<PAGE>   1
                                                                   EXHIBIT 10.48

                         REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

         THIS REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT (this "Registration Rights
Agreement") is made as  of  May 8, 1997, by and between INTELECT COMMUNICATIONS
SYSTEMS LIMITED, a Bermuda corporation (the "Company"), and  THE COASTAL
CORPORATION SECOND PENSION TRUST    ("Purchaser").

                                W I T N E S S :

         WHEREAS,  on the date hereof, Purchaser acquired from the Company and
Intelect Systems Corporation, a Delaware corporation and wholly-owned
subsidiary of the Company, as Makers, a Promissory Note (the "Note") in the
original principal amount of $5,000,000;

         WHEREAS,  on the date hereof, Purchaser received from the Company
Warrants to purchase shares of the Company's common stock, $.01 par value (the
"Common Stock") which may be exercised to acquire a certain number of shares of
Common Stock, subject to adjustment (the "Shares");

         WHEREAS,  the Company wishes to grant Purchaser certain registration
rights in respect of the Shares, as set forth herein.

         NOW, THEREFORE,  in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
set forth herein, the parties hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I
                                  DEFINITIONS

         As used in this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings
set forth below:  

         "Commission" shall mean the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
other federal agency at the time administering the Securities Act.

         "Common Stock" shall have the meaning given in the second recital.

         "Company" shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.

         "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

         "Indemnified Party" shall have the meaning given in Section 2.5.3.

         "Indemnifying Party" shall have the meaning given in Section 2.5.3.

         "Makers" means Company and Intelect Systems Corporation.

         "Note" shall mean the $5,000,000 Promissory Note given by Makers to
Purchaser.

         "Purchaser" shall have the meaning given in the Preamble.

         The terms "register", "registered," and "registration" refer to a
registration effected by preparing and filing a registration statement in
compliance with the Securities Act, and the declaration or ordering by the
Commission of the effectiveness of such registration statement.

         "Registrable Securities" shall mean (i) the Shares; and (ii) any
Common Stock issued or issuable at any time or from time to time in respect of
the Shares upon a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization or other
similar event involving the Company.

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         "Registration Expenses" shall mean all expenses, other than Selling
Expenses (as defined below), incurred by the Company in complying with this
Registration Rights Agreement, including, without limitation, all registration,
qualification and filing fees, exchange listing fees, printing expenses, escrow
fees, fees and disbursements of counsel for the Company, blue sky fees and
expenses, the expense of any special audits incident to or required by any such
registration (but excluding the compensation of regular employees of the
Company which shall be paid in any event by the Company).

         "Registration Statement" shall have the meaning given in Section 2.1.1.
                                                                     
         "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or
any similar federal statute and the rules and regulations of the Commission
thereunder, all as the same shall be in effect at the time.

         "Selling Expenses" shall mean all underwriting discounts, selling
commissions and stock transfer taxes applicable to the securities registered by
the holders of the Registrable Securities and, except as set forth above, all
fees and disbursements of counsel for such holders.

         "Selling Security Holder" shall have the meaning given in Section 
2.5.4.
                                                                       
         "Shares" shall mean Common Stock acquired by Purchaser through exercise
of the Warrants.
       
         "Underwritten Public Offering" shall mean a public offering in which
the Common Stock is offered and sold on a firm commitment basis through one or
more underwriters, all pursuant to (i) an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act and (ii) an underwriting agreement between the Company
and such underwriters.

                                   ARTICLE II
                              REGISTRATION RIGHTS

         2.1     Demand Registration.

                 2.1.1     At any time and from time to time, but in no event
earlier than August 31, 1997, a holder or holders of Registrable Securities
holding in the aggregate at least SEVEN HUNDRED FIFTY THOUSAND (750,000) Shares
of the then existing Registrable Securities may make a one-time written demand
upon the Company, to file, within sixty (60) days after  such written demand is
made, with the Securities and Exchange Commission a shelf registration statement
covering the resale of all of the Registrable Securities on Form S-1, S-2 or S-3
(the "Registration Statement").  The Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to cause such Registration Statement to become effective as soon as
practicable and to cause all of the Registrable Securities to be qualified in
such state jurisdictions as the holders may request.         

