Exhibit 10.17

                         EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

   THIS EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement"), made this 14th day of
November, 2001, is entered into by Arch Wireless, Inc., a Delaware corporation
("AWI") and its wholly-owned subsidiary Arch Wireless Holdings, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("AWHI"), each with its principal place of business at 1800 West
Park Drive, Suite 250, Westborough, MA, 01581 (sometimes collectively referred
to as the "Companies"), and Jonathan Roy Pottle, an individual residing at 118
Abbott Road, Wellesley, MA 02481 (the "Executive").

   WHEREAS, the Companies recognize that the Executive's contribution to the
Companies has been integral to their future success, and thus desires to
continue the employment of the Executive on the terms set forth below; and

   WHEREAS; the Executive has served as the Executive Vice President and Chief
Financial Officer of the Companies since February, 1998 and agrees to continue
his employment with the Companies; and

   WHEREAS, the Companies and the Executive wish to restate the employment
agreement entered into by Executive and AWI in March, 2001 ("Prior Agreement")
and to join AWHI as a party to the restated agreement with respect to the
Executive's continued employment by the Companies, which shall automatically
become effective as of the date of this Agreement and shall supersede all prior
agreements between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof
including the Prior Agreement.


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   NOW, THEREFORE, for the mutual covenants and promises contained herein, and
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are
hereby acknowledged by the parties hereto, the parties agree as follows:

   1. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT. The Companies hereby agree to employ the Executive,
and the Executive hereby accepts employment with the Companies, upon the terms
set forth in this Agreement, for the period commencing on March 13, 2001 (the
"Commencement Date") and ending on the later of (i) March 13, 2004 or (ii) 12
months after the date that a plan of reorganization naming AWI or AWHI as the
debtor in possession ("Plan of Reorganization") is confirmed by a United States
Bankruptcy Court having jurisdiction over such matters pursuant to Chapter 11 of
the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (such term, as it may be extended or terminated,
constitutes the "Employment Period"), unless sooner terminated in accordance
with the provisions of Section 4. The Employment Period shall be extended for
successive terms of one (1) year unless the Companies or the Executive terminate
the Agreement by written notice to the others within at least ninety (90) days
prior to the expiration of the initial or extended term as applicable, or unless
sooner terminated in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.

   2. POSITION AND RESPONSIBILITIES. The Executive shall serve as the Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of AWI and AWHI. The Executive shall
be based in Westborough, Massachusetts, or at such location as the Boards of
Directors of the Companies (the "Boards") shall determine, in their discretion.
The Executive shall be subject to the supervision of, and shall have such
authority as is delegated to him by, the Boards or such officer of the Companies
as may be designated by the Boards, and shall report to the Chief Executive
Officer.


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   The Executive agrees to undertake the duties, authority and responsibilities
as are normally associated with and appropriate for the positions held, as well
as such other duties and responsibilities as the Boards or their designee shall
reasonably assign from time to time (including the time, manner, details, and
method of performing such duties and responsibilities).

   The Executive agrees that, during the Employment Period, he will devote his
entire business time, attention, and energies to the diligent, faithful, and
competent discharge of such duties and responsibilities for the successful
operation of the Companies and their business interests; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, the
Executive may actively participate in charitable activities, subject to approval
by the Boards, so long as they do not interfere or conflict with his duties and
responsibilities under this Agreement. The Executive agrees to abide by the
rules, regulations, instructions, personnel practices, and policies of the
Companies and any reasonable changes therein which may be adopted from time to
time by the Companies. The Executive acknowledges receipt of copies of all such
rules and policies committed to writing as of the date of this Agreement.

   3. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS.

      3.1 SALARY. In consideration of the services to be rendered by the
Executive, AWHI shall pay the Executive during the period of his employment a
base salary at the annualized rate of $379,000 (the "Base Salary"), payable in
accordance with the payroll practices generally adopted by AWHI. The Executive
will also be eligible to participate in AWHI's annual bonus program during the
Employment Period. This salary may be reviewed and adjusted from time to time by
the Board of Directors of AWHI.

      3.2 FRINGE BENEFITS. The Executive shall be entitled to participate in all


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bonus and benefit programs on the most favorable terms that AWI or AWHI
establishes and makes available to its employees, if any, to the extent that the
Executive's position, tenure, salary, health and other qualifications make him
eligible to participate. Such participation in bonus and benefit programs shall
be subject to: (a) the terms of the applicable plan documents; and (b) generally
applicable AWI and AWHI policies. AWHI may alter, modify, add to or delete its
employee benefit plans at any time as the Board of Directors of AWHI, in its
sole judgment, determines to be appropriate.

            (i) VACATION AND HOLIDAYS. The Executive shall be entitled to four
(4) weeks paid vacation per year, to be taken at such times as may be approved
by the Companies or their Boards. The Executive shall also be entitled to all
paid holidays given by the Companies to their other executives.

            (ii) REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES. AWHI shall reimburse the Executive
for all reasonable business-related expenses incurred or paid by the Executive
in connection with, or related to, the performance of his duties under this
Agreement, upon presentation by the Executive of documentation, expense
statements, vouchers and/or such other supporting information as AWHI may
reasonably request, PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the amount available for such
business-related expenses may be fixed in advance by the Boards.

