Document:

<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                 NINTH AMENDMENT TO REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

     THIS NINTH AMENDMENT TO REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT (this "Amendment") dated
as of April 1, 2001, is between FIRST OAK BROOK BANCSHARES, INC. (the "Company")
and LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, (the "Bank") formerly known as LASALLE
NATIONAL BANK.

                               R E C I T A L S:

     WHEREAS, the parties have previously entered into a Revolving Credit
Agreement dated as of December 1, 1991, as amended by that certain First
Amendment dated as of January 31, 1993, that certain Second Amendment dated as
of March 31, 1994, that certain Third Amendment dated as of April 1, 1995, that
certain Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1996, that certain Fifth Amendment dated
May 1, 1997, that certain Sixth Amendment dated May 1, 1998, that certain
Seventh Amendment dated May 1, 1999, and that certain Eighth Amendment dated
April 1, 2000 (collectively, the "Agreement"); and

     WHEREAS, at the present time the Company requests, and the Bank is
agreeable to amending the Agreement pursuant to the terms and conditions
hereinafter set forth:

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual
agreements hereinafter set forth, it is agreed by the parties hereto as follows:

     1.   DEFINITIONS. All capitalized terms used herein without definition
          shall have the respective meanings set forth in the Agreement.

     2.   AMENDMENTS TO AGREEMENT.

          2.1  Amendment to Section 1. Section 1 is amended by deleting the
               reference to the date "April 1, 2001" and inserting a reference
               to the date "April 1, 2002" in substitution therefor.

          2.2  Replacement of Exhibit A. Exhibit A attached to the Agreement is
               hereby deleted in its entirety and Exhibit A attached hereto is
               hereby substituted therefor.

     3.   WARRANTIES. To induce the Bank to enter into this Amendment, the
          Company warrants that:

          3.1  Authorization. The Company is duly authorized to execute and
               deliver this Amendment and is and will continue to be duly
               authorized to borrow monies under the Agreement, as amended
               hereby, and to perform its obligations under the Agreement, as
               amended hereby.

          3.2  No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Amendment and
               the performance by the Company of its obligations under the
               Agreement, as amended hereby, do not and will not conflict with
               any provision of law or of the charter or by-laws of the Company
               or of any agreement binding upon the Company.
<PAGE>

          3.3  Validity and Binding Effect. The Agreement, as amended hereby, is
               a legal, valid and binding obligation of the Company, enforceable
               against the Company in accordance with its terms, except as
               enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency or other
               similar laws of general application affecting the enforcement of
               creditors' rights or by general principles of equity limiting the
               availability of equitable remedies.

          3.4  No Default. As of the closing date hereof, no Event of Default
               under Section 9 of the Agreement, as amended by this Amendment,
               or event or condition which, with the giving of notice or the
               passage of time, shall constitute an Event of Default, has
               occurred or is continuing.

          3.5  Warranties. As of the closing date hereof, the representations
               and warranties in Section 6 of the Agreement are true and correct
               as though made on such date, except for such changes as are
               specifically permitted under the Agreement.

     4.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. This Amendment shall become effective as of the
          date above first written after receipt by the Bank of the following
          documents.

          (a)  This Amendment duly executed by the Company; and

          (b)  A Replacement Promissory Note in the form of Exhibit A attached
               hereto duly executed by the Company.

     5.   GENERAL.

          5.1  Law. This Amendment shall be construed in accordance with and
               governed by the laws of the State of Illinois.

          5.2  Successors. This Amendment shall be binding upon the Company and
               LaSalle and their respective successors and assigns, and shall
               inure to the benefit of the Company and the Bank and its
               successors and assigns.

          5.3  Confirmation of Loan Agreement. Except as amended hereby, the
               Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and is hereby
               ratified and confirmed in all respects.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Amendment as of
the date first above written.

LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION       FIRST OAK BROOK BANCSHARES, INC.

By:  _________________________________   By:  ________________________________

Its: _________________________________   Its: ________________________________
<PAGE>

                                                                    Exhibit 10.1

                                   EXHIBIT A
                                   ---------

                          REPLACEMENT PROMISSORY NOTE

$15,000,000.00                                               as of April 1, 2001

     FIRST OAK BROOK BANCSHARES, INC., (the "Maker), for value received,
promises to pay to the order of LASALLE NATIONAL BANK (the "Bank") the lesser
of: the principal sum of Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000.00), or the
aggregate unpaid principal amount outstanding under that certain Revolving
Credit Agreement dated December 1, 1991 between the Maker and the Bank, as
amended by that certain First Amendment dated March 31, 1993, that certain
Second Amendment dated March 31, 1994, that certain Third Amendment dated April
1, 1995, that certain Fourth Amendment dated April 1, 1996, that certain Fifth
Amendment dated May 1, 1997, that certain Sixth Amendment dated May 1, 1998,
that certain Seventh Amendment dated May 1, 1999 and that certain Eighth
Amendment dated April 1, 2000, and that certain Ninth Amendment of even date
herewith (the "Loan Agreement") made available by the Bank to the Maker at the
maturity or maturities and in the amount or amounts as stated on the records of
the Bank together with interest (computed on actual days elapsed on the basis of
a 360 day year) on any and all principal amounts outstanding hereunder from time
to time from the date hereof until maturity. Interest shall be payable at the
Maker's option at the rates and times set forth in the Loan Agreement. In no
event shall any principal amount have a maturity later that April 1, 2002.

     This Revolving Credit Note shall be available for direct advances and for
Bankers' Acceptances.

     Principal and interest shall be paid to the Bank at its office at 135 South
LaSalle Street, Chicago, Illinois, or at such other place as the holder of this
Note may designate in writing to the undersigned. This Note may be prepaid in
whole or in part as provided for in the Loan Agreement.

     This Note evidences indebtedness incurred under the Loan Agreement (and if
amended, under all amendments thereto) to which reference is hereby made for a
statement of the terms and conditions under which the due date of the Note or
any payment thereon may be accelerated. The holder of this Note is entitled to
all of the benefits and security provided for in said Loan Agreement.

     The undersigned agrees that in any action or proceeding instituted to
collect or enforce collection of this Note, the amount endorsed by the Bank on
the reverse side of this Note shall be prima-facie evidence of the unpaid
principal balance of this Note.

     This Note is in substitution for, and not in repayment of, that certain
Revolving Credit Note, dated as of April 1, 2000, in the amount of
$15,000,000.00, executed by the Maker in favor of the Bank.

                                  FIRST OAK BROOK BANCSHARES, INC.

                                  By:  _____________________________________
                                  Its: _____________________________________<PAGE>
                                                                Exhibit 10.23(c)

                     Composit Conformed Copy:  Amended By
Addition Of Lender & Consent & Amendment To Loan & Security Agreement Dated As
                              Of November 2, 1999
              Subsidiary Joinder Agreement Dated January 31, 2000
       Amendment To Loan And Security Agreement, Dated As Of May 15, 2000
Amendment To Loan And Security Agreement (Equipment Lease Transaction), Dated As
                              Of October 30, 2000
 Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement (Equipment Lease Transaction-Second
                      Amendment), Dated as of May 1, 2001

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                          LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                    Dated for reference as of June 15, 1999

                                     Among

                    THE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS NAMED HEREIN

                                as the Lenders
                                --------------

                                      and

                        UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.

                                   as Agent
                                   --------

                                      and

                            PAC-WEST TELECOMM, INC.

                                  as Borrower
                                  -----------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>

EXHIBITS
1:             Form of Arbitration Agreement
2:             Form of Assignment and Acceptance
3:             Form of Borrowing Base Certificate
4:             Form of Loan Request
5:             Form of Deposit Control Agreement
6:             Form of Subsidiary Joinder
7:             Form of Opinion

SCHEDULES
1.1A:          Material Agreements; Defaults Thereunder
1.1B:          Existing Liens on the Closing Date
6.1(a)(vi):    Equipment
6.3:           Chief Executive Office; Locations
6.9(a):        Deposit and Bank Accounts
8.3:           Jurisdiction in Which Qualification is Necessary
8.4:           Corporate Name; Prior Transactions
8.5:           Subsidiaries and Affiliates
8.7:           Capitalization
8.9:           Debt
8.12:          Real Estate
8.13:          Proprietary Rights Collateral
8.14:          Trade Names
8.15:          Litigation
8.17:          Labor Disputes
8.19:          Compliance with Material Agreements
8.30:          Year 2000
9.9:           Restricted Investments and Expenditures
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Page
<S>                                                                                <C>
ARTICLE I. INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT.......................................    1

     1.1 Definitions..............................................................    1
     1.2 Accounting Terms.........................................................   24
     1.3 Interpretive Provisions..................................................   24
     1.4 Documents, Instruments, and Chattel Paper................................   25
     1.5 Right to Cure............................................................   25
     1.6 Power of Attorney........................................................   25
     1.7 Agent's and Lenders' Rights, Duties and Liabilities......................   26

ARTICLE II. LOANS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT...........................................   26

     2.1 Total Facility...........................................................   26
     2.2 Revolving Loans..........................................................   27
     2.3 Making of Revolving Loans................................................   29
     2.4 Settlement...............................................................   31
     2.5 Notation.................................................................   32
     2.6 Lenders' Failure to Perform..............................................   33
     2.7 Letters of Credit........................................................   33

ARTICLE III. INTEREST AND FEES....................................................   39

     3.1 Interest.................................................................   39
     3.2 Maximum Interest Rate....................................................   40
     3.3 Unused Line Fee..........................................................   40
     3.4 Letter of Credit Fee.....................................................   41
     3.5 Audit Fees...............................................................   41
     3.6 Fee Letter...............................................................   41

ARTICLE IV. PAYMENTS AND PREPAYMENTS..............................................   41

     4.1 Principal of Revolving Loans.............................................   41
     4.2 Reduction and Termination of Facility....................................   42
     4.3 Payments by Borrower.....................................................   43
     4.4 Apportionment, Application and Reversal of Payments......................   43
     4.5 Indemnity for Returned Payments..........................................   45
     4.6 Agent's and Lenders' Books and Records; Monthly Statements...............   45

ARTICLE V. TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY.................................   45

     5.1 Taxes....................................................................   45
     5.2 Increased Costs, Reduction of Return and Illegality; Capital Adequacy....   46
     5.3 Funding Losses...........................................................   47
     5.4 Breakage Costs...........................................................   47
     5.5 Certificates of Lenders..................................................   47
     5.6 Survival.................................................................   48

ARTICLE VI. COLLATERAL............................................................   48

     6.1 Grant of Security Interest...............................................   48
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                  (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Page
<S>                                                                                <C>
     6.2 Perfection and Protection of Security Interest...........................   49
     6.3 Chief Executive Office; Locations of Collateral..........................   50
     6.4 Title to, Liens on and Sale and Use of Collateral........................   50
     6.5 Appraisals...............................................................   51
     6.6 Access and Examination...................................................   51
     6.7 Collateral Reporting.....................................................   52
     6.8 Accounts.................................................................   52
     6.9 Collection of Accounts; Payments.........................................   53
     6.10 Equipment...............................................................   55
     6.11 Assigned Contracts......................................................   55

ARTICLE VII. FINANCIAL INFORMATION; NOTICES.......................................   56

     7.1 Books and Records........................................................   56
     7.2 Financial Information....................................................   56
     7.3 Notices to Agent and Lenders.............................................   59
     7.4 Authorization for Agent and Lenders to Deliver Certain Information.......   61
     7.5 Authorization to Deliver Information to Agent and the Lenders............   61

ARTICLE VIII. GENERAL WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS..............................   62

     8.1 Authorization, Validity and Enforceability...............................   62
     8.2 Validity and Priority of Security Interest...............................   62
     8.3 Organization and Qualification...........................................   62
     8.4 Corporate Name, Prior Transactions.......................................   63
     8.5 Subsidiaries and Affiliates..............................................   63
     8.6 Financial Statements and Projections.....................................   63
     8.7 Capitalization...........................................................   63
     8.8 Solvency.................................................................   63
     8.9 Debt.....................................................................   63
     8.10 Distributions...........................................................   63
     8.11 Title to Property.......................................................   63
     8.12 Real Estate; Leases.....................................................   64
     8.13 Proprietary Rights Collateral...........................................   64
     8.14 Trade Names.............................................................   64
     8.15 Litigation..............................................................   64
     8.16 Restrictive Agreements..................................................   64
     8.17 Labor Disputes..........................................................   64
     8.18 Environmental Laws......................................................   65
     8.19 No Violation of Law; Telecommunications Laws and Licenses...............   66
     8.20 No Default..............................................................   66
     8.21 ERISA Compliance........................................................   66
     8.22 Taxes...................................................................   67
     8.23 Regulated Entities......................................................   67
     8.24 Margin Regulations......................................................   67
     8.25 Intellectual Property...................................................   67
     8.26 No Material Adverse Change..............................................   68
     8.27 Full Disclosure.........................................................   68
     8.28 Material Agreements.....................................................   68
     8.29 Governmental Authorization..............................................   68
</TABLE>

                                      ii
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                  (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Page
<S>                                                                                <C>
ARTICLE IX. AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE COVENANTS....................................   68

     9.1 Taxes and Other Debt.....................................................   68
     9.2 Corporate Existence and Good Standing....................................   68
     9.3 Compliance with Law and Agreements; Maintenance of Licenses..............   69
     9.4 Insurance................................................................   69
     9.5 Condemnation.............................................................   70
     9.6 Environmental Laws.......................................................   70
     9.7 Compliance with ERISA....................................................   71
     9.8 Mergers, Consolidations or Sales of Assets...............................   72
     9.9 Distributions; Capital Change; Restricted Investments and Expenditures...   72
     9.10 Material Adverse Effect.................................................   73
     9.11 Guaranties..............................................................   73
     9.12 Debt....................................................................   73
     9.13 Transactions with Affiliates............................................   73
     9.14 Investment Banking and Finder's Fees....................................   73
     9.15 Business Conducted; Maintenance of Property.............................   73
     9.16 Liens...................................................................   74
     9.17 Sale and Leaseback Transactions.........................................   74
     9.18 New Subsidiaries........................................................   74
     9.19 Fiscal Year; Accounting Method..........................................   74
     9.20 Financial Covenants.....................................................   74
     9.21 Use of Proceeds.........................................................   74
     9.22 Further Assurances......................................................   74
     9.23 Amendments to Documents.................................................   75
     9.24 Amendments to Documents.................................................

ARTICLE X. CONDITIONS OF LENDING..................................................   75

     10.1 Conditions Precedent to Making of Loans on the Closing Date.............   75
     10.2 Conditions Precedent to Each Loan.......................................   79

ARTICLE XI. DEFAULT; REMEDIES.....................................................   80

     11.1 Events of Default.......................................................   80
     11.2 Remedies................................................................   83

ARTICLE XII. TERM AND TERMINATION.................................................   84

     12.1 Term and Termination....................................................   84

ARTICLE XIII. AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; PARTICIPATIONS; ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS.........   84

     13.1 No Waivers; Cumulative Remedies.........................................   84
     13.2 Amendments and Waivers..................................................   84
     13.3 Assignments; Participations.............................................   86
     13.4 Additional Commitments..................................................   88

ARTICLE XIV. AGENT................................................................   88

     14.1 Appointment and Authorization...........................................   88
</TABLE>

                                      iii
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                                  (continued)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                   Page
<S>                                                                                <C>
     14.2 Delegation of Duties....................................................   89
     14.3 Liability of Agent......................................................   89
     14.4 Reliance by Agent.......................................................   89
     14.5 Notice of Default.......................................................   90
     14.6 Credit Decision.........................................................   90
     14.7 Indemnification.........................................................   90
     14.8 Union Bank of California N.A., in its Individual Capacity...............   91
     14.9 Successor Agent.........................................................   91
     14.10 Withholding Tax........................................................   92
     14.11 Collateral Matters.....................................................   93
     14.12 Restrictions on Actions by Lenders; Sharing of Payments................   94
     14.13 Agency for Perfection..................................................   94
     14.14 Payments to Agent and Lenders..........................................   94
     14.15 Concerning the Collateral and the Related Loan Documents...............   95
     14.16 Disclaimer by Lenders..................................................   95

ARTICLE XV. MISCELLANEOUS.........................................................   96

     15.1 Cumulative Remedies; No Prior Recourse to Collateral....................   96
     15.2 Limitation of Liability.................................................   96
     15.3 Survival of Representations and Warranties..............................   96
     15.4 Other Security and Guaranties...........................................   96
     15.5 Fees and Expenses.......................................................   96
     15.6 Notices.................................................................   98
     15.7 Waiver of Notices.......................................................   98
     15.8 Binding Effect..........................................................   99
     15.9 Indemnity of Agent and the Lenders by Borrower..........................   99
     15.10 Final Agreement........................................................   99
     15.11 Counterparts...........................................................   99
     15.12 Captions...............................................................   99
     15.13 Right of Setoff........................................................   99
     15.14 Use of Name; Confidentiality...........................................  100
     15.15 Severability...........................................................  100
     15.16 Governing Law; Dispute Resolution; Choice of Forum.....................  101
</TABLE>

                                      iv
<PAGE>

                      Composit Conformed Copy: Amended By
     Addition Of Lender & Consent & Amendment To Loan & Security Agreement
                         Dated As Of November 2, 1999
              Subsidiary Joinder Agreement Dated January 31, 2000
      Amendment To Loan And Security Agreement, Dated As Of May 15, 2000
   Amendment To Loan And Security Agreement (Equipment Lease Transaction),
                         Dated As Of October 30, 2000
          Amendment To Loan And Security Agreement (Equipment Lease
            Transaction-Second Amendment), Dated as of May 1, 2001

                          LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

          THIS LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT, dated for reference as of June 15,
1999 (this "Agreement"), is by and among the financial institutions that execute
            ---------
a counterpart signature page hereto and/or to an Assignment and Acceptance (as
hereinafter defined; such financial institutions, together with their respective
successors and assigns, are referred to hereinafter each individually as a
"Lender," and collectively as the "Lenders"), UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A, as
 ------                            -------
administrative agent for the Lenders (in its capacity as administrative agent,
"Agent"), and PAC-WEST TELECOMM, INC., a California corporation, as borrower
 -----
(the "Company"), INSTALLNET, INC., a California corporation, also doing business
      -------
as "INET"; D.B.D. CONSULTING, INC., a California corporation, also doing
business as "Communication Design Consultants" and "CDC"; and U.S. NET
SOLUTIONS, INC., a California corporation (each, a "New Subsidiary" and
                                                    --------------
collectively, the "New Subsidiaries," and collectively with the Company,
                   -----------------
"Borrower").
 --------

                             W I T N E S S E T H:
                             -------------------

          WHEREAS, Borrower has requested that the Lenders make available to
Borrower a revolving line of credit for loans and Letters of Credit in an
initial amount not to exceed twenty million dollars ($20,000,000), with the
ability to increase such revolving line of credit to forty million dollars
($40,000,000) upon the terms and conditions set forth herein, which will be used
by Borrower for permitted acquisitions and capital expenditures, and Borrower's
ordinary working capital needs and general business purposes; and

          WHEREAS, the Lenders have agreed to make available to Borrower a
revolving credit facility upon the terms and conditions set forth in this
Agreement.

                              A G R E E M E N T:
                              -----------------

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual conditions and
agreements set forth in this Agreement, and for other good and valuable
consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the
parties hereto agree as follows.

                                  ARTICLE I.
                       INTERPRETATION OF THIS AGREEMENT

          1.1  Definitions. As used herein, the following terms shall have the
               -----------
following meanings:

               "Account Debtor" means each Person obligated in any way on or in
                --------------
connection with an Account.

               "Accounts" means all of Borrower's now owned or hereafter
                --------
acquired or arising accounts and any other rights to payment for the sale or
lease of goods or rendition of services, whether or not they have been earned by
performance, together with amounts owed to Borrower from any and all credit
insurance, Guarantees, Letters of Credit and other security therefor, and all
security agreements, leases, Guarantees and other contracts securing or
otherwise relating to the Accounts.
<PAGE>

          "Accounts Collateral" means all Collateral consisting of cash, cash
           -------------------
equivalents, bank accounts, Accounts and, as they relate to any of the
foregoing, General Intangibles and all substitutions, accessions and proceeds of
any of the foregoing.

          "Additional Amounts" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(b)
           ------------------                               --------------
hereof.

          "Additional Commitments" has the meaning specified in Section 13.4
           ----------------------                               ------------
hereof.

                    [Additional Commitment.  GE Capital hereby agrees to provide
                     ---------------------
          an Additional Commitment under the terms of the Loan Agreement, in the
          amount of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000).  From and after the
          Effective Date, the parties hereto agree that GE Capital shall be a
          Lender under the Loan Agreement and each of the Loan Documents, and
          shall be entitled to all of the rights and benefits of a Lender
          thereunder, and shall be subject to all of the agreements of the
          Lenders thereunder.  From and after the Effective Date, (i) the
          Commitment under the Loan Agreement shall mean and include the
          Commitment of UBOC, in the amount of twenty million dollars
          ($20,000,000) and the Commitment of GE Capital, in the amount of
          twenty million dollars ($20,000,000); and (ii) the Maximum Amount of
          the Commitments shall equal forty million dollars ($40,000,000).]
          From Addition of Lender and Consent and Amendment to Loan and Security
          Agreement dated 11/2/99]

          "Affiliate" means, as to any Person, any other Person which, directly
           ---------
or indirectly, is in control of, is controlled by, or is under common control
with, such Person.  A Person shall be deemed to control another Person if the
controlling Person possesses, directly or indirectly, the power to direct or
cause the direction of the management and policies of the other Person, whether
through the ownership of voting securities, by contract, or otherwise.

          "Agent" means Union Bank of California, N.A., in its capacity as
           -----
administrative agent for the Lenders, and any successor thereto in such capacity
appointed pursuant to Section 14.9 hereof.
                      ------------

          "Agent Advances" has the meaning specified in Section 2.3(b) hereof.
           --------------                               --------------

          "Agent-Related Persons" means Agent and any successor Agent, together
           ---------------------
with their respective Affiliates, and the officers, directors, employees, agents
and attorneys-in-fact of such Persons.

          "Agent's Liens" means the Liens granted to Agent, for the ratable
           -------------
benefit of the Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares, pursuant to this
Agreement.

          "Agreement" means this Loan and Security Agreement.
           ---------

          "Arbitration Agreement" means the Alternative Dispute Resolution
           ---------------------
Agreement, dated as of the date hereof, among Borrower, Agent and Lenders, in
the form of Exhibit 1 attached hereto.
            ---------

          "Assigned Contracts" means all of Borrower's rights and remedies
           ------------------
under, and all money and claims for money due or to become due to Borrower under
all contracts and agreements in favor of Borrower and/or to which Borrower is a
party, including the Material Agreements.

                                       2
<PAGE>

          "Assignee" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.3(a) hereof.
           --------                               ---------------

          "Assignment and Acceptance" has the meaning set forth in Section
           -------------------------                               -------
13.3(a) hereof and shall be in the form of Exhibit 2 attached hereto.
-------                                    ---------

          "Attorney Costs" means and includes all fees, expenses, and
           --------------
disbursements of any law firm or other external counsel engaged by Agent, the
allocated cost of internal legal services of Agent, and all expenses and
disbursements of internal counsel of Agent; provided, however, that if Agent
uses a law firm or other external counsel with respect to any matter, Borrower
shall be obligated to reimburse Agent for the fees, expenses, and disbursements
of such law firm or other external counsel, but not also the allocated cost of
internal legal services of Agent with respect to such matter.

          "Available Receivables and Equipment Balance" means the sum of
           -------------------------------------------

          (a) eighty percent (80%) of the sum of (i) the Net Amount of Eligible
     Accounts minus (ii) the Reserve; plus
              -----                   ----

          (b) thirty percent (30%) of the gross book value of Eligible
Equipment.

          "Availability" means, as of the Borrowing Base Date, the amount
           ------------
computed in the Borrowing Base Certificate delivered by Borrower (subject
however to the revisions and adjustments described in Sections 2.2  hereof) to
                                                      ------------
be:  (a) the lesser of (i) the Maximum Amount, or (ii) the Available Receivables
and Equipment Balance; minus (b) the aggregate net proceeds of any Debt incurred
                       -----
by Borrower after the Closing Date that is not specifically permitted hereunder
or otherwise approved by Agent; minus (c) the aggregate net proceeds from the
                                -----
sale of any of Borrower's assets made after the Closing Date and otherwise than
in the ordinary course of Borrower's business, unless otherwise approved by
Agent, or unless all of such proceeds are reinvested in comparable replacement
assets (as determined in Agent's sole discretion) within one hundred eighty
(180) days after such sale; minus (d) all insurance proceeds received by
                            -----
Borrower in respect of any of its assets, unless otherwise approved by Agent, or
unless all of such insurance proceeds are reinvested in comparable replacement
assets (as determined in Agent's sole discretion) within one hundred eighty
(180) days after Borrower's receipt thereof.  For purposes of determining the
amount of Availability, any amount that is denominated in a currency other than
dollars shall be valued in dollars based on the applicable Exchange Rate for
such currency, as determined by Agent.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon
delivery to Agent of Financial Statements evidencing that the ratio of
Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA has remained less than 5:1 for two (2)
consecutive Fiscal Quarters, and for as long thereafter as such ratio remains
less than 5:1, then "Availability" shall mean the sum of (a) the Maximum Amount
                     ------------
of the Commitments; minus clauses (b), (c) and (d) of this paragraph above.
                    -----

          "Bankruptcy Code" means Title 11 of the United States Code (11 U.S.C.
           ---------------
(S) 101 et seq.).

          "Base Rate" means the U.S. dollar rate of interest established by
           ---------
Agent from time to time as its prime or base rate, with any change in such prime
or base rate to be effective on the date of such change, plus the margin set
                                                         ----
forth below corresponding to the applicable ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to
EBITDA as of the most recent Financial Statements of Borrower delivered prior to
or on the date of the applicable Borrowing:

                                       3
<PAGE>

          Ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA                              Margin
          -----------------------------                              ------

          Greater than or equal to 8.5:1..........................   2.00%
          Greater than or equal to 8:1 but less than 8.5:1........   1.75%
          Greater than or equal to 7:1 but less than 8:1..........   1.50%
          Greater than or equal to 6:1 but less than 7:1..........   1.25%
          Greater than or equal to 5:1 but less than 6:1..........   1.00%
          Less than 5:1...........................................   0.75%

          The Base Rate is not the lowest or best rate actually charged to any
customer by Union Bank of California, N.A. or by Agent or any Lender, and each
such Person may make various commercial and other loans at rates of interest
which have no relationship to the Base Rate.

          "Base Rate Loan" means a Loan at any time bearing interest at the Base
           --------------
Rate.

          "Bonds" means the Senior Notes issued by Borrower in the maximum
           -----
amount of one hundred fifty million dollars ($150,000,000) pursuant to the
Indenture, which Bonds are general unsecured obligations of Borrower.

          "Bonds Security" means that certain portfolio of U.S. government
           --------------
securities pledged to the trustee under the Indenture, as security for the
holders of the Bonds, for the payment of the first two (2) scheduled interest
payments due on the Bonds.

          "Borrower" means Pac-West Telecomm, Inc., a California corporation,
           --------
and its permitted successors and assigns.

          "Borrower Business Day" means any day, excluding Saturdays and
           ---------------------
Sundays, that Borrower is open for business.

          "Borrower's Account" shall mean the account established by Borrower at
           ------------------
Union Bank of California, N.A., San Francisco, for the purpose of receiving Loan
proceeds advanced by the Lenders, as set forth in the certificate of Borrower
delivered to Agent pursuant to Section 2.2(d) hereof.
                               --------------

          "Borrowing" means a borrowing hereunder consisting of Loan advances
           ---------
made by the Lenders to Borrower or by an Agent in the case of a Borrowing
consisting of an Agent Advance.

          "Borrowing Base Certificate" means a fully completed certificate in
           --------------------------
the form of Exhibit 3 hereto, addressed to Agent and certified by Borrower to be
            ---------
true and correct as of the related Borrowing Base Date, which Borrowing Base
Certificate is subject to revision and adjustment pursuant to Section 2.2
                                                              -----------
hereof.

          "Borrowing Base Date" means the date that is one (1) Borrower Business
           -------------------
Day prior to the date of delivery of the Borrowing Base Certificate.

          "Breakage Costs" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.4 hereof.
           --------------                               -----------

                                       4
<PAGE>

          "Business Day" means any day that is not a Saturday, Sunday or a day
           ------------
on which banks in San Francisco, California or in any other city where a Lender
is located, are required or permitted to be closed and, if such Business Day is
relating to the LIBOR Rate or a Borrowing at the LIBOR Rate, a day that dealings
in U.S. dollar deposits are carried out in the London interbank market.

          "Capital Adequacy Regulation" means any guideline, request or
           ---------------------------
directive of any central bank or other Governmental Authority, or any other law,
rule or regulation, whether or not having the force of law, in each case,
regarding the capital adequacy of any bank or of any corporation controlling a
bank.

          "Capital Lease" means any lease of property by any Person that, in
           -------------
accordance with GAAP, is or should be capitalized on such Person's balance sheet
or for which the amount of the asset and liability thereunder, as if so
capitalized, should be disclosed in a footnote to such balance sheet.

          "Change of Control" means the occurrence of any of the following:
           -----------------

          (a)  the sale, transfer, conveyance or other disposition (other than
by way of merger or consolidation) in one or a series of related transactions,
of all or substantially all of the assets of Borrower;

          (b)  the adoption of a plan relating to the liquidation or dissolution
of Borrower;

          (c)  the consummation of any transaction (including any merger or
consolidation) the result of which is that any Person, other than the Principals
and their Affiliates, becomes the beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of
more than thirty-five percent (35%) of Borrower's Voting Stock, measured by
voting power rather than number of shares; or

          (d)  the consolidation of Borrower with, or merger of Borrower into,
any Person, or the consolidation of any Person with, or merger of any Person
into, Borrower, in any such event pursuant to a transaction in which any of the
outstanding Voting Stock of Borrower is converted into or exchanged for cash,
securities or other property, other than any such transaction where the Voting
Stock of Borrower outstanding immediately prior to such transaction is converted
into or exchanged for Voting Stock of the surviving or transferee Person
constituting a majority of the outstanding shares of such Voting Stock of such
surviving or transferee Person immediately after giving effect to such issuance.

          "Change of Law" has the meaning set forth in Section 5.2(c) hereof.
           -------------                               --------------

          "Closing Date" means the date that each of Borrower and Agent has
           ------------
authorized the delivery of the Loan Documents executed by it and each of the
conditions set forth in Section 10.1 have been satisfied or waived by Agent.
                        ------------

          "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time
           ----
to time, and any successor statute, and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "Collateral" has the meaning specified in Section 6.1 hereof.
           ----------                               -----------

                                       5
<PAGE>

          "Commitment" means, at any time with respect to a Lender, the
           ----------
principal amount set forth beside such Lender's name under the heading
"Commitment" on the signature pages hereto or in the Assignment and Acceptance
pursuant to which such Lender became a Lender hereunder in accordance with the
provisions of Section 13.3, and Section 13.4 hereof, as such Commitment may be
              ------------      ------------
adjusted from time to time in accordance with the provisions of Section 13.3,
                                                                ------------
and "Commitments" means, collectively, the aggregate amount of the then
     -----------
commitments of all of the Lenders.

                    [Additional Commitment.  GE Capital hereby agrees to provide
                     ---------------------
          an Additional Commitment under the terms of the Loan Agreement, in the
          amount of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000).  From and after the
          Effective Date, the parties hereto agree that GE Capital shall be a
          Lender under the Loan Agreement and each of the Loan Documents, and
          shall be entitled to all of the rights and benefits of a Lender
          thereunder, and shall be subject to all of the agreements of the
          Lenders thereunder.  From and after the Effective Date, (i) the
          Commitment under the Loan Agreement shall mean and include the
          Commitment of UBOC, in the amount of twenty million dollars
          ($20,000,000) and the Commitment of GE Capital, in the amount of
          twenty million dollars ($20,000,000); and (ii) the Maximum Amount of
          the Commitments shall equal forty million dollars ($40,000,000).]
          From Addition of Lender and Consent and Amendment to Loan and Security
          Agreement dated 11/2/99]

          "Contaminant" means any chemical, compound, waste, material, mixture,
           -----------
living organism or substance (a) the presence, Release or threatened Release of
which may result in potential liability; and/or (b) that is now or hereafter
defined or listed in, or otherwise classified or regulated in any way pursuant
to, any Environmental Laws as a "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance,"
"hazardous material," "extremely hazardous waste," "infectious waste," "toxic
substance," "toxic pollutant," "pollutant," contaminant or any other formulation
or description intended to define, list, or classify substances by reason of
deleterious properties, including without limitation, ignitability, corrosivity,
reactivity, carcinogenicity or toxicity, such materials, to include without
limitation, gasoline, oil, petroleum or other hydrocarbons, polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs), asbestos, asbestos-containing material, radon, natural gas,
natural gas liquids, liquefied natural gas or synthetic gas usable for fuel (or
mixtures of natural gas and such synthetic gas).

          "Debt" means, with respect to any Person, the sum of the following
           ----
determined on a consolidated basis, without duplication, in accordance with
GAAP:  (a) all liabilities, obligations and indebtedness for borrowed money,
including obligations evidenced by bonds, debentures, notes or similar
instruments; (b) all obligations to pay the deferred purchased price of property
or services, including all obligations under noncompetition agreements, except
trade payables, accrued expenses and other current indebtedness (other than
indebtedness for borrowed money), income tax payable and deferred income tax
arising in the ordinary course of business and not reduced to a promissory note;
(c) all obligations as lessee under Capital Leases; (d) all indebtedness of any
other Person secured by a Lien on any asset of such first Person; (e) all
Guaranty obligations; (f) all obligations, contingent or otherwise, relative to
the face amounts of letters of credit, whether or not drawn, and banker's
acceptances; (g) all obligations to redeem, purchase, exchange, defease or to
otherwise make payments in respect of capital stock or other securities; (h) all
termination payments which would be due and payable pursuant to any hedging
agreement; and (i) all rents and obligations payable under synthetic leases.

                                       6
<PAGE>

          "Default" means any event or circumstance which, with the giving of
           -------
notice, the lapse of time, or both, would (if not cured or otherwise remedied
during such time) constitute an Event of Default.

          "Defaulting Lender" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(c)
           -----------------                               --------------
hereof.

          "Default Rate" means a fluctuating per annum interest rate at all
           ------------
times equal to the sum of (a) the higher of:  (i) the Rate which would be
applicable to Base Rate Loans, or (ii) the highest Rate then in effect for any
Revolving Loan outstanding; plus (b) two percent (2%).  The Default Rate shall
be adjusted simultaneously with any change in the Base Rate or the highest Rate
then in effect for any Revolving Loan outstanding, as applicable.  In addition,
with respect to Letters of Credit, the Default Rate shall mean an increase in
the Letter of Credit Fee by two (2) percentage points.

          "Deposit Account" means each bank account of Borrower established at a
           ---------------
Deposit Bank,  which Deposit Accounts as of the Closing Date are listed in
Schedule 6.9 (a) hereof.
----------------

          "Deposit Bank" means each bank at which Borrower maintains a Deposit
           ------------
Account, which Banks, as of the Effective Date, are listed on Schedule 6.9(a).
                                                              ---------------

          "Deposit Control Agreement" means a control agreement substantially in
           -------------------------
the form of Exhibit 5 hereto between Agent and each of Borrower's Deposit Banks.
            ---------

          "Distribution" means, in respect of any corporation:  (a) the payment
           ------------
or making of any dividend or other distribution of property in respect of
capital stock (or any options or warrants for such stock) of such corporation,
other than distributions payable solely in additional shares of the capital
stock already held by the equity holder or in shares of Borrower's common stock;
or (b) the redemption or other acquisition of any capital stock (or any options
or warrants for such stock) of such corporation.

          "DOL" means the United States Department of Labor or any successor
           ---
department or agency.

          "Dollar," "dollar" and "$" each means dollars in the lawful currency
           ------
of the United States.

          "EBITDA" means, for any period, the sum of the following, without
           ------
duplication, in accordance with GAAP:  (a) Net Income for such period; plus (b)
the sum of the following to the extent deducted in determining Net Income: (i)
income taxes and franchise taxes, (ii) Interest Expense, and (iii) depreciation,
amortization and other noncash charges; less (c) any extraordinary gains.  For
purposes of calculating EBITDA for Fiscal Year 1998, all one time fees and
charges related to the costs of Borrower's merger with PWT Acquisition Corp. and
its recapitalization in connection therewith, and relating to the issuance of
the Bonds (all of which one time fees and charges total seven million two
hundred nineteen thousand dollars ($7,219,000)) shall be added back into EBITDA.
For purposes of clause (ii) above, the amortization of deferred financing costs
shall not be included in the definition of Interest Expense, but shall be added
back in the definition of EBITDA.  Revenues for purposes of calculating EBITDA
shall not include unpaid, disputed reciprocal compensation.