                 2.1.2     Except as set forth herein, the Company shall take 
all reasonable steps necessary to keep the Registration Statement current and
effective until the lesser of: (i) two years and (ii) until the Registrable
Securities are transferable pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act
without the volume limitations set forth in such rule.

                 2.1.3     The Company shall be entitled to require that a
holder or holders of Registrable Securities refrain from effecting any public
sales or distributions of the Registrable Securities pursuant to a Registration
Statement that has been declared effective by the Commission or otherwise, if
the board of directors of the Company reasonably determines that such public
sales or distributions would interfere in any material respect with any
transaction involving the Company that the board of directors reasonably
determines to be material to the Company. The board of directors shall, as
promptly as practicable, give the holders of the Registrable Securities written
notice of any such development. In the event of a request by the board of
directors of the Company that the holders of Registrable Securities refrain from
effecting any public sales or distributions of the Registrable Securities, the
Company shall be required to lift such restrictions regarding effecting public
sales or distributions of the Registrable Securities as soon as reasonably
practicable after the board of directors shall reasonably determine public sales
or distributions by the holders of the Registrable Securities shall not
interfere with such transaction, provided, that in no event shall any
requirement that the holders of Registrable Securities refrain from effecting
public sales or distributions in the Registrable Securities extend for more than
90 days.   
 





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                 2.1.4    Notwithstanding the foregoing, the one-time
demand registration rights provided in this Section 2.1 shall be subject to the
following additional limitations:

                 (i)      Company shall not be obligated to file such
                          Registration Statement on a Form S-2 or S-3 if it
                          does not then meet the requirements (including the
                          financial statement requirements) of such Form, and
                          if the Company is required to file a Form S-1, it
                          should not be obligated to file the Form S-1 until it
                          shall have prepared current financial statements as
                          required by Form S-1;

                 (ii)     If, upon receipt of any request for registration of
                          Registrable Securities pursuant to this Section 2.1,
                          the Company is then engaged by a reputable and
                          nationally or regionally recognized investment
                          banking firm regarding a good faith proposed
                          registered public offering of Shares of Common Stock,
                          then the Company shall give notice of such
                          negotiations to all holders of Registrable Securities
                          within fifteen (15) days of the date upon which the
                          Company received such holder's request and the
                          Company shall not, for sixty  (60) days after giving
                          such notice to such holders, be required to undertake
                          a required registration of the Registrable Securities
                          pursuant to this Section 2.1 in response to such
                          holder's request; provided, however, that if such
                          registration statement of such proposed public
                          offering is not filed within sixty (60) days after
                          the Company gives such notice to holders of the
                          Registrable Securities, the Company shall respond to
                          the holder's request for registration of Registrable
                          Securities and, unless otherwise required by the
                          provisions of this Section 2.1, register such
                          Registrable Securities, no later than twenty (20)
                          days after the expiration of such sixty (60) day
                          period and as provided herein.

         2.2     Piggyback Registration.

                 2.2.1    Subject to the terms hereof, if at any time or from
time to time the Company or any shareholder of the Company shall determine to
register any of its securities (except for registration statements relating to
employee benefit plans or exchange offers), either for its own account or the
account of a security holder, the Company will promptly give to the holders of
Registrable Securities written notice thereof not less than 30 days prior to the
filing of any registration statement; and include in such registration (and any
related qualification under blue sky laws or other compliance), and in the
underwriting involved therein, if any, such Registrable Securities as such
holders may request in a writing delivered to the Company within twenty (20)
days after the holders' receipt of Company's written notice.
                 
                 2.2.2     The holders of Registrable Securities may participate
in any number of registrations until all of the Shares held by holders of
Registrable Securities have been distributed pursuant to a registration or until
the Shares are transferable pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act.
                 