            (iii) STOCK OPTIONS. Any stock options previously granted to the
Executive by AWI prior to the date of this Agreement shall be governed by the
particular stock option plan or individual stock option agreement under which
such stock options were granted. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change in
Control occurs during the Employment Period and prior to the Termination Date
(as defined in Section 5), then, effective upon the Change in Control Date, each


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outstanding option to purchase shares of Common Stock of AWI or Common Stock of
AWHI held by the Executive shall become (to the extent it is not already)
immediately exercisable in full.

      3.3 KEY DEFINITIONS.

         (a) "CHANGE IN CONTROL" shall mean:

            (i) the acquisition by an individual, entity or group (within the
meaning of Section 13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended (the "Exchange Act")) (a "Person") of beneficial ownership of any
capital stock of AWI if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or
more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of AWI ("AWI
Common Stock") or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding
securities of AWI entitled to vote generally in the election of directors ("AWI
Voting Securities"); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that for purposes of this subsection
(i), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in Control: (A)
any acquisition of AWI Common Stock or AWI Voting Securities directly from AWI
(excluding an acquisition pursuant to the exercise, conversion or exchange of
any security exercisable for, convertible into or exchangeable for common stock
or voting securities of AWI unless the Person exercising, converting or
exchanging such security acquired such security directly from AWI or an
underwriter or agent of AWI), (B) any acquisition by any employee benefit plan
(or related trust) sponsored or maintained by AWI or any corporation controlled
by AWI or any AWI Acquiring Corporation (as defined in subsection (ii) below),
or (C) any acquisition by any corporation pursuant to an AWI Merger Combination


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(as defined in subsection (ii) below) unless following such acquisition AWI also
fails to satisfy the condition specified in clause (y) of subsection (ii) below;
or

            (ii) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization,
recapitalization or share exchange involving AWI or a sale or other disposition
of all or substantially all of the assets of AWI (an "AWI Merger Combination"),
if immediately following such AWI Merger Combination, neither of the following
two conditions is satisfied: (x) all or substantially all of the individuals and
entities who were the beneficial owners of the AWI Common Stock and AWI Voting
Securities outstanding immediately prior to such AWI Merger Combination
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such AWI Merger
Combination more than 50% of the shares of common stock and the combined voting
power of the securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,
respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation in such AWI Merger
Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a corporation which as a
result of such transaction owns AWI or substantially all of AWI's assets either
directly or through one or more subsidiaries) (such resulting or acquiring
corporation is referred to herein as the "AWI Acquiring Corporation") in
substantially the same proportions as their ownership of the AWI Common Stock
and AWI Voting Securities, respectively, outstanding immediately prior to such
AWI Merger Combination and (y) the AWI Continuing Directors (as defined below)
constitute a majority of the Board of Directors of AWI (the "AWI Board")(or, if
applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to AWI), where the
term "AWI Continuing Director" means at any date a member of the AWI Board (A)
who was a member of the AWI Board on the effective date of this Agreement or (B)
who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a majority of


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the directors who were AWI Continuing Directors at the time of such nomination
or election or whose election to the AWI Board was recommended or endorsed by at
least a majority of the directors who were AWI Continuing Directors at the time
of such nomination or election; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that there shall be excluded
from this clause (B) any individual whose initial assumption of office occurred
as a result of an actual or threatened election contest with respect to the
election or removal of directors or other actual or threatened solicitation of
proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person other than the AWI Board or
pursuant to or as a result of the AWI Merger Combination; or

            (iii) the acquisition by a Person of beneficial ownership of any
capital stock of AWHI if, after such acquisition, such Person beneficially owns
(within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) 50% or
more of either (x) the then-outstanding shares of common stock of AWHI ("AWHI
Common Stock") or (y) the combined voting power of the then-outstanding
securities of AWHI entitled to vote generally in the election of directors
("AWHI Voting Securities"); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that for purposes of this
subsection (iii), the following acquisitions shall not constitute a Change in
Control: (A) any acquisition of AWHI Common Stock or AWHI Voting Securities
directly from AWHI (excluding an acquisition pursuant to the exercise,
conversion or exchange of any security exercisable for, convertible into or
exchangeable for common stock or voting securities of AWHI unless the Person
exercising, converting or exchanging such security acquired such security
directly from AWHI or an underwriter or agent of AWHI), (B) any acquisition by
any employee benefit plan (or related trust) sponsored or maintained by AWI or
AWHI or any corporation controlled by AWI or AWHI or any AWHI Acquiring
Corporation (as defined in subsection (iv) below), (C) any acquisition by any


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corporation pursuant to an AWHI Merger Combination (as defined in subsection
(iv) below) unless following such acquisition AWHI also fails to satisfy the
condition specified in clause (y) of subsection (iv) below, or (D) any
acquisition by any Subsidiary of AWI (as defined in Section 3.3(c)); or

