations since we might not have sufficient
cash to make these payments when required. See "-- Risks Relating to the Network
Expansion and acquiring Rights-of-Way and Permits," and "-- Development Risks
and Dependence on Long Distance Switched Services Business."
 
     We may have to curtail or delay our planned network expansion if we are
unable to obtain financing on acceptable terms, complete our existing fiber
sales, or sell additional equity and/or debt securities. Furthermore, we may be
required to obtain the consent of, or repay, our debtholders before acquiring
additional debt. Our failure to obtain additional financing or the decision to
cut back or delay our network expansion could have a material adverse effect on
our business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our
securities.
 
     The cash requirements described above do not include any cash that may be
required for acquisitions we may make. We have entered into an agreement to
acquire Coastal. We will be required to pay $62.5 million in cash and we have an
option to pay an additional $25 million in cash instead of using our common
stock to complete the acquisition. See "-- Growth Through Acquisitions;
Integration of Acquired Businesses."
 
SUBSTANTIAL INDEBTEDNESS AND ABILITY TO SERVICE DEBT
 
     We have a substantial amount of debt. As of December 31, 1998, we had
approximately $679.0 million of long-term debt and capital lease obligations
principally consisting of the 9% Senior Subordinated Notes and the $200 million
credit agreement.
 
     Under our credit facility with several institutional lenders, we may, if
certain conditions are met, borrow up to $600 million of which $200 million has
been borrowed as of December 31, 1998. We are in discussions with various
investment bankers, vendors and lending institutions regarding additional debt
financing transactions. If we complete additional debt financing transactions,
or if we exchange our 12 1/2% Exchangeable
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   21
 
Preferred Stock for 12 1/2% Subordinated Exchange Debentures, as allowed under
our charter documents, our level of debt will increase even further.
 
     Our large amount of indebtedness could significantly impact the holders of
our common stock and our other securities, due to the following:
 
     - All or most of our cash flow from operations could be needed to meet our
       debt obligations and would not be available for use in our business.
 
     - We could be more vulnerable if there is a downturn in our business or in
       general economic conditions or if interest rates increase.
 
     - Our ability to obtain additional financing for working capital, capital
       expenditures or other reasons may be limited.
 
     - We may be at a competitive disadvantage with our competitors who are not
       as highly leveraged.
 
     Our ability to satisfy our debt obligations depends on our future operating
performance and our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing.
Economic conditions and financial, business and other factors, many of which are
beyond our control, will affect our ability to make these payments. If we are
unable to generate sufficient cash from operations to make the scheduled
payments on our 9% Senior Subordinated Notes or meet our other obligations, we
will need to refinance or obtain additional financing. We cannot assure you that
our cash flow from operations will be sufficient to meet our debt obligations as
they become due or that we will be able to satisfy the dividend and redemption
requirements of our preferred stock for the next several years. If we do not
substantially improve our operating results, we could face significant liquidity
problems which would require us to raise additional capital by issuing debt or
equity securities. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in obtaining
such financing.
 
RECENT AND EXPECTED LOSSES
 
     We reported a net loss of $162.5 million for the year ended December 31,
1998 and a net loss of $99.2 million for the year ended December 31, 1997. These
net losses may continue. During the remainder of 1999 and thereafter, our
ability to generate operating income, EBITDA and net income will depend largely
on demand for the private line circuits constructed in our network expansion and
the success of our long distance switched services and data services. We cannot
assure you that we will be profitable in the future. Failure to accomplish these
goals will impair our ability to:
 
     - meet our obligations under the 9% Senior Subordinated Notes, our $600
       million credit facility, or other indebtedness;
 
     - pay dividends on our preferred stock; or
 
     - raise additional equity or debt financing needed to expand our network or
       for other reasons.
 
     These events could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations and the value of our securities.
 
RISKS RELATING TO THE NETWORK EXPANSION AND ACQUIRING RIGHTS-OF-WAY AND PERMITS
 
     Our continuing network expansion is an essential element of our future
success. In the past, we have experienced delays in constructing our network and
may experience similar delays in the future. These delays have prevented us from
transferring long distance traffic from leased facilities to our facilities. We
have substantial existing commitments to purchase materials and labor for
expanding our network. In addition, we will need to obtain additional materials
and labor that may cost more than anticipated. Some sections of our network are
constructed by other carriers or their contractors pursuant to cost-saving
arrangements. One type of cost-saving arrangement is where another carrier
constructs a route and includes additional fibers for our use. We cannot
guarantee that these third parties will complete their work according to
schedule. If any delays prevent or slow down our network expansion our financial
results and the value of our securities would be materially and adversely
effected.
                                       21
<PAGE>   22
 
     The expansion of our network depends, among other things, on acquiring
rights-of-way and required permits from railroads, utilities and governmental
authorities on satisfactory terms and conditions and on financing such
expansion, acquisition and construction. In addition, after our network is
completed and required rights and permits are obtained, we cannot guarantee that
we will be able to maintain all of the existing rights and permits. If we fail
to obtain rights and permits or we lose a substantial number of rights and
permits our financial results would suffer which could have a material adverse
effect on our business, financial condition and results of operation and the
value of our securities.
 
RISK OF NETWORK FAILURE
 
     To successfully market our services to business and government users, our
network must have sufficient capacity and be reliable and secure. Our network
and other companies' networks that we use can sometimes experience physical
damage, power loss, capacity limitations, software defects, breaches of security
(by computer virus, break-ins or otherwise) and other disruptions. All of these
hazards may cause interruptions in service or reduced capacity for customers.
Poor service due to interruptions or reduced capacity could negatively impact
our business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our
securities.
 
PRICING PRESSURES DUE TO INDUSTRY OVER-CAPACITY
 
     The long distance transmission industry has generally been characterized by
over-capacity and declining prices since shortly after the AT&T break-up in
1984. We believe that in the last several years, increased demand has somewhat
reduced the excess capacity and as a result, reduced competition in pricing.
However, we anticipate that our prices will continue to decline over the next
several years because of new competition. Other long distance carriers (new and
existing) are expanding their capacity and may construct new fiber optic and
other long distance transmission networks. As a result of the recent mergers,
companies such as MCIWorldCom, Inc. and Qwest have become stronger competitors
with larger networks and greater capacity. In addition, the Williams Companies,
Inc. has also announced that it is accelerating the expansion of its national
fiber optic network with a $2.7 billion investment to create a 32,000 mile
system by the end of 2000. There can be significant barriers to building a fiber
optic network for companies entering the long distance business, including
substantial construction costs, the difficulty and expense of securing
rights-of-way, establishing and maintaining a sufficient customer base,
recruiting and retaining personnel and maintaining a reliable network. We
believe that although some new entrants face these barriers, others (such as
Qwest, utility companies or railroads which already have significant
rights-of-way) may not experience some or any of these difficulties. For
example, Level 3 Communications, Inc. has announced it is constructing a 15,000
mile fiber optic communications network using Internet technology, with
completion expected in the first quarter of 2001.
 
     Not only are our competitors expanding existing networks and building new
networks, these networks will have greater capacity. Because the cost of fiber
is a relatively small portion of the cost of building new transmission lines,
companies building such lines are likely to install fiber that provides far more
transmission capacity than will be needed over the short or medium term.
Further, recent technological advances have shown the potential to greatly
expand the capacity of existing and new fiber optic cable. Although such
technological advances may enable us to increase our network's capacity, an
increase in our competitors' capacity could adversely affect our business. If
overall capacity in the industry exceeds demand in general or along any of our
routes, severe additional pricing pressure could develop. Certain industry
observers have predicted that, within a few years, there may be dramatic and
substantial price reductions and that long distance calls will not be much more
expensive than local calls. In addition, several companies (including AT&T and
ICG Communications, Inc.) have announced plans to offer long distance voice
telephony over the Internet at substantially reduced prices. Price reductions
could have a negative and material impact on our business and the value of our
securities.
 
DEVELOPMENT RISKS AND DEPENDENCE ON LONG DISTANCE SWITCHED SERVICES BUSINESS
 
     Our success in the long distance switched services business depends on
generating significant customer traffic, managing an efficient switched long
distance network, providing reliable customer service and
                                       22
<PAGE>   23
 
completing our network expansion on schedule. We have only been managing a
switched long distance network since 1996 and we cannot assure you that this
segment of our business can generate significant gross profits. Our failure to
accomplish any of our objectives would have a material adverse effect on our
results of operations. Our long distance switched services business requires
cash to meet its operating expenses and has generated low gross margins since
1998 due to access costs and uneven traffic patterns creating high network
overflow costs. These gross margins are too low to fund the operating costs
supporting the switched services business.
 
     Access charges are the fees paid by long distance carriers to LECs for
originating and terminating long distance calls on their local networks. In
1998, the FCC mandated a new rate structure for access charges in which a fixed
charge was instituted for connections to the LECs' serving wire centers (direct
trunk transport charge). This charge was in addition to the existing unitary
charge assessed on a minutes of use basis. Large carriers who connect directly
to the LECs' local end office facilities are able to avoid a large portion of
the direct trunk transport charge, and therefore, benefit from the new access
structure. Connection to local end office facilities is economically justifiable
only where there are large minute of use volumes. Because our volumes do not
justify as many direct local office connections as do the volumes of larger
carriers, we may be at a cost disadvantage, versus our larger competitors.
 
     We seek to improve the gross margins generated by our long distance
switched services business by expanding our network, by increasing the number of
our end-user customers who are medium size businesses, and by increasing our
suite of higher-value services. Important factors, some of which are beyond our
control, which could cause the failure of our long distance switched services
business to generate higher gross margin include:
 
     - changes in reseller customers' businesses;
 
     - an inability to attract new customers or problems with transferring them
       to our network;
 
     - loss of existing customers;
 
     - problems operating the switched network;
 
     - customer billing issues;
 
     - credit and collection issues;
 
     - delays in expanding our network; and
 
     - increased expenses related to access charges and network overflow.
 
     Our long distance switched services business credit risk is substantially
greater than that for our private line business. This is because long distance
switched services customers are billed at the end of the month on the basis of
minutes of use and because many long distance switched services customers are
not as well capitalized as most of our private line customers.
 
RISKS INHERENT IN RAPID GROWTH
 
     Part of our business strategy is to grow quickly by expanding our long
distance switched services and data/Internet businesses through selective
acquisitions and expanding our network. In addition, we may grow by acquiring
resellers of long distance services, such as Coastal, Eclipse and Telecom One,
which we believe provide a strategic fit with our business and network. See
"-- Growth Through Acquisitions; Integration of Acquired Businesses." Rapid
growth has placed, and will continue to place, a significant and increasing
strain on our financial, management, technical, information and accounting
resources. See "-- Dependence on Billing, Customer Services and Information
Systems." Our continued rapid growth requires:
 
     - hiring and training new personnel;
 
     - satisfactory performance by our customer interface and billing systems;
 
     - developing and introducing new products; and
 
     - controlling our expenses.
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   24
 
     If we fail to satisfy these requirements, or otherwise manage our growth
effectively, our business and the value of our securities would be materially
and adversely effected.
 
DEPENDENCE ON BILLING, CUSTOMER SERVICES AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS
 
     Sophisticated information and processing systems are vital to our growth
and our ability to monitor costs, bill customers, fill customer orders and
efficiently operate our business. In the past, we have produced billing and
information systems in-house with partial reliance on third-party vendors. These
systems have generally met our needs due in part to the low volume of customer
billing. As our long distance operation grows, the need for sophisticated
billing and information systems will significantly increase. As we integrated
Eclipse's operations, some billing system issues arose which increased our
customer turnover. These issues are being addressed and corrected. No assurance
can be given that these difficulties will be solved quickly or completely.
 
     The development and implementation of our future billing systems relies,
for the most part, on third party vendors delivering products and services. The
following could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations:
 
     - vendors failing to deliver proposed products and services in a timely and
       effective manner and at acceptable costs;
 
     - our failure to adequately identify all of our information and processing
       needs;
 
     - the failure of our related processing or information systems, including a
       failure to solve current difficulties; or
 
     - our failure to upgrade systems as necessary.
 
YEAR 2000 RISKS
 
     Some of our older computer programs identify years with two digits instead
of four. It is possible that some of our programs may recognize the Year 2000 as
the year 1900. These Year 2000 problems could result in a system failure or
miscalculations that disrupt operations, including a temporary inability to
process transactions, send invoices or engage in similar normal business
activities. We have identified the programs that will have to be modified or
replaced in order to function properly in the Year 2000 and thereafter. We
believe that the cost of modifying those systems that were not already scheduled
for replacement for business reasons before 2000 is immaterial. Updating the
current software to be Year 2000-compliant is scheduled to be completed by
mid-1999, before any anticipated impact on operating systems. We do not expect
Year 2000 problems to have a material adverse effect on our internal operations,
but it is possible that they could have a material adverse effect on our
customers, suppliers and other business partners and their ability to provide
service or accurate invoices for services and to accurately process payments. It
is also possible that Year 2000 problems could have a material adverse effect on
our customers and their ability to continue using our services, to collect from
their customers and to pay us for services. The cumulative effect of such
problems, if they occur, could negatively impact our business, financial
condition and results of operations and the value of our securities.
 
GROWTH THROUGH ACQUISITIONS; INTEGRATION OF ACQUIRED BUSINESSES
 
     Part of our growth strategy includes the possible acquisition of
businesses, assets or securities of companies that we believe provide a
strategic fit with our business and our network. The success of our strategy is
dependent on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates, acquire
such companies on suitable terms and integrate their operations with our
operations. We may be unable to acquire other companies on suitable terms or
otherwise successfully expand our business and product offerings through
acquisitions. Moreover, other telecommunications companies are actively
competing for acquisition candi-
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   25
 
dates, which may result in an increase in the price of acquisition candidates.
Risks commonly associated with acquisitions include:
 
     - potential exposure to unknown liabilities of acquired companies;
 
     - difficulty and expense of integrating the operations, personnel, and
       billing systems of the companies;
 
     - potential disruption to our business;
 
     - potential diversion of management time and attention;
 
     - strained relationships with, and the possible loss of, key employees and
       customers of the acquired business;
 
     - increased amortization expense if an acquisition is accounted for as a
       purchase; and
 
     - dilution to our stockholders if the acquisition is made for stock.
 
     We continually review and evaluate acquisition candidates to complement and
expand our business, and are at various stages of evaluation and discussion with
a number of such candidates. We have not entered into a definitive purchase or
acquisition agreement for any acquisition candidate other than Coastal and there
is no assurance that we will complete a transaction with any of the candidates
with whom we are currently in negotiations. In addition, it is possible that a
substantial number of shares of our common stock or a significant amount of cash
could be used for one or more acquisitions. We intend, when possible, to use our
common stock to pay for all or a portion of the purchase price for future
acquisitions. Our ability to use our common stock could be adversely affected if
our common stock does not maintain sufficient value, potential acquisition
candidates are unwilling to accept our common stock as consideration for the
sale of their businesses, or we do not have a sufficient number of authorized
shares of common stock to effect such acquisition.
 
     Any acquired businesses will need to be integrated with our existing
operations. This will entail, among other things, integration of switching,
transmission, technical, sales, marketing, billing, accounting, quality control,
management, personnel, payroll, regulatory compliance and other systems and
operating hardware and software, some or all of which may be incompatible with
our existing systems. We have limited expertise dealing with these problems. We
cannot assure you that services, technologies or businesses of acquired
companies will be effectively assimilated into our business or product offerings
or that they will contribute materially to our revenues or earnings. In
particular, transferring substantial amounts of additional traffic to our
network can cause service interruptions and integration problems. The risks
associated with acquisitions could have a material adverse effect on our
business, financial condition and results of operations and the value of our
securities.
 
RELIANCE ON MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
     A relatively small number of customers account for a significant amount of
our total revenues. Our 10 largest customers in 1998 accounted for approximately
46.7% of our revenues. Our 10 largest customers in 1997 accounted for
approximately 49.2% of our revenues.
 
     Most of our arrangements with large customers do not provide any guarantees
that they will continue using our services at current levels. In addition, if
our customers build their own facilities, our competitors build additional
facilities or there are further consolidations in the telecommunications
industry involving our customers, then our customers could reduce or stop their
use of our services which could have a material adverse effect on our business,
financial condition and results of operations.
 
DEPENDENCE UPON SOLE AND LIMITED SOURCES OF SUPPLY
 
     We rely on other companies to supply key components of our network
infrastructure, including telecommunications services, network capacity and
switching and networking equipment. These components are available only from
sole or limited sources in the quantity and quality that we demand. We also
depend on LECs to provide telecommunications services and facilities. In the
past, we have experienced delays in receiving telecommunications services and
facilities, and we cannot be certain that we will be able to obtain
                                       25
<PAGE>   26
 
such services or facilities at an affordable cost, or at all in the future. If
we can not obtain such services or additional capacity on a timely basis or at
an affordable cost, our business, financial condition and results of operations
would be materially and adversely effected. We also depend on our suppliers for
products that comply with various Internet and telecommunications standards,
work with products from other vendors and correctly function in our network. If
our suppliers failed to provide such products, our business, financial condition
and results of operations would be materially and adversely affected.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The telecommunications industry is highly competitive. Many of our
competitors and potential competitors have far greater financial, personnel,
technical, marketing and other resources than we do. Many also have a more
extensive transmission network. These competitors may build additional fiber
capacity in the geographic areas that our network serves or in which we plan to
expand. Qwest, for example, is building a new nationwide long distance fiber
optic network and Frontier Corporation has agreed to pay $500 million to obtain
fibers in Qwest's network. In addition, MCIWorldCom and Qwest have each become
larger competitors of ours in connection with recent mergers. Furthermore,
Williams' announced network expansion and Level 3's proposed new network will
provide additional competition. Many telecommunications companies are acquiring
switches and our reseller customers will have more alternatives for meeting
their switched long distance services needs. We compete primarily on the basis
of pricing, availability, transmission quality, customer service (including the
capability of making rapid additions to add end users and access to end-user
traffic records) and variety of services. Our ability to compete effectively
depends on our ability to maintain high-quality services at prices generally
equal to or lower than those of our competitors.
 
     An alternative method of transmitting telecommunications traffic is through
satellite transmission. Satellite transmission is superior to fiber optic
transmission for distribution communications, like video broadcasting. Although
satellite transmission is not preferred to fiber optic transmission for voice
traffic in most parts of the United States because it exhibits an approximately
one-quarter-second delay, this slight time delay is unimportant for many
data-oriented uses. If the market for data transmission grows, we will compete
with satellite carriers in that market. Also, at least one satellite company has
announced its intention to provide Internet access services to businesses
through satellite technology.
 
     We compete with large and small facilities-based interexchange carriers as
well as with other coast-to-coast and regional fiber optic network providers. We
also sell long distance switched services to both facilities-based carriers and
non-facilities-based carriers (switchless resellers), competing with
facilities-based carriers such as AT&T, MCIWorldCom and Sprint, and certain
regional carriers. Our competition is based on such factors as price,
transmission quality, network reliability and customer service and support. Our
ability to compete effectively in our markets depends upon our ability to
maintain high quality services at prices equal to or less than those of our
competitors, many of whom have extensive experience in the long distance market.
In addition, the federal government enacted the Telecom Act, which allows the
RBOCs and others to enter the long distance market. When RBOCs enter the long
distance market, they may acquire, or take substantial business from, our
customers or us. We cannot assure you that we will be able to compete
successfully with existing competitors or new entrants in our markets. Our
failure to do so would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition and results of operations and the value of our securities. See
"-- Risks Related to Technological Change" and "Business -- Regulation."
 
     On February 15, 1997, the United States Trade Representative designate
announced that an agreement had been reached with World Trade Organization
countries to open world telecommunications markets to competition. The
agreement, known as the WTO Basic Telecommunications Services Agreement or the
WTO Agreement, became effective on February 5, 1998. The WTO Agreement provides
U.S. companies with foreign market access for local, long distance, and
international services, either on a facilities basis or through resale of
existing network capacity. The WTO Agreement also provides that U.S. companies
can acquire, establish or hold a significant stake in telecommunications
companies around the world. Conversely, foreign companies will be permitted to
enter domestic U.S. telecommunications markets and acquire ownership interest in
U.S. companies. On June 4, 1997, the Federal Communications Commission or the
FCC initiated a rulemaking proceeding to bring FCC policies and procedures into
conformance with the WTO Agreement. On
                                       26
<PAGE>   27
 
November 26, 1997, the FCC released an order on foreign entry, although a
petition for reconsideration of the order is pending. While the outcome of the
petition for reconsideration cannot be predicted, foreign telecommunications
companies could also be significant new competitors to our customers or us. See
"Business -- Industry Overview," "Business -- Private Line Services" and
"Business -- Long Distance Switched Services."
 
DEVELOPMENT RISKS OF THE ATM-FRAME RELAY TRANSMISSION BUSINESS
 
     We began offering ATM-Frame Relay and other data transmission services
during the first quarter of 1997. Although we have not yet generated significant
revenues from this business, we believe that Internet related services and data
transmission services present a promising opportunity for us. To succeed in
providing these services, we must compete with AT&T, Sprint, MCIWorldCom and
other large competitors. In addition, we expect that we will need to continue to
upgrade our network (in advance of related revenues) to be competitive.
Providing Internet and data transmission services involves technical issues with
which we have limited experience. In addition, providing these services must be
successfully integrated with our existing businesses. Unless we are able to
successfully compete in providing these services, we will not realize a return
on our investment in data switches and other equipment and we will not benefit
from the growth, if any, in demand for these services. A failure to successfully
compete in Internet related services and data transmission services could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations and the value of our securities.
 