          "Eligible Accounts" means all Accounts of Borrower which have been
           -----------------
validly assigned to Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, and which Agent in the
exercise of its reasonable commercial

                                       7
<PAGE>

discretion determines to be Eligible Accounts. Without limiting the discretion
of Agent to establish other criteria of ineligibility, Eligible Accounts shall
not include any Account:

          (a)  with respect to which more than three (3) calendar months has
elapsed since the issuance date of the original invoice therefore;

          (b)  with respect to which any of the representations, warranties,
covenants and agreements contained in Article 6 are not or have ceased to be
                                      ---------
complete and correct or have been breached;

          (c)  with respect to which, in whole or in part, a check, promissory
note, draft, trade acceptance, or other instrument for the payment of money has
been received, presented for payment, and returned uncollected for any reason;

          (d)  which represents a progress billing (as hereinafter defined) or
as to which Borrower has extended the time for payment without the consent of
Agent; for the purposes hereof, "progress billing" means any invoice for goods
sold or leased or services rendered under a contract or agreement pursuant to
which the Account Debtor's obligation to pay such invoice is conditioned upon
Borrower's completion of any further performance under the contract or
agreement;

          (e)  as to which any one or more of the following events has occurred
with respect to the Account Debtor on such Account: death or judicial
declaration of incompetency of an Account Debtor who is an individual; the
filing by or against the Account Debtor of a request or petition for
liquidation, reorganization, arrangement, adjustment of debts, adjudication as a
bankrupt, winding-up or other relief under the bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
laws of the United States, any state or territory thereof, or any foreign
jurisdiction, now or hereafter in effect; the making of any general assignment
by the Account Debtor for the benefit of creditors; the appointment of a
receiver or trustee for the Account Debtor or for any of the assets of the
Account Debtor, including, without limitation, the appointment of or taking
possession by a "custodian," as defined in the Federal Bankruptcy Code; the
institution by or against the Account Debtor of any other type of insolvency
proceeding (under the bankruptcy laws of the United States or otherwise) or of
any formal or informal proceeding for the dissolution or liquidation of,
settlement of claims against, or winding up of affairs of, the Account Debtor;
the sale, assignment or transfer of all or any material part of the assets of
the Account Debtor; the nonpayment generally by the Account Debtor of its debts
as they become due; or the cessation of the business of the Account Debtor as a
going concern;

          (f)  if fifty percent (50%) or more of the aggregate dollar amount of
outstanding Accounts on Borrower's books and owed at such time by an Account
Debtor are classified as ineligible under the other criteria set forth herein or
otherwise established by Agent;

          (g)  owed by an Account Debtor which: (i) does not maintain its chief
               executive office in the United States; or (ii) is not organized
               under the laws of the United States or any state thereof; or
               (iii) is the government of any foreign country or sovereign
               state, or of any state, province, municipality or other political
               subdivision thereof, or of any department, agency, public
               corporation or other

                                       8
<PAGE>

               instrumentality thereof; except to the extent that such Account
               is secured or payable by a letter of credit satisfactory to Agent
               in its discretion;

          (h)  which is evidenced by a promissory note or other instrument;

          (i)  if Agent believes, in the exercise of its reasonable judgment,
that the prospect of collection of such Account is impaired or that the Account
may not be paid by reason of the Account Debtor's financial inability to pay;

          (j)  which arises other than in the ordinary course of Borrower's
               business;

          (k)  the services giving rise to such Account have not been performed
               by Borrower, and, if applicable, accepted by the Account Debtor,
               or the Account Debtor revokes its acceptance of such services;

          (l)  is owed by Pacific Bell, if Pacific Bell is obligated to Borrower
               respecting Accounts the aggregate unpaid balance of which exceeds
               fifty-five percent (55%) of the aggregate unpaid balance of all
               otherwise Eligible Accounts owed to Borrower at such time by all
               of Borrower's Account Debtors, but only to the extent of such
               excess; or is owed by any other Account Debtor which is obligated
               to Borrower respecting Accounts the aggregate unpaid balance of
               which exceeds ten percent (10%) of the aggregate unpaid balance
               of all otherwise Eligible Accounts owed to Borrower at such time
               by all of Borrower's Account Debtors, but only to the extent of
               such excess;

          (m)  arises out of a contract or order which, by its terms, forbids,
               restricts or makes void or unenforceable the granting of a Lien
               by Borrower to Agent with respect to such Account;

          (n)  which is not subject to a first priority and perfected security
interest in favor of Agent for the benefit of the Lenders; or

          (0)  any other Account subject to a Prior Claim or which in the future
may be subject to a Prior Claim.

          If any Account at any time ceases to be an Eligible Account by reason
of any of the foregoing exclusions or any failure to meet any other eligibility
criteria established by Agent in its exercise of its reasonable discretion, then
such Account shall promptly be excluded from the calculation of Eligible
Accounts.

          "Eligible Equipment" means all Equipment of Borrower as to which Agent
           ------------------
has a first priority perfected Lien on behalf of the Lenders and which Agent in
its sole discretion determines to be Eligible Equipment.  Without limiting the
discretion of Agent to establish other criteria of ineligibility, Eligible
Equipment shall not include any Equipment:

                                       9
<PAGE>

          (a)  with respect to which any of the representations, warranties,
covenants, and agreements contained in Article 6 are not or have ceased to be
                                       ---------
complete and correct or have been breached;

          (b)  with respect to which Agent, for the benefit of the Lenders, does
not have a perfected, first priority Lien;

          (c)  which is located at any location, other than the locations set
forth in Schedule 6.3 hereof, or which is located at any location for which
         ------------
Agent does not have a currently valid and uncontested Landlord's Waiver;

          (d)  which is subject to a Prior Claim or which in the future may be
subject to a Prior Claim;

          (e)  which Agent would not be authorized, after an Event of Default,
to sell without violating any agreement, statute, rule, right or regulation
affecting such Equipment or governing the sale or disposition thereof,
including, without limitation, any Equipment which is subject to any Proprietary
Rights requiring the consent or agreement of a third party in order for Agent to
sell such Equipment, or any Equipment which contains or has embedded within such
Equipment software which is subject to such Proprietary Rights requiring the
consent or agreement of a third party in order for Agent to sell such Equipment,
unless such software is readily removed from the Equipment as determined by
Agent in its sole discretion; or

          (f)  which is unmarketable, obsolete or otherwise not fit for use in
Borrower's business, or which does not meet all applicable standards for
operation of such Equipment of any Governmental Authority.

          If any Equipment at any time ceases to be Eligible Equipment by reason
of any of the foregoing exclusions or any failure to meet any other eligibility
criteria established by Agent in the exercise of its reasonable discretion, then
such Equipment shall promptly be excluded from the calculation of Eligible
Equipment.

          "Environmental Claims" means all claims, however asserted, by any
           --------------------
Governmental Authority or other Person alleging potential liability or
responsibility for actual or alleged violation of any Environmental Law, or any
liability or responsibility arising from the Release or threatened Release or
other presence of a Contaminant.

          "Environmental Laws" means all federal, state, provincial or local
           ------------------
laws, statutes, common law duties, rules, regulations, consent decrees,
ordinances and codes, together with all administrative orders, directed duties,
requests, licenses, authorizations, and permits of, agreements with and
requirements of, any Governmental Authority, in each case relating to
environmental, health, safety and land use matters, such laws including without
limitation, the following:  the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. (S)(S) 7401, et seq.),
Comprehensive Environmental Response Compensation and Liability Act (42 U.S.C.
(S)(S) 9601, et seq. ("CERCLA")), Federal Water Pollution Control Act (33 U.S.C.
(S)(S) 1251, et seq.), Occupational Safety and Health Act (29 U.S.C. (S)(S) 651,
et seq. Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (42 U.S.C. (S)(S) 6901, et seq.)
and the Toxic Substances Control Act (15 U.S.C. (S)(S) 2601, et seq.).

                                      10
<PAGE>

          "Environmental Lien" means a Lien in favor of any Person or
           ------------------
Governmental Authority for any actual or alleged (a) liability under any
Environmental Laws, or (b) damages arising from, or costs incurred by, such
Person or Governmental Authority in response to, a Release or threatened Release
or other presence of a Contaminant into the environment.

          "Equipment" means all of Borrower's now owned and hereafter acquired
           ---------
telecommunications switches, computer hardware, fiber optic cable and other
fiber optic transmission facilities, transmission equipment, machinery,
equipment, furniture, furnishings, fixtures and other tangible personal property
(except Inventory), including motor vehicles with respect to which a certificate
of title has been issued, aircraft, dies, tools, jigs, and office equipment, as
well as all of such types of property leased by Borrower and all of Borrower's
rights and interests with respect thereto under such leases (including, without
limitation, options to purchase); together with all present and future additions
and accessions thereto, replacements therefor, component and auxiliary parts and
supplies used or to be used in connection therewith, and all substitutes for any
of the foregoing, and all manuals, drawings, instructions, warranties and rights
with respect thereto; wherever any of the foregoing is located.

          "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
           -----
amended and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "ERISA Affiliate" means any trade or business (whether or not
           ---------------
incorporated) under common control with Borrower within the meaning of Section
414(b) or (c) of the Code (and Sections 414(m) and (o) of the Code for purposes
of provisions relating to Section 412 of the Code).

          "ERISA Event" means (a) a Reportable Event with respect  to a Pension
           -----------
Plan; (b) a withdrawal by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from a Pension Plan
subject to Section 4063 of ERISA during a plan year in which it was a
substantial employer (as deemed in Section 4001(a)(2) of ERISA) or a cessation
of operations which is treated as such a withdrawal under Section 4062(e) of
ERISA; (c) a complete or partial withdrawal by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
from a Multiemployer Plan or notification that a Multiemployer Plan is in
reorganization; (d) the filing of a notice of intent to terminate, the treatment
of a Plan amendment as a termination under Section 4041 or 4041A of ERISA, or
the commencement of proceedings by the PBGC to terminate a Pension Plan or
Multiemployer Plan; (e) an event or condition which might reasonably be expected
to constitute grounds under Section 4042 of ERISA for the termination of, or the
appointment of a trustee to administer, any Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan;
(f) the imposition of a Lien under Section 412 of the Code or Section 302 of
ERISA or of any liability under Title IV of ERISA, other than PBGC premiums due
but not delinquent under Section 4007 of ERISA, upon Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate; (g) the engagement of Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate in a
"prohibited transaction" (as such term is defined in Section 4975 of the Code
and such as 406 and 408 of ERISA; or (h) a violation of fiduciary duty set forth
in Section 404 of ERISA in connection with any Plan.

          "Event of Default" has the meaning set forth in Section 11.1 hereof.
           ----------------                               ------------

          "Excess Availability" means the amount calculated to be equal to: (a)
           -------------------
the Availability, minus (b) the Revolving Loan Usage, as set forth in the most
recent Borrowing Base Certificate delivered by Borrower (subject however to the
revisions and adjustments described in Section 2.2 hereof).
                                       -----------

                                      11
<PAGE>

          "Exchange Act" means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as
           ------------
amended, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

          "Exchange Rate" means the nominal rate of exchange available to Agent
           -------------
(or its Affiliates) from or through recognized brokers in a recognized foreign
exchange market for the purchase by Agent or such Affiliate, expressed as the
number of units of such currency per one dollar ($1.00).

          "FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission or any successor
           ---
thereto.

          "FDIC" means the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, and any
           ----
Governmental Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions.

          "Federal Reserve Board" means the Board of Governors of the Federal
           ---------------------
Reserve System or any successor thereto.

          "Fee Letter" means the Fee Letter, dated as of the date hereof,
           ----------
between Borrower and Agent.

          "Financial Statements" means, according to the context in which it is
           --------------------
used, the financial statements attached hereto, or any financial statements
required to be given to Agent and Lenders pursuant to this Agreement.

          "Fiscal Quarter" means each three-month period ending the last day
           --------------
each March, June and September, and on December 31 during any Fiscal Year.

          "Fiscal Year" means Borrower's fiscal year for financial accounting
           -----------
purposes, which fiscal year ends December 31.

          "Forecasts" means the forecasts of Borrower's financial condition,
           ---------
results of operations, and cash flows received by Agent and Lenders pursuant to
Section 7.2(f).
--------------

          "Funding Date" means the date on which a Borrowing occurs.
           ------------

          "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles set forth from
           ----
time to time in the opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles
Board and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and statements
and pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (or agencies with
similar functions of comparable stature and authority within the U.S. accounting
profession), which are applicable to the circumstances as of the date of
determination.

          "General Intangibles" means all of Borrower's now owned or hereafter
           -------------------
acquired general intangibles, choses in action and causes of action and all
other intangible personal property of Borrower of every kind and nature (other
than Accounts), including, without limitation, all contract rights (including
switch installation and testing contracts, and electronic data processing and
switch related software contracts), Assigned Contracts, leases (including real
property leases and leases of fiber capacity), Proprietary Rights, rights-of-
way, corporate or other business records, inventions, designs, blueprints,
plans, specifications, slogan marks, trade secrets, goodwill, computer software,
customer lists, registrations, licenses (including all of Borrower's rights in
or with respect to any Telecommunications

                                       12
<PAGE>

License, as more fully set forth in Section 6.1(a) hereof), franchises, tax
                                    --------------
refund claims, any funds which may become due to Borrower in connection with the
termination of any Plan or other employee benefit plan or any rights thereto and
any other amounts payable to Borrower from any Plan or other employee benefit
plan, rights and claims against carriers and shippers, rights to
indemnification, business interruption insurance and proceeds thereof, property,
casualty or any similar type of insurance and any proceeds thereof, proceeds of
insurance covering the lives of key employees on which Borrower is beneficiary,
and any letter of credit, guarantee, claim, security interest or other security
held by or granted to Borrower to secure payment by an Account Debtor of any of
the Accounts.

          "Governmental Authority" means any nation or government, any state,
           ----------------------
province, or other political subdivision thereof, any central bank (or similar
monetary or regulatory authority) thereof, any entity exercising executive,
legislative, judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining
to government, and any corporation or other entity owned or controlled, through
stock or capital ownership or otherwise, by any of the foregoing.

          "Guaranty" means, with respect to any Person, all obligations of such
           --------
Person which in any manner directly or indirectly guarantee or assure, or in
effect guarantee or assure, the payment or performance of any indebtedness,
dividend or other obligations or Debt of any other Person (the "guaranteed
obligations"), or assure or in effect assure the holder of the guaranteed
obligations against loss in respect thereof, including, without limitation, any
such obligations incurred through an agreement, contingent or otherwise: (a) to
purchase the guaranteed obligations or any property constituting security
therefor; (b) to advance or supply funds for the purchase or payment of the
guaranteed obligations or to maintain a working capital or other balance sheet
condition; or (c) to lease property or to purchase any debt or equity securities
or other property or services.

          "Indenture" means that certain Indenture, dated January 29, 1999,
           ---------
between Borrower and NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, CIBC Opperheimer
Corp. and First Union Capital Markets, as Initial Purchasers of the Senior
Notes.

          "Intercompany Accounts" means all assets and liabilities, however
           ---------------------
arising, which are due to Borrower from, which are due from Borrower to, or
which otherwise arise from any transaction by Borrower with any Affiliate of
Borrower.

          "Interest Expense" means, with respect to any period, without
           ----------------
duplication, the sum of:  (a) interest expense for such period, as determined in
accordance with GAAP, including, without limitation; (i) any amortization of
Debt discount; (ii) the net cost under any interest rate hedging arrangement
(including any amortization of discounts); (iii) the interest portion of any
deferred payment obligation; (iv) all commissions, discounts and other fees and
charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing
and similar transactions; and (v) all capitalized interest and accrued interest;
(b) the interest component of Capital Leases paid, accrued and/or scheduled to
be paid or accrued during such period as determined in accordance with GAAP; and
(c) the portion of any rental obligation in respect of any permitted
sale/leaseback transaction allocable to interest expense (determined as if it
were treated as a Capital Lease).

          "Interest Period" shall mean, (a) with respect to each Borrowing
           ---------------
bearing interest at the LIBOR Rate, the period commencing on the date of the
disbursement of such Borrowing and ending on

                                       13
<PAGE>

the same calendar date one (1) month, three (3) months or six (6) months later
(as selected by Borrower in its Loan Request); (b) with respect to each
Borrowing bearing interest at the Base Rate, the period commencing on the date
of the disbursement of such Borrowing and ending on the Business Day selected by
Borrower in its Loan Request; provided, however, that:

          (a)  any Interest Period which would otherwise end on a day which is
               not a Business Day shall be extended to the next succeeding
               Business Day unless, with respect to a Borrowing bearing interest
               at the LIBOR Rate, such Business Day falls in another calendar
               month, in which case, such Interest Period shall end on the
               preceding Business Day; and

          (b)  in no event shall the Interest Period for any Borrowing extend
               beyond the Stated Termination Date.

          "Inventory" means all of Borrower's now owned and hereafter acquired
           ---------
inventory, goods, merchandise, works in progress, finished goods and other
personal property, including telephone equipment, parts and installation
materials, wherever located, to be furnished under any contract of service or
held for sale or lease, all returned or repossessed goods, all raw materials,
component parts, other materials and supplies of any kind, nature or description
which are or might be consumed in Borrower's business or used in connection with
the manufacturing, packing, shipping, advertising, selling or finishing of such
goods, merchandise and such other personal property, and all documents of title
or other documents representing them, together with all additions and accessions
thereto, replacements therefor and products thereof.

          "Investment Property" shall have the meaning given such term in
           -------------------
Section 9-115 of the UCC, but shall exclude the Bonds Security.

          "IRS" means the Internal Revenue Service and any Governmental
           ---
Authority succeeding to any of its principal functions under the Code.

          "Landlord Waiver" means any landlord waiver, mortgagee waiver, bailee
           ---------------
letter or any similar acknowledgment agreement of any warehouseman or third
Person in possession of Inventory, in form and substance satisfactory to Agent.

          "Lender" and "Lenders" shall mean each financial institution that is
           ------       -------
at any time a signatory hereto and/or to an Assignment and Acceptance, and their
permitted successors and assigns.  The term "Lender" shall include, under this
Agreement and each of the other Loan Documents, Agent, if and to the extent that
Agent makes Commitments hereunder.

                    [Additional Lenders.  GE Capital hereby agrees to provide an
                     ------------------
          Additional Commitment under the terms of the Loan Agreement, in the
          amount of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000).  From and after the
          Effective Date, the parties hereto agree that GE Capital shall be a
          Lender under the Loan Agreement and each of the Loan Documents, and
          shall be entitled to all of the rights and benefits of a Lender
          thereunder, and shall be subject to all of the agreements of the
          Lenders thereunder.  From and after the Effective Date, (i) the
          Commitment under the Loan Agreement shall mean and include

                                       14
<PAGE>

          the Commitment of UBOC, in the amount of twenty million dollars
          ($20,000,000) and the Commitment of GE Capital, in the amount of
          twenty million dollars ($20,000,000); and (ii) the Maximum Amount of
          the Commitments shall equal forty million dollars ($40,000,000).] From
          Addition of Lender and Consent and Amendment to Loan and Security
          Agreement dated 11/2/99]

          "Lender Advances" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.3(a) hereof.
           ---------------                               --------------

          "Letter of Credit" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.7(a) hereof.
           ----------------                               --------------

          "Letter of Credit Fee" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.4
           --------------------                               -----------
hereof.

          "Letter of Credit Request" has the meaning set forth in Section
           ------------------------                               -------
2.7(c)(vi) hereof.
----------

          "Letter of Credit Sublimit" shall mean four million dollars
           -------------------------
($4,000,000).

          "LIBOR Loan" means a Loan at any time bearing interest at the LIBOR
           ----------
Rate.

          "LIBOR Rate" means the sum of (a) the per annum rate of interest at
           ----------
which U.S. dollar deposits in the principal amount of the relevant Borrowing for
an Interest Period (as selected by Borrower in its Loan Request) are offered to
Agent by prime banks in the London interbank market at 11:00 a.m. (London time)
on the date which is two (2) Business Days prior to the date the Borrowing is to
be disbursed hereunder, plus (b) the margin (the "LIBOR Margin") set forth below
                        ----                      ------------
corresponding to the applicable ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA as of
the most recent Financial Statements of Borrower delivered prior to or on the
date of the applicable Borrowing:

          Ratio of Total Debt to EBITDA                             Margin
          -----------------------------                             ------

          Greater than or equal to 8.5:1.........................   3.50%
          Greater than or equal to 8:1 but less than 8.5:1.......   3.25%
          Greater than or equal to 7:1 but less than 8:1.........   3.00%
          Greater than or equal to 6:1 but less than 7:1.........   2.75%
          Greater than or equal to 5:1 but less than 6:1.........   2.50%
          Less than 5:1..........................................   2.25%

          "Lien" means: (a) any interest in property securing an obligation owed
           ----
to, or a claim by, a Person other than the owner of the property, whether such
interest is based on the common law, statute or contract, and, including,
without limitation, a security interest, charge, claim or lien arising from a
mortgage, deed of trust, encumbrance, pledge, hypothecation, assignment, deposit
arrangement, agreement, security agreement, conditional sale or trust receipt or
a lease, consignment or bailment for security purposes; and (b) to the extent
not included under clause (a), any reservation, exception, encroachment,
easement, right-of-way, covenant, condition, restriction, lease or other title
exception or encumbrance affecting property.

                                       15
<PAGE>

          "Liquidation Value" means the net amount which can be expected to be
           -----------------
realized upon a forced liquidation sale of the Inventory, as initially
determined by Borrower and approved and revised by Agent from time to time in
reliance upon the advice of any liquidation company, auctioneer or consultant
selected by Agent for such purpose.

          "Loan" means any loan extended hereunder to Borrower.
           ----

          "Loan Documents" means this Loan Agreement, the Arbitration Agreement,
           --------------
the Fee Letter, each Landlord Waiver, each Deposit Control Agreement, each of
the other documents described in Section 10.1(a) hereof, and any other
                                 ---------------
agreements, instruments, and documents heretofore, now or hereafter evidencing,
securing, guaranteeing or otherwise relating to the Obligations, the Collateral,
or any other aspect of the transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

          "Loan Request" means Borrower's written request for a Borrowing
           ------------
pursuant to Section 2.2(b) hereof, which Loan Request shall be in the form of
            --------------
Exhibit 4 hereto.
---------

          "Majority Lenders" means  Lenders whose Pro Rata Shares aggregate
           ----------------
sixty-six and two thirds percent (66 2/3%) or more of the Commitments.

          "Margin Stock" means "margin stock" as such term is defined in
           ------------
Regulation G, T, U or X of the Federal Reserve Board.

          "Material Adverse Effect" means (a) a material adverse change in, or a
           -----------------------
material adverse effect upon, the operations, business, properties, condition
(financial or otherwise) of Borrower or the Collateral; (b) a material
impairment of the ability of Borrower to perform under any Loan Document and to
avoid any Event of Default; or (c) a material adverse effect upon (i) the
legality, validity, binding effect or enforceability against Borrower of any
Loan Document, or (ii) the perfection or priority of any Lien granted to Agent,
other than as permitted under the Loan Documents and other than as results from
the Agent's or any Lender's own actions; or (d) the loss, termination or
revocation of any Telecommunication License or other license, permit or other
authorization required or necessary for Borrower to conduct its business in the
manner contemplated as of the Closing Date.

          "Material Agreements" means all agreements and contracts (and all
           -------------------
amendments, supplements, extensions, and renewals thereof) to which Borrower is
a party or is bound, the termination or breach of which, at the time of such
termination or breach, could have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Material
Agreements in effect as of the Closing Date include, without limitation, the
agreements listed on Schedule 1.1A hereto.
                     -------------

                    [The definition of "Material Agreements" and Schedule 1.1A
                                                                 -------------
          to the Loan Agreement is amended to include the Equipment Lease, as
          amended to increase to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) the
          aggregate maximum amount of Leased Equipment thereunder. From May 1,
          2001, Amendment.]

          "Maximum Amount" means the aggregate amount of the Commitments, which
           --------------
amount on the Closing Date shall be twenty million dollars ($20,000,000), and
which amount thereafter shall be increased to the extent of the Commitments made
by Lenders added after the Closing Date, if any, but

                                       16
<PAGE>

which Maximum Amount in no event shall be greater than forty million dollars
($40,000,000) (subject to reduction under Section 4.2(b) hereof).
                                          --------------

                    [Additional Commitment.  GE Capital hereby agrees to provide
                     ---------------------
          an Additional Commitment under the terms of the Loan Agreement, in the
          amount of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000). From and after the
          Effective Date, the parties hereto agree that GE Capital shall be a
          Lender under the Loan Agreement and each of the Loan Documents, and
          shall be entitled to all of the rights and benefits of a Lender
          thereunder, and shall be subject to all of the agreements of the
          Lenders thereunder. From and after the Effective Date, (i) the
          Commitment under the Loan Agreement shall mean and include the
          Commitment of UBOC, in the amount of twenty million dollars
          ($20,000,000) and the Commitment of GE Capital, in the amount of
          twenty million dollars ($20,000,000); and (ii) the Maximum Amount of
          the Commitments shall equal forty million dollars ($40,000,000).] From
          Addition of Lender and Consent and Amendment to Loan and Security
          Agreement dated 11/2/99]

          "Maximum Rate" has the meaning specified in Section 3.2.
           ------------                               -----------

          "Merger Agreement" means that certain Agreement and Plan of Merger,
           ----------------
dated as of June 30, 1998, among PWT Acquisition Corp., Borrower, Bay Area Alarm
Company and John K. La Rue.

          "Multiemployer Plan" means a "multiemployer plan" as defined in
           ------------------
Section 4001(a)(3) of ERISA which is or was at any time contributed to by
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

          "Negotiable Collateral" has the meaning set forth in Section
           ---------------------                               -------
6.1(a)(iii) hereof.
-----------

          "Net Amount of Eligible Accounts" means, at any time, the gross amount
           -------------------------------
of Eligible Accounts, less returns, discounts, claims, credits, and allowances
of any nature at any time issued, owing, granted, outstanding, available, or
claimed other than allowances for price protection, cooperative advertising and
special sales promotion allowances in amounts which are consistent with the past
practices of Borrower generally in effect during the six (6) month period
immediately preceding the date hereof.

          "Obligations" means all present and future loans, advances,
           -----------
liabilities, obligations, covenants, duties and debts owing by Borrower to any
of Agent and/or any Lender, arising under or pursuant to this Agreement or any
of the other Loan Documents, whether or not evidenced by any note or other
instrument or document, whether arising from an extension of credit, opening of
a letter of credit, acceptance, loan, guaranty, indemnification or otherwise,
whether direct or indirect (including, without limitation, those acquired by
assignment from others, and any participation by any of Agent and/or any Lender
in Borrower's debts owing to others), absolute or contingent, due or to become
due, primary or secondary, as principal or guarantor, and including, without
limitation, all principal, interest, charges, expenses, fees, attorneys' fees,
filing fees and any other sums chargeable to Borrower hereunder or under any of
the other Loan Documents. "Obligations" includes, without limitation, all debts,
liabilities, and obligations now or hereafter owing from Borrower to any of
Agent and/or any Lender under or in connection with the Letters of Credit.

                                       17
<PAGE>

          "Other Taxes" means any present or future stamp or documentary taxes
           -----------
or any other excise or property taxes, charges or similar levies which arise
from any payment made hereunder or from the execution, delivery or registration
of, or otherwise with respect to, this Agreement or any other Loan Documents.

          "Participant" has the meaning set forth in Section 13.3(e) hereof.
           -----------                               ---------------

          "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any
           ----
Governmental Authority succeeding to the functions thereof.

          "Pending Revolving Loans" means, at any time, the aggregate principal
           -----------------------
amount of all Revolving Loans requested in any Loan Request received by Agent
which have not yet been advanced.

          "Pension Plan" means a pension plan (as defined and deemed in Section
           ------------
3(2) of ERISA) subject to Title IV of ERISA which Borrower or an ERISA Affiliate
sponsors, maintains, or has maintained, or to which Borrower or an ERISA
Affiliate makes, is making, or is obligated to make, contributions, or in the
case of a Multiemployer Plan, has made contributions.

          "Permitted Liens" means:
           ---------------

          (a)  Liens for taxes not delinquent or for taxes being contested in
               good faith by appropriate proceedings and as to which adequate
               financial reserves have been established on Borrower's books and
               records and a stay of enforcement of any such Lien is in effect;

          (b)  Agent's Liens and Liens in favor of the trustee under the
Indenture in respect of the Bonds Security;

          (c)  deposits under worker's compensation, unemployment insurance,
social security and other similar laws, or to secure the performance of bids,
tenders or contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or to
secure indemnity, performance or other similar bonds for the performance of
bids, tenders or contracts (other than for the repayment of borrowed money) or
to secure statutory obligations (other than liens arising under ERISA or
Environmental Liens) or surety or appeal bonds, or to secure indemnity,
performance or other similar bonds in the ordinary course of business;

          (d)  inchoate Liens securing the claims or demands of materialmen,
               mechanics, carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like
               Persons, provided that the payment thereof is not at the time
               required by Section 9.1;
                           -----------

           (e) reservations, exceptions, encroachments, easements, rights of
way, covenants running with the land, and other similar title exceptions or
encumbrances affecting any Real Estate; provided that they do not in the
aggregate materially detract from the value of the Real Estate or materially
interfere with its use in the ordinary conduct of Borrower's business;

          (f)  judgment and other similar Liens arising in connection with court
proceedings, provided that (i) the existence of such Liens is being contested in
good faith and by proper proceedings diligently pursued, (ii) reserves or other
appropriate provision, if any, as are required by GAAP have been

                                       18
<PAGE>

made therefor, (iii) a stay of enforcement of any such Liens is in effect, (iv)
the priority of any such Liens is subordinate to that of Agent's Liens, and (v)
the existence of any judgment or court proceedings upon which such Liens are
based does not otherwise constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement;

          (g)  purchase money Liens upon any specific fixed assets hereafter
acquired or Liens existing on any such future fixed assets at the time of
acquisition thereof and including in any event any capital or finance leases;
provided, that: (i) no such purchase money Lien (or capital or finance lease, as
the case may be) with respect to specific future fixed assets, or as refinances,
shall extend to or cover any property other than the specific fixed assets so
acquired or acquired subject to such Lien (or lease) and the proceeds thereof;
(ii) such Lien only secures the obligation to pay the purchase price of such
specific fixed assets (or the obligations under the capital or finance lease);
(iii) the principal amount secured thereby shall not exceed one hundred (100%)
percent of the cost of the fixed assets so acquired; (iv) no Default or Event of
Default shall exist or have occurred; and (v) the amount of Debt evidenced by
such purchase money lien does not exceed the amount of Debt permitted pursuant
to Section 9.12 hereof;

          (h)  Liens in existence as of the Closing Date and identified on
Schedule 1.1B attached hereto
-------------

          "Permitted Repurchase Amount of Bonds" means (a) five million dollars
          ------------------------------------
($5,000,000) at any time that the Maximum Amount is equal to or greater than
twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) and less than forty million dollars
($40,000,000), and (b) ten million dollars ($10,000,000) at any time that the
Maximum Amount is forty million dollars ($40,000,000).

          "Person" means any individual, sole proprietorship, partnership, joint
           ------
venture, trust, unincorporated organization, association, corporation, limited
liability company, Governmental Authority, or any other entity.

          "Plan" means (a) any employee benefit plan (as defined in Section 3(3)
           ----
of ERISA) which Borrower sponsors or maintains or to which Borrower makes, is
making, has made, or has sponsored or maintained, or is or has been obligated to
make, contributions, and (b) any Pension Plan.

          "Premises" means the land identified by addresses on Schedule 8.12,
           --------                                            -------------
together with all buildings, improvements, and fixtures thereon and all
tenements, hereditaments and appurtenances belonging or in any way appertaining
thereto, and which constitutes all of the real property in which Borrower has
any interests on the Closing Date.

          "Principals" means Mr. John La Rue, William Blair & Company, L.L.C.,
           ----------
William Blair Capital Partners VI, L.P., Safeguard Scientifics, Inc., SCP
Private Equity Partners, L.P., Safeguard 98 Capital, L.P., TL Ventures III L.P.,
Mr. Wallace W. Griffin, Bay Alarm Company and Richard E Bryson.

          "Prior Claims" means, at any time, all Liens created by applicable
           ------------
laws which rank, or are capable of ranking, prior to or pari passu with Agent's
Liens against all or part of the Collateral including, without limitation, for
amounts owing for wages, employee deductions, goods and services taxes, sales
taxes, income taxes, employee health taxes, municipal taxes, workers'
compensation, government royalties, pension fund obligations and overdue rents.

                                       19
<PAGE>

          "Pro Rata Share" means, with respect to a Lender, a fraction
           --------------
(expressed as a percentage), the numerator of which is the amount of such
Lender's Commitment and the denominator of which is the sum of the amounts of
all of the Lenders' then Commitments.

          "Proprietary Rights" means all now owned and hereafter arising or
           ------------------
acquired licenses, franchises, permits, patents, patent rights, copyrights,
works which are the subject matter of copyrights, trademarks, service marks,
trade names, trade styles, patent, trademark and service mark applications, and
all licenses and rights related to any of the foregoing, including, without
limitation, those patents, trademarks, service marks and copyrights set forth on
Schedule 8.13 hereto, and all other rights under any of the foregoing, all
-------------
extensions, renewals, reissues, divisions, continuations, and continuations-in-
part of any of the foregoing, and all rights to sue for past, present and future
infringement of any of the foregoing.

          "Proprietary Rights Collateral" means all now owned and hereafter
           -----------------------------
arising or acquired Collateral consisting of Proprietary Rights.

          "Rate" shall mean the rate of interest applicable to any Revolving
           ----
Loans or other Obligations, as set forth in Section 3.1 hereof.
                                            -----------

          "Real Estate" means all of the present and future interests of
           -----------
Borrower, as owner, lessee or otherwise, in the Premises, including, without
limitation, any interest arising from an option to purchase or lease any
Premises or any portion thereof.

          "Release" means a release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping,
           -------
injection, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, leaching or migration of a
Contaminant into the indoor or outdoor environment or into or out of any Real
Estate or other property, including the movement of Contaminants through or in
the air, soil, surface water, groundwater or Real Estate or other property.

          "Reportable Event" means, any of the events set forth in Section
           ----------------
4043(c) of ERISA or the regulations thereunder, other than any such event for
which the thirty (30)-day notice requirement of Section 4043(a) of ERISA has
been waived in regulations issued by the PBGC but including any such event for
which advance notice is required to be given to the PBGC under Section 4043(b)
of ERISA.

          "Requirement of Law" means, as to any Person, any law (statutory or
           ------------------
common), treaty, rule or regulation or determination of an arbitrator or of a
Governmental Authority, in each case applicable to or binding upon the Person or
any of its property or to which the Person or any of its property is subject.

          "Requisite Lenders" means at any time, Lenders whose Pro Rata Shares
           -----------------
aggregate one hundred percent (100%) of the Commitments.

          "Reserve" means the greater of (a) five hundred thousand dollars
           -------
($500,000); or (b) the amount certified by Borrower to Agent from time to time
as the maximum aggregate amount of Borrower's Accounts of the types described in
Section 6.8(e) hereof.
--------------

                                       20
<PAGE>

          "Reserve Requirements" means the aggregate (without duplication) of
           --------------------
the rates (expressed as a decimal fraction) of reserve requirements in effect on
any given day (including, without limitation, basic, supplemental, marginal and
emergency reserves under any regulations of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System ("Board") or other governmental authority having
                         -----
jurisdiction with respect thereto) dealing with reserve requirements prescribed
for eurocurrency funding (currently referred to as "Eurocurrency Liabilities" in
Regulation D of the Board) maintained by a member bank of the Federal Reserve
System.

          "Restricted Investment(s) or Expenditure(s)" means any acquisition of
           ------------------------------------------
property by Borrower in exchange for cash or other property (including if in the
form of an acquisition of stock, debt or other indebtedness or obligation), or
the acquisition of any other property, or a loan, advance, capital contribution
or subscription.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the following investments and
other acquisitions shall not be deemed Restricted Investments or Expenditures
for purposes of Section 9.9(c) hereof (so long as, prior to and subsequent to
                --------------
any such investment or acquisition, Borrower is and remains in compliance with
all of its covenants herein, including all financial covenants):  (a) capital
expenditures not to exceed fifty million dollars ($50,000,000) in the aggregate
for the Fiscal Year ending December 31, 1999, and sixty million dollars
($60,000,000) in the aggregate for each of the Fiscal Years ending December 31,
2000 and December 31, 2001; (b) in addition to the capital expenditures
described in clause (a), capital expenditures in an aggregate amount not to
exceed the net proceeds of any initial public offering of Borrower's equity
securities (provided that such public offering is made on or before June 30,
2000), plus capital expenditures in an aggregate amount not to exceed the
       ----
proceeds of Borrower's settlement with Pacific Bell in the amount of twenty
million dollars ($20,000,000) made in September, 1999, and carried as an off
balance sheet receivable; (c) acquisitions of businesses in the same line of
business as Borrower, in an amount not to exceed twenty-five million dollars
($25,000,000) per acquisition and in an aggregate amount not to exceed fifty
million dollars ($50,000,000) in any Fiscal Year (with the consideration for any
such acquisition that is paid in stock not counting towards the limits set forth
in this clause "(c)"), provided that Borrower is and will be in compliance with
all of its covenants hereunder at the time of such acquisition, and Borrower has
demonstrated to Agent that it shall remain in compliance with its covenants
hereunder after and as a result of such acquisition; (d) Equipment, inventory,
supplies and proprietary assets purchased, leased or licensed in the ordinary
course of Borrower's business, including fiber transport lines; (e) current
assets arising from the sale or lease of goods or the rendition of services in
the ordinary course of business of Borrower, exclusive, however, of Intercompany
Accounts; (f) direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency
thereof; provided that such obligations mature within two (2) years from the
date of acquisition thereof; (g) obligations guaranteed by the United States of
America, such as United States Treasury Bills, Notes, Bonds and Strips; provided
that such obligations mature within two (2) years from the date of acquisition
thereof; (h) obligations of the Government National Mortgage Association,
Tennessee Valley Authority or World Bank; provided that such obligations mature
within two (2) year from the date of acquisition thereof; (i) obligations of
government sponsored enterprises, such as Farm Credit System, Federal National
Mortgage Association, Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, Federal Home Loan
Bank, Student Loan Marketing Association,

                                       21
<PAGE>

Financing Corporation, The Resolution Funding Corporation, Farm Credit System
Financial Assistance Corporation or the Federal Housing Finance Board; provided
that such obligations mature within two (2) years from the date of acquisition
thereof; (j) certificates of deposit, bankers' acceptances, eurodollar bank
deposits or overnight bank deposits, in each case issued by, created by, or with
a bank or trust company organized under the laws of the United States or any
state thereof having capital and surplus aggregating at least one hundred
million dollars ($100,000,000); provided that such obligations mature within two
(2) years from the date of acquisition thereof; (k) money market securities
rated at least "A1/P1/F1/D1" by either Standard & Poor's or Moody's, including,
but not limited to, commercial paper, banker's acceptances, certificates of
deposit (Eurodollar and Yankee issues permissible), money market preferred and
unconditional demand floating rate securities; provided that all such securities
mature not more than two (2) years from the date of creation thereof; (l)
taxable or tax-exempt municipal Bonds: rated "A" or better by either Standard &
Poor's or Moody's; provided that such obligations mature within two (2) years
from the date of acquisition thereof; (m) money market funds comprised of listed
eligible investments rated at least AAA by either Standard & Poor's or Moody's;
provided that such investments mature no more than two (2) years from the date
of acquisition thereof; (n) asset backed securities: or mortgage backed pass
throughs rated "AAA" or better by either Standard & Poor's or Moody's; provided
that such investments mature no more than two (2) years from the date of
acquisition thereof; or (o) repurchase agreements collateralized at least one
hundred and two percent (102%) by United States Treasuries; provided that such
investments mature no more than two (2) years from the date of acquisition
thereof.

          "Revolving Loans" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.2(a) hereof.
           ---------------                               --------------

          "Revolving Loan Usage" means, as of the date of determination, the sum
           --------------------
of (a) the unpaid balance of Revolving Loans at such time, (b) the aggregate
amount of Pending Revolving Loans at such time, and (c) the aggregate undrawn
amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit.

          "Settlement Date" has the meaning set forth in Section 2.4(a) hereof.
           ---------------                               --------------

          "Solvent" means when used with respect to any Person that (a) the fair
           -------
value of all its assets is in excess of the total amount of its debts (including
contingent liabilities); (b) it is able to pay its debts as they mature; (c) it
does not have unreasonably small capital for the business in which it is engaged
or for any business or transaction in which it is about to engage; and (d) it is
not "insolvent" as such term is defined in Section 101(32) of the Bankruptcy
Code.