                 2.2.3     If any registration statement is an Underwritten
Public Offering, the right of holders of Registrable Securities to registration
pursuant to this Section shall be conditioned upon each such holder's
participation in such reasonable underwriting arrangements as the Company shall
make regarding the offering, and the inclusion of Registrable Securities in the
underwriting shall be limited to the extent provided herein. Holders of
Registrable Securities and all other shareholders proposing to distribute their
securities through such underwriting shall (together with the Company and the
other holders distributing their securities through such underwriting) enter
into an underwriting agreement in customary form with the managing underwriter
selected for such underwriting by the Company. Notwithstanding any other
provision of this Section, if the managing underwriter concludes in its
reasonable judgment that the number of Shares to be registered for selling
shareholders (including the holders of Registrable Securities) would materially
adversely effect such offering, the number of Shares to be registered, together
with the number of Shares of Common Stock or other securities held by other
shareholders proposed to be registered in such offering, shall be reduced on a
pro rata basis based on the number of Shares proposed to be sold by the holders
of Registrable Securities as compared to the number of Shares proposed to be
sold by all shareholders.   If any holder of Registrable Securities disapproves
of the terms of any such underwriting, it may elect to withdraw therefrom by
written notice to the Company and the managing underwriter, delivered not less
than 10 days before the effective date.  The Registrable Securities excluded by
the managing underwriter or withdrawn from such underwriting shall be withdrawn



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<PAGE>   4
from such registration, and shall not be transferred in a public distribution
prior to one hundred twenty (120) days after the effective date of the
registration statement relating thereto, or such other shorter period of time as
the underwriters may require.

                 2.2.4     The Company shall have the right to terminate or
withdraw any registration initiated by it under this Section prior to the
effectiveness of such registration whether or not the holders of Registrable
Securities have elected to include securities in such registration.         

         2.3     Expenses of Registration.  All Registration Expenses shall be
borne by the Company.  Unless otherwise stated herein, all Selling Expenses
relating to securities registered on behalf of the holders of Registrable
Securities shall be borne by the holders of Registrable Securities.
         
         2.4     Registration Procedures.  In the case of each registration,
qualification or compliance effected by the Company pursuant to this
Registration Rights Agreement, the Company will keep the holders of Registrable
Securities advised in writing as to the initiation of each registration,
qualification and compliance and as to the completion thereof.  At its expense,
the Company will:

                 2.4.1      Prepare and file with the Commission a registration
statement with respect to such securities and use its commercially reasonable
efforts to cause such registration statement to become and remain effective
until the distribution described in such registration statement has been
completed;             

                 2.4.2      Furnish to each underwriter such number of copies of
a prospectus, including a preliminary prospectus, in conformity with the
requirements of the Securities Act, and such other documents as such underwriter
may reasonably request in order to facilitate the public sale of the Shares by
such underwriter, and promptly furnish to each underwriter and the holders of
Registrable Securities notice of any stop-order or similar notice issued by the
Commission or any state agency charged with the regulation of securities, and
notice of any NASDAQ or securities exchange listing; and

                 2.4.3      Cause the Shares to be listed on the NASDAQ
small-cap market or a securities exchange on which the Common Stock is approved
for listing.     

         2.5     Indemnification.

                 2.5.1      To the extent permitted by law, the Company will
indemnify each holder of Registrable Securities, each of its officers and
directors and partners, and each person controlling such holder within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, with respect to which registration,
qualification or compliance has been effected pursuant to this Agreement, and
each underwriter, if any, and each person who controls any underwriter within
the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, against all expenses, claims,
losses, damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof), including any of
the foregoing incurred in settlement of any litigation, commenced or threatened,
to the extent such expenses, claims, losses, damages or liabilities arise out of
or are based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) of a material
fact contained in any registration statement, prospectus, offering circular or
other similar document, or any amendment or supplement thereto, incident to any
such registration, qualification or compliance, or based on any omission (or
alleged omission) to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances in
which they were made, not misleading, or any violation by the Company of the
Securities Act or any rule or regulation promulgated under the Securities Act
applicable to the Company in connection with any such registration,
qualification or compliance, and the Company will reimburse each holder of
Registrable Securities, each of its officers and directors and partners, and
each person controlling each holder of Registrable Securities, each such
underwriter and each person who controls any such underwriter, for any legal and
any other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating,
preparing or defending any such claim, loss, damage, liability or action;
provided, however, that the indemnity contained herein shall not apply to
amounts paid in settlement of 