RECENT LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY UNCERTAINTY
 
     Some of our operations are regulated by the FCC under the Communications
Act of 1934. In addition, some of our businesses are regulated by state public
utility or public service commissions. Regulatory or interpretive changes in
existing legislation or new legislation that affects our operations could have a
material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of
operations. In 1996 the federal government enacted the 1996 Telecom Act, which,
among other things, allows the RBOCs and others to enter the long distance
business. Entry of the RBOCs or other entities such as electric utilities and
cable television companies into the long distance business may have a negative
impact on our customers or us. We anticipate that some entrants will be strong
competitors because, among other reasons, they may:
 
     - be well capitalized;
 
     - already have substantial end-user customer bases; and/or
 
     - enjoy cost advantages relating to local loops and access charges.
 
     The addition of strong competitors into the switched long distance business
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
     In July 1997, the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
invalidated key portions of the FCC's interconnection order, which the FCC
adopted to facilitate local exchange competition. On January 25, 1999, the
Supreme Court overturned the Eighth Circuit's ruling and reinstated most aspects
of the FCC's interconnection rules. The Supreme Court remanded to the FCC one
issue relating to interconnection, which will likely delay the further emergence
and development of local exchange competition. Consequently, neither our
customers nor we may benefit as quickly from the lower access costs that might
have resulted if competition in providing local access services was not delayed.
Further, the FCC issued orders relating to universal service funding by
interstate telecommunications carriers, and to the access charges we and our
customers are required to pay to LECs. The FCC's access charge reform order was
recently affirmed after a lengthy appeal. The FCC has since sought additional
comments on access charge reform, but the outcome of this and any future FCC
proceedings are impossible to predict. In addition, the Telecom Act provides
that state proceedings may, in certain instances, determine access charges that
our customers and we are required to pay to the LECs. These proceedings could
result in rate increases that could have a material adverse effect on our
customers and us. See "Business -- Industry Overview;" and
"Business -- Regulation."
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   28
 
     Some members of Congress are dissatisfied with the Telecom Act, and in
particular with the development of local exchange competition, RBOC re-entry
into in-region long distance markets and universal service funding. It is
possible that additional legislation will also be introduced to further amend
the Telecom Act. However, it is impossible to predict the scope or likelihood of
success of any possible further legislation, or the potential impact of any
possible further legislation.
 
RISKS RELATING TO MARCA-TEL
 
     Marca-Tel has put further investment in new fiber routes on hold and
reduced its scope of operations, awaiting more suitable regulatory and market
conditions. At the present time, we do not anticipate significant additional
funding to Progress for investment in Marca-Tel until the regulatory and market
conditions in Mexico improve. We are not obligated to continue to fund Progress
or Marca-Tel. Our existing indentures and our $600 million credit facility
contain significant limitations on the amount we may invest in Marca-Tel and
other non-majority owned entities. Although Marca-Tel amended its credit
agreement in February 1999 allowing it to defer certain payments until June
1999, we cannot assure you that Marca-Tel will be able to make payments at that
time or at any time in the future. A default such as this could result in the
foreclosure of the creditor's security interest in all of Marca-Tel's assets. If
that occurs, our investment in Marca-Tel could be further diluted or entirely
lost.
 
POTENTIAL LIABILITY OF INTERNET ACCESS PROVIDERS
 
     We provide services to on-line service providers and Internet access
providers. We also own approximately 10.2 million shares of common stock of
PSINet, an Internet access provider. The law governing the liability of on-line
services providers and Internet access providers for information carried on or
disseminated through their networks is unsettled. Under the 1996 Telecom Act,
both civil and criminal penalties can be imposed for the use of interactive
computer services for the transmission of certain indecent or obscene
communications. However, some of these provisions were recently held
unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. Other provisions of the Communications
Decency Act have been challenged in court proceedings which are ongoing. In
addition, Congress recently passed the Child Online Protection Act, which
currently is subject to a temporary injunction. Nonetheless, many states have
adopted or are considering adopting similar requirements, and the
constitutionality of these state requirements remains unsettled. In addition,
several private lawsuits have been filed seeking to hold Internet access
providers accountable for information which they transmit. In one case, the
court ruled that an Internet access provider is not directly liable for copies
that are made and stored on its computer but may be held liable as a
contributing infringer where, with knowledge of the infringing activity, the
Internet access provider induces, causes or materially contributes to another
person's infringing conduct. As the law in this area develops, potential
imposition of liability on Internet access providers for information carried on
or disseminated through their networks could materially change the way they
conduct business. To avoid undue exposure to liability, Internet access
providers could be compelled to engage in burdensome investigation of subscriber
materials or even discontinue offering the service altogether.
 
RISKS RELATING TO SWITCHED SERVICES
 
     Switched services resellers account for a substantial portion of our long
distance switched services revenue. A substantial portion of revenue is derived
from a limited number of switched services resellers. Sales to switched services
resellers generate low margins for us. In addition, these customers frequently
choose to move their business to other carriers based solely on small price
changes and generally are perceived to have a high risk of payment delinquency
or non-payments. Our service credits and bad debt in the past have been as
follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   SERVICE CREDIT AND      PERCENT OF
    PERIOD       BAD DEBT (IN MILLIONS)   TOTAL REVENUE
    ------       ----------------------   -------------
<S>              <C>                      <C>
Year Ended
  1996.........          $ 6.3                 2.2%
Year Ended
  1997.........          $20.8                 4.0%
Year Ended
  1998.........          $55.1                 8.2%
</TABLE>
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   29
 
     We seek to control service credits and bad debts by implementing procedures
to improve our billing accuracy and control our credit exposure. Any significant
increase in service credit and bad debt expense as a percentage of revenues
could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and
results of operations.
 
RISKS RELATED TO TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE
 
     The market for our telecommunications services is characterized by rapidly
changing technology, evolving industry standards, emerging competition and
frequent new product and service introductions. We cannot guarantee that we will
successfully identify new service opportunities and develop and bring new
services to market. There is also a risk that fundamental changes in the way
telecommunications services are marketed and delivered will occur. We assume
that technology such as ATM-Frame Relay protocols and using fiber optic or
copper-based telecommunications infrastructures will continue to be the primary
protocols and transport infrastructure for data communications services. Future
technological changes, including changes related to the emerging wireline and
wireless transmission and switching technologies, could have a material adverse
effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition. Our
pursuit of necessary technological advances may require substantial time and
expense. We cannot be certain that we will succeed in adapting our
telecommunications services business to alternate access devices, conduits and
protocols.
 
     In addition, recent technological advances with the potential to greatly
expand the capacity of existing and new fiber optic cable, which could greatly
increase supply, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial
condition, and results of operations and the value of our securities.
 
STOCKHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN AND OTHER CHANGE IN CONTROL IMPEDIMENTS
 
     In September 1998, we adopted a stockholder rights agreement that permits
owners of our common stock to purchase shares of common stock at one-half of its
fair market value in limited instances. Each share of common stock is entitled
to one right. These rights are exercisable if a person or group acquires 20% or
more of our common stock or announces a tender offer for 20% or more of our
common stock. The rights are also exercisable if a stockholder currently holding
more than 20% of our outstanding stock acquires any additional shares of our
common stock. Our stockholder rights agreement may prevent or deter acquisitions
of more than 20% of our common stock and ultimately an acquisition of IXC. In
addition, certain covenants in our debt and preferred securities may require us
to offer to repurchase or adjust the conversion price of such securities in the
event of a change in control of IXC. These covenants may prevent, deter or
adversely affect the value of our common stock in connection with an acquisition
of IXC involving a change in control.
 
CONCENTRATED OWNERSHIP OF CONTROL GROUP
 
     At December 31, 1998, Trustees of General Electric Pension Trust
beneficially owned approximately 26.5% of our outstanding common stock, Grumman
Hill Investments, L.P., Richard D. Irwin and their affiliates together
beneficially owned approximately 9% of our outstanding common stock, and one
director, one executive officer and their affiliates beneficially owned
approximately 10.8% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, certain of
these stockholders, if they act with others so as to constitute a majority,
generally would be able to elect a majority of directors elected by the holders
of our common stock and exercise control over our business, policies and
affairs, and would have the power to approve or disapprove most actions
requiring stockholder approval without the approval of minority stockholders.
 
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
 
     The principal properties we own consist of: (i) certain portions of our
network completed or under construction; and (ii) the coast-to-coast microwave
system, consisting of microwave transmitters, receivers, towers and antennae,
auxiliary power equipment, transportation equipment, equipment shelters and
miscellaneous components. Generally, fiber optic system and microwave relay
system components are standard commercial products available from a number of
suppliers. The use of all these assets are shared by all of our segments of
business.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   30
 
     Our principal offices are located in Austin, Texas, comprising two separate
office leases. In 1999, we added a third office space in Austin. We lease these
three offices pursuant to the terms of the respective leases which expire at
different times varying from January 2002 to December 2004. In addition, we
sublease former office space in two other locations in Austin. The sublease
payments satisfy our monthly rental obligations under the original leases. We
also lease approximately 65 other office spaces for sales and administration of
our switched long distance and data/Internet businesses. We believe that
existing office sites are adequate for current operations and that as we grow we
will be able to locate and lease or acquire additional future office space at
market rates.
 
     We lease sites for our switches in various metropolitan locations under
lease agreements that expire between 2000 and 2005. Five of our nine voice
switches are leased under capital leases from DSC Finance Corporation over a
term of 5 years. In order to build our network we have also entered into
approximately 345 site, conduit, right-of-way and storage leases. These sites
are located all across the United States. These facilities generally are leased
under annual terms ranging from 5 to 25 years.
 
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     We are involved in various legal proceedings, all of which have arisen in
the ordinary course of business and some of which are covered by insurance. In
the opinion of our management, none of the claims relating to such proceedings
are likely to have a material adverse effect on our financial condition or
results of operations.
 
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
 
     Not applicable.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   31
 
                                    PART II
 
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER
MATTERS
 
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
 
     Our common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq National Market (the "NNM") under
the trading symbol "IIXC." The following table sets forth, on a per share basis,
the high and low closing sale prices for the common stock for the periods
indicated as reported by the NNM.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                PRICE RANGE
                                                              ----------------
                                                               HIGH      LOW
                                                              ------    ------
<S>                                                           <C>       <C>
Fiscal Year 1997
  First Quarter.............................................  $36.25    $18.75
  Second Quarter............................................   27.88     17.00
  Third Quarter.............................................   33.00     19.50
  Fourth Quarter............................................   40.13     29.38
Fiscal Year 1998
  First Quarter.............................................   60.38     30.50
  Second Quarter............................................   57.63     36.88
  Third Quarter.............................................   54.25     24.50
  Fourth Quarter............................................   40.25     17.63
</TABLE>
 
     As of March 19, 1999, there were approximately 7,945 common stockholders.
 
DIVIDEND POLICY
 
     We have never paid any cash dividends on our common stock and we do not
expect to pay cash dividends on our common stock in the near future. The terms
of the $600 million credit facility we entered into in October 1998 restrict the
payment of dividends. Additionally, no dividends may be paid on the common stock
until all dividends are paid in full on our 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock,
our 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock, and our 6 3/4% Convertible Preferred
Stock (collectively, the "Preferred Stock"), as follows:
 
     - Dividends on the 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock are payable quarterly
       in cash at an annual rate of 7 1/4% of the aggregate liquidation
       preference (which amounted to $107.5 million at December 31, 1998). On
       March 31, 1999, we have the option to pay dividends in additional shares
       of 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
     - Dividends on our 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock are payable
       quarterly at the annual rate of 12 1/2% of the aggregate liquidation
       preference (which amounted to $354.9 million at December 31, 1998,
       including accrued dividends of approximately $5.5 million). Through
       February 15, 2001, we have the option to pay dividends in additional
       shares of 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock. Dividends are payable in
       cash thereafter.
 
     - Dividends on our 6 3/4% Convertible Preferred Stock are payable quarterly
       in cash at the annual rate of 6 3/4%. If we are prohibited from paying
       dividends in cash under the terms of our debt agreements, then we may pay
       dividends in common stock valued at 95% of the average price of the
       common stock for 5 business days prior to the dividend payment date.
 
     Our ability to pay dividends on shares of Preferred Stock is limited by the
terms of the $600 million credit facility. We intend to retain future operating
cash flow, if any, to finance our operations and fund the growth of our
business. Any payment of future dividends on our common stock will be at the
discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other things,
our earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level of indebtedness,
contractual and legal restrictions with respect to the payment of dividends and
other factors our Board of Directors deems relevant.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   32
 
ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following table sets forth our selected historical financial data. The
historical financial data has been derived from the audited Consolidated
Financial Statements. The audited financial statements have been restated to
include the combined results of operations of Eclipse, which was acquired in
June 1998 in a transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests. The selected
historical financial data set forth below is qualified in its entirety by, and
should be read in conjunction with, "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations," "Business" and our Consolidated
Financial Statements, related notes thereto and other financial information
included herein.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                     ----------------------------------------------------------
                                       1994        1995        1996        1997         1998
                                     --------    --------    --------    --------    ----------
                                                       (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                  <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Net operating revenue............  $128,982    $154,714    $281,967    $521,617    $  668,568
  Operating income (loss)..........    16,745       3,380     (19,944)    (49,540)      (30,809)
  Income (loss) before
     extraordinary item............     6,732      (2,434)    (44,237)    (99,164)      (95,504)
  Extraordinary gain (loss)........     2,298      (1,747)         --          --       (66,952)
  Net income (loss)................     9,030      (4,181)    (44,237)    (99,164)     (162,456)
  Basic and diluted income (loss)
     per share before extraordinary
     item..........................      0.25       (0.15)      (1.52)      (3.47)        (4.28)
     Extraordinary item............      0.09       (0.07)         --          --         (1.87)
     Net income (loss).............      0.34       (0.22)      (1.52)      (3.47)        (6.15)
     Weighted average basic and
       diluted shares..............    26,628      26,793      30,277      34,777        35,868
 
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Cash and cash equivalents........  $  6,709    $  8,375    $ 64,090    $155,855    $  264,826
  Total assets.....................   122,742     365,738     485,335     968,872     1,748,237
  Total debt and capital lease
     obligations...................    70,563     302,794     305,578     320,747       693,000
  Redeemable preferred stock.......        --          --          --     403,368       447,858
  Stockholders' equity (deficit)...    23,593      23,480      75,281     (18,671)      (72,546)
 
OTHER FINANCIAL AND OPERATIONS
  DATA:
  EBITDA(1)........................  $ 29,675    $ 22,542    $ 15,983    $ 23,190    $   90,732
  Capital expenditures.............     7,087      23,670     136,976     315,853       476,382
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) EBITDA is operating income (loss) plus depreciation, amortization, and
    merger-related costs. We believe that EBITDA is used by certain investors as
    one measure of a company's historical ability to service its debt. EBITDA is
    not a measurement determined in accordance with generally accepted
    accounting principles ("GAAP"), should not be considered in isolation or as
    a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with GAAP,
    and is not necessarily comparable with similarly titled measures for other
    companies.
 
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS
 
OVERVIEW
 
     We are a leading provider of data and voice telecommunications transmission
services. Our coast-to-coast fiber optic network contained approximately 9300
fiber route miles at year-end 1998. Additions to this network continue to be
constructed. Subject to the availability of capital, we plan on having
approximately 16,400 fiber route miles by the end of 1999. We provide 3
principal products through both wholesale and retail distribution channels. We
lease dedicated circuits, or private lines, to other companies for the
transmission of data and
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   33
 
voice. We transmit long distance switched services through our switches.
Finally, we are an Internet backbone provider that also provides ATM-Frame
Relay-based switched data and other Internet-related services.
 
     In February 1999, we announced that we are considering various strategic
alternatives to create advanced, diversified products and services and the scale
to provide complete voice, data and Internet solutions to a broad customer base.
Alternatives under consideration include many possibilities, from sale or swaps
of fiber to joint ventures or a combination of the company with another company.
To review some of the alternatives that have been initiated by the company or by
others, we have retained Morgan Stanley for assistance.
 
  Private Line Business
 
     This business represented 33.7%, 31.0%, and 35.4% of our revenue in 1998,
1997, and 1996, respectively. Our service agreements with customers are
generally either capacity IRUs where large up-front payments are received, or
leases of capacity which provide for monthly payments due in advance on a
fixed-rate per circuit basis. Contracts are priced according to the capacity,
the length of the circuit used and the term of the contract. This business is
becoming increasingly competitive as other carriers build and expand their
networks. This year, we leased transmission capacity to over 275 customers.
 
     The largest component of our cost of services in the private line business
is the expense of leasing off-net capacity from other carriers to meet specific
customer needs, which we cannot currently meet with our network due to capacity
or geographic constraints. In the normal course of business we also enter into
exchange agreements with other carriers. In these agreements, we exchange excess
fiber or capacity on our network for fiber or capacity on the other carriers'
networks. These exchange agreements generally do not provide for cash payments
to be made, but rather allow us to reduce the cash payments we must make for
off-net capacity from other carriers. Some of the original exchanges of fiber
for capacity are accounted for at the fair value of the capacity exchanged, as
non-cash revenue and expense in equal amounts over the term of the agreements.
In 1998, 1997 and 1996 we recorded revenue and expense of $19.1 million, $14.0
million and $14.0 million, respectively, relating to such exchanges.
 
  Long Distance Switched Services Business
 
     This business represented approximately 62.0%, 68.9% and 64.6% of our total
revenue in 1998, 1997, and 1996, respectively. We sell these services on a
per-call basis, charging by the minutes-of-use ("MOU"). Payment for these
services is due monthly after services are rendered. Our rates for calls vary
with the duration of the call, the day and time of day the call was made. The
rate also depends on whether the call had an intrastate, interstate or
international destination. We provide these services on both a wholesale and a
retail basis. On a wholesale basis, we sell to resellers of long distance
services. On a retail basis, we sell to small and medium size businesses. At
year-end 1998, we had over 113,000 long distance customers.
 
     Our main source of costs in the long distance switched services business is
access costs with LEC's and other providers, and the expense of leasing off-net
capacity from other carriers. The LEC access charges have both a usage and a
fixed-rate component and vary according to the LATA in which calls originate and
terminate. The usage portion of these costs has decreased dramatically in the
past eighteen months, driven by FCC-mandated reductions. However, monthly fixed
costs associated with LEC local office trunking have offset a significant
portion of these savings. Long distance network leasing costs are incurred as we
lease capacity to carry traffic where our network does not reach or is already
running at or near capacity. We expect these costs to decline as we transfer
traffic onto newly constructed routes of our own network, however; since we do
not intend to expand our network to all areas of the United States, we will
continue to lease capacity from other carriers. The long distance switched
services business is highly competitive, resulting in a continuing reduction of
wholesale and retail rates over the last several years.
 
  Data/Internet Business
 
     In 1997 we began providing ATM-Frame Relay-based switched data services in
order to capitalize on the growing demand for Internet and electronic data
transfer services. In 1998, we acquired four Internet-based businesses that
allow us to offer a full complement of Internet-related services including
Internet access,
                                       33
<PAGE>   34
 
collocation of Web servers, network systems integration solutions and dial-up
services on both a wholesale and retail basis. Payment for these services is
generally monthly after services are performed for recurring charges and on a
completion of project basis for project related services. In 1998 this business
represented approximately 1.4% of our total revenue. At year-end we had over
36,000 data/Internet customers.
 
     Our main source of costs in the data/Internet business is the expense of
leasing off-net capacity from other carriers to meet specific customer needs,
where our network is not available. We expect these costs to decline as a
percentage of revenue, but increase in absolute terms. As we expand our network,
more of this capacity will be transferred to our network, but we expect the
rapid rise in this business will continue to drive the need for leasing capacity
where our network is not available.
 
  Other Revenue
 
     During the third and fourth quarters of 1998, we recorded revenue of $19.8
million from the sale of options in fibers that were jointly owned with another
carrier. This revenue was reported, net of our basis in the options, as "other
revenue" and is excluded from our segment results.
 
  Capital Expenditures
 
     We have spent significant amounts of capital to develop our coast-to-coast
network. We spent $476.4 million for capital expenditures during 1998, and we
estimate that we will spend over $600 million in 1999. We are continuing to
expand our network. We expect to continue making substantial capital
expenditures for fiber expansion and the deployment of additional optronics and
voice and data switches to provide capacity for revenue growth.
 
  Acquisition Transactions
 
     In June 1998 we consummated the acquisition of Eclipse, a provider of long
distance services to businesses and association programs, agents and other long
distance carriers. The transaction was accounted for as a pooling-of-interests
in which the Eclipse shares were exchanged for approximately 4.1 million shares
of our common stock.
 
     During March 1998 through June 1998, we acquired four Internet businesses
to expand our data/Internet segment. We acquired Data Place, a company that
supplies businesses with complete network systems integration solutions. We
acquired NTR, a company that offers custom back office support to wholesale
customers and Internet dial-up services to retail customers. We acquired NEI, an
Internet consulting company. Our final acquisition was SMARTNAP, which provides
aggregated Internet access, collocation of Web servers and routers and end-site
managed connectivity. None of these acquisitions were material to our revenue
and net income.
 
