Document:

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                                  EXHIBIT 10.13

                KEY EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AND SEVERANCE AGREEMENT

                  THIS AGREEMENT, made and entered into as of the ____ day of
______, 2000, by and between Pentair, Inc., a Minnesota corporation (hereinafter
referred to as the "Company"), and _____________________ (hereinafter referred
to as the "Executive").

                               W I T N E S S E T H

                  WHEREAS, the Executive is employed by the Company and/or a
subsidiary of the Company (hereinafter referred to collectively as the
"Employer") in a key executive capacity and the Executive's services are
valuable to the conduct of the business of the Company;

                  WHEREAS, the Company desires to continue to attract and retain
dedicated and skilled management employees in a period of industry
consolidation, consistent with achieving the best possible value for its
shareholders in any change in control of the Company;

                  WHEREAS, the Company recognizes that circumstances may arise
in which a change in control of the Company occurs, through acquisition or
otherwise, thereby causing a potential conflict of interest between the
Company's needs for the Executive to remain focused on the Company's business
and for the necessary continuity in management prior to and following a change
in control, and the Executive's reasonable personal concerns regarding future
employment with the Employer and economic protection in the event of loss of
employment as a consequence of a change in control;

                  WHEREAS, the Company and the Executive are desirous that any
proposal for a change in control or acquisition of the Company will be
considered by the Executive objectively and with reference only to the best
interests of the Company and its shareholders;

                  WHEREAS, the Executive will be in a better position to
consider the Company's best interests if the Executive is afforded reasonable
economic security, as provided in this Agreement, against altered conditions of
employment which could result from any such change in control or acquisition;

                  WHEREAS, the Executive possesses intimate knowledge of the
business and affairs of the Company and has acquired certain confidential
information and data with respect to the Company; and

                  WHEREAS, the Company desires to insure, insofar as possible,
that it will continue to have the benefit of the Executive's services and to
protect its confidential information and goodwill.

                  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and of the
mutual covenants and agreements hereinafter set forth, the parties hereto
mutually covenant and agree as follows:

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                  1.  Definitions.

                  (a) Accrued Benefits. The Executive's "Accrued Benefits" shall
include the following amounts, payable as described herein: (i) all base salary
for the time period ending with the Termination Date; (ii) reimbursement for any
and all monies advanced in connection with the Executive's employment for
reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the Executive on behalf of the
Employer for the time period ending with the Termination Date; (iii) any and all
other cash earned through the Termination Date and deferred at the election of
the Executive or pursuant to any deferred compensation plan then in effect; (iv)
notwithstanding any provision of any bonus or incentive compensation plan
applicable to the Executive, a lump sum amount, in cash, equal to the sum of (A)
any bonus or incentive compensation that has been allocated or awarded to the
Executive for a fiscal year or other measuring period under the plan that ends
prior to the Termination Date but has not yet been paid (pursuant to Section
5(f) or otherwise) and (B) a pro rata portion to the Termination Date of the
aggregate value of all contingent bonus or incentive compensation awards to the
Executive for all uncompleted periods under the plan calculated as to each such
award as if the Goals with respect to such bonus or incentive compensation award
had been attained reduced by any amounts paid to the Executive pursuant to
Section(b)(iii) and Section 3(b)(iv) under the plan for the fiscal year in which
the Termination Date occurs; and (v) all other payments and benefits to which
the Executive (or in the event of the Executive's death, the Executive's
surviving spouse or other beneficiary) may be entitled on the Termination Date
as compensatory fringe benefits or under the terms of any benefit plan of the
Employer, excluding severance payments under any Employer severance policy,
practice or agreement in effect on the Termination Date. Payment of Accrued
Benefits shall be made promptly in accordance with the Company's prevailing
practice with respect to clauses (i) and (ii) or, with respect to clauses (iii),
(iv) and (v), pursuant to the terms of the benefit plan or practice establishing
such benefits.

                  (b) Act. The term "Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended.

                  (c) Affiliate and Associate. The terms "Affiliate" and
"Associate" shall have the respective meanings ascribed to such terms in Rule
l2b-2 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Act.

                  (d) Annual Cash Compensation. The term "Annual Cash
Compensation" shall mean the sum of (i) the Executive's Annual Base Salary
(determined as of the time of the Change in Control of the Company or, if
higher, immediately prior to the date the Notice of Termination is given) plus
(ii) an amount equal to the greater of the Executive's annual incentive target
bonus for the fiscal year in which the Termination Date occurs or the annual
incentive bonus the Executive received for the fiscal year prior to the Change
in Control of the Company (the aggregate amount set forth in clause (i) and
clause (ii) shall hereafter be referred to as the "Annual Cash Compensation"),

                  (e) Beneficial Owner. A Person shall be deemed to be the
"Beneficial Owner" of any securities:

                      (i)  which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates
         or Associates has the right to acquire (whether such right is
         exercisable immediately

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         or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement,
         arrangement or understanding, or upon the exercise of conversion
         rights, exchange rights, rights, warrants or options, or otherwise;
         provided, however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Beneficial
         Owner of, or to beneficially own, (A) securities tendered pursuant to a
         tender or exchange offer made by or on behalf of such Person or any of
         such Person's Affiliates or Associates until such tendered securities
         are accepted for purchase, or (B) securities issuable upon exercise of
         Rights issued pursuant to the terms of the Company's Rights Agreement,
         dated as of July 21, 1995, between the Company and Norwest Bank
         Minnesota, National Association, as amended from time to time (or any
         successor to such Rights Agreement), at any time before the issuance of
         such securities;

                      (ii)  which such Person or any of such Person's Affiliates
         or Associates, directly or indirectly, has the right to vote or dispose
         of or has "beneficial ownership" of (as determined pursuant to Rule
         l3d-3 of the General Rules and Regulations under the Act), including
         pursuant to any agreement, arrangement or understanding; provided,
         however, that a Person shall not be deemed the Beneficial Owner of, or
         to beneficially own, any security under this clause (ii) as a result of
         an agreement, arrangement or understanding to vote such security if the
         agreement, arrangement or understanding: (A) arises solely from a
         revocable proxy or consent given to such Person in response to a public
         proxy or consent solicitation made pursuant to, and in accordance with,
         the applicable rules and regulations under the Act and (B) is not also
         then reportable on a Schedule l3D under the Act (or any comparable or
         successor report); or

                      (iii) which are beneficially owned, directly or
         indirectly, by any other Person with which such Person or any of such
         Person's Affiliates or Associates has any agreement, arrangement or
         understanding for the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting (except
         pursuant to a revocable proxy as described in clause (ii) above) or
         disposing of any voting securities of the Company.

                  (f) Cause. "Cause" for termination by the Employer of the
Executive's employment in connection with a Change in Control of the Company
shall be limited to (i) the engaging by the Executive in intentional conduct
that the Company establishes, by clear and convincing evidence, has caused
demonstrable and serious financial injury to the Employer, as evidenced by a
determination in a binding and final judgment, order or decree of a court or
administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, in effect after exhaustion or
lapse of all rights of appeal, in an action, suit or proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative; (ii) conviction of a felony (as
evidenced by binding and final judgment, order or decree of a court of competent
jurisdiction, in effect after exhaustion of all rights of appeal); or (iii)
continuing willful and unreasonable refusal by the Executive to perform the
Executive's duties or responsibilities (unless significantly changed without the
Executive's consent).

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                  (g) Change in Control of the Company. A "Change in Control of
the Company" shall be deemed to have occurred if an event set forth in any one
of the following paragraphs shall have occurred:

                      (i)   any Person (other than (A) the Company or any of its
         subsidiaries, (B) a trustee or other fiduciary holding securities under
         any employee benefit plan of the Company or any of its subsidiaries,
         (C) an underwriter temporarily holding securities pursuant to an
         offering of such securities or (D) a corporation owned, directly or
         indirectly, by the shareholders of the Company in substantially the
         same proportions as their ownership of stock in the Company ("Excluded
         Persons")) is or becomes the Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly,
         of securities of the Company (not including in the securities
         beneficially owned by such Person any securities acquired directly from
         the Company or its Affiliates after August 23, 2000, pursuant to
         express authorization by the Board that refers to this exception)
         representing 20% or more of either the then outstanding shares of
         common stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the
         Company's then outstanding voting securities; or

                      (ii)  the following individuals cease for any reason to
         constitute a majority of the number of directors of the Company then
         serving: (A) individuals who, on August 23, 2000 constituted the Board
         and (B) any new director (other than a director whose initial
         assumption of office is in connection with an actual or threatened
         election contest, including but not limited to a consent solicitation,
         relating to the election of directors of the Company, as such terms are
         used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A under the Act) whose appointment
         or election by the Board or nomination for election by the Company's
         shareholders was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the
         directors then still in office who either were directors on August 23,
         2000, or whose appointment, election or nomination for election was
         previously so approved (collectively the "Continuing Directors");
         provided, however, that individuals who are appointed to the Board
         pursuant to or in accordance with the terms of an agreement relating to
         a merger, consolidation, or share exchange involving the Company (or
         any direct or indirect subsidiary of the Company) shall not be
         Continuing Directors for purposes of this Agreement until after such
         individuals are first nominated for election by a vote of at least
         two-thirds (2/3) of the then Continuing Directors and are thereafter
         elected as directors by the shareholders of the Company at a meeting of
         shareholders held following consummation of such merger, consolidation,
         or share exchange; and, provided further, that in the event the failure
         of any such persons appointed to the Board to be Continuing Directors
         results in a Change in Control of the Company, the subsequent
         qualification of such persons as Continuing Directors shall not alter
         the fact that a Change in Control of the Company occurred; or

                      (iii) the consummation of a merger, consolidation or share
         exchange of the Company with any other corporation or the issuance of
         voting securities of the Company in connection with a merger,
         consolidation or share exchange of the Company (or any direct or
         indirect subsidiary of the Company), in each case, which requires
         approval of the shareholders of the Company, other than (A) a merger,
         consolidation or share exchange which would result in the voting

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         securities of the Company outstanding immediately prior to such merger,
         consolidation or share exchange continuing to represent (either by
         remaining outstanding or by being converted into voting securities of
         the surviving entity or any parent thereof) at least 50% of the
         combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such
         surviving entity or any parent thereof outstanding immediately after
         such merger, consolidation or share exchange, or (B) a merger,
         consolidation or share exchange effected to implement a
         recapitalization of the Company (or similar transaction) in which no
         Person (other than an Excluded Person) is or becomes the Beneficial
         Owner, directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company (not
         including in the securities beneficially owned by such Person any
         securities acquired directly from the Company or its Affiliates after
         August 23, 2000, pursuant to express authorization by the Board that
         refers to this exception) representing 20% or more of either the then
         outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the combined
         voting power of the Company's then outstanding voting securities; or

                      (iv)  the consummation of a plan of complete liquidation
         or dissolution of the Company or a sale or disposition by the Company
         of all or substantially all of the Company's assets (in one transaction
         or a series of related transactions within any period of 24 consecutive
         months), in each case, which requires approval of the shareholders of
         the Company, other than a sale or disposition by the Company of all or
         substantially all of the Company's assets to an entity at least 75% of
         the combined voting power of the voting securities of which are owned
         by Persons in substantially the same proportions as their ownership of
         the Company immediately prior to such sale.

Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  no "Change in Control of the Company" shall be
deemed to have occurred if there is  consummated  any  transaction  or series of
integrated  transactions  immediately  following which the record holders of the
common stock of the Company  immediately  prior to such transaction or series of
transactions continue to own, directly or indirectly, in the same proportions as
their ownership in the Company,  an entity that owns all or substantially all of
the  assets or voting  securities  of the  Company  immediately  following  such
transaction or series of transactions.

                  (h) Code. The term "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, including any amendments thereto or successor tax codes thereof.

                  (i) Covered Termination. Subject to Section 2(b), the term
"Covered Termination" means any termination of the Executive's employment during
the Employment Period where the Termination Date or the date Notice of
Termination is delivered is any date prior to the end of the Employment Period.

                  (j) Employment Period. Subject to Section 2(b), the term
"Employment Period" means a period commencing on the date of a Change in Control
of the Company, and ending at 11:59 p.m. Central Time on the earlier of the
third anniversary of such date or the Executive's Normal Retirement Date.

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                  (k) Good Reason. The Executive shall have "Good Reason" for
termination of employment in connection with a Change in Control of the Company
in the event of:

                      (i)   any breach of this Agreement by the Employer,
         including specifically any breach by the Employer of the agreements
         contained in Section 3, Section 4, Section 5, or Section 6, other than
         an isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent failure not occurring in bad
         faith that the Employer remedies promptly after receipt of notice
         thereof given by the Executive;

                      (ii)  any reduction in the Executive's base salary,
         percentage of base salary available as incentive compensation or bonus
         opportunity or benefits, in each case relative to those most favorable
         to the Executive in effect at any time during the 180-day period prior
         to the Change in Control of the Company or, to the extent more
         favorable to the Executive, those in effect at any time during the
         Employment Period;

                      (iii) the removal of the Executive from, or any failure to
         reelect or reappoint the Executive to, any of the positions held with
         the Employer on the date of the Change in Control of the Company or any
         other positions with the Employer to which the Executive shall
         thereafter be elected, appointed or assigned, except in the event that
         such removal or failure to reelect or reappoint relates to the
         termination by the Employer of the Executive's employment for Cause or
         by reason of disability pursuant to Section 12;

                      (iv)  a good faith determination by the Executive that
         there has been a material adverse change, without the Executive's
         written consent, in the Executive's working conditions or status with
         the Employer relative to the most favorable working conditions or
         status in effect during the 180-day period prior to the Change in
         Control of the Company, or, to the extent more favorable to the
         Executive, those in effect at any time during the Employment Period,
         including but not limited to (A) a significant change in the nature or
         scope of the Executive's authority, powers, functions, duties or
         responsibilities, or (B) a significant reduction in the level of
         support services, staff, secretarial and other assistance, office space
         and accoutrements, but in each case excluding for this purpose an
         isolated, insubstantial and inadvertent event not occurring in bad
         faith that the Employer remedies within ten (10) days after receipt of
         notice thereof given by the Executive;

                      (v)   the relocation of the Executive's principal place of
         employment to a location more than 50 miles from the Executive's
         principal place of employment on the date 180 days prior to the Change
         in Control of the Company;

                      (vi)  the Employer requires the Executive to travel on
         Employer business 20% in excess of the average number of days per month
         the Executive was required to travel during the 180-day period prior to
         the Change in Control of the Company;

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                      (vii) failure by the Company to obtain the Agreement
         referred to in Section 17(a) as provided therein.

                  (l) Normal Retirement Date. The term "Normal Retirement Date"
means "Normal Retirement Date" as defined in the primary qualified defined
benefit pension plan applicable to the Executive, or any successor plan, as in
effect on the date of the Change in Control of the Company.

                  (m) Person. The term "Person" shall mean any individual, firm,
partnership, corporation or other entity, including any successor (by merger or
otherwise) of such entity, or a group of any of the foregoing acting in concert.

                  (n) Termination Date. Except as otherwise provided in Section
2(b), Section 10(b), and Section 17(a), the term "Termination Date" means (i) if
the Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive's death, the date of
death; (ii) if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of voluntary
early retirement, as agreed in writing by the Employer and the Executive, the
date of such early retirement which is set forth in such written agreement;
(iii) if the Executive's employment is terminated for purposes of this Agreement
by reason of disability pursuant to Section 12, the earlier of thirty days after
the Notice of Termination is given or one day prior to the end of the Employment
Period; (iv) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive
voluntarily (other than for Good Reason), the date the Notice of Termination is
given; and (v) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Employer
(other than by reason of disability pursuant to Section 12) or by the Executive
for Good Reason, the earlier of thirty days after the Notice of Termination is
given or one day prior to the end of the Employment Period. Notwithstanding the
foregoing,

                      (A) If termination is for Cause pursuant to Section
         1(f)(iii) and if the Executive has cured the conduct constituting such
         Cause as described by the Employer in its Notice of Termination within
         such thirty-day or shorter period, then the Executive's employment
         hereunder shall continue as if the Employer had not delivered its
         Notice of Termination.

                      (B) If the Executive shall in good faith give a Notice of
         Termination for Good Reason and the Employer notifies the Executive
         that a dispute exists concerning the termination within the fifteen-day
         period following receipt thereof, then the Executive may elect to
         continue his or her employment during such dispute and the Termination
         Date shall be determined under this paragraph. If the Executive so
         elects and it is thereafter determined that Good Reason did exist, the
         Termination Date shall be the earliest of (1) the date on which the
         dispute is finally determined, either (x) by mutual written agreement
         of the parties or (y) in accordance with Section 22, (2) the date of
         the Executive's death or (3) one day prior to the end of the Employment
         Period. If the Executive so elects and it is thereafter determined that
         Good Reason did not exist, then the employment of the Executive
         hereunder shall continue after such determination as if the Executive
         had not delivered the Notice of Termination asserting Good Reason and
         there shall be no Termination Date arising out of such Notice. In
         either case, this Agreement continues, until the Termination Date, if
         any, as if the Executive had not delivered the Notice of Termination
         except that, if it is finally

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         determined that Good Reason did exist, the Executive shall in no case
         be denied the benefits described in Section 9 (including a Termination
         Payment) based on events occurring after the Executive delivered his
         Notice of Termination.

                      (C) Except as provided in Section 1(n)(B), if the party
         receiving the Notice of Termination notifies the other party that a
         dispute exists concerning the termination within the appropriate period
         following receipt thereof and it is finally determined that the reason
         asserted in such Notice of Termination did not exist, then (1) if such
         Notice was delivered by the Executive, the Executive will be deemed to
         have voluntarily terminated his employment and the Termination Date
         shall be the earlier of the date fifteen days after the Notice of
         Termination is given or one day prior to the end of the Employment
         Period and (2) if delivered by the Company, the Company will be deemed
         to have terminated the Executive other than by reason of death,
         disability or Cause.

                  2.  Termination or Cancellation Prior to Change in Control.

                  (a) Subject to Section 2(b), the Employer and the Executive
shall each retain the right to terminate the employment of the Executive at any
time prior to a Change in Control of the Company. Subject to Section 2(b), in
the event the Executive's employment is terminated prior to a Change in Control
of the Company, this Agreement shall be terminated and cancelled and of no
further force and effect, and any and all rights and obligations of the parties
hereunder shall cease.

                  (b) Anything in this Agreement to the contrary
notwithstanding, if a Change in Control of the Company occurs and if the
Executive's employment with the Employer is terminated (other than a termination
due to the Executive's death or as a result of the Executive's disability)
during the period of 180 days prior to the date on which the Change in Control
of the Company occurs, and if it is reasonably demonstrated by the Executive
that such termination of employment (i) was at the request of a third party who
has taken steps reasonably calculated to effect a Change in Control of the
Company or (ii) otherwise arose in connection with or in anticipation of a
Change in Control of the Company, then for all purposes of this Agreement such
termination of employment shall be deemed a "Covered Termination," "Notice of
Termination" shall be deemed to have been given, and the "Employment Period"
shall be deemed to have begun on the date of such termination which shall be
deemed to be the "Termination Date" and the date of the Change of Control of the
Company for purposes of this Agreement.

                  3.  Employment Period; Vesting and Payment of Certain
Benefits.

                  (a) If a Change in Control of the Company occurs when the
Executive is employed by the Employer, the Employer will continue thereafter to
employ the Executive during the Employment Period, and the Executive will remain
in the employ of the Employer in accordance with and subject to the terms and
provisions of this Agreement. Any termination of the Executive's employment
during the Employment Period, whether by the Company or the Employer, shall be
deemed a termination by the Company for purposes of this Agreement.

                  (b) If a Change in Control of the Company occurs when the
Executive is employed by the Employer, (i) the Company shall cause all
restrictions on restricted stock awards

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made to the Executive prior to the Change in Control of the Company to lapse
such that the Executive is fully and immediately vested in the Executive's
restricted stock upon such a Change in Control of the Company; (ii) the Company
shall cause all stock options granted to the Executive prior to the Change in
Control of the Company pursuant to the Company's stock option plan(s) to be
fully and immediately vested upon such a Change in Control of the Company; (iii)
the Company shall cause all incentive compensation units and performance awards
granted to the Executive pursuant to any long-term incentive plan maintained by
the Company to be paid to the Executive within ten (10) business days after the
Change in Control of the Company (A) at one-third (1/3) of target, if the award
cycle has been in effect less than twelve (12) months, (B) at two thirds (2/3)
of the then current value pursuant to such plan, if the award cycle has been in
effect twelve (12) or more months but less than twenty-four (24) months, and (C)
at the then current value pursuant to such plan, if the award cycle has been in
effect twenty-four (24) or more months, in each case as if all performance or
incentive requirements and periods had been satisfied; and (iv) the Company
shall pay to the Executive within ten (10) business days after the Change in
Control of the Company an amount equal to the Executive's annual incentive
target bonus for the fiscal year in which the Change in Control of the Company
occurs.

                  4.  Duties. During the Employment Period, the Executive shall,
in the same capacities and positions held by the Executive at the time of the
Change in Control of the Company or in such other capacities and positions as
may be agreed to by the Employer and the Executive in writing, devote the
Executive's best efforts and all of the Executive's business time, attention and
skill to the business and affairs of the Employer, as such business and affairs
now exist and as they may hereafter be conducted.

                  5.  Compensation. During the Employment Period, the Executive
shall be compensated as follows:

                  (a) The Executive shall receive, at reasonable intervals (but
not less often than monthly) and in accordance with such standard policies as
may be in effect immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, an
annual base salary in cash equivalent of not less than twelve times the
Executive's highest monthly base salary for the twelve-month period immediately
preceding the month in which the Change in Control of the Company occurs or, if
higher, annual base salary at the rate in effect immediately prior to the Change
in Control of the Company (which base salary shall, unless otherwise agreed in
writing by the Executive, include the current receipt by the Executive of any
amounts which, prior to the Change in Control of the Company, the Executive had
elected to defer, whether such compensation is deferred under Section 401(k) of
the Code or otherwise), subject to adjustment as hereinafter provided in Section
6 (such salary amount as adjusted upward from time to time is hereafter referred
to as the "Annual Base Salary").

                  (b) The Executive shall receive fringe benefits at least equal
in value to the highest value of such benefits provided for the Executive at any
time during the 180-day period immediately prior to the Change in Control of the
Company or, if more favorable to the Executive, those provided generally at any
time during the Employment Period to any executives of the Employer of
comparable status and position to the Executive; and shall be reimbursed, at
such intervals and in accordance with such standard policies that are most
favorable to the Executive that were in effect at any time during the 180-day
period immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company, for any and
all monies advanced in connection with the

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Executive's employment for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred by the
Executive on behalf of the Employer, including travel expenses.

                  (c) The Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case
may be, shall be included, to the extent eligible thereunder (which eligibility
shall not be conditioned on the Executive's salary grade or on any other
requirement which excludes persons of comparable status to the Executive unless
such exclusion was in effect for such plan or an equivalent plan at any time
during the 180-day period immediately prior to the Change in Control of the
Company), in any and all plans providing benefits for the Employer's salaried
employees in general, including but not limited to group life insurance,
hospitalization, medical, dental, profit sharing and stock bonus plans;
provided, that, (i) in no event shall the aggregate level of benefits under such
plans in which the Executive is included be less than the aggregate level of
benefits under plans of the Employer of the type referred to in this Section
5(c) in which the Executive was participating at any time during the 180-day
period immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company and (ii) in no
event shall the aggregate level of benefits under such plans be less than the
aggregate level of benefits under plans of the type referred to in this Section
5(c) provided at any time after the Change in Control of the Company to any
executive of the Employer of comparable status and position to the Executive.

                  (d) The Executive shall annually be entitled to not less than
the amount of paid vacation and not fewer than the highest number of paid
holidays to which the Executive was entitled annually at any time during the
180-day period immediately prior to the Change in Control of the Company or such
greater amount of paid vacation and number of paid holidays as may be made
available annually to other executives of the Employer of comparable status and
position to the Executive at any time during the Employment Period.

                  (e) The Executive shall be included in all plans providing
additional benefits to executives of the Employer of comparable status and
position to the Executive, including but not limited to deferred compensation,
split-dollar life insurance, supplemental retirement, stock option, stock
appreciation, stock bonus and similar or comparable plans; provided, that, (i)
in no event shall the aggregate level of benefits under such plans be less than
the highest aggregate level of benefits under plans of the Employer of the type
referred to in this Section 5(e) in which the Executive was participating at any
time during the 180-day period immediately prior to the Change in Control of the
Company; (ii) in no event shall the aggregate level of benefits under such plans
be less than the aggregate levels of benefits under plans of the type referred
to in this Section 5(e) provided at any time after the Change in Control of the
Company to any executive of the Employer comparable in status and position to
the Executive; and (iii) the Employer's obligation to include the Executive in
bonus or incentive compensation plans shall be determined by Section 5(f).

                  (f) To assure that the Executive will have an opportunity to
earn incentive compensation after a Change in Control of the Company, the
Executive shall be included in a bonus plan of the Employer which shall satisfy
the standards described below (such plan, the "Bonus Plan"). Bonuses under the
Bonus Plan shall be payable with respect to achieving such financial or other
goals reasonably related to the business of the Employer as the Employer shall
establish (the "Goals"), all of which Goals shall be attainable, prior to the
end of the Employment Period, with approximately the same degree of probability
as the most attainable goals under the Employer's bonus plan or plans as in
effect at any time during the 180-day period immediately

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prior to the Change in Control of the Company (whether one or more, the "Company
Bonus Plan") and in view of the Employer's existing and projected financial and
business circumstances applicable at the time. The amount of the bonus (the
"Bonus Amount") that the Executive is eligible to earn under the Bonus Plan
shall be no less than 200% of the Executive's target award provided in such
Company Bonus Plan (such bonus amount herein referred to as the "Targeted
Bonus"), and in the event the Goals are not achieved such that the entire
Targeted Bonus is not payable, the Bonus Plan shall provide for a payment of a
Bonus Amount equal to a portion of the Targeted Bonus reasonably related to that
portion of the Goals which were achieved. Payment of the Bonus Amount shall not
be affected by any circumstance occurring subsequent to the end of the
Employment Period, including termination of the Executive's employment.

                  6.  Annual Compensation Adjustments. During the Employment
Period, the Board of Directors of the Company (or an appropriate committee
thereof) will consider and appraise, at least annually, the contributions of the
Executive to the Company, and in accordance with the Company's practice prior to
the Change in Control of the Company, due consideration shall be given to the
upward adjustment of the Executive's Annual Base Salary, at least annually, (a)
commensurate with increases generally given to other executives of the Company
of comparable status and position to the Executive, and (b) as the scope of the
Company's operations or the Executive's duties expand.

                  7.  Termination For Cause or Without Good Reason. If there is
a Covered Termination for Cause or due to the Executive's voluntarily
terminating his or her employment other than for Good Reason (any such
terminations to be subject to the procedures set forth in Section 13), then the
Executive shall be entitled to receive only Accrued Benefits.

                  8.  Termination Giving Rise to a Termination Payment. If there
is a Covered Termination by the Executive for Good Reason, or by the Company
other than by reason of (i) death, (ii) disability pursuant to Section 12, or
(iii) Cause (any such terminations to be subject to the procedures set forth in
Section 13), then the Executive shall be entitled to receive, and the Company
shall promptly pay, Accrued Benefits and, in lieu of further base salary for
periods following the Termination Date, as liquidated damages and additional
severance pay and in consideration of the covenant of the Executive set forth in
Section 14(a), the Termination Payment pursuant to Section 9(a).

                  9.  Payments Upon Termination.

                  (a) Termination Payment. The "Termination Payment" shall be an
amount equal to the Annual Cash Compensation times two and one-half (2 1/2). The
Termination Payment shall be paid to the Executive in cash equivalent ten (10)
business days after the Termination Date. Such lump sum payment shall not be
reduced by any present value or similar factor, and the Executive shall not be
required to mitigate the amount of the Termination Payment by securing other
employment or otherwise, nor will such Termination Payment be reduced by reason
of the Executive securing other employment or for any other reason. The
Termination Payment shall be in lieu of, and acceptance by the Executive of the
Termination Payment shall constitute the Executive's release of any rights of
the Executive to, any other cash severance payments under any Company severance
policy, practice or agreement.

                                      -11-
<PAGE>   12

                  (b) Certain Additional Payments by the Company.

                      (i)   Notwithstanding any other provision of this
         Agreement, if any portion of the Termination Payment or any other
         payment under this Agreement, or under any other agreement with or plan
         of the Employer (in the aggregate, "Total Payments"), would constitute
         an "excess parachute payment" as defined in Section 280G of the Code
         (or any successor provision), then the Company shall pay the Executive
         an additional amount (the "Gross-Up Payment") such that the net amount
         retained by the Executive after deduction of any excise tax imposed
         under Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision) and any
         interest charges or penalties in respect of the imposition of such
         excise tax (collectively, the "Excise Tax") (but not any federal, state
         or local income tax, or employment tax) on the Total Payments, and any
         federal, state and local income tax, employment tax, and excise tax
         upon the payment provided for by this Section 9(b)(i), shall be equal
         to the Total Payments. For purposes of determining the amount of the
         Gross-Up Payment, the Executive shall be deemed to pay federal income
         tax and employment taxes at the highest marginal rate of federal income
         and employment taxation in the calendar year in which the Gross-Up
         Payment is to be made and state and local income taxes at the highest
         marginal rate of taxation in the state and locality of the Executive's
         domicile for income tax purposes on the date the Gross-Up Payment is
         made, net of the maximum reduction in federal income taxes that may be
         obtained from the deduction of such state and local taxes.
         Notwithstanding the foregoing, if it shall be determined that the
         Executive is entitled to a Gross-Up Payment, but that the Total
         Payments would not be subject to the Excise Tax if the Total Payments
         were reduced by an amount that is less than 10% of the Total Payments
         that would be treated as "parachute payments" under Section 280G of the
         Code (or any successor provision), then the amounts payable to the
         Executive under this Agreement shall be reduced (but not below zero) to
         the maximum amount that could be paid to the Executive without giving
         rise to the Excise Tax (the "Safe Harbor Cap"), and no Gross-Up Payment
         shall be made to the Executive. For purposes of reducing the Total
         Payments to the Safe Harbor Cap, only amounts payable under this
         Agreement (and no other Total Payments) shall be reduced. If the
         reduction of the amounts payable hereunder would not result in a
         reduction of the Total Payments to the Safe Harbor Cap, no amounts
         payable under this Agreement shall be reduced pursuant to this
         provision.

                      (ii)  For purposes of this Agreement, the terms "excess
         parachute payment" and "parachute payments" shall have the meanings
         assigned to them in Section 280G of the Code (or any successor
         provision) and such "parachute payments" shall be valued as provided
         therein. Present value for purposes of this Agreement shall be
         calculated in accordance with Section 1274(b)(2) of the Code (or any
         successor provision). Promptly following a Covered Termination or
         notice by the Company to the Executive of its belief that there is a
         payment or benefit due the Executive which will result in an "excess
         parachute payment" as defined in Section 280G of the Code (or any
         successor provision), the Executive and the Company, at the Company's
         expense, shall obtain the opinion (which need not be unqualified) of
         nationally recognized tax counsel ("National Tax Counsel") selected by
         the Company's independent auditors

                                      -12-
<PAGE>   13

         and reasonably acceptable to the Executive (which may be regular
         outside counsel to the Company), which opinion sets forth (A) the
         amount of the Base Period Income, (B) the amount and present value of
         Total Payments, (C) the amount and present value of any excess
         parachute payments, and (D) the amount of any Gross-Up Payment or the
         reduction of any Total Payments to the Safe Harbor Cap, as the case may
         be. As used in this Agreement, the term "Base Period Income" means an
         amount equal to the Executive's "annualized includable compensation for
         the base period" as defined in Section 280G(d)(1) of the Code. For
         purposes of such opinion, the value of any noncash benefits or any
         deferred payment or benefit shall be determined by the Company's
         independent auditors in accordance with the principles of Section
         280G(d)(3) and (4) of the Code (or any successor provisions), which
         determination shall be evidenced in a certificate of such auditors
         addressed to the Company and the Executive. The opinion of National Tax
         Counsel shall be addressed to the Company and the Executive and shall
         be binding upon the Company and the Executive. If such National Tax
         Counsel so requests in connection with the opinion required by this
         Section 9(b), the Executive and the Company shall obtain, at the
         Company's expense, and the National Tax Counsel may rely on, the advice
         of a firm of recognized executive compensation consultants as to the
         reasonableness of any item of compensation to be received by the
         Executive solely with respect to its status under Section 280G of the
         Code and the regulations thereunder. Within five (5) days after the
         National Tax Counsel's opinion is received by the Company and the
         Executive, the Company shall pay (or cause to be paid) or distribute
         (or cause to be distributed) to or for the benefit of the Executive
         such amounts as are then due to the Executive under this Agreement.