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any claim, loss, damage, liability or expense if settlement is effected without
the consent of the Company (which consent shall not unreasonably be withheld);
provided, further, that the Company will not be liable in any such case to the
extent that any such claim, loss, damage, liability or expense arises out of or
is based on any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or
omission, made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to the Company by a holder of Registrable Securities, such controlling
person or such underwriter specifically for use therein; provided, however, that
the indemnity contained herein shall not apply to amounts paid in settlement of
any claim, loss, damage, liability, or expense if settlement is effected without
the consent of such holder of Registrable Securities (which consent shall not be
unreasonably withheld). Notwithstanding the foregoing, insofar as the foregoing
indemnity relates to any such untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) or
omission (or alleged omission) made in the preliminary prospectus but eliminated
or remedied in the amended prospectus on file with the Commission at the time
the registration statement becomes effective or in the final prospectus filed
with the Commission pursuant to the applicable rules of the Commission or in any
supplement or addendum thereto, the indemnity agreement herein shall not inure
to the benefit of any underwriter if a copy of the final prospectus filed
pursuant to such rules, together with all supplements and addenda thereto, was
not furnished to the person or entity asserting the loss, liability, claim or
damage at or prior to the time such furnishing is required by the Securities
Act.

                 2.5.2    To the extent permitted by law, each holder of
Registrable Securities will, if securities held by such holder are included in
the securities as to which such registration, qualification or compliance is
being effected pursuant to terms hereof, indemnify the Company, each of its
directors and officers, each underwriter, if any, of the Company's securities
covered by such a registration statement, each person who controls the Company
or such underwriter within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, and
each other person selling the Company's securities covered by such registration
statement, each of such person's officers and directors and each person
controlling such persons within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act,
against all claims, losses, damages and liabilities (or actions in respect
thereof) arising out of or based on any untrue statement (or alleged untrue
statement) by such holder of a material fact contained in any such registration
statement, prospectus, offering circular or other document, or any omission (or
alleged omission) to state therein a material fact required to be stated therein
or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading, or any violation by
such holder of Registrable Securities of any rule or regulation promulgated
under the Securities Act applicable to holders of Registrable Securities and
relating to action or inaction required of holders of Registrable Securities in
connection with any such registration, qualification or compliance, and will
reimburse the Company, such other persons, such directors, officers, persons,
underwriters or control persons for any legal or other expenses reasonably
incurred in connection with investigating or defending any such claim, loss,
damage, liability or action, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent,
that such untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) or omission (or alleged
omission) is made in such registration statement, prospectus, offering circular
or other document in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to the Company by such holder of Registrable Securities specifically
for use therein; provided, however, that the indemnity contained herein shall
not apply to amounts paid in settlement of any claim, loss, damage, liability or
expense if settlement is effected without the consent of such holder of
Registrable Securities (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld). 
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the liability of such Holder of Registrable
Securities under this Subsection 2.5.2 shall be limited in an amount equal to
the net proceeds from the sale of the Shares sold by such holder of Registrable
Securities, unless such liability arises out of or is based on willful conduct
by such holder of Registrable Securities.  In addition, insofar as the foregoing
indemnity relates to any such untrue statement (or alleged untrue statement) or
omission (or alleged omission) made in the preliminary prospectus but eliminated
or remedied in the amended prospectus on file with the Commission at the time
the registration statement becomes effective or in the final prospectus filed
pursuant to applicable rules of the Commission or in any supplement or addendum
thereto, the indemnity agreement herein shall not inure to the benefit of the
Company or any underwriter, if a copy of the final prospectus filed pursuant to
such rules, together with all supplements and addenda thereto, was not furnished
to the person or entity asserting the loss, liability, claim or damage at or
prior to the time such furnishing is required by the Securities Act.

                 2.5.3     Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraphs (a)
and (b) of this Section, each party entitled to indemnification under this
Section (the "Indemnified Party") shall give notice to the party required to
provide indemnification (the "Indemnifying Party") promptly after such
Indemnified Party has actual knowledge of any claim as to which indemnity may
be sought, and shall permit the Indemnifying Party to assume the defense of any
such claim or any litigation resulting therefrom, provided that counsel for the
Indemnifying Party, who shall conduct the defense of such claim or litigation,
shall be approved by the Indemnified Party (whose approval shall not
unreasonably be withheld), and the Indemnified Party may participate in such
defense at such party's expense, and provided further that the failure of any
Indemnified Party to give notice as provided herein shall not relieve the
Indemnifying Party of its obligations under this Agreement unless the failure
to give such notice is materially prejudicial to an Indemnifying Party's
ability to defend such action and provided further, that the Indemnifying Party
shall not assume the defense for matters as to which there is a conflict of
interest or as to which the Indemnifying Party is asserting separate or
different defenses, which defenses are inconsistent with the defenses of the
Indemnified Party.  No Indemnifying Party, in the defense of any such claim or
litigation, shall, except with the consent of each Indemnified Party, consent
to entry of any judgment or enter into any settlement which does not include as
an unconditional term thereof the giving by the claimant or plaintiff to such
Indemnified Party of a release from all liability in respect to such claim or
litigation.  No Indemnified Party shall consent to entry of any



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judgment or enter into any settlement without the consent of each Indemnifying
Party.