          "SPUC" means any state administrative agency that has primary
           ----
jurisdiction for the regulation of telecommunications services, including the
California Public Utilities Commission.

          "Stated Termination Date" means the date that is three (3) years from
           -----------------------
the Closing Date.

          "Subsidiary" means any corporation of which more than fifty percent
           ----------
(50%) of the Voting Stock is at the time, directly or indirectly through one or
more intermediaries, owned by Borrower and/or one or more of its Subsidiaries.

                                       22
<PAGE>

          "Subsidiary Joinder" means a Subsidiary Joinder executed by each new
           ------------------
Subsidiary in favor of Agent and the Lenders in the form of Exhibit 6 attached
                                                            ---------
hereto and otherwise in form and substance satisfactory to Agent, pursuant to
which all obligations of Borrower hereunder shall become the joint and several
obligations of Borrower and the Subsidiary, and the Subsidiary shall undertake
all covenants hereunder and under the other Loan Documents, and all grants,
covenants, representations, warranties, notices, reporting requirements, events
of default, Schedules and all other provisions hereunder and under the other
Loan Documents shall thereafter be deemed to refer to each of Borrower, such
Subsidiary and all other Subsidiaries, individually and on a consolidated basis,
where applicable.  From and after the date that any Subsidiary Joinder is
executed by a new Subsidiary, "Borrower" shall mean Borrower and each such
Subsidiary, jointly and severally.

          "Supporting Letter of Credit" has the meaning set forth in Section
           ---------------------------                               -------
2.7(k) hereof.
------

          "Taxes" means any and all present or future taxes, levies, imposts,
           -----
deductions, charges or withholdings, and all liabilities with respect thereto,
excluding, in the case of each Lender and Agent, such taxes (including income
taxes or franchise taxes) as are imposed on or measured by each Lender's net
income by the jurisdiction (or any political subdivision thereof) under the laws
of which such Lender or Agent, as the case may be, is organized or maintains a
lending office.

          "Telecommunications Laws" means all laws specifically related to the
           -----------------------
telecommunications industry and the provision of telecommunications services,
including the Telecommunications Act of 1996, as amended, and the rules and
regulations issued thereunder, the rules and regulations of the FCC and any
SPUC, and applicable public utilities laws and regulations.

          "Telecommunications Licenses" means any license, permit, certificate,
           ---------------------------
approval or other authorization, or any renewal or extension thereof, issued by
the FCC or any SPUC to Borrower.

          "Termination Date" means the earliest to occur of (i) the Stated
           ----------------
Termination Date, (ii) the date this Agreement is terminated either by Borrower
pursuant to Section 4.2 or by the Majority Lenders pursuant to Section 11.2, or
            -----------                                        ------------
(iii) the date this Agreement is otherwise terminated for any reason whatsoever.

          "Total Debt" means, as of any date, all Debt of Borrower and its
           ----------
Subsidiaries, if any, on a consolidated basis.

          "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any successor statute) of
           ---
the State of California or of any other state the laws of which are required by
Section 9-103 thereof to be applied in connection with the perfection of
security interests.

          "Unfunded Pension Liability" means the excess of a Pension Plan's
           --------------------------
benefit liabilities under Section 4001(a)(16) of ERISA, over the current value
of that Pension Plan's assets, determined in accordance with the assumptions
used for funding the Pension Plan pursuant to Section 412 of the Code for the
applicable plan year.

          "Voting Stock" means any and all shares, interests, participations,
           ------------
rights or other equivalents (however designated) of corporate stock of any class
or kind ordinarily (without regard to the

                                       23
<PAGE>

occurrence of any contingency) having the power to vote for the election of
directors or convertible into stock having the power to vote for the election of
directors.

          "Year 2000 Problem" means the inability of Borrower's computer
           -----------------
programs to distinguish the year 1900 from the year 2000.

     1.2  Accounting Terms. Any accounting term used in this Agreement shall
          ----------------
                            have, unless otherwise specifically provided herein,
                            the meaning customarily given in accordance with
                            GAAP, and all financial computations hereunder shall
                            be computed, unless otherwise specifically provided
                            herein, in accordance with GAAP as consistently
                            applied.

     1.3  Interpretive Provisions.
          -----------------------

          (a)  Singular and Plural Terms. The meanings of defined terms are
               -------------------------
equally applicable to the singular and plural forms of the defined terms.

          (b)  Particular Terms.
               ----------------

               (i)    The words "hereof," "herein," "hereunder" and similar
words refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of
this Agreement.

               (ii)   Subsection, Section, Schedule and Exhibit references are
to this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

               (iii)  The term "documents" includes any and all instruments,
documents agreements, certificates, indentures, notices and other writings,
however evidenced.

               (iv)   The term "including" is not limiting and means "including
without limitation."

               (v)    In the computation of periods of time from a specified
date to a later specified date, the word "from" means "from and including", the
words "to" and "until" each mean "to but excluding" and the word "through" means
"to and including."

          (c)  References to Agreements and Statutes. Unless otherwise expressly
               -------------------------------------
provided herein, (i) references to agreements (including this Agreement) and
other contractual instruments shall be deemed to include all subsequent
amendments, restatements and other modifications thereto, but only to the extent
such amendments and other modifications are not prohibited by the terms of any
Loan Document; and (ii) references to any statute or regulation are to be
construed as including all statutory and regulatory provisions consolidating,
amending, replacing, supplementing or interpreting the statute or regulation.

          (d)  Captions and Headings. The captions and headings of this
               ---------------------
Agreement are for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the
interpretation of this Agreement.

                                       24
<PAGE>

          (e) Limitations, Tests and Measurements.  This Agreement and the
              -----------------------------------
other Loan Documents may use several different limitations, tests or
measurements to regulate the same or similar matters. All such limitations,
tests and measurements are cumulative and shall each be performed in accordance
with their terms.

          (f) No Construction Against Lenders.  This Agreement and the other
              -------------------------------
Loan Documents are the result of negotiations among and have been reviewed by
counsel to Agent, the Lenders, Borrower and the other parties, and are the
products of all parties. Accordingly, they shall not be construed against the
Lenders or Agent merely because of Agent's or the Lenders' involvement in their
preparation.

          (g)  UCC Terms.  Unless otherwise expressly provided herein, terms
               ---------
used and not defined in this Agreement which are defined in the UCC shall be
construed and defined in accordance with the meaning and definition ascribed to
such terms under the UCC.

     1.4  Documents, Instruments, and Chattel Paper.  Borrower represents and
          -----------------------------------------
warrants to Agent and Lenders as follows:

          (a)  Valid and Genuine.  All documents, instruments, and chattel paper
               -----------------
describing, evidencing, or constituting Collateral, and all signatures and
endorsements thereon, are and will be complete, valid and genuine.

          (b)  Ownership.  All goods evidenced by such documents, instruments,
               ---------
and chattel paper are and will be owned by Borrower, free and clear of all Liens
other than Permitted Liens.

     1.5  Right to Cure.  Agent may, in its discretion and, at the direction of
          -------------
the Majority Lenders, shall, pay any amount or do any act required of Borrower
hereunder or under any other Loan Document in order to preserve, protect,
maintain or enforce the Obligations, the Collateral or Agent's Liens therein,
and which Borrower fails to pay or do, including, without limitation, payment of
any judgment against Borrower, any insurance premium, any warehouse charge, any
finishing or processing charge, any landlord's claim, and any other Lien upon or
with respect to the Collateral. All payments that Agent makes under this Section
and all out-of-pocket costs and expenses that Agent pays or incurs in connection
with any action taken by it hereunder shall be charged to Borrower's Account as
a Revolving Loan bearing interest at the Default Rate. Any payment made or other
action taken by Agent under this Section shall be without prejudice to any right
to assert an Event of Default hereunder and to proceed thereafter as herein
provided.

     1.6  Power of Attorney.  Borrower hereby appoints Agent and Agent's
          -----------------
designees as Borrower's attorney, with the following powers:

          (a)  Endorsement of Checks, etc.  To endorse Borrower's name on any
               --------------------------
checks, notes, acceptances, money orders, or other forms of payment or security
that come into Agent's or any Lender's possession.

                                       25
<PAGE>

          (b)  Sign Invoices, etc.  To sign Borrower's name on any invoice, bill
               ------------------
of lading, warehouse receipt or other document of title relating to any
Collateral, on drafts against customers, on assignments of Accounts, on notices
of assignment, financing statements and other public records.

          (c)  Change Address.  To notify the post office authorities, when an
               --------------
Event of Default exists, to change the address for delivery of Borrower's mail
to an address designated by Agent and to receive, open and dispose of all mail
addressed to Borrower.

          (d)  Verification of Accounts.  To send requests for verification of
               ------------------------
Accounts to customers or Account Debtors.

          (e)  Other Acts.  To do all things necessary or desirable to carry out
               ----------
this Agreement. Borrower ratifies and approves all acts of such attorney. None
of the Lenders, Agent or their attorneys will be liable for any acts or
omissions or for any error of judgment or mistake of fact or law. This power,
being coupled with an interest, is irrevocable until this Agreement has been
terminated and the Obligations have been fully satisfied.

     1.7  Agent's and Lenders' Rights, Duties and Liabilities.  Borrower assumes
          ---------------------------------------------------
all responsibility and liability arising from or relating to the use, sale or
other disposition of the Collateral. None of Agent, any Lender or any of their
respective officers, directors, employees, representatives or agents shall be
liable or responsible in any way for the safekeeping of any of the Collateral,
or for any loss or damage thereto, or for any diminution in the value thereof,
or for any act of default of any warehouseman, carrier, forwarding agency or
other Person whomsoever, all of which shall be at Borrower's sole risk. The
Obligations shall not be affected by any failure of Agent or any Lender to take
any steps to perfect Agent's Liens or to collect or realize upon the Collateral,
nor shall loss of or damage to the Collateral release Borrower from any of the
Obligations. Agent may (but shall not be required to) and, at the direction of
the Majority Lenders, shall, without notice to or consent from Borrower, sue
upon or otherwise collect, extend the time for payment of, modify or amend the
terms of, compromise or settle for cash, credit, or otherwise upon any terms,
grant other indulgences, extensions, renewals, compositions, or releases, and
take or omit to take any other action with respect to the Collateral, any
agreement relating thereto, any insurance applicable thereto, or any Person
liable directly or indirectly in connection with any of the foregoing, without
discharging or otherwise affecting the liability of Borrower for the Obligations
or under this Agreement or any other agreement now or hereafter existing between
Agent and/or Lender and Borrower.

                                  ARTICLE II.
                          LOANS AND LETTERS OF CREDIT

     2.1  Total Facility.  Subject to all of the terms and conditions of this
          --------------
Agreement, each Lender severally, but not jointly, agrees to make available its
Pro Rata Share of a revolving line of credit consisting of Revolving Loans and
Letters of Credit up to the Maximum Amount, as described in this Article 2, for
                                                                 ---------
Borrower's use from time to time during the term of this Agreement.

                                       26
<PAGE>

     2.2  Revolving Loans.
          ---------------

          (a)  Amounts.  Subject to the terms and conditions contained herein,
               -------
each Lender severally, and not jointly, agrees, upon Borrower's request from
time to time as provided in Section 2.2(b) hereof during the period from the
                            --------------
Closing Date to but not including the Termination Date, to make revolving Loans
(the "Revolving Loans") to Borrower in an aggregate amount not to exceed such
      ---------------
Lender's Pro Rata Share of the Excess Availability. Agent may (but shall not be
obligated to), rely on each Borrowing Base Certificate, Loan Request and any
other schedules or reports in determining or verifying the eligibility of
Accounts and Equipment and the amount of the Availability and Excess
Availability, or for any other purpose. Agent, in the exercise of its
discretion, may (i) impose additional restrictions (or eliminate the same) to
standards of eligibility set forth in the definition of "Eligible Accounts"
and/or "Eligible Equipment;" (ii) revise or adjust Borrower's calculation of
"Availability," "Available Receivables and Equipment Balance," "Excess
Availability," "Net Amount of Eligible Accounts or "Liquidation Value of
Eligible Equipment" set forth in any Borrowing Base Certificate; and (iii)
otherwise revise, adjust, approve or disapprove any Borrowing Base Certificate
delivered by Borrower or any calculation or determination set forth therein.

          (b)  Procedure for Borrowing.  Each Borrowing shall be made upon
               -----------------------
Borrower's delivery to Agent of an irrevocable written notice (the "Loan
                                                                    ----
Request"), executed by an authorized officer of Borrower, which Loan Request
-------
must be received by Agent no later than 1:00 p.m. (San Francisco time), three
(3) Business Days prior to a requested Borrowing of a LIBOR Loan, or one (1)
Business Day prior to a requested Borrowing of a Base Rate Loan, and which Loan
Request shall:

               (i)    specify the amount of the Borrowing, which shall not be
                      less than one million dollars ($1,000,000), nor more than
                      the Excess Availability;

               (ii)   certify that the amount of the Borrowing requested is not
                      more than the amount of the Excess Availability, as
                      determined by reference to the last Borrowing Base
                      Certificate delivered to, and approved by, Agent as
                      described in paragraph (c) below;

               (iii)  specify the Interest Period selected by Borrower for the
                      Borrowing requested;

               (iv)   specify whether the Revolving Loan requested by Borrower
                      shall be a LIBOR Loan or a Base Rate Loan;

               (v)    specify the requested Funding Date, which shall be a
Business Day not less than three (3) Business Days after the delivery of a Loan
Request for a LIBOR Loan, or not less than one (1) Business Day after the
delivery of a Loan Request for a Base Rate Loan;

               (vi)   certify that, as of the date of the Loan Request, all
conditions precedent to the Borrowing set forth in Article 10 hereof have been
                                                   ----------
met or waived in writing, and no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing;

                                       27
<PAGE>

               (vii)  certify that, as of the date of the Loan Request, no
                      material adverse change has occurred in the business
                      prospects, financial condition, or results of operations
                      of Borrower since the date of the last Financial
                      Statements delivered by Borrower; and

               (viii) certify that, as of the date of the Loan Request, each of
                      the representations and warranties of Borrower contained
                      in each of the Loan Documents is true and correct in all
                      respects as if made on and as of the date of such Loan
                      Request.

Any Loan Request delivered after 1:00 p.m (San Francisco time) on a Business Day
shall be deemed to be received on the next Business Day.  Borrower may submit up
to six (6) Loan Requests in any calendar month, in addition to any Letter of
Credit Requests submitted by Borrower under Section 2.7 hereof.
                                            -----------

          (c)  Borrowing Base Certificate.  No later than 2:00 p.m. (San
               --------------------------
Francisco time) on the last Business Day of each month, Borrower shall deliver
to Agent a Borrowing Base Certificate certified by Borrower to be true and
correct as of the end of the immediately preceding Borrowing Base Date;
provided, however, that until Agent has received a revised Borrowing Base
Certificate, Agent shall be entitled to rely on the most recent Borrowing Base
Certificate delivered to Agent. Each Borrowing Base Certificate shall be
effective only as accepted by Agent in its discretion (and with such revisions
and adjustments, if any, as Agent may require as a condition to such
acceptance); and Agent shall forward to the Lenders a copy of the Borrowing Base
Certificate, along with such revisions and adjustments as are made by Agent,
together with any funding request forwarded to the Lenders based upon Borrower's
Loan Request. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon delivery to Agent of Financial
Statements evidencing that the ratio of Borrower's Total Debt to EBITDA has
remained less than 5:1 for two (2) consecutive Fiscal Quarters, and for as long
thereafter as such ratio remains less than 5:1, then Borrower's obligation
hereunder to deliver a Borrowing Base Certificate to Agent shall cease.

          (d)  Reliance Upon Authority.  On or prior to the Closing Date and
               -----------------------
thereafter prior to any change with respect to any of the information contained
in the following clauses (i) and (ii), Borrower shall deliver to Agent a writing
setting forth (i) the account of Borrower to which Agent is authorized to
transfer the proceeds of the Revolving Loans requested pursuant to this Section
                                                                        -------
2.2, and (ii) the names of the officers authorized to request Revolving Loans on
---
behalf of Borrower, and shall provide Agent with a specimen signature of each
such officer. Agent shall be entitled to rely conclusively on each such
officer's authority to request Revolving Loans on behalf of Borrower, the
proceeds of which are to be transferred to any of the accounts specified by
Borrower pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, until Agent receives
written notice to the contrary. Agent shall have no duty to verify the identity
of any individual representing himself or herself as one of the officers
authorized by Borrower to make such requests on its behalf.

          (e)  No Liability.  Agent shall not incur any liability to Borrower as
               ------------
a result of acting upon any Loan Request, Borrowing Base Certificate or other
notice referred to in this Section 2.2, which Loan Request, Borrowing Base
                           ------------
Certificate or notice Agent believes in good faith to have been given by an
officer duly authorized by Borrower to request Revolving Loans on its behalf or
for otherwise acting in good faith under this Section 2.2, and the crediting of
                                              -----------
Revolving Loans to Borrower's deposit account, or

                                       28
<PAGE>

transmittal to such Person as Borrower may direct, shall conclusively establish
the obligation of Borrower to repay such Revolving Loans as provided herein.

          (f)  Loan Request Irrevocable.  Any Loan Request made pursuant to
               ------------------------
Section 2.2(b) shall be irrevocable and Borrower shall be bound to borrow the
--------------
funds requested therein in accordance therewith.

     2.3  Making of Revolving Loans.
          -------------------------

          (a)  Lender Advances.  Provided that Agent is satisfied in its
               ---------------
discretion with Borrower's Loan Request and the representations and warranties
contained therein, Agent shall forward to each Lender such Loan Request not
later than 1:00 p.m. (San Francisco time) one (1) Business Day after the date of
Agent's receipt of a Loan Request for a LIBOR Loan, or not later than 10:00 a.m.
(San Francisco time) on the date of funding with respect to the funding of a
Base Rate Loan, together with most recent Borrowing Base Certificate, if
required, and Agent's request to the Lenders to fund the Borrowing requested (or
such lesser amount as Agent shall determine to be appropriate, in the exercise
of its discretion). Each Lender shall make the amount of such Lender's Pro Rata
Share of the requested Borrowing available to Agent in same day funds, to such
account of Agent as Agent may designate, not later than 1:00 p.m. (San Francisco
time) on the Funding Date applicable thereto. Revolving Loans made by the
Lenders pursuant to this Section 2.3(a) are sometimes referred to herein as
                         --------------
"Lender Advances" and the Lender Advances shall constitute Revolving Loans for
 ---------------
all purposes of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents. After Agent's
receipt of the proceeds of any such Lender Advances, unless Agent determines
that any applicable condition set forth in Article 10 has not been satisfied,
                                           ----------
Agent shall make the proceeds of such Lender Advances available to Borrower on
the applicable Funding Date by transferring same day funds equal to the proceeds
of such Lender Advances received by Agent to the account of Borrower designated
in writing by Borrower; provided, however, that the amount of Lender Advances
and other Revolving Loans so made on any date shall in no event exceed the
Excess Availability of Borrower, except as permitted in Section 2.3(b)(ii)
                                                        ------------------
below.

          (b)  Agent Advances.
               --------------

               (i)     Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
                       herein, for administrative convenience and in order to
                       reduce the number of funds transfers among Borrower and
                       the Lenders, Agent may (but shall not be obligated to),
                       and Borrower and the Lenders hereby authorize Agent to,
                       make Revolving Loans on behalf of the Lenders, subject to
                       the procedures for settlement set forth in Section 2.4
                                                                  -----------
                       below. Any such Revolving Loans made by Agent on behalf
                       of Lenders pursuant to this Section 2.3(b)(i) and any
                                                   -----------------
                       Revolving Loans made by Agent on behalf of Lenders
                       pursuant to Section 2.3(b)(ii) below are referred to
                                   ------------------
                       herein as "Agent Advances." Agent Advances shall
                                  --------------
                       constitute Revolving Loans for all purposes of this
                       Agreement and the other Loan Documents. Agent may apply
                       or cause to be applied any payments or other amounts
                       which it receives for the repayment of the outstanding
                       Revolving Loans pursuant to the terms hereof to the
                       Revolving Loans constituting Agent Advances prior to the
                       payment of any of the other Revolving Loans.

                                       29
<PAGE>

                       Agent shall have no duty to make or to continue to make
                       any Agent Advances.

               (ii)    Any contrary provision of this Agreement notwithstanding,
                       but subject to the limitations set forth in the provisos
                       contained in this Section 2.3(b)(ii), Agent is hereby
                                         ------------------
                       authorized by Borrower and the Lenders to make Revolving
                       Loans to Borrower on behalf of the Lenders which Agent,
                       in its reasonable business judgment, deems necessary or
                       desirable (A) to preserve or protect the Collateral or
                       any portion thereof; (B) to pay any other amount
                       chargeable to Borrower pursuant to the terms of this
                       Agreement, including, without limitation, costs, fees and
                       expenses as described in Section 15.5; or (C) if the
                                                ------------
                       conditions for Borrowing under Section 10.2(c) cannot be
                                                      ---------------
                       fulfilled, to advance a Revolving Loan to repay any
                       principal or interest or other amounts, including
                       reimbursement obligations in connection with Letters of
                       Credit, and fees and premiums payable to the Lenders
                       hereunder (any advances made pursuant to this Section
                                                                     -------
                       2.3(b)(ii) are also referred to herein as "Agent
                       ----------                                 -----
                       Advances"); and provided, that Agent shall have no
                       --------
                       obligation to Borrower to make an Agent Advance under any
                       circumstances. In no event shall Agent make an Agent
                       Advance if the aggregate Revolving Loan Usage (including
                       such Agent Advance) would exceed the Maximum Amount.
                       Agent shall notify each Lender and Agent in writing of
                       each Agent Advance made pursuant to this Section
                                                                -------
                       2.3(b)(ii).
                       ----------

               (iii)   Any Agent Advance made pursuant to a Loan Request under
                       Section 2.3(b)(i) hereof shall be repayable at the end of
                       -----------------
                       the Interest Period selected by the Borrower in such Loan
                       Request. Agent Advances made pursuant to Section
                                                                -------
                       2.3(b)(ii) shall be repayable on demand and secured by
                       ----------
                       the Collateral and shall constitute Revolving Loans and
                       Obligations hereunder. Any Agent Advance made pursuant to
                       a Loan Request under Section 2.3(b)(i) hereof shall bear
                                            -----------------
                       interest at the Rate(s) applicable to the Revolving
                       Loan(s) requested by the Borrower in such Loan Request.
                       Any Agent Advance made pursuant to Section 2.3(b)(ii)
                                                          ------------------
                       hereof shall bear interest at the Default Rate without
                       regard to the presence or absence of a Default or Event
                       of Default. Agent shall request that each Lender make
                       available to Agent its Pro Rata Share of each Agent
                       Advance made pursuant to this Section 2.3(b), and each
                                                     --------------
                       Lender agrees that it shall make available to Agent,
                       promptly upon Agent's demand, in immediately available
                       funds, an amount equal to such Lenders' Pro Rata Share of
                       each Agent Advance made by Agent pursuant to this Section
                                                                         -------
                       2.3(b).
                       ------

          (c)  Defaulting Lenders.  Unless Agent receives notice from a Lender
               ------------------
at least one (1) Business Day prior to the date of a Borrowing that such Lender
will not make available as and when required hereunder to Agent for the account
of Borrower the amount of that Lender's Pro Rata Share of

                                       30
<PAGE>

the Borrowing, Agent may assume that each Lender has made such amount available
to Agent in immediately available funds on the Funding Date and Agent may (but
shall not be so required), in reliance upon such assumption, make available to
Borrower on such date a Revolving Loan in the corresponding amount. If and to
the extent any Lender shall not have made its full amount available to Agent in
immediately available funds and Agent in such circumstances has made available
to Borrower such amount, then Lender shall on the Business Day following such
Funding Date make such amount available to Agent, together with interest, to be
retained by Agent for its own account, at the Federal Funds Rate for each day
after the Funding Date until (but not including) the date paid (provided,
however, that if such Lender shall not make such funds available within two (2)
Business Days of the Funding Date, interest shall accrue on such funds and shall
be payable by such Lender at the Base Rate for each day from and after the
second (2/nd/) Business Day after the Funding Date until, but not including, the
date paid). A notice of Agent submitted to any Lender with respect to amounts
owing under this subsection shall be prima facia evidence of the truth thereof,
absent manifest error. If such amount is so made available, such payment to
Agent shall constitute such Lender's Loan on the date of Borrowing for all
purposes of this Agreement. If such amount is not made available to Agent on the
Business Day following the Funding Date, Agent will notify Borrower of such
failure to fund and, upon demand by Agent, Borrower shall pay such amount to
Agent for Agent's account, together with interest thereon for each day elapsed
since the date of such Borrowing, at a rate per annum equal to the Rate
applicable at the time to the Loan comprising such Borrowing. The failure of any
Lender to make any Loan on any Funding Date shall not relieve any other Lender
of any obligation hereunder to make a Loan on such Funding Date, but no Lender
shall be responsible for the failure of any other Lender to make the Loan to be
made by such other Lender on any Funding Date. Any Lender that fails to make any
Loan on any Funding Date and continues to fail to make such Loan within one (1)
Business Day after written demand upon it by Agent to do so, shall constitute a
"Defaulting Lender" for purposes of this Agreement. For the purposes of this
 -----------------
Section, "Federal Funds Rate" means, on any particular day, the per annum rate
          ------------------                                    --- -----
of interest offered for sale by the San Francisco or New York branch of Union
Bank of California, N.A. (as selected by Agent) to other prime banks of Federal
Funds for such day, in an amount comparable to the principal amount owed to
Agent by the Defaulting Lender.

               (i)     In addition, any Lender that fails to make any payment to
Agent pursuant to Section 2.4 hereof or as required by any other Section hereof
                  -----------
in connection with any Agent Advance made pursuant to Section 2.4(b) hereof and
                                                      --------------
continues to fail to make such payment within one (1) Business Day after written
demand upon it by Agent to do so, shall constitute a "Defaulting Lender" for
                                                      -----------------
purposes of this Agreement.

               (ii)    For purposes of voting or consenting to matters with
respect to the Loan Documents and determining Pro Rata Shares, any Defaulting
Lender shall be deemed not to be a "Lender" and such Lender's Commitment shall
be deemed to be zero (-0-). This Section shall remain effective with respect to
such Lender until the Majority Lenders and Agent shall have waived such Lender's
default in writing. The operation of this Section shall not be construed to
increase or otherwise affect the Commitment of any Lender, or relieve or excuse
the performance by Borrower of its duties and obligations hereunder.

     2.4  Settlement. It is agreed that each Lender's funded portion of the
          ----------
                       Revolving Loans is intended by the Lenders to be equal at
                       all times to such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the
                       outstanding Revolving Loans. Notwithstanding such

                                       31
<PAGE>

                       agreement, Agent and the Lenders agree (which agreement
                       shall not be for the benefit of or enforceable by
                       Borrower) that in order to facilitate the administration
                       of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents,
                       settlement among them as to the Revolving Loans
                       (including Lender Advances and Agent Advances) shall take
                       place on a periodic basis in accordance with the
                       following provisions.

          (a) Computation of Pro Rata Shares.  The amount of the Pro Rata Share
              ------------------------------
of each Lender of  the Revolving Loans shall be computed upon each advance of a
Revolving Loan hereunder and the amounts actually funded by each Lender shall be
adjusted upward or downward based on all Revolving Loans (including Lender
Advances and Agent Advances) and repayments of Revolving Loans received by Agent
as of the close of business in San Francisco on the date of advance of each such
Revolving Loan (such date being referred to herein as the "Settlement Date").
                                                           ---------------
Agent shall deliver to each of the Lenders periodically a summary statement of
the amount of outstanding Revolving Loans (including Lender Advances and Agent
Advances) and Letters of Credit, and shall use its best efforts to deliver such
a summary statement no later than two (2) Business Days after Agent has
knowledge that the principal amount of Revolving Loans advanced by any Lender is
not equal to such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the aggregate amount of the
Revolving Loans that are outstanding as of such date (although the failure to so
deliver such a summary statement at such time shall not affect the obligation of
the Lenders under this Section 2.4).
                       -----------

          (b)  Transfers.  Upon receipt of the summary statement, each Lender
               ---------
shall transfer to Agent, as provided below, or Agent shall transfer to each
Lender, as provided below, such amounts as are necessary to ensure that after
giving effect to all such transfers, the amount of Revolving Loans made by each
Lender shall be equal to such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the aggregate amount of
the Revolving Loans outstanding as of such Settlement Date. If the then
outstanding balance funded by a Lender in respect of the Revolving Loans exceeds
such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the aggregate amount of the Revolving Loans
outstanding as of the Settlement Date, then Agent shall promptly transfer to
such Lender in immediately available funds to such account of such Lender as it
may designate, the amount required so that such Lender shall, upon receipt of
such amount, have funded its Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans as of the
Settlement Date. If the then outstanding balance funded by a Lender in respect
of the Revolving Loans is less than such Lender's Pro Rata Share of the
aggregate amount of the Revolving Loans outstanding as of the Settlement Date,
such Lender shall by no later than 1:00 p.m. (San Francisco time) on the
Business Day subsequent to the receipt of the summary statement, transfer in
immediately available funds to such account of Agent as Agent may designate, the
amount required so that such Lender shall, upon transfer of such amount, have
funded its Pro Rata Share of the Revolving Loans as of the Settlement Date. The
obligations of each Lender to transfer such funds is irrevocable, unconditional
and without recourse to, or warranty by, Agent. If any such amount is not
transferred to Agent by any Lender when required, Agent shall be entitled to
recover for its account such amount promptly on demand upon such Lender,
together with interest thereon at Base Rate for each day after the date such
sums are due until (but not including) the date paid.

     2.5  Notation.  Agent shall record on its books the principal amount of the
          --------
                        Revolving Loans owing to each Lender, including Lender
                        Advances and Agent Advances, the Rates applicable to
                        such Revolving Loans, Lender Advances and Agent
                        Advances, and the interests therein of each Lender, from
                        time to

                                       32
<PAGE>

                        time, which information shall be made available to any
                        Lender upon request therefor. In addition, each Lender
                        is authorized, at such Lender's option, to note the date
                        and amount of each payment or prepayment of principal of
                        such Lender's Revolving Loans in its books and records,
                        including computer records, such books and records
                        constituting rebuttably presumptive evidence, absent
                        manifest error, of the accuracy of the information
                        contained therein.

     2.6  Lenders' Failure to Perform.  All Revolving Loans (other than Agent
          ---------------------------
                        Advances) shall be made by the Lenders simultaneously
                        and in accordance with their Pro Rata Shares. It is
                        understood that (a) no Lender shall be responsible for
                        any failure by any other Lender to perform its
                        obligation to make any Revolving Loans hereunder, nor
                        shall any Commitment of any Lender be increased or
                        decreased as a result of any failure by any other Lender
                        to perform its obligation to make any Revolving Loans
                        hereunder, and (b) no failure by any Lender to perform
                        its obligation to make any Revolving Loans hereunder
                        shall excuse any other Lender from its obligation to
                        make any Revolving Loans hereunder.

     2.7  Letters of Credit.
          -----------------

          (a)  Agreement to Cause Issuance.  Subject to the terms and conditions
               ---------------------------
of this Agreement, and in reliance upon the representations and warranties of
Borrower herein set forth, Agent agrees to take reasonable steps to cause to be
issued for the account of Borrower one or more stand-by or documentary Letters
of Credit (each such letter of credit, a "Letter of Credit" and such Letters of
                                          ----------------
Credit, collectively, the "Letters of Credit") in accordance with this Section
                           -----------------                           -------
2.7 from time to time during the term of this Agreement, which Letters of Credit
---
will be opened for trade purposes or to secure workers compensation obligations.
Any Letter of Credit may be issued by Union Bank of California, N.A. or any
Affiliate or Agent-Related Person, provided, however, that neither Union Bank of
California, N.A. nor any of its Affiliates or Agent-Related Persons shall have
any obligation to issue a Letter of Credit for the account of Borrower. Upon the
issuance of any Letter of Credit, Agent shall establish a reserve to reduce the
Availability in an amount equal to the face amount of such Letter of Credit,
plus such additional amounts with respect thereto as Agent determines are
appropriate. Promptly after the issuance of any Letter of Credit, Agent shall
give notice to each Lender of the issuance of such Letter of Credit.

          (b)  Terms of Letters of Credit.  Any Letter of Credit shall contain
               --------------------------
terms and conditions acceptable to Agent and the issuer thereof. Without
limiting the generality of the foregoing, in no event: (i) may the term of any
documentary Letter of Credit exceed one hundred eighty (180) days, (ii) may any
Letter of Credit, whether documentary or standby, have a term in excess of one
(1) year, or (iii) may any Letter of Credit, whether documentary or standby,
expire on a date that is later than five (5) Business Days prior to the Stated
Termination Date. Any Letter of Credit containing an automatic renewal provision
shall also contain a provision pursuant to which, notwithstanding any other
provision thereof, it shall expire no later than the date that is five (5)
Business Days prior to the Stated Termination Date and a provision pursuant to
which the issuer thereof may, by notice to the beneficiary of such Letter of
Credit at least thirty (30) days prior to the expiration of its term, elect not
to renew such Letter of Credit for an additional term.

                                       33
<PAGE>

          Agent shall not be obligated to cause any Letter of Credit to be
extended or amended unless the requirements of this Section 2.7 are met as
                                                    -----------
though a new Letter of Credit were being requested and issued.  With respect to
any Letter of Credit which contains any "evergreen" or automatic renewal
provision, each Lender shall be deemed to have consented to any such extension
or renewal unless any such Lender shall have provided to Agent, not less than
thirty (30) days prior to the last date on which the applicable issuer can in
accordance with the terms of the applicable Letter of Credit decline to extend
or renew such Letter of Credit, written notice that it declines to consent to
any such extension or renewal, provided that if all of the requirements of this
Section 2.7 are met, no Lender shall, or shall have any right to, decline to
-----------
consent to any such extension or renewal.

          (c)  Other Conditions.  In addition to being subject to the
               ----------------
satisfaction of the applicable conditions precedent contained in Article 10, the
                                                                 ----------
obligation of Agent to take reasonable steps to cause to be issued any Letter of
Credit is subject to the following conditions precedent having been satisfied in
a manner satisfactory to Agent:

               (i)    Borrower shall have delivered to the proposed issuer of
such Letter of Credit, at such times and in such manner as such proposed issuer
may prescribe, an application in form and substance satisfactory to such
proposed issuer for the issuance of the Letter of Credit and such other
documents as may be required pursuant to the terms thereof, and the form and
terms of the proposed Letter of Credit shall be satisfactory to Agent and such
proposed issuer;

               (ii)   as of the date of issuance, no order of any court,
                      arbitrator or Governmental Authority shall purport by its
                      terms to enjoin or restrain money center banks generally
                      from issuing Letters of Credit of the type and in the
                      amount of the proposed Letter of Credit, and no law, rule
                      or regulation applicable to money center banks generally
                      and no request or directive (whether or not having the
                      force of law) from any Governmental Authority with
                      jurisdiction over money center banks generally shall
                      prohibit, or request that the proposed issuer of such
                      Letter of Credit refrain from, the issuance of Letters of
                      Credit generally or the issuance of such Letters of
                      Credit;

               (iii)  Agent shall not have received a currently effective
                      written notice from any Lender that one or more of the
                      conditions set forth in Article 10 are not satisfied, or
                                              ----------
                      otherwise have actual knowledge that one or more of the
                      conditions set forth in Article 10 will not be satisfied
                                              ----------
                      or waived by the Majority Lenders after giving effect to
                      the issuance of the proposed Letter of Credit;

               (iv)   the face amount of the proposed Letter of Credit requested
                      by Borrower shall not exceed an amount equal to (A) the
                      Letter of Credit Sublimit, minus (B) the aggregate amount
                                                 -----
                      of all Obligations arising pursuant to or in connection
                      with the Letters of Credit outstanding as of the date of
                      the proposed Letter of Credit, as determined by Agent;

                                       34
<PAGE>

               (v)    the face amount of the proposed Letter of Credit shall not
                      exceed an amount equal to the Excess Availability as of
                      the date of the proposed Letter of Credit; and

               (vi)   Agent shall have received a written request from Borrower
(the "Letter of Credit Request"), executed by Borrower, for such Letter of
      ------------------------
Credit at least five (5) Business Days prior to the requested date of issuance,
which Letter of Credit Request shall contain the original signature of an
authorized officer of Borrower, shall be irrevocable and shall:

               (A)    specify the original face amount of the Letter of Credit
                      requested;

               (B)    specify the effective date (which date shall be a Business
                      Day) of the issuance of the proposed Letter of Credit;

               (C)    specify whether such Letter of Credit may be drawn in a
                      single or in partial draws;

               (D)    specify the date on which the requested Letter of Credit
                      is to expire (which date shall be a Business Day);

               (E)    specify the purpose for which such Letter of Credit is to
                      be issued;

               (F)    specify the beneficiary of the requested Letter of Credit;

               (G)    certify that, as of the date of the Letter of Credit
                      Request, all conditions to a Borrowing set forth in
                      Article 10 hereof have been met or waived, and no Event of
                      ----------
                      Default or Default has occurred and is continuing;

               (H)    certify that, as of the date of the Letter of Credit
                      Request, no material adverse change has occurred in the
                      business prospects, financial condition or results of
                      operations of Borrower since the date of the last
                      Financial Statements delivered by Borrower;

               (I)    certify that, as of the date of the Letter of Credit
                      Request, each of the representations and warranties of
                      Borrower contained in each of the Loan Documents is true
                      and correct in all respects as if made on and as of the
                      date of such Loan Request; and

               (J)    include an application for such Letter of Credit in form
                      and substance satisfactory to the proposed issuer thereof
                      and Agent.

Borrower may submit up to four (4) Letter of Credit Requests in any calendar
month, in addition to any Loan Requests submitted by Borrower under Section
                                                                    -------
2.2(b) hereof..
------

          (d)  Notice of Issuance.  Promptly after the issuance of any Letter of
               ------------------
Credit, Agent shall give notice to each Lender of the issuance of such Letter of
Credit.

                                       35
<PAGE>

          (e)  Payments Pursuant to Letters of Credit. In the event of any
               --------------------------------------
drawing under any Letter of Credit by the beneficiary thereof, Borrower shall be
deemed to have concurrently given a Loan Request and Agent shall, at its option,
either notify the Lenders to make Lender Advances pursuant to Section 2.3(a) or
                                                              --------------
make an Agent Advance and, in either case, the proceeds of such Lender Advances
or Agent Advance, as the case may be, shall be used to reimburse the issuer of
the Letter of Credit for such draw and to pay the issuer the amount of all other
obligations and other amounts payable to such issuer under or in connection with
such Letter of Credit. Any payments made by Agent or the Lenders to any issuer
of a Letter of Credit or related parties in connection therewith shall
constitute Revolving Loans payable by Borrower upon demand by Agent and bearing
interest as a Base Rate Loan for all purposes of this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents. At any time that a Default or Event of Default exists, promptly
upon the request of Agent, Borrower shall either, as directed by Agent, furnish
cash collateral to the issuers of the Letters of Credit to secure the
reimbursement obligations to the issuers in connection with such Letters of
Credit or furnish cash collateral to Agent in an amount equal to the then
outstanding Letters of Credit, plus such amounts with respect thereto as Agent
determines are appropriate.