            (iv) the consummation of a merger, consolidation, reorganization,
recapitalization or share exchange involving AWHI or a sale or other disposition
of all or substantially all of the assets of AWHI (an "AWHI Merger
Combination"), if immediately following such AWHI Merger Combination, neither of
the following two conditions is satisfied: (x) all or substantially all of the
individuals and entities who were the beneficial owners of the AWHI Common Stock
and AWHI Voting Securities outstanding immediately prior to such AWHI Merger
Combination beneficially own, directly or indirectly, immediately after such
AWHI Merger Combination, more than 50% of the shares of common stock and the
combined voting power of the securities entitled to vote generally in the
election of directors, respectively, of the resulting or acquiring corporation
in such AWHI Merger Combination (which shall include, without limitation, a
corporation other than a Subsidiary of AWI which as a result of such transaction
owns AWHI or substantially all of AWHI's assets either directly or through one
or more subsidiaries) (such resulting or acquiring corporation is referred to
herein as the "AWHI Acquiring Corporation") in substantially the same
proportions as their ownership of the AWHI Common Stock and AWHI Voting
Securities, respectively, outstanding immediately prior to such AWHI Merger
Combination and (y) the AWHI Continuing Directors (as defined below) constitute
a majority of the Board of Directors of AWHI (the "AWHI Board") (or, if
applicable, the Board of Directors of a successor corporation to AWHI), where


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the term "AWHI Continuing Director" means at any date a member of the AWHI Board
(A) who was a member of the AWHI Board on the effective date of this Agreement
or (B) who was nominated or elected subsequent to such date by at least a
majority of the directors who were AWHI Continuing Directors at the time of such
nomination or election or whose election to the AWHI Board was recommended or
endorsed by at least a majority of the directors who were AWHI Continuing
Directors at the time of such nomination or election; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
there shall be excluded from this clause (B) any individual whose initial
assumption of office occurred as a result of an actual or threatened election
contest with respect to the election or removal of directors or other actual or
threatened solicitation of proxies or consents, by or on behalf of a person
other than the AWHI Board or pursuant to or as a result of the AWHI Merger
Combination.

   Notwithstanding the foregoing, (1) no merger of AWHI into AWI in which the
separate existence of AWHI ceases, (2) no merger of AWI into AWHI or liquidation
of AWI in which the separate existence of AWI ceases and the individuals and
entities who were the beneficial owners of the AWI Common Stock and AWI Voting
Securities outstanding immediately prior to such merger or consolidation
beneficially own, directly or indirectly, the shares of AWHI Common Stock and
AWHI Voting Securities in substantially the same proportions as their ownership
of the AWI Common Stock and AWI Voting Securities, respectively, immediately
prior to such merger, and (3) no change of ownership of AWI Common Stock, AWI
Voting Securities, AWHI Common Stock or AWHI Voting Securities which occurs in
connection with or as contemplated by a Plan of Reorganization shall be deemed a
Change in Control hereunder.


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         (b) "CHANGE IN CONTROL DATE" shall mean any date during the Employment
Period on which a Change in Control occurs. Anything in this Agreement to the
contrary notwithstanding, if (i) a Change in Control occurs, (ii) the
Executive's employment with AWI and AWHI is terminated prior to the date on
which the Change in Control occurs, and (iii) it is reasonably demonstrated by
the Executive that such termination of employment (A) was at the request of a
third party who has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in
Control or (B) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a Change
in Control, then for all purposes of this Agreement the "Change in Control Date"
shall mean the date immediately prior to the date of such termination of
employment.

         (c) "SUBSIDIARY OF AWI" means any entity of which a majority of the
combined voting power of the then-outstanding voting securities entitled to vote
generally in the election of directors are owned, directly or indirectly, by
AWI.

   4. TERMINATION PAYMENTS.

      4.1 BENEFITS TO EXECUTIVE.

         (a) TERMINATION WITHOUT CAUSE OR FOR GOOD REASON. If the Executive's
employment with the Companies is terminated by the Companies (other than for
Cause, Disability or Death) or by the Executive for Good Reason, the Executive
shall be entitled to the following benefits:

            (i) AWHI shall pay to the Executive in a lump sum in cash within 30
days after the Termination Date (as defined in Section 5) the aggregate of the
following amounts: the sum of (A) the Executive's base salary through the


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Termination Date (to the extent not previously paid), (B) the product of (x) the
annual bonus paid or payable (including any bonus or portion thereof which has
been earned but deferred) for the most recently completed fiscal year and (y) a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of days in the current fiscal
year through the Termination Date, and the denominator of which is 365, and (C)
the amount of any compensation previously deferred by the Executive (together
with any accrued interest or earnings thereon) and any accrued vacation pay, in
each case to the extent not previously paid (the sum of the amounts described in
clauses (A), (B) and (C) shall be hereinafter referred to as the "Accrued
Obligations"); and the amount equal to (A) three multiplied by (B) the sum of
(x) the Executive's annual base salary in effect on the Termination Date and (y)
the average bonus paid for the three fiscal years immediately preceding the
fiscal year during which the Termination Date occurs;

            (ii) for 12 months after the Termination Date, or such longer period
as may be provided by the terms of the appropriate plan, program, practice or
policy, the Companies shall continue to provide benefits to the Executive and
the Executive's family at least equal to those which would have been provided to
them if the Executive's employment had not been terminated, in accordance with
the applicable Benefit Plans in effect on the Termination Date or, if more
favorable to the Executive and his family, in effect generally at any time
thereafter with respect to other peer executives of AWI and AWHI and their
affiliated companies; PROVIDED, however, that neither AWI nor AWHI shall be
obligated to continue any benefits which cannot be continued for terminated
employees of the Companies; and PROVIDED, FURTHER, however, that if the
Executive becomes reemployed with another employer and is eligible to receive
substantially equivalent benefits under another employer-provided plan, on terms


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at least as favorable to the Executive and his family, then the Companies shall
no longer be required to provide the benefits described in this clause (ii);