     In January 1999 we entered into an agreement to acquire Coastal. Coastal is
a long distance provider focusing on small business customers. This anticipated
acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase and is valued at approximately
$100 million, approximately $25 million of which is payable in shares of our
common stock. This transaction is conditioned upon regulatory approval and
certain other events and is anticipated to close in mid-1999.
 
  Marca-Tel
 
     Through December 31, 1998, we had invested $44.8 million in Progress
including $14.9 million on behalf of Westel. In 1998 Westel agreed to give us a
note for $14.9 million to repay us for certain contributions previously made to
Progress on Westel's behalf. The balance of the note receivable from Westel at
December 31, 1998, was $9.4 million. The final note payment is due in May 1999
and is secured by a portion of Westel's ownership in Progress.
 
     We account for Progress and Marca-Tel using the equity method of
accounting. Through the third quarter of 1998, we recognized our share of losses
from Progress based on the relative amount of funds we contributed to Progress
compared to Westel. Beginning with the fourth quarter of 1998, the sum of our
                                       34
<PAGE>   35
 
remaining investment in Marca-Tel and the promissory note from Westel was below
zero due to the amount of losses we previously recorded; therefore, we suspended
recognition of losses from Marca-Tel. We will continue to suspend recognition of
losses until Marca-Tel begins reporting net income and all suspended losses have
been recovered.
 
     In September 1995 Marca-Tel entered into an agreement with a vendor to
construct a portion of Marca-Tel's telecommunications network in Mexico and to
provide significant financing for such construction and related equipment and
fiber purchases. The vendor has been granted security interests in all of
Marca-Tel's assets, including the telecommunications network, and the owners of
Marca-Tel, including Progress, have pledged their interests in Marca-Tel to
collateralize payment to the vendor. As of December, 1998, approximately $77.1
million was owed by Marca-Tel to the vendor. In February 1999 Marca-Tel amended
its credit agreement with the vendor and agreed to increase the vendor's
ownership interest in Marca-Tel. This decreased our indirect ownership to 24%.
 
  Investment in Storm
 
     In 1997 we formed Storm, a joint venture with Telenor AS, the Norwegian
national telephone company. In mid-1998, Storm began to provide
telecommunication services to carriers and resellers in Europe. The joint
venture is owned 40 percent by us, 40 percent by Telenor, and 20 percent by
Clarion Resources Communications Corporation, a U.S.-based telecommunications
company in which Telenor owns a controlling interest. We account for this
investment using the equity method.
 
  Investment in Unidial Communications Services, LLC
 
     In December 1997, we formed Unidial Communications Services, LLC, a joint
venture with Unidial Communications. This joint venture has a direct sales force
to market and sell the products of both partners over our network. The joint
venture is owned 80 percent by Unidial and 20 percent by us. At December 31,
1998, we had invested $10 million in this joint venture. In February 1999 we
invested an additional $4 million in this joint venture. After this initial $14
million funding, we are not required to fund any future investments to the joint
venture, but to the extent Unidial funds such investments alone, our interest in
the joint venture may be diluted. We account for this investment using the
equity method.
 
  PSINet Transaction
 
     In February 1998, we consummated an agreement to provide PSINet an IRU in
10,000 miles of OC-48 transmission capacity on our network over a 20-year period
in exchange for approximately 10.2 million shares of PSINet common stock with a
guaranteed value of $240 million within two years of providing PSINet of all the
capacity. In January 1999 the PSINet stock exceeded the guaranteed $240 million
threshold, thereby eliminating the requirement of PSINet to make additional
payments to us. Upon delivery of the transmission capacity to PSINet, we will
begin to receive a maintenance fee, which, as the full capacity is delivered, is
expected to increase to approximately $11.5 million per year. We initially
accounted for our investment in PSINet using the equity method and recorded our
share of PSINet's operating losses. Beginning with the third quarter of 1998,
our share of PSINet's stock was below 20% and we no longer had an officer with a
seat on PSINet's board of directors. As a result, we began accounting for this
investment using the cost method. The market value of the shares on March 30,
1999, was $448.2 million.
 
  Investment in Applied Theory
 
     In May 1998 we acquired a 34% interest in the New York-based ISP, Applied
Theory. Applied Theory was formed in 1996 to provide high quality Internet
services for the New York state research and education community. In 1998 we
invested almost $13 million in Applied Theory. This investment is being
accounted for under the equity method.
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   36
 
  Investment in DCI.
 
     We obtained an investment in DCI in November 1998, in consideration for a
note from one of our customers which was also a vendor of DCI. We acquired 4.25
million common shares of DCI. DCI is an international provider of telephone
services, including long distance, prepaid telephone cards and Internet
services. DCI has an option to repurchase all 4.25 million shares of its common
stock from us through April 1, 1999, at a price of approximately $18 million. In
the event the option is not exercised there will be an adjustment to the number
of shares we own on June 1, 1999, if the 15-day volume weighted average price of
the DCI shares is outside the range of $4.20 to $5.88. After this adjustment, if
any, we will own common stock of DCI with a minimum value of approximately $18
million and a maximum value of $22 million. We account for this investment using
the cost method.
 
  Fiber Sales and IRUs
 
     We have sold fiber and capacity IRUs. IRU sales are recorded as unearned
revenue and are included in other current and other non-current liabilities in
the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, when the fiber or capacity is
accepted by the customer. Revenue is recognized over the terms of the related
agreements. In 1998, we received approximately $128.5 million in cash and $105.2
million in notes receivable from these sales but recognized only $8.9 million as
revenue.
 
  Financing Transactions
 
     In July 1996, we raised gross proceeds of approximately $83.3 million
(before deducting certain expenses) through an initial public offering of our
common stock and $12.5 million from a private placement of our common stock.
 
     In April 1997, we raised gross proceeds of $100 million (before deducting
discounts and certain expenses) through the sale of our 7 1/4% Convertible
Preferred Stock.
 
     In August 1997, we raised gross proceeds of $300 million (before deducting
discounts and certain expenses) through the sale of our 12 1/2% Exchangeable
Preferred Stock.
 
     In March and April, 1998 we raised gross proceeds of approximately $155
million (before deducting discounts and certain expenses) through the sale of
6 3/4% Convertible Preferred Stock.
 
     In April 1998 we raised gross proceeds of $450 million (before deducting
discounts and certain expenses) from the sale of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes.
Part of these proceeds ($342.7 million) was used to pay off the 12 1/2% Senior
Notes issued in October 1995. In conjunction with that early redemption of the
12 1/2% Senior Notes, an extraordinary charge of $67 million, net of related tax
benefit, was recorded.
 
     In October 1998 we entered into a $600 million credit facility, including a
$150 million revolving loan capacity, a $200 million term loan facility and an
uncommitted special purpose loan facility of $250 million. The $200 million term
loan was drawn down during the fourth quarter of 1998.
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   37
 
QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following table presents certain unaudited quarterly financial
information for each of our quarters in 1997 and 1998. This information was
prepared on the same basis as the audited financial statements appearing
elsewhere in this Form 10-K. The table includes the operations of Eclipse for
all periods and all adjustments (which consist only of normal recurring
adjustments) necessary to present fairly the unaudited quarterly results set
forth herein. The operating results for any quarter are not necessarily
indicative of results for any future period. We may experience substantial
fluctuations in quarterly results in the future as a result of various factors,
including customer turnover, variations in the success of our customers'
businesses and price competition.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1997 QUARTER ENDED                           1998 QUARTER ENDED
                                       -----------------------------------------   ------------------------------------------
                                        MAR 31     JUN 30     SEP 30     DEC 31     MAR 31     JUN 30      SEP 30     DEC 31
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------   --------
                                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Statement of Operations Data:
Net operating revenue:
  Private line circuits..............  $ 30,869   $ 38,380   $ 41,671   $ 50,650   $ 43,340   $  49,232   $ 61,908     70,878
  Switched long distance.............    76,013     75,318     94,881    113,076    113,767     105,502    110,741     84,395
  Data/Internet......................        --        114        277        368        476       1,201      3,631      3,721
  Other..............................        --         --         --         --         --          --      8,989     10,787
  Net operating revenue..............   106,882    113,812    136,829    164,094    157,583     155,935    185,269    169,781
  Operating expenses:
  Cost of services...................    84,894     90,979    101,035    118,759    107,949     107,593    109,984    107,774
  Operations and administration......    21,983     24,380     28,047     28,350     29,336      29,992     40,094     45,114
  Depreciation and amortization......    10,914     14,559     24,601     19,065     20,152      22,636     34,801     35,997
  Merger related costs...............     3,325         --        302        (36)       (36)      7,681        444       (134)
                                       --------   --------   --------   --------   --------   ---------   --------   --------
    Operating income (loss)..........  $(14,234)  $(16,106)  $(17,156)  $ (2,044)  $    182   $ (11,967)  $    (54)  $(18,970)
                                       ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   =========   ========   ========
    Net loss.........................  $(22,498)  $(27,914)  $(31,172)  $(17,580)  $(17,895)  $(102,507)  $(15,301)  $(26,753)
                                       ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   =========   ========   ========
    Basic and diluted loss per
      share(1).......................  $  (0.67)  $  (0.87)  $  (1.09)  $  (0.84)  $  (0.83)  $   (3.30)  $  (0.85)  $  (1.17)
                                       ========   ========   ========   ========   ========   =========   ========   ========
Other Financial and Operations Data:
  EBITDA(2)..........................  $      5   $ (1,547)  $  7,747   $ 16,985   $ 20,298   $  18,350   $ 35,191   $ 16,893
</TABLE>
 
---------------
(1) Basic and diluted loss per share calculations for each of the quarters were
    based on the weighted average number of shares outstanding for each period,
    therefore the sum of the quarters may not necessarily be equal to the full
    year basic and diluted loss per share amount.
 
(2) EBITDA is operating loss plus depreciation, amortization and merger-related
    charges. We believe that EBITDA is used by certain investors as one measure
    of a company's ability to service its debt. EBITDA is not a measurement
    determined in accordance with GAAP, should not be considered in isolation or
    as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with
    GAAP, and is not necessarily comparable with similarly titled measures for
    other companies.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  1998 Compared with 1997
 
     Net operating revenue for 1998 increased 28.2% to $668.6 million from
$521.6 million in 1997. This improvement came mainly from increases in private
line revenue and switched long distance revenue. The private line improvement of
$63.8 million was driven by the activation of services relating to a $265
million agreement with a large ISP. The long distance switched services revenue
improvement was driven from both retail and wholesale customers. Wholesale
minutes of use increased from 3.0 billion in 1997 to 4.0 billion in 1998. The
remaining revenue improvement came partially from our data/Internet segment
largely due to the acquisition of the four Internet businesses in mid-1998 and
partially from the sale of options on fiber usage rights that are jointly owned
with another carrier.
 
     Cost of services principally consists of access charges paid to LECs and
transmission lease costs to transmit calls in areas not covered by our network.
Cost of services increased $37.6 million, or 9.5%, to
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   38
 
$433.3 million in 1998. This increase primarily consists of an increase in
transmission lease expense due to our entering into dedicated circuit leases in
advance of the expansion of our network , and higher access costs from increased
minutes of use. Our gross margin, excluding the $19.8 million in other revenue,
improved to 33.2% in 1998 from 24.1% in 1997. This improvement is due to the
large increase in private line revenue, largely carried on our network, and to
the FCC-mandated decreases in access costs that occurred from mid-1997 through
mid-1998. We expect access costs to increase with minutes of use and as a
percentage of revenue as competition drives prices down.
 
     Operations and administration expenses increased 40.7% from 1997 to $144.5
million in 1998. This increase is due to the increased staffing required to
support the larger network and the larger revenue base, particularly in retail
operations. We had significant increases in expanding our information technology
infrastructure, our retail sales infrastructure and the cost of supporting the
expanded network. We anticipate further increases in these costs, in total and
as a percentage of revenue, as we expand our long distance switched services
business and our network.
 
     Depreciation and amortization increased 64.3% to $113.6 million in 1998.
These higher costs are principally the result of more of the expanded network
being placed in service and depreciated throughout 1998 than throughout 1997.
Amortization expense has increased due to the amortization of goodwill relating
to our Internet-related acquisitions in 1998. We expect these costs to continue
increasing in future periods as we continue to invest in equipment and fiber to
support new higher capacity routes.
 
     Interest income increased 84.6% to $14.3 million in 1998 due to the larger
amount of cash on hand in 1998 versus 1997 and due to interest earned on notes
receivable from customers in 1998. Cash on hand was higher during 1998 due to
the sale of the $155 million in 6 3/4% Convertible Preferred Stock in March and
April 1998, the sale of the $450 million of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes in
April 1998, and the draw-down of $200 million of the $600 credit facility in
October 1998, offset by the early redemption of the 12 1/2% Senior Notes in
April 1998.
 
     Interest expense was unchanged at $31.7 million year over year as the
increased outstanding debt was offset by lower interest rates on the 9% Senior
Subordinated Notes and the $600 million credit facility versus the 12 1/2%
Senior Notes that were redeemed in April 1998.
 
     Equity losses from unconsolidated subsidiaries increased 38.6% to $33.0
million in 1998. In 1998 we recorded $15.9 million of losses from our indirect
investment in Marca-Tel. We suspended recognition of losses in the fourth
quarter of 1998 because our investment in Marca-Tel was below zero. We will
continue to suspend recognition of losses until Marca-Tel begins reporting net
income and all suspended losses have been recovered. At the beginning of the
third quarter of 1998 we began accounting for our investment in PSINet using the
cost method because we no longer had significant influence over the financial or
operating policies of PSINet. In 1998 the other joint ventures in which we have
investments all reported losses. In 1997, our only investment with operations
was Marca-Tel. As a result, although the equity losses relating to Marca-Tel
decreased 33.3% in 1998 versus 1997, losses recorded for the other investments,
including PSINet during part of the year, more than offset the Marca-Tel
decrease.
 
     Income tax expense increased $12.6 million to $13.9 million in 1998. This
increase was due to the taxable income created by the IRU transactions in 1998.
This tax increase is mainly related to the alternative minimum tax on
utilization of net operating loss carryforwards and on state income taxes. For
accounting purposes, we do not recognize any tax benefits relating to taxable
losses incurred from 1996 through 1998.
 
     The extraordinary loss of $67.0 million recorded in 1998 relates to charges
associated with the early extinguishment of the 12 1/2% Senior Notes in April
1998. There was no such charge in 1997.
 
     We experienced a net loss applicable to common shareholders of $220.7
million in 1998 versus $120.8 million in 1997. The increased loss is due to the
items identified above, plus an increase of $36.6 million in preferred stock
dividends. The increased dividends in 1998 are due to the preferred stock issued
in 1997 being outstanding for a full year in 1998 plus the partial year impact
of the 6 3/4% Convertible Preferred Stock issued in 1998.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   39
 
  1997 Compared With 1996
 
     Net operating revenue for 1997 increased 85.0% to $521.6 million from
$282.0 million for 1996. The increase is mainly a result of increased growth of
our long distance switched services business and our private line business. Long
distance switched services revenue increased 97.2% to $359.3 million for 1997
compared to $182.2 million for 1996. Billable wholesale MOUs were 3.0 billion in
1997, compared to 1.1 billion for 1996. Revenue for the private line business
for 1997 increased 61.9% to $161.6 million from $99.8 million for 1996. The
private line increase in revenue correlates with the additional fiber capacity
available on our network.
 
     Cost of services for 1997 increased 103.0% to $395.7 million from $194.9
million for 1996. The increase resulted mainly from additional leases for
transmission capacity supporting the private line and switched long distance
services businesses, MOUs provided by other carriers; and access charges paid to
LECs in connection with the increased long distance switched services revenue.
Cost of services increased faster on a percentage basis than revenue principally
because switched long distance services revenues generate substantially lower
gross margins than private line revenue and we experienced a larger increase in
the switched long distance revenue than the private line revenue.
 
     Operations and administration expenses for 1997 increased 44.5% to $102.8
million from $71.1 million in 1996. This increase is primarily the result of
employee costs and other operating expenses associated with the growth in our
network.
 
     Depreciation and amortization for 1997 increased 92.4% to $69.1 million
from $35.9 million for 1996. The increase is primarily the result of
depreciation related to the expanded network size in 1997.
 
     Interest income for 1997 decreased from $10.2 million for 1996 to $7.8
million as proceeds from the 1996 and 1997 debt and equity placements were used
to construct our network and operate our business. The decrease from 1996 was
offset partially by the interest earned on the proceeds of the sale of $100.0
million of the 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock in April 1997 and $300.0
million of 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock in August 1997.
 
     Interest expense decreased from $37.6 million in 1996 to $31.7 million in
1997. The decrease is primarily the result of additional capitalization of
interest related to the fiber network construction.
 
     Equity in losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries for 1997 were $23.8 million
compared to $2.0 million in 1996. These losses primarily relate to our share of
losses in Marca-Tel, which began operations during the first quarter of 1997,
while continuing to complete its network construction. At December 31, 1997, the
net carrying value of the Mexican joint venture investment was $11.6 million.
 
     Income tax expense for 1997 was $1.4 million compared to a benefit of $5.9
million for 1996. The increase occurred because we recognized tax benefits
related to the favorable resolution of federal income tax examinations in 1996.
For accounting purposes, we did not recognize any tax benefits relating to
losses incurred during both 1996 and 1997.
 
     We experienced a net loss applicable to common shareholders of $120.8
million for 1997 compared to $46.0 million for 1996 as a result of the factors
discussed above and the increase in preferred stock dividends in 1997. The
increase in preferred stock dividends of $19.9 million is the result of issuing
of the 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock in April 1997 and the 12 1/2%
Exchangeable Preferred Stock in August 1997.
 
SEGMENT INFORMATION
 
     In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement Number
131, we began reporting our results by segments in 1998. Historically, we have
viewed ourselves as operating in the private line and switched long distance
industries, with a common network and administrative, financing and investing
functions supporting both businesses. We look at both the revenue and cost of
services of both of these businesses, as well as our growing data/Internet
business. Assets (other than accounts receivable) and liabilities, sales,
general and administrative expenses, and financing and other costs are
associated with supporting all businesses and therefore are not considered to
relate to any one segment.
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   40
 
     Current and prior year segment information includes the operations of
Eclipse, which we acquired in a transaction accounted for as a pooling of
interests.
 
  Private Line
 
     Private line revenue increased to $225.4 in 1998 million from $161.6
million in 1997. This increase was mainly due to the impact of the $265 million
ISP contract that started in mid-1998. Cost of service for this segment grew
18.0 % in 1998 as we continued to lease off-net transmission capacity in advance
of completing our network. Despite this growth in transmission lease expense,
gross profit for private line improved to 61.9% of revenue from 55.0% during the
prior year. This increase occurred mainly because a significant portion of the
traffic from the ISP contract occurred on our network. Our largest private line
customer, MCIWorldCom, accounted for approximately 19.4% of our 1998 private
line revenue.
 
  Switched Long Distance Service
 
     Revenue in this segment increased 15.3% in 1998 to $414.4 million from
$359.3 million in 1997. This increase came despite a reduction in minutes of use
by Excel, which renegotiated its contract from a switched service contract to a
higher-margin, private line contract. This improvement was due to increased
usage as rates continued to decline with competition. Excel, our largest long
distance customer, accounted for approximately 18.2% of the switched long
distance revenue in 1998. Gross profit for this segment increased 98.8% over
1997 to $80.3 million. This improvement was largely due to a reduction in access
costs during both 1997 and 1998 mandated by the FCC. The 1998 reduction in
access costs was partially offset by an increase in tandem-trunking charges
implemented in July 1998.
 
  Data/Internet Services
 
     In 1998 this segment's revenue increased to $9.0 million from $.8 million
in 1997. This improvement was due to the impact of the Internet-related
acquisitions we made during 1998 and the increasing demand for Internet
services. Despite the year-over-year rise in revenue, this segment still has not
generated the revenue necessary to cover its cost of services. As a result, the
gross margin loss for the segment increased to a negative $4.4 million from a
negative $2.9 million in 1997.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     Prior to 1996 we relied on cash flows from the operations of our private
line business to provide needed capital. Since 1996, we have needed significant
additional capital to finance the expansion of our network. This capital has
been raised primarily through the issuance of debt and equity securities as well
as through sales of IRUs in fibers or capacity on our network.
 
     Cash provided by operating activities was $202.3 million for the year ended
December 31, 1998, compared to $21.8 million in 1997. This increase was
primarily due to payments received for the sale of IRUs, other operating
revenue, and improved operations in the private line and switched long distance
businesses. We expect cash provided by operations to be positive going forward,
fueled by the sale of capacity IRUs and periodic operating results.
 
     Cash used in investing activities for 1998 was $522.9 million compared to
$302.4 million for 1997. The increase is primarily due to higher capital
expenditures related to expanding our network. The remaining increase in cash
used for investing activities was due to funding acquisitions and investments in
unconsolidated subsidiaries. We expect that capital expenditures will continue
to require a significant amount of cash through the end of fiscal year 1999 and
thereafter.
 