          (f)  Participations.
               --------------

               (i)   Immediately upon the issuance of any Letter of Credit in
                     accordance with this Section, each Lender shall be deemed
                     to have irrevocably and unconditionally purchased and
                     received, without recourse or warranty, an undivided
                     interest and participation in such letter of credit and in
                     the credit support or enhancement provided through Agent to
                     such issuer in connection with the issuance of such Letter
                     of Credit, in an amount equal to such Lender's Pro Rata
                     Share of the face amount of such Letter of Credit
                     (including, without limitation, all obligations of Borrower
                     with respect thereto, and any security therefor or guaranty
                     pertaining thereto).

               (ii)  Whenever Agent receives a payment from Borrower on account
                     of reimbursement obligations in respect of a Letter of
                     Credit as to which Agent has previously received for the
                     account of the issuer thereof payment from a Lender
                     pursuant to this Section, Agent shall promptly pay to such
                     Lender such Lender's Pro Rata Share of such payment from
                     Borrower in dollars. Each such payment shall be made by
                     Agent on the Business Day on which Agent receives from
                     Borrower immediately available funds paid to such Person
                     pursuant to the immediately preceding sentence, if received
                     prior to 1:00 p.m. (San Francisco time) on such Business
                     Day and otherwise on the next succeeding Business Day.

               (iii) Upon the request of any Lender, Agent shall furnish to such
Lender copies of any Letter of Credit, reimbursement agreement executed in
connection therewith, application for any Letter of Credit and credit support or
enhancement provided through Agent in connection with the issuance of any Letter
of Credit, and such other documentation as may reasonably be requested by such
Lender.

                                       36
<PAGE>

          (g)  Obligations Irrevocable. The obligations of each Lender to make
               -----------------------
payments to Agent with respect to any Letter of Credit or with respect to any
credit support or enhancement provided through Agent with respect to a Letter of
Credit, and the obligations of Borrower to make payments to Agent, for the
account of the Lenders, shall be irrevocable, not subject to any qualification
or exception whatsoever, including, without limitation, any of the following
circumstances:

               (i)    any lack of validity or enforceability of this Agreement,
any of the other Loan Documents, the Letter of Credit or any document executed
in connection therewith;

               (ii)   the existence of any claim, setoff, defense or other right
                      which Borrower may have at any time against a beneficiary
                      named in a Letter of Credit or any transferee of any
                      Letter of Credit (or any Person for whom any such
                      transferee may be acting), any Lender, Agent, the issuer
                      of such Letter of Credit or any other Person, whether in
                      connection with this Agreement, any Letter of Credit, the
                      transactions contemplated herein or any unrelated
                      transactions (including any underlying transactions
                      between Borrower or any other Person and the beneficiary
                      named in any Letter of Credit);

               (iii)  any draft, certificate or any other document presented
                      under the Letter of Credit proving to be forged,
                      fraudulent, invalid or insufficient in any respect or any
                      statement therein being untrue or inaccurate in any
                      respect;

               (iv)   the surrender or impairment of any security for the
                      performance or observance of any of the terms of any of
                      the Loan Documents; or

               (v)    the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.

          (h)  Recovery or Avoidance of Payments. In the event any payment by
               ---------------------------------
or on behalf of Borrower received by Agent with respect to any Letter of Credit
(or any guaranty by Borrower or reimbursement obligation of Borrower relating
thereto) and distributed by Agent to the Lenders on account of their respective
participations therein is thereafter set aside, avoided or recovered from Agent
in connection with any receivership, liquidation or bankruptcy proceeding, the
Lenders shall, upon demand by Agent, promptly pay to Agent their respective Pro
Rata Shares of such amount set aside, avoided or recovered, together with
interest at the rate required to be paid by Agent upon the amount required to be
repaid by it.

          (i)  Compensation for Letters of Credit.
               ----------------------------------

               (i)    Borrower agrees to pay to Agent with respect to each
                      Letter of Credit, for the account of the Lenders, the
                      Letter of Credit Fee specified in, and in accordance with
                      the terms of, Section 3.4.
                                    -----------

               (ii)   Borrower shall pay to the issuer of any Letter of Credit,
                      or to Agent for the account of the issuer of any such
                      Letter of Credit, solely for such

                                       37
<PAGE>

                      issuer's account, such fees and other charges as are
                      charged by such issuer for Letters of Credit issued by it,
                      including, without limitation, its standard fees for
                      issuing, administering, amending, renewing, paying and
                      canceling Letters of Credit and all other fees associated
                      with issuing or servicing Letters of Credit, as and when
                      assessed.

          (j)  Indemnification; Exoneration.
               ----------------------------
               (i)    In addition to amounts payable as elsewhere provided in
                      this Section, Borrower hereby agrees to protect,
                      indemnify, pay and save the Lenders and Agent harmless
                      from and against any and all claims, demands, liabilities,
                      damages, losses, costs, charges and expenses (including
                      reasonable attorneys' fees) which any Lender or Agent may
                      incur or be subject to as a consequence, direct or
                      indirect, of the issuance of any Letter of Credit or the
                      provision of any credit support or enhancement in
                      connection therewith.

               (ii)   As among Borrower, the Lenders and Agent, Borrower assumes
                      all risks of the acts and omissions of, or misuse of any
                      of the Letters of Credit by, the respective beneficiaries
                      of such Letters of Credit. In furtherance and not in
                      limitation of the foregoing, the Lenders and Agent shall
                      not be responsible for: (A) the form, validity,
                      sufficiency, accuracy, genuineness or legal effect of any
                      document submitted by any Person in connection with the
                      application for and issuance of and presentation of drafts
                      with respect to any of the Letters of Credit, even if it
                      should prove to be in any or all respects invalid,
                      insufficient, inaccurate, fraudulent or forged; (B) the
                      validity or sufficiency of any instrument transferring or
                      assigning or purporting to transfer or assign any Letter
                      of Credit or the rights or benefits thereunder or proceeds
                      thereof, in whole or in part, which may prove to be
                      invalid or ineffective for any reason; (C) the failure of
                      the beneficiary of any Letter of Credit to comply duly
                      with conditions required in order to draw upon such Letter
                      of Credit; (D) errors, omissions, interruptions or delays
                      in transmission or delivery of any messages by mail,
                      cable, telegraph, telex or otherwise, whether or not they
                      be in cipher; (E) errors in interpretation of technical
                      terms; (F) any loss or delay in the transmission or
                      otherwise of any document required in order to make a
                      drawing under any Letter of Credit or of the proceeds
                      thereof; (G) the misapplication by the beneficiary of any
                      Letter of Credit of the proceeds of any drawing under such
                      Letter of Credit; or (H) any consequences arising from
                      causes beyond the control of the Lenders or Agent,
                      including, without limitation, any act or omission,
                      whether rightful or wrongful, of any present or future de
                      jure or de facto Governmental Authority. None of the
                      foregoing shall affect, impair or prevent the vesting of
                      any rights or powers of Agent and the Lenders under this
                      Section.

                                       38
<PAGE>

               (iii)  In furtherance and extension, and not in limitation, of
                      the specific provisions set forth above, any action taken
                      or omitted by Agent or any Lender under or in connection
                      with any of the Letters of Credit or any related
                      certificates, if taken or omitted in the absence of gross
                      negligence or willful misconduct, shall not put Agent or
                      any Lender under any resulting liability to Borrower or
                      relieve Borrower of any of its obligations hereunder to
                      any such Person.

               (iv)   The undertaking in this Section shall survive the
                      termination of this Agreement and the repayment of all
                      Obligations hereunder.

          (k)  Supporting Letter of Credit; Cash Collateral. If, notwithstanding
               --------------------------------------------
the provisions of Section 2.7(b), any Letter of Credit is outstanding upon the
                  --------------
termination of this Agreement, then upon such termination Borrower shall deposit
with Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders in proportion to their Pro
Rata Shares, with respect to each Letter of Credit then outstanding, as the
Majority Lenders, in their discretion shall specify, either (i) a standby letter
of credit (a "Supporting Letter of Credit") in form and substance satisfactory
              ---------------------------
to Agent, issued by an issuer satisfactory to Agent in an amount equal to the
greatest amount for which such Letter of Credit may be drawn, under which
Supporting Letter of Credit Agent is entitled to draw amounts necessary to
reimburse Agent and the Lenders for payments made by Agent and the Lenders under
such Letter of Credit or under any credit support or enhancement provided
through Agent with respect thereto, or (ii) cash in amounts necessary to
reimburse Agent and the Lenders for payments made by Agent or the Lenders under
such Letter of Credit or under any credit support or enhancement provided
through Agent with respect thereto. Each such Supporting Letter of Credit or
deposit of cash shall be held by Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders
in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares, as security for, and to provide for the
payment of, the aggregate undrawn amount of such Letters of Credit remaining
outstanding.

                                 ARTICLE III.
                               INTEREST AND FEES

     3.1  Interest
          --------
          (a)  Interest Rate. All outstanding Obligations shall bear interest on
               -------------
the unpaid principal amount thereof (including, to the extent permitted by law,
on interest thereon not paid when due) from the date made until paid in full in
cash as follows:

               (i)    Interest on the principal balance of any LIBOR Loan
                      requested by Borrower pursuant to a Loan Request will be
                      payable at the LIBOR Rate;

               (ii)   Interest on the principal balance of any Base Rate Loan
                      requested by Borrower pursuant to a Loan Request will be
                      payable at the Base Rate;

               (iii)  Interest on the principal balance of any Loan at any time
                      for which Borrower has failed to submit an effective Loan
                      Request will be payable at the Base Rate;

                                       39
<PAGE>

               (iv)   Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3.1(a) or in
                                                           --------------
                      Section 3.1(b) hereof, interest on the principal balance
                      --------------
                      of any other outstanding Obligations will be payable at
                      the Base Rate;

provided, however, that in no event shall the interest rate on any Obligations
exceed the Maximum Rate described in Section 3.2.  All interest charges shall be
                                     -----------
computed on the basis of a year of three hundred sixty (360) days and actual
days elapsed, and, with respect to Revolving Loans, shall be payable by Borrower
to Agent (for the ratable benefit of the Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata
Shares), on the last day of each calendar month, and on the last day of the
                                                 ---
Interest Period selected by Borrower in its Loan Request therefor, and on the
                                                                   ---
date of the repayment or prepayment of the principal amount of such Revolving
Loan, and on the Termination Date.  Interest charges with respect to any other
      ---
Obligations shall be payable by Borrower on demand by Agent.

          (b)  Default Rate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained
               ------------
in this Agreement or any other Loan Document, any Obligations payable by
Borrower and not paid on the due date thereof, and any Obligations outstanding
after an Event of Default, shall bear interest at the Default Rate.

     3.2  Maximum Interest Rate. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary
          ---------------------
contained in Section 3.1 hereof, in no event shall any interest rate provided
             -----------
for hereunder exceed the maximum rate permissible for corporate borrowers under
applicable law for loans of the type provided for hereunder (the "Maximum
                                                                  -------
Rate"). If, during any period of time, any Rate applicable to any Obligations,
----
absent such limitation, would have exceeded the Maximum Rate, then the Rate for
such Obligations for such period shall be the Maximum Rate and, if thereafter
that Rate applicable to such Obligations would otherwise be less than the
Maximum Rate, then that Rate shall remain at the Maximum Rate until such time as
the amount of interest paid hereunder equals the amount of interest which would
have been paid if the same had not been limited by the Maximum Rate. In the
event that, upon payment in full of the Obligations under this Agreement, the
total amount of interest paid or accrued under the terms of this Agreement is
less than the total amount of interest which would, but for this Section 3.2,
                                                                 -----------
have been paid or accrued if the interest rates otherwise set forth in this
Agreement had at all times been in effect, then Borrower shall, to the extent
permitted by applicable law, pay Agent, for the account of the Lenders, an
amount equal to the difference between (a) the lesser of (i) the amount of
interest which would have been charged if the Maximum Rate had, at all times,
been in effect; or (ii) the amount of interest which would have accrued had the
interest rates otherwise set forth in this Agreement, at all times, been in
effect; and (b) the amount of interest actually paid or accrued under this
Agreement. In the event that a court determines that Agent and/or any Lender has
received interest and other charges hereunder in excess of the Maximum Rate,
such excess shall be deemed received on account of, and shall automatically be
applied to reduce, the Obligations other than interest, in the inverse order of
maturity, and if there are no Obligations outstanding, Agent and/or such Lender,
as applicable, shall refund to Borrower such excess.

     3.3  Unused Line Fee. On the last Business Day of each Fiscal Quarter and
          ---------------
on the Termination Date, Borrower agrees to pay to Agent, for the ratable
benefit of the Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares, an unused line
fee equal to three hundred seventy-five one thousandths of a percent (0.375%)
per annum on the average daily amount by which the Maximum Amount exceeded the
sum of the average daily outstanding amount of Revolving Loans and the undrawn
amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit during the immediately preceding
three (3)-month period (or shorter period if calculated

                                       40
<PAGE>

on the Termination Date). In the event that the average daily outstanding amount
of Revolving Loans and the undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit
is less than thirty three percent (33%) of the Maximum Amount for any twelve
(12) month-period, as measured on each anniversary of the Closing Date, then, on
the applicable anniversary of the Closing Date, Borrower agrees to pay to Agent,
for the ratable benefit of the Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares,
an additional unused line fee equal to one hundred twenty-five one thousandths
of a percent (0.125%) per annum on the average daily amount by which the Maximum
Amount exceeded the sum of the average daily outstanding amount of Revolving
Loans and the undrawn amount of all outstanding Letters of Credit during the
immediately preceding twelve (12)-month period. The unused line fee and the
additional unused line fee shall be computed on the basis of a three hundred
sixty (360)-day year for the actual number of days elapsed. All payments
received by Agent on account of Accounts or as proceeds of other Collateral
shall be deemed to be credited to the outstanding Loans hereunder immediately
upon the application of such amounts by Agent to repay any Revolving Loans
hereunder pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof for purposes of calculating the unused
                      -----------
line fee and the additional unused line fee pursuant to this Section 3.3.
                                                             -----------

     3.4  Letter of Credit Fee. On the first Business Day of each month,
          --------------------
Borrower agrees to pay to Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders in
proportion to their Pro Rata Shares, for all Letters of Credit issued hereunder,
a fee (the "Letter of Credit Fee") equal to the sum of (a) one percent (1%) per
            --------------------
annum of the average daily stated amounts of each such Letters of Credit issued
for Borrower's account during the immediately preceding month, during such
periods that Borrower is in compliance with all of the covenants set forth in
Section 9.20 hereof; plus (b) all out-of-pocket costs, fees and expenses
------------         ----
incurred by Agent in connection with the application for, issuance of or
amendment to each such Letter of Credit in the immediately preceding month,
which costs, fees and expenses shall include all "fronting fees" required to be
paid by Agent to such issuer for the assumption of the settlement risk in
connection with the issuance of such Letter of Credit. The Letter of Credit Fee
shall be payable monthly, in arrears, commencing with the first Business Day of
the month following the issuance of any Letter of Credit and continuing on the
first day of each month during which any Letter of Credit remains outstanding.
The Letter of Credit Fee shall be computed on the basis of a three hundred sixty
(360)-day year for the actual number of days elapsed.

     3.5  Audit Fees. Borrower agrees to pay to Agent, solely for its own
          ----------
account, and to the Lenders, for their respective own accounts, all costs, fees
and expenses (including travel expenses) reasonably incurred by their internal
auditors or in connection with auditors engaged by Agent in connection with
audits of Borrower performed by such auditors during the term of this Agreement;
provided, however, that unless a Default or an Event of Default shall have
occurred, Borrower shall have an obligation to pay such costs, fees, and
expenses in connection with one (1) audit during each Fiscal Year of Borrower.

     3.6  Fee Letter. Borrower agrees to pay to Agent all of the fees set
          ----------
forth in the Fee Letter.

                                  ARTICLE IV.
                           PAYMENTS AND PREPAYMENTS

     4.1  Principal of Revolving Loans.
          ----------------------------

          (a)  Revolving Loan Repayment. Borrower shall repay the outstanding
               ------------------------
principal

                                       41
<PAGE>

balance of each Revolving Loan on the earlier of (i) the last day of the
Interest Period for such Revolving Loan selected by Borrower in the Loan Request
therefor, or (ii) the Termination Date; provided, however, that with respect to
repayment of principal on the last day of an Interest Period, Borrower may
simultaneously repay and reborrow any such Revolving Loan on such date, subject
to the terms of this Agreement.

          (b)  Mandatory Prepayments. In addition to the repayments required in
               ---------------------
Section 4.1(a) above, immediately upon Borrower's knowledge thereof or upon
--------------
demand of Agent, Borrower shall make a mandatory prepayment to Agent, for the
account of the Lenders, of the following amounts: (i) the amount, without
duplication, by which the Revolving Loan Usage exceeds the Availability; (ii)
the aggregate net proceeds of any offering of any equity securities of Borrower
after the Closing Date (with the exception of any initial public offering of
Borrower's equity securities made on or before June 30, 2000, provided that
Borrower's existing shareholders do not sell their shares in connection with
such initial public offering); and (iii) any amounts received by Borrower which
are described in clauses (b), (c) or (d) of the definition of "Availability." In
the event of any such mandatory prepayment, Borrower shall pay the Breakage
Costs specified in Section 5.4 hereof.
                   -----------

          (c)  Prepayment of Revolving Loans. Borrower may, upon at least (1)
               -----------------------------
one Business Day's written notice to Agent and each Lender, prepay any Revolving
Loan prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, in whole or in part,
provided that (i) Borrower shall pay all accrued interest to the date of such
prepayment on the amount prepaid, (ii) if Borrower makes a prepayment of any
LIBOR Loan, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, Borrower shall pay the
Breakage Costs specified in Section 5.4 hereof.
                            -----------

     4.2  Reduction and Termination of Facility.
          -------------------------------------
          (a)  Termination. Borrower may terminate this Agreement upon at least
               -----------
thirty (30) Business Days' prior written notice to Agent and the Lenders,
without the payment of any special prepayment fee or premium (with the exception
of any Breakage Costs payable as a result of the prepayment of any LIBOR Loan
prior to the last day of the applicable Interest Period therefor), upon (i) the
indefeasible payment in full of all outstanding Revolving Loans, together with
accrued interest thereon, and the cancellation of all outstanding Letters of
Credit, and (ii) the payment in full in cash of all other Obligations together
with accrued interest thereon.

          (b)  Reduction. Borrower may permanently reduce the unused portion of
               ---------
the Maximum Amount under this Agreement in a principal amount of five million
dollars ($5,000,000) or integral multiples thereof, upon at least thirty (30)
Business Days' prior written notice to Agent and the Lenders; provided, however,
that Borrower shall, contemporaneously with each such reduction, repay or prepay
the Revolving Loans and Letters of Credit to the extent that the aggregate
principal amount thereof then outstanding exceeds the Maximum Amount as so
reduced, together with any Breakage Costs amounts payable by Borrower hereunder
upon prepayment. From the effective date of any such reduction, the term
"Maximum Amount" shall mean the Maximum Amount of the Commitments, as so
reduced. Once reduced, the Maximum Amount of the Commitments may not be
subsequently increased. Each partial reduction made by Borrower hereunder shall
be shared pro rata among the Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares.

                                       42
<PAGE>

     4.3  Payments by Borrower.
          --------------------
          (a)  No Setoffs, etc. All payments to be made by Borrower shall be
               ---------------
made without set-off, recoupment or counterclaim. Borrower hereby irrevocably
authorizes Agent to automatically deduct from Borrower's account at any branch
of Union Bank of California, N.A., all amounts payable by Borrower to Agent or
any Lender, on the due date thereof. If, for any reason, Agent can not or does
not so deduct any such amount payable by Borrower, Borrower shall make such
payment to Agent, for itself or for the account of the Lenders, as applicable,
at Agent's payment address as follows:

Union Bank of California N.A.
Monterey Park, California
Account Number:  070-196431
Account Name:  Wire Transfer Clearing
Attn:  Commercial Loan Operations
Reference: Pac-West Telecomm, Inc.
ABA Number: 122-000-496

which payment shall be made in dollars and in immediately available funds no
later than 11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time) on the due date specified herein.
Any payment received by Agent later than 11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time), for
any reason, shall, at the option of Agent, be deemed to have been received on
the following Business Day and any applicable interest or fee shall accrue.

          (b)  Business Day Payments. Whenever any payment is due on a day other
               ---------------------
than a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the following Business Day,
and such extension of time shall in such case be included in the computation of
interest or fees, as the case may be.

          (c)  Distributions by Agent. Unless Agent receives notice from
               ----------------------
Borrower prior to the date on which any payment is due to the Lenders that
Borrower will not make such payment in full as and when required, Agent may
assume that Borrower has made such payment in full to Agent on such date in
immediately available funds and Agent may (but shall not be so required, unless
Agent actually receives such payment by 11:00 a.m. (San Francisco time), on such
date), in reliance upon such assumption, distribute to each Lender on such due
date an amount equal to the amount then due such Lender. If and to the extent
Borrower has not made such payment in full to Agent, each Lender shall repay to
Agent, promptly on demand, such amount distributed to such Lender (provided,
however, that if such Lender shall not make such funds available within one (1)
Business Day of Agent's demand, interest shall accrue on such funds and shall be
payable by such Lender at the Base Rate for each day from and after the date
such amount is distributed to such Lender until (but not including) the date
repaid).

     4.4  Apportionment, Application and Reversal of Payments. All payments made
          ---------------------------------------------------
by Borrower and all proceeds of Accounts or other Collateral received by Agent
or any Lender shall be applied, subject to the provisions of this Agreement
(including, without limitation, Section 2.3(c) hereof), as follows:
                                --------------

     first, to pay any unpaid fees or expense reimbursements then due to Agent
     -----
     from Borrower for actions taken by Agent on behalf of the Lenders, which
     amounts shall be remitted to, or retained by, Agent for its own account;

                                       43
<PAGE>

     second, to repay to Agent the outstanding principal and interest in respect
     ------
     of any Agent Advance (or portion thereof) made by Agent pursuant to Section
                                                                         -------
     2.3(b) hereof, and for which Agent has not received reimbursement in full
     ------
     by the Lenders, as required by Section 2.3(b)(iii) hereof, which amounts
                                    -------------------
     shall be remitted to, or retained by, Agent for its own account;

     third, to pay any other fees or expense reimbursements then due to Agent
     -----
     and to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to the Lenders from
     Borrower on a ratable basis in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares, which
     amounts shall be apportioned ratably between Agent and among the Lenders in
     proportion to their Pro Rata Shares;

     fourth, to pay any fees or expense reimbursements then due to any Lender
     ------
     from Borrower for its own account, including any Breakage Costs, which
     amounts shall be remitted to the Lender entitled thereto;

     fifth, to pay interest which is due and payable in respect of all Revolving
     -----
     Loans, including Lender Advances and Agent Advances (except as provided in
     "Second," above), which amounts shall be apportioned ratably among the
      ------
     Lenders entitled thereto in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares;

     sixth, to pay or prepay the principal of Agent Advances (except as provided
     -----
     in "Second," above), which amounts shall be apportioned ratably among the
         ------
     Lenders entitled thereto in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares;

     seventh, to pay the principal of any Revolving Loan which is then due and
     -------
     payable, which amounts shall be apportioned ratably among the Lenders in
     proportion to their Pro Rata Shares;

     eighth, to pay the principal of any Revolving Loans bearing interest at the
     ------
     Base Rate, in the inverse order of maturity, which amounts shall be
     apportioned ratably among the Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata
     Shares;

     ninth, to pay the principal of any Revolving Loans bearing interest at the
     -----
     LIBOR Rate, in the inverse order of maturity, which amounts shall be
     apportioned ratably among the Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata
     Shares; and

     tenth, to pay any other Obligations due to Agent or Lender by Borrower,
     -----
     which amounts shall be paid to Agent or Lender entitled thereto or, if owed
     to all of the Lenders, which amounts shall be apportioned ratably among the
     Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares.

Agent shall promptly distribute to each Lender, pursuant to the applicable wire
transfer instructions received from each Lender in writing, such funds as such
Lender may be entitled to receive.  Agent shall have the continuing and
exclusive right to apply and reverse and reapply any and all such proceeds and
payments to any portion of the Obligations.

     4.5  Indemnity for Returned Payments. If, after receipt of any payment of,
          -------------------------------
or proceeds applied to the payment of, all or any part of the Obligations, Agent
or any Lender is for any reason compelled to surrender such payment or proceeds
to any Person, because such payment or application of proceeds is invalidated,
declared fraudulent, set aside, determined to be void or voidable as a
preference,

                                       44
<PAGE>

impermissible setoff, or a diversion of trust funds, or for any other reason,
then the Obligations or part thereof intended to be satisfied shall be revived
and continue and this Agreement shall continue in full force as if such payment
or proceeds had not been received by Agent or such Lender, and Borrower shall be
liable to pay to Agent, and hereby does indemnify Agent and the Lenders and hold
Agent and the Lenders harmless for, the amount of such payment or proceeds
surrendered, plus interest thereon at the Default Rate from the date so
surrendered and any other costs, expenses and penalties paid by Agent and
Lenders in connection therewith. The provisions of this Section shall be and
remain effective notwithstanding any contrary action which may have been taken
by Agent or any Lender in reliance upon such payment or application of proceeds,
and any such contrary action so taken shall be without prejudice to Agent's and
the Lenders' rights under this Agreement and shall be deemed to have been
conditioned upon such payment or application of proceeds having become final and
irrevocable. The provisions of this Section shall survive the termination of
this Agreement and the repayment of the Obligations.

     4.6  Agent's and Lenders' Books and Records; Monthly Statements. Borrower
          ----------------------------------------------------------
agrees that Agent's and each Lender's books and records showing the Obligations
and the transactions pursuant to this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
shall be admissible in any action or proceeding arising therefrom, and shall
constitute prima facia proof thereof, absent manifest error. Agent will provide
to Borrower and each Lender a monthly statement of Loans, payments and other
transactions pursuant to this Agreement. Such statement shall be deemed correct,
accurate, and binding on Borrower and an account stated (except for reversals
and reapplications of payments made as provided in Section 4.5 and corrections
                                                   -----------
of errors discovered by Agent), unless Borrower notifies Agent in writing to the
contrary within ninety (90) days after such statement is rendered. In the event
a timely written notice of objections is given by Borrower, only the items to
which exception is expressly made will be considered to be disputed by Borrower.

                                  ARTICLE V.
                    TAXES, YIELD PROTECTION AND ILLEGALITY

     5.1  Taxes.
          -----
          (a)  Payments Free From Taxes. Any and all payments by Borrower to
               ------------------------
each Lender and Agent under this Agreement and any other Loan Document shall be
made free and clear of, and without deduction or withholding for, any Taxes. In
addition, Borrower shall pay all Other Taxes.

          (b)  Indemnification. Borrower agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
               ---------------
Agent and each Lender for the full amount of Taxes or Other Taxes (including any
Taxes or Other Taxes imposed by any jurisdiction on amounts payable under this
Section) paid by any of the Lenders or Agent and any liability (including
penalties, interest, additions to tax and expenses) arising therefrom or with
respect thereto, whether or not such Taxes or Other Taxes were correctly or
legally asserted. Payment under this indemnification shall be made within thirty
(30) days after the date any Lender or Agent makes written demand therefor. The
undertaking in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and
the payment of all Obligations hereunder.

          (c)  Withholdings. If Borrower shall be required by law to deduct or
               ------------
withhold any Taxes or Other Taxes from or in respect of any sum payable
hereunder or under any other Loan Document to any Lender or Agent, then:

                                       45
<PAGE>

               (i)    the sum payable shall be increased as necessary so that
                      after making all required deductions and withholdings
                      (including deductions and withholdings applicable to
                      additional sums payable under this Section) such Lender or
                      Agent, as the case may be, receives an amount equal to the
                      sum it would have received had no such deductions or
                      withholdings been made;

               (ii)   Borrower shall make such deductions and withholdings;

               (iii)  Borrower shall pay the full amount deducted or withheld to
                      the relevant taxing authority or other authority in
                      accordance with applicable law; and

               (iv)   Borrower shall also pay to each Lender and Agent, for the
                      account of such Lender or Agent, as applicable, at the
                      time interest is paid, all additional amounts which the
                      respective Lender or Agent specifies as necessary to
                      preserve the after-tax yield such Lender or Agent would
                      have received if such Taxes or Other Taxes had not been
                      imposed.

          (d)  Receipt. Within thirty (30) days after the date of any payment by
               -------
Borrower of Taxes or Other Taxes, Borrower shall furnish to Agent the original
or a certified copy of a receipt evidencing payment thereof, or other evidence
of payment satisfactory to Agent.

          (e)  Elimination of Additional Payments. If Borrower is required to
               ----------------------------------
pay additional amounts to any Lender or Agent pursuant to subsection (c) of this
Section, then such Lender shall use reasonable efforts (consistent with legal
and regulatory restrictions) to change the jurisdiction of its lending office so
as to eliminate any such additional payment by Borrower which may thereafter
accrue, if such change in the judgment of such Lender is not otherwise
disadvantageous to such Lender.

     5.2  Increased Costs, Reduction of Return and Illegality; Capital Adequacy.
          ---------------------------------------------------------------------
          (a)  Regulation D Compensation. If any Lender shall have determined
               -------------------------
that (a) the introduction of any Capital Adequacy Regulation, (b) any change in
any Capital Adequacy Regulation, (c) any change in the interpretation or
administration of any Capital Adequacy Regulation by any central bank or other
Governmental Authority charged with the interpretation or administration
thereof, or (d) compliance by the Lender or any corporation controlling the
Lender with any Capital Adequacy Regulation, affects or would affect the amount
of capital required or expected to be maintained by such Lender (or its funding
office) or any corporation controlling the Lender and (taking into consideration
such Lender's or such funding office's or corporation's policies with respect to
capital adequacy and such Lender's desired return on capital) determines that
the amount of such capital is increased as a consequence of its Commitment,
loans, credits or obligations under this Agreement, then, upon demand of such
Lender to Borrower, Borrower shall pay to such Lender, from time to time as
specified by such Lender, additional amounts sufficient to compensate such
Lender for such increase.

          (b)  Regulation D Compensation. For so long as any Lender is required
               -------------------------
to maintain reserves against Eurocurrency Liabilities (or any other category of
liabilities which include deposits by reference to which any Rate is determined
or any category of extensions of credit or other assets which includes loans by
a non-United States office of any Lender to United States residents) and, as a
result, the

                                       46
<PAGE>

cost to such Lender (or its funding office) of making or maintaining any
Revolving Loans (including LIBOR Loans) is increased, then such Lender may
require Borrower to pay, upon written demand, an additional amount ("Additional
                                                                     ----------
Amount") at a rate per annum determined by such Lender in its reasonable
------
judgment to be the excess of (i) the Rate applicable to such Loan divided by one
minus the Reserve Requirements, over (ii) the Rate applicable to such Loan.
-----

          (c)  Illegality. If, after the date of this Agreement, any Lender
               ----------
determines (which determination shall be prima facia evidence of the truth
thereof for all purposes, in the absence of manifest error) that the adoption,
enactment or change after the date of this Agreement of any applicable law or
any rule, requirement, guideline, order or regulation of any Governmental
Authority, or any change in the interpretation or administration thereof by any
judicial or Governmental Authority, central bank, comparable agency or other
Person charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance
by such Lender (or any funding office or Affiliate of such Lender with any
request or directive (whether or not having the force of law) of any such
authority (a "Change of Law") shall make it unlawful, impossible or
              -------------
impracticable for such Lender (or its funding office or Affiliate) to make or
maintain a Loan at the LIBOR Rate, such Lender shall immediately notify Agent
and Borrower of such Change of Law. Thereafter, Borrower's right to request the
making of, and such Lender's obligation to make, a Loan at the LIBOR Rate shall
be terminated, and any outstanding Loan Request requesting any LIBOR Loan shall
automatically be deemed to be rescinded. The portion funded by such Lender of
any Loan so affected shall be prepaid immediately if such Lender shall notify
Borrower (which notice shall be prima facia evidence of the truth thereof for
all purposes, in the absence of manifest error) that such Lender may not
lawfully continue to fund or maintain such Loan. Borrower shall additionally pay
to such Lender, on the effective date of each such prepayment, any fee
(including any Breakage Costs) required pursuant to the provisions of this
Agreement.

     5.3  Funding Losses. Borrower shall reimburse each Lender and hold each
          --------------
Lender harmless from any loss or expense which the Lender may sustain or incur
as a consequence of the failure of Borrower to borrow a Loan after Borrower has
given (or is deemed to have given) a Loan Request, including any such loss or
expense arising from the liquidation or reemployment of funds obtained by it to
maintain its Loans or from fees payable to terminate the deposits from which
such funds were obtained.

     5.4  Breakage Costs. In the event that Borrower prepays any LIBOR Loan
          --------------
prior to the last day of the Interest Period therefor, whether voluntarily or
involuntarily, Borrower shall, upon demand by any Lender, reimburse such Lender
for all costs, losses and expenses in respect of any interest paid or premium or
penalty incurred by such Lender (or its lending branch or Affiliate) to lenders
or otherwise in respect of funds borrowed by or deposited with it to make or
maintain the LIBOR Loan which such Lender (or its lending branch or Affiliate)
may sustain as a result of such prepayment ("Breakage Costs"). Borrower
                                             --------------
understands that such Breakage Costs may include losses incurred by such Lender
as a result of funding and other contracts entered into by such Lender in order
to fund any LIBOR Loan hereunder.

     5.5  Certificates of Lenders. Any Lender claiming reimbursement or
          -----------------------
compensation under this Article 5 shall deliver to Borrower (with a copy to
Agent) a certificate setting forth in reasonable detail the amount payable to
the Lender hereunder and such certificate shall be prima facia evidence of the
truth thereof, in the absence of manifest error.

                                       47
<PAGE>

     5.6  Survival. The agreements and obligations of Borrower in this Article 5
          --------
shall survive the payment of all other Obligations.

                                  ARTICLE VI.
                                  COLLATERAL

     6.1  Grant of Security Interest.
          --------------------------
          (a)  Collateral. As security for all present and future Obligations,
               ----------
Borrower hereby grants to Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders in
proportion to their Pro Rata Shares, a continuing security interest in, lien on,
and right of setoff against, all of Borrower's personal (tangible and
intangible) property, whether now owned or existing or hereafter acquired or
arising, regardless of where located, including, without limitation:

               (i)     all Accounts;

               (ii)    all Inventory;

               (iii)   all letters of credit, advices of credit, negotiable
                       documents, warehouse receipts, bills of lading,
                       certificates of title, certificates of deposit, chattel
                       paper, instruments and notes ("Negotiable Collateral");
                                                      ---------------------

               (iv)    all Investment Property;

               (v)     all General Intangibles;

               (vi)    all Equipment, including, without limitation, the
Equipment specified in Schedule 6.1(a)(vi) hereof;
                       -------------------

               (vii)   all money, securities and other property of any kind of
Borrower in the possession or under the control of Agent or any Lender, any
assignee of or participant in the Obligations, or a bailee of any such party or
such party's Affiliates;

               (viii)  each Deposit Account, Borrower's Account and all other
                       deposit accounts, credits and balances with and other
                       claims against Agent or any Lender or any of their
                       Affiliates or any other financial institution in which
                       Borrower maintains deposits;

               (ix)    all books, records and other property related to or
                       referring to any of the foregoing, including, without
                       limitation, books, records, account ledgers, data
                       processing records, computer prepared information and
                       software and other property and General Intangibles at
                       any time evidencing or relating to any of the foregoing;

               (x)     all money, deposit accounts and other assets of Borrower
                       in which Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, receives a Lien
                       or which hereafter comes into the custody or control of
                       Agent, on behalf of the Lenders, or any bailee of Agent,
                       on behalf of the Lenders;

                                       48
<PAGE>

               (xi)   all accessions to, substitutions for and replacements,
                      products and proceeds of any of the foregoing, including,
                      but not limited to, proceeds of any insurance policies,
                      claims against third parties, condemnation or requisition
                      payments with respect to all or any of the foregoing and
                      any Accounts, Inventory, Negotiable Collateral, Investment
                      Property, General Intangibles, Equipment, money, deposit
                      accounts and other tangible or intangible property of
                      Borrower resulting from the sale or disposition of the
                      aforementioned Collateral.

All of the foregoing and all other property of Borrower in which Agent or any
Lender may at any time be granted a Lien, is herein collectively referred to as
the "Collateral."  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Collateral shall not
     ----------
include any Telecommunications License to the extent, but only to the extent,
that Borrower is prohibited from granting a security interest therein pursuant
to any Telecommunications Law; except that the Collateral shall include, to the
maximum extent permitted by law, all of Borrower's rights in all
Telecommunications Licenses, including all of Borrower's proprietary rights vis-
a-vis third parties in any Telecommunications License and the rights to receive
all proceeds derived from or in connection with the sale, assignment or transfer
of such Telecommunications License.

          (b)  Obligations Secured. All of the Obligations shall be secured by
               -------------------
all of the Collateral for the benefit of the Lenders. Agent may, subject to the
provisions of Articles 13 and 14: (i) exchange, waive or release any of the
              -----------     --
Collateral; (ii) apply Collateral and direct the order or manner of sale
thereof; and (iii) settle, compromise, collect or otherwise liquidate any
Collateral in any manner, all without affecting the Obligations or Agent's or
any Lender's right to take any other action with respect to any other
Collateral.