            (iii) to the extent not previously paid or provided, the Companies
shall timely pay or provide to the Executive any other amounts or benefits
required to be paid or provided or which the Executive is eligible to receive
following the Executive's termination of employment under any plan, program,
policy, practice, contract or agreement of the Companies and its affiliated
companies (such other amounts and benefits shall be hereinafter referred to as
the "Other Benefits");

            (iv) for purposes of determining eligibility (but not the time of
commencement of benefits) of the Executive for retiree benefits to which the
Executive is entitled, the Executive shall be considered to have remained
employed by the Companies until 12 months after the Termination Date; and

            (v) notwithstanding any provisions of any stock incentive or option
plan or individual stock option agreement to the contrary, effective upon the
Termination Date, each outstanding option to purchase shares of Common Stock of
AWI then held by the Executive shall become (to the extent it is not already)
immediately exercisable in full.

         (b) RESIGNATION WITHOUT GOOD REASON. If the Executive voluntarily
terminates his employment with the Companies, excluding a termination for Good
Reason (as defined in Section 5.2(b)), (i) AWHI shall pay the Executive in a
lump sum in cash within 30 days after the Termination Date, the Accrued
Obligations and (ii) the Companies shall timely pay or provide to the Executive
the Other Benefits.


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         (c) TERMINATION FOR DEATH. AWHI will pay the Executive's estate, in
full satisfaction of its compensation obligations under this Agreement, an
amount equal to any base salary due to the Executive through the last day of the
Employment Period or an amount equal to twelve (12) months of the Executive's
base salary, whichever is greater, plus a pro rated portion of any annual bonus
to which the Executive may have been entitled on the last day of his actual
employment.

      4.2 TAXES.

      (a) In the event that AWI or AWHI undergoes a "Change in Ownership or
Control" (as defined below), AWHI shall, within 30 days after each date on which
the Executive becomes entitled to receive (whether or not then due) a Contingent
Compensation Payment (as defined below) relating to such Change in Ownership or
Control, determine and notify the Executive (with reasonable detail regarding
the basis for its determinations) (i) which of the payments or benefits due to
the Executive (under this Agreement or otherwise) following such Change in
Ownership or Control constitute Contingent Compensation Payments, (ii) the
amount, if any, of the excise tax (the "Excise Tax") payable pursuant to Section
4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), by the
Executive with respect to such Contingent Compensation Payment and (iii) the
amount of the Gross-Up Payment (as defined below) due to the Executive with
respect to such Contingent Compensation Payment. Within 30 days after delivery
of such notice to the Executive, the Executive shall deliver a response to AWHI
(the "Executive Response") stating either (A) that he agrees with the
determination pursuant to the preceding sentence or (B) that he disagrees with
such determination, in which case he shall indicate which payment and/or
benefits should be characterized as a Contingent Compensation Payment, the


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amount of the Excise Tax with respect to such Contingent Compensation Payment
and the amount of the Gross-Up Payment due to the Executive with respect to such
Contingent Compensation Payment. The amount and characterization of any item in
the Executive Response shall be final; provided, however, that in the event that
the Executive fails to deliver an Executive Response on or before the required
date, the initial determination shall be final. Within 90 days after the due
date of each Contingent Compensation Payment to the Executive, AWHI shall pay to
the Executive, in cash, the Gross-Up Payment with respect to such Contingent
Compensation Payment, in the amount determined pursuant to this Section 4.2(a).

      (b) For purposes of this Section 4.2, the following terms shall have the
following respective meanings:

            (i) "Change in Ownership or Control" shall mean a change in the
ownership or effective control of AWHI or AWI or in the ownership of a
substantial portion of the assets of AWHI or AWI determined in accordance with
Section 280G(b)(2) of the Code;

            (ii) "Contingent Compensation Payment" shall mean any payment (or
benefit) in the nature of compensation that is made or made available (under
this Agreement or otherwise) to a "disqualified individual" (as defined in
Section 280G(c) of the Code) and that is contingent (within the meaning of
Section 280G(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Code) on a Change in Ownership or Control of
AWHI or AWI, and

            (iii) "Gross-Up Payment" shall mean an amount equal to the sum of
(i) the amount of the Excise Tax payable with respect to a Contingent


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Compensation Payment and (ii) the amount necessary to pay all additional taxes
imposed on (or economically borne by) the Executive (including the Excise Taxes,
state and federal income taxes and all applicable withholding taxes)
attributable to the receipt of such Gross-Up Payment. For purposes of the
preceding sentence, all taxes attributable to the receipt of the Gross-Up
Payment shall be computed assuming the application of the maximum tax rates
provided by law.

      4.3 MITIGATION. The Executive shall not be required to mitigate the amount
of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 4 by seeking other
employment or otherwise. Further, except as provided in Section 4.1(a)(ii), the
amount of any payment or benefits provided for in this Section 4 shall not be
reduced by any compensation earned by the Executive as a result of employment by
another employer, by retirement benefits, by offset against any amount claimed
to be owed by the Executive to AWI or AWHI or otherwise.

      4.4 SEVERANCE AGREEMENT. AWI and AWHI shall not be obligated under this
Section 4 until and unless the Executive shall execute a severance agreement and
release drafted by AWHI and satisfactory to AWHI or AWI and the Executive.