     Cash provided by financing activities increased $58.6 million as net
proceeds from debt and equity financing increased by $442.7 million and more
than offset an increase of $356.3 million in debt repayments principally related
to the 12 1/2% Senior Notes. We will continue to rely on funding from financing
activities as long as there are significant expansions of our network.
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   41
 
     As of December 31, 1998, we had $264.8 million in cash and cash
equivalents. On October 28, 1998, we entered into a $600 million senior secured
credit facility with a syndicate of commercial banks. We received funding of
$200 million, net of $4.2 million of transaction costs. The facility consists of
a $150 million revolving facility, a $200 million term loan facility, and an
uncommitted special purpose loan facility of $250 million. We must comply with
various financial and other covenants on an ongoing basis in addition to meeting
the covenants on a pro forma basis prior to drawing additional amounts under the
credit facility. Certain of the covenants become more restrictive over time.
From time to time we have discussions with the banks to ensure that we will
remain in compliance with these covenants on a prospective basis. Loans
outstanding under the credit facility bear interest at either LIBOR or the lead
commercial bank's prime rate plus applicable margins.
 
     We expect that the primary sources for cash over the next 12 months will be
cash on hand, cash generated by operations, proceeds from IRU sales, proceeds
from the credit facility discussed above and the proceeds from any additional
debt, vendor and working capital financing we may seek. In addition, we have the
ability to sell or borrow against our investments in marketable securities,
including the PSINet stock. We seek to obtain sufficient funding from these
sources for the following major uses of cash:
 
     - our network expansion and other capital expenditures
 
     - debt service;
 
     - lease payments;
 
     - working capital; and
 
     - dividends on preferred stock.
 
     Capital spending in 1999 is projected to be over $600 million. After 1999,
capital expenditures are expected to continue to be substantial. There can be no
assurance that we will be successful in obtaining the necessary financing to
meet our needs. A failure to raise cash would delay or prevent capital
expenditures including the construction of our network expansion. The foregoing
capital expenditure and cash requirements for 1999 and thereafter do not take
into account the Coastal acquisition or any other acquisitions that may
subsequently occur. If we consummate the Coastal acquisition, we will be
obligated to pay $62.5 million in cash and have the option of paying an
additional $25 million in either cash or common stock.
 
     We are required to make payments under various debt and capital lease
arrangements of $15.5 million, $11.8 million, and $9.1 million in 1999, 2000,
and 2001, respectively. We are also required to make quarterly interest payments
on amounts outstanding under our $600 million credit facility and to make
semi-annual interest payments on our 9% Senior Subordinated Notes and the
remaining 12 1/2% Senior Notes. We are required to pay quarterly dividends on
the 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock at an annual rate of 7 1/4%; such
dividends must be paid in cash except that we have the option of paying
dividends in additional shares of 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock through
March 31, 1999. We are required to pay quarterly dividends on the 12 1/2%
Exchangeable Preferred Stock at an annual rate of 12 1/2%; such dividends must
be paid in cash except that we have the option of paying dividends in additional
shares of 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock through February 15, 2001.
Dividends on our 6 3/4% Convertible Preferred Stock are payable quarterly in
cash at the annual rate of 6 3/4%. If we are prohibited from paying dividends in
cash under the terms of our debt agreements, then we may pay dividends in common
stock valued at 95% of the average price of the common stock for 5 business days
prior to the dividend payment date. We anticipate that such debt and equity
service payments during 1999 will be made from cash on hand, except for the
dividends on the 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock which are anticipated to
be paid in kind with stock dividends.
 
     We are required to make minimum annual lease payments for facilities,
equipment and transmission capacity used in operating our business. In 1999,
2000, 2001, and 2002, we anticipate making payments of approximately $38.8
million, $21.4 million, $16.8 million, and $11.0 million, respectively, on
operating leases. We expect to incur additional operating lease costs associated
with the expansion of our network and the retail and Internet operations.
Additionally, from time to time we enter into various construction and
installation agreements with contractors associated with our network expansion.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   42
 
     The forward-looking statements set forth above with respect to the
estimated cash requirements relating to capital expenditures, our ability to
meet such cash requirements and our ability to service our debt are based on
certain assumptions as to future events. Important assumptions, which if not
met, could adversely affect our ability to achieve satisfactory results include
that: (i) there will be no significant delays with respect to our network
expansion; (ii) our contractors and partners in cost-saving arrangements will
perform their obligations; (iii) rights-of-way can be obtained in a timely,
cost-effective basis; (iv) we will continue to increase traffic on our network;
and (v) we will be able to obtain vendor or additional debt financing.
 
  Year 2000 Risks
 
     The Year 2000 issue is the result of computer software programs being coded
to use two digits rather than four to define the year. It is possible that some
of our existing computer programs that have date-sensitive coding may recognize
a date using "00" as the year 1900 rather than the year 2000. This could result
in system failures or miscalculations causing disruption of operations, which
could have a material adverse effect on our ability to conduct business after
January 1, 2000, including our inability to provide telecommunications services
to our customers or to accurately invoice customers or collect payments.
 
     Substantially all of our network was built in the last three years. As a
result, we believe that we do not have a significant investment in legacy
systems having substantial Year 2000 exposure. However, we have established a
project team to identify, evaluate and address any existing Year 2000 issues.
This Year 2000 effort covers the fiber optic network and supporting
infrastructure related to providing switched, private line and data
telecommunications services, and other operational and financial information
technology ("IT") systems and applications. Also included in this effort are
various other systems such as building operations and individual personal
computers. The project team is reviewing the status of the Year 2000 compliance
effort of key suppliers and other business partners, and is developing business
continuity plans related to Year 2000 issues. While the Year 2000 project team
is evaluating all potentially non-compliant systems, the Year 2000 effort is
structured to give priority to those systems identified as "mission critical."
 
     The project team has identified the following principal phases of the
project: a) assessment and planning, b) remediation, c) testing, and d)
contingency planning. The assessment and planning phase was substantially
complete at December 31, 1998. We have established a target date of June 30,
1999, for remediation of mission critical systems. Of the applications
identified as critical, many have already been remediated and are being tested.
Testing is expected to be completed by September 30, 1999 for all applications.
In addition, all new components being purchased as part of the ongoing network
and IT infrastructure expansion are being evaluated to ensure compliance.
 
     There can be no assurances that third parties, including customers,
suppliers, and other business partners, will convert their critical systems and
processes in a timely manner. Such failure by any of these parties could disrupt
our business. Therefore, in addition to evaluating our internal systems, we are
in the process of evaluating and documenting the status of Year 2000 compliance
efforts by key suppliers.
 
     We currently project incurring expense of approximately $3.6 million
through the end of 1999 in connection with the Year 2000 remediation project, of
which approximately $.8 million was incurred and expensed as of December 31,
1998. Such amounts are exclusive of amounts that were already anticipated to be
spent on new hardware and software purchases resulting from the expansion of our
network and other business operations. We believe that a portion of the Year
2000 expenses will not be incremental costs, but rather will represent the
redeployment of existing IT resources. This redeployment may cause delays in
making other IT or network upgrades or enhancements; however, the delays are not
expected to have a material effect on our operations.
 
     As part of its Year 2000 initiative, we are evaluating scenarios that may
occur as a result of the century change and are developing contingency and
business continuity plans tailored for Year 2000-related problems. These plans
are expected to provide for key operational back-up, recovery and restoration
alternatives. We expect to have these contingency plans completed by June 30,
1999.
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   43
 
     The above information regarding cost estimates, risks, and estimated
readiness are forward looking statements based on numerous assumptions of future
events, including the availability and future costs of certain technological and
other resources, third party modification actions and other factors. Given the
complexity of these issues and other unidentified risks, actual results may vary
materially from those anticipated and discussed above. Specific factors that
might cause such differences include, among others, the availability and cost of
personnel trained in this area, the ability to locate and correct all affected
computer code, the timing and success of remedial efforts of our third party
suppliers and similar uncertainties.
 
ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
     We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates because
the interest rate on approximately $200 million of our debt is indexed to
floating interest rates. We monitor the risk associated with interest rates on
an ongoing basis, but we have not entered into any interest rate swaps or other
financial instruments to actively hedge the risk of changes in prevailing
interest rates.
 
     Significantly all of our revenue is derived from domestic operations, so we
believe the risk related to foreign currency exchange rates is minimal.
 
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
 
     See the Index included at "Item 14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules
and Reports on Form 8-K."
 
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
 
     None.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   44
 
                                    PART III
 
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
 
     The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Commission
within 120 days after December 31, 1998, and is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Commission
within 120 days after December 31, 1998, and is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
     The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Commission
within 120 days after December 31, 1998, and is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
 
     The information required by this item will be contained in our Proxy
Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be filed with the Commission
within 120 days after December 31, 1998, and is incorporated herein by
reference.
 
                                    PART IV
 
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
 
(a) Documents filed as part of this Report:
 
    (1) Index to Financial Statements:
 
<TABLE>
        <S>                                                           <C>
        Report of Ernst & Young LLP.................................  F-2
        Report of Arthur Andersen LLP...............................  F-3
        Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP.............................  F-4
        Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and
          1997......................................................  F-5
        Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
          December 31, 1998, 1997
          and 1996..................................................  F-6
        Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Deficit)
          for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996......  F-7
        Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
          December 31, 1998, 1997
          and 1996..................................................  F-8
        Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  F-9
</TABLE>
 
    (2) Index to Financial Statement Schedules:
 
        All Financial Statement Schedules for which provision is made in the
        applicable accounting regulations of the Commission (i) are included in
        the notes to the financial statements included in this report, (ii) are
        not required under the related instruction or (iii) are inapplicable
        and, therefore, have been omitted.
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   45
 
    (3)(a) Exhibits
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
 3.1       Restated Certificate of Incorporation of IXC Communications,
           Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
           of the IXC Communications, Inc.'s Quarterly Report Form 10-Q
           for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 filed with the
           Commission on November 16, 1998).
 3.2       Bylaws of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the IXC Communications,
           Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
           September 30, 1997 filed with the Commission on November 14,
           1997).
 4.1       Indenture dated as of October 5, 1995, by and among IXC
           Communications, Inc., on its behalf and as
           successor-in-interest to I-Link Holdings, Inc. and IXC
           Carrier Group, Inc., each of IXC Carrier, Inc., on its
           behalf and as successor-in-interest to I-Link, Inc., CTI
           Investments, Inc., Texas Microwave Inc. and WTM Microwave
           Inc., Atlantic States Microwave Transmission Company,
           Central States Microwave Transmission Company, Telcom
           Engineering, Inc., on its behalf and as
           successor-in-interest to SWTT Company and Microwave Network,
           Inc., Tower Communication Systems Corp., West Texas
           Microwave Company, Western States Microwave Transmission
           Company, Rio Grande Transmission, Inc., IXC Long Distance,
           Inc., Link Net International, Inc. (collectively, the
           "Guarantors"), and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as
           Trustee (the "Trustee"), with respect to the 12 1/2% Series
           A and Series B Senior Notes due 2005 (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s and
           each of the Guarantor's Registration Statement on Form S-4
           filed with the Commission on April 1, 1996 (File No.
           333-2936) (the "S-4")).
 4.2       Form of 12 1/2% Series A Senior Notes due 2005 (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the S-4).
 4.3       Form of 12 1/2% Series B Senior Notes due 2005 and
           Subsidiary Guarantee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           4.8 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s Amendment No. 1 to
           Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Commission
           on June 13, 1996 (File No. 333-4061) (the "S-1 Amendment")).
 4.4       Amendment No. 1 to Indenture and Subsidiary Guarantee dated
           as of June 4, 1996, by and among IXC Communications, Inc.,
           the Guarantors and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.11 of the S-1 Amendment).
 4.5       Purchase Agreement dated as of March 25, 1997, by and among
           IXC Communications, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston
           Corporation ("CS First Boston") and Dillon Read & Co. Inc.
           ("Dillon Read") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12
           of IXC Communications, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
           for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, filed with the
           Commission on May 15, 1997 (the "March 31, 1997 10-Q")).
 4.6       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 25, 1997, by
           and among IXC Communications, Inc., CS First Boston and
           Dillon Read (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of
           the March 31, 1997 10-Q).
 4.7       Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of Marc
           25, 1997, by and between IXC Communications, Inc. and
           Trustees of General Electric Pension Trust (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 4.14 of the March 31, 1997 10-Q).
 4.8       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, 1997,
           among IXC Communications, Inc. and each of William G. Rodi,
           Gordon Hutchins, Jr. and William F. Linsmeier (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 4.15 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s
           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
           1997, as filed with the Commission on August 6, 1997 (the
           "June 30, 1997 10-Q")).
 4.9       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, 1997,
           among IXC Communications, Inc. and each of William G. Rodi,
           Gordon Hutchins, Jr. and William F. Linsmeier (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 4.16 of the June 30, 1997 10-Q).
</TABLE>
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   46
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
 4.10      Indenture dated as of August 15, 1997, between IXC
           Communications, Inc. and The Bank of New York (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s
           Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 20, 1997, and filed
           with the Commission on August 28, 1997 (the "8-K")).
 4.11      First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 23, 1997,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors, IXC
           International, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
           year ended December 31, 1997, and filed with the Commission
           on March 16, 1998 (the "1997 10-K")).
 4.12      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 22, 1997,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors, IXC Internet
           Services, Inc., IXC International, Inc. and IBJ Schroder
           Bank & Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           4.14 of the 1997 10-K).
 4.13      Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 6, 1998,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors, IXC Internet
           Services, Inc., IXC International, Inc. and IBJ Schroder
           Bank & Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           4.15 of the 1997 10-K).
 4.14      Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 3, 1998,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors, IXC Internet
           Services, Inc., IXC International, Inc., and IBJ Schroder
           Bank & Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           4.15 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
           Form S-3 filed with the Commission on May 12, 1998 (File No.
           333-52433)).
 4.15      Purchase Agreement dated as of March 25, 1998, among IXC
           Communications, Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. ("Goldman"), CS
           First Boston, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
           Incorporated ("Merrill") and Morgan Stanley & Co.
           Incorporated ("Morgan Stanley") (incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 4.1 IXC Communications, Inc.'s Current Report on
           Form 8-K dated March 30, 1998, and filed with the Commission
           on April 7, 1998 (the "April 7, 1998 8-K")).
 4.16      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 30, 1998,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., Goldman, CS First Boston,
           Merrill and Morgan Stanley (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.2 of the April 7, 1998 8-K).
 4.17      Deposit Agreement dated as of March 30, 1998, between IXC
           Communications, Inc. and BankBoston N.A. (incorporated by
           reference from Exhibit 4.3 of the April 7, 1998 8-K).
 4.18      Purchase Agreement dated as of April 16, 1998, by and among
           IXC Communications, Inc., CS First Boston, Merrill, Morgan
           Stanley and Nationsbanc Montgomery Securities LLC
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
           April 21, 1998, and filed with the Commission on April 22,
           1998 (the "April 22, 1998 8-K").
 4.19      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 16, 1998, by
           and among IXC Communications, Inc., Credit Suisse First
           Boston Corporation, Merrill, Morgan Stanley and Nationsbanc
           Montgomery Securities LLC (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.2 of the April 22, 1998 8-K).
 4.20      Indenture dated as of April 21, 1998, between IXC
           Communications, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company,
           as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the
           April 22, 1998 8-K).
 4.21      Rights Agreement dated as of September 9, 1998, between IXC
           Communications, Inc. and U.S. Stock Transfer Corporation
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Form 8-K dated September 8, 1998 and
           filed with Commission on September 11, 1998).
</TABLE>
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   47
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
10.1       Office Lease dated as of June 21, 1989 with USAA Real Estate
           Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           10.1 of the S-4).
10.2       Equipment Lease dated as of December 1, 1994, by and between
           DSC Finance Corporation and Switched Services
           Communications, L.L.C.; Assignment Agreement dated as of
           December 1, 1994, by and between Switched Services
           Communications, L.L.C. and DSC Finance Corporation; and
           Guaranty dated December 1, 1994, made in favor of DSC
           Finance Corporation by IXC Communications, Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the S-4).
10.3       Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Plan of IXC Communications,
           Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
           of the June 30, 1997 10-Q).
10.4*      Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 1994
           Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the S-4).
10.5       Amended and Restated Development Agreement by and between
           Intertech Management Group, Inc. and IXC Long Distance, Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s and the Guarantors' Amendment No. 1
           to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the
           Commission on May 20, 1996 (File No. 333-2936) ("Amendment
           No. 1 to S-4")).
10.6       Third Amended and Restated Service Agreement dated as of
           April 16, 1998, among IXC Long Distance, Inc., IXC Carrier,
           Inc., IXC Broadband, Inc. and Excel Telecommunications, Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
           quarter ended March 31, 1998, filed with the Commission on
           May 15, 1998 (the "March 31, 1998 10-Q")).
10.7       Equipment Purchase Agreement dated as of January 16, 1996,
           by and between Siecor Corporation and IXC Carrier, Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the S-4).
10.8*      1996 Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the IXC
           Communications, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
           ended December 31, 1996 and filed with the Commission on
           March 28, 1997 (the "1996 10-K")).
10.9       IRU Agreement dated as of November 1995 between WorldCom,
           Inc. and IXC Carrier, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.11 of Amendment No. 1 to the S-4).
10.10*+    IXC Communications, Inc. Outside Directors' Phantom Stock
           Plan 1999 Restatement.
10.11      Business Consultant and Management Agreement dated as of
           March 1, 1998, by and between IXC Communications, Inc. and
           Culp Communications Associates (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.11 of the March 31, 1998 10-Q).
10.12      Employment Agreement dated as of December 28, 1995, by and
           between IXC Communications, Inc. and James F. Guthrie
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the S-1
           Amendment).
10.13*     Special Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the 1996 10-K).
10.14      Lease dated as of June 4, 1997, between IXC Communications,
           Inc. and Carramerca Realty, L.P. (incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 10.17 of the June 30, 1997 10-Q).
10.15      Loan and Security Agreement dated as of July 18, 1997, among
           IXC Communications, Inc., IXC Carrier, Inc. and NTFC Capital
           Corporation ("NTFC") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           10.18 of the June 30, 1997 10-Q).
</TABLE>
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   48
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
10.16      IRU and Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 22, 1997,
           between IXC Internet Services, Inc. and PSINet Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-Q/A for
           the quarter ended September 30, 1997 filed with the
           Commission on December 12, 1997 (the "September 30, 1997
           10-Q/A")).
10.17      Joint Marketing and Services Agreement dated as of July 22,
           1997, between IXC Internet Services, Inc. and PSINet Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the September
           30, 1997 10-Q/A).
10.18      Employment Agreement dated as of September 9, 1997, between
           Benjamin L. Scott and IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of IXC Communication Inc.'s
           Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on S-4 filed with
           the Commission on December 15, 1997 (File No. 333-37157)
           ("Amendment No. 1 to the EPS S-4")).
10.19*     IXC Communications, Inc. 1997 Special Executive Stock Plan
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of Amendment No.
           1 to the EPS S-4).
10.20      First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
           December 23, 1997, among IXC Communications, Inc., IXC
           Carrier, Inc., NTFC and Export Development Corporation
           ("EDC") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the
           1997 10-K).
10.21      Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
           January 21, 1998, among IXC Communications, Inc., IXC
           Carrier, Inc., NTFC and EDC (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.22 of the 1997 10-K).
10.22*     IXC Communications, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the IXC Communications, Inc.'s
           Quarterly Report Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
           30, 1998 filed with the Commission on November 16, 1998).
10.23      Credit Agreement, dated as of October 27, 1998 among the
           Borrower, NationsBank, N.A., as a Lender and Administrative
           Agent, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities, LLC, as Lead
           Arranger, and Credit Suisse First Boston, Goldman Sachs
           Credit Partners, L.P., EDC and TD Securities (USA), Inc.,
           each as a Lender and Co-Syndication Agent (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.1 of IXC Communications, Inc.
           Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 27, 1998 and filed
           with the Commission on November 4, 1998).
10.24+     Office Lease Agreement dated as of December 7, 1998, between
           B.O. III, LTD and IXC Communications Services, Inc.
10.25+*    Employment Agreement dated as of December 7, 1998, by and
           between IXC Communications, Inc. and Michael W. Vent.
21.1+      Subsidiaries of IXC Communications, Inc.
23.1+      Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP.
23.2+      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.3+      Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.4+      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.5+      Auditors' Report of Arthur Andersen LLP
24.1       Powers of Attorney (included as the signature page of this
           Form 10-K).
27.1+      Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 *  Management contract or executive compensation plan or arrangement required
    to be indicated as such and filed as an exhibit pursuant to applicable rules
    of the Commission.
 
 +  Filed herewith.
 
    (b) Reports on Form 8-K.
 
(1) Form 8-K dated October 27, 1998 and filed with the Commission on November 4,
    1998 with respect to a press release reporting on the Company's credit
    facility with certain lenders.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   49
 
(2) Form 8-K dated October 29, 1998 and filed with the Commission on October 30,
    1998 with respect to a press release announcing Company's results of
    operations for the quarter ended September 30, 1998.
 
(3) Form 8-K dated October 30, 1998 and filed with the Commission on October 30,
    1998 with respect to a press release reporting on the Company's restated
    consolidated financial statements including the combined results of
    operations, financial position and cash flows of Eclipse Telecommunications,
    Inc. and the Company.
 
(4) Form 8-K dated November 18, 1998 and filed with the Commission on November
    18, 1998 with respect to a press release reporting on the Company's comments
    on its outlook of results of operations for the quarter ending December 31,
    1998.
 
(5) Form 8-K dated December 7, 1998 and filed with the Commission on December 8,
    1998 with respect to a press release reporting on an agreement with DCI
    Telecommunications, Inc.
 