                 2.5.4     If the indemnification provided for in this Section
is unavailable to an Indemnified Party in respect of any losses, claims, damages
or liabilities referred to therein, then each Indemnifying Party, in lieu of
indemnifying such Indemnified Party, shall contribute to the amount paid or
payable by such Indemnified Party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or
liabilities (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by the Company on the one hand and all shareholders offering
securities in the offering (the "Selling Security Holders") on the other from
the offering of the Company's securities, or (ii) if the allocation provided by
clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits referred to in clause (i)
above but also the relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Selling
Security Holders on the other in connection with the statements or omissions
which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as well as any
other relevant equitable considerations.  The relative benefits received by the
Company on the one hand and the Selling Security Holders on the other shall be
the net proceeds from the offering (before deducting expenses) received by the
Company on the one hand and the Selling Security Holders on the other.  The
relative fault of the Company on the one hand and the Selling Security Holders
on the other shall be determined by reference to, among other things, whether
the untrue or alleged untrue statement of material fact or the omission or
alleged omission to state a material fact relates to information supplied by the
Company or by the Selling Security Holders and the parties' relevant intent,
knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent such
statement or omission. The Company and the Selling Security Holders agree that
it would not be just and equitable if contribution pursuant to this Section were
based solely upon the number of entities from whom contribution was requested or
by any other method of allocation which does not take account of the equitable
considerations referred to above in this Section.  The amount paid or payable by
an Indemnified Party as a result of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities
referred to above in this Section shall be deemed to include any legal or other
expenses reasonably incurred by such Indemnified Party in connection with
investigating or defending any such action or claim, subject to the provisions
hereof. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section, no Selling Shareholder
shall be required to contribute any amount or make any other payments under this
Agreement which in the aggregate exceed the proceeds received by such Selling
Shareholder.  No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the
meaning of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any person
who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.

         2.6     Certain Information.

                 2.6.1     The holders of Registrable Securities agree, with
respect to any Registrable Securities included in any registration, to furnish
to the Company such information regarding such holder, the Registrable
Securities and the distribution proposed by the such holder as the Company may
reasonably request in writing and as shall be required in connection with any
registration, qualification or compliance referred to herein.

                 2.6.2     The failure of the holder of Registrable Securities
to furnish the information requested pursuant to Section 2.6.1 shall not affect
the obligation of the Company to the other Selling Security Holders who furnish
such information unless, in the reasonable opinion of counsel to the Company or
the underwriters, such failure impairs or may impair the legality of the
Registration Statement or the underlying offering.

         2.7     Rule 144 Reporting.  With a view to making available the
benefits of certain rules and regulations of the Commission which may at any
time permit the sale of Restricted Securities (used herein as defined in Rule
144 under the Securities Act) to the public without registration, the Company
agrees to use its best lawful efforts to:

                 2.7.1     Make and keep public information available, as those
terms are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all
times during which the Company is subject to the reporting requirements of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act");

                 2.7.2     File with the Commission in a timely manner all
reports and other documents required of the Company under the Securities Act and
the Exchange Act (at all times during which the Company is subject to such
reporting requirements); and                                            





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<PAGE>   7
                 2.7.3     So long as any holder of Registrable Securities owns
any Restricted Securities (as defined in Rule 144 promulgated under the
Securities Act), to furnish to such holder forthwith upon request a written
statement by the Company as to its compliance with the reporting requirements of
said Rule 144 and with regard to the Securities Act and the Exchange Act (at all
times during which the Company is subject to such reporting requirements), a
copy of the most recent annual or quarterly report of the Company, and such
other reports and documents of the Company and other information in the
possession of or reasonably obtainable by the Company as such holder of
Registrable Securities may reasonably request in availing itself of any rule or
regulation of the Commission allowing such holder to sell any such securities
without registration.
                 