   5. EMPLOYMENT TERMINATION.

      5.1 TYPES OF TERMINATIONS. The employment of the Executive by AWI or AWHI
pursuant to this Agreement shall terminate upon the occurrence (which occurrence
shall constitute the "Termination Date") of the earliest of the following to
occur: (a) expiration of the Employment Period in accordance with Section 1, at
which time the Executive acknowledges that AWI or AWHI will have no obligation
to employ him in any capacity whatsoever; (b) at the election of AWI and AWHI,
for Cause, immediately upon written notice by either of them to the Executive;


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(c) at the election of AWI and AWHI, without Cause, immediately upon thirty (30)
days prior written notice of termination by either of them to the Executive; (d)
at the election of the Executive, with Good Reason, upon not less than thirty
(30) days prior written notice of termination; (e) at the election of the
Executive, without Good Reason, upon not less than thirty (30) days prior
written notice of termination; (f) immediately upon the death of the Executive,
if such death occurs prior to the expiration of the Employment Period and prior
to any notice being given under the foregoing events of termination, and (g) any
other termination of employment not provided for in the foregoing subparagraphs.

      5.2 DEFINITIONS. As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall
mean:

         (a) "Cause" for termination shall be deemed to exist upon (i) a good
faith finding by the Boards of the Executive's abandonment of his duties under
Section 2 of this Agreement, which shall be deemed to have occurred if the
Executive ceases to function and perform his duties hereunder; leaves the
geographical area in which the Companies engage in their business; or conducts
himself in willful or wanton disregard of the Companies and their best interests
for any reason, including, without limitation, alcohol or drug abuse; (ii) the
Executive's commission of dishonesty, gross negligence or misconduct, whether in
connection with the Executive's responsibilities in his position with the
Companies or otherwise (including, without limitation, breach by the Executive
of any provision of any employment, nondisclosure, non-competition or other
similar agreement between the Executive and AWI or AWHI as determined in the
sole judgment of the Companies); or (iii) the conviction of the Executive of or
the entry of a pleading of guilty or nolo contendere by the Executive to any
crime involving moral turpitude or any felony. The Executive shall be considered
to have been discharged for "Cause" if the Boards determine in their sole


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discretion, within thirty (30) days after the Executive's resignation or
termination, that discharge for Cause was warranted.

         (b) "Good Reason" for termination by the Executive shall be deemed to
exist if: (i) AWI (so long as it has corporate existence) or AWHI materially
diminishes the nature or status of the Executive's position; (ii) the Executive
fails to perform his duties under the Agreement as a result of his incapacity
due to Disability; or (iii) the Companies require the Executive to relocate more
than fifty (50) miles from his regular place of business. If the Executive
terminates his employment under this subsection, but fails to provide the
Companies with written notice on the terms set forth in Section 5.1(d), his
termination will be treated as being without Good Reason under the provisions of
Section 6.3 below.

         (c) "Disability" shall mean the inability of the Executive (with
reasonable accommodation as may be required by state or federal law), due to a
physical or mental disability, for a period of ninety (90) days, whether or not
consecutive, during any 360-day period, to perform the services contemplated
under this Agreement. A determination of Disability shall be made by a physician
satisfactory to both the Executive and the Companies; PROVIDED THAT, if the
Executive and either AWI or AWHI do not agree on a physician, the Executive and
the Companies shall each select a physician and these two together shall select
a third physician, whose determination as to Disability shall be binding on all
parties.

   6. EFFECT OF TERMINATION.

      6.1 TERMINATION BY THE COMPANIES FOR CAUSE AND OTHER TERMINATION. In the
event that the Executive's employment is terminated for Cause pursuant to
Section 5.2(a), or there is any other termination of employment as provided in


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5.1(g), AWHI shall pay to the Executive only the compensation and benefits
otherwise payable to him under Section 3 through the last day of his employment
by the Companies.

      6.2 EXPIRATION OF EMPLOYMENT PERIOD. If the Executive's employment is
terminated by the Companies pursuant to Section 5.1(a) (or simply not renewed),
at the expiration of the Employment Period whether or not extended, AWHI shall
pay the Executive the compensation and benefits otherwise payable to him under
Section 3 through the last day of his employment by the Companies. In addition,
AWHI shall pay to the Executive, in a lump sum in cash, within 30 days of the
Termination Date, an amount equal to the sum of: (A) the Executive's annual base
salary in effect on the Termination Date and (B) the average annual bonus paid
to the Executive for the three fiscal years immediately preceding the fiscal
year during which the Termination Date occurred; and shall also provide (C) the
benefits described in Section 4.1(a)(ii), all subject to execution of a
severance agreement and release as provided in Section 4.5.

      6.3 TERMINATION BY THE EXECUTIVE WITHOUT GOOD REASON. In the event the
Executive terminates his employment without Good Reason pursuant to Section
5.1(e), AWHI shall pay the Executive the compensation and benefits otherwise
payable to him under Section 4.1(b).

      6.4 TERMINATION BY THE COMPANIES WITHOUT CAUSE OR BY THE EXECUTIVE FOR
GOOD REASON. If the Executive's employment is terminated by the Companies
without Cause or by the Executive for Good Reason, pursuant to Section 5.1(c)
and 5.1(d), respectively, AWHI shall pay to the Executive the compensation and
benefits otherwise payable to him under Section 4 in conformity with the
provisions of Section 4.1(a), including the requirement that the Executive


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execute a severance agreement and release.