(6) Form 8-K dated December 14, 1998 and filed with the Commission on December
    22, 1998 with respect to a press release reporting on the Company's Internet
    backbone network and a press release reporting on the Company's capacity
    agreement with Level 3 Communications.
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   50
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
                                          IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                                          By:     /s/ JAMES F. GUTHRIE
                                            ------------------------------------
                                                      James F. Guthrie
                                             Executive Vice President and Chief
                                                     Financial Officer
 
Dated: March 26, 1999
 
                               POWERS OF ATTORNEY
 
     KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears
below constitutes and appoints Benjamin L. Scott, President, Chairman of the
Board and Chief Executive Officer of IXC Communications, Inc. and Jeffrey C.
Smith, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of IXC
Communications, Inc., and each of them his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and
agents with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and in his
name, place and stead, in any and all capacities, to sign any and all amendments
to this Report on Form 10-K, and to file the same, with all exhibits thereto,
and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange
Commission, granting unto said attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them,
full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite and necessary to be done in and about the premises, as fully to all
intents and purposes as he might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents or any of them, or their
or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                     TITLE                    DATE
                      ---------                                     -----                    ----
<C>                                                    <C>                              <S>
                /s/ BENJAMIN L. SCOTT                    President, Chief Executive     March 26, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------    Officer and Chairman of the
                  Benjamin L. Scott                      Board (Principal Executive
                                                                  Officer)
 
                 /s/ RALPH J. SWETT                               Director              March 26, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------
                   Ralph J. Swett
 
                /s/ JAMES F. GUTHRIE                    Executive Vice President and    March 26, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------      Chief Financial Officer
                  James F. Guthrie                        (Principal Financial and
                                                             Accounting Officer)
 
                /s/ RICHARD D. IRWIN                              Director              March 26, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------
                  Richard D. Irwin
 
                 /s/ WOLFE H. BRAGIN                              Director              March 26, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------
                   Wolfe H. Bragin
 
                /s/ CARL W. MCKINZIE                              Director              March 26, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------
                  Carl W. McKinzie
 
               /s/ PHILLIP L. WILLIAMS                            Director              March 26, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------
                 Phillip L. Williams
 
                   /s/ JOE C. CULP                                Director              March 26, 1999
-----------------------------------------------------
                     Joe C. Culp
</TABLE>
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   51
 
                                    GLOSSARY
 
     ATM (asynchronous transfer mode) -- An information transfer standard that
is one of a general class of technologies that relay traffic by way of an
address contained within the first five bytes of a standard 53-byte-long packet
or cell. The ATM format can be used by many different information systems,
including local area networks, to deliver voice, video and data traffic at
varying rates.
 
     Backbone -- The through-portions of a transmission network, as opposed to
spurs which branch off the through-portions.
 
     Bandwidth -- The range of frequencies that can be transmitted through a
medium, such as glass fibers, without distortion. The greater the bandwidth, the
greater the information-carrying capacity of such medium.
 
     Broadband -- Broadband communications systems can transmit large quantities
of voice, data and video. Examples of broadband communication systems include
DS-3 fiber optic systems, which can transmit 672 simultaneous voice
conversations, or a broadcast television station signal, that transmits high
resolution audio and video signals into the home. Broadband connectivity is also
an essential element for interactive multimedia applications.
 
     Digital -- A method of storing, processing and transmitting information
through the use of distinct electronic or optical pulses that represent on/off
states. Digital transmission and switching technologies (both fiber and
microwave) employ a sequence of these pulses to represent information in
contrast to the continuously variable analog signal. The precise digital numbers
minimize distortion (such as graininess or snow in the case of video
transmission, or static or other background distortion in the case of audio
transmission). Both the Company's microwave and fiber optic facilities transmit
digital information.
 
     DS-1, DS-3 -- Standard telecommunications industry digital signal formats,
which are distinguishable by bit rate (the number of binary digits (0 and 1)
transmitted per second). DS-0 service has a bit rate of 64 kilobits per second
and can transmit only one voice or data transmission at a time. DS-1 service has
a bit rate of 1.544 megabits per second and can transmit 24 simultaneous voice
or data transmissions. DS-3 service has a bit rate of 45 megabits per second and
can transmit 672 simultaneous voice or data transmissions.
 
     DS-3 miles -- A measure of the total capacity and length of a transmission
path, calculated as the capacity of the transmission path in DS-3s multiplied by
the length of the path in miles.
 
     Frame Relay -- A high-speed, data-packet switching service used to transmit
data between computers. Frame Relay supports data units of variable lengths at
access speeds ranging from 56 kilobits per second to 1.5 megabits per second.
This service is well-suited for connecting local area networks, but is not
appropriate for voice and video applications due to the variable delays which
can occur. Frame Relay was designed to operate at high speeds on modern fiber
optic networks.
 
     Interexchange Carrier -- A company providing inter-LATA or long distance
services between LATAs on an intrastate or interstate basis.
 
     Inter-LATA -- InterLATA calls are calls that pass from one LATA to another.
Typically, these calls are referred to as long distance calls.
 
     Intra-LATA -- IntraLATA calls are those local calls that originate and
terminate within the same LATA.
 
     Intranet -- An infrastructure based on Internet standards and technologies
that provides access to information within limited and well-defined groups such
as universities, governments and other large organizations.
 
     Kilobit -- One thousand bits of information. The information-carrying
capacity (i.e., bandwidth) of a circuit may be measured in "kilobits per
second".
 
     LATAs (local access and transport areas) -- The approximately 200
geographic areas that define the areas between which the RBOCs were prohibited
from providing long distance services prior to the Telecommunications Act.
                                       51
<PAGE>   52
 
     LEC (local exchange carrier) -- A company providing local telephone
services.
 
     Local loop -- A circuit within a LATA.
 
     Long distance switched services -- Telecommunications services such as
residential long distance services that are processed through digital switches
and delivered over long-haul circuits and other transmission facilities.
 
     Megabit -- One million bits of information. The information-carrying
capacity (i.e., bandwidth) of a circuit may be measured in "megabits per
second".
 
     OC-3, OC-12, OC-48 and OC-192 -- Standard telecommunications industry
measurements for optical transmission capacity distinguishable by bit rate
transmitted per second and the number of voice or data transmissions that can be
simultaneously transmitted through fiber optic cable. An OC-3 is generally
equivalent to three DS3s and has a bit rate of 155.52 megabits per second and
can transmit 2,016 simultaneous voice or data transmissions. An OC-12 has a bit
rate of 622.08 megabits per second and can transmit 8,064 simultaneous voice or
data transmissions. An OC-48 has a bit rate of 2,488.32 megabits per second and
can transmit 32,256 simultaneous voice or data transmissions. An OC-192 has a
bit rate of 9,953.28 megabits per second and can transmit 129,024 simultaneous
voice or data transmissions.
 
     Optronic -- a combination of optical and electronic equipment.
 
     RBOCs (regional Bell operating companies) -- The seven local telephone
companies (formerly part of AT&T) established by court decree in 1982.
 
     SONET (synchronous optical network technology) -- An electronics and
network architecture for variable-bandwidth products which enables transmission
of voice, video and data (multimedia) at very high speeds.
 
     Switch -- A device that opens or closes circuits or selects the paths or
circuits to be used for transmission of information. Switching is a process of
interconnecting circuits to form a transmission path between users.
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   53
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                   INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Report of Ernst & Young LLP.................................  F-2
 
Report of Arthur Andersen LLP...............................  F-3
Report of Deloitte & Touche LLP.............................  F-4
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1998 and
  1997......................................................  F-5
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the years ended
  December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..........................  F-6
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity
  (Deficit) for the
  years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..............  F-7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended
  December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996..........................  F-8
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..................  F-9
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   54
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT
 
The Board of Directors
IXC Communications, Inc.
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of IXC
Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1998 and 1997 and
the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders' equity
(deficit), and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended
December 31, 1998. These financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits. We did not audit the consolidated
financial statements of Network Long Distance, Inc., including the subsidiaries
Long Distance Telecom, Inc. and National Teleservice, Incorporated
(collectively, Network Long Distance) which was combined with the Company on
June 3, 1998, in a business combination accounted for as a pooling of interests
as described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements, which
statements reflect total assets constituting 5.5% of the related 1997
consolidated financial statement totals, and which statements reflect net loss
constituting ($4.6) million and ($6.8) million of the related 1997 and 1996
consolidated financial statement totals, respectively. Those statements were
audited by other auditors whose reports have been furnished to us, and our
opinion, insofar as it relates to data included for Network Long Distance is
based solely on the reports of the other auditors. The financial statements of
Marca-Tel S.A. de C.V. (Marca-Tel), a corporation in which the Company has an
indirect interest, have been audited by other auditors whose reports have been
furnished to us; insofar as our opinion on the consolidated financial statements
relates to data included for Marca-Tel, it is based solely on their report. In
the consolidated financial statements, the Company's equity in the net loss of
Marca-Tel is stated at ($15.9) million and ($23.6) million, for 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the reports of other auditors provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, based on our audits and the reports of other auditors for
the periods indicated, the financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of IXC
Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries at December 31, 1998 and 1997, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three years in the period ended December 31, 1998, in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Austin, Texas
February 28, 1999 (except for
Note 20, as to which the date is
March 10, 1999)
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   55
 
                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
To the Stockholders of
Network Long Distance, Inc.:
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Network
Long Distance, Inc. (a Delaware Corporation) and subsidiaries as of March 31,
1998, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for the years ended March 31, 1998 and 1997. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We did not audit the financial statements of National Teleservice,
Incorporated, a company acquired during the year ended March 31, 1998 in a
transaction accounted for as a pooling of interests. Such statements are
included in the consolidated financial statements of Network Long Distance,
Inc., and reflect total assets and total revenues of 28.1% and 30.6%,
respectively, of the related consolidated totals as of and for the year ended
March 31, 1997. These statements were audited by other auditors whose report has
been furnished to us, and our opinion, insofar as it relates to amounts included
for National Teleservice, Incorporated, is based solely upon the report of the
other auditors.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits and the report of the other auditors provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, based upon our audits and the report of the other auditors,
the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of Network Long Distance, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of March 31, 1998, and the results of their operations and their
cash flows for the years ended March 31, 1998 and 1997, in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Jackson, Mississippi
May 18, 1998.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   56
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
Board of Directors
National Teleservice, Incorporated
Winona, Minnesota
 
     We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of National
Teleservice, Inc. (the Company) as of March 31, 1997 and the related
consolidated statements of income, shareholders' equity, and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended March 31, 1997, not separately presented
herein. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the
Company's management. Our responsibility is to express and opinion on these
consolidated financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are
free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audit provides a
reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of National Teleservice, Inc. at
March 31, 1997, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the
year then ended in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.
 
                                          /s/ DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
July 28, 1997
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   57
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                          CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT SHARE AND PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
                                     ASSETS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              DECEMBER 31,    DECEMBER 31,
                                                                  1998            1997
                                                              ------------    ------------
<S>                                                           <C>             <C>
Cash and cash equivalents...................................   $  264,826      $ 155,855
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
  of $16,664 in 1998 and $13,119 in 1997....................      107,558        112,357
Current portion of notes receivable.........................       63,748            739
Note receivable from Westel.................................        9,421             --
Prepaid expenses and other current assets...................       10,965          4,108
                                                               ----------      ---------
         Total current assets...............................      456,518        273,059
Property and equipment, net.................................      983,676        613,874
Non-current marketable securities...........................      219,880             --
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries...................        9,505         17,497
Deferred charges and other non-current assets...............       78,658         64,442
                                                               ----------      ---------
         Total assets.......................................   $1,748,237      $ 968,872
                                                               ==========      =========
LIABILITIES, REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
Current portion of long-term debt...........................   $   13,984      $  12,294
Accounts payable-trade......................................       33,558         86,651
Accrued cost of service.....................................       43,177         56,994
Taxes payable...............................................       23,758          9,426
Accrued interest............................................        8,768          8,911
Customer deposits...........................................       18,595         13,006
Current portion of unearned revenue.........................       33,640          6,310
Other current liabilities...................................       21,186         12,084
                                                               ----------      ---------
         Total current liabilities..........................      196,666        205,676
Long-term debt, less current portion........................      679,016        308,453
Unearned revenue -- noncurrent..............................      488,395         59,627
Other noncurrent liabilities................................        8,848         10,419
7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock with an aggregate
  liquidation preference of $.01 par value;
  authorized -- 3,000,000 shares of all classes of Preferred
  Stock; 1,074,500 shares issued and outstanding (aggregate
  liquidation preference of $107,450) at December 31,
  1998......................................................      103,623        101,239
12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock; $.01 par value;
  authorized -- 3,000,000 shares of all classes of Preferred
  Stock; 349,434 shares issued and outstanding (aggregate
  liquidation preference of $354,894, including accrued
  dividends of $5,460) at December 31, 1998.................      344,235        302,129
Stockholders' equity (deficit):
  10% Junior Series 3 Cumulative Preferred Stock, $.01 par
    value; authorized -- 3,000,000 shares of all classes of
    Preferred Stock; no shares issued and outstanding at
    December 31, 1998 and 414 shares issued and outstanding
    at December 31, 1997 (aggregate liquidation preference
    of $692 at December 31, 1997)...........................           --              1
  6 3/4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, $.01 par
    value; authorized -- 3,000,000 shares of all classes of
    Preferred Stock; 155,250 shares issued and outstanding
    at December 31, 1998 and no shares issued and
    outstanding at December 31, 1997 (aggregate liquidation
    preference of $155,250 at December 31, 1998)............            2             --
  Common Stock, $.01 par value; authorized-- 100,000,000
    shares; 36,409,709 shares and 35,575,325 shares issued
    and outstanding at December 31,1998 and December 31,
    1997....................................................          364            356
  Additional paid-in capital................................      253,429        143,355
  Accumulated deficit.......................................     (326,341)      (162,383)
                                                               ----------      ---------
         Total stockholders' deficit........................      (72,546)       (18,671)
                                                               ----------      ---------
         Total liabilities, redeemable preferred stock and
           stockholders' deficit............................   $1,748,237      $ 968,872
                                                               ==========      =========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   58
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                           ----------------------------------
                                                             1998         1997         1996
                                                           ---------    ---------    --------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>          <C>
Net operating revenue:
(Net of service credits and bad debt provisions of
  $55,113, $20,782, and $6,311, respectively)
  Private line service...................................  $ 225,358    $ 161,570    $ 99,793
  Long distance switched services........................    414,405      359,288     182,174
  Data and Internet services.............................      9,029          759          --
  Other..................................................     19,776           --          --
                                                           ---------    ---------    --------
                                                             668,568      521,617     281,967
Operating expenses:
  Cost of services.......................................    433,300      395,667     194,881
  Operations and administration..........................    144,536      102,760      71,103
  Depreciation and amortization..........................    113,586       69,139      35,927
  Merger costs...........................................      7,955        3,591          --
                                                           ---------    ---------    --------
     Operating loss......................................    (30,809)     (49,540)    (19,944)
Interest income..........................................     14,339        7,565       2,838
Interest income on escrow under 12 1/2% Senior Notes.....         --          203       7,404
Interest expense.........................................    (31,683)     (31,702)    (37,636)
Equity (loss) from unconsolidated subsidiaries...........    (32,986)     (23,800)     (1,961)
Other, net...............................................        226           29        (200)
                                                           ---------    ---------    --------
Loss before (provision) benefit for income taxes,
  minority interest and extraordinary loss...............    (80,913)     (97,245)    (49,499)
(Provision) benefit for income taxes.....................    (13,925)      (1,359)      5,880
Minority interest........................................       (666)        (560)       (618)
                                                           ---------    ---------    --------
Loss before extraordinary loss...........................    (95,504)     (99,164)    (44,237)
Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt, net
  of benefit for income tax of $6,265....................    (66,952)          --          --
                                                           ---------    ---------    --------
Net loss.................................................   (162,456)     (99,164)    (44,237)
Dividends applicable to preferred stock..................    (58,239)     (21,636)     (1,739)
                                                           ---------    ---------    --------
Net loss applicable to common stockholders...............  $(220,695)   $(120,800)   $(45,976)
                                                           =========    =========    ========
Basic and diluted loss per share:
  Before extraordinary loss..............................  $   (4.28)   $   (3.47)   $  (1.52)
  Extraordinary loss.....................................      (1.87)          --          --
                                                           ---------    ---------    --------
  Net loss...............................................  $   (6.15)   $   (3.47)   $  (1.52)
                                                           =========    =========    ========
Weighted average shares outstanding......................     35,868       34,777      30,277
                                                           =========    =========    ========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   59
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (DEFICIT)
                       (DOLLARS AND SHARES IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       10%         6 3/4% CUMULATIVE
                                 JUNIOR SERIES 3      CONVERTIBLE
                                 PREFERRED STOCK    PREFERRED STOCK     COMMON STOCK     ADDITIONAL                 STOCKHOLDERS'
                                 ---------------   -----------------   ---------------    PAID-IN     ACCUMULATED      EQUITY
                                 SHARES   AMOUNT   SHARES    AMOUNT    SHARES   AMOUNT    CAPITAL       DEFICIT       (DEFICIT)
                                 ------   ------   -------   -------   ------   ------   ----------   -----------   -------------
<S>                              <C>      <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>      <C>      <C>          <C>           <C>
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1995...    13      $ 13       --       $--     27,284    $273     $ 42,300     $ (19,105)     $  23,481
Issuance of common stock.......    --        --       --       --       6,533      65       95,849            --         95,914
Change in fiscal year of merged
  entities.....................    --        --       --       --          --      --           --           123            123
Net loss.......................    --        --       --       --          --      --           --       (44,237)       (44,237)
                                  ---      ----      ---       --      ------    ----     --------     ---------      ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1996...    13        13       --       --      33,817     338      138,149       (63,219)        75,281
Issuance of common stock.......    --        --       --       --       1,187      12       23,440            --         23,452
Stock option exercises.........    --        --       --       --          63       1        1,967            --          1,968
Preferred dividends paid in
  kind and accrued.............    --        --       --       --          --      --      (20,047)           --        (20,047)
Conversion of Series 3
  Preferred Stock..............   (12)      (12)      --       --         605       6            5            --             (1)
Other..........................    --        --       --       --         (97)     (1)        (159)           --           (160)
Net loss.......................    --        --       --       --          --      --           --       (99,164)       (99,164)
                                  ---      ----      ---       --      ------    ----     --------     ---------      ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1997...     1         1       --       --      35,575     356      143,355      (162,383)       (18,671)
Effect of pooling of
  interests....................    --        --       --       --          --      --           --        (1,502)        (1,502)
Redemption of Series 3
  Preferred Stock..............    (1)       (1)      --       --          --      --         (708)           --           (709)
Issuance of common stock for
  acquisitions.................    --        --       --       --         265       3       14,520            --         14,523
Stock option exercises.........    --        --       --       --         594       5        6,440            --          6,445
Issuance of preferred stock....    --        --      155        2          --      --      148,061            --        148,063
Preferred dividends paid in
  kind and accrued.............    --        --       --       --          --      --      (58,239)           --        (58,239)
Net loss.......................    --        --       --       --          --      --           --      (162,456)      (162,456)
                                  ---      ----      ---       --      ------    ----     --------     ---------      ---------
BALANCE AT DECEMBER 31, 1998...    --      $ --      155       $2      36,434    $364     $253,429     $(326,341)     $ (72,546)
                                  ===      ====      ===       ==      ======    ====     ========     =========      =========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   60
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                     CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                                              ---------------------------------
                                                                1998        1997        1996
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>         <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss....................................................  $(162,456)  $ (99,164)  $ (44,237)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to cash provided by (used
  in) operating activities:
  Depreciation..............................................     92,822      51,929      24,509
  Amortization..............................................     21,945      18,912      12,703
  Provision for doubtful accounts and service credits.......     55,113      20,782       6,311
  Non-cash merger-related costs.............................      1,603          --          --
  Equity in net loss of unconsolidated subsidiaries.........     32,986      23,800       1,961
  Minority interest in net (income) loss of subsidiaries....        666         560         618
  Compensation expense on stock options and phantom stock...        143       1,447         254
  Extraordinary loss on early extinguishment of debt........     69,952          --          --
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of
    effects of acquisitions:
    Accounts receivable.....................................    (56,393)    (70,498)    (45,958)
    Notes receivable from customers and IRU sales...........     50,770          --          --
    Other current assets....................................     (5,536)        879         660
    Accounts payable -- trade...............................    (24,804)     26,242      19,971
    Accrued liabilities and accrued service costs...........      2,533      15,903       4,436
    Deferred income taxes...................................         --        (457)     (6,135)
    Deferred charges and other non-current assets...........     (5,910)    (30,513)     (3,774)
    Unearned revenue........................................    131,143      60,092          --
    Other non-current liabilities...........................     (2,237)      1,872       5,752
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
      Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities...    202,340      21,786     (22,929)
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Release of funds from escrow under 12 1/2% Senior Notes.....         --      69,564     154,244
Deposit into escrow under 12 1/2% Senior Notes..............         --     (18,152)     (7,404)
Purchase of property and equipment..........................   (476,382)   (315,853)   (136,976)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired and common stock
  issued....................................................    (22,698)     (2,502)     (3,777)
Payments received from notes receivable.....................      5,461          --          --
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment................      2,224          --          --
Investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries..................    (31,510)    (35,497)     (7,319)
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
      Net cash used in investing activities.................   (522,905)   (302,440)     (1,232)
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from issuance of debt..............................    678,000          --       3,250
Net proceeds from sale of preferred stock...................    148,063     383,321          --
Principal payments on long-term debt and capital lease
  obligations...............................................   (367,788)    (11,499)    (16,679)
Payment of debt issue costs.................................    (18,063)         --      (1,301)
Redemption of preferred stock...............................       (709)         --          --
Payment of dividends........................................    (13,732)         --          --
Issuance of common stock....................................      5,267         173      94,069
Other financing activities..................................         --         424          --
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
      Net cash provided by financing activities.............    431,038     372,419      79,339
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
Effect of change in year-end from merged entities...........     (1,502)         --         537
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents...................    108,971      91,765      55,715
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year..............    155,855      64,090       8,375
                                                              ---------   ---------   ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year....................  $ 264,826   $ 155,855   $  64,090
                                                              =========   =========   =========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Cash paid for:
  Income taxes..............................................  $   3,739   $     516   $     706
                                                              =========   =========   =========
  Interest, net of amounts capitalized......................  $  31,052   $  30,638   $  38,082
                                                              =========   =========   =========
</TABLE>
 
                            See accompanying notes.
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   61
 
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                   NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
 1. ORGANIZATION AND OPERATIONS
 
     Our company, IXC Communications, Inc. and its subsidiaries, is a provider
of telecommunications services based in Austin, Texas. We are a leading provider
of telecommunications transmission, data, Internet, and switched long distance
services with a coast-to-coast digital fiber-optic network containing over 9,300
digital route miles, with additions to this network continuing to be
constructed. We provide three principal products through both wholesale and
retail distribution channels. We lease dedicated circuits to other companies for
the transmission of voice and data ("private lines"). We transmit long distance
traffic that is processed through our switches ("switched long distance
services"). Finally, we are an Internet services and backbone provider that
provides web hosting and other Internet services, frame relay and ATM-based
switched data services ("Data/Internet").
 