                      (iii) In the event that upon any audit by the Internal
         Revenue Service, or by a state or local taxing authority, of the Total
         Payments or Gross-Up Payment, a change is finally determined to be
         required in the amount of taxes paid by the Executive, appropriate
         adjustments shall be made under this Agreement such that the net amount
         which is payable to the Executive after taking into account the
         provisions of Section 4999 of the Code (or any successor provision)
         shall reflect the intent of the parties as expressed in this Section 9,
         in the manner determined by the National Tax Counsel.

                      (iv)  The Company agrees to bear all costs associated
         with, and to indemnify and hold harmless, the National Tax Counsel of
         and from any and all claims, damages, and expenses resulting from or
         relating to its determinations pursuant to this Section 9(b), except
         for claims, damages or expenses resulting from the gross negligence or
         willful misconduct of such firm.

                  (b) Additional Benefits. If there is a Covered Termination and
the Executive is entitled to Accrued Benefits and the Termination Payment, then
the Company shall provide to the Executive the following additional benefits:

                      (i)   The Executive shall receive, at the expense of the
         Company, outplacement services, on an individualized basis at a level
         of service commensurate with the Executive's status with the Company
         immediately prior to the date of the Change in Control of the Company
         (or, if higher, immediately prior

                                      -13-
<PAGE>   14

         to the termination of the Executive's employment), provided by a
         nationally recognized executive placement firm selected by the Company;
         provided that the cost to the Company of such services shall not exceed
         10% of the Executive's Annual Base Salary.

                      (ii)  Until the earlier of the end of the Employment
         Period or such time as the Executive has obtained new employment and is
         covered by benefits which in the aggregate are at least equal in value
         to the following benefits, the Executive shall continue to be covered,
         at the expense of the Company, by the same or equivalent life
         insurance, hospitalization, medical and dental coverage as was required
         hereunder with respect to the Executive immediately prior to the date
         the Notice of Termination is given.

                      (iii) The Company shall bear up to $15,000 in the
         aggregate of fees and expenses of consultants and/or legal or
         accounting advisors engaged by the Executive to advise the Executive as
         to matters relating to the computation of benefits due and payable
         under this Section 9.

                      (iv)  The Company shall cause the Executive to be fully
         and immediately vested in his accrued benefit under the Pentair, Inc.
         1999 Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan ("SERP") and the Pentair,
         Inc. Restoration Plan ("Restoration Plan") or any successor plans
         thereto (the "Plans") (to the extent the Executive participates in the
         Plans) and in any defined contribution retirement plan of the Employer.
         The amount of Plan benefits shall be determined as if the Executive had
         completed additional years of Benefit Service (as such term is defined
         in the Plans) equal to the lesser of (A) three years or (B) the greater
         of (x) seven minus the years of Benefit Service credited to such
         Executive under the Plans, determined without regard to the terms of
         this Agreement, as of the end of the calendar year which includes the
         date of the Change in Control of the Company, or (y) zero. In addition,
         if the Executive is described in Appendix A to the SERP, the additional
         benefit therein provided for the Executive shall be fully vested and
         the amount of such additional benefit shall be no less than if the
         Executive had continued in qualified employment through the end of the
         calendar year in which he would attain age sixty-two. In addition, the
         Executive's accrued benefit under the Restoration Plan shall be
         appropriately increased by the value of the Executive's accrued
         benefit, if any, under the Company's tax-qualified defined benefit plan
         which is forfeited due to the Executive's failure to become fully
         vested thereunder.

                  10. Death.

                  (a) Except as provided in Section 10(b), in the event of a
Covered Termination due to the Executive's death, the Executive's estate, heirs
and beneficiaries shall receive all the Executive's Accrued Benefits through the
Termination Date.

                  (b) In the event the Executive dies after a Notice of
Termination is given (i) by the Company or (ii) by the Executive for Good
Reason, the Executive's estate, heirs and beneficiaries shall be entitled to the
benefits described in Section 10(a) and, subject to the

                                      -14-

<PAGE>   15

provisions of this Agreement, to such Termination Payment as the Executive would
have been entitled to had the Executive lived. For purposes of this Section
10(b), the Termination Date shall be the earlier of thirty days following the
giving of the Notice of Termination, subject to extension pursuant to Section
1(n), or one day prior to the end of the Employment Period.

                  11. Retirement. If, during the Employment Period, the
Executive and the Employer shall execute an agreement providing for the early
retirement of the Executive from the Employer, or the Executive shall otherwise
give notice that he is voluntarily choosing to retire early from the Employer,
the Executive shall receive Accrued Benefits through the Termination Date;
provided, that if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive for
Good Reason or by the Company other than by reason of death, disability or Cause
and the Executive also, in connection with such termination, elects voluntary
early retirement, the Executive shall also be entitled to receive a Termination
Payment pursuant to Section 8.

                  12. Termination for Disability. If, during the Employment
Period, as a result of the Executive's disability due to physical or mental
illness or injury (regardless of whether such illness or injury is job-related),
the Executive shall have been absent from the Executive's duties hereunder on a
full-time basis for a period of six consecutive months and, within thirty days
after the Company notifies the Executive in writing that it intends to terminate
the Executive's employment (which notice shall not constitute the Notice of
Termination contemplated below), the Executive shall not have returned to the
performance of the Executive's duties hereunder on a full-time basis, the
Company may terminate the Executive's employment for purposes of this Agreement
pursuant to a Notice of Termination given in accordance with Section 13. If the
Executive's employment is terminated on account of the Executive's disability in
accordance with this Section, the Executive shall receive Accrued Benefits
through the Termination Date and shall remain eligible for all benefits provided
by any long term disability programs of the Company in effect at the time of
such termination.

                  13. Termination Notice and Procedure. Any Covered Termination
by the Company or the Executive (other than a termination of the Executive's
employment that is a Covered Termination by virtue of Section 2(b)) shall be
communicated by a written notice of termination ("Notice of Termination") to the
Executive, if such Notice is given by the Company, and to the Company, if such
Notice is given by the Executive, all in accordance with the following
procedures and those set forth in Section 23:

                  (a) If such termination is for disability, Cause or Good
Reason, the Notice of Termination shall indicate in reasonable detail the facts
and circumstances alleged to provide a basis for such termination.

                  (b) Any Notice of Termination by the Company shall have been
approved, prior to the giving thereof to the Executive, by a resolution duly
adopted by a majority of the directors of the Company (or any successor
corporation) then in office.

                  (c) If the Notice is given by the Executive for Good Reason,
the Executive may cease performing his duties hereunder on or after the date
fifteen days after the delivery of Notice of Termination and shall in any event
cease employment on the Termination Date. If the Notice is given by the Company,
then the Executive may cease performing his duties hereunder on the date of
receipt of the Notice of Termination, subject to the Executive's rights
hereunder.

                                      -15-
<PAGE>   16

                  (d) The Executive shall have thirty days, or such longer
period as the Company may determine to be appropriate, to cure any conduct or
act, if curable, alleged to provide grounds for termination of the Executive's
employment for Cause under this Agreement pursuant to Section 1(f)(iii).

                  (e) The recipient of any Notice of Termination shall
personally deliver or mail in accordance with Section 23 written notice of any
dispute relating to such Notice of Termination to the party giving such Notice
within fifteen days after receipt thereof; provided, however, that if the
Executive's conduct or act alleged to provide grounds for termination by the
Company for Cause is curable, then such period shall be thirty days. After the
expiration of such period, the contents of the Notice of Termination shall
become final and not subject to dispute.

                  14. Further Obligations of the Executive.

                  (a) Competition. The Executive agrees that, in the event of
any Covered Termination where the Executive is entitled to Accrued Benefits and
the Termination Payment, the Executive shall not, for a period expiring one year
after the Termination Date, without the prior written approval of the Company's
Board of Directors, (i) solicit for employment an employee of the Company or its
subsidiaries or (ii) participate in the management of, be employed by or own any
business enterprise at a location within the United States that engages in
substantial competition with the Company or its subsidiaries, where such
enterprise's revenues from any competitive activities amount to 10% or more of
such enterprise's net revenues and sales for its most recently completed fiscal
year; provided, however, that nothing in this Section 14(a) shall prohibit the
Executive from owning stock or other securities of a competitor amounting to
less than five percent of the outstanding capital stock of such competitor.

                  (b) Confidentiality. During and following the Executive's
employment by the Company, the Executive shall hold in confidence and not
directly or indirectly disclose or use or copy or make lists of any confidential
information or proprietary data of the Company (including that of the Employer),
except to the extent authorized in writing by the Board of Directors of the
Company or required by any court or administrative agency, other than to an
employee of the Company or a person to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary
or appropriate in connection with the performance by the Executive of duties as
an executive of the Company. Confidential information shall not include any
information known generally to the public or any information of a type not
otherwise considered confidential by persons engaged in the same business or a
business similar to that of the Company. All records, files, documents and
materials, or copies thereof, relating to the business of the Company which the
Executive shall prepare, or use, or come into contact with, shall be and remain
the sole property of the Company and shall be promptly returned to the Company
upon termination of employment with the Company.

                  15. Expenses and Interest. If, after a Change in Control of
the Company, (a) a dispute arises with respect to the enforcement of the
Executive's rights under this Agreement or (b) any legal or arbitration
proceeding shall be brought to enforce or interpret any provision contained
herein or to recover damages for breach hereof, in either case so long as the
Executive is not acting in bad faith, then the Company shall reimburse the
Executive for any reasonable attorneys' fees and necessary costs and
disbursements incurred as a result of the dispute, legal or arbitration
proceeding ("Expenses"), and prejudgment interest on any money judgment or
arbitration award obtained by the Executive calculated at the rate of interest
announced by U.S.

                                      -16-
<PAGE>   17

Bank National Association, Minneapolis, Minnesota, from time to time at its
prime or base lending rate from the date that payments to him or her should have
been made under this Agreement. Within ten days after the Executive's written
request therefor, the Company shall pay to the Executive, or such other person
or entity as the Executive may designate in writing to the Company, the
Executive's reasonable Expenses in advance of the final disposition or
conclusion of any such dispute, legal or arbitration proceeding.

                  16. Payment Obligations Absolute. The Company's obligation
during and after the Employment Period to pay the Executive the amounts and to
make the benefit and other arrangements provided herein shall be absolute and
unconditional and shall not be affected by any circumstances, including, without
limitation, any setoff, counterclaim, recoupment, defense or other right which
the Company may have against him or anyone else. Except as provided in Section
15, all amounts payable by the Company hereunder shall be paid without notice or
demand. Each and every payment made hereunder by the Company shall be final, and
the Company will not seek to recover all or any part of such payment from the
Executive, or from whomsoever may be entitled thereto, for any reason
whatsoever.

                  17. Successors.

                  (a) If the Company sells, assigns or transfers all or
substantially all of its business and assets to any Person or if the Company
merges into or consolidates or otherwise combines (where the Company does not
survive such combination) with any Person (any such event, a "Sale of
Business"), then the Company shall assign all of its right, title and interest
in this Agreement as of the date of such event to such Person, and the Company
shall cause such Person, by written agreement in form and substance reasonably
satisfactory to the Executive, to expressly assume and agree to perform from and
after the date of such assignment all of the terms, conditions and provisions
imposed by this Agreement upon the Company. Failure of the Company to obtain
such agreement prior to the effective date of such Sale of Business shall be a
breach of this Agreement constituting "Good Reason" hereunder, except that for
purposes of implementing the foregoing the date upon which such Sale of Business
becomes effective shall be deemed the Termination Date. In case of such
assignment by the Company and of assumption and agreement by such Person, as
used in this Agreement, "Company" shall thereafter mean such Person which
executes and delivers the agreement provided for in this Section 17 or which
otherwise becomes bound by all the terms and provisions of this Agreement by
operation of law, and this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and be
enforceable by, such Person. The Executive shall, in his or her discretion, be
entitled to proceed against any or all of such Persons, any Person which
theretofore was such a successor to the Company and the Company (as so defined)
in any action to enforce any rights of the Executive hereunder. Except as
provided in this Section 17(a), this Agreement shall not be assignable by the
Company. This Agreement shall not be terminated by the voluntary or involuntary
dissolution of the Company.

                  (b) This Agreement and all rights of the Executive shall inure
to the benefit of and be enforceable by the Executive's personal or legal
representatives, executors, administrators, heirs and beneficiaries. All amounts
payable to the Executive under Sections 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 15 if the
Executive had lived shall be paid, in the event of the Executive's death, to the
Executive's estate, heirs and representatives; provided, however, that the
foregoing shall not be construed to modify any terms of any benefit plan of the
Employer, as such terms are in effect on

                                      -17-
<PAGE>   18

the date of the Change in Control of the Company, that expressly govern benefits
under such plan in the event of the Executive's death.

                  18. Severability. The provisions of this Agreement shall be
regarded as divisible, and if any of said provisions or any part hereof are
declared invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, the
validity and enforceability of the remainder of such provisions or parts hereof
and the applicability thereof shall not be affected thereby.

                  19. Contents of Agreement; Waiver of Rights; Amendment. This
Agreement sets forth the entire understanding between the parties hereto with
respect to the subject matter hereof and shall supersede in all respects, and
the Executive hereby waives all rights under, any prior or other agreement or
understanding between the parties with respect to such subject matter,
including, but not limited to the Management Assurance Agreement between the
Company and the Executive. This Agreement may not be amended or modified at any
time except by written instrument executed by the Company and the Executive.

                  20. Withholding. The Company shall be entitled to withhold
from amounts to be paid to the Executive hereunder any federal, state or local
withholding or other taxes or charges which it is from time to time required to
withhold; provided, that the amount so withheld shall not exceed the minimum
amount required to be withheld by law. The Company shall be entitled to rely on
an opinion of the National Tax Counsel if any question as to the amount or
requirement of any such withholding shall arise.

                  21. Certain Rules of Construction. No party shall be
considered as being responsible for the drafting of this Agreement for the
purpose of applying any rule construing ambiguities against the drafter or
otherwise. No draft of this Agreement shall be taken into account in construing
this Agreement. Any provision of this Agreement which requires an agreement in
writing shall be deemed to require that the writing in question be signed by the
Executive and an authorized representative of the Company.

                  22. Governing Law; Resolution of Disputes. This Agreement and
the rights and obligations hereunder shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the laws of the State of Minnesota. Any dispute arising out of
this Agreement shall, at the Executive's election, be determined by arbitration
under the rules of the American Arbitration Association then in effect (in which
case both parties shall be bound by the arbitration award) or by litigation.
Whether the dispute is to be settled by arbitration or litigation, the venue for
the arbitration or litigation shall be Minneapolis, Minnesota or, at the
Executive's election, if the Executive is not then residing or working in the
Minneapolis, Minnesota metropolitan area, in the judicial district encompassing
the city in which the Executive resides; provided, that, if the Executive is not
then residing in the United States, the election of the Executive with respect
to such venue shall be either Minneapolis, Minnesota or in the judicial district
encompassing that city in the United States among the thirty cities having the
largest population (as determined by the most recent United States Census data
available at the Termination Date) which is closest to the Executive's
residence. The parties consent to personal jurisdiction in each trial court in
the selected venue having subject matter jurisdiction notwithstanding their
residence or situs, and each party irrevocably consents to service of process in
the manner provided hereunder for the giving of notices.

                                      -18-
<PAGE>   19

                  23. Notice. Notices given pursuant to this Agreement shall be
in writing and, except as otherwise provided by Section 13(d), shall be deemed
given when actually received by the Executive or actually received by the
Company's Secretary or any officer of the Company other than the Executive. If
mailed, such notices shall be mailed by United States registered or certified
mail, return receipt requested, addressee only, postage prepaid, if to the
Company, to Pentair, Inc., Attention: Secretary (or President, if the Executive
is then Secretary), 90 South 7th Street, Thirty Sixth Floor, Minneapolis,
Minnesota 55402, or if to the Executive, at the address set forth below the
Executive's signature to this Agreement, or to such other address as the party
to be notified shall have theretofore given to the other party in writing.

                  24. No Waiver. No waiver by either party at any time of any
breach by the other party of, or compliance with, any condition or provision of
this Agreement to be performed by the other party shall be deemed a waiver of
similar or dissimilar provisions or conditions at the same time or any prior or
subsequent time.

                  25. Headings. The headings herein contained are for reference
only and shall not affect the meaning or interpretation of any provision of this
Agreement.

                                      -19-

<PAGE>   20

                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement
as of the day and year first above written.

                                           PENTAIR, INC.

                                           By:
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Its:
                                                   -----------------------------

                                           Attest:
                                                  ------------------------------
                                               Its:
                                                   -----------------------------

                                           EXECUTIVE:

                                                                          (SEAL)
                                           -------------------------------

                                           Address:
                                                   -----------------------------

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

                                      -20-<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 4.38

                                                                  CONFORMED COPY

                         CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                          dated as of August 25, 2000

                                     among

                       FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION,

                        FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

           CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION,
                                as Guarantors,

                               VARIOUS LENDERS,

                      GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.,
                 as Joint Lead Arranger and Syndication Agent,

                          SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.,
                            as Joint Lead Arranger,

                                CITIBANK, N.A.,
                 as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent,

                                      and

                            BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
                            as Documentation Agent

           ________________________________________________________

                 $300,000,000 Senior Secured Credit Facilities
           ________________________________________________________
<PAGE>

                               TABLE OF CONTENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                      Page
                                                                                      ----
<S>                                                                                   <C>
SECTION 1.   DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION........................................     1
       1.1.  Definitions...........................................................     1
       1.2.  Accounting Terms......................................................    33
       1.3.  Interpretation, etc...................................................    34

SECTION 2.   LOANS.................................................................    34
       2.1.  Loans.................................................................    34
       2.2.  Incremental Facilities................................................    35
       2.3.  Pro Rata Shares; Availability of Funds................................    38
       2.4.  Use of Proceeds.......................................................    39
       2.5.  Evidence of Debt; Register; Lenders' Books and Records; Notes.........    39
       2.6.  Interest on Loans.....................................................    40
       2.7.  Conversion/Continuation...............................................    41
       2.8.  Default Interest......................................................    42
       2.9.  Fees..................................................................    42
      2.10.  Scheduled Payments/Commitment Reductions..............................    43
      2.11.  Voluntary Prepayments/Commitment Reductions...........................    45
      2.12.  Mandatory Prepayments/Commitment Reductions...........................    47
      2.13.  Application of Prepayments/Reductions.................................    48
      2.14.  Charging of Accounts..................................................    49
      2.15.  General Provisions Regarding Payments.................................    49
      2.16.  Receipt of Payments...................................................    50
      2.17.  Making or Maintaining Eurodollar Rate Loans...........................    50
      2.18.  Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy.....................................    52
      2.19.  Taxes; Withholding, etc...............................................    54
      2.20.  Obligation to Mitigate................................................    56
      2.21.  Defaulting Lenders....................................................    56
      2.22.  Removal or Replacement of a Lender....................................    57

SECTION 3.   CONDITIONS PRECEDENT..................................................    58
       3.1.  Closing Date..........................................................    58
       3.2.  Conditions to Each Credit Extension...................................    61

SECTION 4.   REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES........................................    63
       4.1.  Organization; Requisite Power and Authority; Qualification............    63
       4.2.  Capital Stock and Ownership...........................................    63
       4.3.  Due Authorization.....................................................    63
       4.4.  No Conflict...........................................................    63
</TABLE>

                                      (i)
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
       4.5.  Governmental Consents...............................................    64
       4.6.  Binding Obligation..................................................    64
       4.7.  Historical Financial Statements.....................................    64
       4.8.  Projections.........................................................    64
       4.9.  No Material Adverse Change..........................................    65
      4.10.  No Restricted Junior Payments.......................................    65
      4.11.  Adverse Proceedings, etc............................................    65
      4.12.  Payment of Taxes....................................................    65
      4.13.  Properties..........................................................    65
      4.14.  Environmental Matters...............................................    66
      4.15.  No Defaults.........................................................    66
      4.16.  Material Contracts..................................................    66
      4.17.  Governmental Regulation.............................................    66
      4.18.  Margin Stock........................................................    66
      4.19.  Employee Matters....................................................    67
      4.20.  Employee Benefit Plans..............................................    67
      4.21.  Solvency............................................................    67
      4.22.  Compliance with Statutes, etc.......................................    68
      4.23.  Disclosure..........................................................    68

SECTION 5.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS...............................................    68
       5.1.  Financial Statements and Other Reports..............................    68
       5.2.  Existence...........................................................    72
       5.3.  Payment of Taxes and Claims.........................................    72
       5.4.  Maintenance of Properties...........................................    73
       5.5.  Insurance...........................................................    73
       5.6.  Books and Records; Inspections; Lenders Meetings....................    73
       5.7.  Compliance with Laws................................................    74
       5.8.  Ownership of Telecommunications Assets..............................    74
       5.9.  Environmental.......................................................    74
      5.10.  Subsidiaries........................................................    76
      5.11.  Material Real Estate Assets.........................................    76
      5.12.  Interest Rate Protection............................................    76
      5.13.  Intercompany Transactions...........................................    77
      5.14.  Further Assurances..................................................    77
      5.15.  Certain Post-Closing Obligations....................................    77

SECTION 6.   NEGATIVE COVENANTS..................................................    81
       6.1.  Indebtedness........................................................    81
       6.2.  Liens...............................................................    82
       6.3.  No Further Negative Pledges.........................................    84
       6.4.  Restricted Payments; Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions.......    84

</TABLE>

                                     (ii)
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                 <C>
       6.5.  Investments.........................................................   85
       6.6.  Stage 1 Financial Covenants.........................................   86
       6.7.  Stage 2 Financial Covenants.........................................   87
       6.8.  Fundamental Changes; Disposition of Assets; Acquisitions............   88
       6.9.  Disposal of Subsidiary Interests....................................   88
      6.10.  Sales and Lease-Backs...............................................   89
      6.11.  Sale or Discount of Receivables.....................................   89
      6.12.  Transactions with Shareholders and Affiliates.......................   89
      6.13.  Conduct of Business.................................................   89
      6.14.  Amendments or Waivers with respect to Related Agreements and
             Holdings Permitted Debt.............................................   90
      6.15.  Disposition of Licenses, etc........................................   90
      6.16.  Fiscal Year.........................................................   90

SECTION 7.   GUARANTY............................................................   91
       7.1.  Guaranty............................................................   91
       7.2.  Contribution by Guarantors..........................................   91
       7.3.  Payment by Guarantors...............................................   92
       7.4.  Liability of Guarantors Absolute....................................   92
       7.5.  Waivers by Guarantors...............................................   94
       7.6.  Guarantors' Rights of Subrogation, Contribution, etc................   95
       7.7.  Subordination of Other Obligations..................................   96
       7.8.  Continuing Guaranty.................................................   96
       7.9.  Authority of Guarantors or Company..................................   96
      7.10.  Financial Condition of Company......................................   96
      7.11.  Bankruptcy, etc.....................................................   97
      7.12.  Discharge of Guaranty Upon Sale of Guarantor........................   97

SECTION 8.   EVENTS OF DEFAULT...................................................   98
       8.1.  Events of Default...................................................   98

 SECTION 9.  AGENTS..............................................................  100
       9.1.  Appointment of Agents...............................................  100
       9.2.  Powers and Duties...................................................  101
       9.3.  General Immunity....................................................  101
       9.4.  Agents Entitled to Act as Lender....................................  102
       9.5.  Lenders' Representations, Warranties and Acknowledgment.............  102
       9.6.  Right to Indemnity..................................................  103
       9.7.  Successor Administrative Agent......................................  103
       9.8.  Collateral Documents and Guaranty...................................  104
</TABLE>

                                    (iii)
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                                  <C>
SECTION 10.  MISCELLANEOUS.........................................................  104
      10.1.  Notices...............................................................  104
      10.2.  Expenses..............................................................  105
      10.3.  Indemnity.............................................................  105
      10.4.  Set-Off...............................................................  106
      10.5.  Amendments and Waivers................................................  106
      10.6.  Successors and Assigns; Participations................................  108
      10.7.  Independence of Covenants.............................................  112
      10.8.  Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements................  112
      10.9.  No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative........................................  112
     10.10.  Marshalling; Payments Set Aside.......................................  113
     10.11.  Severability..........................................................  113
     10.12.  Entire Agreement......................................................  113
     10.13.  Obligations Several; Independent Nature of Lenders' Rights............  113
     10.14.  Headings..............................................................  113
     10.15.  APPLICABLE LAW........................................................  113
     10.16.  CONSENT TO JURISDICTION...............................................  114
     10.17.  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL..................................................  114
     10.18.  Confidentiality.......................................................  115
     10.19.  Usury Savings Clause..................................................  115
     10.20.  Counterparts; Effectiveness...........................................  116
</TABLE>

                                     (iv)
<PAGE>

APPENDICES: A-1     Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments
            A-2     Revolving Commitments
            B       Notice Addresses

SCHEDULES:  3.1(e)  Certain Governmental Authorizations
            4.1     Jurisdictions of Organization and Qualification
            4.2     Capital Stock and Ownership
            4.5     Governmental Authorization and Consents
            4.7     Contingent Liabilities
            4.13    Real Estate Assets
            4.16    Material Contracts
            4.17    Governmental Regulation
            5.15(a) Certain Material Contracts being collaterally assigned
            5.15(b) Certain Agreements requiring Acknowledgment Letters
            6.1     Certain Indebtedness
            6.2     Certain Liens
            6.5     Certain Investments
            6.6(a)  Stage 1 Minimum Revenues
            6.6(b)  Stage 1 Minimum Access Lines
            6.6(c)  Stage 1 Minimum Consolidated EBITDA
            6.6(f)  Stage 1 and 2 Maximum Consolidated Capital Expenditures
            6.7(a)  Stage 2 Senior Leverage Ratio
            6.7(b)  Stage 2 Total Leverage Ratio
            6.7(c)  Stage 2 Interest Coverage Ratio
            6.7(d)  Stage 2 Fixed Change Coverage Ratio
            6.12    Certain Affiliate Transactions

                                      (v)
<PAGE>

EXHIBITS:   A-1     Funding Notice
            A-2     Conversion/Continuation Notice
            B-1     Delayed Draw Term Loan Note
            B-2     Revolving Note
            B-3     New Term Loan Note
            C       Compliance Certificate
            D       Opinions of Counsel
            E       Assignment Agreement
            F       Certificate Re Non-Bank Status
            G-1     Closing Date Certificate
            G-2     Solvency Certificate
            H       Counterpart Agreement
            I-1     Company Pledge and Security Agreement
            I-2     Master Pledge and Security Agreement
            J       Landlord Personal Property Collateral Access Agreement
            K       Joinder Agreement
            L       Acknowledgment Letter
            M       Approved Lease Agreement
            N       Intercompany Loan Agreement
            O       Intercompany Security Agreement

                                     (vi)
<PAGE>

                         CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

     This CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT, dated as of August 25, 2000, is entered
into by and among FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
("Holdings"), FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation
("Company"), CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF COMPANY, as Guarantors, the Lenders party
hereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P. ("GSCP"), as a
Joint Lead Arranger (in such capacity, a "Joint Lead Arranger"), and as
Syndication Agent (in such capacity,"Syndication Agent"), Salomon Smith Barney
Inc. ("SSB"), as a Joint Lead Arranger (in such capacity, a "Joint Lead
Arranger"), CITIBANK, N.A. ("Citibank"), as Administrative Agent and Collateral
Agent (together with its permitted successors in such capacity,"Administrative
Agent") and as Collateral Agent (together with its permitted successor in such
capacity, "Collateral Agent"), and BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., ("Bank of America"),
as Documentation Agent (in such capacity,"Documentation Agent").

                                   RECITALS:

     WHEREAS, capitalized terms used in these Recitals shall have the respective
meanings set forth for such terms in Section 1.1 hereof;

     WHEREAS, Lenders have agreed to extend certain credit facilities to
Company, as specified herein, in an aggregate amount not to exceed $300,000,000,
consisting of $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Delayed Draw Term Loans
and up to $150,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Revolving Commitments, the
proceeds of which will be used for the purposes specified herein;

     WHEREAS, Company has agreed to secure all of its Obligations by granting to
Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a First Priority Lien on
(i) all Telecommunications Assets financed with the proceeds of Loans made to
Company and (ii) to the extent permitted under the terms of the Holdings Senior
Notes, substantially all of its other assets (subject to certain permitted
exceptions); and

     WHEREAS, Guarantors have agreed to guarantee the Obligations of Company
hereunder and to secure their respective guaranty Obligations by granting to
Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a First Priority Lien to
the extent permitted under the terms of the Holdings Senior Notes, on
substantially all of their assets (subject to certain permitted exceptions).

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and the agreements,
provisions and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:
<PAGE>

SECTION 1.  DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATION

     0.1  Definitions.  The following terms used herein, including in the
preamble, recitals, exhibits and schedules hereto, shall have the following
meanings:

          "Access Lines" shall mean the total number of installed DS-O business
lines (or the equivalent thereof) that are being used to provide service to a
customer of Company and its Subsidiaries, including "on-net" and "unbundled
network elements".

          "Adjusted Eurodollar Rate" means, for any Interest Rate Determination
Date with respect to an Interest Period for a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the rate per
annum obtained by dividing (and rounding upward to the next whole multiple of
1/100 of 1%) (i) (a) the rate per annum (rounded to the nearest 1/100 of 1%)
equal to the rate determined by Administrative Agent to be the offered rate
which appears on the page of the Telerate Screen which displays an average
British Bankers Association Interest Settlement Rate (such page currently being
page number 3740 or 3750, as applicable) for deposits (for delivery on the first
day of such period) with a term equivalent to such period in Dollars, determined
as of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such Interest Rate
Determination Date, or (b) in the event the rate referenced in the preceding
clause (a) does not appear on such page or service or if such page or service
shall cease to be available, the rate per annum (rounded to the nearest 1/100 of
1%) equal to the rate determined by Administrative Agent to be the offered rate
on such other page or other service which displays an average British Bankers
Association Interest Settlement Rate for deposits (for delivery on the first day
of such period) with a term equivalent to such period in Dollars, determined as
of approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such Interest Rate
Determination Date, or (c) in the event the rates referenced in the preceding
clauses (a) and (b) are not available, the rate per annum (rounded to the
nearest 1/100 of 1%) equal to the offered quotation rate to first class banks in
the London interbank market by Citibank, N.A. for deposits (for delivery on the
first day of the relevant period) in Dollars of amounts in same day funds
comparable to the principal amount of the applicable Loan of Administrative
Agent, in its capacity as a Lender, for which the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate is
then being determined with maturities comparable to such period as of
approximately 11:00 a.m. (London, England time) on such Interest Rate
Determination Date, by (ii) an amount equal to (a) one minus (b) the Applicable
                                                       -----
Reserve Requirement.

          "Administrative Agent" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "Adverse Proceeding"  means any action, suit, proceeding (whether
administrative, judicial or otherwise), governmental investigation or
arbitration (whether or not purportedly on behalf of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries) at law or in equity, or before or by any Governmental Authority,
domestic or foreign (including any Environmental Claims), whether pending or, to
the knowledge of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, threatened in writing
against or affecting Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or any property of
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries.

                                       2
<PAGE>

          "Affected Lender" as defined in Section 2.17(b).

          "Affected Loans" as defined in Section 2.17(b).

          "Affiliate" means, as applied to any Person, any other Person directly
or indirectly controlling, controlled by, or under common control with, that
Person. For the purposes of this definition, "control" (including, with
correlative meanings, the terms "controlling", "controlled by" and "under common
control with"), as applied to any Person, means the possession, directly or
indirectly, of the power (i) to vote 10% or more of the Securities having
ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person or (ii) to
direct or cause the direction of the management and policies of that Person,
whether through the ownership of voting securities or by contract or otherwise.
Neither any Agent nor any Lender shall be deemed Affiliates of any Credit Party,
by virtue of the security interests granted under the Pledge and Security
Agreement.

          "Agent" means each of the Joint Lead Arrangers, Syndication Agent,
Administrative Agent, Documentation Agent and Collateral Agent.

          "Aggregate Amounts Due" as defined in Section 10.6(j).

          "Aggregate Payments" as defined in Section 7.2.

          "Agreement" means this Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of
August 25, 2000 as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from
time to time.

          "Annualized Consolidated EBITDA" means, as of any date of
determination, Consolidated EBITDA for the most recently completed Fiscal
Quarter multiplied by four.