      6.5 TERMINATION BY DEATH. If the Executive's employment is terminated
pursuant to Section 5.1(f) because of the Executive's death, this Agreement
terminates immediately and AWHI shall pay to the Executive's estate the
compensation payable under Section 4.1(c).

      6.6 RETURN OF COMPANY PROPERTY UPON TERMINATION. The Executive shall
deliver to the Companies or their designees at the termination of his employment
all of the Companies' property and equipment in his possession and control,
including, without limitation: computers, cellular phones, automobiles and other
property of the Companies provided to the Executive for his use during his
employment. In addition, the Executive shall return to the Companies all
correspondence, memoranda, notes, records, drawings, sketches, plans, customer
lists, product compositions, other documents, and all copies thereof, including
those developed in whole or in part by the Executive, that are in the
Executive's possession, custody, or control. The Executive further agrees to
cancel all accounts, if any, in the name of the Companies including, without
limitation, all credit cards, telephone charge cards, cellular phone and pager
accounts and computer accounts.

      6.7 JOINT AND SEVERAL LIABILITY. AWI and AWHI shall be jointly and
severally liable for all payments whether as compensation, gross-up payments or
otherwise, and provision of all benefits due under this Agreement.

      6.8 SURVIVAL. The provisions of Sections 7, 8 and 9 of this Agreement
shall survive the expiration or termination of the Employment Period and the
term of this Agreement, as necessary, to give full effect to such provisions.


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<PAGE>

   7. NON-COMPETE. During the Executive's employment and for a period of one (1)
year after the termination or expiration of the Employment Period (the
"Non-Competition Period"), the Executive will not, directly or indirectly:

      (a) as an individual proprietor, partner, stockholder, officer, employee,
director, joint venturer, investor, lender, or in any other capacity whatsoever
(other than as the holder of not more than one percent (1%) of the total
outstanding stock of a publicly held company), engage in the business of
developing, producing, marketing or selling products of the kind or type
developed or being developed, produced, marketed or sold by AWI or AWHI while
the Executive was employed by AWI or AWHI; or

      (b) recruit, solicit or induce, or attempt to induce, any employee or
employees of AWI or AWHI to terminate their employment with, or otherwise cease
their relationship with, AWI or AWHI; or

      (c) solicit, divert, with the intention to take away, or attempt to divert
with the intention to take away, the business or patronage of any of the
clients, customers or accounts, or prospective clients, customers or accounts,
of AWI or AWHI which were contacted, solicited or served by the Executive while
employed by AWI or AWHI.

   The geographic scope of this Section 7 shall extend to any area AWI or AWHI
has done business, is doing business or has taken substantial steps to do
business. If any restriction set forth in this Section 7 is found by any court
of competent jurisdiction to be unenforceable because it extends for too long a
period of time, or over too great a range of activities, or in too broad a
geographic area, it shall be interpreted to extend only over the maximum period
of time, range of activities or geographic area as to which it may be legally
enforceable.


                                      -20-
<PAGE>

   The restrictions contained in this Section 7 are necessary for the protection
of the business and goodwill of the Companies and are considered by the
Executive to be reasonable for such purpose. The Executive agrees that any
breach of this Section 7 will cause the Companies substantial and irrevocable
damage and therefore, in the event of any such breach, in addition to such other
remedies which may be available, the Companies shall have the right to seek
specific performance and injunctive relief.

   This Section 7 shall not be enforceable if the Executive terminates his
employment for Good Reason or if the Executive is terminated without Cause.

   8. PROPRIETARY INFORMATION AND DEVELOPMENTS.

      8.1 PROPRIETARY INFORMATION.

         (a) The Executive agrees that all information and know-how, whether or
not in writing, of a private, secret or confidential nature concerning the
Companies' business or financial affairs (collectively, "Proprietary
Information") is and shall be the exclusive property of the Companies. By way of
illustration, but not limitation, Proprietary Information may include
inventions, products, processes, methods, techniques, formulas, compositions,
compounds, projects, developments, plans, research data, clinical data,
financial data, personnel data, computer programs, and customer and supplier
lists.

         The Executive will not disclose any Proprietary Information to others
outside the Companies or use the same for any unauthorized purposes without
written approval by an officer of one of the Companies, either during or after
his employment, unless and until such Proprietary Information has become public
knowledge without fault by the Executive. Except as may be required or
appropriate in connection with him carrying out his duties under this Agreement,


                                      -21-
<PAGE>

the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of the Companies or
as may otherwise be required by law or any legal process, or as is necessary in
connection with any adversarial proceeding against the Companies (in which case
the Executive shall cooperate with the Companies in obtaining a protective order
at the Companies' expense against disclosure by a court of competent
jurisdiction), communicate, to anyone other than the Companies and those
designated by the Companies or on behalf of the Companies in the furtherance of
its business or to perform her duties hereunder, any trade secrets, confidential
information, knowledge or data relating to the Companies and their businesses
and investments, obtained by the Executive during the Executive's employment by
the Companies that is not generally available public knowledge (other than by
acts by the Executive in violation of this Agreement).

         (b) The Executive agrees that all files, letters, memoranda, reports,
records, data, sketches, drawings, or other written, photographic, or other
tangible material containing Proprietary Information, whether created by the
Executive or others, which shall come into his custody or possession, shall be
and are the exclusive property of the Companies to be used by the Executive only
in the performance of his duties for the Companies.