 2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
  Principles of Consolidation
 
     We are a Delaware corporation that incorporated in 1992. The accompanying
consolidated financial statements include the accounts of IXC and our
wholly-owned and majority-owned subsidiaries. Less-than-majority-owned
subsidiaries, and subsidiaries for which control is deemed to be temporary, are
accounted for using the equity method. For equity method investments, the
Company's share of income is calculated according to the Company's equity
ownership. Any differences between the carrying amount of an investment and the
amount of the underlying equity in the net assets of the investee are amortized
over the expected life of the investment. Significant intercompany accounts and
transactions have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Investments over which we do not exercise significant influence over financial
or operating policies are reported using the cost method.
 
     On June 3, 1998, the Company acquired Eclipse Telecommunications, Inc.
("Eclipse", formerly named Network Long Distance, Inc.) in a transaction
accounted for as a pooling of interests. All prior period consolidated financial
statements presented have been restated to include the combined results of
operations, financial position and cash flows of Eclipse as though it had always
been a part of IXC.
 
  Use of Estimates
 
     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements and the reported amounts of revenue and expense during each reporting
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
  Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
     Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, money market funds and all
investments with an initial maturity of three months or less. All cash
equivalents are recorded at cost and classified as available for sale.
 
  Property and Equipment
 
     Property and equipment, including items acquired under capital lease
arrangements, are recorded at cost. Depreciation is provided using the
straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the various assets,
ranging from three to twenty years. Depreciation begins the month after an asset
is placed in service. Purchases of fiber usage rights from other carriers are
recorded at cost and are depreciated over the lesser of the term of the related
agreement or the estimated life of the fiber optic cable. Maintenance and
repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Costs associated with uncompleted
portions of the fiber optic network are
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   62
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
classified as construction in progress. Upon completion, the costs will be
classified as transmission systems and depreciated over their useful lives.
 
     Interest is capitalized as part of the cost of constructing the fiber optic
network and for amounts invested in companies or joint ventures accounted for
using the equity method during pre-operating periods. Interest capitalized
during construction periods is computed by determining the average accumulated
expenditures for each interim capitalization period and applying an average
effective interest rate. Total interest capitalized during the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 was $16.2 million, $7.3 million, and $2.9
million, respectively.
 
     We review long-lived assets for impairment by comparing the undiscounted
cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets with the related carrying
amount of the assets. Upon an indication of an impairment, a loss is recorded if
the discounted cash flows projected for the assets is less than the assets'
carrying value.
 
     The Company's property and equipment consisted of the following as of
December 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 1998         1997
                                                              ----------    ---------
<S>                                                           <C>           <C>
Land and rights of way......................................  $    3,997    $   4,201
Buildings and improvements..................................      38,966       22,006
Transmission systems........................................     905,747      446,255
Furniture, vehicles and other...............................      12,211       10,348
Fiber usage rights..........................................      98,882       34,991
Construction in process.....................................     133,852      216,481
                                                              ----------    ---------
                                                               1,193,655      734,282
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization.............    (209,979)    (120,408)
                                                              ----------    ---------
      Property and equipment, net...........................  $  983,676    $ 613,874
                                                              ==========    =========
</TABLE>
 
  Deferred Charges and Other Non-current Assets
 
     Deferred charges consist of deferred financing costs, deferred network
costs, deferred customer acquisition costs, and goodwill. Deferred financing
costs are costs incurred in connection with obtaining long-term financing; such
costs are amortized as interest expense over the terms of the related debt
agreements. Certain costs incurred with the connection of customers to the
switched long distance network and the acquisition costs of retail customer
accounts obtained through an outside sales organization were deferred and are
amortized on a straight-line basis over two years. Goodwill associated with
acquisitions is amortized over the life of that intangible. As of December 31,
1998, all goodwill is being amortized over 5 years. During 1997 and 1996,
non-cash charges were recorded to reduce the carrying amount of certain customer
acquisition costs and goodwill; such write-downs amounted to approximately $4.0
million in 1997 and $6.3 million in 1996 and are included in amortization
expense. Accumulated amortization on all intangible assets amounted to $37.7
million and $13.8 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively.
 
  Revenue
 
     Private line voice and data circuit revenue is generated primarily by
providing capacity on the fiber optic and microwave transmission networks at
rates established under long-term contractual arrangements or on a
month-to-month basis after contract expiration. Revenue is recognized as
services are provided.
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   63
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
     Switched long-distance service revenue is generated primarily by providing
voice communication services. Revenue is generally based on usage and recognized
as services are provided. Customers are billed monthly after services are
rendered.
 
     Data/Internet revenue is generated by providing a number of services,
including Internet service, web hosting and consulting. Revenue is recognized as
services are provided. Customers are billed monthly, generally after the service
is provided.
 
     Sales of indefeasible rights to use fiber or capacity ("IRU") are recorded
as unearned revenue at the earlier of the acceptance of the applicable portion
of the network by the customer or the receipt of cash. The revenue is recognized
over the life of the agreement as services are provided beginning on the date of
customer acceptance. IRU revenue and related maintenance revenue is included in
private line revenue in the accompanying statement of operations. During 1998
revenue related to the sale of options in fibers that were jointly owned with
another carrier was reported as other operating revenue, net of our basis in the
options.
 
  Fiber Exchange Agreements
 
     In connection with the fiber optic network expansion, we entered into
various agreements to exchange fiber usage rights. Non-monetary exchanges of
fiber usage are recorded at the cost of the asset transferred or, if applicable,
the fair value of the asset received. We account for agreements to exchange
fiber for capacity with other carriers by recognizing the fair value of the
revenue earned and expense incurred under the respective agreements. Exchange
agreements accounted for non-cash revenue and expense (in equal amounts) of
$19.1 million in 1998, $14.0 million in 1997, and $14.0 million in 1996.
 
  Income Taxes
 
     Deferred income taxes are provided for net operating losses and for
temporary differences between the basis of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting and income tax reporting. Investment tax credits are accounted for by
the flow-through method.
 
  Stock-Based Compensation
 
     We account for employee stock options under Accounting Principles Board
Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees" ("APB 25") and
related interpretations. Under APB 25 compensation expense is recognized when
the exercise price of employee stock options is less than the market price of
the underlying stock on the date of grant.
 
  Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share
 
     Basic earnings per share is calculated using the weighted average number of
common shares outstanding, excluding any dilutive effects of options, warrants
and convertible securities. Diluted earnings per share includes the weighted
average number of common shares outstanding and the number of common equivalent
shares which would be issued related to options and convertible securities using
the treasury method, unless such additional shares are anti-dilutive.
 
  Reclassifications
 
     We reclassified certain amounts for prior years to conform to the current
year presentation.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   64
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
 3. ACQUISITIONS
 
  Eclipse Merger
 
     On June 3, 1998, we completed the acquisition of Eclipse through a merger
of a subsidiary with Eclipse, by exchanging approximately 4,051,970 shares of
our common stock for all of the outstanding common stock of Eclipse. Each share
of Eclipse common stock was exchanged for .2998 shares of our common stock. In
addition, outstanding Eclipse stock options were converted at the same exchange
factor into options to purchase shares of our common stock.
 
     The merger constituted a tax-free reorganization and has been accounted for
as a pooling of interests. Accordingly, all prior period consolidated financial
statements have been restated to show our results of operations, financial
position and cash flows combined with Eclipse. Prior to the merger, Eclipse
utilized a March 31 fiscal year end. For purposes of the combined results of
operations for the years ended December 31, 1997 and 1996, the amounts include
Eclipse's historical results of operations for the years ended March 31, 1998
and 1997, respectively. In order to report cash flow for 1998, a $1.5 million
adjustment is included in the 1998 statements of stockholders' equity(deficit)
and cash flows, representing Eclipse's first quarter 1998 net income, which is
in both the beginning retained earnings balance and the fiscal 1998 net income
amount. We had no transactions with Eclipse prior to the merger; however,
certain reclassifications, primarily related to the presentation of certain
excise taxes and bad debt provisions, were made to conform Eclipse's accounting
policies to our accounting policies. The results of operations for the separate
companies and the combined amounts presented in the restated consolidated
financial statements follow (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               ECLIPSE      IXC      ADJUSTMENTS   COMBINED
                                               --------   --------   -----------   --------
<S>                                            <C>        <C>        <C>           <C>
1997
Operating revenue............................  $105,823   $420,710     $(4,916)    $521,617
Operating expenses...........................   110,204    465,945      (4,992)     571,157
Net income (loss)............................    (4,609)   (94,555)         --      (99,164)
1996
Operating revenue............................  $ 86,005   $203,761     $(7,799)    $281,967
Operating expenses...........................    91,933    217,777      (7,799)     301,911
Net income (loss)............................    (6,789)   (37,448)         --      (44,237)
</TABLE>
 
     A reconciliation of the Company's historical loss per share to the loss per
share as restated due to the Eclipse merger is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               1997     1996
                                                              ------   ------
<S>                                                           <C>      <C>
Loss per share, as previously reported......................  $(3.75)  $(1.42)
Effect of Eclipse's income (loss)...........................   (0.15)   (0.25)
Effect of change in weighted average shares
  Outstanding...............................................    0.43     0.15
                                                              ------   ------
          Restated basic and diluted loss per share.........  $(3.47)  $(1.52)
                                                              ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
     The effect of change in the weighted average shares outstanding represents
the addition of shares issued to Eclipse's former shareholders in order to
complete the merger. The effect of Eclipse's income (loss) represents the impact
of adding Eclipse's net income or loss to our historical results.
 
     We recorded in 1998 a charge of $8.0 million for merger related costs,
including professional services associated with the merger, termination costs
associated with duplicate functions, costs of exiting excess office space, and
the write-off of duplicate equipment and software.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   65
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
  Other Acquisitions
 
     Prior to the merger with Eclipse, both we and Eclipse had entered into
several business combinations and customer base acquisitions. Certain of those
combinations were accounted for using the pooling of interests method, and the
results of operations of those acquired businesses are included herein for all
periods presented. The results of operations of other businesses acquired
through purchase transactions are included herein for only the periods
subsequent to their respective purchase. No pro forma financial information for
any of the business combinations has been presented in these consolidated
financial statements as the revenue, results of operations, and assets of the
previously acquired businesses are not material.
 
     The acquisitions recorded as purchases were paid for with cash or common
stock. The consideration paid and assets acquired during the years ended
December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1998        1997       1996
                                                      --------    --------    -------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>
Fair value of tangible assets acquired..............  $ 10,822    $    (85)   $   776
Liabilities assumed.................................    (3,362)         --         --
Excess of cost over net assets acquired.............    29,761      26,039      4,863
Value of common stock issued........................   (14,523)    (23,452)    (1,862)
                                                      --------    --------    -------
          Cash paid for acquisitions................  $ 22,698    $  2,502    $ 3,777
                                                      ========    ========    =======
</TABLE>
 
  Pending Coastal Acquisition
 
     In January 1999 we entered into an agreement to purchase Coastal Telephone
Company for approximately $100 million, of which $25 million is anticipated to
be paid in stock. Coastal is a retail long distance reseller. Closing is
expected to occur in the second quarter of 1999 and is subject to certain terms
and conditions.
 
 4. NOTES RECEIVABLE
 
     We sold an IRU to a customer in 1996. The customer elected to pay for the
IRU with a series of notes. Notes amounting to $94.1 million were agreed to by
the customer in 1998, of which $45.0 million was received in 1998. The remaining
balance due at December 31, 1998, was $49.1 million, of which $48.0 million is
classified as current. The notes bear interest at 12% and are payable in 6
quarterly installments beginning on the date the applicable portion of the IRU
was accepted. In March 1999, the customer repaid the total amount of the note.
 
     We sold a $14.1 million capacity IRU to a customer in 1998. The customer
agreed to pay for the IRU with $3.0 million in cash and an $11.1 million note.
We received $1.0 million in payments on the note in 1998. The remaining $10.1
million of the note is due in 1999 and is classified as a current note
receivable.
 
     We accepted a $14.9 million note receivable from Westel, a partner in the
Marca-Tel investment, to repay us for certain contributions previously made to
Progress International, LLC, which holds the investment in Marca-Tel. The note
is secured by Westel's interest in Progress. The note bears interest at 12%, and
$9.4 million is outstanding and classified as current at December 31, 1998.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   66
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
 5. INVESTMENTS IN UNCONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
 
     Investments in and advances to unconsolidated subsidiaries accounted for
using the equity method are as follows at December 31, 1998 and 1997 (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   BALANCE OF INVESTMENTS
                                                                        AND ADVANCES
                                                      OWNERSHIP    -----------------------
                                                      INTEREST        1998         1997
                                                      ---------    ----------    ---------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>           <C>
Marca-Tel S.A. de C.V...............................    24.5%       $(11,827)     $11,638
Applied Theory, Inc.................................      34%         10,727           --
Unidial Communications, Services, LLC...............      20%          7,931           --
Storm Telecommunications Ltd........................      40%          2,674        5,859
                                                                    --------      -------
          Total.....................................                $  9,505      $17,497
                                                                    ========      =======
</TABLE>
 
     The combined results of operations and financial position from all the
investees accounted for using the equity method during 1998 as well as the
Company's share of their income (loss) are summarized below (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        1998        1997       1996
                                                      --------    --------    -------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>         <C>
COMBINED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS:
Net revenue.........................................  $ 51,162    $  5,786    $    --
Gross profit(loss)..................................     7,071      (4,556)    (3,110)
Net loss............................................   (37,378)    (23,395)    (3,120)
IXC's share of losses from equity-method
  investees.........................................  $(23,477)   $(23,800)   $(1,961)
IXC's share of loss from PSINet investment..........    (9,509)         --         --
                                                      --------    --------    -------
Losses from equity-method investments...............  $(32,986)   $(23,800)   $(1,961)
                                                      ========    ========    =======
COMBINED BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Current assets......................................  $ 49,275    $ 10,123
Non-current assets..................................    97,989      80,351
Current liabilities.................................    60,455      18,431
Non-current liabilities.............................    78,454      51,831
</TABLE>
 
  Marca-Tel
 
     At December 31, 1998, we indirectly owned 24.5% of Marca-Tel S.A. de C.V.
("Marca-Tel") through our ownership of 50% of Progress, which owned 49% of
Marca-Tel. The remaining 51% of Marca-Tel was owned by a Mexican individual and
Formento Radio Beep, S.A. de C.V. ("Radio Beep"). The other 50% of Progress was
owned by Westel International, Inc. ("Westel"). In June 1998 we obtained a note
receivable from Westel for $14.9 million of advances that we had made to
Progress International on Westel's behalf. The note receivable from Westel is
secured by a portion of Westel's investment in Progress. During the fourth
quarter of 1998 we ceased recognition of additional losses from Marca-Tel since
our investment in Marca-Tel, net of the note receivable from Westel, was reduced
to a negative amount. See Note 20 for discussion of matters related to the
Westel note in March 1999.
 
  Applied Theory, Inc.
 
     In May 1998 we purchased a 34% interest in Applied Theory Communications,
Inc., a New York-based Internet Service Provider. Applied Theory, Inc. was
formed in 1996 to provide high quality Internet services
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   67
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
for the New York state research and education community. During 1998 we invested
almost $13 million in Applied Theory, Inc.
 
  UniDial Communications Services, LLC
 
     In December 1997 we formed a joint venture with UniDial Communications to
sell UniDial products over our network. The joint venture is named UniDial
Communications Services, LLC. We provide the joint venture with a full range of
voice, video, Internet, and data services which are private labeled under the
UniDial Communications name. The products are marketed through a full-time
national sales force of UniDial Communications network consultants.
 
  Storm Telecommunications Ltd.
 
     In October 1997, Storm Telecommunications, Ltd. was formed. Storm is a
joint venture with Telenor AS, the Norwegian national telephone company, to
provide telecommunication services to carriers and resellers in Europe. The
joint venture is owned 40 percent by us, 40 percent by Telenor Global Services
AS, and 20 percent by Clarion Resources Communications Corporation, a U.S.-based
telecommunications company in which Telenor owns a controlling interest. We have
two out of five seats on the joint venture's board.
 
 6. MARKETABLE SECURITIES
 
  Investment in PSINet Common Stock.
 
     In February 1998 we entered into an agreement to provide PSINet an IRU in
10,000 miles of OC-48 transmission capacity on our network over a 20-year period
in exchange for approximately 10.2 million shares of PSINet's common stock. The
agreement provided that PSINet would pay us additional cash or common stock if
the market value of the 10.2 million shares did not reach $240 million within a
specified time. In January 1999 the value of PSINet's common stock exceeded the
$240 million valuation threshold, thereby eliminating any obligation of PSINet
to make any additional payments. The market value of the 10.2 million shares at
March 30, 1999 was $448.2 million. These shares may be sold by us or pledged as
collateral against indebtedness. The amount of fair value which exceeds the $240
million threshold will be credited to stockholders' equity going forward.
 
     From February 1998 through May 1998 we accounted for the investment in
PSINet using the equity method since we considered ourselves to have significant
influence over PSINet based upon our level of ownership and control. We
recognized losses of approximately $9.5 million during that period. In June 1998
we changed from the equity method to the cost method due to a change in the
level of ownership and control. At December 31, 1998, our investment in PSINet
was carried at $202.1 million and is included in non-current marketable
securities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The fair value of the
investment as of December 31, 1998, was $211.6. The difference between the fair
value of the investment and the carrying value results from losses recognized
when the investment was accounted for using the equity method.
 
     A corresponding balance of $210.7 million is included in unearned revenue
because PSINet agreed to either pay us in cash or stock an amount up to $240
million for the IRU if the shares' value was less than $240 million. The amount
in unearned revenue is being recognized as IRU revenue over the 20-year life of
the agreement as the capacity is delivered. Additionally, we began receiving a
maintenance fee that, as the full capacity is used by PSINet, is expected to
increase to approximately $11.5 million per year.
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   68
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
  Investment in DCI Telecommunications, Inc. Common Stock
 
     In November 1998 we entered into an agreement to acquire common stock of
DCI Telecommunications, Inc. ("DCI"), as consideration for payment of amounts
due from on of our customers that was also a vendor of DCI. The agreement
provides that DCI will issue us additional common stock if the market value of
the shares does not reach $18 million by June 1, 1999. The investment in DCI is
included in non-current marketable securities in the accompanying consolidated
balance sheet. The fair value of the investment is equal to the carrying value
due to the guarantee to receive additional shares if the price of the stock is
outside a specified range.
 
 7. LONG-TERM DEBT AND CAPITAL LEASE OBLIGATIONS
 
     Long-term debt and capital lease obligations consisted of the following at
December 31, 1998 and 1997 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1998        1997
                                                              --------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>         <C>
Amounts due under Revolving Credit Facility.................  $200,000    $     --
9% Senior Subordinated Notes................................   450,000          --
NTFC Credit Facility........................................    23,800          --
12 1/2% Senior Notes, net of unamortized discount of $6,862
  in 1997...................................................       815     278,138
Capital lease obligations...................................    16,115      36,595
Other debt..................................................     2,270       6,014
                                                              --------    --------
          Total long-term debt and capital lease
            obligations.....................................   693,000     320,747
Less current portion........................................   (13,984)    (12,294)
                                                              --------    --------
Long-term debt and capital lease obligations................  $679,016    $308,453
                                                              ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
  Revolving Credit Facility
 
     In October 1998 we entered into a $600 million credit facility with a
syndicate of financial institutions. The credit facility provides for: 1) a $150
million revolving loan facility (which also includes letter of credit
availability of up to $20 million); 2) a term loan facility in the amount of
$200 million; and 3) an uncommitted special-purpose loan facility that can be
used under certain terms and conditions. Loans outstanding under the credit
facility bear interest at either LIBOR or the lead commercial bank's prime rate
plus applicable margins. At December 31, 1998, we selected the LIBOR option
resulting in a combined interest rate of 7.75%. The facility has a five-year
term and is secured by the assets of certain of our subsidiaries. In October
1998, we drew down $200 million under the facility, net of $4.2 million of
transaction costs. We must comply with various financial and other covenants on
an ongoing basis in addition to meeting the covenants on a pro forma basis prior
to drawing additional amounts under the credit facility. Certain of the
covenants become more restrictive over time. From time to time we have
discussions with the commercial banks to ensure that we will remain in
compliance with these covenants on a prospective basis.
 