     6.2  Perfection and Protection of Security Interest.
          ----------------------------------------------
          (a)  Borrower to Perfect. Borrower shall, at its expense, perform all
               -------------------
actions requested by Agent at any time to perfect, maintain, protect and enforce
Agent's Liens in and to the Collateral and shall, at its expense, perform all
actions requested by Agent at any time to grant, perfect, maintain, protect and
enforce Agent's Liens in and to any other real or personal property now or
hereafter owned by Borrower, including, without limitation, by:

               (i)    executing, delivering, and/or filing and recording
                      financing or continuation statements, deeds of trust,
                      assignments of leases and other conveyances of interests
                      in real or personal property, and amendments thereof, in
                      form and substance satisfactory to Agent;

               (ii)   delivering to Agent the originals of all instruments,
                      documents, stock certificates and chattel paper, and all
                      other Collateral of which Agent determines it should have
                      physical possession in order to perfect and protect
                      Agent's Lien therein, duly pledged, endorsed or assigned
                      to Agent without restriction;

               (iii)  obtaining Landlord Waivers or other applicable consents
                      with respect to any Premises not owned by Borrower on
                      which Equipment Collateral consisting of one or more
                      telecommunications switches are located or on

                                       49
<PAGE>

                      which Inventory or Equipment Collateral of value in excess
                      of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) is located;

                (iv)  placing notations on Borrower's books of account or a
                      footnote in Borrower's Financial Statements to disclose
                      Agent's Lien;

                (v)   delivering to Agent all Letters of Credit on which
                      Borrower is named beneficiary;

                (vi)  delivering, or causing to be delivered to Agent a Deposit
                      Control Agreement executed by each of Borrower's Deposit
                      Banks; and

                (vii) taking or causing to be taken such other steps as are
                      requested by Agent to grant, maintain and protect Agent's
                      Liens upon any of Borrower's real or personal property. To
                      the extent permitted by applicable law, Agent may file,
                      without Borrower's signature, one or more financing
                      statements disclosing Agent's Liens. Borrower agrees that
                      a carbon, photographic, photostatic, or other reproduction
                      of this Agreement or of a financing statement is
                      sufficient as a financing statement.

     6.3  Chief Executive Office; Locations of Collateral. Borrower represents
          -----------------------------------------------
and warrants to Agent and the Lenders that Schedule 6.3 is a correct and
                                           ------------
complete list of Borrower's chief executive office, the location of its books
and records, the locations of Equipment and other tangible Collateral, and the
locations of all of its other places of business. Schedule 6.3 correctly
                                                  ------------
identifies any of such facilities and locations that are not owned by Borrower
and sets forth the names of the owners and lessors or sublessors of such
facilities and locations. Borrower covenants and agrees that it will not:

                (i)   maintain any Equipment or other tangible Collateral with a
                      value in excess of five hundred thousand dollars
                      ($500,000) at any location other than those locations
                      listed for Borrower on Schedule 6.3, unless Agent has
                                             ------------
                      received a currently valid Landlord's Waiver with respect
                      to such new location;

                (ii)  change the location of Borrower's books, records and
                      Accounts, except upon thirty (30) days prior written
                      notice to Agent; or

                (iii) change the location of its chief executive office from the
                      location identified in Schedule 6.3, except upon thirty
                                             ------------
                      (30) days prior written notice to Agent.

     6.4  Title to, Liens on and Sale and Use of Collateral. Borrower represents
          -------------------------------------------------
                      and warrants to Agent and the Lenders and agrees with
                      Agent and the Lenders as follows:

                                       50
<PAGE>

          (a)  Free and Clear of Liens. All of the Collateral is and will
               -----------------------
continue to be owned by Borrower, free and clear of all Liens whatsoever, except
that all Collateral may be subject to Permitted Liens.

          (b)  Lawful Purposes. Borrower will use, store, and maintain the
               ---------------
Collateral with all reasonable care and will use such Collateral for lawful
purposes only.

          (c)  No Sales of Collateral. Borrower will not, without Agent's prior
               ----------------------
written approval (which must be obtained by Agent in compliance with Section
                                                                     -------
13.2 hereof), sell, or dispose of or permit the sale or disposition of any of
----
the Collateral, except for sales of Equipment as permitted by Section 6.10 and
                                                              ------------
sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business. The inclusion of proceeds
in the Collateral shall not be deemed to constitute Agent's or any Lender's
consent to any sale or other disposition of the Collateral, except as expressly
permitted herein.

          (d) Proprietary Rights Collateral. Notwithstanding anything to the
              -----------------------------
contrary contained in any Loan Document, Borrower may enforce its rights and
remedies with respect to, grant rights under, license, maintain, abandon or
otherwise deal with the Proprietary Rights Collateral as it deems appropriate in
its business judgment; provided, however, that Borrower shall not, without the
consent of Agent and the Majority Lenders, take any actions or fail to take any
actions with respect to any Proprietary Rights Collateral that could (i) result
in a Default or Event of Default hereunder, (ii) result in a Material Adverse
Effect, (iii) result in the termination or impairment of any Material Agreement,
(iv) result in any Lien upon any Proprietary Rights Collateral (except for a
Permitted Lien), (v) result in the sale or disposition of any material
Proprietary Rights Collateral, or (vi) result in a permanent or irrevocable
waiver or other loss of any material right or remedy of Borrower under any
material Proprietary Rights Collateral; and provided further, however, that upon
the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an Event or Default,
Borrower shall comply strictly with the covenants set forth in the Loan
Documents and shall not take any actions otherwise permitted in this Section
                                                                     -------
6.4(d), in each case, without the consent of Agent and the Majority Lenders.
------

     6.5  Appraisals. Whenever an Event of Default exists and the Majority
          ----------   Lenders so request, Borrower shall, at its expense
                       provide to Agent (and, at the request of a Lender, Agent
                       will provide to such Lender) with appraisals or updates
                       thereof of any or all of the Collateral from an
                       appraiser, and prepared on a basis, satisfactory to
                       Agent, such appraisals and updates to include, without
                       limitation, information required by applicable law and
                       regulation and by the internal policies of the Lenders.

     6.6  Access and Examination. Agent and any Lender which so elects, may at
          ----------------------
all reasonable times (and at any time when a Default or Event of Default exists)
have access to, examine, audit, make extracts from or copies of and inspect any
or all of Borrower's records, files and books of account and the Collateral, and
discuss Borrower's affairs with Borrower's officers and management. Borrower
will deliver to Agent any instrument necessary for Agent to obtain records from
any service bureau maintaining records for Borrower. Agent may, and at the
direction of the Majority Lenders Agent shall at any time when a Default or
Event of Default exists, and at Borrower's expense, make copies of all of
Borrower's books and records, or require Borrower to deliver such copies to
Agent. Agent may, without expense to Agent, use such of Borrower's personnel,
supplies and premises as may be reasonably

                                       51
<PAGE>

necessary for maintaining or enforcing Agent's Liens. Agent shall have the
right, at any time, in its name or in the name of its nominee, to verify the
validity, amount or any other matter relating to the Accounts or other
Collateral, by mail, telephone or otherwise.

     6.7  Collateral Reporting. Borrower shall provide to Agent and each Lender
          --------------------
the documents and information with respect to the Collateral required in Section
                                                                         -------
7.2(g) hereof.
------

     6.8  Accounts.
          --------
          (a) Representations and Warranty of Borrower. Borrower hereby
              ----------------------------------------
represents and warrants to Agent and the Lenders, with respect to its Accounts,
that:

              (i)   each existing Account represents, and each future Account
                    will represent, a bona fide sale or lease and delivery of
                    goods by Borrower, or rendition of services by Borrower, in
                    the ordinary course of Borrower's business;

              (ii)  each existing Account is, and each future Account will be,
                    for a liquidated amount payable by the Account Debtor
                    thereon on the terms set forth in the invoice therefor or in
                    the schedule thereof delivered to Agent, without any offset,
                    deduction, defense or counterclaim;

              (iii) no payment will be received with respect to any Account, and
no credit, discount, or extension, or agreement therefor will be granted on any
Account, except as reported to Agent and the Lenders in accordance with this
Agreement;

              (iv)  each copy of an invoice delivered to Agent by Borrower will
be a genuine copy of the original invoice sent to the Account Debtor named
therein; and

              (v)   all goods described in each invoice will have been delivered
to the Account Debtor and all services of Borrower described in each invoice
will have been performed.

          (b) Re-Dating of Invoices and Sales. Borrower shall not re-date any
              -------------------------------
invoice or sale or make sales on extended dating beyond that customary in
Borrower's business or extend or modify any Account. If Borrower becomes aware
of any matter adversely affecting the collectibility of any Account or Account
Debtor involving an amount greater than five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000), including information regarding the Account Debtor's
creditworthiness and disputes or claims with respect to any Account, Borrower
will promptly so advise Agent.

          (c) No Acceptance of Notes. Borrower shall not accept any note or
              ----------------------
other instrument (except a check or other instrument for the immediate payment
of money) with respect to any Account without Agent's written consent. If Agent
consents to the acceptance of any such instrument, it shall be considered as
evidence of the Account and not payment thereof and Borrower will promptly
deliver such instrument to Agent, endorsed by Borrower to Agent in a manner
satisfactory in form and substance to Agent.

                                       52
<PAGE>

          (d) Notification of Disputes and Claims. Borrower shall notify Agent
              -----------------------------------
promptly of all disputes and claims in excess of five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000), individually or in the aggregate, with any Account Debtor, and
agrees to settle, contest or adjust such dispute or claim at no expense to Agent
or any Lender. No discount, credit or allowance shall be granted to any such
Account Debtor without the prior written consent of Agent, except for discounts,
credits and allowances made or given in the ordinary course of Borrower's
business when no Event of Default exists hereunder. Borrower shall send to Agent
a report summarizing credit memoranda in excess of one million dollars
($1,000,000) as soon as issued. Agent may, and at the direction of the Majority
Lenders, Agent shall, at all times when an Event of Default exists hereunder,
settle or adjust disputes and claims directly with Account Debtors for amounts
and upon terms which Agent or the Majority Lenders, as applicable, shall
consider advisable and shall apply the net amounts received by Agent in payment
of any Accounts in accordance with Section 4.4 hereof and, in all cases, Agent
                                   -----------
will credit Borrower's Account with only such net amounts so received in payment
of such Accounts.

                              (e)    Certain Covenants Regarding Accounts.
                                     ------------------------------------
                    Borrower represents that Borrower's Accounts of the
                    following types do not have, and at no time will have, a
                    value in excess of the Reserve, in the aggregate for all
                    such types:

              (i)   the portion of Accounts which are subject to any right of
setoff or recoupment by the Account Debtor, unless the Account Debtor has
entered into an agreement acceptable to Agent to waive setoff or recoupment
rights;

              (ii)  Accounts which are owed by the government of the United
States of America, or any department, agency, public corporation, or other
instrumentality thereof, unless Borrower has complied with the provisions of the
Federal Assignment of Claims Act of 1940, as amended (31 U.S.C. (S) 3727 et
seq.), and has taken all other steps necessary to perfect Agent's Lien therein;

              (iii) Accounts which are owed by any state, province, municipality
or other political subdivision of the United States of America, or any
department, agency, public corporation, or other instrumentality thereof;

              (iv)  Accounts which are owned by an Account Debtor which is an
Affiliate or employee of Borrower or which has common officers or directors with
Borrower;

              (v)   any portion of Accounts representing late fees or interest;
and

              (vi)  any portion of Accounts representing sales, excise or
similar taxes.

Borrower shall promptly notify Agent of any increase in the value of the
Accounts described in this Section that would necessitate an increase in the
Reserve.

     6.9  Collection of Accounts; Payments.
          --------------------------------

          (a)  Deposit Service. Schedule 6.9(a) is a true, correct and complete
               ---------------  ---------------
listing of all of Borrower's Deposit Accounts. Borrower will not establish or
open any other Deposit Account or other

                                       53
<PAGE>

bank or lock box account without first notifying Agent and delivering to Agent a
fully executed Deposit Control Agreement with the Deposit Bank or other bank
where such account is located. Borrower has instructed each Deposit Bank (other
than Union Bank of California, N.A.) to remit all receipts in such Deposit
Account to Borrower's Deposit Account at Union Bank of California, N.A, at such
time that monies received or accumulated in any Deposit Bank aggregate in excess
of two million dollars ($2,000,000). If, notwithstanding such instructions,
Borrower receives any proceeds of Accounts, it shall receive such payments as
Agent's trustee, and shall immediately notify each Agent as to its receipt of
such proceeds and shall deposit such payments into its Deposit Account at Union
Bank of California, N.A.. All collections received in any Deposit Account or
received directly by Borrower or Agent shall be subject to Agent's sole control;
provided, however, that as long as (i) no Event of Default shall have occurred
and be continuing, and (ii) no Agent Advance made pursuant to Section 2.3(b)(ii)
                                                              ------------------
is outstanding, Borrower may use all moneys deposited in a Deposit Account to be
used for Borrower's working capital needs and general corporate purposes;
provided further, however, that immediately (A) upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of any Event of Default, or (B) upon the making of any Agent
Advance pursuant to Section 2.3(b)(ii) hereof, until such Agent Advance is
                    ------------------
repaid by Borrower in full, Agent may and, upon the instruction of the Majority
Lenders, shall, reassume sole control of such Deposit Account(s) and shall
transfer all collections deposited in such Deposit Account(s) to Agent for
application to the Obligations pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof. Agent may (and
                                           -----------
upon the instruction of the Majority Lenders, shall), at any time (y) following
the occurrence and during the continuation of an Event of Default, or (z)
following the making of any Agent Advance pursuant to Section 2.3(b)(ii) hereof
                                                      ------------------
until such Agent Advance is repaid in full, notify the Account Debtors that the
Accounts have been assigned to Agent and of Agent's security interest therein,
and may (and upon the instruction of the Majority Lenders, shall) collect them
directly and charge the collection costs and expenses to Borrower's Loan Account
as a Revolving Loan bearing interest at the Default Rate. Upon the occurrence of
any of the events described in clause (y) or (z) of the immediately preceding
sentence and upon Agent's request, Borrower shall execute and deliver to Agent
such documents as Agent shall require to grant Agent access to any post office
box or bank in which collections of Accounts are received.

          (b)  Crediting of Payments on Accounts or Collateral. All payments,
               -----------------------------------------------
including immediately available funds received into any Deposit Account or
otherwise received by Agent on account of Accounts or as proceeds of other
Collateral, will be Agent's sole property for the benefit of Agent and the
Lenders; provided, however, unless (i) an Event of Default has occurred and is
continuing, or (ii) any Agent Advance has been made pursuant to Section
                                                                -------
2.3(b)(ii) hereof, until such Agent Advance is repaid in full, such payments and
----------
funds shall be transferred to Borrower's Account (or, upon Borrower's written
instructions, to such other account designated by Borrower in such instructions)
to be used for Borrower's working capital needs and general corporate purposes;
provided further, however, that immediately upon the occurrence of any event
described in the foregoing clauses (i),or (ii), Agent may and, upon the
instruction of the Majority Lenders, shall, transfer all such payments and funds
to Agent for application to the Obligations pursuant to Section 4.4 hereof.
                                                        -----------

          (c)  Crediting of Other Funds. All payments, including immediately
               ------------------------
available funds, received by Agent from Borrower, whether for principal,
interest, fees or otherwise, will be Agent's sole property for the benefit of
Agent and Lenders and will be credited to Borrower's Account (conditional upon
final collection) on the date of receipt thereof provided that such payments are
received no later than 11:00 a.m..(California time), and if received later than
11:00 a.m. (California time), shall be credited to Borrower's Account on the
next Business Day.

                                       54
<PAGE>

     6.10 Equipment.
          ---------

          (a)  Borrower's Representations. Borrower represents and warrants to
               --------------------------
Agent and the Lenders and agrees with Agent and the Lenders that all of the
Equipment owned by Borrower is and will be used or held for use in Borrower's
business, and is and will be fit for such purposes. Borrower shall keep and
maintain its Equipment in good operating condition and repair (ordinary wear and
tear excepted) and shall make all necessary replacements thereof.

          (b)  Additions and Deletions. Borrower shall promptly inform Agent of
               -----------------------
any material additions to or deletions from the Equipment in an amount in excess
of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) at any location. Borrower shall not
permit any Equipment to become a fixture with respect to real property or to
become an accession with respect to other personal property with respect to
which real or personal property Agent does not have a Lien. Borrower will not,
without Agent's prior written consent, alter or remove any identifying symbol or
number on any of Borrower's Equipment consisting of Collateral.

          (c)  Dispositions. Borrower shall not, without Agent's prior written
               ------------
consent, sell, lease as a lessor, or otherwise dispose of any of Borrower's
Equipment; provided, however, that Borrower may dispose of Equipment in the
ordinary course of business or to replace obsolete Equipment without Agent's
consent, subject to the conditions set forth in the next sentence. In the event
any of such Equipment is sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of pursuant to
the proviso contained in the immediately preceding sentence, (i) if such sale,
transfer or disposition is effected without replacement of such Equipment, or
such Equipment is replaced by Equipment leased by Borrower or by Equipment
purchased by Borrower subject to a Lien, then Borrower shall deliver all of the
cash proceeds of any such sale, transfer or disposition to Agent for application
in accordance with Section 4.4 hereof; or (ii) if such sale, transfer or
                   -----------
disposition is made in connection with the purchase by Borrower of replacement
Equipment, then Borrower shall use the proceeds of such sale, transfer or
disposition to purchase such replacement Equipment and shall deliver to Agent
written evidence of the use of the proceeds for such purchase. All replacement
Equipment purchased by Borrower shall be free and clear of all Liens, except
Agent's Lien and Permitted Liens.

     6.11 Assigned Contracts. Borrower shall fully perform all of its
          ------------------
obligations under each of the Assigned Contracts and shall enforce all of its
rights and remedies thereunder as it deems appropriate in its business judgment;
provided, however, that Borrower shall not take any actions or fail to take any
actions under any Assigned Contract that could (a) result in any violation of
any covenant of Borrower contained in this Agreement or any other Loan Document,
(b) result in a Default or Event of Default hereunder or under any other Loan
Document, (c) result in a Material Adverse Effect, (d) result in the termination
or impairment of any Material Agreement, (e) result in any Lien upon any
Collateral (except for a Permitted Lien), or (f) result in a permanent or
irrevocable waiver or other loss of any material right or remedy of Borrower
thereunder; and provided further, however, that upon the occurrence and during
the continuance of a Default or an Event or Default, Borrower shall not modify,
amend, supplement, compromise, satisfy, release or discharge any of its Assigned
Contracts, any collateral securing the same, any Person liable directly or
indirectly with respect thereto or any agreement relating to any of its Assigned
Contracts or the collateral therefor, and shall not take any actions or fail to
take any actions with respect to its Assigned Contracts which could adversely
effect the full enforcement of all indemnification rights of Borrower
thereunder, in each case, without the consent of Agent and the Majority Lenders.

                                       55
<PAGE>

Borrower shall notify Agent and the Lenders in writing, promptly after Borrower
becomes aware thereof, of any event or fact which could give rise to a claim by
it for indemnification under any of its Assigned Contracts, and shall report to
Agent on all further developments with respect thereto. Borrower shall remit
directly to Agent for application to the Obligations in such order as Agent
shall determine, all amounts received by Borrower as indemnification pursuant to
its Assigned Contracts. If Borrower shall fail after Agent's demand to comply
with this Section, or if a Default or an Event of Default then exists, Agent
may, and at the direction of the Majority Lenders Agent shall, directly enforce
such right in its own or Borrower's name and may enter into such settlements or
other agreements with respect thereto as Agent or Majority Lenders, as
applicable, shall determine. In any suit, proceeding or action brought by Agent
for the benefit of the Lenders under any Assigned Contract for any sum owing
thereunder or to enforce any provision thereof, Borrower shall indemnify and
hold Agent and the Lenders harmless from and against all expense, loss or damage
suffered by reason of any defense, setoff, counterclaims, recoupment or
reduction of liability whatsoever of the obligor thereunder arising out of a
breach by Borrower of any obligation thereunder or arising out of any other
agreement, indebtedness or liability at any time owing from Borrower to or in
favor of such obligor or its successors or assigns. All such obligations of
Borrower shall be and remain enforceable only against Borrower and shall not be
enforceable against Agent or Lender. Notwithstanding any provision hereof to the
contrary, Borrower shall at all times remain liable to observe and perform all
of its duties and obligations under its Assigned Contracts, and Agent's or
Lenders' exercise of any of their respective rights with respect to the
Collateral shall not release Borrower from any of such duties and obligations.
None of Agent or Lenders shall be obligated to perform or fulfill any of
Borrower's duties or obligations under its Assigned Contracts or to make any
payment thereunder, or to make any inquiry as to the nature or sufficiency of
any payment or property received by it thereunder or the sufficiency of
performance by any party thereunder, or to present or file any claim, or to take
any action to collect or enforce any performance, any payment of any amounts, or
any delivery of any property. The undertaking of Borrower in this Section shall
survive the termination of this Agreement and the payment of all Obligations
hereunder.

                                 ARTICLE VII.
                        FINANCIAL INFORMATION; NOTICES

     7.1  Books and Records. Borrower shall maintain, at all times, correct and
          -----------------
                       complete books, records and accounts in which complete,
                       correct and timely entries are made of its transactions
                       in accordance with GAAP applied consistency with the
                       audited Financial Statements required to be delivered
                       pursuant to Section 7.2(a). Borrower shall, by means of
                                   --------------
                       appropriate entries, reflect in such accounts and in all
                       Financial Statements proper liabilities and reserves for
                       all taxes and proper provision for depreciation and
                       amortization of property and bad debts, all in accordance
                       with GAAP. Borrower shall maintain at all times books and
                       records pertaining to the Collateral in such detail, form
                       and scope as Agent shall reasonably require, including,
                       but not limited to, records of all payments received and
                       all credits and extensions granted with respect to the
                       Accounts, and all other dealings affecting the
                       Collateral.

     7.2  Financial Information. Borrower shall promptly furnish to Agent (and
          ---------------------
                       Agent shall promptly furnish to the Lenders), in
                       sufficient copies for distribution by

                                       56
<PAGE>

                       Agent to each Lender, all such financial information as
                       Agent or any Lender shall reasonably request, and notify
                       its auditors and accountants that Agent, on behalf of the
                       Lenders, is authorized to obtain such information
                       directly from them. Without limiting the foregoing,
                       Borrower will furnish to Agent in sufficient copies for
                       distribution by Agent to each Lender, in such form and
                       detail as Agent or any Lender shall request, the
                       following:

          (a)  Annual Financials. As soon as available, but in any event not
               -----------------
later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the close of each Fiscal Year,
audited balance sheets, statements of income and expense and changes in
stockholders' equity and statements of cash flow for Borrower for such Fiscal
Year, and the accompanying notes thereto, setting forth in each case in
comparative form figures for the previous Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail,
fairly presenting the financial position and the results of operations of
Borrower as at the date thereof and for the Fiscal Year then ended, and prepared
in accordance with GAAP. Such statements shall be examined in accordance with
generally accepted auditing standards and accompanied by a report of independent
certified public accountants selected by Borrower and satisfactory to Agent.
Simultaneously with retaining such independent public accountants to conduct
such annual audit, Borrower shall send a letter to such accountants, with a copy
to Agent and the Lenders, notifying such accountants that one of the primary
purposes for retaining such accountants' services and having audited Financial
Statements is for use by Agent and the Lenders.

          (b)  Quarterly Financials. As soon as available, but in any event not
               --------------------
later than forty-five (45) days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter other than
the fourth quarter of the Fiscal Year, an unaudited balance sheet, statement of
income and expense and of cash flow of Borrower as at the end of such quarter,
for such Fiscal Quarter and for the period from the beginning of the Fiscal Year
to the end of such Fiscal Quarter, all in reasonable detail, fairly presenting
the financial position and results of operations of Borrower as at the date
thereof and for such periods, and prepared in accordance with GAAP applied
consistently with the audited Financial Statements required to be delivered
pursuant to Section 7.2(a). Borrower shall certify, by a certificate signed by
its chief financial officer, that all such statements have been prepared in
accordance with GAAP and present fairly, subject to normal year-end adjustments,
the financial position of Borrower as at the dates thereof and its results of
operations for the periods then ended.

          (c)  Monthly Financial Statements. As soon as available, but in any
               ----------------------------
event not later than thirty (30) days after the end of each month, an unaudited
balance sheet, statements of income and expense and cash flow of Borrower for
such month and for the period from the beginning of the Fiscal Year to the end
of such month, all in reasonable detail, fairly presenting the financial
position and results of operations of Borrower as at the date thereof and for
such periods, and prepared in accordance with GAAP applied consistently with the
audited Financial Statements required to be delivered pursuant to Section
                                                                  -------
7.2(a). Borrower shall certify, by a certificate signed by its chief financial
------
officer, that all such statements have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and
present fairly, subject to normal quarterly and year-end adjustments, the
financial position of Borrower as at the dates thereof and its results of
operations for the periods then ended.

          (d)  Left Blank.
               ----------

                                       57
<PAGE>

          (e)  Certificate of CFO. Simultaneously with the delivery of each of
               ------------------
the annual, quarterly and monthly Financial Statements delivered pursuant to
Section 7.2(a), Section 7.2(b) and Section 7.2(c), a certificate of the chief
--------------  --------------     --------------
financial officer of Borrower (i) setting forth in reasonable detail the
calculations required to establish that Borrower was in compliance with the
covenants set forth in Sections 9.9(c) and 9.20 during the period covered in
                       ------------------------
such Financial Statements and as at the end thereof: (ii) stating that, except
as explained in reasonable detail in such certificate, (A) all of the
representations and warranties of Borrower contained in this Agreement and the
other Loan Documents are correct and complete in all material respects as at the
date of such certificate as if made at such time; (B) Borrower is, at the date
of such certificate, in compliance in all material respects with all of its
respective covenants and agreements in this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents; (C) no Default or Event of Default then exists or existed during the
period covered by such Financial Statements; (D) with respect to the quarterly
and annual Financial Statements only, describing and analyzing in reasonable
detail all material trends, changes and developments in each and all Financial
Statements; (E) with respect to the quarterly and annual Financial Statements
only, explaining the variances of the figures in the prior Fiscal Year Financial
Statements; and (iii) with respect to the quarterly and annual Financial
Statements only, setting forth in comparative form (A) the corresponding figures
for the corresponding period of the previous Fiscal Year; and (B) the
corresponding figures for the corresponding period set forth in Borrower's
operating budget. If such certificate discloses that a representation or
warranty is not correct or complete, or that a covenant has not been complied
with, or that a Default or Event of Default existed or exists, such certificate
shall describe the same with specificity and shall set forth what action
Borrower has taken or proposes to take with respect thereto.

          (f)  Forecasts. No later than sixty (60) days after to the beginning
               ---------
of each Fiscal Year, (i) annual forecasts (to include forecasted balance sheets,
statements of income and expenses, statements of cash flow, and forecasts of
Availability, Excess Availability and Revolving Loan Usage) for Borrower as at
the end of and for each Fiscal Quarter of such Fiscal Year, and (ii) an annual
operating plan and budget approved by the chief executive officer and chief
financial officer of Borrower acceptable to the Lenders and Agent.

          (g)  Collateral Reporting. Borrower shall provide Agent with the
               --------------------
following documents at the following times, in form and substance satisfactory
to Agent: (i) no later than twenty (20) days after last Business Day of each
month, a summary schedule of Borrower's newly created Accounts, credit
memoranda, collections and other activity with respect to its Accounts, in each
case, since the last schedule delivered to the Agents; (ii) no later than twenty
(20) days after the last Business Day of each month, a summary aging of
Borrower's Accounts, together with a reconciliation to the previous month's
aging of Borrower's Accounts and to Borrower's general ledger; (iii) upon
request, copies of invoices in connection with Borrower's Accounts, customer
statements, credit memos, remittance advices and reports, deposit slips,
shipping and delivery documents in connection with Borrower's Accounts and for
Equipment acquired by Borrower, purchase orders and invoices; and (iv) such
other reports as to the Collateral as Agent shall reasonably request from time
to time. With the delivery of each of the foregoing Collateral reports, Borrower
shall deliver to Agent a certificate of an officer of Borrower certifying as to
the accuracy and completeness of such Collateral reports.

          (h)  Plan Filings. Promptly after filing with the PBGC, the DOL or the
               ------------
IRS, a copy of each annual report or other filing filed with respect to each
Plan of Borrower. In addition, Borrower shall provide to Agent any filing
required to be made with the PBGC, the DOL or the IRS, even if

                                       58
<PAGE>

Borrower has not complied with such filing requirement, together with an
explanation of why Borrower has not so complied.

          (i)  SEC Reports. Promptly upon the filing thereof, copies of all
               -----------
reports, if any, to or other documents filed by Borrower with the Securities and
Exchange Commission under the Exchange Act, and all reports, notices, or
statements sent or received by Borrower to or from the holders of any equity
interests of Borrower or of any Debt for borrowed money of Borrower registered
under the Securities Act of 1933 or to or from the trustee under any indenture
under which the same is issued.

          (j)  Management Reports. As soon as available, but in any event not
               ------------------
later than seven (7) days after Borrower's receipt thereof, a copy of all
management reports and management letters prepared for Borrower by its
independent certified public accountants.

          (k)  Proxy Statements. Promptly after their preparation, copies of any
               ----------------
and all proxy statements, Financial Statements, and reports which Borrower makes
available to its stockholders.

          (l)  Tax Returns. Promptly after filing with the IRS, a copy of each
               -----------
tax return filed by Borrower.

          (m)  Additional Information. Such additional information as Agent or
               ----------------------
any Lender may from time to time reasonably request regarding the financial and
business affairs of Borrower.

     7.3  Notices to Agent and Lenders. Borrower shall notify Agent and the
          ----------------------------
Lenders, in writing, of the following matters at the following times:

          (a)  Defaults. Immediately after becoming aware of any Default or
               --------
Event of Default.

          (b)  Other Defaults. Immediately after becoming aware of the assertion
               --------------
by the holder of any capital stock or Debt of Borrower in excess of five hundred
thousand dollars ($500,000) that a default exists with respect thereto or that
Borrower is not in compliance with the terms thereof, or the threat or
commencement by such holder of any enforcement action because of such asserted
default or noncompliance.

          (c)  Material Adverse Effect. Immediately after becoming aware of any
               -----------------------
event that could have a Material Adverse Effect on Borrower.

          (d)  Litigation. Immediately after becoming aware of any pending or
               ----------
threatened action, suit, proceeding or counterclaim by any Person, or any
pending or threatened investigation by a Governmental Authority, which action,
suit, proceeding, counterclaim or investigation seeks damages in excess of five
hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) (which amount shall not be fully covered by
insurance), or which may otherwise materially and adversely affect the
Collateral, the repayment of the Obligations, Agent's or any Lender's rights
under the Loan Documents, or Borrower's property, business, operations or
condition (financial or otherwise).

                                       59
<PAGE>

          (e)  Labor Disputes.
               --------------

          Immediately after becoming aware of any pending or threatened strike,
work stoppage, unfair labor practice claim or other labor dispute affecting
Borrower in a manner which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

          (f)  Violation of Law.
               ----------------

          Immediately after becoming aware of, or after receiving any notice of
claim from any Person alleging or claiming, any violation of any law, statute,
regulation or ordinance of a Governmental Authority by or affecting Borrower
which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (g)  Violation of Environmental Laws.
               -------------------------------

          Immediately after receipt of any notice or assertion of an
Environmental Claim by or against Borrower which could reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect or any investigation by a Person or Governmental
Authority with respect thereto.

          (h)  Releases.
               --------

          Immediately after receipt of any written notice that Borrower is or
may be liable to any Person as a result of the Release or threatened Release or
other presence of any Contaminant or that Borrower is subject to investigation
by any Governmental Authority evaluating whether any remedial action is needed
to respond to the Release or other presence or threatened Release of any
Contaminant which, in either case, is reasonably likely to give rise to
liability in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000).

          (i)  Environmental Lien.
               ------------------

          Immediately after receipt of any written notice of the imposition or
threatened imposition of any Environmental Lien against any property of
Borrower.

          (j)  Change of Borrower's Name, etc.
               ------------------------------

          Any change in Borrower's name, state of incorporation or form of
organization, trade names or styles under which Borrower will create Accounts,
or to which instruments in payment of Accounts may be made payable, in each case
at least thirty (30) days prior thereto.

          (k)  ERISA Events and Related Matters.
               --------------------------------

          Within five (5) Business Days after Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
knows or has reason to know that an ERISA Event or a prohibited transaction (as
defined in Sections 406 of ERISA and 4975 of the Code) or a breach of fiduciary
responsibility under Section 404 of ERISA has occurred with respect to a Plan,
and, when Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate knows or has reason to know, any
action taken or threatened by the IRS, the DOL, the PBGC or any Plan
participants or beneficiaries with respect thereto.

          (l)  ERISA Filings.
               -------------

          Upon request or, in the event that such filing reflects a significant
change with respect to the matters covered thereby, within three (3) Business
Days after the filing thereof with the PBGC, the DOL and/or the IRS, as
applicable, copies of the following:  (i) each annual report (Form 5500 series),
including Schedule B thereto, filed with the PBGC, the DOL and/or the IRS with
respect to each Plan, (ii) a copy of each funding waiver request filed with the
PBGC, the DOL and/or the IRS with respect to any Plan and all communications
received by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate from the PBGC, the DOL and/or the
IRS with respect to such request, and (iii) a copy of each other filing or
notice filed with the PBGC, the DOL and/or the IRS, with respect to each Plan of
Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate.

                                       60
<PAGE>

          (m)  ERISA Reports.
               -------------

          Upon request or, in the event that such filing reflects a significant
change with respect to the matters covered thereby, within three (3) Business
Days after the filing thereof, copies of each actuarial report for any Plan or
Multiemployer Plan and annual report for any Multiemployer Plan; and within
three (3) Business Days after receipt thereof by Borrower or any ERISA
Affiliate, copies of the following:  (i) any notices of the PBGC's intention to
terminate a Plan or to have a trustee appointed to administer such Plan; (ii)
any favorable or unfavorable determination letter from the IRS regarding the
qualification of a Plan under Section 401(a) of the Code; (iii) any notice from
a Multiemployer Plan regarding the imposition of withdrawal liability; or (iv)
an audit or other action by the IRS, the DOL or the PBGC.

          (n)  Changes to ERISA Plans.
               ----------------------

          Within three (3) Business Days after the occurrence thereof: (i) any
changes in the benefits of any existing Plan which increase Borrower's annual
costs with respect thereto by an amount in excess of $500,000, or the
establishment of any new Plan or the commencement of contributions to any Plan
to which Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate was not previously contributing or the
acquisition of an ERISA Affiliate that maintains a Pension Plan; or (ii) any
failure by Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate to make a required installment or any
other required payment under Section 412 of the Code on or before the due date
for such installment or payment.

          (o)  Termination of ERISA Plans.
               --------------------------

          Within three (3) Business Days after Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
knows or has reason to know that any of the following events has or will occur:
(i) a Plan has been or will be terminated; (ii) the administrator or plan
sponsor of a Plan intends to terminate a Multiemployer Plan; or (iii) the PBGC
has instituted or will institute proceedings under Section 4042 of ERISA to
terminate a Plan.

          (p)  Required Contribution.
               ---------------------

          Within three (3) Business Days after Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
knows or has reason to know that required contributions to any Plan were not
made in a timely manner.

          (q)  Telecommunications Laws and Licenses.
               ------------------------------------

          Immediately upon receipt or transmittal by Borrower of any notice or
other communication in respect of any Telecommunications Laws or
Telecommunications Licenses that could have a Material Adverse Effect.

          Each notice given under this Section shall describe the subject matter
thereof in reasonable detail, and shall set forth the action that Borrower or
any ERISA Affiliates, as applicable, has taken or proposes to take with respect
thereto.

     7.4  Authorization for Agent and Lenders to Deliver Certain Information.
          ------------------------------------------------------------------

      Each of Agent and Lenders is hereby authorized to deliver a copy of any
financial statement or any other information relating to the business,
operations or financial condition of Borrower or its Affiliates, which may be
furnished to them hereunder or otherwise, to any court, regulatory body or
agency having jurisdiction over Agent or Lender, or to any other Person which
shall, or shall have any right or obligation to, succeed to all or any part of
Agent's or Lenders' interests in any of the Loans, this Agreement, the other
Loan Documents or the Collateral, including, without limitation, any participant
or prospective participant.

     7.5  Authorization to Deliver Information to Agent and the Lenders.
          -------------------------------------------------------------
                         Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes and directs all
                         accountants, auditors or other third

                                       61
<PAGE>

                         parties to deliver to Agent and the Lenders, as
                         requested by any of them, at Borrower's expense, copies
                         of the Financial Statements in the possession of such
                         accountants, auditors or third parties.

                                 ARTICLE VIII.
                     GENERAL WARRANTIES AND REPRESENTATIONS

                         Borrower warrants and represents to Agent and Lenders
                         as follows:

     8.1  Authorization, Validity and Enforceability. Borrower has the corporate
          ------------------------------------------
power and authority to execute, deliver and perform this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents to which it is a party. Borrower has the corporate power and
authority to incur the Obligations and to grant to Agent, for the benefit of
Lenders, Liens upon and security interests in the Collateral. Borrower has taken
all necessary corporate action (including, without limitation, obtaining
approval of its stockholders if necessary) to authorize its execution, delivery
and performance of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which it is a
party. No consent, approval or authorization of, or declaration or filing with,
any Governmental Authority, and no consent of any other Person, is required in
connection with Borrower's execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents to which it is a party, except for those already
duly obtained. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents to which Borrower is
a party have been duly executed and delivered by Borrower and constitute the
legal, valid and binding obligation of Borrower, enforceable against it in
accordance with their terms without defense, setoff or counterclaim. The
execution, delivery and performance of this Agreement and the Loan Documents to
which Borrower is a party do not and will not conflict with, or constitute a
violation or breach of, or constitute a default under, or result in the creation
or imposition of any Lien upon the property of Borrower by reason of the terms
of, (a) any contract, mortgage, Lien, lease, agreement, indenture, instrument or
other document to which Borrower is a party or which is binding upon it; (b) any
Requirement of Law applicable to Borrower; or (c) the certificate or articles of
incorporation or bylaws or other corporate organizational documents, or
shareholders agreements of Borrower.

     8.2  Validity and Priority of Security Interest. The provisions of this
          ------------------------------------------
Agreement and the other Loan Documents create legal and valid Liens on all the
Collateral in favor of Agent, for the ratable benefit of the Lenders in
proportion to their Pro Rata Shares, and such Liens constitute perfected and
continuing Liens on all the Collateral, having priority over all other Liens on
the Collateral (other than Permitted Liens), securing all the Obligations, and
enforceable against Borrower.

     8.3  Organization and Qualification. Borrower (a) is duly incorporated and
          ------------------------------
                         organized and validly existing in good standing under
                         the laws of the State of California, (b) is qualified
                         to do business as a foreign corporation and is in good
                         standing in the jurisdictions set forth on Schedule
                                                                    --------
                         8.3, which are the only jurisdictions in which the
                         ---
                         failure to so qualify or be in good standing could
                         reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
                         Effect, and (c) has all requisite power and authority
                         to conduct its business and to own its property.

                                       62
<PAGE>

     8.4  Corporate Name, Prior Transactions. Except as set forth on Schedule
          ----------------------------------                         --------
8.4 attached hereto, Borrower has not during the past five (5) years, been known
---
by or used any other corporate or fictitious name, or been a party to any merger
or consolidation, or acquired all or substantially all of the assets of any
Person, or acquired any of its property outside of the ordinary course of
business.