          "Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage'' means a percentage per annum,
determined by reference to the Facilities Usage from time to time as set forth
below:

               ===================================================
                                         Applicable Margin
               Facilities Usage    for Commitment Fee Percentage
               ---------------------------------------------------
                    *1/3                      1.50%
               ---------------------------------------------------
                   **1/3                      1.00%
                    *2/3
               ---------------------------------------------------
                   **2/3                      0.75%
               ===================================================

* denotes less than
** denotes greater than or equal to

     "Applicable Margin'' means (i) with respect to Loans that are Eurodollar
Rate Loans (a) from the Closing Date until the date of delivery of the
Compliance Certificate and related financial

                                       3
<PAGE>

statements confirming that Holdings and its Subsidiaries have achieved positive
Annualized Consolidated EBITDA, 3.50%, per annum; and (b) thereafter, a
percentage, per annum, determined by reference to the Total Leverage Ratio in
effect from time to time as set forth below:

              ==========================================
               Total Leverage
                    Ratio               Applicable Margin
              ** 15.0:1.00                    3.25%
              ------------------------------------------
               * 15.0:1.00                    3.00%
              ** 12.5:1.00
              ------------------------------------------
               * 12.5:1.00                    2.75%
              ** 10.0:1.00
              ------------------------------------------
               * 10.0:1.00                    2.50%
              **  7.5:1.00
              ------------------------------------------
               *  7.5:1.00                    2.25%
              **  5.0:1.00
              ------------------------------------------
               *  5.0:1.00                    2.00%
              ==========================================

* denotes less than
** denotes greater than or equal to

and (ii) with respect to Loans that are Base Rate Loans, an amount equal to the
difference of (a) the Applicable Margin for Eurodollar Rate Loans as set forth
in clause (i)(a) or (i)(b) above, as applicable, minus (b) 1.00% per annum.  No
change in the Applicable Margin shall be effective until (x) three Business Days
after the date on which Administrative Agent shall have received the applicable
financial statements and a Compliance Certificate pursuant to Section 5.1(c)
calculating the Total Leverage Ratio or (y) the date of the acquisition in
respect of which the Administrative Agent shall have received the financial
information and Compliance Certificate pursuant to clause (v) of the definition
of Permitted Acquisition calculating the Total Leverage Ratio.  At any time
Company has not submitted to Administrative Agent the applicable information as
and when required under Section 5.1(c), the Applicable Margin shall be
determined as if the Total Leverage Ratio were in excess of 15.0:1.00.  Within
one Business Day of receipt of the applicable information under Section 5.1(c),
Administrative Agent shall give each Lender telefacsimile or telephonic notice
(confirmed in writing) of the Applicable Margin in effect from such date.

          "Applicable Reserve Requirement" means, at any time, for any
Eurodollar Rate Loan, the maximum rate, expressed as a decimal, at which
reserves (including, without limitation, any basic marginal, special,
supplemental, emergency or other reserves) are required to be maintained with
respect thereto against "Eurocurrency liabilities" (as such term is defined in
Regulation D) under regulations issued from time to time by the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System or other applicable banking regulator.
Without limiting the effect of the foregoing, the Applicable Reserve Requirement
shall reflect any other reserves required to be maintained by

                                       4
<PAGE>

such member banks with respect to (i) any category of liabilities which includes
deposits by reference to which the applicable Adjusted Eurodollar Rate or any
other interest rate of a Loan is to be determined, or (ii) any category of
extensions of credit or other assets which include Eurodollar Rate Loans. A
Eurodollar Rate Loan shall be deemed to constitute Eurocurrency liabilities and
as such shall be deemed subject to reserve requirements without benefits of
credit for proration, exceptions or offsets that may be available from time to
time to the applicable Lender. The rate of interest on Eurodollar Rate Loans
shall be adjusted automatically on and as of the effective date of any change in
the Applicable Reserve Requirement.

          "Approved Lease Agreement" means an agreement substantially in the
form of Exhibit M entered by Company and a Subsidiary of Company pursuant to
Section 5.13.

          "Asset Sale" means a sale, lease or sublease (as lessor or sublessor),
sale and leaseback, assignment, conveyance, transfer or other disposition to, or
any exchange of property with, any Person (other than Company or a Guarantor),
in one transaction or a series of transactions, of all or any part of Holdings's
or any of its Subsidiaries' businesses, assets or properties of any kind,
whether real, personal, or mixed and whether tangible or intangible, whether now
owned or hereafter acquired, including, without limitation, the Capital Stock of
any of Holdings' Subsidiaries, other than (i) inventory (or other assets) sold
or leased in the ordinary course of business, including fiber capacity sales in
the ordinary course of business, (ii) disposals of obsolete, worn out or surplus
property, (iii) sales of assets (other than Telecommunications Assets financed
with the proceeds of Loans) not in excess of $10,000,000 in the aggregate during
the term of this Agreement, (iv) transfers and dispositions consisting of
Permitted Liens, (v) payments permitted under Section 6.4 and (vi) Investments
permitted under Section 6.5.

          "Assignment Agreement" means an Assignment Agreement substantially in
the form of Exhibit E, with such amendments or modifications as may be approved
            ---------
by Administrative Agent.

          "Authorized Officer" means, as applied to any Person, any individual
holding the position of chairman of the board (if an officer), chief executive
officer, president or one of its vice presidents (or the equivalent thereof),
and such Person's chief financial officer or treasurer.

          "Bank of America" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "Bankruptcy Code" means Title 11 of the United States Code entitled
"Bankruptcy," as now and hereafter in effect, or any successor statute.

          "Base Rate" means, for any day, a rate per annum (rounded to the
nearest 1/100 of 1%) equal to the greater of (i) the Prime Rate in effect on
such day and (ii) the Federal Funds Effective Rate in effect on such day plus
1/2 of 1%.  Any change in the Base Rate due to a change in

                                       5
<PAGE>

the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective Rate shall be effective on the
effective day of such change in the Prime Rate or the Federal Funds Effective
Rate, respectively.

          "Base Rate Loan" means a Loan bearing interest at a rate determined by
reference to the Base Rate.

          "Beneficiary" means each Agent, Lender and Lender Counterparty.

          "Business Day" means (i) any day excluding Saturday, Sunday and any
day which is a legal holiday under the laws of the State of New York or is a day
on which banking institutions located in such state are authorized or required
by law or other governmental action to close and (ii) with respect to all
notices, determinations, fundings and payments in connection with the Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate or any Eurodollar Rate Loans, the term "Business Day" shall mean
any day which is a Business Day described in clause (i) and which is also a day
for trading by and between banks in Dollar deposits in the London interbank
market.

          "Capital Expenditures" means, for any period, the aggregate of all
expenditures of any Person during such period that, in accordance with GAAP, are
or should be included in "purchase of property and equipment" or similar items
reflected in the statement of cash flows of such Person. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the term "Capital Expenditures" shall not include capital
expenditures in respect of the reinvestment of Net Asset Sale Proceeds or Net
Insurance/Condemnation Proceeds made in accordance with Sections 2.12(a) or (b).

          "Capital Lease" means, as applied to any Person, any lease of any
property (whether real, personal or mixed) by that Person as lessee that, in
conformity with GAAP, is or should be accounted for as a capital lease on the
balance sheet of that Person.

          "Capital Stock" means any and all shares, interests, participations or
other equivalents (however designated) of capital stock of a corporation, any
and all equivalent ownership interests in a Person (other than a corporation),
including, without limitation, partnership interests and membership interests,
and any and all warrants, rights or options to purchase or other arrangements or
rights to acquire any of the foregoing.

          "Cash" means money, currency or a credit balance in any demand or
Deposit Account.

          "Cash Equivalents" means, as at any date of determination, (i) any
investment in direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency
thereof or obligations guaranteed by the United States of America or any agency
thereof, in each case with a term of not more than one year, (ii) investments in
time deposit accounts, term deposit accounts, certificates of deposit, money-
market deposits, bankers' acceptances and obligations maturing within one year
of the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust company which is
organized under the laws of the

                                       6
<PAGE>

United States of America or any state thereof, and which bank or trust company
has, or the obligation of which bank or trust company is guaranteed by a bank or
trust company which has, capital, surplus and undivided profits aggregating in
excess of $150,000,000 and has outstanding debt which is rated "A" (or such
similar equivalent rating) or higher by at least one "nationally recognized
statistical rating organization" (as defined in Rule 436 under the Securities
Act) or any money-market fund sponsored by a registered broker dealer or mutual
fund distributor, (iii) repurchase obligations with a term of not more than 30
days for underlying securities of the types described in clause (i) above
entered into with a bank meeting the qualifications described in clause (ii)
above, (iv) investments in commercial paper, maturing not more than 180 days
after the date of acquisition, issued by a corporation (other than an Affiliate
of Holdings) organized and in existence under the laws of the United States of
America with a rating at the time as of which any investment therein is made of
"P-1" (or higher) according to Moody's or "A-1" (or higher) according to S&P,
(v) investments in securities with maturities of six months or less from the
date of acquisition issued or fully guaranteed by any state, commonwealth,
territory or province of the United States of America or by any political
subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and rated at least "A" by S&P or "A-2"
by Moody's, and (vi) other debt obligations maturing in 365 days or less issued
by a corporation (other than an Affiliate of Holdings) organized under the laws
of the United States or any state thereof and rated at least "A-" by S&P or "A3"
by Moody's.

          "Certificate re Non-Bank Status" means a certificate substantially in
the form of Exhibit F.
            ---------

          "Change of Control" means, at any time, (i) any Person or "group"
(within the meaning of Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the Exchange Act) other than
Permitted Holders (a) shall have acquired beneficial ownership of 30% or more on
a fully diluted basis of the voting and/or economic interest in the Capital
Stock of Holdings or (b) shall have obtained the power (whether or not
exercised) to elect a majority of the members of the board of directors (or
similar governing body) of Holdings; (ii) Holdings shall cease to beneficially
own and control 100% on a fully diluted basis of the economic and voting
interest in the Capital Stock of Company; (iii) Permitted Holders shall cease to
own and control, directly and of record, more than 20% of the issued and
outstanding common stock of Holdings; (iv) the majority of the seats (other than
vacant seats) on the board of directors (or similar governing body) of Company
cease to be occupied by Persons who either (a) were members of the board of
directors of Company on the Closing Date or (b) were nominated for election by
the board of directors of Company, a majority of whom were directors on the
Closing Date or whose election or nomination for election was previously
approved by a majority of such directors; or (v) the occurrence of a "change of
control" or any similar event however defined under the terms of any Permitted
Holdings Debt having a principal amount in excess of $5,000,000 requiring the
prepayment, redemption or offer to repurchase of any such Permitted Holdings
Debt.

          "Citibank" as defined in the preamble hereto.

                                       7
<PAGE>

          "Class" means (i) with respect to Lenders, each of the following
classes of Lenders: (a) Lenders having Revolving Exposure, (b) Lenders having
Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure, and (c) Lenders having New Term Loan Exposure
of each Series, if any, and (ii) with respect to Loans, each of the following
classes of Loans: (a) Revolving Loans, (b) Delayed Draw Term Loans, and (c) New
Term Loan of each Series, if any.

          "Closing Date" means the date on or before September 1, 2000 on which
the conditions set forth in Section 3.1 have being satisfied or waived in
accordance with Section 10.5.

          "Closing Date Certificate" means a Closing Date Certificate
substantially in the form of Exhibit G-1.
                             -----------

          "Collateral" means, collectively, all of the real, personal and mixed
property (including Capital Stock) in which Liens are purported to be granted
pursuant to the Collateral Documents as security for any of the Obligations.

          "Collateral Agent" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "Collateral Documents" means each of the Pledge and Security
Agreements, the Landlord Personal Property Collateral Access Agreements and all
other instruments, documents and agreements delivered by any Credit Party
pursuant to this Agreement or any of the other Credit Documents in order to
grant to Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a Lien on any
real, personal or mixed property of that Credit Party as security for the
Obligations, in each case, as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise
modified from time to time.

          "Commitment" means the commitments of Lenders to make Loans as set
forth in Section 2.1(a) of this Agreement.  The amount of each Lender's
Commitment is set forth on Appendix A or in the applicable Assignment Agreement
or Joinder Agreement and is subject to any adjustment or reduction pursuant to
the terms and conditions hereof.

          "Company" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "Compliance Certificate" means a Compliance Certificate substantially
in the form of Exhibit C.
               ---------

          "Consolidated EBITDA" means, for any period, an amount determined for
Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis equal to (i) the sum,
without duplication, of the amounts for such period of (a) Consolidated Net
Income, (b) Consolidated Interest Expense, (c) provisions for taxes based on
income and to the extent otherwise deducted in calculating Consolidated Net
Income, (i) franchise taxes and (ii) capital gains taxes, (d) total depreciation
expense, (e) total amortization expense, and (f) other non-Cash items reducing
Consolidated Net Income (excluding any such non-Cash item to the extent that it
represents an accrual or reserve for potential Cash items

                                       8
<PAGE>

in any future period or amortization of a prepaid Cash item that was paid in a
prior period), minus (ii) other non-Cash items increasing Consolidated Net
               -----
Income for such period (excluding any such non-Cash item to the extent it
represents the reversal of an accrual or reserve for potential Cash item in any
prior period), all of the foregoing as determined in conformity with GAAP.

          "Consolidated Capital Expenditures" means, for any period, the
aggregate of all Capital Expenditures of Holdings and its Subsidiaries during
such period determined on a consolidated basis, in accordance with GAAP.

          "Consolidated Cash Interest Expense" means, for any period,
Consolidated Interest Expense for such period, excluding any amount not payable
in Cash.

          "Consolidated Current Assets" means, as at any date of determination,
the total assets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis that
may properly be classified as current assets in conformity with GAAP, excluding
Cash and Cash Equivalents.

          "Consolidated Gross PP&E" means, as at any date of determination, the
total assets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis that may
properly be classified, in conformity with GAAP, as property, plant, equipment
or similar items reflected on the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries.

          "Consolidated Current Liabilities" means, as at any date of
determination, the total liabilities of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis that may properly be classified as current liabilities in
conformity with GAAP, excluding the current portion of long term debt.

          "Consolidated Excess Cash Flow" means, for any period, an amount (if
positive) equal to: (i) the sum, without duplication, of the amounts for such
period of (a) Consolidated EBITDA (after adding back any amounts deducted in
determining Consolidated Net Income for such period that was paid, incurred or
accrued in violation of any of the provisions of this Agreement), and (b) the
Consolidated Working Capital Adjustment (determined without regard to any
amounts that violate any of the provisions of this Agreement), minus (ii) the
                                                               -----
sum, without duplication, of the amounts for such period of (a) voluntary and
scheduled repayments of Consolidated Total Debt (excluding repayments of
Revolving Loans except to the extent the Commitments are permanently reduced in
connection with such repayment), to the extent permitted by the provisions of
this Agreement, (b) Consolidated Capital Expenditures (net of any proceeds of
any related financings with respect to such expenditures), to the extent
permitted by the provisions of this Agreement, (c) Consolidated Cash Interest
Expense, to the extent permitted by the provisions of this Agreement, and (d)
provisions for current taxes based on income of Holdings and its Subsidiaries
and payable in cash with respect to such period.

          "Consolidated Fixed Charges" means, for any period, the sum, without
duplication, of the amounts determined for Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis equal to

                                       9
<PAGE>

(i) Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, (ii) scheduled principal payments on
Consolidated Total Debt, and (iii) Capital Expenditures.

          "Consolidated Interest Expense" means, for any period, total interest
expense (including that portion attributable to Capital Leases in accordance
with GAAP and capitalized interest) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a
consolidated basis with respect to all outstanding Indebtedness of Holdings and
its Subsidiaries, including all commissions, discounts and other fees and
charges owed with respect to letters of credit and bankers' acceptance financing
and net costs under Interest Rate Agreements, but excluding, however, any
amounts referred to in Section 2.9 payable on or before the Closing Date.

          "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, (i) the net income
(or loss) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such
period taken as a single accounting period determined in conformity with GAAP,
minus, (ii) (a) the income (or loss) of any Person (other than a Subsidiary of
-----
Holdings) in which any other Person (other than Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries) has a joint interest, except to the extent of the amount of
dividends or other distributions actually paid to Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries by such Person during such period, (b) the income (or loss) of any
Person accrued prior to the date it becomes a Subsidiary of Holdings or is
merged into or consolidated with Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or that
Person's assets are acquired by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, (c) the
income of any Subsidiary of Holdings to the extent that the declaration or
payment of dividends or similar distributions by that Subsidiary of that income
is not at the time permitted by operation of the terms of its charter or any
agreement, instrument, judgment, decree, order, statute, rule or governmental
regulation applicable to that Subsidiary, (d) any after-tax gains or losses
attributable to Asset Sales or returned surplus assets of any Pension Plan, and
(e) (to the extent not included in clauses (a) through (d) above) any net
extraordinary gains or net extraordinary losses.

          "Consolidated Senior Secured Debt" means, as at any date of
determination, Consolidated Total Debt excluding unsecured Indebtedness of
                                       ---------
Holdings.

          "Consolidated Total Debt" means, as at any date of determination, the
aggregate stated balance sheet amount of all Indebtedness of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries determined on a consolidated basis in accordance with GAAP less the
amount of any funds escrowed for the purpose of paying interest on such
Indebtedness.

          "Consolidated Working Capital" means, as at any date of determination,
the excess of Consolidated Current Assets over Consolidated Current Liabilities.

          "Consolidated Working Capital Adjustment" means, for any period on a
consolidated basis, the amount (which may be a negative number) by which
Consolidated Working Capital as of the end of such period exceeds (or is less
than) Consolidated Working Capital as of the beginning of such period.

                                       10
<PAGE>

          "Contractual Obligation" means, as applied to any Person, any
provision of any Security issued by that Person or of any indenture, mortgage,
deed of trust, contract, undertaking, agreement or other instrument to which
that Person is a party or by which it or any of its properties is bound or to
which it or any of its properties is subject.

          "Contributing Guarantors" as defined in Section 7.2.

          "Conversion/Continuation Date" means the effective date of a
continuation or conversion, as the case may be, as set forth in the applicable
Conversion/Continuation Notice.

          "Conversion/Continuation Notice" means a Conversion/Continuation
Notice substantially in the form of Exhibit A-2.
                                    -----------

          "Counterpart Agreement" means a Counterpart Agreement substantially in
the form of Exhibit H.
            ---------

          "Credit Date" means the date of a Credit Extension.

          "Credit Document" means any of this Agreement, the Notes, the Joinder
Agreements, if any, the Collateral Documents, and all other documents,
instruments or agreements executed and delivered by a Credit Party for the
benefit of Agents, or any Lender in connection herewith, including Hedge
Agreements with any Lender Counterparty, in each case as may be amended,
supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

          "Credit Extension" means the making of a Loan.

          "Credit Party" means each Person (other than any Agent, any Lender or
any Lender Counterparty or any other representative thereof) from time to time
party to a Credit Document.

          "Currency Agreement" means any foreign exchange contract, currency
swap agreement, futures contract, option contract, synthetic cap or other
similar agreement or arrangement, each of which is for the purpose of hedging
the foreign currency risk associated with Holdings' or its Subsidiaries'
operations.

          "Dark Fiber Subsidiary" means one or more special purpose Subsidiaries
of Company designated as such by Company and approved by the Syndication Agent
whose sole purpose and business shall be the entry into of dark fiber Capital
Leases and the Related Company Agreements.

          "Default" means a condition or event that, after notice or lapse of
time or both, would constitute an Event of Default.

                                       11
<PAGE>

          "Default Excess" means, with respect to any Defaulting Lender, the
excess, if any, of such Defaulting Lender's Pro Rata Share of the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of Revolving Loans of all Lenders (calculated as if
all Defaulting Lenders (other than such Defaulting Lender) had funded all of
their respective Defaulted Loans) over the aggregate outstanding principal
amount of all Revolving Loans of such Defaulting Lender.

          "Default Period" as defined in Section 2.21.

          "Defaulting Lender" as defined in Section 2.21.

          "Defaulted Loan" as defined in Section 2.21.

          "Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment" means the Commitment of Lender to
make or otherwise fund a Delayed Draw Term Loan to Company and "Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitments" means such Commitments of all Lenders in the aggregate.
The amount of each Lender's Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment, if any, is set
forth in Appendix A-1 or in the applicable Assignment Agreement, subject to any
         ------------
adjustment or reduction pursuant to the terms and conditions hereof.  The
aggregate amount of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments as of the Closing
Date is $150,000,000.

          "Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment Period" means the time period
commencing on the Closing Date through and including the Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commitment Termination Date.

          "Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment Termination Date" means the
earliest to occur of (i) the date the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments are
permanently reduced to zero pursuant to Sections 2.11 or 2.12, (ii) the date of
the termination of the Commitments pursuant to Section 8.1 and (iii) the date
occurring twelve months after the Closing Date.

          "Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure" means, with respect to any Lender as
of any date of determination, the outstanding principal amount of the Delayed
Draw Term Loans of such Lender; provided, at any time prior to the making of the
                                --------
initial Delayed Draw Term Loans, the Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure of any
Lender shall be equal to such Lender's Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment.

          "Delayed Draw Term Loan Installment" as defined in Section 2.10(b).

          "Delayed Draw Term Loan Maturity Date" means the earlier of (i) August
25, 2007 and (ii) the date that all Delayed Draw Term Loans shall become due and
payable in full hereunder, whether by acceleration or otherwise.

                                       12
<PAGE>

          "Delayed Draw Term Loan Note" means a promissory note in the form of
Exhibit B-1, as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified
-----------
from time to time.

          "Delayed Draw Term Loans" means any Delayed Draw Term Loans made by a
Lender to Company pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(ii) of this Agreement and any New
Delayed Draw Term Loans made by a Lender to Company pursuant to Section 2.2 of
this Agreement.

          "Deposit Account" means a demand, time, savings, passbook or like
account with a bank, savings and loan association, credit union or like
organization, other than an account evidenced by a negotiable certificate of
deposit.

          "Documentation Agent" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "Dollars" and the sign "$" mean the lawful money of the United States
of America.

          "Domestic Subsidiary" means with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary
of such Person organized under the laws of the United States of America, any
State thereof or the District of Columbia.

          "DS-O" means the standard telecommunications industry digital signal
format having a bit rate of up to 64 kilobits per second.

          "Eligible Assignee" means (i) any Lender, any Affiliate of any Lender
and any Related Fund (any two or more Related Funds being treated as a single
Eligible Assignee for all purposes hereof), and (ii) any commercial bank,
insurance company, investment or mutual fund or other entity or trust that is an
"accredited investor" (as defined in Regulation D under the Securities Act) and
which extends credit or buys loans as one of its businesses; provided, no
                                                             --------
Affiliate of Holdings or any direct competitor of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries shall be an Eligible Assignee.

          "Employee Benefit Plan" means any "employee benefit plan" as defined
in Section 3(3) of ERISA which is or was sponsored, maintained or contributed to
by, or required to be contributed by, Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any
of their respective ERISA Affiliates.

          "Environmental Claim" means any investigation, notice, notice of
violation, claim, action, suit, proceeding, demand, abatement order or other
order or directive (conditional or otherwise), by any Governmental Authority or
any other Person, arising (i) pursuant to or in connection with any actual or
alleged violation of any Environmental Law; (ii) in connection with any
Hazardous Material or any actual or alleged Hazardous Materials Activity; or
(iii) in connection with any actual or alleged damage, injury, threat or harm to
health, safety, natural resources or the environment.

                                       13
<PAGE>

          "Environmental Laws" means any and all current or future foreign or
domestic, federal or state (or any subdivision of either of them), statutes,
ordinances, orders, rules, regulations, guidance documents, judgments,
Governmental Authorizations, or any other requirements of Governmental
Authorities relating to (i) environmental matters, including those relating to
any Hazardous Materials Activity; (ii) the generation, use, storage,
transportation or disposal of Hazardous Materials; or (iii) occupational safety
and health, industrial hygiene, land use or the protection of human, plant or
animal health or welfare, in any manner applicable to Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries or any Facility.

          "Equipment Subsidiary" means Focal Equipment Finance, LLC or any other
one or more special purpose Subsidiaries of Company designated as such by
Company and approved by the Syndication Agent whose sole purpose and business
shall be the purchase of Telecommunica  tions Assets for sale or other transfer
to Company (pursuant to a sale and repurchase agreement or such other agreement
as appropriate, in each case, in form and substance satisfactory to the
Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent) within 180 days of such purchase.

          "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended from time to time, and any successor thereto.

          "ERISA Affiliate" means, as applied to any Person, (i) any corporation
which is a member of a controlled group of corporations within the meaning of
Section 414(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of which that Person is a member;
(ii) any trade or business (whether or not incorporated) which is a member of a
group of trades or businesses under common control within the meaning of Section
414(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of which that Person is a member; and (iii)
any member of an affiliated service group within the meaning of Section 414(m)
or (o) of the Internal Revenue Code of which that Person, any corporation
described in clause (i) above or any trade or business described in clause (ii)
above is a member.  Any former ERISA Affiliate of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries shall continue to be considered an ERISA Affiliate of Holdings or
any such Subsidiary within the meaning of this definition with respect to the
period such entity was an ERISA Affiliate of Holdings or such Subsidiary and
with respect to liabilities arising after such period for which Holdings or such
Subsidiary could be liable under the Internal Revenue Code or ERISA.

          "ERISA Event" means (i) a "reportable event" within the meaning of
Section 4043 of ERISA and the regulations issued thereunder with respect to any
Pension Plan (excluding those for which the provision for 30-day notice to the
PBGC has been waived by regulation); (ii) the failure to meet the minimum
funding standard of Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to any
Pension Plan (whether or not waived in accordance with Section 412(d) of the
Internal Revenue Code) or the failure to make by its due date a required
installment under Section 412(m) of the Internal Revenue Code with respect to
any Pension Plan or the failure to make any required contribution to a
Multiemployer Plan; (iii) the provision by the administrator of any Pension Plan
pursuant to Section 4041(a)(2) of ERISA of a notice of intent to terminate such
plan in a distress

                                       14
<PAGE>

termination described in Section 4041(c) of ERISA; (iv) the withdrawal by
Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates
from any Pension Plan with two or more contributing sponsors or the termination
of any such Pension Plan resulting in liability pursuant to Section 4063 or 4064
of ERISA; (v) the institution by the PBGC of proceedings to terminate any
Pension Plan, or the occurrence of any event or condition which might constitute
grounds under ERISA for the termination of, or the appointment of a trustee to
administer, any Pension Plan; (vi) the imposition of liability on Holdings, any
of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates pursuant to
Section 4062(e) or 4069 of ERISA or by reason of the application of Section
4212(c) of ERISA; (vii) the withdrawal of Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or
any of their respective ERISA Affiliates in a complete or partial withdrawal
(within the meaning of Sections 4203 and 4205 of ERISA) from any Multiemployer
Plan if there is any potential liability therefor, or the receipt by Holdings,
any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates of notice
from any Multiemployer Plan that it is in reorganization or insolvency pursuant
to Section 4241 or 4245 of ERISA, or that it intends to terminate or has
terminated under Section 4041A or 4042 of ERISA; (viii) the occurrence of an act
or omission which could give rise to the imposition on Holdings, any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates of fines, penalties,
taxes or related charges under Chapter 43 of the Internal Revenue Code or under
Section 409, Section 502(c), (i) or (l), or Section 4071 of ERISA in respect of
any Employee Benefit Plan, which could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect; (ix) the assertion of a material claim (other than routine
claims for benefits) against any Employee Benefit Plan other than a
Multiemployer Plan or the assets thereof, or against Holdings, any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates in connection with any
Employee Benefit Plan; (x) receipt from the Internal Revenue Service of notice
of the failure of any Pension Plan (or any other Employee Benefit Plan intended
to be qualified under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code) to qualify
under Section 401(a) of the Internal Revenue Code, or the failure of any trust
forming part of any Pension Plan to qualify for exemption from taxation under
Section 501(a) of the Internal Revenue Code; or (xi) the imposition of a Lien
pursuant to Section 401(a)(29) or 412(n) of the Internal Revenue Code or
pursuant to ERISA with respect to any Pension Plan.

          "Eurodollar Rate Loan" means a Loan bearing interest at a rate
determined by reference to the Adjusted Eurodollar Rate.

          "Event of Default" means each of the conditions or events set forth in
Section 8.1.

          "Excess Equity Proceeds Amount" means, as of any date of
determination, the aggregate net Cash proceeds received by Holdings from all
issuances of common or pay-in-kind preferred equity Securities issued after the
Closing Date, less the sum of (i) the amount of any Capital Expenditures
              ----
previously made with net cash proceeds from such issuances pursuant to the
proviso set forth in Section 6.6(f) and (ii) the amount of any Investments
previously made with the net cash proceeds from such issuances pursuant to
Section 6.5(i), and (iii) the amount of any cash consideration paid by Holdings
or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with a Permitted Acquisition previously
made with net cash proceeds from such issuances pursuant to Section 6.8(c);
provided
--------

                                       15
<PAGE>

that in any Fiscal Year the aggregate of all portions of the Excess Equity
----
Proceeds Amount allocated to (y) Permitted Acquisitions pursuant to Section
6.8(c) in such Fiscal Year and (z) Investments pursuant to Section 6.5(i) in
such Fiscal Year shall not exceed $150,000,000.

          "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
from time to time, and any successor statute.

          "Facilities Usage" means a fraction, calculated as of the last day of
each Fiscal Quarter (i) prior to the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment
Termination Date, the numerator of which is equal to the average daily Total
Utilization of Commitments during such Fiscal Quarter (or portion thereof) and
the denominator of which is equal to the average daily aggregate Commitments for
all Lenders during such Fiscal Quarter (or portion thereof) and (ii) on and
after the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment Termination Date, the numerator of
which is equal to the average daily Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments
and the denominator of which is equal to the average daily aggregate Revolving
Commitments of all Lenders during such Fiscal Quarter (or portion thereof.)

          "Facility" means any real property (including all buildings, fixtures
or other improvements located thereon) now, hereafter or heretofore owned,
leased, operated or used by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective predecessors or Affiliates.

          "Fair Share Contribution Amount" as defined in Section 7.2.

          "Fair Share" as defined in Section 7.2.

          "Fair Share Shortfall" as defined in Section 7.2.

          "FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission or any successor
United States Governmental Authority exercising similar regulatory and
jurisdictional authority.

          "Federal Funds Effective Rate" means for any day, the rate per annum
(expressed, as a decimal, rounded upwards, if necessary, to the next higher
1/100 of 1%) equal to the weighted average of the rates on overnight Federal
funds transactions with members of the Federal Reserve System arranged by
Federal funds brokers on such day, as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of
New York on the Business Day next succeeding such day; provided, (i) if such day
                                                       --------
is not a Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be such rate on
such transactions on the next preceding Business Day as so published on the next
succeeding Business Day, and (ii) if no such rate is so published on such next
succeeding Business Day, the Federal Funds Rate for such day shall be the
average rate charged to Administrative Agent, in its  capacity as a Lender, on
such day on such transactions as determined by Administrative Agent.

                                       16
<PAGE>

          "Financial Officer Certification" means, with respect to the financial
statements for which such certification is required, the certification of the
chief financial officer of Holdings that such financial statements fairly
present, in all material respects, the financial condition of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries as at the dates indicated and the results of their operations and
their cash flows for the periods indicated, subject (in the case of unaudited
financial statements) to changes resulting from audit and normal year-end
adjustments and the absence of footnotes.

          "Financial Plan" as defined in Section 5.1(i).

          "First Priority" means, with respect to any Lien purported to be
created in any Collateral pursuant to any Collateral Document, that such Lien is
the only Lien to which such Collateral is subject, other than Permitted Liens.

          "Fiscal Quarter" means a fiscal quarter of any Fiscal Year.

          "Fiscal Year" means the fiscal year of Holdings and its Subsidiaries
ending on December 31 of each calendar year.

          "Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio" means the ratio as of the last day of
any Fiscal Quarter of (i) Annualized Consolidated EBITDA, to (ii) Consolidated
Fixed Charges for the then-ending four-Fiscal Quarter Period.

          "Flood Hazard Property" means any Real Estate Asset subject to a
mortgage in favor of Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, and
located in an area designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency as
having special flood or mudslide hazards.

          "Foreign Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any Subsidiary
that is not a Domestic Subsidiary.

          "Free Cash Flow" means Consolidated EBITDA for the twelve-month period
most recently ended prior to the date of determination less the sum of (i)
                                                       ----
Consolidated Capital Expenditures made during such period, (ii) cash taxes paid
or payable with respect to such period, determined on a consolidated basis for
the entity being acquired, (iii) Consolidated Cash Interest Expense, and (iv)
scheduled principal payments on Consolidated Total Debt.