  9% Senior Subordinated Notes
 
     In 1998 we issued $450.0 million of 9% Senior Subordinated Notes due 2008
(the "9% Notes"). In connection with the sale of the 9% Notes, we announced a
tender offer to purchase for cash all of the outstanding 12 1/2% Senior Notes.
The 9% Notes are general unsecured obligations and are subordinate in right of
payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness and other liabilities of
our subsidiaries. The indenture related to the 9% Notes requires us to comply
with various financial and other covenants and restricts us from incurring
certain additional indebtedness.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   69
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
  12 1/2% Senior Notes
 
     In a tender offer in 1998, $284.2 million (out of $285.0 million) in
aggregate principal amount of the 12 1/2% Senior Notes was tendered and accepted
for payment. The 12 1/2% Senior Notes indenture was amended to eliminate
substantially all of its restrictive covenants and guarantees. We used
approximately $342.7 million of the $435.6 million net proceeds of the 9% Notes
offering to pay the tender offer price for the 12 1/2% Senior Notes. With the
early extinguishment of the 12 1/2% Senior Notes a net charge of approximately
$67.0 million was recorded as an extraordinary item in 1998.
 
  NTFC Credit Facility
 
     In 1997 we entered into a $28 million secured equipment financing facility
with NTFC Capital Corporation. Advances borrowed under this facility bear
interest at 8.85% and are due in 2003.
 
  Capital Leases
 
     We have acquired certain facilities and equipment using capital leases. The
gross amount of assets recorded under capital leases at December 31, 1998 and
1997 was $41.7 million and $39.6 million, respectively. The related accumulated
depreciation was $25.0 million and $17.9 million at December 31, 1998 and 1997,
respectively.
 
     Annual maturities of long-term debt and minimum payments under capital
leases for the five years subsequent to December 31, 1998, are as follows (in
thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      LONG-TERM    CAPITAL
                                                        DEBT       LEASES      TOTAL
                                                      ---------    -------    --------
<S>                                                   <C>          <C>        <C>
1999................................................  $  7,870     $ 7,624    $ 15,494
2000................................................     5,600       6,177      11,777
2001................................................     5,600       3,506       9,106
2002................................................     5,600         839       6,439
2003................................................   201,400         162     201,562
Thereafter..........................................   450,815          --     450,815
                                                      --------     -------    --------
                                                       676,885      18,308     695,193
Less amounts related to interest....................        --      (2,193)     (2,193)
                                                      --------     -------    --------
                                                       676,885      16,115     693,000
Less current portion................................    (7,870)     (6,114)    (13,984)
                                                      --------     -------    --------
                                                      $669,015     $10,001    $679,016
                                                      ========     =======    ========
</TABLE>
 
 8. REDEEMABLE PREFERRED STOCK
 
  7 1/4% Junior Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007
 
     In 1997 we issued $100 million (1,000,000 shares) of 7 1/4% Junior
Convertible Preferred Stock Due 2007. The 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock is
convertible at the option of the holder into shares of common stock at a
conversion rate of 4.263 shares of common stock for each share of 7 1/4%
Convertible Preferred Stock. On March 31, 2007, the 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred
Stock must be redeemed at a price equal to the liquidation preference ($100 per
share) plus accrued and unpaid dividends. Because it is mandatorily redeemable,
it is not included in stockholders' equity. Dividends payable on or before March
31, 1999 are payable in either cash or additional shares of 7 1/4% Convertible
Preferred Stock. Thereafter, dividends will accrue at 8 3/4% if we elect to pay
the dividend through the issuance of additional shares of 7 1/4% Convertible
Preferred Stock. The difference
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   70
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
between the carrying value of the 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock and its
redemption value is being accreted to additional paid-in-capital through the
mandatory redemption date; the accretion is included in dividends applicable to
preferred stock.
 
  12 1/2% Junior Exchangeable Preferred Stock Due 2009
 
     In 1997 we issued $300 million (300,000 shares) of 12 1/2% Junior
Exchangeable Preferred Stock Due 2009. We may elect to exchange all of the
12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock for 12 1/2% Subordinated Exchange
Debentures Due 2009 ("Exchange Debentures"). The exchange would be made based on
a principle amount equal to the liquidation preference of the 12 1/2%
Exchangeable Preferred Stock at the time of the exchange. If exchanged, the
Exchange Debentures will bear interest at the rate of 12 1/2%. The Exchange
Debentures would be general unsecured obligations and would be subordinated in
right of payment to all existing and future senior indebtedness. On August 15,
2009, the 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock must be redeemed at a price equal
to its liquidation preference ($1,000 a share) plus accrued and unpaid
dividends. Because it is mandatorily redeemable, it not included in
stockholders' equity. Dividends on the 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock
accrue at 12 1/2% of the liquidation preference (including unpaid dividends) and
are payable quarterly in arrears. Dividends payable prior to or on February 15,
2001, may be paid in either cash or additional shares of 12 1/2% Exchangeable
Preferred Stock. After February 15, 2001, dividends on the 12 1/2% Exchangeable
Preferred Stock may be paid only in cash. The difference between the carrying
value and the redemption value of the 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock is
being accreted to additional paid-in-capital through the mandatory redemption
date; the accretion is included in dividends applicable to preferred stock.
 
 9. STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
 
  Common Stock
 
     During 1996, we issued 6,440,000 shares of common stock in an initial
public offering and a private placement, resulting in net proceeds of $94.1
million. At December 31, 1998, we had reserved common shares for future issuance
as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Shares reserved for issuance under stock option plans.......   6,420,137
7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock..........................   4,580,594
6 3/4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock...............   2,134,377
                                                              ----------
          Total.............................................  13,135,108
                                                              ==========
</TABLE>
 
  Stockholder Rights Plan
 
     In September 1998 the Board of Directors declared a dividend of one
Preferred Share Purchase Right (a "Right") on each outstanding share of its
Common Stock. Each Right entitles the holder to buy one
one-thousandth of a share of new Series A Junior Participating Preferred Stock
at an exercise price of $210.00 per Right. The Rights will be exercisable if a
person or group acquires 20% or more of the common stock (or if a stockholder
currently holding more than 20% of the outstanding stock acquires any additional
shares of common stock) or announces a tender offer for 20% or more of the
common stock. We will be entitled to redeem the Rights at one cent per Right at
any time before any such person acquires 20% or more of the outstanding common
stock. Each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's exercise
price, a number of shares of common stock having a market value at that time of
twice the Right's exercise price. Rights held by the 20% or more holder will
become void and will not be exercisable to purchase shares at the bargain
purchase price. If we are acquired after a person acquires 20% or more of our
common stock, each Right will entitle its holder to purchase, at the Right's
then-current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company's common shares
having a market value at that time of twice the Right's exercise price. The
dividend
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   71
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
distribution was payable to stockholders of record on September 20, 1998. The
Rights will expire on September 20, 2008.
 
  6 3/4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock
 
     In 1998 we sold 155,250 shares of 6 3/4% Cumulative Convertible Preferred
Stock for gross proceeds of $155.3 million. The 6 3/4% Convertible Preferred
Stock can be converted at any time at the option of the holder into Common
Stock. The conversion rate is 13.748 shares of common stock per share of 6 3/4%
Convertible Preferred Stock. Dividends on the 6 3/4% Convertible Preferred Stock
are payable quarterly in arrears in cash or common stock commencing on July 1,
1998.
 
  Junior Series 3 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock
 
     In 1997 and 1998 we redeemed the Junior Series 3 Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock by exchanging it for shares of common stock. Holders of Junior
Series 3 Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock received approximately 49.85
shares of common stock for each share of Junior Series 3 Cumulative Redeemable
Preferred Stock.
 
  Stock-Based Compensation
 
     We adopted several stock option plans that provide for the issuance of
non-qualified or incentive stock options to employees and directors. Options
under these plans are generally awarded at the discretion of the Board of
Directors and generally are awarded with exercise prices at least equal to the
fair market value of the underlying common stock at the date of grant. Certain
options granted in 1996 under one plan were granted at an exercise prices less
than fair market value, resulting in the recognition of additional compensation
expense of $0.1 million in 1998, $0.2 million in 1997, and $0.2 million in 1996.
Options generally expire after 10 years and vest over periods ranging from three
to five years. In the event of a change in control, certain of the options
outstanding will vest fully.
 
     In 1996 we adopted a phantom stock plan (the "Directors' Plan"), pursuant
to which $20,000 per year of outside director's fees for certain directors is
deferred and treated as if it were invested in shares of our common stock. Prior
to 1998 no shares of common stock were actually purchased and the participants
receive cash benefits equal to the value of the shares that they are deemed to
have purchased under the Directors' Plan. Distribution of benefits generally
will occur three years after the deferral. Compensation expense is determined
based on the market price of the shares deemed to have been purchased and is
charged to expense over the related period. In 1998, 1997 and 1996, the Company
recognized $.1 million, $.1 million and $.1 million as compensation expense
related to the Directors' Plan. We amended the Directors' Plan in 1998 to allow
benefits to be paid in either cash or shares of common stock.
 
     Prior to the pooling-of-interests transaction Eclipse granted stock options
to various parties from time to time. The terms and conditions of the Eclipse
options, including exercise prices and option expiration periods, were set by
Eclipse's board of directors. In connection with the Eclipse merger, all
outstanding Eclipse options were converted into substitute options at an
exchange rate of .2998 IXC option for each Eclipse option. Such substitute
options provided for substantially the same terms and conditions as the original
Eclipse options. Under the terms of a stock option agreement with a former
officer of a subsidiary of Eclipse, a $1.1 million charge for compensation was
recorded in fiscal 1997.
 
     We account for employee stock options under APB 25 and only make fair value
disclosures for option grants. The fair value disclosures assumes that fair
value for option grants was calculated at the date of grant using the
Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions: risk-free
interest rates of 5.6% in 1998, from 5.2% to 6.4% in 1997, and 5.3% to 6.7% in
1996; no dividend yield; volatility of .804 in
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   72
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
1998, .551 in 1997 and .523 for 1996 (for Eclipse options, fair value was
calculated assuming volatility factors of .376 in 1997 and .478 in 1996); and
expected option lives of 4 years.
 
     For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the options' vesting period. Pro forma loss
per share information is as follows (in thousands except for loss per share
information):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                     1998         1997         1996
                                                   ---------    ---------    --------
<S>                                                <C>          <C>          <C>
Pro forma loss applicable to common
  stockholders...................................  $(237,008)   $(125,564)   $(46,791)
Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share.......      (6.61)       (3.61)      (1.55)
</TABLE>
 
     Stock option activity and related information for the years ended December
31, 1998, 1997, and 1996 are as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                  1998                      1997                      1996
                         ----------------------    ----------------------    ----------------------
                                       WEIGHTED                  WEIGHTED                  WEIGHTED
                                       AVERAGE                   AVERAGE                   AVERAGE
                                       EXERCISE                  EXERCISE                  EXERCISE
                          OPTIONS       PRICE       OPTIONS       PRICE       OPTIONS       PRICE
                         ----------    --------    ----------    --------    ----------    --------
<S>                      <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>         <C>           <C>
Outstanding at
  beginning of year....   3,144,947     $17.12      2,018,961     $11.90      1,006,240     $11.67
Granted................   3,199,401      34.34      1,324,347      25.43      1,165,333      12.55
Exercised..............    (594,107)      8.87        (62,976)     11.22        (19,702)      3.01
Forfeited..............    (305,729)     25.01       (135,385)     24.16       (132,910)     17.02
                         ----------                ----------                ----------
Outstanding at end of
  year.................   5,444,512      22.71      3,144,947      17.12      2,018,961      11.90
                         ==========                ==========                ==========
Exercisable at end of
  year.................   1,140,334                   984,742                   525,948
                         ==========                ==========                ==========
Weighted average fair
  value of options
  granted during the
  year.................  $    21.96                $    14.67                $     7.50
                         ==========                ==========                ==========
</TABLE>
 
     The following table summarizes outstanding options at December 31, 1998, by
price range:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               OUTSTANDING                         EXERCISABLE
               -------------------------------------------    ---------------------
                                   WEIGHTED     WEIGHTED                   WEIGHTED
                                   AVERAGE       AVERAGE                   AVERAGE
                   RANGE OF        EXERCISE    CONTRACTUAL                 EXERCISE
   OPTIONS     EXERCISE PRICES      PRICE         LIFE         OPTIONS      PRICE
  ---------    ----------------    --------    -----------    ---------    --------
  <C>          <S>                 <C>         <C>            <C>          <C>
    555,433    $3.01                $ 3.01         6.0          457,316     $ 3.01
    131,426    $15.38 to $26.25      15.38         6.8           76,155      15.38
  2,113,408    $15.38 to $26.28      22.08         9.1          324,972      22.18
  1,318,219    $26.29 to $36.88      29.54         8.5          281,891      29.03
    562,026    $36.89 to $45.00      42.17         8.8               --         --
    764,000    $45.00 to $60.00      51.46         8.6               --         --
  ---------                                                   ---------
  5,444,512    $ 3.01 to $60.00      22.71         8.4        1,140,334      15.73
  =========                                                   =========
</TABLE>
 
10. LOSS PER SHARE
 
     No potentially dilutive securities were included in the basic and diluted
loss per share calculation as they would have been anti-dilutive. The following
table summarizes additional common shares that would, if converted, dilute
earnings. The number of common shares for each item is based on the number of
potentially dilutive securities outstanding as of the end of the year presented.
The figures presented for the 6 3/4% Converti-
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   73
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
ble Preferred Stock and the 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock assume that each
preferred share was converted into 13.748 common shares and 4.263 common shares,
respectively. Certain shares of common stock were held in escrow under the terms
of purchase agreements related to acquisitions made during 1995 and 1996.
Additionally, shares are held in escrow related to certain former owners of our
Eclipse subsidiary. All shares held in escrow are excluded from the calculation
of weighted average shares outstanding.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                      1998         1997         1996
                                                   ----------    ---------    ---------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>          <C>
7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock...............   4,580,594    4,499,030           --
6 3/4% Convertible Preferred Stock...............   2,134,377           --           --
Stock options....................................   5,444,512    3,149,947    2,018,961
Stock in escrow from acquisitions................      26,008       26,008       26,008
Other stock in escrow............................      93,941       93,941      187,881
                                                   ----------    ---------    ---------
          Total additional common share
            equivalents..........................  12,279,432    7,768,926    2,232,850
                                                   ==========    =========    =========
</TABLE>
 
11. CONCENTRATIONS OF CREDIT RISK AND MAJOR CUSTOMERS
 
     Financial instruments that potentially create concentrations of credit risk
consist primarily of cash equivalents and trade receivables. We place cash
equivalents in quality investments with reputable financial institutions.
 
     We may be subject to credit risk due to concentrations of receivables from
companies which are telecommunications providers, Internet service providers,
and cable television companies. We perform ongoing credit evaluations of
customers' financial condition and we typically do not require a significant
amount of collateral.
 
     Revenue from Excel Communications amounted to 14%, 23%, and 25% of total
revenue for each of the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996. In 1998
the revenue was generated 11% in the long distance segment and 3% in the private
line segment. In 1997 and 1996 the revenue was generated in the long distance
segment only. In addition, MCIWorldCom accounted for 6.6% of 1998 revenue, all
of which was private line revenue.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   74
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
12. INCOME TAXES
 
     Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effects of temporary differences
between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting
purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of
deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows as of December 31, 1998 and
1997 (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                1998         1997
                                                              ---------    --------
<S>                                                           <C>          <C>
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS:
  Tax credit carryforwards..................................  $   4,524    $  2,068
  Net operating loss carryforwards..........................     22,053      37,999
  Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries.................     42,638       9,465
  Deferred revenue..........................................     97,577      19,787
  Reserve for bad debts.....................................     17,591       4,938
  Accrued expenses..........................................      3,344       3,537
                                                              ---------    --------
     Gross deferred tax assets..............................    187,727      77,794
     Valuation allowances...................................   (123,331)    (56,776)
                                                              ---------    --------
  Net deferred tax asset....................................     64,396      21,018
                                                              ---------    --------
DEFERRED TAX LIABILITIES:
  Tax over book depreciation................................    (65,233)    (21,738)
  Other liability accruals..................................       (917)     (1,034)
                                                              ---------    --------
  Gross deferred tax liabilities............................    (66,150)    (22,772)
                                                              ---------    --------
     Net deferred tax liabilities...........................  $  (1,754)   $ (1,754)
                                                              =========    ========
AS RECORDED IN THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS:
  Current deferred tax assets...............................  $   4,961    $    947
  Noncurrent deferred tax liability.........................     (6,715)     (2,701)
                                                              ---------    --------
          Gross deferred tax liabilities....................  $  (1,754)   $ (1,754)
                                                              =========    ========
</TABLE>
 
     At December 31, 1998, we had net operating loss carryforwards of
approximately $55.1 million for income tax purposes that expire through 2012.
The Company has minimum tax and investment tax credit carryforwards at December
31, 1998 of approximately $3.2 million and $1.4 million, respectively. The
minimum tax credits can be carried forward indefinitely. The investment tax
credits expire in 2001.
 
     Valuation allowances were established to offset a portion of the Company's
deferred tax assets at December 31, 1998 and 1997, respectively. During the
years ended December 31, 1998, 1997 and 1996, the valuation allowance was
increased by $66.6 million, $37.5 million and $18.5 million, respectively.
 
     The increase in the current tax provision in 1998 relates to deferred tax
assets created by continuing operations which have not been benefitted, net
operating losses attributable to the extraordinary item, and the non-qualified
stock option deduction which was not benefitted. Significant components of the
benefit
 
                                      F-22
<PAGE>   75
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
(provision) for income taxes attributable to current operations for the years
ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996, are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1998       1997       1996
                                                        --------    -------    ------
<S>                                                     <C>         <C>        <C>
CURRENT:
  Federal.............................................  $ (7,128)   $    --    $   (5)
  State...............................................    (6,797)    (1,816)     (250)
                                                        --------    -------    ------
          Total Current...............................   (13,925)    (1,816)     (255)
                                                        --------    -------    ------
DEFERRED:
  Federal.............................................        --        393     4,869
  State...............................................        --         64     1,266
                                                        --------    -------    ------
          Total deferred..............................        --        457     6,135
                                                        --------    -------    ------
  Benefit (provision) for income taxes................  $(13,925)   $(1,359)   $5,880
                                                        ========    =======    ======
</TABLE>
 
     Reconciliations of the income tax benefit (provision) attributable to
continuing operations computed at the U.S. federal statutory tax rates to income
tax benefit (provision) for the years ended December 31, 1998, 1997, and 1996,
are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1998        1997        1996
                                                     --------    --------    --------
<S>                                                  <C>         <C>         <C>
Tax benefit at federal statutory rate..............  $ 28,320    $ 34,126    $ 17,260
State income tax benefit (provision)...............      (292)      3,690       3,106
Tax attributes not benefitted......................   (39,699)    (37,529)    (18,491)
Resolution of tax examinations.....................        --          --       3,511
Permanent and other differences....................    (2,254)     (1,646)        494
                                                     --------    --------    --------
Benefit (provision) for income taxes...............  $(13,925)   $ (1,359)   $  5,880
                                                     ========    ========    ========
</TABLE>
 
13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     A law firm, of which a director and stockholder is a principal, provided
legal services in the amount of approximately $3.3 million in 1998, $4.3 million
in 1997, and $3.5 million in 1996.
 
14. FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     The following methods and assumptions were used in estimating its fair
value disclosures for financial instruments:
 
     Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount reported in the balance
sheets for cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value.
 
     Accounts receivable and accounts payable: The carrying amounts reported in
the balance sheets for accounts receivable and accounts payable approximate fair
value.
 
     Notes receivable: The carrying amounts reported in the balance sheet for
notes receivable approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of the
notes and because their interest rates are comparable to current rates.
 
     Marketable securities: The fair values of marketable securities are based
on quoted market prices and the presence of contractually guaranteed values.
 
     Long-term debt: The fair value of the 9% Notes is estimated at $450.6
million based on their last trading price in 1998. The carrying values of the
capital lease obligations and $200 million credit facility approximate
 
                                      F-23
<PAGE>   76
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
fair values because the interest rates on these obligations are comparable to
the interest rates that could have been obtained at the date of the balance
sheet.
 
     Preferred stock: The fair values of the 7 1/4% Convertible Preferred Stock
and the 12 1/2% Exchangeable Preferred Stock were not determined due to the
impracticability of such a calculation based on their limited market and lack of
an actively quoted price.
 
15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     From time to time we are involved in various legal proceedings, all of
which have arisen in the ordinary course of business and some of which are
covered by insurance. In the opinion of management, none of the claims relating
to such proceedings will have a material adverse effect on our financial
condition or results of operations.
 