     8.5  Subsidiaries and Affiliates. Schedule 8.5 is a correct and complete
          ---------------------------  ------------
list of the name and relationship to Borrower of each and all of Borrower's
Subsidiaries and other Affiliates. Each Subsidiary is (a) duly incorporated and
organized and validly existing in good standing under the laws of its state of
incorporation set forth on Schedule 8.5, and (b) qualified to do business as a
                           ------------
foreign corporation and in good standing in each jurisdiction in which the
failure to so qualify or be in good standing could reasonably be expected to
have a material adverse effect on the business, operations, prospects, property
or condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower and/or such Subsidiary, and
(c) has all requisite power and authority to conduct its business and own its
property.

     8.6  Financial Statements and Projections.
          ------------------------------------
          (a)  Financial Statements. All Financial Statements of Borrower that
               --------------------
have been delivered to Agent have been prepared in accordance with GAAP and
present accurately and fairly the financial position of Borrower as at the dates
thereof and their results of operations for the periods then ended.

          (b)  Forecasts. The Forecasts, when submitted to Agent and the Lenders
               ---------
as required herein, represent Borrower's best estimate of the future financial
performance of Borrower for the periods set forth therein. The Forecasts have
been prepared on the basis of the assumptions set forth therein, which Borrower
believes are fair and reasonable in light of current and reasonably foreseeable
business conditions at the time submitted to Agent and the Lenders.

     8.7  Capitalization. Schedule 8.7 hereto sets forth the classes and number
          --------------  ------------
                         of authorized and outstanding shares of capital stock
                         of Borrower and all options and warrants with respect
                         thereto. Schedule 8.7 also sets forth the owners of all
                                  ------------
                         of such outstanding shares of capital stock and
                         warrants and options. All of the shares of the capital
                         stock of Borrower has been duly and validly issued and
                         are fully paid and nonassessable.

     8.8  Solvency. Borrower is Solvent.
          --------

     8.9  Debt. On the Closing Date, after giving effect to the making of the
          ----
Revolving Loans to be made on the Closing Date, Borrower has no Debt, except (a)
the Obligations, (b) the Bonds and such other Debt as described on Schedule 8.9
                                                                   ------------
hereto, and (c) trade payables, accrued expenses and other current liabilities
(other than indebtedness for borrowed money) and current and deferred income
taxes payable and other contractual obligations arising in the ordinary course
of business.

     8.10 Distributions. Since September 16, 1998, no Distribution has been
          -------------
declared, paid or made upon or in respect of any capital stock or other
securities of Borrower.

     8.11 Title to Property. Borrower has good, indefeasible and merchantable
          -----------------
title to all of its property (including, without limitation, the assets
reflected on the most recent Financial Statements

                                       63
<PAGE>

delivered to Agent and the Lenders, except as disposed of in accordance with the
terms of this Agreement since the date thereof), free and clear of all Liens
except Permitted Liens.

     8.12 Real Estate; Leases. Schedule 8.12 sets forth a correct and complete
          -------------------  -------------
list of all Real Estate owned by Borrower, all leases and subleases of real or
personal property by Borrower as lessee or sublessee (other than leases of
personal property as to which Borrower is lessee or sublessee for which the
value of such personal property is less than five hundred thousand dollars
($500,000). Each of such leases and subleases is valid and enforceable in
accordance with its terms and is in full force and effect, and no default by any
party to any such lease or sublease exists.

     8.13 Proprietary Rights Collateral. Schedule 8.13 sets forth a correct and
          -----------------------------  -------------
complete list of all Proprietary Rights Collateral owned by Borrower, including
the registration number and jurisdiction, if applicable, with respect to each
such item of Proprietary Rights Collateral. None of the Proprietary Rights
Collateral is subject to any licensing agreement or similar arrangement except
as set forth on Schedule 8.13. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, none of the
                -------------
Proprietary Rights Collateral infringes on or conflicts with any other Person's
property, and no other Person's property infringes on or conflicts with the
Proprietary Rights Collateral. The Proprietary Rights Collateral described on
Schedule 8.13 constitutes all of the property of such type necessary to the
-------------
current and anticipated future conduct of Borrower's business, except as
disclosed on Schedule 8.13.
             -------------

     8.14 Trade Names.   All trade names or styles under which Borrower will
          -----------    create Accounts, or to which instruments in payment of
                         Accounts may be made payable, are listed on Schedule
                                                                     --------
                         8.14.
                         ----

     8.15 Litigation. Except as set forth on Schedule 8.15, there is no pending
          ----------                         -------------
                         or (to the best of Borrower's knowledge) threatened,
                         action, suit, proceeding or counterclaim by any Person,
                         or investigation by any Governmental Authority, or any
                         basis for any of the foregoing, which could reasonably
                         be expected to cause a Material Adverse Effect.

     8.16 Restrictive Agreements. Borrower is not a party to any contract or
          ----------------------
agreement, or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction, which
affects its ability to execute, deliver and perform the Loan Documents to which
it is a party and repay the Obligations. Borrower is not a party to any contract
or agreement, or subject to any charter or other corporate restriction which
materially and adversely affects or, insofar as Borrower can reasonably foresee,
could materially and adversely affect, the property, business, operations or
condition (financial or otherwise) of Borrower or could in any respect cause a
Material Adverse Effect.

     8.17 Labor Disputes. Except as set forth on Schedule 8.17, (a) there is no
          --------------                         -------------
collective bargaining agreement or other labor contract covering employees of
Borrower, (b) no such collective bargaining agreement or other labor contract is
scheduled to expire during the term of this Agreement, (c) no union or other
labor organization is seeking to organize, or to be recognized as, a collective
bargaining unit of employees of Borrower or for any similar purpose, and (d)
there is no pending or (to the best of Borrower's knowledge) threatened, strike,
work stoppage, material unfair labor practice claim or other material labor
dispute against or affecting Borrower.

                                       64
<PAGE>

     8.18 Environmental Laws.
          ------------------
          (a)  Compliance. Borrower has complied in all material respects with
               ----------
all Environmental Laws applicable to its Premises and business, and neither
Borrower nor any of its present Premises or operations, nor its past property or
operations, is subject to any enforcement order from or liability agreement with
any Governmental Authority or private Person respecting any Environmental Claim.

          (b)  Permits. Borrower has obtained all permits necessary for its
               -------
current operations under Environmental Laws, and all such permits are in good
standing and Borrower is in compliance with all terms and conditions of such
permits.

          (c)  Hazardous Waste. Neither Borrower nor, to the best of Borrower's
               ---------------
knowledge, any of its predecessors in interest, has stored, treated or disposed
of any hazardous waste on any Premises, as defined pursuant to 40 CFR Part 261
or any similar Environmental Law, except in compliance with applicable
Environmental Law or to the extent such noncompliance, either individually or in
the aggregate, would not have a material adverse effect on Borrower.

          (d)  Notice of Noncompliance. Borrower has not received any summons,
               -----------------------
complaint, order or similar written notice that it is not currently in
compliance with, or that any Governmental Authority is investigating its
compliance with, any Environmental Laws or that it is or may be liable to any
other Person as a result of a Release or threatened Release or other presence of
a Contaminant other than any summons, complaint, order or similar notice
relating to any of the aforementioned events to the extent such events would not
individually or in the aggregate have a material adverse effect on Borrower.

          (e)  No Investigations. None of the present or past operations of
               -----------------
Borrower is the subject of any pending, or, to Borrower's knowledge, threatened,
investigation by any Governmental Authority regarding a Release or threatened
Release or other presence of a Contaminant.

          (f)  Representations Regarding Hazardous Materials. There is not now,
               ---------------------------------------------
nor to the best of Borrower's knowledge has there ever been on or in the
Premises: (i) any underground storage tanks or surface impoundments, (ii) any
asbestos containing material, or (iii) any polychlorinated biphenyls used in
hydraulic oils, electrical transformers or other equipment.

          (g)  No Accidental Releases. Borrower has not filed any notice under
               ----------------------
any requirement of Environmental Law reporting a spill or accidental and
unpermitted Release of a Contaminant into the environment. To the best of
Borrower's knowledge, there have been no material Releases of Contaminants on
any of Borrower's Premises which have not been fully remedied in accordance with
applicable law.

          (h)  No Remedial Obligations. Borrower has not entered into any
               -----------------------
negotiations or settlement agreements with any Person (including, without
limitation, the prior owner of its property) or is otherwise subject to any
agreement imposing material obligations or liabilities on Borrower with respect
to any remedial action in response to the Release of a Contaminant or
environmentally related claim.

                                       65
<PAGE>

          (i)  No Environmental Lien. No Environmental Lien has attached to any
               ---------------------
Premises of Borrower .

          (j)  No Litigation. There are no civil, criminal or administrative
               -------------
actions, suits, demands, claims, hearings or proceedings pending or, to the best
of Borrower's knowledge, threatened against Borrower by any Person or
Governmental Authority under any Environmental Laws or related to any
Environmental Claims.

          (k)  Occupational Safety. Borrower is not in actual or alleged
               -------------------
material violation of OSHA or any regulations promulgated thereunder. No action,
proceeding, claim, suit or the like is pending or, to the best of Borrower's
knowledge, threatened against Borrower, by any Person or Governmental Authority
with respect to occupational health or safety issues, nor is Borrower aware of
any potential claims thereof.

          (l)  No Listing. None of the Premises or any property currently or
               ----------
formerly owned, operated or used by Borrower, or any property to which Borrower
may have transported, treated or disposed or arranged for the transport, or
disposal of any "contaminant" is listed as a site on the National Priorities
list (as defined in CERCLA) or other comparable list of sites of environmental
concern.

     8.19 No Violation of Law; Telecommunications Laws and Licenses. Borrower is
          ---------------------------------------------------------
not in violation of any law, statute, regulation, ordinance, judgment, order or
decree applicable to it which violation could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. In furtherance thereof, except as set forth on Schedule
                                                                        --------
8.19 hereto: (i) Borrower operates its business in material compliance with all
----
material and applicable Telecommunications Laws and all of its
Telecommunications Licenses; (ii) Borrower has all Telecommunications Licenses
necessary for the operation of its existing business; (iii) to the best of
Borrower's knowledge, all such Telecommunications Licenses are validly issued
and in full force and effect; (iv) Borrower has no reason to believe that its
Telecommunications Licenses will not be renewed by the applicable issuing
authority on a routine basis; and (v) Borrower has no reason to believe that it
is or will be threatened with any material investigation, liability, forfeiture,
order or complaint issued by any Governmental Authority under any
Telecommunications Law that would have a Material Adverse Effect.

     8.20 No Default. Borrower is not in default with respect to any note,
          ----------
indenture, loan agreement, mortgage, lease, deed or other agreement to which
Borrower is a party or by which it is bound, which default could reasonably be
expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     8.21 ERISA Compliance.
          ----------------
          (a)  Plans in Compliance. Each Plan is in compliance with the
               -------------------
applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, the regulations, rulings, case law and
published annotations thereto and other federal or state law and Borrower and
each of its ERISA Affiliates is in compliance with the requirements imposed upon
them by ERISA, the Code and other federal or state laws, and the regulations,
rulings, case law and published annotations thereto with respect to such Plan.
Borrower and the ERISA Affiliates have performed all of their obligations under
all Plans. Each Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of the
Code has received a favorable determination letter from the IRS stating that
such Plan is qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code and that the trust under
such Plan is exempt from tax under Section 501(a) of the Code and to the best
knowledge of Borrower, nothing has occurred in the

                                       66
<PAGE>

operation of the Plan which would cause the loss of such qualification or tax-
exempt status. No event has occurred that would subject any Plan to tax under
Section 511 of the Code, and Borrower has delivered to Agent a copy or copies of
the most recent determination letter received from the IRS with respect to each
Plan. Borrower and each ERISA Affiliate has made all required contributions to
any Plan subject to Section 412 of the Code, and no application for a funding
waiver or an extension of any amortization period pursuant to Section 412 of the
Code has been made with respect to any Plan.

          (b)  No Claims. There are no pending or, to the best knowledge of
               ---------
Borrower, threatened claims, actions or lawsuits, or actions by any party (other
then routine claims for benefits), with respect to any Plan which have resulted
or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect. There
has been no prohibited transaction under ERISA or the Code or violation of the
fiduciary responsibility rules under ERISA with respect to any Plan which has
resulted or could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect.

          (c)  No ERISA Event, Etc. (i) No ERISA Event has occurred or is
               -------------------
reasonably expected to occur; (ii) no Pension Plan has any Unfunded Pension
Liability; (iii) neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or
reasonably expects to incur, any liability under Title IV of ERISA with respect
to any Pension Plan (other than premiums due and not delinquent under Section
4007 of ERISA); (iv) neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has incurred, or
reasonably expects to incur, any liability (and no event has occurred which,
with the giving of notice under Section 4219 of ERISA, would result in such
liability) under Section 4201 or 4243 of ERISA with respect to a Plan; and (v)
neither Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has engaged in a transaction that could
be subject to Sections 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

     8.22 Taxes. Borrower has filed all tax returns and reports required to be
          -----
filed, and has paid all taxes, assessments, fees and other governmental charges
levied or imposed upon it or its properties, income or assets otherwise due and
payable.

     8.23 Regulated Entities. None of Borrower or any Person controlling
          ------------------
Borrower is an "Investment Company" within the meaning of the Investment Company
Act of 1940. Borrower is not subject to regulation under any federal or state
statute or regulation limiting its ability to incur Debt.

     8.24 Margin Regulations. Borrower is not engaged in the business of
          ------------------
purchasing or selling Margin Stock or extending credit for the purpose of
purchasing or carrying Margin Stock.

     8.25 Intellectual Property. Except as set forth on Schedule 8.13, (a)
          ---------------------                         -------------
Borrower owns or is licensed or otherwise has the right to use all Proprietary
Rights that are reasonably necessary for the operation of its businesses,
without conflict with the rights of any other Person; (b) no slogan or other
advertising device, product, process, method, substance, part or other material
now employed, or now contemplated to be employed, by Borrower infringes upon any
rights held by any other Person; and (c) no claim or litigation regarding any of
the foregoing is pending or threatened, and no patent, invention, device,
application, principle or any statute, law, rule, any regulation, standard or
code is pending, or, to the knowledge of Borrower, proposed, which, in any case
or in the aggregate for all cases, could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

                                       67
<PAGE>

     8.26 No Material Adverse Change. No Material Adverse Effect has occurred
          --------------------------
since the date of the last audited Financial Statements of Borrower delivered to
Agent and the Lenders.

     8.27 Full Disclosure. None of the representations or warranties made by
          ---------------
Borrower in the Loan Documents as of the date such representations and
warranties are made or deemed made, and none of the statements contained in any
exhibit, report, statement or certificate furnished by or on behalf of Borrower
in connection with the Loan Documents, contains any untrue statement of a
material fact or omits any material fact required to be stated therein or
necessary to make the statements made therein, in light of the circumstances
under which they are made, not misleading.

     8.28 Material Agreements. Each Material Agreement is in full force and
          -------------------
effect, and except as disclosed on Schedule 1.1A hereto, Borrower is not in
                                   -------------
default under any Material Agreement and, to its knowledge, no other party to
any Material Agreement is in default of its obligations thereunder. True and
correct copies of each Material Agreement have been delivered to Agent.

     8.29 Governmental Authorization. No approval, consent, exemption,
          --------------------------
authorization, or other action by, or notice to, or filing with, any
Governmental Authority is necessary or required in connection with the
execution, delivery or performance by, or enforcement against, Borrower of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document.

     8.30 Year 2000. Borrower has implemented programs to evaluate, and if
          ---------
necessary, that are sufficient to resolve any Year 2000 Problem, which programs
are set forth on Schedule 8.30 hereto. Borrower hereby agrees to take all steps
                 -------------
and commit such resources as are necessary and/or appropriate to resolve any
Year 2000 Problem that it may have.

                                  ARTICLE IX.
                       AFFIRMATIVE AND NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     Borrower covenants to Agent and each Lender that, as long as any of the
Obligations remain outstanding or this Agreement is in effect:

     9.1  Taxes and Other Debt. Borrower shall (a) file when due all tax returns
          --------------------
and other reports which it is required to file; (b) pay, or provide for the
payment, when due, of all taxes, fees, assessments and other governmental
charges against it or upon its property, income and franchises, make all
required withholding and other tax deposits, and establish adequate reserves for
the payment of all such items, and provide to Agent and the Lenders, upon
request, satisfactory evidence of its timely compliance with the foregoing; and
(c) pay when due all Debt owed by it and all claims of materialmen, mechanics,
carriers, warehousemen, landlords and other like Persons, and all other
indebtedness owed by it and perform and discharge in a timely manner all other
obligations undertaken by it; provided, however, that, as long as Borrower has
notified Agent in writing, Borrower need not pay any tax, fee, assessment or
governmental charge, for which (i) it is contesting in good faith by appropriate
proceedings diligently pursued, (ii) Borrower has established proper reserves as
provided in GAAP, and (iii) no Lien (other than a Permitted Lien) would result
from such nonpayment.

     9.2  Corporate Existence and Good Standing. Borrower shall maintain its
          -------------------------------------
corporate existence and its qualification and good standing in all jurisdictions
where Borrower leases or owns any

                                       68
<PAGE>

Real Property, or in which the failure to maintain such qualification or good
standing could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     9.3  Compliance with Law and Agreements; Maintenance of Licenses. Borrower
          -----------------------------------------------------------
shall comply in all material respects with all Requirements of Law of any
Governmental Authority having jurisdiction over it or its business (including
all Telecommunications Laws and the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act). Borrower
shall obtain and maintain in full force and effect all licenses (including
Telecommunications Licenses), permits, franchises and governmental
authorizations necessary to own its property and to conduct its business as
conducted on the Closing Date or at any time thereafter, except for such
licenses and permits which, if not maintained, would not have a Material Adverse
Effect.

     9.4  Insurance.
          ---------
          (a)  Insurance Requirements. Borrower shall maintain with financially
               ----------------------
sound and reputable independent insurers that are reasonably satisfactory to
Agent, insurance against loss or damage in accordance with Borrower's past
practices, including worker's compensation insurance, public liability insurance
and property and casualty insurance, in amounts that shall be satisfactory to
Agent and the Majority Lenders, which insurance and shall not be terminated or
reduced by Borrower in the absence of thirty (30) days prior notice to Agent.

          (b)  Loss Payee and Additional Insured. All casualty insurance
               ---------------------------------
maintained by Borrower shall name Agent as loss payee and all liability
insurance shall name Agent and the Lenders as additional insureds. Upon request
of Agent or any Lender, Borrower shall furnish to Agent, with sufficient copies
for each Lender, at reasonable intervals (but not more than once per calendar
year), a certificate of an officer of Borrower (and, if requested by Agent, any
insurance broker of Borrower) setting forth the nature and extent of all
insurance maintained by Borrower in accordance with this Section (and which, in
the case of a certificate of a broker, were placed through such broker). All
premiums for such insurance of Borrower shall be paid by Borrower when due. If
Borrower fails to procure such insurance or to pay the premiums therefor when
due, Agent may, and at the direction of the Majority Lenders shall, do so from
the proceeds of Revolving Loans.

          (c)  Notification of Loss. Borrower shall promptly notify the Agent
               --------------------
and the Lenders of any material loss, damage or destruction to the Collateral,
whether or not covered by insurance. Agent is hereby authorized to collect all
casualty insurance proceeds directly, and after deducting from such proceeds the
reasonable expenses, if any, incurred by Agent in the collection or handling
thereof, Agent shall promptly apply such proceeds to the Obligations; provided,
however, that if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
Agent shall permit or require Borrower to use such money, or any part thereof,
to replace, repair, restore or rebuild the relevant property within one hundred
and eighty (180) days of the casualty and in a diligent and expeditious manner
with materials and workmanship of substantially the same quality as existed
before the loss, damage or destruction; provided, however, that Borrower must
first demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of Agent and the Majority
Lenders that (i) the funds available to Borrower will be sufficient to complete
such project in the manner provided therein; and (ii) Borrower shall be able to
meet all of its Obligations (including its obligation to make principal and
interest payments hereunder) at all times during the repair or replacement of
the property so lost, damaged or destroyed.

                                       69
<PAGE>

     9.5  Condemnation.
          ------------

          (a)  Notification of Proceeding. Borrower shall, immediately upon
               --------------------------
learning of the institution of any proceeding for the condemnation or other
taking of any of its property, notify Agent of the pendency of such proceeding,
and agrees that Agent may participate in any such proceeding, and Borrower from
time to time will deliver to Agent all instruments reasonably requested by such
Agent to permit such participation.

          (b)  Collection of Proceeds. Agent is hereby authorized to collect all
               ----------------------
condemnation proceeds directly, and after deducting from such proceeds the
reasonable expenses, if any, incurred by Agent in the collection or handling
thereof, Agent shall promptly apply such proceeds to the Obligations; provided,
however, that if no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing,
Agent shall permit or require Borrower to use such money, or any part thereof,
to replace, repair, restore or rebuild the relevant property within one hundred
and eighty (180) days of the condemnation event in a diligent and expeditious
manner with materials and workmanship of substantially the same quality as
existed before the condemnation event; provided, however, that Borrower must
first demonstrate to the reasonable satisfaction of Agent and the Majority
Lenders that (i) the funds available to Borrower will be sufficient to complete
such project in the manner provided therein; and (ii) Borrower shall be able to
meet all of its Obligations (including its obligation to make principal and
interest payments hereunder) at all times during the repair or replacement of
the property so condemned.

     9.6  Environmental Laws.
          ------------------
          (a)  Conduct of Business. Borrower shall conduct its business in
               -------------------
compliance with all Environmental Laws applicable to it, including, without
limitation, those relating to the generation, handling, use, storage and
disposal of any Contaminant. Borrower shall take prompt and appropriate action
to respond to any actual or alleged noncompliance with Environmental Laws.

          (b)  Defense of Environmental Claims. Borrower shall promptly respond
               -------------------------------
to any Environmental Claims which may be asserted against Borrower.

          (c)  Status Reports. Borrower shall submit to Agent and the Lenders at
               --------------
such times reasonably requested by Agent or the Lenders, an update of the status
of each material environmental compliance or liability issue then outstanding
with respect to Borrower. Agent or Lender may request copies of technical
reports prepared by Borrower and its communications with any Governmental
Authority which demonstrates whether Borrower is proceeding reasonably to
correct, cure or contest in good faith any alleged noncompliance or
environmental liability. Borrower shall, at Agent's or the Majority Lenders'
request and at Borrower's expense, (i) retain an independent environmental
engineer acceptable to Agent to evaluate a property at which Borrower may be
subject to any material environmental liability or responsibility, including
tests if appropriate, where the noncompliance or alleged noncompliance with
Environmental Laws has occurred and prepare and deliver to Agent, in sufficient
quantity for distribution by Agent to Lenders, a report setting forth the
results of such evaluation, a proposed plan for responding to any environmental
problems described therein, and an estimate of the costs thereof; and (ii)
provide to Agent and the Lenders a supplemental report of such engineer whenever
the scope of the environmental problems, or the response thereto or the
estimated costs thereof, shall change in any material respect.

                                       70
<PAGE>

          (d)  Environmental Indemnity.  In addition to any other indemnity
               -----------------------

obligation of Borrower hereunder, Borrower agrees absolutely, unconditionally
and irrevocably, to fully and promptly indemnify, pay, discharge, save harmless
and reimburse each of Agent, the Lenders and their respective officers,
directors, shareholders and agents and each of the foregoing parties' respective
successors and assigns ("Lender Indemnitees"), upon demand, from and against any
                         ------------------
and all direct or indirect losses, claims, demands, liabilities, expenses,
disbursements, judgments, actual, incidental and consequential damages, costs
and expenses (including without limitation, the fees and disbursements of
counsel and consultants), and any and all suits, proceedings, directives,
inquiries, citations, penalties, assessments, hearings or actions of any kind
whatsoever, unknown or known, fixed or contingent, asserted against or incurred
by a Lender Indemnitee by reason of, arising out of or in connection with, in
whole or in part, any of the following:

               (i)    The inaccuracy or breach of any of the representations set
                      forth in Section 8.18.
                               ------------

               (ii)   The breach of any of the covenants set forth in Section
                                                                      -------
                      7.3 or this Section.
                      ---

               (iii)  Any past, present or future violation of any Environmental
                      Laws by Borrower.

               (iv)   Any actual or alleged Release, threatened Release or other
                      presence of any Contaminant on, from or into any of the
                      Premises or any other property owned or operated by
                      Borrower .

               (v)    Any claim which may be asserted against any Lender
                      Indemnitee under or in connection with any Environmental
                      Laws arising from such party's relationship to Borrower,
                      including any act or failure to act under or pursuant to
                      any of the Loan Documents.

The undertaking of Borrower in this Section shall survive the termination of
this Agreement and the payment of all Obligations hereunder.

     9.7  Compliance with ERISA  Borrower shall, and shall cause each of its
          ---------------------
ERISA Affiliates to:

          (a)  Maintain Plans.  Maintain each Plan in compliance with the
               --------------
applicable provisions of ERISA, the Code, regulations and published authorities
thereunder, and rulings and case law, and other federal or state law;

          (b)  Qualification.  Cause each Plan which is qualified under Section
               -------------
401(a) of the Code to maintain such qualification and to maintain in operation
and in force the tax-exempt status of the trust under such Plan;

          (c)  Contributions.  Make all required contributions to any Plan in a
               -------------
timely manner;

                                       71
<PAGE>

          (d)  Prohibited Transactions.  Not engage in a prohibited transaction
               -----------------------
under the Code or ERISA or violation of the fiduciary responsibility rules under
ERISA with respect to any Plan; and

          (e)  Sections 4069 and 4212(c).  Not engage in a transaction that
               -------------------------
could be subject to Section 4069 or 4212(c) of ERISA.

     9.8  Mergers, Consolidations or Sales of Assets.  Borrower shall not enter
          ------------------------------------------
into any transaction of merger whereby Borrower is not the surviving entity.
Borrower shall not enter into any reorganization or consolidation, or transfer,
sell, assign, lease or otherwise dispose of all or any part of its property, or
wind up, liquidate or dissolve, or agree to do any of the foregoing, except for
sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business, and sales or other
dispositions of Equipment as permitted by Section 6.10(c).
                                          ---------------

     9.9  Distributions; Capital Change; Restricted Investments and
          ---------------------------------------------------------
Expenditures.

          (a)  Distributions.  Borrower shall not directly or indirectly declare
               -------------
or make, or incur any liability to make, any Distribution, except that Borrower
may: (i) declare noncash PIK (paid-in-kind) on its Series A Preferred Stock;
(ii) grant and permit the exercise of stock options under the Pac-West Telecomm,
Inc. 1999 Stock Incentive Plan; and (iii) make such earn-out payments as are
required under the Merger Agreement in an amount not to exceed twenty million
dollars ($20,000,000) in the aggregate.

          (b)  Changes in Capital Structure.  Borrower shall not make any change
               ----------------------------
in its capital structure which could have a Material Adverse Effect.

          (c)  Restricted Investments and Expenditures.  Borrower shall not make
               ---------------------------------------
or maintain any Restricted Investment or Expenditure, except for the following:

               (i)    Borrower may receive promissory notes or other instruments
that represent the obligation of Account Debtors with respect to Accounts that
are past due and are owed to Borrower; provided that the original of such
promissory note or other instrument promptly shall be delivered to Agent as
Collateral hereunder, together with any endorsement by Borrower that Agent may
request;

               (ii)   Borrower may repurchase the Permitted Repurchase Amount of
Bonds under the terms of the Indenture or make open market purchases of the
Permitted Repurchase Amount of Bonds, provided that (A) Borrower shall deliver
to Agent no less than two (2) Business Days prior written notice of such
proposed repurchase or purchase; (B) at the time of, and as a result of, such
repurchase or purchase, no Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and
be continuing or will occur; (C) Borrower shall be in compliance with all of its
financial covenants set forth in Section 9.20 hereof, calculated both before
                                 ------------
such proposed repurchase or purchase of the Bonds and calculated as if the Bonds
in the amount of the Permitted Repurchase Amount of Bonds has been repurchased
or purchased prior to the last day of the last Fiscal Quarter; and (D) the ratio
of (x) Total Debt for the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, less all
nonrestricted cash in excess of five million dollars ($5,000,000), to (y) EBITDA
for the most recently ended rolling four (4) Fiscal Quarters shall be less than
6.25:1, calculated both before such proposed repurchase or purchase of the Bonds
and calculated as if the Bonds in the amount of the Permitted Repurchase Amount
of Bonds has been repurchased or purchased prior to the last day of the last
Fiscal Quarter;

                                       72
<PAGE>

               (iii)  Borrower may make and maintain those other Restricted
Investments and Expenditures of Borrower existing as of the Closing Date that
are set forth on Schedule 9.9 attached hereto (not including the right to
                 ------------
exercise any options or warrants described on such Schedule, unless the exercise
of such option or warrant would otherwise be permitted under this Section); and

               (iv)   Borrower may lease from CISCO Systems Capital Corporation
up to thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) of CISCO AS 5800 modems and related
equipment and software (the "Leased Equipment") for terms not to exceed three
                             ----------------
(3) years under each equipmnet lease schedule executed pursuant to such
Equipment Lease, pursuant to a Master Agreement to Lease Equipment and related
equipment lease schedules (collectively, the "Equipment Lease"), substantially
                                              ---------------
in the form of Exhibit A to that certain Amendment to Loan And Security
               ---------
Agreement (Equipment Lease Transaction), dated as of October 30, 2000, by and
among Borrower, Agent and the Lenders.

     9.10 Material Adverse Effect.  Borrower shall not enter into any
          -----------------------
transaction which could have a Material Adverse Effect.

     9.11 Guaranties.  Borrower shall not make, issue, remain or become liable
          ----------
on any Guaranty, except Guaranties in favor of Agent for the benefit of the
Lenders.

     9.12 Debt.  Borrower shall not incur or maintain any Debt, other than: (a)
          ----
trade payables to suppliers and customers, accrued expenses and other current
liabilities (other than indebtedness for borrowed money) and current and
deferred income taxes payable incurred in the ordinary course of business; (b)
Capital Leases and short-term debt (which may include Debt evidenced by a
purchase money Lien, as described in clause (g) of the definition of "Permitted
Liens") in an amount not to exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000) in the
aggregate in each Fiscal Year; (c) Debt existing on the Closing Date and
described in Schedule 8.9 hereto; (d) Debt approved in writing by Agent and the
             ------------
Majority Lenders; and (e)) Debt to CISCO Systems Capital Corporation under the
Equipment Lease (as described in Section 9.9(c)(iv) above) in an amount not to
exceed thirty million dollars ($30,000,000).

     9.13 Transactions with Affiliates.  Except as set forth in the immediately
          ----------------------------
following sentence, Borrower shall not engage in any transaction with any
Affiliate, except for commercial transactions with Affiliates which are in the
ordinary course of business, in amounts and upon terms no less favorable to
Borrower than could be obtained in a comparable arm's-length transaction with a
third party who is not an Affiliate.

     9.14 Investment Banking and Finder's Fees.  Borrower shall not pay or agree
          ------------------------------------
to pay, or reimburse any other party with respect to, any investment banking or
similar or related fee, underwriter's fee, finder's fee or broker's fee to any
Person in connection with this Agreement. Borrower shall defend and indemnify
Agent and the Lenders against and hold them harmless from all claims of any
Person for any such fees, and all costs and expenses (including without
limitation, attorneys' fees) incurred by Agent and/or any Lender in connection
therewith. The undertaking of Borrower in this Section shall survive the
termination of this Agreement and the payment of all Obligations hereunder.

     9.15 Business Conducted; Maintenance of Property.  Borrower shall not
          -------------------------------------------
engage directly or indirectly, in any line of business other than the business
in which Borrower is engaged on the Closing

                                       73
<PAGE>

Date. Borrower shall maintain all of its property that is necessary and useful
in the conduct of its business in good operating condition and repair, ordinary
wear and tear excepted.

     9.16 Liens.  Borrower shall not create, incur, assume, permit or suffer to
          -----
exist any Lien on any property now owned or hereafter acquired by it, except for
Permitted Liens.

     9.17 Sale and Leaseback Transactions.  Borrower shall not, directly or
          -------------------------------
indirectly, enter into any sale and leaseback transaction or any other
arrangement with any Person providing for Borrower to lease or rent property
that Borrower has sold or will sell or otherwise transfer to such Person.

     9.18 New Subsidiaries.  Borrower shall not, directly or indirectly,
          ----------------
organize, create, acquire or permit to exist any Subsidiary other than those
listed on Schedule 8.5, except with the prior written consent of Agent and the
          ------------
Majority Lenders, and provided that such Subsidiary executes and delivers to
Agent a Subsidiary Joinder.

     9.19 Fiscal Year; Accounting Method.  Borrower shall not change its Fiscal
          ------------------------------
Year or its method of accounting.

     9.20 Financial Covenants.  Borrower shall maintain the following financial
          -------------------
covenants:

          (a)  Total Debt to EBITDA.  Borrower shall not permit its ratio of:
               --------------------
(i) Total Debt for the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, less all
nonrestricted cash in excess of five million dollars ($5,000,000), to (ii)
                                ----
EBITDA for the most recently ended rolling four (4) Fiscal Quarters, to be
greater than the following:

               (i)    9:1 at all times prior to December 31, 1999;

               (ii)   7.75:1 between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2000; and

               (iii)  6:1 at all times from and after December 31, 2000.

          (b)  Minimum Interest Coverage.  Borrower shall not permit its ratio
               -------------------------
of: (i) EBITDA for the most recently ended rolling four (4) Fiscal Quarters, to
(ii) Interest Expense for the most recently ended rolling four (4) Fiscal
Quarters be less than 1.25:1 at all times; provided however, that Interest
Expense for Borrower's Fiscal Year ending on December 31, 1999, shall be reduced
by the amount held in the Interest Escrow Account held under (and as defined in)
the Indenture.

     9.21 Use of Proceeds.  Borrower shall use the proceeds of the Loans solely
          ---------------
to finance working capital, acquisitions and capital expenditures permitted
hereunder and other general corporate purposes, but not to finance operating
losses. Borrower shall not use any portion of the Loan proceeds, directly or
indirectly, (i) to purchase or carry Margin Stock, (ii) to repay or otherwise
refinance any Debt of Borrower or others incurred to purchase or carry Margin
Stock or otherwise, (iii) to extend credit for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying any Margin Stock, or (iv) to acquire any security in any transaction
that is subject to Sections 13 or 14 of the Exchange Act.

     9.22 Further Assurances.  Borrower shall execute and deliver, or cause to
          ------------------
be executed and delivered, to Agent and/or the Lenders such documents and
agreements, and shall take or cause to be

                                       74
<PAGE>

taken such actions, as Agent or any Lender may, from time to time, request to
carry out the terms and conditions of this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents. In this regard, but without limiting in any way the generality of the
immediately preceding sentence, (a) if any Subsidiary is formed or acquired by
Borrower after the Closing Date hereof, Borrower shall cause such Subsidiary to
execute and deliver to Agent a Subsidiary Joinder and such other agreements,
documents and instruments as Agent may, from time to time, request; and (b) if
any Schedule to this Agreement or any Loan Document fails to list all current
information applicable to such Schedule, Borrower shall deliver to Agent an
updated Schedule certified by an officer of Borrower to be true an correct as of
the date of delivery thereof, as well as any other items or documents requested
by Agent, including any additional information regarding any matter disclosed in
such updated Schedule.

     9.23 Amendments to Documents.  Borrower shall not modify, amend, supplement
          -----------------------
or terminate or agree to modify, amend, supplement or terminate its Articles of
Incorporation nor any of the Material Agreements, without in each instance the
prior written consent of Agent and the Majority Lenders, which will not be
unreasonably withheld, except that, unless and until a Default or an Event of
Default has occurred and is continuing, Borrower may modify, amend or supplement
any Material Agreement, as long as such amendment, modification or supplement
could not result in a Material Adverse Effect, materially increase the burdens
or obligations of Borrower under such Material Agreement or adversely effect
Agent's Lien upon such Material Agreement; and provided that any right of
Borrower to modify, amend or supplement any Material Agreement shall terminate
upon the occurrence and during the continuance of a Default or an event of
Default hereunder.

                                  ARTICLE X.
                             CONDITIONS OF LENDING

     10.1 Conditions Precedent to Making of Loans on the Closing Date.  The
          -----------------------------------------------------------
obligation of the Lenders to make the initial Revolving Loans on the Closing
Date and the obligation of Agent to use reasonable efforts to cause to be issued
any Letter of Credit on the Closing Date and the obligation of the Lenders to
participate in Letters of Credit issued on the Closing Date are subject to the
following conditions precedent having been satisfied in a manner satisfactory to
Agent and each Lender:

          (a)  Loan Documents.  The following Loan Documents shall have been
               --------------
executed and delivered by each party thereto:

               (i)    This Agreement;

               (ii)   A Landlord Waiver executed by each landlord in respect of
                      the following Premises:

                      .  304 East Carson Street, Las Vegas, NY 89101;

                      .  624 South Grand, One Wilshire Building, 12/th/ Floor,
                         Suites 1204, 1209, 1210 and 1214, Los Angeles, CA
                         90017;

                      .  1110 S. Wilson Way, Stockton, CA;

                                       75
<PAGE>

                      .  1624 Franklin, Suites 40, 100, 201, 203, 210, 214, 413
                         and Mezzanine, Oakland, CA 94612;

                      .  4202 and 4210 Coronado Avenue., Stockton, CA 95204;

                      .  4203 Coronado Avenue, Units 3 and 4, Stockton, CA
                         95204;

                      .  4211 Coronado Avenue, units D and F, Stockton, CA
                         95204;

                      .  770 L Street, Suite 170, Sacramento, CA 95813; and such
                         other Premises as requested by Agent, if Collateral
                         located at such Premises has a value in excess of five
                         hundred thousand dollars ($500,000);

               (iii)  The Arbitration Agreement;

               (iv)   The Fee Letter;

               (v)    A Consent to Assignment, executed by Alcatel USA
                      Marketing, Inc., with respect to the Alcatel Software; and

               (vi)   A Deposit Control Agreement from each Deposit Bank listed
                      on Schedule 6.9(a) hereto.
                         ---------------

          (b)  UCC-1s and other Perfection Documents.  The following documents
               -------------------------------------
shall have been executed and delivered to Agent:

               (i)    UCC-1 financing statements and fixture filings to be filed
                      in each applicable jurisdiction, which UCC-1 financing
                      statements and fixture filings shall have been filed in
                      each applicable location; and

               (ii)   Intellectual Property filings, with respect to Borrower's
                      patents, trademarks and copyrights, to be filed in the
                      United States Patent and Trademark Office and the United
                      States Copyright Office, as applicable.