          "Funding Default" as defined in Section 2.21.

          "Funding Guarantors" as defined in Section 7.2.

          "Funding Notice" means a notice substantially in the form of Exhibit
                                                                       -------
A-1 and having attached thereto invoices in respect of all Telecommunications
---
Assets to be financed with the proceeds of Loans requested thereby.

                                       17
<PAGE>

          "GAAP" means, subject to the limitations on the application thereof
set forth in Section 1.2, United States generally accepted accounting principles
in effect as of the date of determination thereof.

          "Governmental Acts" means any act or omission, whether rightful or
wrongful, of any present or future de jure or de facto government or
Governmental Authority.

          "Governmental Authority" means any federal, state, municipal, national
or other government, governmental department, commission, board, bureau, court,
agency or instrumentality or political subdivision thereof or any entity or
officer exercising executive, legislative, judicial, regulatory or
administrative functions of or pertaining to any government or any court, in
each case whether associated with a state of the United States, the United
States, or a foreign entity or government.

          "Governmental Authorization" means any permit, license, authorization,
plan, directive, consent order or consent decree of or from any Governmental
Authority.

          "Grantor" as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement.

          "GSCP" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "Guaranteed Obligations" as defined in Section 7.1.

          "Guarantor" means each of Holdings and each Domestic Subsidiary of
Holdings (other than Company).

          "Guarantor Subsidiary" means each Subsidiary of Holdings (other than
Company) that is a Guarantor.

          "Guaranty" means the guaranty of each Guarantor set forth in Section
7.

          "Hazardous Materials" means any chemical, material or substance,
exposure to which is prohibited, limited or regulated by any Governmental
Authority or which may or could pose a hazard to the health and safety of the
owners, occupants or any Persons in the vicinity of any Facility or to the
indoor or outdoor environment.

          "Hazardous Materials Activity" means any past, current or proposed
activity, event or occurrence involving any Hazardous Materials, including the
use, manufacture, possession, storage, holding, presence, existence, location,
Release, threatened Release, discharge, placement, generation, transportation,
processing, construction, treatment, abatement, removal, remediation, disposal,
disposition or handling of any Hazardous Materials, and any corrective action or
response action with respect to any of the foregoing.

                                       18
<PAGE>

          "Hedge Agreement" means an Interest Rate Agreement or a Currency
Agreement entered into with a Lender Counterparty in order to satisfy the
requirements of this Agreement or otherwise in the ordinary course of Holdings'
or any of its Subsidiaries' businesses and not for speculative purposes.

          "Highest Lawful Rate" means the maximum lawful interest rate, if any,
that at any time or from time to time may be contracted for, charged, or
received under the laws applicable to any Lender which are presently in effect
or, to the extent allowed by law, under such applicable laws which may hereafter
be in effect and which allow a higher maximum nonusurious interest rate than
applicable laws now allow.

          "Historical Financial Statements" means as of the Closing Date, (i)
the audited financial statements of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, for the
Fiscal Year ended December 31, 1999, consisting of balance sheets and the
related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash flows
for such Fiscal Year, and (ii) the unaudited financial statements of Holdings
and its Subsidiaries as at the most recently ended calendar month ending no less
than forty-five days prior to the Closing Date, consisting of a balance sheet
and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows for the relevant period since December 31, 1999, ending on such date, and,
in the case of clauses (i) and (ii), certified by the chief financial officer of
Company that they fairly present, in all material respects, the financial
condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the dates indicated and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for the periods indicated,
subject to (in the case of the financial statements referred to in clause (ii))
changes resulting from audit and normal year-end adjustments.

          "Holdings" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "Holdings Senior Notes" means each of (i) $270,000,000 12.125% Senior
Discount Notes due 2008 of Holdings and (ii) Series A and Series B of the
$275,000,000 11.875% Senior Notes Due 2010 of Holdings and any refinancing or
refunding thereof with the proceeds of Indebtedness meeting the criteria set
forth in clause (iii) of the definition of Permitted Holdings Debt.

          "Increased Amount Date" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "Increased-Cost Lenders" as defined in Section 2.22.

          "Indebtedness", as applied to any Person, means, without duplication,
(i) all indebtedness for borrowed money; (ii) that portion of obligations with
respect to Capital Leases that is properly classified as a liability on a
balance sheet in conformity with GAAP; (iii) notes payable and drafts accepted
representing extensions of credit whether or not representing obligations for
borrowed money; (iv) any obligation owed for all or any part of the deferred
purchase price of property or services (excluding any such obligations incurred
under ERISA and ordinary course

                                       19
<PAGE>

trade payables), which purchase price is (a) due more than six months from the
date of incurrence of the obligation in respect thereof or (b) evidenced by a
note or similar written instrument; (v) all indebtedness secured by any Lien on
any property or asset owned or held by that Person regardless of whether the
Indebtedness secured thereby shall have been assumed by that Person or is
nonrecourse to the credit of that Person; provided that the amount of such
Indebtedness shall equal the lesser of the amount of Indebtedness secured and
the fair market value of the encumbered property; (vi) the face amount of any
letter of credit issued for the account of that Person or as to which that
Person is otherwise liable for reimbursement of drawings; (vii) the direct or
indirect guaranty, endorsement (other than for collection or deposit in the
ordinary course of business), co-making, discounting with recourse or sale with
recourse by such Person of the obligation of another; (viii) any obligation of
such Person the primary purpose or intent of which is to provide assurance to an
obligee that the obligation of the obligor thereof will be paid or discharged,
or any agreement relating thereto will be complied with, or the holders thereof
will be protected (in whole or in part) against loss in respect thereof; and
(ix) any liability of such Person for the obligation of another through any
agreement (contingent or otherwise) (a) to purchase, repurchase or otherwise
acquire such obligation or any security therefor, or to provide funds for the
payment or discharge of such obligation (whether in the form of loans, advances,
stock purchases, capital contributions or otherwise) or (b) to maintain the
solvency or any balance sheet item, level of income or financial condition of
another if, in the case of any agreement described under subclauses (a) or (b)
of this clause (ix), the primary purpose or intent thereof is as described in
clause (viii) above; and (x) obligations of such Person in respect of any
exchange traded or over the counter derivative transaction, including, without
limitation, any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement, whether entered
into for hedging or speculative purposes; provided, in no event shall
                                          --------
obligations under any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement or any
intercompany guarantees of Holdings and/or its Subsidiaries be deemed
"Indebtedness" for any purpose under Sections 6.6 or 6.7; provided further that
                                                          -------- ------- ----
the amount of any indebtedness described in clauses (vii), (viii) and (ix) above
shall be deemed to be the stated or determinable amount of the obligations
guaranteed or otherwise supported, or if not stated or determinable, the maximum
reasonably anticipated liability in respect thereof as determined by the obligor
thereon in good faith.

          "Indemnified Liabilities" means, collectively, any and all
liabilities, obligations, losses, damages (including natural resource damages),
penalties, claims (including Environmental Claims), costs (including the costs
of any investigation, study, sampling, testing, abatement, cleanup, removal,
remediation or other response action necessary to remove, remediate, clean up or
abate any Hazardous Materials Activity), expenses and disbursements of any kind
or nature whatsoever (including the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel
for Indemnitees in connection with any investigative, administrative or judicial
proceeding commenced or threatened by any Person, whether or not any such
Indemnitee shall be designated as a party or a potential party thereto, and any
fees or expenses incurred by Indemnitees in enforcing this indemnity), whether
direct, indirect or consequential and whether based on any federal, state or
foreign laws, statutes, rules or regulations (including securities and
commercial laws, statutes, rules or regulations and Environmental Laws), on
common law or equitable cause or on contract or otherwise, that may be imposed
on, incurred

                                       20
<PAGE>

by, or asserted against any such Indemnitee, in any manner relating to or
arising out of (i) this Agreement or the other Credit Documents or the
transactions contemplated hereby or thereby (including Lenders' agreement to
make Credit Extensions or the use or intended use of the proceeds thereof, or
any enforcement of any of the Credit Documents (including any sale of,
collection from, or other realization upon any of the Collateral or the
enforcement of the Guaranty)); (ii) the statements contained in the commitment
letter delivered by any Lender to Company with respect to the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement; or (iii) any Environmental Claim or any
Hazardous Materials Activity relating to or arising from, directly or
indirectly, any past or present activity, operation, land ownership, or practice
of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries; provided that Indemnified Liabilities
                                        --------
shall not include liabilities incurred by a Credit Party pursuant to Section
10.2.

          "Indemnitee" as defined in Section 10.3.

          "Installment Date" as defined in Section 2.10(a).

          "Intercompany Loan Agreement" means an agreement in substantially the
form of Exhibit N entered into by each Subsidiary of Company and Company
        ---------
pursuant to Section 5.13.

          "Intercompany Security Agreement" means an agreement substantially in
the form of Exhibit O entered into by each Subsidiary of Holdings and Company
            ---------
pursuant to Section 5.13.

          "Interest Coverage Ratio" means the ratio as of the last day of any
Fiscal Quarter of (i) Consolidated EBITDA for the four-Fiscal Quarter Period
then ended, to (ii) Consolidated Cash Interest Expense for such four-Fiscal
Quarter Period, in each case as set forth in the most recent Compliance
Certificate delivered by Company to Administrative Agent pursuant to Section
5.1(c).

          "Interest Payment Date" means with respect to (i) any Base Rate Loan,
each March 31, June 30, September 30 and December 31 of each year, commencing on
the first such date to occur after the Closing Date and the final maturity date
of such Loan; and (ii) any Eurodollar Rate Loan, the last day of each Interest
Period applicable to such Loan; provided, in the case of each Interest Period of
                                --------
longer than three months "Interest Payment Date" shall also include each date
that is three months, or an integral multiple thereof, after the commencement of
such Interest Period.

          "Interest Period" means, in connection with a Eurodollar Rate Loan, an
interest period of one-, two-, three- or six months, as selected by Company in
the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice, (i) initially,
commencing on the Credit Date or Conver  sion/Continuation Date thereof, as the
case may be; and (ii) thereafter, commencing on the day on which the immediately
preceding Interest Period expires; provided, (a) if an Interest Period would
                                   --------
otherwise expire on a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Period shall
expire on the next succeeding Business Day unless no further Business Day occurs
in such month, in which case such Interest Period shall expire on the
immediately preceding Business Day; (b) any Interest Period

                                       21
<PAGE>

that begins on the last Business Day of a calendar month (or on a day for which
there is no numerically corresponding day in the calendar month at the end of
such Interest Period) shall, subject to clauses (c) through (e), of this
definition, end on the last Business Day of a calendar month; (c) no Interest
Period with respect to any portion of any Delayed Draw Term Loans shall extend
beyond the Delayed Draw Term Loan Maturity Date; (d) no Interest Period with
respect to any portion of the Revolving Loans shall extend beyond the Revolving
Commitment Termination Date; (e) no Interest Period with respect to any portion
of any Series of New Term Loans shall extend beyond the New Term Loan Maturity
Date for that Series.

          "Interest Rate Agreement" means any interest rate swap agreement,
interest rate cap agreement, interest rate collar agreement, interest rate
hedging agreement or other similar agreement or arrangement, each of which is
for the purpose of hedging the interest rate exposure associated with Holdings'
and its Subsidiaries' operations.

          "Interest Rate Determination Date" means, with respect to any Interest
Period, the date that is two Business Days prior to the first day of such
Interest Period.

          "Internal Revenue Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended to the date hereof and from time to time hereafter, and any successor
statute.

          "Investment" means (i) any direct or indirect purchase or other
acquisition by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries of, or of a beneficial
ownership interest in, any of the Securities of any other Person (other than a
Guarantor Subsidiary); (ii) any direct or indirect redemption, retirement,
purchase or other acquisition for value, by any Subsidiary of Holdings from any
Person (other than Holdings or any Guarantor Subsidiary), of any Capital Stock
of such Person; and (iii) any direct or indirect loan, advance (other than
advances to employees for moving, entertainment and travel expenses, drawing
accounts and similar expenditures in the ordinary course of business, trade
payables in the ordinary course and other ordinary course loans and advances not
constituting Indebtedness) or capital contribution by Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries to any other Person (other  than Holdings or any  Guarantor
Subsidiary), including all indebtedness and accounts receivable from that other
Person that are not current assets or did not arise from sales to that other
Person in the ordinary course of business. The amount of any Investment shall be
the original cost of such Investment plus the cost of all additions thereto,
without any adjustments for increases or decreases in value, or write-ups,
write-downs or write-offs with respect to such Investment.

          "Joinder Agreement" means a joinder agreement substantially in the
form of Exhibit K, or as may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise
        ---------
modified from time to time.

          "Joint Lead Arranger" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "Joint Venture" means a joint venture, partnership or other similar
arrangement, whether in corporate, partnership, limited liability company, or
other legal form; provided, in no
                  --------

                                       22
<PAGE>

event shall any corporate Subsidiary of any Person be considered to be a Joint
Venture to which such Person is a party.

          "Landlord Personal Property Collateral Access Agreement" means a
Landlord Collateral Access Agreement substantially in the form of Exhibit J with
                                                                  ---------
such amendments or modifications as may be approved by Administrative Agent.

          "Leasehold Property" means any leasehold interest of any Credit Party
as lessee under any lease of real property.

          "Lender" means each financial institution or other Person that becomes
a Lender under this Agreement as of the Closing Date or pursuant to Section 2.2,
together with each such institution's or Person's successors and permitted
assigns.

          "Lender Counterparty" means each Lender or any Affiliate thereof
counterparty to a Hedge Agreement.

          "Lien" means (i) any lien, claim, mortgage, pledge, assignment,
security interest, charge or encumbrance in the nature of the foregoing, any
conditional sale or other title retention agreement, and any lease in the nature
thereof (excluding any agreement entered into in connection with an Asset Sale
permitted hereunder) and any option, trust or other preferential arrangement
having the practical effect of any of the foregoing and (ii) in the case of
Securities, any purchase option, call or similar right of a third party with
respect to such Securities.

          "Loan" means a Delayed Draw Term Loan, a Revolving Loan or a New Term
Loan.

          "Margin Stock" as defined in Regulation T, U or X of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System as in effect from time to time.

          "Material Adverse Effect" means a material adverse effect on (i) the
business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or
prospects of Holdings and its Subsidiaries (including the Company), taken as a
whole; (ii) the ability of any Credit Party to fully and timely perform the
Obligations in a manner which would not give rise to an Event of Default or
Default hereunder; (iii) the legality, validity, binding effect or
enforceability against a Credit Party of a Credit Document to which it is a
party;  (iv) the rights, remedies and benefits available to, or conferred upon,
any Agent and any Lender under any Credit Document; or (v) any material part of
the Collateral or the Collateral Agent's Liens, on behalf of Agents and Lenders
on any material part of the Collateral or the priority of such Liens.

          "Material Contract" means any contract or other arrangement to which
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries is, at any time, a party (other than the
Credit Documents) for which breach, nonperformance, cancellation or failure to
renew could reasonably be expected to have a Material

                                       23
<PAGE>

 Adverse Effect, including without limitation (other than in the case of section
4.16 itself) the contracts listed on Schedule 4.16.

          "Material Real Estate Asset" means (a) any fee-owned Real Estate
Assets of any Credit Party having a fair market value in excess of $1,000,000 as
of the date of the acquisition thereof, and (b) all other Real Estate Assets
that the Administrative Agent has determined in its reasonable discretion are
material to the business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial
or otherwise) or prospects of Holdings or any Subsidiary thereof, including
Company.

          "Moody's" means Moody's Investor Services, Inc.

          "Multiemployer Plan" means any Employee Benefit Plan which is a
"multiemployer plan" as defined in Section 3(37) of ERISA.

          "NAIC" means The National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and
any successor thereto.

          "Net Asset Sale Proceeds" means, with respect to any Asset Sale, an
amount equal to:  (i) Cash payments (including any Cash received by way of
deferred payment pursuant to, or by monetization of, a note receivable or
otherwise, but only as and when so received) received by Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries from such Asset Sale, minus (ii) any bona fide direct costs
                                   -----
incurred in connection with such Asset Sale, including (a) income or gains taxes
payable by the seller as a result of any gain recognized in connection with such
Asset Sale, (b) payment of the outstanding principal amount of, premium or
penalty, if any, and interest on any Indebtedness (other than the Loans) that is
secured by a Lien on the stock or assets in question and that is required to be
repaid under the terms thereof as a result of such Asset Sale and (c) a
reasonable reserve for any indemnification payments (fixed or contingent)
attributable to seller's indemnities and representations and warranties to
purchaser in respect of such Asset Sale undertaken by Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries in connection with such Asset Sale.

          "Net Insurance/Condemnation Proceeds" means an amount equal to:  (i)
any Cash payments or proceeds received by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries
(a) under any casualty insurance policy in respect of a covered loss thereunder
or (b) as a result of the taking of any assets of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries by any Person pursuant to the power of eminent domain, condemnation
or otherwise, or pursuant to a sale of any such assets to a purchaser with such
power under threat of such a taking, minus (ii) (a) any actual and reasonable
                                     -----
costs incurred by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with the
adjustment or settlement of any claims of Holdings or such Subsidiary in respect
thereof, and (b) any bona fide direct costs incurred in connection with any sale
of such assets as referred to in clause (i)(b) of this definition, including
income or gains taxes payable as a result of any gain recognized in connection
therewith.

          "New Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments" as defined in Section 2.2.

                                       24
<PAGE>

          "New Delayed Draw Term Loans" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "New Revolving Loan" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "New Revolving Commitments" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "New Revolving Loan Lender" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "New Term Loan" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "New Term Loan Commitments" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "New Term Loan Exposure" means, with respect to any Lender as of any
date of determination (i) prior to the funding of the New Term Loans, that
Lender's New Term Loan Commitment, if any, and (ii) after the funding of the New
Term Loans, the outstanding principal amount of the New Term Loan of that
Lender.

          "New Term Loan Lender" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "New Term Loan Maturity Date" means the date that New Term Loans of a
Series shall become due and payable in full hereunder, as specified in the
applicable Joinder Agreement.

          "New Term Loan Note" means a promissory note in the form of Exhibit B-
                                                                      ---------
3, as it may be amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.
-

          "Non-US Lender" as defined in Section 2.19(c).

          "Note" means a  Revolving Note, Delayed Draw Term Loan Note or a New
Term Loan Note, in each case, as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified
from time to time.

          "Notice" means a Funding Notice or a Conversion/Continuation Notice.

          "NTFC Agreement" means each of the Loan and Security Agreement dated
as of December 30, 1998 between Holdings, NTFC Capital Corporation and certain
subsidiaries of Holdings and all guarantees executed by subsidiaries of Holdings
in connection therewith each as amended, restated, modified or supplemented from
time to time in accordance with the terms of Section 6.14.

          "Obligations" means all obligations of every nature of each Credit
Party from time to time owed to the Agents, the Lenders or any of them or their
respective Affiliates (including, without limitation, all former Agents, Lenders
or Lender Counterparties) under any Credit Document or Hedge Agreement
(including, without limitation, with respect to a Hedge Agreement, obligations

                                       25
<PAGE>

owed thereunder to any person who was a Lender or an Affiliate of a Lender at
the time such Hedge Agreement was entered into), whether for principal, interest
(including interest which, but for the filing of a petition in bankruptcy with
respect to such Credit Party, would have accrued on any Obligation, whether or
not a claim is allowed against such Credit Party for such interest in the
related bankruptcy proceeding), payments for early termination of Hedge
Agreements, fees, expenses, indemnification or otherwise.

          "Obligee Guarantor" as defined in Section 7.7.

          "Organizational Documents" means (i) with respect to any corporation,
its certificate or articles of incorporation, as amended, and its by-laws, as
amended, (ii) with respect to any limited partnership, its certificate of
limited partnership, as amended, and its partnership agreement, as amended,
(iii) with respect to any general partnership, its partnership agreement, as
amended, and (iv) with respect to any limited liability company, its certificate
of formation or articles of organization, as amended, and its operating
agreement, as amended.  In the event any term or condition of this Agreement or
any other Credit Document requires any Organizational Document to be certified
by a secretary of state or similar governmental official, the reference to any
such "Organizational Document" shall only be to a document of a type customarily
certified by such governmental official.

          "PBGC" means the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation or any successor
thereto.

          "Pension Plan" means any Employee Benefit Plan, other than a
Multiemployer Plan, which is subject to Section 412 of the Internal Revenue Code
or Section 302 of ERISA.

          "Permitted Acquisition" means any acquisition by Company or any of its
Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries, whether by purchase, merger or otherwise, of all or
substantially all of the assets of, all of the Capital Stock of, or a business
line or unit or a division of, any Person; provided,
                                           --------

          (i)    immediately prior to, and after giving effect thereto, no
Default or Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing or would
result therefrom;

          (ii)   all transactions in connection therewith shall be consummated
in accordance with all applicable laws and in conformity with all applicable
Governmental Authorizations;

          (iii)  in the case of the acquisition of Capital Stock, all of the
Capital Stock (except for any such Securities in the nature of directors'
qualifying shares required pursuant to applicable law) acquired or otherwise
issued by such Person or any newly formed Subsidiary of Company in connection
with such acquisition shall be owned by Company or a Guarantor Subsidiary
thereof, and Holdings and Company shall have taken, or caused to be taken, as of
the date such

                                       26
<PAGE>

Person becomes a Subsidiary of Company, each of the actions set forth in
Sections 5.10, as applicable;

          (iv)   Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall be in compliance
immediately before and after giving pro forma effect to such acquisition, with
Section 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable;

          (v)    Company shall have delivered to Administrative Agent (which
Administrative Agent shall promptly furnish to the Lenders) (A) at least 10
Business Days prior to such proposed acquisition, a Compliance Certificate
evidencing pro forma compliance with Section 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable, as
required under clause (iv) above, together with all relevant financial
information with respect to such acquired assets, including, without limitation,
the aggregate consideration for such acquisition and any other information
required to demonstrate compliance with Section 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable; and

          (vi)   any Person or assets or division acquired in accordance
herewith shall be in the same or substantially related business or lines of
business in which Company and/or its Subsidiaries are engaged, or (as reflected
in the Projections or, as the case may be, the relevant Financial Plan) are
planning to engage, as of the Closing Date or such other lines of business as
may be consented to by Requisite Lenders.

          "Permitted Holders" means Madison Dearborn Partnership L.P., Frontenac
VI. L.P. and Battery Ventures III, L.P. and their respective Affiliates (other
than Holding and its Subsidiaries).

          "Permitted Holdings Debt" means (i) the Holdings Senior Notes, (ii)
subject to the NTFC Agreement having been amended in accordance with Section
5.15(d), the Indebtedness of Holdings evidenced by the NTFC Agreement and (iii)
other Indebtedness of Holdings issued after the Closing Date provided (a) such
Indebtedness is unsecured, (b) Holdings is the only obligor with respect to such
Indebtedness, (c)(1) the aggregate principal amount of such Indebtedness does
not exceed 200% of the net cash proceeds received by Holdings from the issuance
of equity Securities after the Closing Date, or (2) amounts outstanding under
the Facilities are repaid, and the Commitments permanently reduced on a dollar-
for-dollar basis, with the proceeds of such Indebtedness, (d) no scheduled
repayments of principal with respect to such Indebtedness are required to be
made prior to February 25, 2008, (e) the terms and provisions of such
Indebtedness shall be no more restrictive than the Holdings Senior Notes (and,
with respect to provisions relating to the incurrence of Indebtedness,
guaranties and Liens, reasonably satisfactory to Syndication Agent in order,
inter alia, to expressly permit the Guaranty under Section 7 hereof without
restriction and to permit Liens on the assets of the Guarantors to secure such
Guaranties) and shall not provide for any mandatory prepayments or redemptions
thereof when similar prepayments are not required under the Holdings Senior
Notes, and (f) the documents evidencing such Indebtedness shall be reasonably
satisfactory to Syndication Agent.

                                       27
<PAGE>

          "Permitted Liens" means each of the Liens permitted pursuant to
Section 6.2.

          "Person" means and includes natural persons, corporations, limited
partnerships, general partnerships, limited liability companies, limited
liability partnerships, joint stock companies, Joint Ventures, associations,
companies, trusts, banks, trust companies, land trusts, business trusts or other
organizations, whether or not legal entities, and Governmental Authorities.

          "Pledge and Security Agreement" means each of: (i)  the "Company
Pledge and Security Agreement" being the pledge and security agreement between
Company and the Collateral Agent substantially in the form of Exhibit I-1; (ii)
                                                              -----------
the "Master Pledge and Security Agreement" being the pledge and security
agreement between each Grantor party thereto and the Collateral Agent
substantially in the form of Exhibit I-2; and (iii) the "Intercompany Security
                             -----------
Agreement" being the security agreement between  certain Subsidiaries of
Holdings and Company substantially in the form of Exhibit O; in each case, as it
                                                  ---------
may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time.

          "Prime Rate" means, as of any date of determination, the variable the
rate of interest per annum most recently publicly announced by Citibank, or any
successor thereto, as its prime lending rate in effect at its principal office
in New York City, irrespective of whether such announced rate is the best rate
available from such financial institution, and such institution may make loans
at rates of interest above or below any such announced prime lending rate.

          "Principal Office" means, for Administrative Agent, such Person's
"Principal Office" as set forth on Appendix B, or such other office as such
                                   ----------
Person may from time to time designate in writing to Company, Administrative
Agent and each  Lender.

          "Projections" as defined in Section 4.8.

          "Pro Rata Share" means (i) with respect to all payments, computations
and other matters relating to the Revolving Commitment or the Revolving Loans of
any Lender, the percentage obtained by dividing (x) the Revolving Exposure of
that Lender by (y) the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all Lenders, (ii) with
respect to all payments, computations and other matters relating to the Delayed
Draw Term Loan Commitment or the Delayed Draw Term Loans of any Lender, the
percentage obtained by dividing (x) the Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure of that
Lender by (y) the aggregate Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure of all Lenders,
(iii) with respect to all payments, computations and other matters relating to
the New Term Loan Commitments, if any, or the New Term Loans, if any, of any
Lender, the percentage obtained by dividing (x) the New Term Loan Exposure of
that Lender with respect for the relevant Series by (y) the sum of the aggregate
New Term Loan Exposure of all Lenders for such Series, and (iv) for all other
purposes with respect to each Lender, the percentage obtained by dividing (x)
the sum of the New Term Loan Exposure of that Lender plus the Revolving Exposure
                                                     ----
of that Lender plus the Delayed Draw Loan Exposure of that Lender by (y) the sum
               ----
of the aggregate New Term Loan Exposure of all Lenders plus the
                                                       ----

                                       28
<PAGE>

aggregate Revolving Exposure of all Lenders plus the sum of the aggregate
                                            ----
Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure of all Lenders, in any such case as the
applicable percentage may be adjusted by assignments permitted pursuant to
Section 10.6 or required by Section 2.22. The Pro Rata Share of each Lender as
of the Closing Date for purposes of each of clauses (i) and (ii) of the
preceding sentence is set forth opposite the name of that Lender in Appendices
                                                                    ----------
A-1 and A-2.
---     ---

          "Real Estate Asset" means, at any time of determination, any interest
(fee, leasehold or otherwise) then owned by any Credit Party in any real
property.

          "Register" as defined in Section 2.5(b).

          "Regulation D" means Regulation D of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System, as in effect from time to time.

          "Related Agreements" means (i) the Intercompany Loan Agreement, (ii)
the Intercompany Security Agreement, (iii) each Approved Lease Agreement, (iv)
the IRU Agreement dated as of April 30, 1999 between Level 3 Communications, LLC
and the Company, (v) the Fiber Optic Network Leased Fiber Agreement dated as of
May 24, 1999 between Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc. and the Company,
(vi) the Master Services Agreement dated April 30, 1999 between Level 3
Communications and Company, (vii) the Private Line Service Agreement dated May
3, 1999 between MCI Worldcom and Holdings, and (viii) any agreements in
existence as of the Closing Date between Company and any Subsidiary of Holdings
for the lease or otherwise making available of assets of Company to such
Subsidiary.

          "Related Company Agreements" means items (iv), (v) and (vi) of the
definition of Related Agreements above.

          "Related Fund" means, with respect to any Lender that is an investment
fund, any other investment fund that invests in commercial loans and that is
managed or advised by the same investment advisor as such Lender or by an
Affiliate of such investment advisor.

          "Release" means any release, spill, emission, leaking, pumping,
pouring, injection, escaping, deposit, disposal, discharge, dispersal, dumping,
leaching or migration of any Hazardous Material into the environment (including
the abandonment or disposal of any barrels, containers or other closed
receptacles containing any Hazardous Material), including the movement of any
Hazardous Material through the air, soil, surface water or groundwater.

          "Replacement Lender" as defined in Section 2.22.

          "Requisite Class Lenders" means, at any time of determination (i) for
the Class of Lenders having Revolving Exposure, Lenders having or holding at
least a majority of the sum of the aggregate Revolving Exposure of all Lenders,
(ii) for the Class of Lenders having Delayed Draw

                                       29
<PAGE>

Term Loan Exposure, Lenders having or holding at least a majority of the sum of
the aggregate Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure of all Lenders and (iii) for each
Class of Lenders having New Term Loan Exposure, if any, Lenders having or
holding at least a majority of the sum of the aggregate New Term Loan Exposure
of such Lenders.

          "Requisite Lenders" means one or more Lenders having or holding
Revolving Exposure, Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure and/or New Term Loan
Exposure representing more than 50% of the sum of (i) the aggregate Revolving
Exposure of all Lenders, (ii) the aggregate Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure of
all Lenders and (iii) the aggregate New Term Loan Exposure of all Lenders for
all Series.

          "Restricted Junior Payment" means (i) any dividend or other
distribution, direct or indirect, on account of any shares of any class of stock
of Holdings, Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries now or hereafter
outstanding, except a dividend payable solely in shares of that class of stock
to the holders of that class; (ii) any redemption, retirement, sinking fund or
similar payment, purchase or other acquisition for value, direct or indirect, of
any shares of any class of stock of Holdings, Company or any of their respective
Subsidiaries now or hereafter outstanding; (iii) any payment made to retire, or
to obtain the surrender of, any outstanding warrants, options or other rights to
acquire shares of any class of stock of Holdings, Company or any of their
respective Subsidiaries now or hereafter outstanding; and (iv) any payment or
prepayment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on, or redemption,
purchase, retirement, defeasance (including in-substance or legal defeasance),
sinking fund or similar payment with respect to, any Permitted Holdings Debt.

          "Revenues" means, for any Fiscal Quarter, the gross revenues of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries on a consolidated basis for such period taken as a
single accounting period determined in conformity with GAAP.

          "Revolving Commitment" means the commitment of a Lender to make
Revolving Loans to Company pursuant to subsection 2.1(a)(i) or New Revolving
Loans pursuant to sub  section 2.2, and "Revolving Commitments" means such
commitments of all Lenders in the aggregate.  The amount of each Lender's
Revolving Commitment, if any, is set forth in Appendix A or in the applicable
                                              ----------
Assignment Agreement, subject to any adjustment or reduction pursuant to the
terms and conditions hereof.  The aggregate amount of the Revolving Commitments
as of the Closing Date is $150,000,000.

          "Revolving Commitment Period" means the period commencing on the
Closing Date to but excluding the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

          "Revolving Commitment Termination Date" means the earliest to occur of
(i) the Revolving Maturity Date, (ii) the date the Revolving Commitments are
permanently reduced to zero

                                       30
<PAGE>

pursuant to Sections 2.11 or 2.12, and (iii) the date of the termination of the
Commitments pursuant to Section 8.1.

          "Revolving Exposure" means, with respect to any Lender as of any date
of determination, (i) prior to the termination of the Revolving Commitments,
such Lender's Revolving Commitment; and (ii) after the termination of the
Revolving Commitments, the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount of
the Revolving Loans of that Lender.

          "Revolving Installment" as defined in Section 2.10(a).

          "Revolving Loans" means any Revolving Loans made by Lenders to Company
pursuant to Section 2.1(a)(i) of this Agreement and any New Revolving Loans made
by Lenders pursuant to Section 2.2 of this Agreement.

          "Revolving Maturity Date'' means the earlier of (i) August 25, 2007
and (ii) the date that all Revolving Loans shall become due and payable in full
hereunder, whether by acceleration or otherwise.

          "Revolving Note" means a promissory note in the form of Exhibit B-2,
                                                                  -----------
as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time.

          "SSB" as defined in the preamble hereto.

          "S&P" means Standard & Poor's Ratings Group, a division of The McGraw-
Hill Companies, Inc.

          "Secured Parties" as defined in the Pledge and Security Agreement.