     We lease certain facilities, equipment and transmission capacity under
noncancellable operating leases. Future minimum annual lease payments under
these lease agreements at December 31, 1998, are as follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             OPERATING
                                                              LEASES
                                                             ---------
<S>                                                          <C>
1999.......................................................   $38,844
2000.......................................................    21,414
2001.......................................................    16,774
2002.......................................................    10,953
2003.......................................................     7,909
Thereafter.................................................    16,830
</TABLE>
 
     Lease expense relating to facilities, equipment and transmission capacity
leases, excluding amortization of fiber exchange agreements, was approximately
$120.5 million, $99.1 million and $50.6 million for the years ended December 31,
1998, 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
     There is a defined contribution retirement and 401(k) savings plan which
covers all full-time employees with one year of service. The Company contributes
6% of eligible compensation, as defined in the plan, and matches 100% of the
employee's contributions up to a maximum of 3% of the employee's compensation.
Employees vest in the Company's contribution over five years. Benefit expense
for 1998, 1997, and 1996 was approximately $2.8 million, $1.3 million, and $0.8
million, respectively. We also continue to operate certain defined contribution
benefit plans that were operated by Eclipse prior to the merger. Contributions
to these plans amounted to $68,000 and $90,000 in 1997 and 1996, respectively.
 
16. VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
 
     Activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts and service credits was as
follows (in thousands):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       BALANCE AT
                                       BEGINNING     CHARGED TO                   BALANCE AT
         FOR THE YEARS ENDED           OF PERIOD      REVENUE      DEDUCTIONS    END OF PERIOD
         -------------------           ----------    ----------    ----------    -------------
<S>                                    <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>
December 31, 1998....................   $13,119       $55,113       $51,568         $16,664
December 31, 1997....................   $ 6,407       $20,782       $14,070         $13,119
December 31, 1996....................   $ 2,842       $ 6,311       $ 2,746         $ 6,407
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-24
<PAGE>   77
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
17. QUARTERLY RESULTS
 
     Unaudited quarterly results are as follows (in thousands except per share
amounts):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED
                                     -------------------------------------------------------
                                     MARCH 31,    JUNE 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,    DECEMBER 31,
                                       1998         1998           1998             1998
                                     ---------    ---------    -------------    ------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>
Net operating revenue..............  $157,583     $ 155,935      $185,269         $169,781
Gross profit.......................    49,634        48,342        75,285           62,007
Net loss...........................   (17,895)     (102,507)      (15,301)         (26,753)
Basic and diluted net loss per
  share:...........................  $  (0.83)    $   (3.30)     $  (0.85)        $  (1.17)
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    THREE MONTH PERIOD ENDED
                                     -------------------------------------------------------
                                     MARCH 31,    JUNE 30,     SEPTEMBER 30,    DECEMBER 31,
                                       1997         1997           1997             1997
                                     ---------    ---------    -------------    ------------
<S>                                  <C>          <C>          <C>              <C>
Net operating revenue..............  $106,882     $ 113,812      $136,829         $164,094
Gross profit.......................    21,988        22,833        35,794           45,335
Net loss...........................   (22,498)      (27,914)      (31,172)         (17,580)
Basic and diluted net loss per
  share:...........................  $  (0.67)    $   (0.87)     $  (1.09)        $  (0.84)
</TABLE>
 
18. SEGMENT REPORTING
 
     Our financial reporting segments are based on the way management organizes
the company for making operating decisions and assessing performance. These
segments are based on the different types of products we offer. The segments
consist of the private line segment, the switched long distance segment, and the
data/ Internet segment. The segments are separately evaluated because the
products or services sold by each business unit are subject to different market
forces and sales strategies. Management reviews the gross profits of each
reporting segment and views the costs of the network and administrative
functions as supporting all business segments. Therefore, assets (other than
accounts receivable), liabilities, general and administrative expense, interest
expense and income, and other expenses are not charged to any one segment.
Losses from equity method subsidiaries are not charged to any one segment
because those subsidiaries may have operations in multiple segments. All
operating revenue shown is derived from sales to external customers. Revenue
 
                                      F-25
<PAGE>   78
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
related to the sale of options in fibers that are jointly owned with other
carriers are not reported in any segment. The summarized segment data for 1998,
1997, and 1996 is as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SWITCHED LONG    DATA &
                                           PRIVATE LINE     DISTANCE      INTERNET   UNALLOCATED    TOTAL
                                           ------------   -------------   --------   -----------   --------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>             <C>        <C>           <C>
1998
Net operating revenue....................    $225,358       $414,405      $ 9,029      $19,776     $668,568
Cost of service..........................      85,800        334,109       13,391           --      433,300
                                             --------       --------      -------      -------     --------
Gross profit.............................     139,558         80,296       (4,362)      19,776      235,268
Operations and administration............                                                           144,536
Depreciation and amortization............                                                           113,586
Merger costs.............................                                                             7,955
                                                                                                   --------
Operating loss...........................                                                           (30,809)
Interest income..........................                                                            14,339
Interest expense.........................                                                           (31,683)
Equity (loss) from unconsolidated
  subsidiaries...........................                                                           (32,986)
Other, net...............................                                                               226
                                                                                                   --------
Loss before provision for income taxes,
  minority interest, and extraordinary
  loss...................................                                                          $(80,913)
                                                                                                   ========
Identifiable Assets:
Accounts Receivable......................    $ 32,780       $ 72,269      $ 2,144      $   365     $107,558
                                             ========       ========      =======      =======     ========
 
1997
Net operating revenue....................    $161,570       $359,288      $   759      $    --     $521,617
Cost of service..........................      72,719        319,247        3,701           --      395,667
                                             --------       --------      -------      -------     --------
Gross profit.............................      88,851         40,041       (2,942)          --      125,950
Operations and administration............                                                           102,760
Depreciation and amortization............                                                            69,139
Merger costs.............................                                                             3,591
                                                                                                   --------
Operating loss...........................                                                           (49,540)
Interest income..........................                                                             7,768
Interest expense.........................                                                           (31,702)
Equity (loss) from unconsolidated
  subsidiaries...........................                                                           (23,800)
Other, net...............................                                                                29
                                                                                                   --------
Loss before provision for income taxes,
  minority interest, and extraordinary
  loss...................................                                                          $(97,245)
                                                                                                   ========
Identifiable Assets:
Accounts Receivable......................    $ 27,925       $ 82,830      $    --      $ 1,602     $112,357
                                             ========       ========      =======      =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-26
<PAGE>   79
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          SWITCHED LONG    DATA &
                                           PRIVATE LINE     DISTANCE      INTERNET   UNALLOCATED    TOTAL
                                           ------------   -------------   --------   -----------   --------
<S>                                        <C>            <C>             <C>        <C>           <C>
 
1996
Net operating revenue....................    $ 99,793       $182,174      $    --      $    --     $281,967
Cost of service..........................      60,129        134,752           --           --      194,881
                                             --------       --------      -------      -------     --------
Gross profit.............................      39,664         47,422           --           --       87,086
Operations and administration............                                                            71,103
Depreciation and amortization............                                                            35,927
Merger costs.............................                                                                --
                                                                                                   --------
Operating loss...........................                                                           (19,944)
Interest income..........................                                                            10,242
Interest expense.........................                                                           (37,636)
Equity (loss) from unconsolidated
  subsidiaries...........................                                                            (1,961)
Other, net...............................                                                              (200)
                                                                                                   --------
Loss before provision for income taxes,
  minority interest, and extraordinary
  loss...................................                                                          $(49,499)
                                                                                                   ========
</TABLE>
 
Significantly all of the Company's revenue is generated in the United States.
 
19. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
     In June 1997, the FASB issued SFAS No. 130, "Reporting Comprehensive
Income" ("SFAS No. 130"). SFAS No. 130 establishes standards for reporting and
display of comprehensive income and its components in a full set of
general-purpose financial statements. SFAS No. 130 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after December 15, 1997. Since we had no items of other comprehensive
income in any of the periods presented, there was no impact from the adoption of
SFAS No. 130 on reporting or display of financial information.
 
     In June 1998, the FASB issued SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS No. 133"). SFAS No. 133 establishes
accounting and reporting standards requiring that derivative instruments be
recorded in the balance sheet as either an asset or liability measured at its
fair value. Because we have not entered into derivative financial instruments,
the implementation of SFAS No. 133 will not have an impact on the results of
operations or financial position.
 
     In April 1998, the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued
Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-5, "Reporting on the costs of Start-Up
Activities." The SOP requires costs of start-up activities and organization
costs to be expensed as incurred, and is effective for our fiscal year ended
December 31, 1999. This new standard will have no material impact on our
financial position or results of operations.
 
     In March 1998 the Accounting Standards Executive Committee issued SOP 98-1
"Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software Developed or Obtained for
Internal Use." This standard provides guidance on accounting for certain costs
incurred for software developed for internal use and will be effective for our
fiscal year ended December 31, 1999. Upon adoption, January 1, 1999, this
standard will not have a material impact on our financial position or results of
operations.
 
                                      F-27
<PAGE>   80
                            IXC COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
             NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                               DECEMBER 31, 1998
 
20. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
 
     In March 1999 we entered into an agreement with Westel whereby Westel
agreed to transfer certain of its Progress share interest collateral to us as
repayment of Westel's note payable to us. We gave Westel the right to repurchase
such share interests no later than May 31, 1999.
 
     In February 1999 Marca-Tel and its primary creditor agreed to allow
Marca-Tel to defer certain payments to the creditor until June 1999. The
creditor was given the right to acquire up to 10% of Marca-Tel, and the creditor
acquired additional shares which diluted our indirect interest to 24%.
 
                                      F-28
<PAGE>   81
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
 3.1       Restated Certificate of Incorporation of IXC Communications,
           Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1
           of the IXC Communications, Inc.'s Quarterly Report Form 10-Q
           for the quarter ended September 30, 1998 filed with the
           Commission on November 16, 1998).
 3.2       Bylaws of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the IXC Communications,
           Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
           September 30, 1997 filed with the Commission on November 14,
           1997).
 4.1       Indenture dated as of October 5, 1995, by and among IXC
           Communications, Inc., on its behalf and as
           successor-in-interest to I-Link Holdings, Inc. and IXC
           Carrier Group, Inc., each of IXC Carrier, Inc., on its
           behalf and as successor-in-interest to I-Link, Inc., CTI
           Investments, Inc., Texas Microwave Inc. and WTM Microwave
           Inc., Atlantic States Microwave Transmission Company,
           Central States Microwave Transmission Company, Telcom
           Engineering, Inc., on its behalf and as
           successor-in-interest to SWTT Company and Microwave Network,
           Inc., Tower Communication Systems Corp., West Texas
           Microwave Company, Western States Microwave Transmission
           Company, Rio Grande Transmission, Inc., IXC Long Distance,
           Inc., Link Net International, Inc. (collectively, the
           "Guarantors"), and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company, as
           Trustee (the "Trustee"), with respect to the 12 1/2% Series
           A and Series B Senior Notes due 2005 (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s and
           each of the Guarantor's Registration Statement on Form S-4
           filed with the Commission on April 1, 1996 (File No.
           333-2936) (the "S-4")).
 4.2       Form of 12 1/2% Series A Senior Notes due 2005 (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 4.6 of the S-4).
 4.3       Form of 12 1/2% Series B Senior Notes due 2005 and
           Subsidiary Guarantee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           4.8 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s Amendment No. 1 to
           Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Commission
           on June 13, 1996 (File No. 333-4061) (the "S-1 Amendment")).
 4.4       Amendment No. 1 to Indenture and Subsidiary Guarantee dated
           as of June 4, 1996, by and among IXC Communications, Inc.,
           the Guarantors and the Trustee (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.11 of the S-1 Amendment).
 4.5       Purchase Agreement dated as of March 25, 1997, by and among
           IXC Communications, Inc., Credit Suisse First Boston
           Corporation ("CS First Boston") and Dillon Read & Co. Inc.
           ("Dillon Read") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.12
           of IXC Communications, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q
           for the quarter ended March 31, 1997, filed with the
           Commission on May 15, 1997 (the "March 31, 1997 10-Q")).
 4.6       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 25, 1997, by
           and among IXC Communications, Inc., CS First Boston and
           Dillon Read (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of
           the March 31, 1997 10-Q).
 4.7       Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of Marc
           25, 1997, by and between IXC Communications, Inc. and
           Trustees of General Electric Pension Trust (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 4.14 of the March 31, 1997 10-Q).
 4.8       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, 1997,
           among IXC Communications, Inc. and each of William G. Rodi,
           Gordon Hutchins, Jr. and William F. Linsmeier (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 4.15 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s
           Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
           1997, as filed with the Commission on August 6, 1997 (the
           "June 30, 1997 10-Q")).
 4.9       Registration Rights Agreement dated as of July 8, 1997,
           among IXC Communications, Inc. and each of William G. Rodi,
           Gordon Hutchins, Jr. and William F. Linsmeier (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 4.16 of the June 30, 1997 10-Q).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   82
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
 4.10      Indenture dated as of August 15, 1997, between IXC
           Communications, Inc. and The Bank of New York (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s
           Current Report on Form 8-K dated August 20, 1997, and filed
           with the Commission on August 28, 1997 (the "8-K")).
 4.11      First Supplemental Indenture dated as of October 23, 1997,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors, IXC
           International, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.13 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
           year ended December 31, 1997, and filed with the Commission
           on March 16, 1998 (the "1997 10-K")).
 4.12      Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of December 22, 1997,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors, IXC Internet
           Services, Inc., IXC International, Inc. and IBJ Schroder
           Bank & Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           4.14 of the 1997 10-K).
 4.13      Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of January 6, 1998,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors, IXC Internet
           Services, Inc., IXC International, Inc. and IBJ Schroder
           Bank & Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           4.15 of the 1997 10-K).
 4.14      Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 3, 1998,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., the Guarantors, IXC Internet
           Services, Inc., IXC International, Inc., and IBJ Schroder
           Bank & Trust Company (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           4.15 of IXC Communications, Inc.'s Registration Statement on
           Form S-3 filed with the Commission on May 12, 1998 (File No.
           333-52433)).
 4.15      Purchase Agreement dated as of March 25, 1998, among IXC
           Communications, Inc., Goldman Sachs & Co. ("Goldman"), CS
           First Boston, Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
           Incorporated ("Merrill") and Morgan Stanley & Co.
           Incorporated ("Morgan Stanley") (incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 4.1 IXC Communications, Inc.'s Current Report on
           Form 8-K dated March 30, 1998, and filed with the Commission
           on April 7, 1998 (the "April 7, 1998 8-K")).
 4.16      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of March 30, 1998,
           among IXC Communications, Inc., Goldman, CS First Boston,
           Merrill and Morgan Stanley (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.2 of the April 7, 1998 8-K).
 4.17      Deposit Agreement dated as of March 30, 1998, between IXC
           Communications, Inc. and BankBoston N.A. (incorporated by
           reference from Exhibit 4.3 of the April 7, 1998 8-K).
 4.18      Purchase Agreement dated as of April 16, 1998, by and among
           IXC Communications, Inc., CS First Boston, Merrill, Morgan
           Stanley and Nationsbanc Montgomery Securities LLC
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Current Report on Form 8-K dated
           April 21, 1998, and filed with the Commission on April 22,
           1998 (the "April 22, 1998 8-K").
 4.19      Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 16, 1998, by
           and among IXC Communications, Inc., Credit Suisse First
           Boston Corporation, Merrill, Morgan Stanley and Nationsbanc
           Montgomery Securities LLC (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.2 of the April 22, 1998 8-K).
 4.20      Indenture dated as of April 21, 1998, between IXC
           Communications, Inc. and IBJ Schroder Bank & Trust Company,
           as Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the
           April 22, 1998 8-K).
 4.21      Rights Agreement dated as of September 9, 1998, between IXC
           Communications, Inc. and U.S. Stock Transfer Corporation
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Form 8-K dated September 8, 1998 and
           filed with Commission on September 11, 1998).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   83
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
10.1       Office Lease dated as of June 21, 1989 with USAA Real Estate
           Company, as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           10.1 of the S-4).
10.2       Equipment Lease dated as of December 1, 1994, by and between
           DSC Finance Corporation and Switched Services
           Communications, L.L.C.; Assignment Agreement dated as of
           December 1, 1994, by and between Switched Services
           Communications, L.L.C. and DSC Finance Corporation; and
           Guaranty dated December 1, 1994, made in favor of DSC
           Finance Corporation by IXC Communications, Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the S-4).
10.3       Amended and Restated 1994 Stock Plan of IXC Communications,
           Inc., as amended (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3
           of the June 30, 1997 10-Q).
10.4*      Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Agreement under the 1994
           Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.4 of the S-4).
10.5       Amended and Restated Development Agreement by and between
           Intertech Management Group, Inc. and IXC Long Distance, Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s and the Guarantors' Amendment No. 1
           to Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the
           Commission on May 20, 1996 (File No. 333-2936) ("Amendment
           No. 1 to S-4")).
10.6       Third Amended and Restated Service Agreement dated as of
           April 16, 1998, among IXC Long Distance, Inc., IXC Carrier,
           Inc., IXC Broadband, Inc. and Excel Telecommunications, Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
           quarter ended March 31, 1998, filed with the Commission on
           May 15, 1998 (the "March 31, 1998 10-Q")).
10.7       Equipment Purchase Agreement dated as of January 16, 1996,
           by and between Siecor Corporation and IXC Carrier, Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 of the S-4).
10.8*      1996 Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc., as amended
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 of the IXC
           Communications, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
           ended December 31, 1996 and filed with the Commission on
           March 28, 1997 (the "1996 10-K")).
10.9       IRU Agreement dated as of November 1995 between WorldCom,
           Inc. and IXC Carrier, Inc. (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.11 of Amendment No. 1 to the S-4).
10.10*+    IXC Communications, Inc. Outside Directors' Phantom Stock
           Plan 1999 Restatement.
10.11      Business Consultant and Management Agreement dated as of
           March 1, 1998, by and between IXC Communications, Inc. and
           Culp Communications Associates (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.11 of the March 31, 1998 10-Q).
10.12      Employment Agreement dated as of December 28, 1995, by and
           between IXC Communications, Inc. and James F. Guthrie
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.14 of the S-1
           Amendment).
10.13*     Special Stock Plan of IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 10.16 of the 1996 10-K).
10.14      Lease dated as of June 4, 1997, between IXC Communications,
           Inc. and Carramerca Realty, L.P. (incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 10.17 of the June 30, 1997 10-Q).
10.15      Loan and Security Agreement dated as of July 18, 1997, among
           IXC Communications, Inc., IXC Carrier, Inc. and NTFC Capital
           Corporation ("NTFC") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           10.18 of the June 30, 1997 10-Q).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   84
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER                             DESCRIPTION
-------                            -----------
<C>        <S>
10.16      IRU and Stock Purchase Agreement dated as of July 22, 1997,
           between IXC Internet Services, Inc. and PSINet Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.19 of IXC
           Communications, Inc.'s Amendment No. 1 to Form 10-Q/A for
           the quarter ended September 30, 1997 filed with the
           Commission on December 12, 1997 (the "September 30, 1997
           10-Q/A")).
10.17      Joint Marketing and Services Agreement dated as of July 22,
           1997, between IXC Internet Services, Inc. and PSINet Inc.
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.20 of the September
           30, 1997 10-Q/A).
10.18      Employment Agreement dated as of September 9, 1997, between
           Benjamin L. Scott and IXC Communications, Inc. (incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of IXC Communication Inc.'s
           Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement on S-4 filed with
           the Commission on December 15, 1997 (File No. 333-37157)
           ("Amendment No. 1 to the EPS S-4")).
10.19*     IXC Communications, Inc. 1997 Special Executive Stock Plan
           (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.22 of Amendment No.
           1 to the EPS S-4).
10.20      First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
           December 23, 1997, among IXC Communications, Inc., IXC
           Carrier, Inc., NTFC and Export Development Corporation
           ("EDC") (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.21 of the
           1997 10-K).
10.21      Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of
           January 21, 1998, among IXC Communications, Inc., IXC
           Carrier, Inc., NTFC and EDC (incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.22 of the 1997 10-K).
10.22*     IXC Communications, Inc. 1998 Stock Plan (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.22 of the IXC Communications, Inc.'s
           Quarterly Report Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September
           30, 1998 filed with the Commission on November 16, 1998).
10.23      Credit Agreement, dated as of October 27, 1998 among the
           Borrower, NationsBank, N.A., as a Lender and Administrative
           Agent, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities, LLC, as Lead
           Arranger, and Credit Suisse First Boston, Goldman Sachs
           Credit Partners, L.P., EDC and TD Securities (USA), Inc.,
           each as a Lender and Co-Syndication Agent (incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.1 of IXC Communications, Inc.
           Current Report on Form 8-K dated October 27, 1998 and filed
           with the Commission on November 4, 1998).
10.24+     Office Lease Agreement dated as of December 7, 1998, between
           B.O. III, LTD and IXC Communications Services, Inc.
10.25+     Employment Agreement dated as of December 7, 1998, by and
           between IXC Communications, Inc. and Michael W. Vent.
21.1+      Subsidiaries of IXC Communications, Inc.
23.1+      Consent of Ernst & Young, LLP.
23.2+      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.3+      Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
23.4+      Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.5+      Auditors' Report of Arthur Andersen LLP
24.1       Powers of Attorney (included as the signature page of this
           Form 10-K).
27.1+      Financial Data Schedule.
</TABLE>
 
---------------
 *  Management contract or executive compensation plan or arrangement required
    to be indicated as such and filed as an exhibit pursuant to applicable rules
    of the Commission.
 
 +  Filed herewith.