          (c)  Loan Request; Certificates and Opinion.  The following documents
               --------------------------------------
shall have been executed and delivered to Agent:

               (i)    A Loan Request and a Borrowing Base Certificate with
                      respect to the proceeds of the initial Revolving Loan;

               (ii)   A Certificate pursuant to Section 2.2(d) hereof, setting
                                                --------------
                      forth the account of Borrower to which Agent is authorized
                      to transfer Loan proceeds, and the names of the officers
                      authorized to request Revolving Loans on behalf of
                      Borrower, along with a specimen signature of each such
                      officer;

                                       76
<PAGE>

               (ii)   An Officer's Certificate for Borrower, certifying (and
                      attaching where applicable): (A) that the representations
                      and warranties of Borrower contained herein and in each
                      other Loan Document are true and correct as of the Closing
                      Date; (B) that no Default, Event of Default or Material
                      Adverse Effect exists or has occurred since the date of
                      the last Financial Statements of Borrower that were
                      delivered to Agent, or will occur as a result of the
                      execution of the Loan Documents; (C) that no default by
                      Borrower under any of the Material Agreements has occurred
                      and is continuing; (D) to the resolutions of the Board of
                      Directors of Borrower attached thereto authorizing the
                      execution and delivery of the Loan Documents to which
                      Borrower is a party, and certifying that no other
                      resolutions have been adopted with respect to the
                      transactions contemplated hereby; (E) to the copy of
                      Borrower's articles of incorporation attached thereto, as
                      certified by the California Secretary of State, and
                      certifying that such articles of incorporation are in full
                      force and effect and have not been amended or modified
                      except as attached; (F) to the copy of Borrower's bylaws
                      attached thereto, and certifying that such bylaws are in
                      full force and effect and have not been amended or
                      modified except as attached; (G) to the incumbency
                      certificate (with specimen signatures) for the officers of
                      Borrower authorized to execute and deliver the Loan
                      Documents to which Borrower is a party, attached thereto;
                      and (H) to the Good Standing Certificates for Borrower
                      attached thereto, as issued by the Secretary of State of
                      the State of California and the California Franchise Tax
                      Board, and as issued by any jurisdiction for which
                      qualification to do business as a foreign corporation is
                      required of Borrower; and

               (iv)   An opinion of counsel to Borrower in the form of Exhibit 7
                                                                       ---------
                      hereto, addressed to Agent and the Lenders.

          (d)  Additional Deliveries and Conditions Precedent.  The following
               ----------------------------------------------
documents shall have been delivered to Agent, and the following conditions
precedent shall have been satisfied, as applicable:

               (i)    Agent shall have received insurance certificates
                      evidencing that Borrower has obtained the insurance
                      coverage required hereunder;

               (ii)   Agent shall have received the results of UCC, tax and
                      judgment lien searches with respect to Borrower, which
                      shall be satisfactory to Agent;

               (iii)  All of the representations and warranties herein and
                      required to be set forth in the Secretary's Certificate
                      pursuant to Section 10.1(c)(iii) above shall be true and
                                  --------------------
                      correct on and as of the Closing Date;

               (iv)   Agent shall have received a copy of the resolutions of the
                      Board of Directors of Borrower authorizing the execution
                      and delivery of the Loan

                                       77
<PAGE>

                      Documents to which Borrower is a party, a copy of the
                      articles of incorporation of Borrower as certified by the
                      California Secretary of State, a copy of the bylaws of
                      Borrower, and original Good Standing Certificates for
                      Borrower issued by the Secretary of State of the State of
                      California and the California Franchise Tax Board, and
                      good standing certificates issued by the Secretary of
                      State or equivalent state officer of any jurisdiction for
                      which qualification to do business as a foreign
                      corporation is required of Borrower, each of which shall
                      have been attached to the Secretary's Certificate to be
                      delivered pursuant to Section 10.1(c)(iii) above, and each
                                            --------------------
                      of which shall be in form and substance, and dated a
                      recent date, as applicable, all as satisfactory to Agent;

               (v)    Agent shall have received a copy of each of the Material
                      Agreements;

               (vi)   Borrower and each other party to the Loan Documents shall
                      have performed and complied with all covenants, agreements
                      and conditions contained herein and in the other Loan
                      Documents required to be performed or complied with by it
                      on or before the Closing Date;

               (vii)  No Default or Event of Default shall exist on the Closing
                      Date, or would exist after giving effect to the Loans to
                      be made on such date;

               (viii) Agent and Lenders shall have had an opportunity, if they
                      so choose, to examine the books of account and other
                      records and files of Borrower and to make copies thereof,
                      and to conduct a pre-closing audit which shall include,
                      without limitation, verification of Accounts and
                      Availability, and the results of such examination and
                      audit shall have been satisfactory to Agent and the
                      Lenders in all respects;

               (ix)   Agent shall have received, in form and substance
                      satisfactory to Agent, such other evidence, documents,
                      instruments, approvals and opinions as Agent may
                      reasonably request, including agreements with parties to
                      the Assigned Contracts or Material Agreements for the
                      purpose of subordinating the rights of any such parties
                      thereunder in respect of the Collateral;

               (x)    Borrower shall have paid all accrued and unpaid fees,
                      costs and expenses that are due and payable on the Closing
                      Date, including the fees required under the Fee Letter and
                      all fees and expenses of Agent, the Attorney Costs and all
                      other expenses described in Section 15.5 hereof, to the
                                                  ------------
                      extent invoiced before or on the Closing Date, plus such
                      additional amounts as shall constitute Agent's reasonable
                      estimate of such costs and expenses incurred or to be
                      incurred by it through the closing proceedings (provided
                      that such estimate shall not thereafter preclude final
                      settling of accounts between Borrower and Agent); and

                                       78
<PAGE>

               (xi)   the California Public Utilities Commission shall have
                      rendered its decision concerning the Local Interconnection
                      Agreement, dated as of March 15, 1996, by and between
                      Pacific Bell and Borrower (the "CPUC Decision"); (B)
                      Borrower shall have certified to Agent that it has
                      reviewed and approved the CPUC Decision, in its sole
                                                -------------
                      discretion, as evidenced by the delivery by Borrower to
                      Agent of an authorization to deliver the Loan Documents
                      executed by Borrower and held in escrow by Graham & James,
                      LLP, pending the delivery of such authorization; and (C)
                      Agent shall have independently reviewed and approved the
                      CPUC Decision, in its sole discretion, as evidenced by the
                      delivery by Agent to Borrower of an authorization to
                      deliver the Loan Documents executed by Agent and held in
                      escrow by Graham & James, LLP, pending the delivery of
                      such authorization.

          The acceptance by Borrower of any Loans made on the Closing Date shall
be deemed to be a representation and warranty made by Borrower to the effect
that all of the conditions precedent to the making of such Loans have been
satisfied, with the same effect as delivery to Agent and the Lenders of a
certificate signed by the Responsible Officer of Borrower, dated the Closing
Date, to such effect.

          Execution and delivery to Agent by a Lender of a counterpart to this
Agreement shall be deemed confirmation by such Lender that (A) such Lender has
no objection to the closing of this transaction; and (B) the decision of such
Lender to execute and deliver to Agent an executed counterpart to this Agreement
was made by such Lender independently and without reliance on Agent or any other
Lender as to the satisfaction of any condition precedent set forth herein.

     10.2 Conditions Precedent to Each Loan.  The obligation of the Lenders to
          ---------------------------------
make each Loan, including the initial Revolving Loans on the Closing Date, and
the obligation of Agent to take reasonable steps to cause to be issued any
Letter of Credit and the obligation of the Lenders to participate in the Letters
of Credit, shall be subject to the further conditions precedent that on and as
of the date of each such extension of credit:

          (a)  Loan or Letter of Credit Request and Borrowing Base Certificate.
               ---------------------------------------------------------------
Borrower shall have delivered to Agent a Loan Request or a Letter of Credit
Request, as applicable, and a Borrowing Base Certificate as of the last Business
Day of the prior month.

          (b)  Statements True and Correct.  The following statements shall be
               ---------------------------
true and correct, and the acceptance by Borrower of any extension of credit
shall be deemed to be a statement to the effect set forth in clauses (i) and
(ii), with the same effect as the delivery to Agent and the Lenders of a
certificate signed by an authorized officer of Borrower, dated the date of such
extension of credit, stating that:

               (i)    The representations and warranties contained in this
                      Agreement and the other Loan Documents are true and
                      correct in all material respects on and as of the date of
                      such extension of credit as though made on and as of such
                      date, except to the extent Agent and Lenders have been
                      notified by either Borrower that any representation or
                      warranty is not correct and the

                                       79
<PAGE>

                      Majority Lenders have explicitly waived in writing
                      compliance with such representation or warranty; and

               (ii)   No event has occurred and is continuing, or would result
                      from such extension of credit, which constitutes a Default
                      or an Event of Default.

          (c)  Revolving Loan Usage not Exceed Availability.
               --------------------------------------------

      The amount of the Revolving Loan Usage, after giving effect to the
requested Revolving Loan and/or Letter of Credit, shall not exceed the then
Availability.

          Anything contained in this Section to the contrary notwithstanding,
the foregoing conditions precedent are not conditions to each Lender
participating in or reimbursing Agent for such Lender's Pro Rata Share of any
Agent Advance to the extent that such Agent Advance is made in accordance with
the provisions of Section 2.3(b) hereof.
                  --------------

                                  ARTICLE XI.
                               DEFAULT; REMEDIES

     11.1 Events of Default.  It shall constitute an event of default (an "Event
          -----------------                                                -----
of Default") if any one or more of the following shall occur for any reason:
----------

          (a)  Payment Default.  Any failure of Borrower to pay the principal
               ---------------
of, or interest or premium on, the Obligations when due, or otherwise fail to
pay any other Obligations when due, whether upon demand or otherwise.

          (b)  Specific Covenant Default.  Borrower shall fail to observe or
               -------------------------
perform any of its covenants set forth in Sections 9.4 (with respect to
                                          ------------
insurance), 9.8 (with respect to mergers, assets sales, etc.), 9.11 (with
            ---                                                ----
respect to Guaranties), 9.12 (with respect to Debt), 9.16 (with respect to
                        ----                         ----
Liens), or 9.20 (with respect to financial covenants) hereof.
           ----

          (c)  Other Defaults.  Borrower shall fail to observe or perform any
               --------------
term, provision, covenant, agreement or obligation contained in this Agreement
but not specifically mentioned in this Section, or contained in any other Loan
Document to which it is a party, and such default shall continue for thirty (30)
days after Borrower knows or has notice of the existence thereof.

          (d) Representation or Warranty Default.  Any representation or
              ----------------------------------
warranty made by Borrower in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan
Documents, in any Financial Statement or in any certificate furnished by
Borrower at any time to Agent or any Lender shall prove to be untrue in any
material respect as of the date on which made or furnished.

          (e) Other Debt Default; Bonds Default.
              ---------------------------------

               (i)    Any default shall occur with respect to, or any claim be
                      made under, the Indenture or the Bonds (or there shall
                      occur any optional or mandatory redemption or repurchase
                      of the Bonds thereunder), which default shall be an
                      immediate Event of Default hereunder, regardless of any
                      grace or cure periods provided for therein, and Borrower
                      specifically agrees that,

                                       80
<PAGE>

                      at the option of Agent and the Majority Lenders, in the
                      event of any such default or claim in respect of the Bonds
                      or the Indenture, Borrower shall repay all of the
                      Obligations in full prior to making any payments to the
                      trustee under the Indenture or otherwise in respect of the
                      Bonds; or

               (ii)   Any default shall occur with respect to, or any claim be
made under, any other Debt issued or guaranteed by Borrower in an outstanding
principal amount which exceeds, in the aggregate for all such Debt with respect
to which such default shall have occurred or claim made, five hundred thousand
dollars ($500,000), and such default shall continue for more than the period of
grace, if any, therein specified, if the effect thereof (with or without the
giving of notice or further lapse of time or both) is to permit the holders of
any such Debt to accelerate the maturity of any such Debt; or any such Debt
shall be declared due and payable or be required to be prepaid (other than by a
regularly scheduled required prepayment) prior to the stated maturity thereof.

          (f)  Bankruptcy.  Borrower shall (i) file a voluntary petition in
               ----------
bankruptcy or file a voluntary petition or an answer or a notice of intention or
otherwise commence any action or proceeding seeking reorganization, liquidation,
arrangement or readjustment of its debts or for any other relief under the
federal Bankruptcy Code, as amended, or under any other bankruptcy or insolvency
act or law, state, provincial or federal, now or hereafter existing, or consent
to, approve of, or acquiesce in, any such petition, action or proceeding; (ii)
apply for or acquiesce in the appointment of a receiver, assignee, liquidator,
sequestrator, custodian, trustee or similar officer for it or for all or any
part of its property; (iii) make an assignment for the benefit of creditors; or
(iv) be unable generally to pay its debts as they become due or be otherwise
insolvent under any applicable law.

          (g)  Involuntary Proceedings.  An involuntary petition or notice of
               -----------------------
intention shall be filed or an action or proceeding otherwise commenced seeking
reorganization, liquidation, arrangement or readjustment of the debts of
Borrower or for the enforcement of security or for any other relief under the
federal Bankruptcy Code, as amended, or under any other bankruptcy or insolvency
act or law, state, provincial, or federal, now or hereafter existing and either
(i) such petition, action or proceeding shall not have been dismissed within a
period of sixty (60) days after its commencement, or (ii) an order for relief
against Borrower shall have been entered in such proceeding.

          (h)  Receivers and Liquidators.  A receiver, assignee, liquidator,
               -------------------------
sequestrator, custodian, trustee or similar officer shall be appointed for
Borrower or for all or any part of its property or a warrant of attachment,
execution or similar process shall be issued against any part of the property of
Borrower.

          (i)  Certificate of Dissolution.  Borrower shall file a certificate of
               --------------------------
dissolution under applicable state law or shall be liquidated, dissolved or
wound-up or shall commence or have commenced against it any action or proceeding
for dissolution, winding-up or liquidation, or shall take any corporate action
in furtherance thereof.

          (j)  Judgments.  One or more judgments or orders for the payment of
               ---------
money for which the amount not covered by insurance is in excess of five hundred
thousand dollars ($500,000) shall

                                       81
<PAGE>

be rendered against Borrower; or Borrower is enjoined, restrained or in any way
prevented by court order from continuing to conduct all or any material portion
of its business.

          (k)  Loss of Collateral.  Any loss, theft, damage or destruction of
               ------------------
any item or items of Collateral or other property of Borrower occurs which: (i)
materially and adversely affects the property, business, operation, prospects,
or condition of Borrower; or (ii) is material in amount and not adequately
covered by insurance.

          (l)  Material Adverse Effect.  There occurs a Material Adverse Effect,
               -----------------------
in the reasonable judgment of Agent or the Majority Lenders.

          (m) Failure of Loan Documents or Liens.  For any reason other than the
              ----------------------------------
failure of Agent to take any action available to it to maintain perfection of
Agent's Liens pursuant to the Loan Documents (other than as a result of the
failure of Borrower or any other Person to cooperate with Agent with respect to
the maintenance of such Liens), any Loan Document ceases to be in full force and
effect or any Lien with respect to any of the Collateral intended to be secured
thereby ceases to be, or is not, valid, perfected and prior to all other Liens
(other than Permitted Liens) or is terminated, revoked or declared void.

          (n)  ERISA Event.  An ERISA Event shall occur with respect to a
               -----------
Pension Plan or Multiemployer Plan, whether maintained on the date hereof or
hereafter established or assumed, which has resulted or could reasonably be
expected to result in liability of Borrower under the Code or Title IV of ERISA
to the Pension Plan, Multiemployer Plan or the PBGC in an aggregate amount in
excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000); (ii) the aggregate amount of
Unfunded Pension Liability among all Pension Plans at any time exceeds five
hundred thousand dollars ($500,000); or (iii) Borrower or any ERISA Affiliate
shall fail to pay when due, after the expiration of any applicable grace period,
any installment payment with respect to its withdrawal liability under Section
4201 of ERISA under a Multiemployer Plan if the outstanding balance of such
withdrawal liability at the time of such failure exceeds five hundred thousand
dollars ($500,000).

          (o) Default in Material Agreement; Merger Agreement.  Borrower shall
              -----------------------------------------------
default in the performance of any of the terms or conditions of any of the
Material Agreements (including, without limitation, the Merger Agreement and all
documents executed in connection therewith and with the recapitalization of
Borrower), which default continues for more than the applicable cure period, if
any, with respect thereto, or any party shall terminate a Material Agreement or
send notice of its intent to terminate the same.

          (p)  Adverse Litigation.  There is filed against Borrower any civil or
               ------------------
criminal action, suit or proceeding under any federal or state racketeering
statute (including, without limitation, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt
Organization Act of 1970), which action, suit or proceeding (i) is not dismissed
within one hundred twenty (120) days, and (ii) could result in the confiscation
or forfeiture of any material portion of the Collateral.

          (q)  Change in Management or Control.  There shall occur a Change of
               -------------------------------
Control, or any of Mr. W. Griffin or Mr. John K. La Rue shall cease for any
reason to be officers and/or

                                       82
<PAGE>

directors of Borrower, whether by reason of death, disability, resignation,
action by the Board of Directors or otherwise.

     11.2 Remedies.
          --------
          (a) Terminate Commitments; Acceleration, etc. If a Default or an Event
              ----------------------------------------
of Default exists, Agent may, and at the direction of the Majority Lenders,
shall, do one or more of the following at any time or times and in any order,
without notice to or demand on Borrower: (i) reduce the Maximum Amount or the
advance rates against Eligible Accounts and/or Eligible Equipment used in
computing the Availability, or reduce one or more of the other elements used in
computing the Availability; (ii) restrict the amount of or refuse to make
Revolving Loans; and (iii) restrict or refuse to arrange for Letters of Credit.
If an Event of Default exists, Agent, at the direction of the Majority Lenders,
shall do one or more of the following, in addition to the actions described in
the preceding sentence, at any time or times and in any order, without notice to
or demand on Borrower: (A) terminate the Commitments and this Agreement; or (B)
declare any or all Obligations to be immediately due and payable; provided,
however, that upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in Sections
                                                                       --------
11.1(f) (bankruptcy), 11.1(g) (involuntary proceedings), 11.1(h) (receivers and
-------               -------                            -------
liquidators), or 11.1(i) (dissolution), the Commitments shall automatically and
immediately expire and all Obligations shall automatically become immediately
due and payable without notice, demand or other action of any kind by any
Person; and (C) pursue its other rights and remedies under the Loan Documents
and applicable law.

          (b)  Actions by Agent. If an Event of Default exists: (i) Agent shall
               ----------------
have, for the benefit the Lenders, in addition to all other rights of Agent and
the Lenders, the rights and remedies of a secured party under all personal
property security laws, including, without limitation, the UCC; (ii) Agent may,
at any time, take possession of the Collateral and keep it on Borrower's
premises, at no cost to Agent or any Lender, or remove any part of it to such
other place or places as Agent may desire, or Borrower shall, upon Agent's
demand, at Borrower's cost, assemble or cause to be assembled the Collateral and
make it available to Agent at a place reasonably convenient to Agent; and (iii)
Agent may sell and deliver any Collateral at public or private sales, for cash,
upon credit or otherwise, at such prices and upon such terms as Agent deems
advisable (unless the Majority Lenders shall direct otherwise), and may, if
Agent deems it reasonable, postpone or adjourn any sale of the Collateral and by
an announcement at the time and place of sale or of such postponed or adjourned
sale without giving a new notice of sale. Without in any way requiring notice to
be given in the following manner, Borrower agrees that any notice by Agent of
sale, disposition or other intended action hereunder or in connection herewith,
whether required by the UCC or otherwise, shall constitute reasonable notice to
Borrower if such notice is mailed by registered or certified mail, return
receipt requested, postage prepaid, or is delivered personally against receipt,
at least five (5) Business Days prior to such action to Borrower's address
specified in or pursuant to Section 15.6. If any Collateral is sold on terms
                            ------------
other than payment in full at the time of sale, no credit shall be given against
the Obligations until the appropriate Agent or Lender receives payment, and if
the buyer defaults in payment, Agent may resell the Collateral without further
notice to Borrower. In the event Agent seeks to take possession of all or any
portion of the Collateral by judicial process, Borrower irrevocably waives: (A)
the posting of any bond, surety or security with respect thereto which might
otherwise be required; (B) any demand for possession prior to the commencement
of any suit or action to recover the Collateral; and (C) any requirement that
Agent retain possession and not dispose of any Collateral until after trial or
final judgment. Borrower agrees that Agent has no obligation to preserve rights
to the Collateral or marshal any Collateral for the benefit of any Person. Agent
is hereby granted a

                                       83
<PAGE>

license or other right to use, without charge, Borrower's labels, patents,
copyrights, name, trade secrets, trade names, trademarks, and advertising
matter, or any similar property, in completing production of, advertising or
selling any Collateral, and Borrower's rights under all licenses and all
franchise agreements shall inure to Agent's benefit. The proceeds of sale shall
be applied first to all expenses of sale, including attorneys' fees, and then to
the Obligations as set forth in Section 4.4 hereof. Borrower shall remain liable
                                -----------
for any deficiency.

          (c)  Waivers. If an Event of Default occurs, Borrower hereby waives
               -------
all rights to notice and hearing prior to the exercise by Agent of Agent's
rights to repossess the Collateral without judicial process or to attach or levy
upon the Collateral without notice or hearing.

                                 ARTICLE XII.
                             TERM AND TERMINATION

     12.1 Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement shall end on the
          --------------------
Termination Date. Upon instruction from the Majority Lenders, Agent may
terminate this Agreement without notice upon the occurrence of an Event of
Default. Upon the effective date of termination of this Agreement for any reason
whatsoever, all Obligations (including, without limitation, all unpaid principal
of, accrued interest on, Breakage Costs, if any, with respect to the Loans)
shall become immediately due and payable. Notwithstanding the termination of
this Agreement, until all Obligations are indefeasibly paid and performed in
full in cash, Borrower shall remain bound by the terms of this Agreement and
each of the Loan Documents and shall not be relieved of any of its Obligations
hereunder, and Agent and the Lenders shall retain all their rights and remedies
hereunder (including, without limitation, Agent's Liens in and all rights and
remedies with respect to all then existing and after-arising Collateral).

                                 ARTICLE XIII.
          AMENDMENTS; WAIVER; PARTICIPATIONS; ASSIGNMENTS; SUCCESSORS

     13.1 No Waivers; Cumulative Remedies. No failure by Agent or any Lender to
          -------------------------------
exercise any right, remedy, or option under this Agreement or any Loan Document
or any present or future supplement hereto or thereto, or in any other agreement
between or among Borrower and Agent and/or any Lender, or delay by Agent or any
Lender in exercising the same, will operate as a waiver thereof. No waiver by
Agent or any Lender will be effective unless it is in writing, and then only to
the extent specifically stated. No waiver by Agent or any Lenders on any
occasion shall affect or diminish Agent's and each Lender's rights thereafter to
require strict performance by Borrower of any provision of this Agreement.
Agent's and each Lender's rights under this Agreement will be cumulative and not
exclusive of any other right or remedy which Agent or any Lender may have under
any Loan Document, under any other agreement or under applicable law.

     13.2 Amendments and Waivers.
          ----------------------
          (a)  Effective Waivers and Amendments.  No amendment or waiver of any
               --------------------------------
provision of this Agreement or any other Loan Document, and no consent with
respect to any departure by Borrower therefrom, shall be effective unless the
same shall be in writing and signed by the Majority Lenders (or by Agent at the
written request of the Majority Lenders) and Borrower and then any such waiver
or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the specific
purpose for which

                                       84
<PAGE>

given; provided, however, that no such waiver, amendment or consent shall,
unless in writing and signed by the Requisite Lenders, Agent and Borrower, do
any of the following:

               (i)    increase or extend the Commitment of any Lender;

               (ii)   postpone or delay any date fixed by this Agreement or any
                      other Loan Document for any payment of principal,
                      interest, fees or other amounts due to the Lenders (or any
                      of them) hereunder or under any other Loan Document;

               (iii)  reduce the principal of, or the rate of interest specified
                      herein on any Loan, or any fees or other amounts payable
                      hereunder or under any other Loan Document;

               (iv)   change the percentage of the Commitments or of the
                      aggregate unpaid principal amount of the Loans which is
                      required for the Lenders or any of them to take any action
                      hereunder;

               (v)    amend this Section or any provision of the Agreement
                      providing for consent or other action by the Majority
                      Lenders or the Requisite Lenders;

               (vi)   release Collateral other than as permitted by Section
                                                                    -------
                      14.11; or
                      -----

               (vii)  change the definition of "Majority Lenders" or "Requisite
                      Lenders."

and provided, further, that no amendment, waiver or consent shall, unless in
writing and signed by Agent, affect the rights or duties of Agent under this
Agreement or any other Loan Document; and provided, further, that the limitation
contained in clause (v) above shall not be deemed to limit the ability of Agent
to make Revolving Loans in accordance with the provisions of Section 2.3(b)
                                                             --------------
hereof; and provided further, that in no event shall any Lender be required to
advance additional moneys to increase its own Commitment unless such Lender
shall have consented to such increase.

          (b)  Amendment by Less than Unanimous Consent.  Notwithstanding
               ----------------------------------------
anything to the contrary contained in Section 13.2(a) above, in the event that
                                      ---------------
Borrower requests that this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents be
amended or otherwise modified in a manner which would require the consent of the
Requisite Lenders and such amendment or other modification is agreed to by
Borrower, the Majority Lenders and Agent then, with the consent of Borrower,
Agent and the Majority Lenders, this Agreement or such other Loan Document may
be amended without the consent of the Lender or Lenders who are unwilling to
agree to such amendment or other modification (the "Minority Lenders"), to
                                                    ----------------
provide for (i) the termination of the Commitment of each of the Minority
Lenders; (ii) the addition to this Agreement of one or more other Lenders, or an
increase in the Commitment of one or more of the Majority Lenders (it being
understood that no Lender shall be required to increase its Commitment other
than at its own election to do so), so that the Commitments after giving effect
to such amendment or other modification shall be in the same aggregate amount as
the Commitments immediately before giving effect to such amendment or other
modification; (iii) if any Loans are outstanding at the time of such amendment,
the making of such additional Revolving Loans by such new Lenders or such of the
Majority

                                       85
<PAGE>

Lenders, as the case may be, as may be necessary to repay in full the
outstanding Loans of the Minority Lenders immediately before giving effect to
such amendment or other modification; and (iv) the payment of all interest, fees
and other obligations payable or accrued in favor of the Minority Lenders and
such other modifications to this Agreement or to such Loan Documents as
Borrower, Agent and the Majority Lenders may determine to be appropriate in
connection therewith.

     13.3 Assignments; Participations.
          ---------------------------
          (a)  Lender's Assignment Rights.  Any Lender may, with the prior
               --------------------------
written consent of Agent and, as long as no Default or Event of Default has
occurred and is continuing, with the prior consent of Borrower (which consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed), assign and delegate to one or
more assignees (provided that no written consent of Agent or Borrower shall be
required in connection with any assignment and delegation by a Lender to an
Affiliate of such Lender) (each an "Assignee") all, or any ratable part of all,
                                    --------
of the Loans, Commitments and other rights and obligations of such Lender
hereunder, in a minimum amount of five million dollars ($5,000,000); provided,
however, that (i) no such assignment shall be permitted if the Assignee is not a
bank lender exempt from applicable usury laws (and Agent may require that such
Assignee deliver an opinion to that effect as a condition to such assignment),
and any assignment to any bank or lender which is not so exempt from applicable
usury laws shall cause the assigning Lender and the Assignee to be Defaulting
Lenders hereunder until such assignment is rescinded or such Assignee receives
its exemption from applicable usury laws; and (ii) Borrower and Agent may
continue to deal solely and directly with such Lender in connection with the
interest so assigned to an Assignee until (A) written notice of such assignment,
together with payment instructions, addresses and related information with
respect to the Assignee, shall have been given to Borrower and Agent by such
Lender and the Assignee; (B) such Lender and its Assignee shall have delivered
to Borrower and Agent an Assignment and Acceptance in form and substance
satisfactory to Agent (an "Assignment and Acceptance"); and (C) the assigning
                           -------------------------
Lender or Assignee has paid to Agent a processing fee in the amount of three
thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500). Anything contained herein to the
contrary notwithstanding, the consent of Agent and Borrower shall not be
required if such assignment is to an Affiliate or Subsidiary of such Lender or
is in connection with any merger, consolidation, sale, transfer, or other
disposition of all or any substantial portion of the business or loan portfolio
of such Lender.

          (b)  Rights of Assignee. From and after the date that Agent notifies
               ------------------
the assigning Lender that an executed Assignment and Acceptance has been
received and that payment of the above-referenced processing fee has been
received, (i) the Assignee thereunder shall be a party hereto and to the extent
that rights and obligations, including, but not limited to, the obligation to
participate in credit support or other enhancement for Letters of Credit,
hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment and Acceptance
shall have the rights and obligations of a Lender under the Loan Documents; and
(ii) the assigning Lender shall to the extent that rights and obligations
hereunder and under the other Loan Documents have been assigned by it pursuant
to such Assignment and Acceptance relinquish its rights and be released from its
obligations under this Agreement (and in the case of an Assignment and
Acceptance covering all or the remaining portion of an assigning Lender's rights
and obligations under this Agreement, such Lender shall cease to be a party
hereto).

          (c)  Confirmation to Other Parties. By executing and delivering an
               -----------------------------
Assignment and Acceptance, the assigning Lender and the Assignee thereunder
confirm to and agree with each other and the other parties to this Agreement as
follows: (i) other than as provided in such Assignment and

                                       86
<PAGE>

Acceptance, such assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and
assumes no responsibility with respect to any statements, warranties or
representations made in or in connection with this Agreement or the execution,
legality, validity, enforceability, genuineness, sufficiency or value of this
Agreement or any other Loan Document furnished pursuant hereto; (ii) such
assigning Lender makes no representation or warranty and assumes no
responsibility with respect to the financial condition of Borrower or the
performance or observance by Borrower or any other Person of any of its
obligations under this Agreement or any other Loan Document furnished pursuant
hereto; (iii) such Assignee confirms that it has received a copy of this
Agreement, together with such other documents and information as it has deemed
appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter into such
Assignment and Acceptance; (iv) such Assignee will, independently and without
reliance upon any of Agent, such assigning Lender or any other Lender, and based
on such documents and information as it shall deem appropriate at the time,
continue to make its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under
this Agreement; (v) such Assignee appoints and authorizes Agent to take such
action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers under this Agreement
and the other Loan Documents as are delegated to Agent by the terms hereof,
together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and (vi) such
Assignee agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the
obligations which by the terms of this Agreement and the other Loan Documents
are required to be performed by it as a Lender.

          (d)  Deemed Amendment. Immediately upon each Assignee's making its
               ----------------
processing fee payment under the Assignment and Acceptance, this Agreement shall
be deemed to be amended to the extent, but only to the extent, necessary to
reflect the addition of the Assignee and the resulting adjustment of the
Commitments arising therefrom. The Commitment allocated to each Assignee shall
reduce such Commitments of the assigning Lender pro tanto.

          (e)  Participations. Any Lender, with the prior written consent of
               --------------
Agent (which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed) and pursuant
to a participation agreement in form and substance satisfactory to such Lender,
may at any time sell to one or more commercial banks, financial institutions, or
other Persons not Affiliates of Borrower (a "Participant"), participating
                                             -----------
interests in any Loans (each such participation to be in amount not less than
five million dollars ($5,000,000)), the Commitment of that Lender and the other
interests of that Lender (the "originating Lender") hereunder and under the
                               ------------------
other Loan Documents; provided, however, that (i) the originating Lender's
obligations under this Agreement shall remain unchanged; (ii) the originating
Lender shall remain solely responsible for the performance of such obligations;
(iii) Borrower and Agent shall continue to deal solely and directly with the
originating Lender in connection with the originating Lender's rights and
obligations under this Agreement and the other Loan Documents; (iv) no Lender
shall transfer or grant any participating interest under which the Participant
has any right to exercise the originating Lender's right, if any, to require or
approve any amendment to, or any consent or waiver with respect to, this
Agreement or any other Loan Document, except to the extent such amendment to, or
consent or waiver with respect to, this Agreement or of any other Loan Document
would (A) extend the final maturity date of the Loans hereunder in which such
Participant is participating; (B) reduce the interest rate applicable to Loans
hereunder in which such Participant is participating; (C) release all or a
material portion of the Collateral (except to the extent expressly provided
herein or in any of the other Loan Documents) supporting the Loans hereunder in
which such Participant is participating; (D) postpone the payment of, or reduce
the amount of, the interest or fees payable to such Participant; (E) change the
amount or due dates of scheduled principal repayments or prepayments or premiums
in respect of Loans hereunder in which such

                                       87
<PAGE>

Participant is participating; (F) increase the Maximum Amount above forty
million dollars ($40,000,000); or (G) increase the advance rate with respect to
Revolving Loans in which such Participant is participating, including the
restoration of an advance rate after the reduction thereof, provided that, the
limitation contained in this clause (G) shall not be deemed to limit the ability
of Agent to make Revolving Loans in accordance with the provisions of Section
                                                                      -------
2.3(b) hereof; and (v) all amounts payable by Borrower hereunder shall be
------
determined as if such originating Lender had not sold such participation; except
that, if amounts outstanding under this Agreement are due and unpaid, or shall
have been declared or shall have become due and payable upon the occurrence of
an Event of Default, each Participant shall be deemed to have the right of
setoff in respect of its participating interest in amounts owing under this
Agreement to the same extent as if the amount of its participating interest were
owing directly to it as a Lender under this Agreement.

          (f)  Pledge in Favor of Federal Reserve Bank. Notwithstanding any
               ---------------------------------------
other provision in this Agreement, any Lender may at any time create a security
interest in, or pledge, all or any portion of its rights under and interest in
this Agreement in favor of any Federal Reserve Bank in accordance with
Regulation A of the Federal Reserve Bank or U.S. Treasury Regulation 31 CFR (S)
203.14, and such Federal Reserve Bank may enforce such pledge or security
interest in any manner permitted under applicable law.

     13.4 Additional Commitments. If (i) on the Closing Date the aggregate
          ----------------------
amount of the Commitments is less than forty million dollars ($40,000,000), and
(ii) subsequent to the Closing Date, additional Commitments satisfactory to
Agent have been obtained as contemplated by the terms hereof ("Additional
                                                               ----------
Commitments"), then each Lender providing an Additional Commitment shall execute
-----------
and deliver a signature page hereto setting forth such Lender's Commitment and
wire transfer information and simultaneously therewith shall become a party to
this Agreement and have all of the rights and obligations of a Lender under this
Agreement and the other Loan Documents. If and when any such Additional
Commitments are so made, the Maximum Amount shall be automatically adjusted in
accordance with the definition thereof.

                                 ARTICLE XIV.
                                     AGENT

     14.1 Appointment and Authorization. Each Lender hereby designates and
          -----------------------------
appoints Union Bank of California, N.A., as its Agent under this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents and each Lender hereby irrevocably authorizes Agent to
take such action on its behalf under the provisions of this Agreement and each
other Loan Document and to exercise such powers and perform such duties as are
expressly delegated to it by the terms of this Agreement or any other Loan
Document, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto. Agent
agrees to act as such on the express conditions contained in this Article 14.
                                                                  ----------
The provisions of this Article 14 are solely for the benefit of Agent and the
                       ----------
Lenders and Borrower shall have no rights as a third party beneficiary of any of
the provisions contained herein. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary
contained elsewhere in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, Agent shall
have no duties or responsibilities, except those expressly set forth herein, nor
shall Agent have or be deemed to have any fiduciary relationship with any
Lender, or each other, and no implied covenants, functions, responsibilities,
duties, obligations or liabilities shall be read into this Agreement or any
other Loan Document or otherwise exist against Agent. Except as expressly
otherwise provided in this Agreement, Agent shall have and may use its sole
discretion with respect to

                                       88
<PAGE>

exercising or refraining from exercising any discretionary rights or taking or
refraining from taking any actions which Agent is expressly entitled to take or
assert under this Agreement and other Loan Documents, including, without
limitation, making the determinations contemplated in Section 2.2(a) and Section
                                                      -------------      -------
2.2(c).
------

     14.2 Delegation of Duties. Agent may execute any of its duties under this
          --------------------
Agreement or any other Loan Document by or through Agent-Related Persons,
employees, agents or attorneys-in-fact and shall be entitled to advice of
counsel concerning all matters pertaining to such duties. Agent shall not be
responsible for the negligence or misconduct of any agent or attorney-in-fact
that Agent selects as long as such selection was made without gross negligence
or willful misconduct.

     14.3 Liability of Agent. None of Agent-Related Persons shall (a) be liable
          ------------------
for any action taken or omitted to be taken by any of them under or in
connection with this Agreement or any other Loan Document or the transactions
contemplated hereby (except for its own gross negligence or willful misconduct),
or (b) be responsible in any manner to any of the Lenders for any recital,
statement, representation or warranty made by Borrower, any Affiliate of
Borrower, or any director, officer, employee or representative thereof,
contained in this Agreement or in any other Loan Document, or in any Borrowing
Base Certificate, Loan Request, certificate, report, statement or other document
referred to or provided for in, or received by Agent under or in connection
with, this Agreement or any other Loan Document, or the validity, effectiveness,
genuineness, enforceability or sufficiency of this Agreement, any other Loan
Document, any Borrowing Base Certificate or any Loan Request, or for any failure
of Borrower or any other party to any Loan Document to perform its obligations
hereunder or thereunder. No Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation
to any Lender to ascertain or to inquire as to the observance or performance of
any of the agreements contained in, or conditions of, this Agreement or any
other Loan Document, and No-Agent-Related Person shall be under any obligation
to inspect the properties, books or records of Borrower or any of Borrower's
Subsidiaries or Affiliates.

     14.4 Reliance by Agent.
          -----------------
          (a)  Reliance. Agent shall be entitled to rely, and shall be fully
               --------
protected in relying, upon any Borrowing Base Certificate, Loan Request,
writing, resolution, notice, consent, certificate, affidavit, letter, telegram,
facsimile, telex or telephone message, statement or other document or
conversation believed by it to be genuine and correct and which appear to have
been signed, sent or made by the proper Person or Persons, and upon advice and
statements of legal counsel (including counsel to Borrower), independent
accountants and other experts selected by Agent. Agent shall be fully justified
in failing or refusing to take any action under this Agreement or any other Loan
Document unless it shall first receive such advice or concurrence of the
Majority Lenders as it deems appropriate and until such instructions are
received Agent shall act, or refrain from acting, as it deems advisable so long
as it is not grossly negligent or guilty of willful misconduct. Upon the written
request of the Majority Lenders, Agent agrees that it promptly will make demand
upon Borrower pursuant to Section 4.1 for repayment of the amount by which the
                          -----------
Revolving Loan Usage exceeds the Availability. If Agent so requests, Agent shall
first be indemnified to its reasonable satisfaction by the Lenders, in
proportion to their Pro Rata Shares, against any and all liability and expense
which may be incurred by it by reason of taking or continuing to take any such
action. Agent shall in all cases be fully protected in acting, or in refraining
from acting, under this Agreement or any other Loan Document in accordance with
a request or consent of the Majority Lenders (or, if a matter requires the
request or consent of the Requisite Lenders, at the

                                       89
<PAGE>

request or with the consent of the Requisite Lenders) and such request and any
action taken or failure to act pursuant thereto shall be binding upon all of the
Lenders.