          "Securities" means any stock, shares, partnership interests, voting
trust certificates, certificates of interest or participation in any profit-
sharing agreement or arrangement, options, warrants, bonds, debentures, notes,
or other evidences of indebtedness, secured or unsecured, convertible,
subordinated or otherwise, or in general any instruments commonly known as
"securities" or any certificates of interest, shares or participations in
temporary or interim certificates for the purchase or acquisition of, or any
right to subscribe to, purchase or acquire, any of the foregoing.

          "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended from
time to time, and any successor statute.

          "Senior Leverage Ratio" means the ratio, as of the last day of any
Fiscal Quarter, of (i) Consolidated Senior Secured Debt as of such date to (ii)
Annualized Consolidated EBITDA,

                                       31
<PAGE>

in each case as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate delivered by
Company to Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.1(c).

          "Series" as defined in Section 2.2.

          "Solvency Certificate" means a Solvency Certificate of the chief
financial officer of Holdings substantially in the form of Exhibit G-2.
                                                           -----------

          "Solvent" means, with respect to any Person, that as of the date of
determination both (i) (a) the sum of such Person's debt (including contingent
liabilities) does not exceed all of its property, at a fair valuation; (b) the
present fair saleable value of the property of such Person is not less than the
amount that will be required to pay the probable liabilities on such Person's
then existing debts as they become absolute and matured; (c) such Person's
capital is not unreasonably small in relation to its business or any
contemplated or undertaken transaction; and (d) such Person does not intend to
incur, or believe (nor should it reasonably believe) that it will incur, debts
beyond its ability to pay such debts as they become due; and (ii) such Person is
"solvent" within the meaning given that term and similar terms under applicable
laws relating to fraudulent transfers and conveyances.  For purposes of this
definition, the amount of any contingent liability at any time shall be computed
as the amount that, in light of all of the facts and circumstances existing at
such time, represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to become an
actual or matured liability (irrespective of whether such contingent liabilities
meet the criteria for accrual under Statement of Financial Accounting Standard
No. 5).

          "Stage 1" means the period from the Closing Date to but not including
(i) December 31, 2003 for the purpose only of Section 6.6 (f) and (ii) June 30,
2002 for all other purposes.

          "Stage 2" means the period from the first day following the conclusion
of Stage 1 and ending on August 25, 2007.

          "Subsidiary" means, with respect to any Person, any corporation,
partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture or other
business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting power of shares of
stock or other ownership interests entitled (without regard to the occurrence of
any contingency) to vote in the election of the Person or Persons (whether
directors, managers, trustees or other Persons performing similar functions)
having the power to direct or cause the direction of the management and policies
thereof is at the time owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by that
Person or one or more of the other Subsidiaries of that Person or a combination
thereof; provided, in determining the percentage of ownership interests of any
         --------
Person controlled by another Person, no ownership interest in the nature of a
"qualifying share" of the controlled Person shall be deemed to be outstanding.

          "Syndication Agent" as defined in the preamble hereto.

                                       32
<PAGE>

          "Tax" means any present or future tax, levy, impost, duty, assessment,
charge, fee, deduction or withholding of any nature and whatever called, by
whomsoever, on whomsoever and wherever imposed, levied, collected, withheld or
assessed; provided, "Tax on the overall net income" of a Person shall be
          --------
construed as a reference to a tax imposed by the jurisdiction in which that
Person is organized or in which that Person's applicable principal office
(and/or, in the case of a Lender, its lending office) is located or in which
that Person (and/or, in the case of a Lender, its lending office) is deemed to
be doing business on all or part of the net income, profits or gains (whether
worldwide, or only insofar as such income, profits or gains are considered to
arise in or to relate to a particular jurisdiction, or otherwise) of that Person
(and/or, in the case of a Lender, its applicable lending office) and shall not
include franchise or similar taxes.

          "Telecommunications Assets" means all assets, rights (contractual or
otherwise) and properties, real or personal, whether tangible or intangible,
used or intended for use in connection with a Telecommunications Business.

          "Telecommunications Business" means the business of (i) transmitting,
or providing services relating to the transmission of, voice, video or data
through owned or leased wireline or wireless transmission facilities, (ii)
creating, developing, constructing, installing, repairing, maintaining or
marketing communications-related systems, network equipment and facilities,
software and other products including, without limitation, Internet access,
Internet portal, web hosting, application hosting, peering and communication
equipment collocation businesses or (iii) evaluating, owning, operating,
participating in or pursuing any other business that is primarily related to
those identified in the foregoing clauses (i) or (ii) above (in the case of this
clause (iii), however, in a manner consistent with Holdings' and its
Subsidiaries' manner of business on the Closing Date), and shall, in any event,
include all businesses in which Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries are engaged
on the Closing Date; provided that the determination of what constitutes a
                     --------
Telecommunications Business shall be made in good faith by the board of
directors of Holdings.

          "Term Loan" means Delayed Draw Term Loans and New Term Loans.

          "Terminated Lender" as defined in Section 2.22.

          "Total Capitalization" means the sum of (a) Consolidated Total Debt
and (b) paid-in-equity capital (including preferred stock but excluding
additional equity issued as pay-in-kind dividends on issued and outstanding
equity securities and excluding any accumulated deficits resulting from
operations).

          "Total Leverage Ratio" means the ratio, as of the date of any
determination, of (a) Consolidated Total Debt to (b) Annualized Consolidated
EBITDA; in each case as set forth in the most recent Compliance Certificate
delivered by Company to Administrative Agent pursuant to Section 5.1(c) or, as
the case may be, clause (v) of the definition of Permitted Acquisition.

                                       33
<PAGE>

          "Total Utilization of Commitments" means, as at any date of
determination, the sum of the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding
Loans.

          "Total Utilization of Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments" means, as of
any date of determination, the sum of the aggregate outstanding principal amount
of all Delayed Draw Term Loans.

          "Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments" means, as at any date of
determination, the aggregate principal amount of all outstanding Revolving
Loans.

          "Transaction Costs" means the fees, costs and expenses payable by
Company on or before the Closing Date in connection with the transactions
contemplated by the Credit Documents.

          "Type of Loan" means a Base Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

          "UCC" means the Uniform Commercial Code (or any similar or equivalent
legislation, if any) as in effect in any applicable jurisdiction.

          "Unadjusted Eurodollar Rate Component" means that component of the
interest costs to Company in respect of a Eurodollar Rate Loan that is based
upon the rate obtained pursuant to clause (i) of the definition of Adjusted
Eurodollar Rate.

          "Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries" means, with respect to any Person, a
Subsidiary of such Person all of whose outstanding Capital Stock (other than
directors' qualifying shares, if any) shall at the time be owned by such Person
and/or more of its Wholly Owned Subsidiaries.

     0.2. Accounting Terms.  Except as otherwise expressly provided herein, all
accounting terms not otherwise defined herein shall have the meanings assigned
to them in conformity with GAAP.  Financial statements and other information
required to be delivered by Holdings to Lenders pursuant to Section 5.1(a) and
5.1(b) shall be prepared in accordance with GAAP as in effect at the time of
such preparation (and delivered together with the reconciliation statements
provided for in Section 5.1(e), if applicable).  Subject to the foregoing,
calculations in connection with the definitions, covenants and other provisions
hereof shall utilize accounting principles and policies in conformity with those
used to prepare the Historical Financial Statements; provided that, if Holdings
                                                     -------- ----
notifies Lenders that it wishes to amend provisions of this Agreement relating
to financial covenants to eliminate the effect of a change in GAAP occurring
after the Closing Date, Holdings and Syndication Agent shall negotiate in good
faith to propose for Requisite Lenders an appropriate amendment to the extent
necessary to give effect to the intention of the parties as of the Closing Date;
provided further that, prior to the approval of any such amendment by Requisite
-------- ------- ----
Lenders compliance with such financial covenants shall be determined on the
basis of GAAP as applied by

                                       34
<PAGE>

Holdings, in accordance with this Agreement, immediately prior to such request,
in determining compliance with such financial covenants.

     0.3. Interpretation, etc.  Any of the terms defined herein may, unless the
context otherwise requires, be used in the singular or the plural, depending on
the reference.  References herein to any Section, Appendix, Schedule or Exhibit
shall be to a Section, an Appendix, a Schedule or an Exhibit, as the case may
be, hereof unless otherwise specifically provided.  The use herein of the word
"include" or "including", when following any general statement, term or matter,
shall not be construed to limit such statement, term or matter to the specific
items or matters set forth immediately following such word or to similar items
or matters, whether or not nonlimiting language (such as "without limitation" or
"but not limited to" or words of similar import) is used with reference thereto,
but rather shall be deemed to refer to all other items or matters that fall
within the broadest possible scope of such general statement, term or matter.

 SECTION 1.   LOANS

     1.1. Loans.

           (a) Loans.
               -----

               (i)  Revolving Loans. During the Revolving Commitment Period,
                    ---------------
subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender holding a Revolving
Commitment severally agrees to make Revolving Loans in the aggregate amount up
to but not exceeding such Lender's Revolving Commitment as of the Closing Date,
subject to the requirements of Section 2.4, to Company, provided that after
                                                        --------
giving effect to the making of each Revolving Loan, (y) in no event shall the
Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments exceed the Revolving Commitments then
in effect and (z) Holdings and Company shall be in compliance, on a pro forma
basis as of the last day of the most recently concluded Fiscal Quarter, with the
financial covenants set forth in Section 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable. Amounts
borrowed pursuant to this Section 2.1(a)(i) may be repaid and reborrowed during
the Revolving Commitment Period. Each Lender's Revolving Commitment shall expire
on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date and all Revolving Loans and all
other amounts owed hereunder with respect to the Revolving Loans and the
Revolving Commitments shall be paid in full no later than such date.

          (ii) Delayed Draw Term Loans.  During the Delayed Draw Term Loan
               -----------------------
Commitment Period, subject to the terms and conditions hereof, each Lender
holding a Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment severally agrees to make Delayed
Draw Term Loans, subject to the requirements of Section 2.4, to Company in the
aggregate amount up to but not exceeding such Lender's Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commitment; provided, after giving effect to the making of each Delayed Draw
            --------
Term Loan, Holdings and Company shall be in compliance, on a pro forma basis as
of the last day of the most recently concluded Fiscal Quarter, with the
financial covenants set forth

                                       35
<PAGE>

in Section 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable. Company may make one or more drawings
under the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments during the Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commitment Period. Any amounts borrowed under this Section 2.1(a)(ii) and
subsequently repaid or prepaid may not be reborrowed. Subject to Sections 2.10
and 2.11, all amounts owed hereunder with respect to the Delayed Draw Term Loans
shall be paid in full no later than the Delayed Draw Term Loan Maturity Date.
Each Lender's Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment shall terminate immediately and
without further action upon the full funding of such Lender's Delayed Draw Term
Loan Commitment.

          (b)  Borrowing Mechanics for Loans.
               --------- --------- --- -----

               (i)    Loans (other than New Term Loans) shall be made in a
minimum amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess
thereof (when aggregated for all Lenders in connection with a single Credit
Extension).

               (ii)   Whenever Company desires that Lenders make Loans, Company
shall deliver to Administrative Agent telephonic notice, followed by a fully
executed and delivered Funding Notice no later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City
time) at least three Business Days in advance of the proposed Credit Date in the
case of a Eurodollar Rate Loan, and at least one Business Day in advance of the
proposed Credit Date in the case of a Loan that is a Base Rate Loan. Except as
otherwise provided herein, a Funding Notice for a Loan that is a Eurodollar Rate
Loan shall be irrevocable on and after the related Interest Rate Determination
Date, and Company shall be bound to make a borrowing in accordance therewith.

               (iii)  Notice of receipt of each Funding Notice in respect of
Loans, together with the amount of each Lender's Pro Rata Share thereof, if any,
together with the applicable interest rate and Interest Period, shall be
provided by Administrative Agent to each applicable Lender by telefacsimile with
reasonable promptness, but not later than 2:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the
same day as Administrative Agent's receipt of such Funding Notice from Company.

               (iv)   Each Lender shall make the amount of its Loan available to
Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the
applicable Credit Date by wire transfer of same day funds in Dollars, at the
Administrative Agent's Principal Office. Except as provided herein, upon
satisfaction or waiver of the conditions precedent specified herein,
Administrative Agent shall make the proceeds of such Loans available to Company
on the applicable Credit Date by causing an amount of same day funds in Dollars
equal to the proceeds of all such Loans received by Administrative Agent from
Lenders to be credited to the account of Company at the Administrative Agent's
Principal Office or such other account as may be designated in writing to
Administrative Agent by Company.

                                       36
<PAGE>

     1.2.  Incremental Facilities.  Company may by written notice to Syndication
Agent elect to request (A) an increase to the existing Revolving Commitments
(any such increase, the "New Revolving Commitments"), (B) prior to the Delayed
Draw Term Loan Commitment Termination Date, an increase to the existing Delayed
Draw Term Loan Commitments ("New Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments") and/or (C)
the establishment of one or more new term loan commitments (the "New Term Loan
Commitments"), by an amount not in excess of $300,000,000 in the aggregate and
not less than $25,000,000 individually (or such lesser amount which shall be
approved by Syndication Agent or such lesser amount that shall constitute the
difference between $300,000,000 and all previously issued New Revolving
Commitments, New Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments and New Term Loan
Commitments), and integral multiples of $5,000,000 in excess of that amount.
Each such notice shall specify (A) the date (each, an "Increased Amount Date")
on which Company proposes that the New Revolving Commitments, New Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitments or the New Term Loan Commitments, as applicable, shall be
effective and that Loans be made pursuant to the New Term Loan Commitments ("New
Term Loans"), which shall be a date not less than 10 Business Days after the
date on which such notice is delivered to Syndication Agent and (B) the identity
of each Lender or other Person (each, a "New Revolving Loan Lender", "New
Delayed Draw Term Loan Lender" or a "New Term Loan Lender", as applicable) to
whom Company proposes any portion of such New Revolving Commitments, New Delayed
Draw Term Loan Commitments  or New Term Loan Commitments, as applicable, be
allocated and the amounts of such allocations; provided that, any Lender
                                               --------
approached to provide all or a portion of the New Revolving Commitments, New
Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments or New Term Loan Commitments may elect or
decline, in its sole discretion, to provide a New Revolving Commitment, New
Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment or a New Term Loan Commitment.  Such New
Revolving Commitments, New Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments or New Term Loan
Commitments shall become effective, as of such Increased Amount Date; provided
                                                                      --------
that (1) no Default or Event of Default shall exist on such Increased Amount
Date before or after giving effect to such New Revolving Commitments, New
Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments or New Term Loan Commitments, as applicable;
(2) both before and after the making of New Term Loans each of the conditions
set forth in Section 3.2 shall be satisfied; (3) Holdings and its Subsidiaries
shall be in pro forma compliance with each of the covenants set forth in Section
6.6 or 6.7, as applicable, as of the last day of the most recently ended Fiscal
Quarter after giving effect to such New Revolving Commitments, New Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitments or New Term Loan Commitments and any Loans made on the
Increased Amount Date, as applicable; (4) each increase in the Revolving
Commitments, Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments or New Term Loan Commitments, as
applicable, shall be effected pursuant to one or more Joinder Agreements
executed and delivered to Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent, and each
shall be recorded in the Register, each of which shall be subject to the
requirements set forth in Section 2.19(c); (5) Company shall make any payments
required pursuant to Section 2.17(c) in connection with the provisions of the
New Revolving Commitments or New Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments, as
applicable; (6) to the extent deemed necessary by Syndication Agent, in its sole
discretion, provisions shall have been made to ensure that no less than 50% of
the Revolving Commitments and Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments, as applicable,
remain funded through

                                       37
<PAGE>

the Revolving Maturity Date and/or Delayed Draw Term Loan Maturity Date, as
applicable, and (7) Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered any legal
opinions or other documents reasonably requested by Syndication Agent or
Administrative Agent in connection with any such transaction. Each tranche of
New Term Loans shall be, designated a separate series (a "Series") of New Term
Loans for all purposes of this Agreement.

     On any Increased Amount Date on which New Revolving Commitments are
effected, subject to the satisfaction of the foregoing terms and conditions, (a)
each of the Revolving Lenders shall assign to each of the New Revolving Loan
Lenders, and each of the New Revolving Loan Lenders shall purchase from each of
the Revolving Loan Lenders, at the principal amount thereof (together with
accrued interest), such interests in the Revolving Loans outstanding on such
Increased Amount Date as shall be necessary in order that, after giving effect
to all such assignments and purchases, such Revolving Loans will be held by
existing Revolving Loan Lenders and New Revolving Loan Lenders ratably in
accordance with their Revolving Commitments after giving effect to the addition
of such New Revolving Commitments to the Revolving Commitments, (b) each New
Revolving Commitment shall be deemed for all purposes a Revolving Commitment and
each Loan made thereunder (a "New Revolving Loan") shall be deemed, for all
purposes, a Revolving Loan and (c) each New Revolving Loan Lender shall become a
Lender with respect to the Revolving Commitments and all matters relating
thereto.

     On any Increased Amount Date on which New Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commitments are effected, subject to the satisfaction of the foregoing terms and
conditions, (a) each of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Lenders shall assign to each
of the New Delayed Draw Term Loan Lenders, and each of the New Delayed Draw Term
Loan Lenders shall purchase from each of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Lenders, at
the principal amount thereof (together with accrued interest), such interests in
the Delayed Draw Term Loan outstanding on such Increased Amount Date as shall be
necessary in order that, after giving effect to all such assignments and
purchases, such Delayed Draw Term Loan will be held by existing Delayed Draw
Term Loan Lenders and New Delayed Draw Term Loan Lenders ratably in accordance
with their Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments after giving effect to the
addition of such New Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments to the Delayed Draw Term
Loan Commitments, (b) each New Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment shall be deemed
for all purposes a Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment and each Loan made
thereunder (a "New Delayed Draw Term Loan") shall be deemed, for all purposes, a
Delayed Draw Term Loan and (c) each New Delayed Draw Term Loan Lender shall
become a Lender with respect to the  Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment and all
matters relating thereto.

     On any Increased Amount Date on which any New Term Loan Commitments of any
Series are effective, subject to the satisfaction of the foregoing terms and
conditions, (i) each New Term Loan Lender of any Series shall make a New Term
Loan to Company to the extent required to be made under such New Term Loan
Commitment on such date, and (ii) each New Term Loan Lender of any Series shall
become a Lender hereunder with respect to the New Term Loan Commitment of such
Series and the New Term Loans of such Series made pursuant thereto.

                                       38
<PAGE>

     The Administrative Agent shall notify the Lenders promptly upon receipt of
Company's notice of each Increased Amount Date and in respect thereof the New
Revolving Commitments and the New Revolving Loan Lenders, the New Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitments and the New Delayed Draw Term Loan Lenders or the Series
of New Term Loan Commitments and the New Term Loan Lenders of such Series, as
applicable, and, (y) in the case of each notice to any Revolving Loan Lender,
the respective interests in such Revolving Loan Lender's Revolving Loans and (z)
in the case of each notice to any Delayed Draw Term Loan Lender, the respective
interests in such Delayed Draw Term Loan Lender's Delayed Draw Term Loans, in
each case subject to the assignments contemplated by this section.

     The terms and provisions of the New Term Loans of any Series and New Term
Loan Commitments of any Series shall be, except as otherwise set forth herein or
in the Joinder Agreement, identical to Delayed Draw Term Loans; provided that,
                                                                --------
in any event (i) the amortization of the New Term Loans shall occur no sooner
than the proportional amortization of the Revolving Loans and the Delayed Draw
Term Loans, (ii) the New Term Loan Maturity Date shall be no sooner than the
final maturity of the Revolving Loans and the Delayed Draw Terms Loans, and
(iii) the rate of interest applicable to New Term Loans of any Series shall be
determined by Company and applicable new Lenders and shall be set forth in each
applicable Joinder Agreement; provided however that the applicable rate of
                              -------- -------
interest for New Term Loans of any Series shall not be greater than the highest
rate of interest applicable to any Revolving Loan or Delayed Draw Term Loan plus
                                                                            ----
0.50% per annum or, if such rate of interest is determined by reference to a
margin, such margin shall not be greater than 0.50% per annum higher than the
highest margin possibly applicable to the Revolving Loans or the Delayed Draw
Term Loans.  Each Joinder Agreement may, without the consent of any other
Lenders, effect such amendments to this Agreement and the other Credit Documents
as may be necessary or appropriate, in the opinion of the Syndication Agent and
the Administrative Agent, to effect the provision of this Section 2.2.

     1.3.  Pro Rata Shares; Availability of Funds.

               (a)  Pro Rata Shares. All Loans shall be made, and all
                    ---------------
participations purchased, by Lenders simultaneously and proportionately to their
respective Pro Rata Shares, it being understood that no Lender shall be
responsible for any default by any other Lender in such other Lender's
obligation to make a Loan requested hereunder or purchase a participation
required hereby nor shall any Commitment of any Lender be increased or decreased
as a result of a default by any other Lender in such other Lender's obligation
to make a Loan requested hereunder or purchase a participation required hereby.

               (b)  Availability of Funds. Unless Administrative Agent shall
                    ---------------------
have been notified by any Lender prior to the applicable Credit Date that such
Lender does not intend to make available to Administrative Agent the amount of
such Lender's Loan requested on such Credit Date, Administrative Agent may
assume that such Lender has made such amount available to Administrative Agent
on such Credit Date and Administrative Agent may, in its sole discretion, but

                                       39
<PAGE>

shall not be obligated to, make available to Company a corresponding amount on
such Credit Date. If such corresponding amount is not in fact made available to
Administrative Agent by such Lender, Administrative Agent shall be entitled to
recover such corresponding amount on demand from such Lender together with
interest thereon, for each day from such Credit Date until the date such amount
is paid to Administrative Agent, at the customary rate set by Administrative
Agent for the correction of errors among banks for three Business Days and
thereafter at the Base Rate. If such Lender does not pay such corresponding
amount forthwith upon Administrative Agent's demand therefor, Administrative
Agent shall promptly notify Company and Company shall immediately pay such
corresponding amount to Administrative Agent together with interest thereon, for
each day from such Credit Date until the date such amount is paid to
Administrative Agent, at the rate payable hereunder for Base Rate Loans for such
Class of Loans. Nothing in this Section 2.3(b) shall be deemed to relieve any
Lender from its obligation to fulfill its Commitments hereunder or to prejudice
any rights that Company may have against any Lender as a result of any default
by such Lender hereunder.

     1.4.  Use of Proceeds. The proceeds of the Loans made to Company shall be
used by Company to provide purchase money financing for the hard costs
associated with the construction, acquisition or improvement of
Telecommunications Assets by Company, including the acquisition from Equipment
Subsidiary of Telecommunications Assets purchased by Equipment Subsidiary no
earlier than 180 days prior to the making of such Loans, provided that in no
                                                         --------
event shall proceeds of Loans to Company be used to finance more than 80% of
such hard costs with respect to any Telecommunications Asset, and provided
                                                                  --------
further that no more than (i) $15,000,000 in aggregate in the two calendar years
-------
following the Closing Date and (ii) $30,000,000 in aggregate during the term of
this Agreement, of such proceeds shall be used to finance Telecommunications
Assets to be leased by Company to Focal Communications Corporation of Illinois
or any other Subsidiary of Holdings party to an Approved Lease Agreement
correctly construed as a Capital Lease. No portion of the proceeds of any Credit
Extension shall be used by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in any manner
that might cause such Credit Extension or the application of such proceeds to
violate Regulation T, Regulation U or Regulation X of the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System or any other regulation thereof or to violate the
Exchange Act.

     1.5.  Evidence of Debt; Register; Lenders' Books and Records; Notes.

               (a)  Lenders' Evidence of Debt. Each Lender shall maintain on its
                    -------------------------
internal records an account or accounts evidencing the Indebtedness of Company,
as applicable, to such Lender, including the amounts of the Loans made by it and
each repayment and prepayment in respect thereof. Any such recordation shall be
conclusive and binding on Company, as applicable, absent manifest error;
provided, failure to make any such recordation, or any error in such
--------
recordation, shall not affect any Lender's Commitments or Company's Obligations
in respect of any applicable Loans; and provided further, in the event of any
                                        -------- -------
inconsistency between the Register and any Lender's records, the recordations in
the Register shall govern.

                                       40
<PAGE>

               (b)  Register. Administrative Agent shall maintain at its
                    --------
Principal Office a register for the recordation of the names and addresses of
Lenders and the Commitments and Loans of each Lender from time to time (the
"Register"). The Register shall be available for inspection by Company or any
Lender at any reasonable time and from time to time upon reasonable prior
notice. Administrative Agent shall record in the Register the Commitments and
the Loans, and each repayment or prepayment in respect of the principal amount
of the Loans, and any such recordation shall be conclusive and binding on
Company and each Lender, absent manifest error (it being acknowledged that any
Lender may request any supporting documentation); provided, failure to make any
                                                  --------
such recordation, or any error in such recordation, shall not affect any
Lender's Commitments or Company's Obligations in respect of any Loan. Company
hereby designates Citibank to serve as Company's agent solely for purposes of
maintaining the Register as provided in this Section 2.5, and Company hereby
agrees that, to the extent Citibank serves in such capacity, Citibank and its
officers, directors, employees, agents and affiliates shall constitute
"Indemnitees."

               (c)  Notes. If so requested by any Lender by written notice to
                    -----
Company (with a copy to Administrative Agent) at least two Business Days prior
to the Closing Date, or at any time after the Closing Date, Company shall
execute and deliver to such Lender (and/or, if applicable and if so specified in
such notice, to any Person who is an assignee of such Lender pursuant to Section
10.6) on the Closing Date (or, if such notice is delivered after the Closing
Date, promptly after Company's receipt of such notice) a Note or Notes to
evidence such Lender's Loans.

     1.6.  Interest on Loans.

               (a)  Except as otherwise set forth herein, each Loan shall bear
interest on the unpaid principal amount thereof from the date made through
repayment (whether by acceleration or otherwise) thereof as follows:

                    (i)  if a Base Rate Loan, at the Base Rate plus the
Applicable Margin; or

                    (ii) if a Eurodollar Rate Loan, at the Adjusted Eurodollar
Rate plus the Applicable Margin.

               (b)  The basis for determining the rate of interest with respect
to any Loan, and the Interest Period with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Loan,
shall be selected by Company and notified to Administrative Agent and Lenders
pursuant to the applicable Funding Notice or Conver sion/Continuation Notice, as
the case may be. If on any day a Loan is outstanding with respect to which a
Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice has not been delivered to
Administrative Agent in accordance with the terms hereof specifying the
applicable basis for determining the rate of interest, then for that day such
Loan shall be a Base Rate Loan.

               (c)  In connection with Eurodollar Rate Loans there shall be no
more than ten (10) Interest Periods outstanding at any time except to the extent
that New Term Loans are outstanding

                                       41
<PAGE>

in which case there shall be no more than twelve (12) Interest Periods
outstanding at such time. In the event Company fails to specify between a Base
Rate Loan or a Eurodollar Rate Loan in the applicable Funding Notice or
Conversion/Continuation Notice, such Loan (if outstanding as a Eurodollar Rate
Loan) will be automatically converted into a Base Rate Loan on the last day of
the then-current Interest Period for such Loan (or if outstanding as a Base Rate
Loan will remain as, or (if not then outstanding) will be made as, a Base Rate
Loan). (i) In the event Company fails to specify an Interest Period for any
Eurodollar Rate Loan in the applicable Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation
Notice, and (ii) in any event until termination of syndication of the Facilities
as determined by the Syndication Agent, Company shall select or be deemed to
have selected an Interest Period of one month. As soon as practicable after
10:00 a.m. (New York City time) on each Interest Rate Determination Date,
Administrative Agent shall determine (which determination shall, absent manifest
error, be final, conclusive and binding upon all parties) the interest rate that
shall apply to the Eurodollar Rate Loans for which an interest rate is then
being determined for the applicable Interest Period and shall promptly give
notice thereof and of the applicable Interest Period (in writing or by telephone
confirmed in writing) to Company and each Lender.

               (d)  Interest payable pursuant to Section 2.6(a) shall be
computed (i) in the case of Base Rate Loans on the basis of a 365-day or 366-day
year, as the case may be, and (ii) in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans, on the
basis of a 360-day year, in each case for the actual number of days elapsed in
the period during which it accrues. In computing interest on any Loan, the date
of the making of such Loan or the first day of an Interest Period applicable to
such Loan or, with respect to a Base Rate Loan being converted from a Eurodollar
Rate Loan, the date of conversion of such Eurodollar Rate Loan to such Base Rate
Loan, as the case may be, shall be included, and the date of payment of such
Loan or the expiration date of an Interest Period applicable to such Loan or,
with respect to a Base Rate Loan being converted to a Eurodollar Rate Loan, the
date of conversion of such Base Rate Loan to such Eurodollar Rate Loan, as the
case may be, shall be excluded; provided, if a Loan is repaid on the same day on
                                --------
which it is made, one day's interest shall be paid on that Loan.

               (e)  Except as otherwise set forth herein, interest on each Loan
shall be payable in arrears on and to (i) each Interest Payment Date applicable
to that Loan; (ii) any prepayment of that Loan, whether voluntary or mandatory,
to the extent accrued on the amount being prepaid; and (iii) at maturity,
including final maturity; provided, however, with respect to any voluntary
                          --------
prepayment of a Base Rate Loan, accrued interest shall instead be payable on the
applicable Interest Payment Date.

     1.7.  Conversion/Continuation.

               (a)  Subject to Section 2.17 and so long as no Default or Event
of Default shall have occurred and then be continuing, Company shall have the
option:

                                       42
<PAGE>

                    (i)  to convert at any time all or any part of any Loan
equal to $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 (when aggregated for
all Lenders holding Loans of one Type) in excess of that amount from one Type of
Loan to another Type of Loan; provided, a Eurodollar Rate Loan may only be
                              --------
converted into a Base Rate Loan on the expiration of the Interest Period
applicable to such Eurodollar Rate Loan unless Company shall pay all amounts due
under Section 2.17(c) in connection with any such conversion; or

                    (ii) upon the expiration of any Interest Period applicable
to any Eurodollar Rate Loan, to continue all or any portion of such Loan equal
to $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 (when aggregated for all
Lenders holding such Loan) in excess of that amount as a Eurodollar Rate Loan.

          (b)  Company shall deliver a Conversion/Continuation Notice to
Administrative Agent no later than 10:00 a.m. (New York City time) at least one
Business Day in advance of the proposed conversion date (in the case of a
conversion to a Base Rate Loan) and at least three Business Days in advance of
the proposed conversion/continuation date (in the case of a conversion to, or a
continuation of, a Eurodollar Rate Loan). Except as otherwise provided herein, a
Conver sion/Continuation Notice for conversion to, or continuation of, any
Eurodollar Rate Loans (or telephonic notice in lieu thereof) shall be
irrevocable on and after the related Interest Rate Determination Date, and
Company shall be bound to effect a conversion or continuation in accordance
therewith. Notice of receipt of each Converstion/Continuation Notice in respect
of Loans, together with the amount of each Lender's Pro Rata Share thereof, if
any, together with the applicable interest rate and Interest Period, shall be
provided by Administrative Agent to each applicable Lender by telefacsimile with
reasonable promptness, but not later than 2:00 PM (New York City time) on the
same day as Administrative Agent's receipt of such Conversion/Continuation
Notice from Company.

     1.8.  Default Interest.  Upon the occurrence and during the continuance of
an Event of Default described in Section 8.1(a), the principal amount of all
Loans and, to the extent permitted by applicable law, any interest payments on
the Loans or any fees or other amounts owed hereunder or under any of the other
Credit Documents not paid when due, in each case whether at stated maturity, by
notice of prepayment, by acceleration or otherwise, shall thereafter bear
interest (including post-petition interest in any proceeding under the
Bankruptcy Code or other applicable bankruptcy laws) payable on demand at a rate
that is 2% per annum in excess of the interest rate otherwise payable hereunder
with respect to the applicable Loans (or, in the case of any such fees and other
amounts, at a rate which is 2% per annum in excess of the interest rate
otherwise payable hereunder for Base Rate Loans); provided, in the case of
                                                  --------
Eurodollar Rate Loans, upon the expiration of the Interest Period in effect at
the time any such increase in interest rate is effective such Eurodollar Rate
Loans shall thereupon become Base Rate Loans and shall thereafter bear interest
payable upon demand at a rate which is 2% per annum in excess of the interest
rate otherwise payable hereunder for Base Rate Loans. Payment or acceptance of
the increased rates of interest provided for in this Section 2.8 is not a
permitted alternative to timely payment and shall not

                                       43
<PAGE>

constitute a waiver of any Event of Default or otherwise prejudice or limit any
rights or remedies of Administrative Agent or any Lender.