         2.8     Transferability.  The rights conferred by this Agreement shall
be freely transferable to a recipient of Registrable Securities.

         2.9     Governing Law.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED IN ALL
RESPECTS BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF TEXAS.

         2.10    Entire Agreement; Amendment. This Agreement constitutes the
full and entire understanding and agreement between the parties with regard to
the subject hereof.  This Agreement, or any provision hereof, may be amended,
waived, discharged or terminated upon the written consent of the Company and
the Purchaser.

         2.11    Notices, etc. Except as otherwise specified herein, all
notices, requests, demands or other communications to or upon the respective
parties hereto shall be deemed to have been duly given or made when delivered
to the party to which such notice, request, demand or other communication is
required or permitted to be given or made under this Agreement or the Note,
addressed to such party at its address set forth below or at such other address
as either of the parties hereto may hereafter notify the other in writing.

To Company:      INTELECT COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS LIMITED
                 1100 Executive Drive
                 Richardson, Texas  75081
                 Telephone:   972-367-2100
                 Telecopy:    972-367-2271
                 Attention: Herman Frietsch, Chairman and CEO

with a copy to:  Philip P. Sudan, Jr.,
                 RYAN & SUDAN, L.L.P.
                 909 Fannin, 39th Floor
                 Houston, Texas 77010
                 Telephone:   713-652-0501
                 Telecopy:    713-652-0503

To Holder:       THE COASTAL CORPORATION SECOND PENSION TRUST
                 Nine Greenway Plaza
                 Houston, Texas  77046-0995
                 Telephone:   713-877-6825
                 Telecopy:    713-877-7071
                 Attn: Corporate Secretary

with a copy to:  THE COASTAL CORPORATION
                 Nine Greenway Plaza
                 Houston, Texas  77046-0995
                 Telephone:   713-877-6920
                 Telecopy:    713-877-7132
                 Attn: Director, Financial Administration





                                     - 7 -
<PAGE>   8
For wire transfers of funds to Lender under all Transaction Documents:

                 Texas Commerce Bank
                 Houston, Texas
                 ABA #113000609
                 Trust Wires Clearing Account
                 DDA #00101606276
                 Cusip # ____________________
                 DESCRIPTION: Dividend Income
                          Intelect Communication
                 OBI# Attn: Trust Receipts
                    FFC: 5502001-1867300
                 THE COASTAL CORPORATION SECOND TRUST
                 Attn:    Mary Grace Greenwood
                          (713) 216-4539

         2.12    Delays or Omissions. Except as expressly provided herein, no
delay or omission to exercise any right, power or remedy accruing to any party
to this Agreement shall impair any such right, power or remedy of such party
nor shall it be construed to be a waiver of any such breach or default, or an
acquiescence therein, or of or in any similar breach or default thereafter
occurring; nor shall any waiver of any single breach or default be deemed a
waiver of any other breach or default theretofore or thereafter occurring.  Any
waiver, permit, consent or approval of any kind or character on the part of any
party of any breach or default under this Agreement, or any waiver on the part
of any party of any provisions or conditions of this agreement, must be in
writing and shall be effective only to the extent specifically set forth in
such writing.  All remedies, either under this Agreement or by law or otherwise
afforded to any party to this Agreement, shall be cumulative and not
alternative.

         2.13    Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts, each of which shall be enforceable against the parties actually
executing such counterparts, and all of which together shall constitute one
instrument.

         2.14    Severability. In the event that any provision of this
Agreement becomes or is declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
illegal, unenforceable or void, this Agreement shall continue in full force and
effect without said provision.

         2.15    Titles and Subtitles.  The titles and subtitles used in this
Agreement are used for convenience only and are not considered in construing or
interpreting this Agreement.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have executed this agreement as of the 
date first set forth above.

THE COASTAL CORPORATION                    INTELECT COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEMS
  SECOND PENSION TRUST                                LIMITED


By:     /s/ D. H. GULLQUIST                By:     /s/ HERMAN M. FRIETSCH
        -------------------------                  -------------------------

Title:  Sr. Vice President                 Title:  Chairman & CEO
        -------------------------                  -------------------------
         THE COASTAL CORPORATION





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