         (c) The Executive agrees that his obligation not to disclose or use
information, know-how and records of the types set forth in paragraphs (a) and
(b) above, also extends to such types of information, know-how, records and
tangible property of customers of the Companies or suppliers to the Companies or
other third parties who may have disclosed or entrusted the same to the
Companies or to the Executive in the course of the Companies' business.

      8.2 DEVELOPMENTS.


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<PAGE>

         (a) The Executive will make full and prompt disclosure to the Companies
of all inventions, improvements, discoveries, methods, developments, software,
and works of authorship, whether patentable or not, which are created, made,
conceived or reduced to practice by the Executive or under his direction or
jointly with others during his employment by the Companies, whether or not
during normal working hours or on the premises of the Companies (all of which
are collectively referred to in this Agreement as "Developments").

         (b) The Executive agrees to assign and does hereby assign to the
Companies (or any person or entity designated by the Companies) all his right,
title and interest in and to all Developments and all related patents, patent
applications, copyrights and copyright applications developed during his
employment with the Companies. However, this Section 8.2(b) shall not apply to
Developments which do not relate to the present or planned business or research
and development of the Companies and which are made and conceived by the
Executive not during normal working hours, not on the Companies' premises and
not using the Companies' tools, devices, equipment or Proprietary Information.

         (c) The Executive agrees to cooperate fully with the Companies, both
during and after his employment with the Companies, with respect to the
procurement, maintenance and enforcement of copyrights and patents (both in the
United States and foreign countries) relating to Developments. Executive shall
sign all papers, including, without limitation, copyright applications, patent
applications, declarations, oaths, formal assignments, assignment of priority
rights, and powers of attorney, which the Companies may deem necessary or
desirable in order to protect its rights and interests in any Development.

      8.3 OTHER AGREEMENTS. The Executive hereby represents that, except as he


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<PAGE>

has disclosed in writing to the Companies prior to the execution of this
Agreement, he is not bound by the terms of any agreement with any previous
employer or other party to refrain from using or disclosing any trade secret or
confidential or proprietary information in the course of his employment with the
Companies, or to refrain from competing, directly or indirectly, with the
business of such previous employer or any other party. The Executive further
represents that his performance of all the terms of this Agreement and as an
employee of the Companies does not and will not breach any agreement to keep in
confidence proprietary information, knowledge or data acquired by him in
confidence or in trust prior to his employment with the Companies.

   9. LITIGATION COOPERATION. The Executive agrees to continue to serve the
Companies as a litigation consultant, in connection therewith, to cooperate with
the Companies in: (i) the defense or prosecution of any claims or actions which
already have been brought or which may be brought in the future against or on
behalf of the Companies and (ii) responding to, cooperating with, or contesting
any governmental audit, inspection, inquiry, proceeding or investigation, which
relate to events or occurrences that transpired during his employment with the
Companies.

   The Executive's full cooperation in connection with such claims or actions
shall include, without implication of limitation: promptly notifying the
Companies in writing of any subpoena, interview, investigation, request for
information, or other contact concerning events or occurrences that transpired
during his employment with the Companies; being available to meet with counsel
for the Companies to prepare for discovery or trial; to testify truthfully as a
witness when reasonably requested and at reasonable times designated by the
Companies; and to meet with counsel or other delegated representatives of the
Companies; to prepare responses to and to cooperate with the Companies'


                                      -24-
<PAGE>

processing of governmental audits, inspections, inquiries, proceedings or
investigations.

   The Companies agree to reimburse the Executive for any reasonable
out-of-pocket expenses, including reasonable attorneys' fees, that he incurs in
connection with such cooperation, subject to reasonable documentation. The
Companies will exercise their rights under this Section 9 so as not to interfere
unreasonably with the Executive's personal schedule or ability to engage in
gainful employment.

   In furtherance of the Executive's obligations under this Agreement, he agrees
that he shall not disclose, provide or reveal, directly or indirectly, any
information concerning the Companies, including without implication of
limitation, its operations, plans, strategies or administration, to any other
person or entity unless compelled to do so (a) pursuant to a valid subpoena or
(b) as otherwise required by law; but in either case only after providing the
Companies with prior written notice and opportunity to contest such subpoena or
other requirement. Written notice shall be provided to the AWHI Chairman of the
Compensation Committee as soon as practicable, but in no event less than five
(5) business days before any such disclosure is compelled.

   10. ARBITRATION All claims by the Executive arising under or in connection
with the terms and provisions of this Agreement shall be settled exclusively by
arbitration in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of the
American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator's determination shall be final
and binding upon all parties and judgment upon the award rendered by the
arbitrators may be entered in any court having jurisdiction over such claims.
The arbitrator shall have no authority to add to, subtract from or modify in any


                                      -25-
<PAGE>

way the terms or provisions of this Agreement. If the Executive is the
prevailing party in any arbitration proceeding, he shall be entitled to payment
of his attorneys fees and costs.

   Nothing in this section prevents the Companies from proceeding in a court of
competent jurisdiction in accordance with the provisions of Sections 7 and 8 of
this Agreement.

   11. Miscellaneous.

      11.1 EMPLOYMENT BY SUBSIDIARY. For purposes of this Agreement, the
Executive's employment with the Companies shall not deemed to have terminated
solely as a result of the Executive failing to be employed by AWI or AWHI so
long as Executive continues to be employed by the ultimate parent entity of the
organization that is the successor to the Companies in the positions and with
the responsibilities set forth in Section 2 hereof.