          (b)  Deemed Consent. For purposes of determining compliance with the
               --------------
conditions specified in Section 10.1, each Lender that has executed this
                        ------------
Agreement shall be deemed to have consented to, approved or accepted each
document or other matter either sent by Agent to such Lender for consent,
approval, acceptance or satisfaction, or required thereunder to be consented to
or approved by or acceptable or satisfactory to the Lender.

     14.5 Notice of Default. Agent shall not be deemed to have knowledge or
          -----------------
notice of the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default, except with respect
to defaults in the payment of principal, interest and fees required to be paid
to Agent for the account of the Lenders, unless Agent shall have received
written notice from a Lender or Borrower referring to this Agreement, describing
such Default or Event of Default and stating that such notice is a "notice of
default." Agent promptly will notify the Lenders of its receipt of any such
notice. Agent shall take such action with respect to any Default or Event of
Default as may be requested by the Majority Lenders in accordance with Article
                                                                       -------
11; provided, however, that unless and until Agent has received such a request,
--
Agent may (but shall not be obligated to) take such action, or refrain from
taking such action, with respect to such Default or Event of Default as it shall
deem advisable.

     14.6 Credit Decision. Each Lender acknowledges that none of Agent-Related
          ---------------
Persons has made any representation or warranty to it, and that no act by Agent
hereinafter taken, including any review of the affairs of Borrower , shall be
deemed to constitute any representation or warranty by Agent-Related Persons to
any Lender. Each Lender represents to Agent that it has, independently and
without reliance upon Agent-Related Persons and based on such documents and
information as it has deemed appropriate, made its own appraisal of and
investigation into the business, prospects, operations, property, financial and
other condition and creditworthiness of Borrower, and all applicable bank
regulatory laws relating to the transactions contemplated hereby, and made its
own decision to enter into this Agreement and to extend credit to Borrower. Each
Lender also represents that it will, independently and without reliance upon
Agent-Related Persons and based on such documents and information as it shall
deem appropriate at the time, continue to make its own credit analysis,
appraisals and decisions in taking or not taking action under this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents, and to make such investigations as it deems necessary
to inform itself as to the business, prospects, operations, property, financial
and other condition and creditworthiness of Borrower. Except for notices,
reports and other documents expressly herein required to be furnished to the
Lenders by Agent, Agent shall have no duty or responsibility to provide any
Lender with any credit or other information concerning the business, prospects,
operations, property, financial and other condition or creditworthiness of
Borrower which may come into the possession of any of Agent-Related Persons.

     14.7 Indemnification. Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby
          ---------------
are consummated, the Lenders shall indemnify upon demand each of Agent-Related
Persons (to the extent not reimbursed by or on behalf of Borrower and without
limiting the obligation of Borrower to do so), in proportion to their Pro Rate
Shares, from and against any and all Indemnified Liabilities (as defined in
Section 15.9 hereof); provided, however, that no Lender shall be liable for the
------------
payment to any Agent-Related Person of any portion of such Indemnified
Liabilities resulting solely from such Person's gross negligence or willful
misconduct. Without limitation of the foregoing, each Lender shall reimburse

                                       90
<PAGE>

Agent upon demand for its Pro Rata Share of any costs or out-of-pocket expenses
(including reasonable Attorney Costs) incurred by Agent in connection with the
preparation, execution, delivery, administration, modification, amendment or
enforcement (whether through negotiations, legal proceedings or otherwise) of,
or legal advice in respect of rights or responsibilities under, this Agreement,
any other Loan Document or any document contemplated by or referred to herein,
to the extent that Agent is not reimbursed for such expenses by or on behalf of
Borrower; provided, however, that to the extent indemnification payments made by
the Lenders pursuant to this Section 14.7 are subsequently recovered from or for
                             ------------
the account of Borrower, Agent shall promptly refund such previously paid
indemnification payments to the Lenders entitled thereto. The undertaking in
this Section shall survive the payment of all Obligations hereunder and the
resignation or replacement of Agent.

     14.8 Union Bank of California N.A., in its Individual Capacity. Union Bank
          ---------------------------------------------------------
of California, N.A, and any Agent-Related Person may make loans to, issue
Letters of Credit for the account of, accept deposits from, acquire equity
interests in, purchase receivables of, act as agent or administrative agent for
and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial advisory,
underwriting or other business with Borrower, any of Borrower's Subsidiaries or
Affiliates or any Lender as though Union Bank of California, N.A, were not Agent
hereunder and without notice to or consent of the Lenders. The Lenders
acknowledge that, pursuant to such activities, Union Bank of California, N.A, or
Agent-Related Persons may receive information regarding Borrower or its
Affiliates that is subject to confidentiality obligations in favor of Borrower
or such other Person and that prohibit the disclosure of such information to the
Lenders, and the Lenders acknowledge that Agent shall be under no obligation to
provide such information to them. With respect to its Loans, Union Bank of
California, N.A, shall have the same rights and powers under this Agreement as
any other Lender and may exercise the same as though it were not Agent, and the
terms "Lender" and "Lenders" include Union Bank of California, N.A, in its
individual capacity.

     14.9 Successor Agent. Agent may resign as Agent upon thirty (30) days'
          ---------------
prior notice to the Lenders. If Agent resigns under this Agreement, the Majority
Lenders shall appoint from among the Lenders a successor Agent for the Lenders.
If no successor agent is appointed prior to the effective date of the
resignation of Agent, the resigning Agent may appoint, after consulting with the
Lenders and Borrower, a successor agent from among the Lenders. Upon the
acceptance of its appointment as a successor agent hereunder, such successor
agent shall succeed to all the rights, powers and duties of the retiring Agent,
as the case may be, and the term "Agent" shall mean such successor agent and the
retiring Agent's appointment, powers and duties (but not any liabilities
incurred prior thereto) as Agent, as appropriate, shall be terminated. After any
retiring Agent's resignation hereunder as Agent, Agent shall mean such successor
agent and the retiring Agent's appointment, powers and duties as such Agent
shall be terminated. After any retiring Agent's resignation as Agent, the
provisions of this Article 14 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken
                   ----------
or omitted to be taken by it while it was such Agent under this Agreement. If no
successor agent has accepted appointment as Agent by the date which is thirty
(30) days following the retiring Agent's notice of resignation, the retiring
Agent's resignation shall nevertheless thereupon become effective and the
Lenders shall perform all the duties of Agent hereunder and under the other Loan
Documents until such time, if any, as the Majority Lenders appoint a successor
Agent, in each instance, as provided for above.

                                       91
<PAGE>

     14.10  Withholding Tax.
            ---------------

            (a)  Foreign Lender. If any Lender is a "foreign corporation,
                 --------------
partnership or trust" within the meaning of the Code and such Lender claims
exemption from, or a reduction of, U.S. withholding tax under Sections 1441 or
1442 of the Code, such Lender agrees with and in favor of Agent, to deliver to
Agent:

                 (i)    if such Lender claims an exemption from, or a reduction
                        of, withholding tax under a United States tax treaty,
                        properly completed IRS Forms 1001 and W-8 before the
                        payment of any interest in the first calendar year
                        during which interest may be paid under this Agreement;

                 (ii)   if such Lender claims that interest paid under this
                        Agreement is exempt from United States withholding tax
                        because it is effectively connected with a United States
                        trade or business of such Lender, two (2) properly
                        completed and executed copies of IRS Form 4224 before
                        the payment of any interest is due in the first taxable
                        year of such Lender and in each succeeding taxable year
                        of such Lender during which interest may be paid under
                        this Agreement, and IRS Form W-9; and

                 (iii)  such other form or forms as may be required under the
                        Code or other laws of the United States as a condition
                        to exemption from, or reduction of, United States
                        withholding tax.

Such Lender agrees to promptly notify Agent of any change in circumstances which
would modify or render invalid any claimed exemption or reduction.

            (b)  Assignments or Participations by 1001 Lender. If any Lender
                 --------------------------------------------
claims exemption from, or reduction of, withholding tax under a United States
tax treaty by providing IRS Form 1001 and such Lender sells, assigns, grants a
participation in, or otherwise transfers all or part of the Obligations of
Borrower to such Lender, such Lender agrees to notify Agent of the percentage
amount in which it is no longer the beneficial owner of Obligations of Borrower
to such Lender. To the extent of such percentage amount, Agent will treat such
Lender's IRS Form 1001 as no longer valid.

            (c)  Assignment or Participation by 4224 Lender. If any Lender
                 ------------------------------------------
claiming exemption from United States withholding tax by filing IRS Form 4224
with Agent sells, assigns, grants a participation in, or otherwise transfers all
or part of the Obligations of Borrower to such Lender, such Lender agrees to
undertake sole responsibility for complying with the withholding tax
requirements imposed by Sections 1441 and 1442 of the Code.

            (d)  Reduction in Withholding Tax. If any Lender is entitled to a
                 ----------------------------
reduction in the applicable withholding tax, Agent may withhold from any
interest payment to such Lender an amount equivalent to the applicable
withholding tax after taking into account such reduction. If the forms or other
documentation required by paragraph (a) of this Section are not delivered to
Agent, then Agent may withhold from any interest payment to such Lender not
providing such forms or other documentation an amount equivalent to the
applicable withholding tax.

                                       92
<PAGE>

            (e)  Claim of Improper Withholding. If the IRS or any other
                 -----------------------------
Governmental Authority of the United States or other jurisdiction asserts a
claim that Agent did not properly withhold tax from amounts paid to or for the
account of any Lender (because the appropriate form was not delivered, was not
properly executed, or because such Lender failed to notify Agent of a change in
circumstances which rendered the exemption from, or reduction of, withholding
tax ineffective, or for any other reason) such Lender shall indemnify each of
Agent fully for all amounts paid, directly or indirectly, by it as tax or
otherwise, including penalties and interest, and including any taxes imposed by
any jurisdiction on the amounts payable to Agent under this Section, together
with all costs and expenses (including Attorney Costs). The obligation of the
Lenders under this paragraph shall survive the payment of all Obligations and
the resignation or replacement of Agent.

     14.11  Collateral Matters.
            ------------------
            (a)  Release of Agent's Lien. The Lenders hereby irrevocably
                 -----------------------
authorize Agent, at its option and in its discretion to release any Agent's Lien
upon any Collateral: (i) upon the termination of the Commitments and payment and
satisfaction in full by Borrower of all Loans and reimbursement obligations in
respect of Letters of Credit, and the termination of all outstanding Letters of
Credit (whether or not any of such obligations are due) and all other
Obligations; (ii) constituting property being sold or disposed of by Borrower if
Borrower certifies to Agent that the sale or disposition is made in compliance
with Section 9.8 (and Agent may rely conclusively on any such certificate,
     -----------
without further inquiry); (iii) constituting property leased to Borrower under a
lease which has expired or been terminated in a transaction permitted under this
Agreement; or (iv) otherwise constituting property having a value not greater
than five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000). Except as expressly provided
above, Agent will not release any of Agent's Liens upon the Collateral without
the prior written authorization of the Majority Lenders; provided, further, that
Agent shall not release Agent's Liens on Collateral having a value in the
aggregate in excess of one million dollars ($1,000,000) without the prior
written authorization of the Requisite Lenders. Upon request of Agent or
Borrower at any time, the Lenders will confirm in writing Agent's authority to
release any Agent's Liens upon particular types or items of Collateral.

            (b)  Execution of Releases. Upon receipt by Agent of any
                 ---------------------
authorization required pursuant to Section 14.11(a) from (i) Agent, and (ii) the
                                   ----------------
Majority Lenders or Requisite Lenders, as applicable, of Agent's authority to
release any Agent's Liens upon particular types or items of Collateral, and upon
at least five (5) Business Days' prior written request by Borrower, Agent shall
(and is hereby irrevocably authorized by the Lenders to) execute such documents
as may be necessary to evidence the release of Agent's Liens upon such
Collateral; provided, however, that (A) Agent shall not be required to execute
any such document on terms which, in Agent's opinion, would expose Agent to
liability or create any obligation or entail any consequence other than the
release of such Liens without recourse or warranty; and (B) such release shall
not in any manner discharge, affect or impair the Obligations or any Liens
(other than those expressly being released) upon (or obligations of Borrower in
respect of) all interests retained by Borrower, including, without limitation,
the proceeds of any sale, all of which shall continue to constitute part of the
Collateral.

            (c)  No Obligation. Agent shall have no obligation whatsoever to any
                 -------------
of the Lenders to assure that the Collateral exists or is owned by Borrower or
is cared for, protected or insured or has been encumbered, or that Agent's Liens
have been properly or sufficiency or lawfully created, perfected, protected or
enforced or are entitled to any particular priority, or to exercise at all or in
any particular

                                       93
<PAGE>

manner or under any duty of care, disclosure or fidelity, or to continue
exercising, any of the rights, authorities and powers granted or available to
Agent pursuant to any of the Loan Documents, it being understood and agreed that
in respect of the Collateral, or any act, omission or event related thereto,
subject to the terms and conditions contained herein, Agent may act in any
manner it may deem appropriate, in its reasonable discretion and that Agent
shall have no other duty or liability whatsoever to any Lender as to any of the
foregoing, except as otherwise specifically provided herein.

     14.12  Restrictions on Actions by Lenders; Sharing of Payments.
            -------------------------------------------------------
            (a)  Setoffs. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in
                 -------
Section 15.13 hereof, as between Agent and the Lenders only (and without any
-------------
intention to allow Borrower any right or benefit under this paragraph), each of
the Lenders agrees that it shall not, without the express written consent of
Agent, and that it shall, to the extent it is lawfully entitled to do so, upon
the request of Agent, set off against the Obligations, any amounts owing by such
Lender to Borrower or any accounts of Borrower now or hereafter maintained with
Agent or such Lender, as the case may be. Each of the Lenders further agrees
that it shall not, unless specifically requested to do so by Agent, take or
cause to be taken any action, including, the commencement of any legal or
equitable proceedings, to foreclose any Lien on, or otherwise enforce any
security interest in, any of the Collateral, the purpose of which is, or could
be, to give such Lender any preference or priority against the other Lenders
with respect to the Collateral.

            (b) Excess Proceeds. If at any time or times any Lender shall
                ---------------
receive (i) by payment, foreclosure, setoff or otherwise, any proceeds of
Collateral or any payments with respect to the Obligations of Borrower to such
Lender arising under, or relating to, this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents, except for any such proceeds or payments received by such Lender from
Agent pursuant to the terms of this Agreement; or (ii) payments from Agent in
excess of such Lender's Pro Rata Share of all such distributions by Agent, such
Lender shall promptly (A) turn the same over to Agent, in kind, and with such
endorsements as may be required to negotiate the same to Agent, or in same day
funds, as applicable, for the account of all of the Lenders and for application
to the Obligations in accordance with the applicable provisions of this
Agreement; or (B) purchase, without recourse or warranty, an undivided interest
and participation in the Obligations owed to the other Lenders so that such
excess payment received shall be applied ratably as among the Lenders in
proportion to their respective Pro Rata Shares; provided, however, that if all
or part of such excess payment received by the purchasing party is thereafter
recovered from it, those purchases of participations shall be rescinded in whole
or in part, as applicable, and the applicable portion of the purchase price paid
therefor shall be returned to such purchasing party, but without interest except
to the extent that such purchasing party is required to pay interest in
connection with the recovery of the excess payment.

     14.13  Agency for Perfection. Each Lender hereby appoints Agent and each
            ---------------------
other Lender as agent for the purpose of perfecting Agent's Liens and Lenders'
security interest in assets which, in accordance with Article 9 of the UCC, can
be perfected only by possession. Should any Lender obtain possession of any such
Collateral, such Lender shall notify Agent thereof and, promptly upon Agent's
request therefor, shall deliver such Collateral to Agent or in accordance with
Agent's instructions.

     14.14  Payments. All payments to be made by any Lender to Agent shall be
            --------
made by bank wire transfer or internal transfer of immediately available funds
to:

Union Bank of California N.A.

                                       94
<PAGE>

Monterey Park, California
Account Number:  070-196431
Account Name:  Wire Transfer Clearing
Attn:  Commercial Loan Operations
Reference:  Pac-West Telecomm, Inc.
ABA Number:  122-000-496

or pursuant to such other wire transfer instructions as Agent may designate by
written notice to the Lenders.

     14.15  Concerning the Collateral and the Related Loan Documents. Each
            --------------------------------------------------------
Lender authorizes and directs Agent to enter into this Agreement and the other
Loan Documents relating to the Collateral, for the ratable benefit of the
Lenders in proportion to their Pro Rata Shares. Each Lender agrees that any
action taken by Agent, the Majority Lenders or the Requisite Lenders, as
applicable, in accordance with the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan
Documents relating to the Collateral, and the exercise by Agent, the Majority
Lenders or the Requisite Lenders, as applicable, of their respective powers set
forth therein or herein, together with such other powers that are reasonably
incidental thereto, shall be binding upon all of the Lenders.

     14.16  Disclaimer by Lenders. By signing this Agreement, each Lender agrees
            ---------------------
            as follows:

            (a)  No Representation or Warranty. Each Lender expressly agrees and
                 -----------------------------
acknowledges that neither Agent nor any Agent-Related Person (i) makes any
representation or warranty as to the accuracy of any report prepared or reviewed
by Agent, or any Borrowing Base Certificate or Loan Request, or (ii) shall be
liable for any information contained in any such report, Borrowing Base
Certificate or Loan Request.

            (b)  Not Comprehensive Audits or Examinations. Each Lender expressly
                 ----------------------------------------
agrees and acknowledges that any reports prepared or reviewed by Agent and the
Borrowing Base Certificates are not comprehensive audits or examinations, and
agrees and acknowledges that Agent or other party performing any audit,
examination or review will inspect only specific information regarding Borrower
and will rely significantly upon Borrower's books and records, as well as on
representations of Borrower's personnel.

            (c)  Confidentiality. Each Lender expressly agrees to keep all
                 ---------------
reports prepared or reviewed by Agent and all Borrowing Base Certificates
confidential in accordance with Section 15.14 hereof.
                                -------------

            (d)  Indemnification. Without limiting the generality of any other
                 ---------------
indemnification provision contained in this Agreement, each Lender expressly
agrees: (i) to hold Agent, any other Lender and any Agent-Related Person which
has prepared, reviewed or approved any report, Borrowing Base Certificate or
Loan Request harmless from (A) any action the indemnifying Lender may take or
conclusion the indemnifying Lender may reach or draw (in the absence of gross
negligence or willful misconduct) from any such report, Borrowing Base
Certificate or Loan Request in connection with any Loans or other credit
accommodations that the indemnifying Lender has made or may make to Borrower;
and (ii) to pay and protect, and indemnify, defend and hold harmless, in
proportion to such indemnifying Lender's Pro Rata Share, each Agent, Agent-
Related Person and other Lender which has prepared,

                                       95
<PAGE>

reviewed or approved any such report, Borrowing Base Certificate or Loan Request
(in the absence of gross negligence or willful misconduct), from and against the
claims, actions, proceedings, damages, costs, expenses and other amounts
(including, Attorney Costs) incurred by Agent, Agent-Related Person or other
Lender as the direct or indirect result of any claim of a third party based upon
preparation, review or approval of such report, Borrowing Base Certificate or
Loan Request. Any Agent-Related Person may condition its release of any report
prepared by it upon its receipt of a release of liability and confirmation of
the indemnification hereunder from the recipient of such report.

                                  ARTICLE XV.
                                 MISCELLANEOUS

     15.1   Cumulative Remedies; No Prior Recourse to Collateral. The
            ----------------------------------------------------
enumeration herein of Agent's and each Lender's rights and remedies is not
intended to be exclusive, and such rights and remedies are in addition to and
not by way of limitation of any other rights or remedies that Agent and Lenders
may have under the UCC or other applicable law. Each of Agent and the Lenders
shall have the right, in their sole discretion, to determine which rights and
remedies are to be exercised and in which order. The exercise of one right or
remedy shall not preclude the exercise of any others, all of which shall be
cumulative. Agent and the Lenders may, without limitation, proceed directly
against Borrower to collect the Obligations without any prior recourse to the
Collateral. No failure to exercise and no delay in exercising, on the part of
Agent or any Lender, any right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder, shall
operate as a waiver thereof; nor shall any single or partial exercise of any
right, remedy, power or privilege hereunder preclude any other or further
exercise thereof or the exercise of any other right, remedy, power or privilege.

     15.2   Limitation of Liability. Borrower agrees that it will not assert
            -----------------------
against Agent or any Lender any claim for consequential, incidental, special or
punitive damages in connection with this Agreement or any of the other Loan
Documents or the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby.

     15.3   Survival of Representations and Warranties. All of Borrower's
            ------------------------------------------
representations and warranties contained in this Agreement and the other Loan
Documents shall survive the execution, delivery, and acceptance hereof and
thereof by the parties, notwithstanding any investigation by Agent or any
Lenders or their respective agents.

     15.4   Other Security and Guaranties. Agent may, without notice or demand
            -----------------------------
and without affecting Borrower's obligations hereunder, from time to time: (a)
take from any Person and hold collateral (other than the Collateral) for the
payment of all or any part of the Obligations and exchange, enforce or release
such collateral or any part thereof; and (b) accept and hold any endorsement or
Guaranty of payment of all or any part of the Obligations and release or
substitute any such endorser or guarantor, or any Person who has given any Lien
or other collateral as security for the payment of all or any part of the
Obligations, or any other Person in any way obligated to pay all or any part of
the Obligations.

     15.5   Fees and Expenses.
            -----------------

            (a)  Borrower's Obligation to Pay. Borrower agrees to pay to Agent
                 ----------------------------
and each Lender for its benefit, on demand, all costs and expenses that Agent
and each Lender pays or incurs in

                                       96
<PAGE>

connection with the negotiation, preparation, consummation, administration,
enforcement and termination of this Agreement, including, without limitation:
(i) Attorney Costs; (ii) costs and expenses (including attorneys' and
paralegals' fees and disbursements which shall include the allocated costs of
Agent's and each Lender's and Agent's and each Lender's in-house counsel fees
and disbursements) in connection with the negotiation, preparation,
consummation, administration, enforcement and termination of this Agreement and
any amendment, restatement, supplement, waiver, consent or subsequent closing in
connection with the Loan Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby;
provided, however, that if Agent or any Lender uses a law firm or other external
counsel with respect to any matter, Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse
Agent and each Lender for the fees, expenses, and disbursements of such law firm
or other external counsel, but not also the allocated cost of internal legal
services of Agent and each Lender with respect to such matter; (iii) costs and
expenses of Lien and title searches and title insurance; (iv) taxes, fees and
other charges and expenses (including attorneys' and paralegals' fees and
disbursements, which shall include the allocated costs of Agent's and each
Lender's in-house counsel fees and disbursements; provided, however, that if
Agent or any Lender uses a law firm or other external counsel with respect to
any matter, Borrower shall be obligated to reimburse Agent and each Lender for
the fees, expenses, and disbursements of such law firm or other external
counsel, but not also the allocated cost of internal legal services of Agent and
each Lender with respect to such matter) for recording and filing financing
statements and continuations and taking other actions in any location where
Collateral is or may become located or where Agent's Liens are to be registered,
filed or otherwise perfected, to perfect, protect and continue Agent's Liens
(including costs and expenses paid or incurred by Agent and each Lender in
connection with the consummation of this Agreement and each Loan Document); (v)
sums paid or incurred to pay any amount or take any action required of Borrower
under the Loan Documents that Borrower fails to pay or take; (vi) costs of
appraisals, inspections and verifications of the Collateral and of Borrower's
operations, books and records, including, without limitation, travel, lodging,
and meals for inspections of the Collateral and Borrower's operations, books and
records by Agent's and the Lenders' officers, employees and agents plus Agent's
and Lenders' charges for field examinations and audits and the preparation of
reports thereof; (vii) costs and expenses of forwarding Loan proceeds,
collecting checks and other items of payment, and establishing and maintaining
lock-box, deposit accounts and any other payment accounts; (viii) costs and
expenses of preserving and protecting the Collateral; (ix) costs and expenses
(including attorneys' and paralegals' fees and disbursements, which shall
include the allocated cost of Agent's and each Lender's in-house counsel fees
and disbursements; provided, however, that if Agent or any Lender uses a law
firm or other external counsel with respect to any matter, Borrower shall be
obligated to reimburse Agent and each Lender for the fees, expenses, and
disbursements of such law firm or other external counsel, but not also the
allocated cost of internal legal services of Agent and each Lender with respect
to such matter) paid or incurred to obtain payment of the Obligations, enforce
Agent's Liens, sell or otherwise realize upon the Collateral, defend any claims
made or threatened against Agent or any Lender arising out of the transactions
contemplated hereby, correct any Event of Default, gain possession of, maintain,
handle, evaluate, preserve, store, ship, sell, prepare for sale and/or advertise
to sell the Collateral or any other property of Borrower, whether or not a sale
is consummated, and otherwise to enforce the provisions of this Agreement and
the other Loan Documents (with or without suit) and in connection with appellate
proceedings in any appeals court (including, without limitation, preparations
for and consultations concerning any of such matters); and (x) wire transfer
fees in connection with the forwarding of money by Agent and each Lender to any
Lender or Borrower. The foregoing shall not be construed to limit any other
provisions of the Loan Documents regarding costs and expenses to be paid by
Borrower.

                                       97
<PAGE>

            (b)  Charge to Borrower's Account. All of the foregoing costs and
                 ----------------------------
expenses shall be charged to Borrower's Account as Revolving Loans if not paid
by Borrower within fifteen (15) days of Agent's request therefor.

     15.6   Notices. Except as otherwise provided expressly herein, all notices,
            -------
demands and requests that any party is required or elects to give to any other
shall be in writing, or by a telecommunications device capable of creating a
written record, and any such notice shall become effective (a) upon personal
delivery thereof, including, but not limited to, delivery by overnight mail and
courier service; (b) four (4) days after it shall have been mailed by United
States mail, first-class, certified or registered, with postage prepaid; or (c)
in the case of notice by facsimile or any other telecommunications device, when
properly transmitted, in each case addressed to the party to be notified as
follows, or in the case of a Lender, as set forth below such Lender's name on
the applicable signature page of this Agreement and/or Assignment and
Acceptance:

<TABLE>
<S>                                          <C>
If to Agent:                                 With a copy to:
UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.               GRAHAM & JAMES LLP
1800 Harrison Street, Suite 1400             One Maritime Plaza, Third Floor
Oakland, California  94612-3429              San Francisco, California 94111
Attn: Gail Fletcher                          Attention:  Jill Feldman, Esq.
Vice President & Relationship Manager        Telephone No.: (415) 954-0200
Telephone No.:  (510) 271-1747               Facsimile No.: (415) 391-2493
Facsimile No.:  (510) 271-1764

If to Borrower:                              With a copy to:
PAC-WEST TELECOMM, INC.                      NEUMILLER & BEARDSLEE
4210 Coronado Avenue                         5/th/ Floor, Waterfront Office Towers II
Stockton, California 95204                   P.O. Box 20
Attn: Richard E. Bryson                      Stockton, CA 95201-3020
Chief Financial Officer                      Attn: Robert Morrison, Esq.
Telephone No.: (209) 926-3300                Telephone:     (209) 320-8268
Facsimile No.: (209) 926-4444                Facsimile No.: (209) 320-8284
</TABLE>

or to such other address as each party may designate for itself by like notice.
Failure or delay in delivering copies of any notice, demand, request, consent,
approval, declaration or other communication to the persons designated above or,
in the case of Lenders, designated on the signature pages of this Agreement to
receive copies shall not adversely affect the effectiveness of such notice,
demand, request, consent, approval, declaration or other communication.

     15.7   Waiver of Notices. Unless otherwise expressly provided herein,
            -----------------
Borrower waives presentment, protest and notice of demand or dishonor and
protest as to any instrument, notice of intent to accelerate the Obligations and
notice of acceleration of the Obligations, as well as any and all other notices
to which it might otherwise be entitled. No notice to or demand on Borrower
which Agent or any

                                       98
<PAGE>

Lender may elect to give shall entitle Borrower to any or further notice or
demand in the same, similar or other circumstances.

     15.8   Binding Effect. The provisions of this Agreement shall be binding
            --------------
upon and inure to the benefit of the respective representatives, successors and
assigns of the parties hereto; provided, however, that no interest herein may be
assigned by Borrower without the prior written consent of Agent and each Lender.

     15.9   Indemnity of Agent and the Lenders by Borrower. Borrower agrees to
            ----------------------------------------------
defend, indemnify and hold Agent, each Agent-Related Person and each Lender and
each of their respective officers, directors, employees, counsel, agents and
attorneys-in-fact (each, an "Indemnified Person") harmless from and against any
                             ------------------
and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages, penalties, actions,
judgments, suits, costs, charges, expenses and disbursements (including Attorney
Costs) of any kind or nature whatsoever ("Losses") which may at any time
                                          ------
(including at any time following repayment of the Loans and the termination,
resignation or replacement of Agent or replacement of any Lender) be imposed on,
incurred by or asserted against any such Indemnified Person in any way relating
to or arising out of this Agreement, any other Loan Document or any document
contemplated by or referred to herein or therein, or the transactions
contemplated hereby, or any action taken or omitted by any such Person under or
in connection with any of the foregoing, including, without limitation, (a) any
Losses incurred by any Indemnified Person with respect to any investigation,
litigation or proceeding (including any insolvency proceeding or appellate
proceeding) related to or arising out of this Agreement, any other Loan Document
or the Loans or the use of the proceeds thereof, whether or not any Indemnified
Person is a party thereto; (b) any Losses incurred by any Indemnified Person in
connection with Agent's Lien upon, or any Indemnified Person's use of, the
Proprietary Rights Collateral; (c) any Losses incurred by any Indemnified Person
with respect to the Proprietary Rights Collateral; and (d) any Losses incurred
by any Indemnified Person in connection with any claim against Borrower or any
Affiliate of Borrower (all the foregoing, collectively, the "Indemnified
                                                             -----------
Liabilities"); provided, however, that Borrower shall have no obligation
-----------
hereunder to any Indemnified Person with respect to Indemnified Liabilities
resulting solely from the willful misconduct of such Indemnified Person. The
agreements in this Section shall survive the termination of this Agreement and
the repayment of all Obligations hereunder.

     15.10  Final Agreement. This Agreement and the other Loan Documents are
            ---------------
intended by Borrower, Agent and the Lenders to be the final, complete, and
exclusive expression of the agreement between them. This Agreement supersedes
any and all prior oral or written agreements relating to the subject matter
hereof.

     15.11  Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
            ------------
counterparts, each of which shall be an original, but all of which shall taken
together constitute one and the same agreement.

     15.12  Captions. The captions contained in this Agreement are for
convenience of reference are without substantive meaning and should not be
construed to modify, enlarge, or restrict any provision.

     15.13  Right of Setoff. In addition to any rights and remedies of the
            ---------------
Lenders provided by law, if the Loans have been accelerated, each Lender is
authorized at any time and from time to time, without prior notice to Borrower,
any such notice being waived by Borrower to the fullest extent permitted by

                                       99
<PAGE>

law, to setoff and apply any and all deposits (general or special, time or
demand, provisional or final) at any time held by, and other indebtedness at any
time owing by, such Lender to or for the credit or the account of Borrower
against any and all Obligations owing to such Lender, now or hereafter existing,
irrespective of whether or not Agent or such Lender shall have made demand under
this Agreement or any Loan Document and although such Obligations may be
contingent or unmatured. Each Lender agrees promptly to notify Borrower and
Agent after any such setoff and application made by such Lender and shall make
any and all such payments to and other arrangements within the other Lenders as
may be necessary or, in the discretion of Agent, desirable in order to provide
each Lender with its Pro Rata portion of such set-off and application.

     15.14  Use of Name; Confidentiality. Borrower agrees that, subject to
            ----------------------------
Borrower's prior consent for uses other than in a traditional tombstone, which
consent shall not be unreasonably withheld or delayed, Agent and each Lender may
use Borrower's name in advertising and promotional material and in conjunction
therewith disclose the general terms of this Agreement. Agent and each Lender
agrees that the information provided by Borrower (the "Confidential
                                                       ------------
Information") will be kept confidential and shall not, without prior written
-----------
consent of Borrower, be disclosed by Agent or any Lender which has received such
Confidential Information in any manner whatsoever, in whole or in part, and such
Confidential Information shall not be used other than in connection with the
transactions described herein and in the other Loan Documents, or to enforce the
rights of Agent and the Lenders hereunder and under the other Loan Documents.
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, Agent or any Lender
may disclose any such Confidential Information that (a) was or becomes generally
available to the public other than as a result of disclosure by Agent or such
Lender; (b) was or becomes available on a nonconfidential basis from a source
other than Borrower; (c) was heretofore in the possession of Agent or such
Lender on a nonconfidential basis; or (d) is developed by Agent or such Lender
independently of any information furnished by Borrower hereunder, provided that
such source is not bound by a confidentiality agreement with Borrower known to
Agent or such Lender; provided, further however, that Agent and any Lender may
disclose any such information (i) at the request or pursuant to any requirement
of any Governmental Authority to which Agent or such Lender is subject or in
connection with an examination of Agent or such Lender by any such Governmental
Authority; (ii) pursuant to subpoena or other court process; (iii) when required
to do so in accordance with the provisions of any applicable requirement of law;
(iv) to the extent reasonably required in connection with any litigation or
proceeding (including, but not limited to, any bankruptcy proceeding) to which
Agent, any Lender or any of their respective Affiliates may be party; (v) to the
extent reasonably required in connection with the exercise of any remedy
hereunder or under any other Loan Document; (vi) to Agent's or such Lender's
independent auditors, accountants, attorneys and other professional advisors;
(vii) to any Affiliate of Agent or such Lender, or to any Participant or
assignee under any Assignment and Acceptance, actual or potential, provided that
such Affiliate, Participant or assignee agrees to keep such information
confidential to the same extent required of Agent and the Lenders hereunder; and
(viii) as expressly permitted under the terms of any other document or agreement
regarding confidentiality to which Borrower is party or is deemed party with
Agent or any Lender.

     15.15  Severability. The illegality or unenforceability of any provision of
            ------------
this Agreement or any instrument or agreement required hereunder shall not in
any way affect or impair the legality or enforceability of the remaining
provisions of this Agreement or any instrument or agreement required hereunder.

                                      100
<PAGE>

     15.16  Governing Law; Dispute Resolution; Choice of Forum.
            --------------------------------------------------

            (a)  California Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted and the
                 --------------
rights and liabilities of the parties hereto determined in accordance with the
internal laws and not the law of conflicts of the State of California.

            (b)  Arbitration; California Forum. All disputes under this
                 -----------------------------
Agreement shall be resolved in the manner set forth in the Arbitration
Agreement. Any legal action or proceeding with respect to this agreement or any
other Loan Document may be brought in the courts of the city of San Francisco,
State of California or in the United States District Court for the Northern
District of California, and by execution and delivery of this Agreement, each of
Borrower, Agent and the Lenders consents, for itself and in respect of its
property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of those courts. each of Borrower,
Agent and the Lenders irrevocably waives any objection, including any objection
to the laying of venue or based on the grounds of forum non conveniens, which it
may now or hereafter have to the bringing of any action or proceeding in such
jurisdiction in respect of this Agreement or any document related hereto.
Notwithstanding the foregoing: (i) Agent and the Lenders shall have the right to
bring any action or proceeding against Borrower or its property in the courts of
any other jurisdiction that Agent or the Lenders deem necessary or appropriate
in order to realize on the Collateral or other security for the obligations, and
(ii) each of the parties hereto acknowledges that any appeals from the courts
described in the immediately preceding sentence may have to be heard by a court
located outside those jurisdictions.

Borrower hereby waives personal service of any and all process upon it and
consents that all such service of process may be made by registered mail (return
receipt requested) directed to Borrower at its address set forth in Section 15.6
                                                                    ------------
and service so made shall be deemed to be completed five (5) days after the same
shall have been so deposited in the U.S. mails. Nothing contained herein shall
affect the right of agent or the Lenders to serve legal process by any other
manner permitted by law.

                            [Signature Pages Follow]

                                      101
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have entered into this Loan and Security
Agreement as of the date first above written.

                                    PAC-WEST TELECOMM, INC.,
                                    as Borrower

                                    By:__________________________
                                    Name:________________________
                                    Title:_______________________

                                    UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,
                                    as the Administrative Agent

                                    By:__________________________
                                    Name:________________________
                                    Title:_______________________

                                      102
<PAGE>

UNION BANK OF CALIFORNIA, N.A.,     Commitment: $20,000,000
as a Lender

                                    Address for Notices:
By:____________________________     Union Bank of California
Name:__________________________     1800 Harrison Street, Suite 1400
Title:_________________________     Oakland, California  94612-3429
                                    Attn: Gail Fletcher
                                    Vice President & Relationship Manager
                                    Telephone No.:  (510) 271-1747
                                    Facsimile No.:  (510) 271-1764

                                    Wire Transfer Instructions:
                                    Union Bank of California N.A.
                                    Monterey Park, California
                                    Account Number:  070-196431
                                    Account Name:  Wire Transfer Clearing
                                    Attn:  Commercial Loan Operations
                                    Reference:  Pac-West Telecomm, Inc.
                                    ABA Number:  122-000-496

                   [Additional Commitment.  GE Capital hereby agrees to provide
                   ---------------------
          an Additional Commitment under the terms of the Loan Agreement, in the
          amount of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000).  From and after the
          Effective Date, the parties hereto agree that GE Capital shall be a
          Lender under the Loan Agreement and each of the Loan Documents, and
          shall be entitled to all of the rights and benefits of a Lender
          thereunder, and shall be subject to all of the agreements of the
          Lenders thereunder.  From and after the Effective Date, (i) the
          Commitment under the Loan Agreement shall mean and include the
          Commitment of UBOC, in the amount of twenty million dollars
          ($20,000,000) and the Commitment of GE Capital, in the amount of
          twenty million dollars ($20,000,000); and (ii) the Maximum Amount of
          the Commitments shall equal forty million dollars ($40,000,000).]
          From Addition of Lender and Consent and Amendment to Loan and Security
          Agreement dated 11/2/99]

                                      103

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00028-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00028-of-00352.parquet"}]]