     1.9.  Fees.

               (a)  Company agrees to pay to Lenders having Revolving Exposure
and/or Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure through Administrative Agent a commitment
fee equal to (1) the average daily unused Commitments of such Lender during the
preceding quarter multiplied by (2) the Applicable Commitment Fee Percentage.
The fees referred to in this Section 2.9(a) shall be paid to Administrative
Agent at its Principal Office and upon receipt, Administrative Agent shall
promptly distribute to each Lender its Pro Rata Share thereof.

               (b)  All fees referred to in Section 2.9(a) shall be calculated
on the basis of a 360-day year and the actual number of days elapsed and shall
be payable (i) quarterly in arrears on March 31, June 30, September 30 and
December 31 of each year commencing on the first such date to occur after the
Closing Date, (ii) on the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment Termination Date,
and (iii) on the Revolving Commitment Termination Date.

               (c)  In addition to any of the foregoing fees, Company agrees to
pay to Agents such other fees in the amounts and at the times separately agreed
upon by Company and such Agents thereby.

               (d)  In addition, Company agrees to pay such commitment and other
fees as may be payable in connection with New Term Loans as set forth in the
applicable Joinder Agreement or otherwise agreed to in writing by Company.

     1.10. Scheduled Payments/Commitment Reductions.

               (a)  Scheduled Revolving Installments. The Revolving Commitments
                    --------------------------------
hereunder shall be permanently reduced in the aggregate annual percentages set
forth below in equal consecutive quarterly installments (each, a "Revolving
Installment") on February 28/29, May 31, August 31, November 30 (each, an
"Installment Date") occurring in each of the Fiscal Years set forth below,
commencing November 30, 2003.

                                       44
<PAGE>

                    ==========================================
                        Installment         Revolving Loan
                            Date         Commitment Reductions
                    ------------------------------------------
                    November 30, 2003               2.5%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    February 29, 2004               2.5%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    May 31, 2004                    2.5%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    August 31, 2004                 2.5%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    November 30, 2004               5.0%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    February 28, 2005               5.0%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    May 31, 2005                    5.0%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    August 31, 2005                 5.0%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    November 30, 2005               7.5%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    February 28, 2006               7.5%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    May 31, 2006                    7.5%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    August 31, 2006                 7.5%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    November 30, 2006              10.0%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    February 28, 2007              10.0%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    May 31, 2007                   10.0%
                    ------------------------------------------
                    August 31, 2007                10.0%
                    ==========================================

; provided, in the event any New Revolving Commitments are made, such New
  --------
Revolving Commitments shall be reduced on each Installment Date occurring on or
after the applicable Increased Amount Date in an amount equal to (i) the
aggregate amount of New Revolving Loan Commitments as of such Increased Amount
Date times (ii) the ratio (expressed as a percentage) of (y) the amount of other
Revolving Commitments being reduced on such Installment Date and (z) the total
aggregate amount of other Revolving Credit Commitments in effect on such
Increased Amount Date.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) Revolving Installments shall be reduced in
connection with any voluntary or mandatory reductions of the Revolving
Commitments in accordance with Sections 2.11, 2.12 and 2.13 and (ii) all
Revolving Loans, together with all other amounts owed hereunder with respect
thereto, shall be permanently repaid in full no later than the Revolving
Maturity Date.

                                       45
<PAGE>

          (b)  Scheduled Delayed Draw Term Loan Installments.  The principal
               ---------------------------------------------
amount of the Delayed Draw Term Loans outstanding on the Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commitment Termination Date shall be repaid in the aggregate annual percentages
set forth below in equal consecutive quarterly installments (each, a "Delayed
Draw Term Loan Installment") on each Installment Date occurring in each of the
Fiscal Years set forth below, commencing November 30, 2003:

               ======================================
               Installment          Delayed Draw Term
                  Date               Loan Repayments
               --------------------------------------
               November 30, 2003           2.5%
               --------------------------------------
               February 29, 2004           2.5%
               --------------------------------------
               May 31, 2004                2.5%
               --------------------------------------
               August 31, 2004             2.5%
               --------------------------------------
               November 30, 2004           5.0%
               --------------------------------------
               February 28, 2005           5.0%
               --------------------------------------
               May 31, 2005                5.0%
               --------------------------------------
               August 31, 2005             5.0%
               --------------------------------------
               November 30, 2005           7.5%
               --------------------------------------
               February 28, 2006           7.5%
               --------------------------------------
               May 31, 2006                7.5%
               --------------------------------------
               August 31, 2006             7.5%
               --------------------------------------
               November 30, 2006          10.0%
               --------------------------------------
               February 28, 2007          10.0%
               --------------------------------------
               May 31, 2007               10.0%
               --------------------------------------
               August 31, 2007            10.0%
               ======================================

          Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) such Delayed Draw Term Loan
Installments shall be reduced in connection with any voluntary or mandatory
reduction or prepayments of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments and/or the
Delayed Draw Term Loans in accordance with Sections 2.11, 2.12 and 2.13 and (ii)
all Delayed Draw Term Loans, together with all other amounts owed hereunder with
respect thereto, shall be permanently repaid in full no later than the Delayed
Draw Term Loan Maturity Date.

                                       46
<PAGE>

            (c)  Scheduled New Term Loan Installments. Provisions with respect
                 ------------------------------------
to scheduled repayments of New Term Loans shall be as set forth in the
applicable Joinder Agreement.

     1.11.  Voluntary Prepayments/Commitment Reductions.

            (a)  Voluntary Prepayments.
                 ---------------------

                 (i)     Any time and from time to time:

                         (1)  with respect to Base Rate Loans, Company may
     prepay, without premium or penalty, any such Loans on any Business Day in
     whole or in part, in an aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000 and integral
     multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount (or a lesser amount if
     such lesser amount constitutes the entire outstanding principal amount of
     such Loan); and

                         (2)  with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans, Company may
     prepay, without premium or penalty (but subject to Section 2.17(c)), any
     such Loans on any Business Day in whole or in part in an aggregate minimum
     amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that
     amount (or a lesser amount if such lesser amount constitutes the entire
     outstanding principal amount of such Loan).

                 (ii)    All such prepayments shall be made:

                         (1)  upon not less than one Business Day's prior
     written or telephonic notice, in the case of Base Rate Loans; and

                         (2)  upon not less than three Business Days' prior
     written or telephonic notice, in the case of Eurodollar Rate Loans;

in each case given to Administrative Agent, as the case may be, by 12:00 p.m.
(New York City time) on the date required and, if given by telephone, promptly
confirmed in writing to Administrative Agent (and Administrative Agent will
promptly transmit such telephonic or original notice by telefacsimile or
telephone confirmed in writing to each Lender).  Upon the giving of any such
notice, the principal amount of the Loans specified in such notice shall become
due and payable on the prepayment date specified therein.

            (b)  Voluntary Commitment Reductions.
                 -------------------------------

                 (i)     Company may, upon not less than three Business Days'
prior written or telephonic notice confirmed in writing to Administrative Agent
(which original written or telephonic notice Administrative Agent will promptly
transmit by telefacsimile or telephone confirmed in writing to each applicable
Lender), at any time and from time to time terminate in whole or

                                       47
<PAGE>

permanently reduce in part, without premium or penalty, the Revolving
Commitments in an amount up to the amount by which the Revolving Commitments
exceed the Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments at the time of such
proposed termination or reduction; provided that any such partial reduction of
                                   --------
the Revolving Commitments shall be in an aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000
and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in excess of that amount; provided further
                                                               -------- -------
that in the event that Company fails to specify otherwise any such termination
or permanent reduction shall be applied against the scheduled Reductions set
forth in Section 2.10 on a pro rata basis (in accordance with the outstanding
Revolving Commitments at such time).

               (ii)   Company may, upon not less than three Business Days' prior
written or telephonic notice confirmed in writing to Administrative Agent (which
original written or telephonic notice Administrative Agent will promptly
transmit by telefacsimile or telephone confirmed in writing to each applicable
Lender), at any time and from time to time terminate in whole or permanently
reduce in part, without premium or penalty, the Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commit ments in an amount up to the amount by which the Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commitments exceed the Total Utilization of Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments
at the time of such proposed termination or reduction; provided, any such
                                                       --------
partial reduction of the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments shall be in an
aggregate minimum amount of $5,000,000 and integral multiples of $1,000,000 in
excess of that amount.

               (iii)  Company's notice to Administrative Agent shall designate
the date (which shall be a Business Day) of such termination or reduction and
the amount of any partial reduction, and whether such termination or reduction
of the Revolving Commitments and/or Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments, as
applicable, shall be effective on the date specified in Company's notice and
shall reduce the Revolving Commitment and/or Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment,
as applicable, of each Lender proportionately to its Pro Rata Share thereof.

     1.12. Mandatory Prepayments/Commitment Reductions.

          (a) Asset Sales.  If, within the period of two hundred seventy days
              -----------
after the receipt by Holdings, Company or any of their respective Subsidiaries
of Net Asset Sale Proceeds, Holdings or Company has not invested such Net Asset
Sale Proceeds in long term productive assets of the general type used in the
business of Holdings and its Subsidiaries, as certified to Administrative Agent
by Holdings, then, to the extent Company has not previously done so, Company
shall prepay Loans and the Commitments shall be permanently reduced as set forth
in Section 2.13, in either case in an amount equal to the excess of such Net
Asset Sale Proceeds over amounts invested as aforesaid.  Pending a determination
whether any Net Asset Sale Proceeds will be applied to prepay Loans and/or
reduce Commitments pursuant to the preceding sentence, an amount equal to such
Net Asset Sale Proceeds shall be applied to prepay outstanding Revolving Loans
(without a reduction in the Revolving Commitments).  In addition,
notwithstanding the foregoing and in any event, the Company shall prepay Loans
in the amount of any Net Asset Sale Proceeds arising from the sale of any
Telecommunications Assets financed with the proceeds of such Loans.

                                       48
<PAGE>

          (b)  Insurance/Condemnation Proceeds.  If, within the period of two
               -------------------------------
hundred seventy days after the receipt by Holdings or Company or any of their
respective Subsidiaries of Net Insurance/Condemnation Proceeds, Holdings or
Company has not invested such Net Insurance/Condemnation Proceeds in long term
productive assets of general type used in the business of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries, as certified to Administrative Agent by Holdings, then, to the
extent Company has not previously done so, Company shall prepay Loans and the
Commitments shall be permanently reduced as set forth in Section 2.13, in either
case in an amount equal to the excess of such Net Insurance/Condemnation
Proceeds over amounts invested as aforesaid.  Pending a determination on whether
any Net Insurance/Condemnation Proceeds shall be applied to prepay outstanding
Loans and/or reduce Commitments pursuant to the preceding sentence, an amount
equal to such Net Insurance/Condemnation Proceeds shall be applied to prepay any
outstanding Revolving Loans (without a reduction in the Revolving Commitments).

          (c)  Consolidated Excess Cash Flow.  In the event that there shall be
               -----------------------------
Consolidated Excess Cash Flow for any Fiscal Year (commencing with the Fiscal
Year ending December 31, 2004), Company shall, no later than 100 days after the
end of such Fiscal Year, prepay the Loans and/or the Commitments shall be
permanently reduced as set forth in Section 2.13 in an aggregate amount equal to
50% of such Consolidated Excess Cash Flow.

          (d)  Commitment Limits.  Company shall from time to time prepay the
               -----------------
Revolving Loans to the extent necessary so that the Total Utilization of
Revolving Commitments shall not at any time exceed the Revolving Commitments
then in effect. Company shall also from time to time prepay the Delayed Draw
Term Loans to the extent necessary so that the Total Utilization of Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitments shall not at any time exceed the Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commitments then in effect.

          (e)  Prepayment Certificate.  Concurrently with any prepayment of the
               ----------------------
Loans and/or reduction of the Commitments pursuant to Sections 2.12(a) through
2.12(c), Company shall deliver to Administrative Agent (which Administrative
Agent shall promptly furnish to each Lender) a certificate of an Authorized
Officer demonstrating the calculation of the amount of the applicable net
proceeds or Consolidated Excess Cash Flow, as the case may be.  In the event
that Company shall subsequently determine that the actual amount received
exceeded the amount set forth in such certificate, Company shall promptly make
an additional prepayment of the Loans and/or the Commitments shall be
permanently reduced in an amount equal to such excess, and Company shall
concurrently therewith deliver to Administrative Agent (which Administrative
Agent shall promptly furnish to each Lender) a certificate of an Authorized
Officer demonstrating the derivation of such excess.

                                       49
<PAGE>

     1.13.     Application of Prepayments/Reductions.

               (a)  Application of Voluntary Prepayments/Commitment Reductions
                    ----------------------------------------------------------
by Type of Loans. Any prepayment of any Loan pursuant to Section 2.11(a) shall
----------------
be applied as specified by Company in the applicable notice of prepayment;
provided that New Term Loans may only be prepaid on a pro rata basis with
--------
Revolving Loans and Delayed Draw Term Loans; provided further, in the event
                                             ----------------
Company fails to specify the Loans to which any such prepayment shall be
applied, such prepayment shall be applied as follows:

               first, to repay outstanding Revolving Loans on a pro rata basis;

               second, to prepay the Delayed Draw Term Loans on a pro rata
     basis; and

               third, to prepay the New Term Loans if any, on a pro rata basis.

          Any voluntary prepayments of Delayed Draw Term Loans or voluntary
reductions of the Revolving Commitment shall be further applied to reduce, on a
pro rata basis, each remaining scheduled Delayed Draw Term Loan Installment
and/or Revolving Installment, as the case may be.

          (b)  Application of Mandatory Prepayments by Type of Loans. Any amount
               -----------------------------------------------------
required to be paid pursuant to Sections 2.12(a) through 2.12(c) shall be
applied, subject to the requirements of the final sentence of Sections 2.12(a)
and 2.12(b), on a pro rata basis to repay Revolving Loans, Delayed Draw Term
Loans and New Term Loans, if any, in accordance with the respective principal
amount thereof, and shall be further applied to reduce the Revolving Commitments
by the amount allocable to Revolving Loans and to reduce the Delayed Draw Term
Loan Commitments by an amount, if any, equal to the excess of the amount
allocable to the Delayed Draw Term Loans over the amount of the Delayed Draw
Term Loans outstanding immediately prior to the making of any such mandatory
prepayment; provided that any such reduction of Revolving Commitments shall be
            --------
further applied to reduce the remaining scheduled Revolving Installment set
forth in Section 2.10(a) on a pro rata basis; provided further that, with
                                              -------- -------
respect to Delayed Draw Term Loans, the amount of such repayment shall be
further applied pro rata to reduce the remaining Scheduled Delayed Draw Term
Loan Installments; provided further that, with respect to New Term Loans, a
                   -------- -------
lesser amount may be required to be prepaid or such prepayment requirement
waived as set forth in the applicable Joinder Agreement; provided further that,
                                                         --------
any such amounts waived or not used to prepay New Term Loans shall be used to
further prepay, on a pro rata basis as set forth above, Revolving Loans and
Delayed Draw Term Loans.

          (c)  Application of Prepayments of Loans to Base Rate Loans and
               ----------------------------------------------------------
Eurodollar Rate Loans.  Considering each Class of Loans being prepaid
---------------------
separately, any prepayment thereof shall be applied first to Base Rate Loans to
the full extent thereof before application to Eurodollar Rate Loans, in each
case in a manner which minimizes the amount of any payments required to be made
by Company pursuant to Section 2.17(c).

                                       50
<PAGE>

     1.14.     Charging of Accounts. To the extent not violative of the
provisions of the Holdings Senior Notes, Company hereby authorizes
Administrative Agent to charge Company's accounts with Administrative Agent in
order to cause timely payment to be made to Administrative Agent of all
principal, interest, fees and expenses due by Company hereunder or under any of
the other Credit Documents (subject to sufficient funds being available in its
accounts for that purpose).

     1.15.     General Provisions Regarding Payments.

               (a)  All payments by Company of principal, interest, fees and
other Obligations shall be made in Dollars in same day funds, without defense,
setoff or counterclaim, free of any restriction or condition, and delivered to
Administrative Agent not later than 12:00 p.m. (New York City time) on the date
due at the Administrative Agent's Principal Office for the account of Lenders;
funds received by Administrative Agent after that time on such due date shall be
deemed to have been paid by Company, as applicable, on the next succeeding
Business Day.

               (b)  All payments in respect of the principal amount of any Loan
shall include payment of accrued interest on the principal amount being repaid
or prepaid, and all such payments (and, in any event, any payments in respect of
any Loan on a date when interest is due and payable with respect to such Loan)
shall be applied to the payment of interest before application to principal.

               (c)  Administrative Agent shall promptly distribute by wire
transfer to each Lender at such address as such Lender shall indicate in
writing, such Lender's applicable Pro Rata Share, giving effect to any
adjustments in Pro Rata Shares on and after the Closing Date, of all payments
and prepayments of principal and interest due hereunder, together with all other
amounts due thereto hereunder or under any of the other Credit Documents,
including, without limitation, all fees payable with respect thereto, to the
extent received by Administrative Agent.

               (d)  Notwithstanding the foregoing provisions hereof, if any
Conversion/Continuation Notice is withdrawn as to any Affected Lender or if any
Affected Lender makes Base Rate Loans in lieu of its Pro Rata Share of any
Eurodollar Rate Loans, Administrative Agent shall give effect thereto in
apportioning payments received thereafter.

               (e)  Subject to the provisos set forth in the definition of
"Interest Period", whenever any payment to be made hereunder shall be stated to
be due on a day that is not a Business Day, such payment shall be made on the
next succeeding Business Day and such extension of time shall be included in the
computation of the payment of interest hereunder and of the Commitment fees
payable hereunder.

     1.16.     Receipt of Payments. Administrative Agent shall deem any payment
by or on behalf of Company hereunder that is not made in same day funds prior to
12:00 p.m. (New York City time) on or before the due date to be a non-conforming
payment. Any such payment shall not be deemed

                                       51
<PAGE>

to have been received by Administrative Agent until the later of (i) the time
such funds become available funds, and (ii) the applicable next Business Day.
Administrative Agent shall give prompt telephonic notice to Company and each
applicable Lender (confirmed in writing) if any payment is non-conforming. Any
non-conforming payment may constitute or become a Default or Event of Default in
accordance with the terms of Section 8.1(a). Interest shall continue to accrue
on any principal as to which a non-conforming payment is made until such funds
become available funds (but in no event less than the period from the date of
such payment to the next succeeding applicable Business Day) at the rate
determined pursuant to Section 2.8 from the date such amount was due and payable
until the date such amount is paid in full.

     1.17.     Making or Maintaining Eurodollar Rate Loans.

               (a)  Inability to Determine Applicable Interest Rate. In the
                    -----------------------------------------------
event that Administrative Agent shall have determined (which determination shall
be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto), on any Interest
Rate Determination Date with respect to any Eurodollar Rate Loans, that by
reason of circumstances affecting the London interbank market adequate and fair
means do not exist for ascertaining the interest rate applicable to such Loans
on the basis provided for in the definition of Adjusted Eurodollar Rate,
Administrative Agent shall on such date give notice (by telefacsimile or by
telephone confirmed in writing) to Company and each Lender of such
determination, whereupon (i) no Loans may be made as, or converted to,
Eurodollar Rate Loans until such time as Administrative Agent notifies Company
and Lenders that the circumstances giving rise to such notice no longer exist,
and (ii) any Funding Notice or Conversion/Continuation Notice given by Company
with respect to the Loans in respect of which such determination was made shall
be deemed to be rescinded by Company (without penalty to Company).

               (b)  Illegality or Impracticability of Eurodollar Rate Loans. In
                    -------------------------------------------------------
the event that on any date any Lender shall have determined (which determination
shall be final and conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto but shall be
made only after consultation with Company and Administrative Agent) that the
making, maintaining or continuation of its Eurodollar Rate Loans (i) has become
unlawful as a result of compliance by such Lender in good faith with any law,
treaty, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order (or would conflict
with any such treaty, governmental rule, regulation, guideline or order not
having the force of law even though the failure to comply therewith would not be
unlawful), or (ii has become impracticable, as a result of contingencies
occurring after the date hereof which materially and adversely affect the London
interbank market or the position of such Lender in that market, then, and in any
such event, such Lender shall be an "Affected Lender" and it shall on that day
give notice (by telefacsimile or by telephone confirmed in writing) to Company
and Administrative Agent of such determination (which notice Administrative
Agent shall promptly transmit to each other Lender). Thereafter (1) the
obligation of the Affected Lender to make Loans as, or to convert Loans to,
Eurodollar Rate Loans shall be suspended until such notice shall be withdrawn by
the Affected Lender, (2) to the extent such determination by the Affected Lender
relates to a Eurodollar Rate Loan then being requested by Company pursuant to a
Funding Notice or a Conversion/Continuation Notice, the Affected

                                       52
<PAGE>

Lender shall make such Loan as (or continue such Loan as or convert such Loan
to, as the case may be) a Base Rate Loan, (3) the Affected Lender's obligation
to maintain its outstanding Eurodollar Rate Loans (the "Affected Loans") shall
be terminated at the earlier to occur of the expiration of the Interest Period
then in effect with respect to the Affected Loans or when required by law, and
(4) the Affected Loans shall automatically convert into Base Rate Loans on the
date of such termination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, to the extent a
determination by an Affected Lender as described above relates to a Eurodollar
Rate Loan then being requested by Company pursuant to a Funding Notice or a
Conversion/Continuation Notice, Company shall have the option, subject to the
provisions of Section 2.17(c), to rescind such Funding Notice or
Conversion/Continuation Notice as to all Lenders by giving notice (by
telefacsimile or by telephone confirmed in writing) to Administrative Agent of
such rescission on the date on which the Affected Lender gives notice of its
determination as described above (which notice of rescission Administrative
Agent shall promptly transmit to each other Lender). Except as provided in the
immediately preceding sentence, nothing in this Section 2.17(b) shall affect the
obligation of any Lender other than an Affected Lender to make or maintain Loans
as, or to convert Loans to, Eurodollar Rate Loans in accordance with the terms
hereof.

          (c)  Compensation for Breakage or Non-Commencement of Interest
               ---------------------------------------------------------
Periods. Company shall compensate each Lender, upon written request by such
-------
Lender (which request shall set forth the basis for requesting such amounts),
for all reasonable losses, expenses and liabilities (including any interest paid
by such Lender to lenders of funds borrowed by it to make or carry its
Eurodollar Rate Loans and any loss, expense or liability sustained by such
Lender in connection with the liquidation or re-employment of such funds but
excluding loss of anticipated profits) which such Lender may sustain: (i) if for
any reason (other than a default by such Lender or by reason of an illegality of
a type described in Section 2.17 but not generally affecting substantially all
Lenders similarly situated) a borrowing of any Eurodollar Rate Loan does not
occur on a date specified therefor in a Funding Notice or a telephonic request
for borrowing, or a conversion to or continuation of any Eurodollar Rate Loan
does not occur on a date specified therefor in a Conversion/Continuation Notice
or a telephonic request for conversion or continuation; (ii) if any prepayment
or other principal payment or any conversion of any of its Eurodollar Rate Loans
occurs on a date prior to the last day of an Interest Period applicable to that
Loan; or (iii) if any prepayment of any of its Eurodollar Rate Loans is not made
on any date specified in a notice of prepayment given by Company.

          (d)  Booking of Eurodollar Rate Loans.  Subject to Section 2.20, any
               --------------------------------
Lender may make, carry or transfer Eurodollar Rate Loans at, to, or for the
account of any of its branch offices or the office of an Affiliate of such
Lender.

          (e)  Assumptions Concerning Funding of Eurodollar Rate Loans.
               -------------------------------------------------------
Calculation of all amounts payable to a Lender under this Section 2.17 and under
Section 2.18 shall be made as though such Lender had actually funded each of its
relevant Eurodollar Rate Loans through the purchase of a Eurodollar deposit
bearing interest at the rate obtained pursuant to clause (i) of the definition
of

                                       53
<PAGE>

Adjusted Eurodollar Rate in an amount equal to the amount of such Eurodollar
Rate Loan and having a maturity comparable to the relevant Interest Period and
through the transfer of such Eurodollar deposit from an offshore office of such
Lender to a domestic office of such Lender in the United States of America;
provided, however, subject to Section 2.20, each Lender may fund each of its
--------  -------
Eurodollar Rate Loans in any manner it sees fit and the foregoing assumptions
shall be utilized only for the purposes of calculating amounts payable under
this Section 2.17 and under Section 2.18.

     1.18.  Increased Costs; Capital Adequacy.

            (a)  Compensation For Increased Costs and Taxes.  Subject to the
                 ------------------------------------------
provisions of Section 2.19 (which shall be controlling with respect to the
matters covered thereby), in the event that any Lender shall determine (which
determination shall, absent manifest error, be final and conclusive and binding
upon all parties hereto) that any law, treaty or governmental rule, regulation
or order, or any change therein or in the interpretation, administration or
application thereof (including the introduction of any new law, treaty or
governmental rule, regulation or order), or any determination of a court or
Governmental Authority, in each case that becomes effective after the date
hereof, or compliance by such Lender with any guideline, request or directive
issued or made after the date hereof by any central bank or other governmental
or quasi-governmental authority (whether or not having the force of law): (i)
subjects such Lender (or its applicable lending office) to any additional Tax
(other than any Tax on the overall net income of such Lender) with respect to
this Agreement or any other Credit Document or any of its obligations hereunder
or thereunder or any payments to such Lender (or its applicable lending office)
of principal, interest, fees or any other amount payable hereunder;  (ii)
imposes, modifies or holds applicable any reserve (including any marginal,
emergency, supplemental, special or other reserve), special deposit, compulsory
loan, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance or similar requirement
against assets held by, or deposits or other liabilities in or for the account
of, or advances or loans by, or other credit extended by, or any other
acquisition of funds by, any office of such Lender (other than any such reserve
or other requirements with respect to Eurodollar Rate Loans that are reflected
in the definition of Adjusted Eurodollar Rate); or (iii) imposes any other
condition (other than with respect to a Tax matter) on or affecting such Lender
(or its applicable lending office) or its obligations hereunder or the London
interbank market; and the result of any of the foregoing is to increase the cost
to such Lender of agreeing to make, making or maintaining Loans hereunder or to
reduce any amount received or receivable by such Lender (or its applicable
lending office) with respect thereto; then, in any such case, Company shall
promptly pay to Administrative Agent for delivery to such Lender, upon receipt
of the statement referred to in the next sentence, such additional amount or
amounts (in the form of an increased rate of, or a different method of
calculating, interest or otherwise as such Lender in its sole discretion shall
determine) as may be necessary to compensate such Lender for any such increased
cost or reduction in amounts received or receivable hereunder.  Such Lender
shall deliver to Company (with a copy to Administrative Agent) a written
statement, setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for calculating the
additional amounts owed to such Lender under this Section 2.18(a), which
statement shall be conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto absent
manifest error.

                                      54
<PAGE>

            (b)  Capital Adequacy Adjustment. In the event that any Lender shall
                 ---------------------------
have determined that the adoption, effectiveness, phase-in or applicability
after the date hereof of any law, rule or regulation (or any provision thereof)
regarding capital adequacy, or any change therein or in the interpretation or
administration thereof by any Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable
agency charged with the interpretation or administration thereof, or compliance
by any Lender (or its applicable lending office) with any guideline, request or
directive regarding capital adequacy (whether or not having the force of law) of
any such Governmental Authority, central bank or comparable agency, has or would
have the effect of reducing the rate of return on the capital of such Lender or
any corporation controlling such Lender as a consequence of, or with reference
to, such Lender's Loans or Commitments, or participations therein or other
obligations hereunder or under any of the other Credit Documents with respect to
the Loans to a level below that which such Lender or such controlling
corporation could have achieved but for such adoption, effectiveness, phase-in,
applicability, change or compliance (taking into consideration the policies of
such Lender or such controlling corporation with regard to capital adequacy),
then from time to time, within five Business Days after receipt by Company, from
such Lender of the statement referred to in the next sentence, Company shall pay
to such Lender such additional amount or amounts as will compensate such Lender
or such controlling corporation on an after-tax basis for such reduction. Such
Lender shall deliver to Company (with a copy to Administrative Agent) a written
statement, setting forth in reasonable detail the basis for calculating the
additional amounts owed to Lender under this Section 2.18(b), which statement
shall be conclusive and binding upon all parties hereto absent manifest error.

     1.19.  Taxes; Withholding, etc.

            (a)  Payments to Be Free and Clear. All sums payable by any Credit
                 -----------------------------
Party hereunder and under the other Credit Documents shall (except to the extent
required by law) be paid free and clear of, and without any deduction or
withholding on account of, any Tax (other than a Tax on the overall net income
of any Lender) imposed, levied, collected, withheld or assessed by or within the
United States of America or any political subdivision in or of the United States
of America or any other jurisdiction from or to which a payment is made by or on
behalf of any Credit Party or by any federation or organization of which the
United States of America or any such jurisdiction is a member at the time of
payment.

            (b)  Withholding of Taxes. If Company or any other Person is
                 --------------------
required by law to make any deduction or withholding on account of any such Tax
from any sum paid or payable by Company to Administrative Agent or any Lender
under any of the Credit Documents: (i) Company shall notify Administrative Agent
of any such requirement or any change in any such requirement as soon as Company
becomes aware of it; (ii) Company shall pay any such Tax before the date on
which penalties attach thereto, such payment to be made (if the liability to pay
is imposed on any Credit Party) for its own account or (if that liability is
imposed on Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be) on behalf of
and in the name of Administrative Agent or such Lender;

                                      55
<PAGE>

(iii) the sum payable by such Credit Party in respect of which the relevant
deduction, withholding or payment is required shall be increased to the extent
necessary to ensure that, after the making of that deduction, withholding or
payment, Administrative Agent or such Lender, as the case may be, receives on
the due date a net sum equal to what it would have received had no such
deduction, withholding or payment been required or made; and (iv) within thirty
(30) days after paying any sum from which it is required by law to make any
deduction or withholding, and within thirty (30) days after the due date of
payment of any Tax which it is required by clause (ii) above to pay, Company
shall deliver to Administrative Agent evidence satisfactory to the other
affected parties of such deduction, withholding or payment and of the remittance
thereof to the relevant taxing or other authority; provided, no such additional
amount shall be required to be paid to any Lender under clause (iii) above
except to the extent that any change after the date hereof (in the case of each
Lender listed on the signature pages hereof on the Closing Date) or after the
effective date of the Assignment Agreement or Joinder Agreement pursuant to
which such Lender became a Lender (in the case of each other Lender) in any such
requirement for a deduction, withholding or payment as is mentioned therein
shall result in an increase in the rate of such deduction, withholding or
payment from that in effect at the date hereof or at the date of such Assignment
Agreement or Joinder Agreement, as the case may be, in respect of payments to
such Lender.

            (c)  Evidence of Exemption From U.S. Withholding Tax. Each Lender
                 -----------------------------------------------
that is not a United States Person (as such term is defined in Section
7701(a)(30) of the Internal Revenue Code) for U.S. federal income tax purposes
(a "Non-US Lender") shall deliver to Administrative Agent for transmission to
Company, on or prior to the Closing Date (in the case of each Lender listed on
the signature pages hereof on the Closing Date) or on or prior to the date of
the Assignment Agreement pursuant to which it becomes a Lender (in the case of
each other Lender), and at such other times as may be necessary in the
determination of Company or Administrative Agent (each in the reasonable
exercise of its discretion), (i) two original copies of Internal Revenue Service
Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI (or any successor forms), properly completed and duly
executed by such Lender, and such other documentation required under the
Internal Revenue Code and reasonably requested by Administrative Agent, Company
to establish that such Lender is not subject to deduction or withholding of
United States federal income tax with respect to any payments to such Lender of
principal, interest, fees or other amounts payable under any of the Credit
Documents, or (ii) if such Lender is not a "bank" or other Person described in
Section 881(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and cannot deliver either
Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI pursuant to clause (i) above, a
Certificate re Non-Bank Status together with two original copies of Internal
Revenue Service Form W-8 (or any successor form), properly completed and duly
executed by such Lender, and such other documentation required under the
Internal Revenue Code and reasonably requested by Company to establish that such
Lender is not subject to deduction or withholding of United States federal
income tax with respect to any payments to such Lender of interest payable under
any of the Credit Documents. Each Lender required to deliver any forms,
certificates or other evidence with respect to United States federal income tax
withholding matters pursuant to this Section 2.19(c) hereby agrees, from time to
time after the initial delivery by such Lender of such forms, certificates or
other evidence, whenever a lapse in time or change in

                                      56
<PAGE>

circumstances renders such forms, certificates or other evidence obsolete or
inaccurate in any material respect, that such Lender shall promptly deliver to
Administrative Agent for transmission to Company two new original copies of
Internal Revenue Service Form W-8BEN or W-8ECI, or a Certificate re Non-Bank
Status and two original copies of Internal Revenue Service Form W-8, as the case
may be, properly completed and duly executed by such Lender, and such other
documentation required under the Internal Revenue Code and reasonably requested
by Company to confirm or establish that such Lender is not subject to deduction
or withholding of United States federal income tax with respect to payments to
such Lender under the Credit Documents, or notify Administrative Agent and
Company of its inability to deliver any such forms, certificates or other
evidence. Company shall not be required to pay any additional amount to any Non-
US Lender under Section 2.19(b)(iii) if such Lender shall have failed (1) to
deliver the forms, certificates or other evidence referred to in the second
sentence of this Section 2.19(c), or (2) to notify Administrative Agent and
Company of its inability to deliver any such forms, certificates or other
evidence, as the case may be; provided, if such Lender shall have satisfied the
                              --------
requirements of the first sentence of this Section 2.19(c) on the Closing Date
or on the date of the Assignment Agreement or Joinder Agreement pursuant to
which it became a Lender, as applicable, nothing in this last sentence of
Section 2.19(c) shall relieve Company of its obligation to pay any additional
amounts pursuant to Section 2.19(a) in the event that, as a result of any change
in any applicable law, treaty or governmental rule, regulation or order, or any
change in the interpretation, administration or application thereof, such Lender
is no longer properly entitled to deliver forms, certificates or other evidence
at a subsequent date establishing the fact that such Lender is not subject to
withholding as described herein.