      11.2 TAX WITHHOLDING. Any payments provided for under this Agreement shall
be paid net of any tax withholding required under federal, state or local law.

      11.3 NOTICES. All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be deemed effective upon: personal delivery; deposit in
the United States Post Office, by registered or certified mail, return receipt
requested and postage prepaid; or prepaid via a reputable nationwide overnight
courier service. Notices, demands and all other communications provided for in
this Agreement shall, in each case, be addressed to AWI and AWHI at 1800 West
Park Drive, Suite 250, Westborough, MA, 01581, Attention: Chairman of the
Compensation Committee, and with a copy to the General Counsel, and to the
Executive at 118 Abbott Road, Wellesley, MA 02481 (or to such other address as
any party may have furnished to the others in writing, except that notices of
change of address shall be effective only upon receipt).


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<PAGE>

      11.4 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement of
the parties with respect to the Companies' employment of the Executive, and
supersedes all prior agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
communications, representations or warranties, whether oral or written, by any
officer, employee or representative of any party regarding such subject matter
including, without limitation, the Executive Retention Agreement by and between
the Companies and the Executive, most recently amended and restated, in an
instrument dated November 1, 2000, and the terms of any severance benefit plan
in effect at AWI or AWHI from time to time.

      11.5 SEVERABILITY. Any term or provision of this Agreement that is invalid
or unenforceable in any situation in any jurisdiction shall not affect the
validity or enforceability of the remaining terms and provisions, or the
validity or enforceability of the offending term or provision in any other
situation or in any other jurisdiction. If the final judgment of a court of
competent jurisdiction declares that any term or provision hereof is invalid or
unenforceable, the parties agree that the court making the determination of
invalidity or unenforceability shall have the power to limit the term or
provision, to delete specific words or phrases, or to replace any invalid or
unenforceable term or provision with a term or provision that is valid and
enforceable and that comes closest to expressing the intention of the invalid or
unenforceable term or provision, and this Agreement shall be enforceable as so
modified.

      11.6 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may be amended or modified only by a
written instrument executed by AWI, AWHI and the Executive.

      11.7 GOVERNING LAW; JURISDICTION. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with the internal laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision


                                      -27-
<PAGE>

or rule (whether of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts or any other jurisdiction)
that would cause the application of laws of any jurisdictions other than those
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The Executive hereby irrevocably submits
to the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in any action or
proceeding to enforce the provisions of this Agreement, and waives the defense
of inconvenient forum to the maintenance of any such action or proceedings.

      11.8 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon and
inure to the benefit of both parties and their respective successors and
assigns. The Companies shall each require any successor (whether direct or
indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise) to all or
substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Companies to expressly
assume and agree to perform this Agreement in the same manner and to the same
extent that the Companies would be required to perform it if no such succession
had taken place.

   The obligations of the Executive under this Agreement are personal and shall
not be assigned or transferred by him, other than his right to payments or
benefits, which may be transferred only by will or the laws of descent and
distribution. Upon the Executive's death, all rights of the Executive shall
inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's beneficiary or
beneficiaries or his estate. If the Executive should die following the
Termination Date while amounts would still be payable to him had he continued to
live, all such amounts, unless otherwise provided, shall be paid to his
beneficiary or beneficiaries or his estate in accordance with the terms of this
Agreement.

      11.9 NO WAIVER. No delay or omission by the Companies in exercising any
right under this Agreement shall operate as a waiver of that or any other right.


                                      -28-
<PAGE>

A waiver or consent given by the Companies on any one occasion shall be
effective only in that instance and shall not be construed as a bar or waiver of
any right on any other occasion.

      11.10 COUNTERPARTS; FACSIMILE SIGNATURE. This Agreement may be executed in
two or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of
which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. This Agreement may
be executed by facsimile signature.

      11.11 PRONOUNS. Whenever the context may require, any pronouns used in
this Agreement shall include the corresponding masculine, feminine or neuter
forms, and the singular forms of nouns and pronouns shall include the plural,
and vice versa.

      11.12 HEADINGS. The section headings contained in this Agreement are used
for convenience only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
interpretation of this Agreement.

      11.13 CONSTRUCTION. The language used in this Agreement shall be deemed to
be the language chosen by the parties to express their mutual intent, and no
rule of strict construction shall be applied against any party.

      11.14 ACKNOWLEDGMENT. The Executive states and represents that he has had
an opportunity to fully discuss and review the terms of this Agreement with an
attorney. The Executive further states and represents that he has carefully read
this Agreement, understands the contents herein, freely and voluntarily assents
to all of its terms and conditions, and signs his name of his own free act.

                 [BALANCE OF THE PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]



                                      -29-
<PAGE>



   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement as of the
day and year set forth above.


                                        ARCH WIRELESS, INC.



                                        By:  /s/ Allan Rayfield
                                           --------------------------------
                                             Allan Rayfield
                                             November 14, 2001

                                        ARCH WIRELESS HOLDINGS, INC.

                                        By:  /s/ Allan Rayfield
                                           --------------------------------
                                             Allan Rayfield
                                             November 14, 2001


                                             /s/ J. Roy Pottle
                                           --------------------------------
                                             Jonathan Roy Pottle
                                             November 14, 2001



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