            (d)  If any Tax is refunded to Administrative Agent or an Affected
Lender, it will pay such refund to Company to the extent Administrative Agent or
an Affected Lender determines in its sole discretion that such refund is
attributable to any Tax paid by Company and to the extent Company has previously
indemnified the Administrative Agent or Affected Lender therefor pursuant to
this Section 2.19, net of expenses and without interest except any interest (net
of taxes) included in such refund. Company shall return such refund (together
with any taxes, penalties or other charges) in the event any Agent or any Lender
is required to repay such refund. Notwithstanding the foregoing, nothing in this
Section 2.19 shall be construed to (i) entitle Company or any other Persons to
(A) any information determined by any Agent or Lender, in each case, in its sole
discretion, to be confidential or proprietary information of such Agent or
Lender, (B) any tax or financial information of such Agent or Lender, or (C)
inspect or review any books and records of any Agent or Lender, or (ii)
interfere with the rights of any Agent or Lender to conduct its fiscal or tax
affairs in such matter as it deems fit. A certificate as to the amount of such
payment or liability delivered to Company by Administrative Agent on its own
behalf or on behalf of any Lender or Agent shall be conclusive absent manifest
error.

     1.20.  Obligation to Mitigate. Each Lender agrees that, as promptly as
practicable after the officer of such Lender responsible for administering its
Loans becomes aware of the occurrence of an event or the existence of a
condition that would cause such Lender to become an Affected Lender

                                      57
<PAGE>

or that would entitle such Lender to receive payments under Section 2.17, 2.18
or 2.19, it will, to the extent not inconsistent with the internal policies of
such Lender and any applicable legal or regulatory restrictions, use reasonable
efforts (a) to make, fund or maintain its applicable Commitment or Loans,
including any Affected Loans, through another office of such Lender, or (b) take
such other measures as such Lender may deem reasonable, if as a result thereof
the circumstances which would cause such Lender to be an Affected Lender would
cease to exist or the additional amounts which would otherwise be required to be
paid to such Lender pursuant to Section 2.17, 2.18 or 2.19 would be materially
reduced and if, as determined by such Lender in its sole discretion, the making,
funding or maintaining of such Commitments or Loans through such other office or
in accordance with such other measures, as the case may be, would not otherwise
adversely affect such Commitments or Loans or the interests of such Lender;
provided, such Lender will not be obligated to utilize such other office
--------
pursuant to this Section 2.20 unless Company agrees to pay all incremental
expenses incurred by such Lender as a result of utilizing such other office as
described in clause (i) above. A certificate as to the amount of any such
expenses payable by Company pursuant to this Section 2.20 (setting forth in
reasonable detail the basis for requesting such amount) submitted by such Lender
to Company (with a copy to Administrative Agent) shall be conclusive absent
manifest error.

     1.21.  Defaulting Lenders. Anything contained herein to the contrary
notwithstanding, in the event that any Lender defaults (a "Defaulting Lender")
in its obligation to fund (a "Funding Default") any Loan (a "Defaulted Loan"),
then (a) during any such period when such default is continuing with respect to
such Defaulting Lender (the "Default Period"), such Defaulting Lender shall not
be deemed to be a "Lender" for purposes of voting on any matters (including the
granting of any consents or waivers) with respect to any of the Credit
Documents; (b) to the extent permitted by applicable law, until such time as the
Default Excess with respect to such Defaulting Lender shall have been reduced to
zero, (i) any voluntary prepayment of the Loans shall, if Company so directs at
the time of making such voluntary prepayment, be applied to the Loans of other
Lenders as if such Defaulting Lender had no Loans outstanding and the Revolving
Exposure and Delayed Draw Term Loan Exposure of such Defaulting Lender were
zero, and (ii) any mandatory prepayment of the Loans shall, if Company so
directs at the time of making such mandatory prepayment, be applied to the Loans
of other Lenders (but not to the Loans of such Defaulting Lender) as if such
Defaulting Lender had funded all Defaulted Loans of such Defaulting Lender, it
being understood and agreed that Company shall be entitled to retain any portion
of any mandatory prepayment of the Loans otherwise payable by such Credit Party
that is not paid to such Defaulting Lender solely as a result of the operation
of the provisions of this clause (b); (c) such Defaulting Lender's Revolving
Commitment and Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment and outstanding Loans shall be
excluded for purposes of calculating the commitment fee payable to Lenders in
respect of any day during any Default Period with respect to such Defaulting
Lender, and such Defaulting Lender shall not be entitled to receive any
commitment fee pursuant to Section 2.9 with respect to such Defaulting Lender's
Revolving Commitment and Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment in respect of any
Default Period with respect to such Defaulting Lender; and (d) the Total
Utilization of Commitments as at any date of determination shall be calculated
as if such Defaulting Lender had funded all

                                      58
<PAGE>

Defaulted Loans of such Defaulting Lender. No Revolving Commitment of any Lender
shall be increased or otherwise affected, and, except as otherwise expressly
provided in this Section 2.21, performance by Company of its obligations
hereunder and the other Credit Documents shall not be excused or otherwise
modified as a result of any Funding Default or the operation of this Section
2.21. The rights and remedies against a Defaulting Lender under this Section
2.21 are in addition to other rights and remedies which Company may have against
such Defaulting Lender with respect to any Funding Default and which
Administrative Agent or any Lender may have against such Defaulting Lender with
respect to any Funding Default.

     1.22.  Removal or Replacement of a Lender. Anything contained herein to the
contrary notwithstanding, in the event that: (a) any Lender (an "Increased-Cost
Lender") shall give notice to Company that such Lender is an Affected Lender or
that such Lender is entitled to receive payments under Section 2.17, 2.18 or
2.19, the circumstances which have caused such Lender to be an Affected Lender
or which entitle such Lender to receive such payments shall remain in effect,
and such Lender shall fail to withdraw such notice within five Business Days
after Company's request for such withdrawal; or (b) any Lender shall become a
Defaulting Lender, the Default Period for such Defaulting Lender shall remain in
effect, and such Defaulting Lender shall fail to cure the default as a result of
which it has become a Defaulting Lender within five Business Days after
Company's request that it cure such default; or (c) in connection with any
proposed amendment, modification, termination, waiver or consent with respect to
any of the provisions hereof as contemplated by Section 10.5(b), the consent of
Requisite Lenders shall have been obtained but the consent of one or more of
such other Lenders (each a "Non-Consenting Lender") whose consent is required
shall not have been obtained; then, with respect to each such Increased-Cost
Lender, Defaulting Lender or Non-Consenting Lender (the "Terminated Lender"),
Company may, by giving written notice to Administrative Agent and any Terminated
Lender of its election to do so, elect to cause such Terminated Lender (and such
Terminated Lender hereby irrevocably agrees) to assign its outstanding Loans and
its Revolving Commitments, if any, in full to one or more Eligible Assignees
(each a "Replacement Lender") in accordance with the provisions of Section 10.6
and Terminated Lender shall pay any fees payable thereunder in connection with
such assignment; provided, (1) on the date of such assignment, the Replacement
Lender shall pay to Terminated Lender an amount equal to the sum of (A) an
amount equal to the principal of, and all accrued interest on, all outstanding
Loans of the Terminated Lender and (B) an amount equal to all accrued, but
theretofore unpaid fees owing to such Terminated Lender pursuant to Section 2.9;
(2) on the date of such assignment, Company shall pay any amounts payable to
such Terminated Lender pursuant to Section 2.17(c), 2.18 or 2.19 or otherwise as
if it were a prepayment; and (3) in the event such Terminated Lender is a Non-
Consenting Lender, Borrower may not make such election unless it also makes such
election with respect to each other Lender which is a Non-Consenting Lender.
Upon the prepayment of all amounts owing to any Terminated Lender and the
termination of such Terminated Lender's Revolving Commitments, if any, such
Terminated Lender shall no longer constitute a "Lender" for purposes hereof;
provided, any rights of such Terminated Lender to indemnification hereunder
--------
shall survive as to such Terminated Lender.

                                      59
<PAGE>

SECTION 2.  CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

     2.1.   Closing Date. The obligation of Lenders to make a Credit Extension
on the Closing Date is subject to the satisfaction, or waiver in accordance with
Section 10.5, of the following conditions on or before the Closing Date:

            (a)  Credit Documents and Related Agreements. Administrative Agent
                 ---------------------------------------
and Syndication Agent shall have received sufficient copies of each Credit
Document originally executed and delivered by each applicable Credit Party for
each Lender, the Intercompany Loan Agreement, Intercompany Security Agreement
and Approved Lease Agreements.

            (b)  Organizational Documents; Incumbency. Administrative Agent and
                 ------------------------------------
Syndication Agent shall have received (i) sufficient copies of each
Organizational Document originally executed and delivered by each Credit Party,
as applicable, and, to the extent applicable, certified as of a recent date by
the appropriate governmental official, for each Lenders and its counsel, each
dated the Closing Date or a recent date prior thereto; (ii) signature and
incumbency certificates of the officers of such Person executing the Credit
Documents to which it is a party, dated as of the Closing Date; (iii)
resolutions of the Board of Directors or similar governing body of each Credit
Party approving and authorizing the execution, delivery and performance of this
Agreement and the other Credit Documents to which it is a party or by which it
or its assets may be bound as of the Closing Date, certified as of the Closing
Date by its secretary or an assistant secretary as being in full force and
effect without modification or amendment; (iv) a good standing certificate from
the applicable Governmental Authority of each Credit Party's jurisdiction of
incorporation, organization or formation and in each jurisdiction in which it is
qualified as a foreign corporation or other entity to do business, each dated a
recent date prior to the Closing Date; and (v) such other related documents as
Administrative Agent or Syndication Agent may reasonably request.

            (c)  Organizational and Capital Structure. The organizational
                 ------------------------------------
structure and the capital structure of Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall be as
set forth on Schedule 4.1.
             ------------

            (d)  Environmental Information. Syndication Agent and Administrative
                 -------------------------
Agent shall have received reports and other information, in form, scope and
substance satisfactory to Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent, regarding
environmental matters relating to the Facilities.

            (e)  Governmental Authorizations and Consents. Except to the extent
                 ----------------------------------------
described in Schedule 3.1(e), each Credit Party shall have obtained all
             ---------------
Governmental Authorizations and all consents of other Persons, in each case that
are necessary or advisable in connection with the transactions contemplated by
the Credit Documents and each of the foregoing shall be in full force and effect
and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Syndication Agent and
Administrative Agent. All applicable waiting periods shall have expired without
any action being taken or threatened by any competent authority which would
restrain, prevent or otherwise impose adverse conditions on the transactions
contemplated by the Credit Documents and no action, request

                                      60
<PAGE>

for stay, petition for review or rehearing, reconsideration, or appeal with
respect to any of the foregoing shall be pending, and the time for any
applicable agency to take action to set aside its consent on its own motion
shall have expired.

            (f)  Personal and Mixed Property Collateral. In order to create in
                 --------------------------------------
favor of Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Secured Parties, a valid and
perfected First Priority security interest in the personal property Collateral,
Collateral Agent shall have received:

                 (i)   (1) certificates (which certificates shall be accompanied
by irrevocable undated stock powers, duly endorsed in blank and otherwise
satisfactory in form and substance to Collateral Agent) representing all
certificated shares or other interests (however designated) with respect to
Capital Stock pledged pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement and (2) all
instruments and promissory notes (which instruments shall be accompanied by
instruments of transfer or assignment duly endorsed in blank and otherwise in
form and substance satisfactory to Collateral Agent) evidencing all Indebtedness
pledged pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement;

                 (ii)  (1) the results of a recent search, by a Person
satisfactory to Syndication Agent and Collateral Agent, of UCC financing
statements and fixture filings and all judgment and tax lien filings made with
respect to any personal or mixed property of any Credit Party, together with
copies of all such filings disclosed by such search, and (2) UCC termination
statements duly executed by all applicable Persons for filing in all applicable
jurisdictions as may be necessary to terminate any effective UCC financing
statements or fixture filings disclosed in such search (other than any such
financing statements or fixture filings in respect of Permitted Liens);

                 (iii) UCC financing statements, including fixture filings, duly
executed by each applicable Credit Party with respect to all personal and mixed
property Collateral of such Credit Party, for filing in all jurisdictions as may
be necessary or, in the opinion of Collateral Agent, desirable to perfect the
security interests created in such Collateral pursuant to the Collateral
Documents under the UCC;

                 (iv)  all releases, cover sheets or other documents or
instruments required to be filed in order to create or perfect Liens in respect
of any intellectual property Collateral;

                 (v)   opinions of counsel (which counsel shall be reasonably
satisfactory to Collateral Agent) with respect to the creation and perfection of
the security interests in favor of Collateral Agent in such Collateral and such
other matters governed by the laws of each jurisdiction in which any Credit
Party or any personal property Collateral is located as Collateral Agent may
reasonably request, in each case, addressed to the Agents and each Lender and in
form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Collateral Agent;

                                      61
<PAGE>

                 (vi)  delivery to the Collateral Agent, in the case of each
Leasehold Property, a Landlord Personal Property Collateral Access Agreement
with respect thereto; and

                 (vi)  evidence that each Credit Party shall have taken or
caused to be taken any other action, executed and delivered or caused to be
executed and delivered any other agreement, document and instrument (including,
without limitation, any agreements governing deposit and/or security accounts),
and made or caused to be made any other filing and recording (other than as set
forth herein) required pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement or
otherwise reasonably required by Collateral Agent.

            (g)  Financial Statements; Projections. Lenders shall have received
                 ---------------------------------
from Holdings (i) the Historical Financial Statements, (ii) a financial forecast
dated July 2000 for Holdings and its Subsidiaries for the period from Fiscal
Year 2000 through and including Fiscal Year 2008 (with Fiscal Years 2000, 2001,
2002 and 2003 detailed by Fiscal Quarter); and all of the foregoing financial
statements and other information will not be inconsistent, in any material
respect, with any information previously provided to Lenders.

            (h)  Evidence of Insurance. Syndication Agent and Administrative
                 ---------------------
Agent shall have received a certificate from Holding's and Company's insurance
broker or other evidence satisfactory to them that all insurance required to be
maintained pursuant to Section 5.5 is in full force and effect and that
Administrative Agent, for the benefit of Lenders has been named as additional
insured and loss payee thereunder to the extent required under Section 5.5.

            (i)  Opinions of Counsel to Credit Parties. Lenders and their
                 -------------------------------------
respective counsel shall have received originally executed copies of the
favorable written opinions of McDermott, Will & Emery, Swidler Berlin Shereff
Friedman, LLP and Renee M. Martin, Esq., as counsel for Credit Parties, in the
forms of Exhibit D and as to such other matters as Administrative Agent or
         ---------
Syndication Agent may reasonably request, and addressed to the Agents and the
Lenders and otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Administrative Agent and Syndication Agent and its counsel, dated the Closing
Date.

            (j)  Opinions of Counsel to Syndication Agent. Lenders shall have
                 ----------------------------------------
received originally executed copies of one or more favorable written opinions of
Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, counsel to Syndication Agent, dated as
of the Closing Date, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Syndication Agent.

            (k)  Fees. Company shall have paid to Agents the fees payable on the
                 ----
Closing Date referred to in Section 2.9(c).

            (l)  Solvency Certificate. On the Closing Date, Syndication Agent,
                 --------------------
Administrative Agent and Lenders shall have received a Solvency Certificate from
Holdings and Company.

                                      62
<PAGE>

            (m)  Closing Date Certificate. Company shall have delivered to
                 ------------------------
Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent an originally executed Closing Date
Certificate, together with all attachments thereto.

            (n)  Material Contracts. Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall have
                 ------------------
delivered to Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent copies of all Material
Contracts in effect on the Closing Date.

            (o)  Completion of Proceedings. All partnership, corporate and other
                 -------------------------
proceedings taken or to be taken in connection with the transactions
contemplated hereby and all documents incidental thereto not previously found
acceptable by Administrative Agent or Syndication Agent and its counsel shall be
satisfactory in form and substance to Administrative Agent and Syndication Agent
and such counsel, and Administrative Agent, Syndication Agent and such counsel
shall have received all such counterpart originals or certified copies of such
documents as Administrative Agent or Syndication Agent may reasonably request.

            Each Lender, by delivering its signature page to this Agreement
(other than in escrow for later release upon the instruction of such Lender) on
the Closing Date or by giving instructions for the release of its signature
pages previously delivered by it in escrow (as the case may be) or such date,
shall be deemed to have acknowledged receipt of, and consented to and approved,
each Credit Document and each other document required to be approved by any
Agent, Requisite Lenders or Lenders, as applicable, on or prior to the Closing
Date.

     2.2.  Conditions to Each Credit Extension.

            (a)  Conditions Precedent. The obligation of each Lender to make any
                 --------------------
Loan on any Credit Date, including the Closing Date, are subject to the
satisfaction, or waiver in accordance with Section 10.5, of the following
conditions precedent (in addition to those conditions precedent set forth in
Section 3.1 hereof):

                 (i)   Administrative Agent shall have received a fully executed
and delivered Funding Notice;

                 (ii)  after making any Revolving Loans requested on such Credit
Date, the Total Utilization of Revolving Commitments shall not exceed the
Revolving Commitments then in effect;

                 (iii) after making any Delayed Draw Term Loans requested on
such Credit Date, the Total Utilization of Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments
shall not exceed the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments then in effect;

                                      63
<PAGE>

               (iv)    after giving effect to the making of each Loan, Holdings
and Company shall be in compliance, on a pro forma basis as of the last day of
the most recently ended Fiscal Quarter, with the financial covenants set forth
in Section 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable.

               (v)     as of such Credit Date, the representations and
warranties contained herein and in the other Credit Documents shall be true and
correct in all material respects on and as of that Credit Date to the same
extent as though made on and as of that date, except to the extent such
representations and warranties specifically relate to an earlier date, in which
case such representations and warranties shall have been true and correct in
all material respects on and as of such earlier date;

               (vi)    as of such Credit Date, no event shall have occurred and
be continuing or would result from the consummation of the applicable Credit
Extension that would constitute an Event of Default or a Default;

               (vii)   as of such Credit Date, Company shall have provided
Administrative Agent and Syndication Agent such information, as either may
reasonably request, confirming the use of proceeds of Loan in accordance with
Section 2.4; and

               (viii)  on or before such Credit Date, Company shall have
satisfied any and all post-closing obligations required to have been satisfied
by such Credit Date pursuant to Section 5.15.

          (b)  Notices. Any Notice shall be executed by an Authorized Officer in
               -------
a writing delivered to Administrative Agent. In lieu of delivering a Notice,
Company may give Administrative Agent telephonic notice by the required time of
any proposed borrowing or conversion/continuation, as the case may be; provided
                                                                       --------
each such notice shall be promptly confirmed in writing by delivery of the
applicable Notice to Administrative Agent on or before the applicable date of
borrowing or continuation/conversion. Neither Administrative Agent nor any
Lender shall incur any liability to Company in acting upon any telephonic notice
referred to above that Administrative Agent believes in good faith to have been
given by a duly authorized officer or other person authorized on behalf of
Company or for otherwise acting in good faith.

SECTION 3. REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     In order to induce Lenders to enter into this Agreement and to make each
Credit Extension to be made thereby, each Credit Party represents and warrants
to each Lender, on the Closing Date and on each Credit Date, that the following
statements are true and correct:

     3.1. Organization; Requisite Power and Authority; Qualification. Each of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries (a) is duly organized, validly existing and in
good standing under the laws of its

                                      64
<PAGE>

jurisdiction of organization as identified in Schedule 4.1, (b) has all
                                              ------------
requisite power and authority to own and operate its properties, to carry on its
business as now conducted and as proposed to be conducted, to enter into the
Credit Documents to which it is a party and to carry out the transactions
contemplated thereby, and (c) is qualified to do business and in good standing
in every jurisdiction where its assets are located and wherever necessary to
carry out its business and operations, except in jurisdictions where the failure
to be so qualified or in good standing has not had, and could not be reasonably
expected to have, a Material Adverse Effect.

     3.2. Capital Stock and Ownership. The Capital Stock of each of Holdings and
its Subsidiaries has been duly authorized and validly issued and is fully paid
and non-assessable. Except as set forth on Schedule 4.2, as of the date hereof,
                                           ------------
there is no existing option, warrant, call, right, commitment or other agreement
to which Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries is a party requiring, and there is
no membership interest or other Capital Stock of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries outstanding which upon conversion or exchange would require, the
issuance by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries of any additional membership
interests or other Capital Stock of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or other
Securities convertible into, exchangeable for or evidencing the right to
subscribe for or purchase, a membership interest or other Capital Stock of
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries. Schedule 4.2 correctly sets forth the
                                     ------------
ownership interest of Holdings and each of its Subsidiaries as of the Closing
Date.

     3.3. Due Authorization. The execution, delivery and performance of the
Credit Documents have been duly authorized by all necessary action on the part
of each Credit Party that is a party thereto.

     3.4. No Conflict. The execution, delivery and performance by Credit Parties
of the Credit Documents to which they are parties and the consummation of the
transactions contemplated by the Credit Documents do not and will not (a)
violate any provision of any law or any governmental rule or regulation
applicable to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, any Governmental
Authorization, any of the Organizational Documents of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any order, judgment or decree of any court or other agency of
government binding on Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries; (b) conflict with,
result in a breach of or constitute (with due notice or lapse of time or both) a
default under any Contractual Obligation under any Material Contract of Holdings
or any of its Subsidiaries; (c) result in or require the creation or imposition
of any Lien upon any of the properties or assets of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries (other than any Liens created under any of the Credit Documents in
favor of Collateral Agent, on behalf of Secured Parties); or (d) require any
approval of stockholders or members or any approval or consent of any Person
under any Contractual Obligation of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, except
for such approvals or consents which will be obtained on or before the Closing
Date and disclosed in writing to Administrative Agent.

     3.5. Governmental Consents. The execution, delivery and performance by
Credit Parties of the Credit Documents to which they are parties and the
consummation of the transactions contemplated by the Credit Documents do not and
will not require any registration with, consent or

                                      65
<PAGE>

approval of, or notice to, or other action to, with or by, any Governmental
Authority except as otherwise set forth on Schedule 4.5, and except for filings
                                           ------------
and recordings with respect to the Collateral to be made, or otherwise delivered
to Collateral Agent, as of the Closing Date.

     3.6.  Binding Obligation. Each Credit Document has been duly executed and
delivered by each Credit Party that is a party thereto and is the legally valid
and binding obligation of such Credit Party, enforceable against such Credit
Party in accordance with its respective terms, except as may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating to
or limiting creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles relating to
enforceability.

     3.7.  Historical Financial Statements. The Historical Financial Statements
were prepared in conformity with GAAP and fairly present, in all material
respects, the financial position, on a consolidated basis, of the Persons
described in such financial statements as at the respective dates thereof and
the results of operations and cash flows, on a consolidated basis, of the
entities described therein for each of the periods then ended, subject, in the
case of any unaudited financial statements, to changes resulting from audit and
normal year-end adjustments. As of the Closing Date, except as set forth on
Schedule 4.7, neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries has any contingent
------------
liability or liability for taxes, long-term lease or unusual forward or long-
term commitment that is not reflected in the Historical Financial Statements or
the notes thereto and which in any such case is material in relation to the
business, operations, properties, assets, condition (financial or otherwise) or
prospects of Holdings and any of its Subsidiaries taken as a whole.

     3.8.  Projections. On and as of the Closing Date, the financial forecast of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries delivered pursuant to Section 3.1(g) (the
"Projections") is based on good faith estimates and assumptions made by the
management of Holdings; provided, the Projections are not to be viewed as facts
                        --------
and that actual results during the period or periods covered by the Projections
may differ from such Projections and that the differences may be material;
provided further, as of the Closing Date, management of Holdings believed that
-------- -------
the Projections were reasonable and attainable.

     3.9.  No Material Adverse Change. Since December 31, 1999, no event or
change has occurred that has caused or evidences, either in any case or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

     3.10. No Restricted Junior Payments. Since December 31, 1999, neither
Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries has directly or indirectly declared,
ordered, paid or made, or set apart any sum or property for, any Restricted
Junior Payment or agreed to do so except as permitted pursuant to Section 6.4.

     3.11. Adverse Proceedings, etc. There are no Adverse Proceedings,
individually or in the aggregate, that could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries (a) is in
violation of any applicable laws (including Environmental Laws)

                                       66
<PAGE>

that, individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect, or (b) is subject to or in default with respect to any
final judgments, writs, injunctions, decrees, rules or regulations of any court
or any federal, state, municipal or other governmental department, commission,
board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, that,
individually or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

     3.12  Payment of Taxes. Except as otherwise permitted under Section 5.3,
all tax returns and reports of Holdings and its Subsidiaries required to be
filed by any of them have been timely filed, and all taxes shown on such tax
returns to be due and payable and all assessments, fees and other governmental
charges upon Holdings and its Subsidiaries and upon their respective properties,
assets, income, businesses and franchises which are due and payable have been
paid when due and payable. Holdings knows of no proposed tax assessment against
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries which is not being actively contested by
Holdings or such Subsidiary in good faith and by appropriate proceedings;
provided, such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be
--------
required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made or provided therefor.

     3.13  Properties.

            (a)  Title. Each of Holdings and its Subsidiaries has (i) good,
                 -----
sufficient and marketable legal title to (in the case of fee interests in real
property), and (ii) valid leasehold interests in (in the case of leasehold
interests in real property), all of their respective properties and assets
reflected in their respective Historical Financial Statements referred to in
Section 4.7 or, if later, in the most recent financial statements delivered
pursuant to Section 5.1, in each case except for assets disposed of since the
date of such financial statements in the ordinary course of business or as
otherwise permitted under Section 6.8. Except as permitted by this Agreement,
all such properties and assets are free and clear of Liens.

            (b)  Real Estate. As of the Closing Date, Schedule 4.13 contains a
                 -----------                          -------------
true, accurate and complete list of (i) all Real Estate Assets, and (ii) all
material leases, subleases or assignments of leases (together with all
amendments, modifications, supplements, renewals or extensions of any thereof)
affecting each Real Estate Asset of any Credit Party, regardless of whether such
Credit Party is the landlord or tenant (whether directly or as an assignee or
successor in interest) under such lease, sublease or assignment. Except as
specified in Schedule 4.13, each agreement listed in clause (ii) of the
             -------------
immediately preceding sentence is in full force and effect and Holdings or the
Company does not have knowledge of any default that has occurred and is
continuing thereunder which has had and could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect, and each such agreement constitutes the legally valid
and binding obligation of each applicable Credit Party, enforceable against such
Credit Party in accordance with its terms, except as enforcement may be limited
by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or similar laws relating
to or limiting creditors' rights generally or by equitable principles.

                                       67
<PAGE>

     3.14. Environmental Matters. Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries
is subject to any Environmental Claim which could reasonably be expected to have
a Material Adverse Effect, nor to their knowledge have there been any Hazardous
Material Activities which could reasonably be expected to lead to Environmental
Claims having a Material Adverse Effect.

     3.15. No Defaults. Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries is in
default in the performance, observance or fulfillment of any of the obligations,
covenants or conditions contained in any of its Contractual Obligations, and no
condition exists which, with the giving of notice or the lapse of time or both,
could constitute such a default, except where the consequences, direct or
indirect, of such default or defaults, if any, could not reasonably be expected
to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     3.16. Material Contracts. Schedule 4.16 contains a true, correct and
                               -------------
complete list of all the Material Contracts in effect on the Closing Date, and
except as described thereon, all such Material Contracts are in full force and
effect and no defaults currently exist thereunder which defaults could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.

     3.17. Governmental Regulation. Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries
(except to the extent disclosed on Schedule 4.17) is subject to regulation under
                                   -------------
the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, the Federal Power Act or the
Investment Company Act of 1940 or under any other federal or state statute or
regulation which may limit its ability to incur Indebtedness or which may
otherwise render all or any portion of the Obligations unenforceable. Neither
Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries is a "registered investment company" or
company "controlled" by a "registered investment company" or a "principal
underwriter" of a "registered investment company" as such terms are defined in
the Investment Company Act of 1940.

     3.18. Margin Stock. Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries is engaged
principally, or as one of its important activities, in the business of extending
credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any Margin Stock. No part of
the proceeds of the Loans made to Company will be used to purchase or carry any
such margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or
carrying any Margin Stock or for any purpose that violates, or is inconsistent
with, the provisions of Regulation T, U or X of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System.

     3.19. Employee Matters. Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries is
engaged in any unfair labor practice that could reasonably be expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect. There is (a) no unfair labor practice complaint pending
against Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or to the knowledge of Holdings and
Company, threatened against any of them before the National Labor Relations
Board and no grievance or arbitration proceeding arising out of or under any
collective bargaining agreement that is so pending against Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries or to the knowledge of Holdings and Company, threatened against
any of them, (b) no strike or work stoppage in existence or threatened involving
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries and (c) to the knowledge of Holdings and
Company, no union representation question existing with respect to the employees
of

                                       68
<PAGE>

Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries and, to the knowledge of Holdings and
Company, no union organization activity that is taking place, except (with
respect to any matter specified in clause (a), (b) or (c) above, either
individually or in the aggregate) such as is not reasonably likely to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

     3.20.  Employee Benefit Plans.  Holdings, each of its Subsidiaries and each
of their respective ERISA Affiliates are in compliance with all applicable
provisions and requirements of ERISA and the Internal Revenue Code and the
regulations and published interpretations thereunder with respect to each
Employee Benefit Plan, and have performed all their obligations under each
Employee Benefit Plan except for such violations which, individually or in the
aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect.
Each Employee Benefit Plan which is intended to qualify under Section 401(a) of
the Internal Revenue Code is so qualified.  No material liability to the PBGC
(other than required premium payments), the Internal Revenue Service, any
Employee Benefit Plan or any Trust established under Title IV of ERISA has been
or is expected to be incurred by Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any of
their ERISA Affiliates.  No ERISA Event has occurred or is reasonably expected
to occur.  Except to the extent required under Section 4980B of the Internal
Revenue Code or similar state laws, no Employee Benefit Plan provides health or
welfare benefits (through the purchase of insurance or otherwise) for any
retired or former employee of Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective ERISA Affiliates.  As of the most recent valuation date for any
Pension Plan, the amount of unfunded benefit liabilities (as defined in Section
4001(a)(18) of ERISA), individually or in the aggregate for all Pension Plans
(excluding for purposes of such computation any Pension Plans with respect to
which assets exceed benefit liabilities), does not exceed $1,000,000.  As of the
most recent valuation date for each Multiemployer Plan for which the actuarial
report is available, the potential liability of Holdings, its Subsidiaries and
their respective ERISA Affiliates for a complete withdrawal from such
Multiemployer Plan (within the meaning of Section 4203 of ERISA), when
aggregated with such potential liability for a complete withdrawal from all
Multiemployer Plans, based on information available pursuant to Section 4221(e)
of ERISA, does not exceed $1,000,000.  Holdings, each of its Subsidiaries and
each of their ERISA Affiliates have complied with the requirements of Section
515 of ERISA with respect to each Multiemployer Plan and are not in material
"default" (as defined in Section 4219(c)(5) of ERISA) with respect to payments
to a Multiemployer Plan.

     3.21.  Solvency.  Each Credit Party is and, upon the incurrence of any
Obligation by such Credit Party on any date on which this representation and
warranty is made, will be, Solvent.

     3.22.  Compliance with Statutes, etc.  Each of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries is in compliance with all applicable statutes, regulations and
orders of, and all applicable restrictions imposed by, all Governmental
Authorities, in respect of the conduct of its business and the ownership of its
property (including compliance with all applicable Environmental Laws with
respect to any Real Estate Asset or governing its business and the requirements
of any permits issued under such Environmental Laws with respect to any such
Real Estate Asset or the operations of

                                       69
<PAGE>

Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries), except such non-compliance that,
individually or in the aggregate, could not reasonably be expected to result in
a Material Adverse Effect.

     3.23.  Disclosure.  No representation or warranty of any Credit Party
contained in any Credit Document or in any other documents, certificates or
written statements furnished to Lenders by or on behalf of Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries for use in connection with the transactions contemplated hereby
contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits to state a material
fact (known to Holdings or Company, in the case of any document not furnished by
either of them) necessary in order to make the statements contained herein or
therein not misleading in light of the circumstances in which the same were
made.  Any projections and pro forma financial information contained in such
materials are based upon good faith estimates and assumptions believed by
Holdings and Company to be reasonable at the time made, it being recognized by
Lenders that such projections as to future events are not to be viewed as facts
and that actual results during the period or periods covered by any such
projections may differ from the projected results.  There are no facts known (or
which should, upon the reasonable exercise of diligence, be known) to Holdings
or Company (other than matters of a general economic nature) that, individually
or in the aggregate, could reasonably be expected to result in a Material
Adverse Effect and that have not been disclosed herein or in such other
documents, certificates and statements furnished to Lenders for use in
connection with the transactions contemplated hereby.

 SECTION 4.   AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

     Each Credit Party covenants and agrees that so long as any Commitment is in
effect and until payment in full in same day funds of all Obligations, each
Credit Party shall perform, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to perform,
all covenants in this Section 5.

     4.1.   Financial Statements and Other Reports.  Holdings will deliver to
Administrative Agent and Lenders:

           (a) Quarterly Financial Statements.  As soon as available, and in any
               ------------------------------
event within forty-five days after the end of each Fiscal Quarter of each Fiscal
Year, the consolidated balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the
end of such Fiscal Quarter and the related consolidated statements of income,
stockholders' equity and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such
Fiscal Quarter and for the period from the beginning of the then current Fiscal
Year to the end of such Fiscal Quarter, setting forth in each case in
comparative form the corresponding figures for the corresponding periods of the
previous Fiscal Year and the corresponding figures from the Financial Plan for
the current Fiscal Year, all in reasonable detail, together with (1) a Financial
Officer Certification, (2) a copy of Holdings' Form 10-Q or 10-K, as
appropriate, as filed for such Fiscal Quarter and (3) revised Schedules 4.1 and
                                                              -------------
4.2 (if necessary) reflecting all changes in the organizational structure and
---
capital structure of Holdings and its Subsidiaries since the delivery of the
last quarterly financial information, which revised Schedules
                                                    ---------

                                       70
<PAGE>

4.1 and 4.2 will be deemed to amend the then-existing Schedules 4.1 and 4.2 for
---     ---                                           -------------     ---
all purposes under this Agreement;

          (b)  Annual Financial Statements.  As soon as available, and in any
               ---------------------------
event within ninety days after the end of each Fiscal Year, (i) the consolidated
balance sheet of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the end of such Fiscal Year
and the related consolidated statements of income, stockholders' equity and cash
flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for such Fiscal Year, setting forth in
each case in comparative form the corresponding figures for the previous Fiscal
Year and the corresponding figures from the Financial Plan for the Fiscal Year
covered by such financial statements, in reasonable detail, together with a
Financial Officer Certification and a copy of Holdings' Form 10-K as filed for
such Fiscal Year; (ii) with respect such consolidated financial statements a
report thereon of Arthur Andersen LLP or other independent certified public
accountants of recognized national standing selected by Holdings, and reasonably
satisfactory to Administrative Agent (which report shall be unqualified as to
going concern and scope of audit, and shall state that such consolidated
financial statements fairly present, in all material respects, the consolidated
financial position of Holdings and its Subsidiaries as at the dates indicated
and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the periods
indicated in conformity with GAAP applied on a basis consistent with prior years
(except as otherwise disclosed in such financial statements) and that the
examination by such accountants in connection with such consolidated financial
statements has been made in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards) together with a written statement by such independent certified
public accountants stating (1) that their audit examination has included a
review of the terms of the Credit Documents, (2) whether, in connection
therewith, any condition or event that constitutes a Default or an Event of
Default has come to their attention and, if such a condition or event has come
to their attention, specifying the nature and period of existence thereof, and
(3) that nothing has come to their attention that causes them to believe that
the information contained in any Compliance Certificate is not correct or that
the matters set forth in such Compliance Certificate are not stated in
accordance with the terms hereof; and (iii) revised Schedules 4.1 and 4.2 (if
                                                    -------------     ---
necessary) reflecting all changes in the organizational structure and capital
structure of Holdings and its Subsidiaries since the delivery of the last
quarterly financial information, which revised Schedules 4.1 and 4.2 will be
                                               -------------     ---
deemed to amend the then-existing Schedules 4.1 and 4.2 for all purposes under
                                  -------------     ---
this Agreement;

          (c)  Compliance Certificate.  Together with each delivery of financial
               ----------------------
statements of Holdings and its Subsidiaries pursuant to Sections 5.1(a) and
5.1(b), a duly executed and completed Compliance Certificate;

          (d)  Statements of Reconciliation after Change in Accounting
               -------------------------------------------------------
Principles.  If, as a result of any change in accounting principles and policies
from those used in the preparation of the Historical Financial Statements, the
consolidated financial statements of Holdings and its Subsidiaries delivered
pursuant to Section 5.1(a) or 5.1(b) will differ in any material respect from
the consolidated financial statements that would have been delivered pursuant to
such subdivisions had no such change in accounting principles and policies been
made, then, together with the first

                                       71
<PAGE>

delivery of such financial statements after such change, one or more a
statements of reconciliation for the immediately preceding quarterly and annual
prior financial statements in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to
Administrative Agent;

          (e)  promptly upon their becoming available, copies of (i) all
financial statements, reports, notices and proxy statements sent or made
available generally by Holdings to its security holders acting in such capacity
or by any Subsidiary of Holdings to its security holders other than Holdings or
another Subsidiary of Holdings, (ii) all regular and periodic reports (but not
including, unless requested by Administrative Agent, routine reports regularly
filed with the Federal and state commissions with jurisdiction over
telecommunications matters) and all registration statements (other than on Form
S-8 or a similar form) and prospectuses, if any, filed by Company, Holdings or
any of their Subsidiaries with any securities exchange or with the Securities
and Exchange Commission or any governmental or private regulatory authority, and
(iii) all press releases and other statements made available generally by
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries to the public concerning material
developments in the business of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries;

          (f)  Notice of Default.  Promptly upon any executive officer of
               -----------------
Holdings or Company obtaining knowledge (i) of any condition or event that
constitutes a Default or an Event of Default or that notice has been given to
Company with respect thereto; (ii) that any Person has given any notice to
Holdings or any of one of its Subsidiaries or taken any other action with
respect to any event or condition set forth in Section 8.1(b); (iii) of any
condition or event of a type required to be disclosed in a current report on
Form 8-K of the Securities and Exchange Commission; or (iv) of the occurrence of
any event or change that has caused or evidences, either in any case or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect, a certificate of one of its Authorized
Officers specifying the nature and period of existence of such condition, event
or change, or specifying the notice given and action taken by any such Person
and the nature of such claimed Event of Default, Default, default, event or
condition, and what action Company has taken, is taking and proposes to take
with respect thereto;

          (g)  Notice of Litigation.  Promptly upon any officer of Holdings or
               --------------------
Company obtaining knowledge of (i) the institution of, or non-frivolous written
threat of, any Adverse Proceeding not previously disclosed in writing by Company
to Lenders, or (ii any material development in any Adverse Proceeding that, in
the case of either (i) or (ii) if adversely determined, could be reasonably
expected (taking into account reasonably likely as opposed to merely asserted
damages and/or relief sought) to have a Material Adverse Effect, or seeks to
enjoin or otherwise prevent the consummation of, or to recover any damages or
obtain relief as a result of, the transactions contemplated hereby, written
notice thereof together with such other information as may be reasonably
available to Holdings or Company to enable Lenders and their counsel to evaluate
such matters;

          (h)  ERISA.   (i) Promptly upon becoming aware of the occurrence of or
               -----
forthcoming occurrence of any ERISA Event, a written notice specifying the
nature thereof, what action

                                       72
<PAGE>

Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates
has taken, is taking or proposes to take with respect thereto and, when known,
any action taken or threatened by the Internal Revenue Service, the Department
of Labor or the PBGC with respect thereto; and (ii) with reasonable promptness,
copies of (1) each Schedule B (Actuarial Information) to the annual report (Form
5500 Series) filed by Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective ERISA Affiliates with the Internal Revenue Service with respect to
each Pension Plan; (2) all notices received by Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries
or any of their respective ERISA Affiliates from a Multiemployer Plan sponsor
concerning an ERISA Event; and (3) copies of such other documents or
governmental reports or filings relating to any Employee Benefit Plan as
Administrative Agent shall reasonably request;

          (i)  Financial Plan.  As soon as practicable and in any event no later
               --------------
than sixty days after the beginning of each Fiscal Year, a consolidated plan and
financial forecast for such Fiscal Year and the next three succeeding Fiscal
Years (a "Financial Plan"), including (i) a forecasted consolidated balance
sheet and forecasted consolidated statements of income and cash flows of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries for each such Fiscal Year, together with pro forma
Compliance Certificates for each such Fiscal Year and an explanation of the
assumptions on which such forecasts are based and (ii) forecasted consolidated
statements of income and cash flows of Holdings and its Subsidiaries for each
month of each such Fiscal Year, together with an explanation of the assumptions
on which such forecasts are based;

          (j)  Insurance Report.  As soon as practicable following receipt and
               ----------------
in any event by the last day of September in each Fiscal Year, a report in form
and substance satisfactory to Administrative Agent outlining all material
insurance coverage maintained as of the date of such report by Holdings and its
Subsidiaries and all material insurance coverage planned to be maintained by
Holdings and its Subsidiaries in the immediately succeeding Fiscal Year;

          (k)  Notice of Change in Board of Directors.  With reasonable
               --------------------------------------
promptness, written notice of any change in the board of directors (or similar
governing body) of Holdings or Company;

          (l)  Notice Regarding Material Contracts.  Promptly, and in any event
               -----------------------------------
within ten (10) Business Days (i) after any Material Contract of Holdings or any
of its Subsidiaries is terminated prior to its scheduled term or amended in a
manner that could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect, or
(ii) any new Material Contract is entered into, a written statement describing
such event, with copies of such material amendments or new contracts, delivered
to Administrative Agent (to the extent such delivery is permitted by the terms
of any such Material Contract, provided, no such prohibition on delivery shall
be effective if it were bargained for by Holdings or its applicable Subsidiary
with the intent of avoiding compliance with this Section 5.1(l)), and, in the
case of clause (i), an explanation of any actions being taken with respect
thereto;

          (m)  Environmental Reports and Audits.  As soon as practicable
               --------------------------------
following receipt thereof, copies of all environmental audits and reports with
respect to environmental matters at any

                                       73
<PAGE>

Facility or which relate to any environmental liabilities of Holdings or its
Subsidiaries which, in any such case, individually or in the aggregate, could
reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect;

           (n)  Projections and Financial Plans.  Promptly upon any officer of
                -------------------------------
Holdings or Company obtaining knowledge thereof, written notice of any material
change in (i) the operations, activities or business of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries or (ii) any other material assumption, in each case from those upon
which the forecasts contained in the Projections delivered pursuant to Section
3.1(g) or any Financial Plan delivered pursuant to Section 5.1(i) were based;
and

           (o)  Intercompany Transactions.  With reasonable promptness, such
                -------------------------
information as may reasonably be requested by Administrative Agent, Syndication
Agent or any Lender in respect of the Intercompany Loan Agreement, Approved
Lease Agreement or Intercompany Security Agreement or the transactions
contemplated thereby or the underlying documentation (including purchase
agreements and invoices) in relation thereto, and in any event on a quarterly
basis:  (i) the amount of  Indebtedness owing by each Subsidiary to Company
thereunder, and (ii) the description, location and relevant lessee of all
Telecommunications Assets leased thereunder (which obligation, unless otherwise
requested, shall be satisfied by the provision of all relevant lease schedules
which shall be maintained in form and substance satisfactory to the
Administrative Agent).

           (p)  Other Information.  With reasonable promptness, such other
                -----------------
information and data with respect to Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries as from
time to time may be reasonably requested by Administrative Agent, Syndication
Agent or any Lender.

     4.2.  Existence.  Except as otherwise permitted under Section 6.8, each
Credit Party will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, at all times
preserve and keep in full force and effect its existence and all rights and
franchises, licenses and permits material to its business; provided, no Credit
                                                           --------
Party nor any of its Subsidiaries shall be required to preserve any such
existence, right or franchise, licenses and permits if such Person's board of
directors (or similar governing body) shall determine that the preservation
thereof is no longer desirable in the conduct of the business of such Person,
and that the loss thereof is not disadvantageous in any material respect to such
Person or to Lenders.

     4.3.  Payment of Taxes and Claims.  Each Credit Party will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, pay all Taxes imposed upon it or any of its
properties or assets or in respect of any of its income, businesses or
franchises before any penalty or fine accrues thereon, and all claims (including
claims for labor, services, materials and supplies) for sums that have become
due and payable and that by law have or may become a Lien upon any of its
properties or assets, prior to the time when any penalty or fine shall be
incurred with respect thereto; provided, no such Tax or claim need be paid if it
                               --------
is being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings promptly instituted
and diligently conducted, so long as (a) adequate reserve or other appropriate
provision, as shall be required in conformity with GAAP shall have been made
therefor, and (b) in the case of a charge or

                                       74
<PAGE>

claim which has or may become a Lien against any of the Collateral, such contest
proceedings conclusively operate to stay the sale of any portion of the
Collateral to satisfy such Tax or claim. No Credit Party will, nor will it
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, file or consent to the filing of any
consolidated income Tax return with any Person (other than Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries).

     4.4.  Maintenance of Properties.  Each Credit Party will, and will cause
each of its Subsidiaries to, maintain or cause to be maintained in good repair,
working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, all material
properties used or useful in the business of Holdings and its Subsidiaries and
from time to time will make or cause to be made all appropriate repairs,
renewals and replacements thereof.

     4.5.  Insurance.  Holdings will maintain or cause to be maintained, with
financially sound and reputable insurers, such public liability insurance, third
party property damage insurance, business interruption insurance and workers'
compensation insurance and casualty insurance with respect to liabilities,
losses or damage in respect of the assets, properties and businesses of Holdings
and its Subsidiaries as may customarily be carried or maintained under similar
circumstances by Persons of established reputation engaged in similar
businesses, in each case in such amounts (giving effect to self-insurance), with
such deductibles and limits, covering such risks and otherwise on such terms and
conditions as shall be customary for such Persons.  Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing, Holdings will maintain or cause to be maintained
(a) flood insurance with respect to each Flood Hazard Property that is located
in a community that participates in the National Flood Insurance Program, in
each case in compliance with any applicable regulations of the Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve System, and (b) replacement value casualty
insurance on an all-risks basis on the Collateral under such policies of
insurance, with such insurance companies, in such amounts, with such
deductibles, and covering such risks and otherwise on such terms and conditions
as are at all times carried or maintained under similar circumstances by Persons
of established reputation engaged in similar businesses.  Each such policy of
insurance shall (i) name Administrative Agent, on behalf of Lenders, as an
additional insured thereunder as its interests may appear and (ii) in the case
of each business interruption and casualty insurance policy, contain a standard
lender's loss payable clause or endorsement, reasonably satisfactory in form and
substance to Administrative Agent.

     4.6.  Books and Records; Inspections; Lenders Meetings.  Each Credit Party
will, and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, keep proper books of record
and account in which full, true and correct entries are made of all dealings and
transactions in relation to its business and activities. Each Credit Party will,
and will cause each of its Subsidiaries to, permit any authorized
representatives designated by any Lender to visit and inspect any of the
facilities of any Credit Party and any of its respective Subsidiaries, to
inspect, copy and take extracts from its and their financial and accounting
records, and to discuss its and their affairs, finances and accounts with its
and their officers and independent public accountants, all upon reasonable
notice and at such reasonable times during normal business hours and as often as
may reasonably be requested.  Holdings and Company will, upon the request of
Administrative Agent or Requisite Lenders, participate in a meeting of

                                       75
<PAGE>

Administrative Agent and Lenders once during each Fiscal Year to be held at
Holdings' corporate offices (or at such other location as may be agreed to by
Holdings, Company and Administrative Agent) at such time as may be agreed to by
Holdings, Company and Administrative Agent.

     4.7.  Compliance with Laws.  Each Credit Party will comply, and shall cause
each of its Subsidiaries and all other Persons, if any, on or occupying any
Facilities to comply, with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules,
regulations and orders of any Governmental Authority (including all
Environmental Laws), noncompliance with which could reasonably be expected to
have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

     4.8.  Ownership of Telecommunications Assets.  Each Credit Party shall take
such actions as may be required to ensure that, subject to dispositions
permitted under Section 6.8, all Telecommunications Assets owned by Company as
of the Closing Date, or acquired by any Credit Party after the Closing Date,
shall be owned at all times after the Closing Date by Company other than to the
extent they are: (i) owned by a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Company if acquired
pursuant to a Permitted Acquisition to the extent not commercially practicable
to transfer such Telecommunications Assets to Company, or (ii) otherwise subject
to a Capital Lease in the form of the Approved Lease Agreement to which the
Company is the lessor and Focal Communications Corporation of Illinois is the
lessee, or (iii) during the period from the Closing Date to the date falling 150
days thereafter, or the first Credit Extension, if earlier, and without
prejudice to other provisions of this clause, transferred to and owned by
Equipment Subsidiary, or (iv) Telecommunications Assets purchased by Equipment
Subsidiary and to be purchased from it by Company with the proceeds of Loans
within 180 days of the original purchase by Equipment Subsidiary provided that
if such Telecommunications Assets have not been so purchased within such 180
days, such Telecommunications Assets shall, in any event, be transferred to
Company, or (v) assets required by the terms of this Credit Agreement to be
owned by Dark Fiber Subsidiary.

     4.9.  Environmental.

           (a)  Environmental Disclosure.  Holdings will deliver to
                ------------------------
Administrative Agent and Lenders:

                (i)  as soon as practicable following receipt thereof, copies of
all notices of Environmental Claims, environmental audits, investigations,
analyses and reports of any kind or character, whether prepared by personnel of
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries or by independent consultants, governmental
authorities or any other Persons, with respect to significant environmental
matters at any Facility or with respect to any Environmental Claims which could
reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect;

                (ii) promptly upon the occurrence thereof, written notice
describing in reasonable detail (1) any Release required to be reported to any
federal, state or local governmental or regulatory agency under any applicable
Environmental Laws which could reasonably be expected

                                       76
<PAGE>

to have a Material Adverse Effect, (2) any remedial action taken by Holdings or
any other Person in response to (A) any Hazardous Materials Activities the
existence of which has a reasonable possibility of resulting in one or more
Environmental Claims having, individually or in the aggregate, a Material
Adverse Effect, or (B) any Environmental Claims that, individually or in the
aggregate, have a reasonable possibility of resulting in a Material Adverse
Effect, and (3) Holdings or Company's discovery of any occurrence or condition
on any real property adjoining or in the vicinity of any Facility that could
cause such Facility or any part thereof to be subject to any material
restrictions on the ownership, occupancy, transferability or use thereof under
any Environmental Laws;

               (iii)  as soon as practicable following the sending or receipt
thereof by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, a copy of any and all written
communications with respect to (1) any Environmental Claims that, individually
or in the aggregate, have a reasonable possibility of giving rise to a Material
Adverse Effect, (2) any Release required to be reported to any federal, state or
local governmental or regulatory agency which could reasonably be expected to
have a Material Adverse Effect, and (3) any request for information from any
governmental agency that suggests such agency is investigating whether Holdings
or any of its Subsidiaries may be potentially responsible for any Hazardous
Materials Activity which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect;

               (iv)   prompt written notice describing in reasonable detail (1)
any proposed acquisition of stock, assets, or property by Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to (A) expose Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries to, or result in, Environmental Claims that could reasonably be
expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect or
(B) affect the ability of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries to maintain in
full force and effect all material Governmental Authorizations required under
any Environmental Laws for their respective operations and (2) any proposed
action to be taken by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries to modify current
operations in a manner that could reasonably be expected to subject Holdings or
any of its Subsidiaries to any additional obligations or requirements under any
Environmental Laws which could reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse
Effect; and

               (v)    with reasonable promptness, such other documents and
information as from time to time may be reasonably requested by Administrative
Agent in relation to any matters disclosed pursuant to this Section 5.8(a).

          (b)  Hazardous Materials Activities, Etc.  Each Credit Party shall
               -----------------------------------
promptly take, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries promptly to take, any
and all actions necessary to (i) contest or cure any alleged violation of
applicable Environmental Laws by such Credit Party or its Subsidiaries that
could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a
Material Adverse Effect, and (ii make an appropriate response to any
Environmental Claim against such Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries and
discharge any obligations it may have to any Person thereunder where

                                       77
<PAGE>

failure to do so could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the
aggregate, a Material Adverse Effect.

     4.10.  Subsidiaries.  In the event that, after the Closing Date, any Person
becomes a Subsidiary of Holdings, Holdings shall, to the extent permitted under
the terms of the Holdings Senior Notes, promptly (i) other than with respect to
Company and any Subsidiary of Company as of the Closing Date, contribute all of
the Capital Stock of such Subsidiary to Company, such that after each such
contribution, such Subsidiary is a Wholly Owned Subsidiary of Company, (ii)
deliver or cause to be delivered. to Collateral Agent certificates (accompanied
by irrevocable undated stock powers, duly endorsed in blank and otherwise
satisfactory in form and substance to Collateral Agent) representing the Capital
Stock of such Subsidiary, which, to the extent permitted under the Holdings
Senior Notes, shall be pledged pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement and
deliver, or cause to be delivered, to Collateral Agent such other additional
agreements or instruments, each in form and substance, as may be necessary or
desirable to create in favor of Collateral Agent, for the benefit of the Secured
Parties, a valid and perfected First Priority security interest in all of the
Capital Stock of such Subsidiary (65% in the case of a Foreign Subsidiary),
(iii) cause such Subsidiary to become a Guarantor hereunder and a Grantor under
the Pledge and Security Agreement by executing and delivering to Administrative
Agent a Counterpart Agreement, and (iv) take all such actions and execute and
deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments,
agreements, and certificates similar to those described in Sections 3.1(b),
3.1(d), 3.1(f) and 3.1(j). With respect to each such Subsidiary, Company shall
promptly send to Administrative Agent written notice setting forth with respect
to such Person (i) the date on which such Person became a Subsidiary of
Holdings, and (ii) all of the data required to be set forth in Schedule 4.1 with
                                                               ------------
respect to all Subsidiaries of Holdings, and such written notice shall be deemed
to supplement Schedule 4.1 for all purposes hereof.
              ------------

     4.11.  Material Real Estate Assets.  In the event that Holdings and/or any
other Credit Party acquires a Material Real Estate Asset or owns a Material Real
Estate Asset on the Closing Date or a Real Estate Asset owned on the Closing
Date becomes a Material Real Estate Asset and such interest has not otherwise
been made subject to the Lien of the Collateral Documents in favor of Collateral
Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, then Holdings or such other Credit Party to
the extent applicable, contemporaneously with acquiring such Material Real
Estate Asset, shall to the extent not prohibited by the Holdings Senior Notes,
and if requested by the Collateral Agent, take all such actions and execute and
deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such mortgages, documents,
instruments, agreements, opinions and certificates reasonably required by the
Administrative together with those described in Sections 3.1(d) and 3.1(f) with
respect to each such Real Estate Assets that Administrative Agent shall
reasonably request to create in favor of Collateral Agent, for the benefit of
Lenders, a valid and, subject to any filing and/or recording referred to herein,
perfected First Priority security interest in such Real Estate Assets.  In
addition to the foregoing, Holdings and Company shall, at the request of
Requisite Lenders, deliver, from time to time, to Collateral Agent such
appraisals as are required by law or regulation of Real Estate Assets with
respect to which Administrative Agent has been granted a Lien.

                                       78
<PAGE>

     4.12.  Interest Rate Protection.  At all times following the Closing Date,
Holdings and/or Company shall, if necessary to satisfy the requirements set
forth in this Section 5.12, enter into, and thereafter maintain, or caused to be
maintained, in effect one or more Interest Rate Agreements for a term and
otherwise in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to Syndication Agent and
Administrative Agent, which Interest Rate Agreements (when taken together with
other fixed rate debt) shall at all times effectively limit the interest costs
to Holdings and Company with respect to an aggregate notional principal amount
of not less than 50% of the aggregate principal amount of the Consolidated Total
Debt.

     4.13.  Intercompany Transactions.  Each Credit Party shall take all actions
necessary to ensure that, at all times, (i) all intercompany loans made by
Company to any Subsidiary of Holdings are evidenced by and made in accordance
with the Intercompany Loan Agreement, (ii) any assets (other than assets subject
to a lease in existence as at the Closing Date between Company and a Subsidiary
of Holdings) of Company leased to or otherwise made available for use by a
Subsidiary of Holdings are made subject to an Approved Lease Agreement and (iii)
each Subsidiary of Company executes, delivers, and performs its obligations
under the Intercompany Security Agreement.

     4.14.  Further Assurances.  At any time or from time to time upon the
request of Syndication Agent, Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, each
Credit Party will, at its expense, promptly execute, acknowledge and deliver
such further documents and do such other acts and things as Syndication Agent,
Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent may reasonably request in order to
effect fully the purposes of the Credit Documents.  In furtherance and not in
limitation of the foregoing, each Credit Party shall take such actions as
Syndication Agent, Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent may reasonably
request from time to time (including, without limitation, the execution and
delivery of guaranties, security agreements, pledge agreements, mortgages, deeds
of trust, landlord's consents and estoppels, control agreements, stock powers,
financing statements and other documents, the filing or recording of any of the
foregoing, title insurance with respect to any of the foregoing that relates to
any Real Estate Asset, and the delivery of stock certificates and other
collateral with respect to which perfection is obtained by possession) to ensure
that the Obligations are guaranteed by the Guarantors to the extent contemplated
by Sections 7 and are secured to the extent contemplated by the Collateral
Documents and not prohibited by the terms of the Holdings Senior Notes by the
assets of Holdings, and its Subsidiaries and all of the outstanding Capital
Stock of Company and its Subsidiaries (subject to limitations contained in the
Credit Documents with respect to Foreign Subsidiaries).

     4.15.  Certain Post-Closing Obligations.

            (a)  Prior to the first Credit Date, Company shall have used
reasonable efforts to obtain a consent to the collateral assignment to
Collateral Agent and Lenders of rights existing under

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<PAGE>

all Material Contracts listed on Schedule 5.15(a), such consent in form and
                                 ----------------
substance reasonably satisfactory to Syndication Agent and Administrative
Agent.

          (b)  Prior to the first Credit Date, Company shall have used
reasonable efforts to obtain from each Person identified on Schedule 5.15(b) an
                                                            ----------------
acknowledgment letter in favor of Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Lenders,
in the form of Exhibit L with respect to each corresponding agreement listed on
               ---------
such Schedule 5.15(b).
     ----------------

          (c)  Company shall use reasonable efforts to obtain, and in any event
prior to any Credit Date shall have obtained, a Landlord Personal Property
Collateral Access Agreement in respect of each Leasehold Property in which
Collateral financed with the proceeds of Loans made on such Credit Date is or is
to be located (other than those in respect of which such has already been
delivered prior to the Closing Date pursuant to Section 3.1(g)(vi)).  Each
Credit Party shall at all times take all actions necessary to ensure that all
Collateral at any Leasehold Property is subject to a Landlord Personal Property
Collateral Access Agreement (with any modifications, amendments or waivers
thereof as the Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent shall, in their sole
discretion, approve).

          (d)  Prior to the first Credit Date, Holdings shall have either (i)
repaid all Indebtedness and discharged and terminated all obligations of any
nature under the NTFC Agreement or (ii) executed an amendment agreement to the
NTFC Agreement and procured the entry into of an intercreditor agreement by NTFC
Capital Corporation and the Collateral Agent each in form and substance
reasonably satisfactory to the Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent and
have demonstrated to their reasonable satisfaction that Holdings will be in pro
forma compliance with the financial covenants thereunder through maturity of the
NTFC Agreement.

          (e)  Within 30 days after the Closing Date, and in any event prior to
the first Credit Date (i) Company shall have established Equipment Subsidiary as
a direct Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Company, (ii) Equipment Subsidiary shall
have become a Guarantor hereunder by the execution of a Counterpart Agreement
and have taken all such action and executed and delivered, or caused to be
executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments, agreements, and
certificates similar to these described in Sections 3.1 (b), 3.1 (f) and 3.1
(l), and (iii) Equipment Subsidiary shall have become a Grantor under the
Subsidiary Pledge and Security Agreement by the execution of a Pledge Supplement
substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Master Pledge and Security
Agreement and have taken all such action and executed and delivered, or caused
to be executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments, agreements, and
certificates similar to these described in Sections 3.1 (b), 3.1 (f) and 3.1
(l).

          (f)  Prior to the first Credit Date, Holdings shall procure the
capitalization of all outstanding intercompany Indebtedness owed to it by any of
its Subsidiaries on terms reasonable satisfactory to the Syndication Agent and
Administrative Agent.

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<PAGE>

          (g)  Prior to the first Credit Date, Holdings shall make capital
contributions to Company and ensure that as of the first Credit Date, Cash
Equivalents of Holdings shall not exceed $100,000,000.  At all times following
the Closing Date, Holdings shall make capital contributions to Company of the
cash proceeds (any such proceeds, net of underwriting discounts and commissions,
arranger fees and other reasonable costs, legal fees and expenses) from the
issuance of all (i) equity securities of Holdings other than issuances to
directors, officers or employees or otherwise in connection with employee
benefit arrangements and (ii) debt securities and borrowings other than
Indebtedness incurred pursuant to Sections 6.1(h) and 6.1(j) or a refinancing of
the Holdings Senior Notes, but in each case, only to the extent at any time that
the proceeds of (i) and (ii) above when aggregated with Cash Equivalents at
Holdings exceed $100,000,000.

          (h)  Prior to the first Credit Date (i) Company shall have established
Dark Fiber Subsidiary as a direct Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Company, (ii) Dark
Fiber Subsidiary shall have become a Guarantor hereunder by the execution of a
Counterpart Agreement and have taken all such action and executed and delivered,
or caused to be executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments,
agreements, and certificates similar to these described in Sections 3.1 (f), 3.1
(l) and 3.1 (j), and (iii) Dark Fiber Subsidiary shall have become a Grantor
under the Subsidiary Pledge and Security Agreement by the execution of a Pledge
Supplement substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Master Pledge and
Security Agreement and have taken all such action and executed and delivered, or
caused to be executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments,
agreements, and certificates similar to these described in Sections 3.1 (b), 3.1
(f) and 3.1 (l).

          (i)  Prior to the first Credit Date Company shall have validly
assigned all of its rights and obligations under each Related Company Agreement
to Dark Fiber Subsidiary in accordance with the terms of the applicable Related
Company Agreement.

          (j)  Promptly following the Closing Date and in any event prior to the
first Credit Date, Company shall have applied for and received all regulatory
approvals which are necessary, appropriate or advisable, including, without
limitation, application to the FCC and/or each relevant state commission with
jurisdiction over telecommunications matters, to:  (i) enable Subsidiaries of
Holdings which are not, as of the Closing Date, Guarantors hereunder to become
Guarantors hereunder and (ii) enable Subsidiaries of Holdings which are not, as
of the Closing Date, Grantors under the Master Pledge and Security Agreement, to
become Grantors thereunder provided that failure to receive such approvals for
New Jersey and Indiana, (and any other jurisdiction approved by the
Administrative Agent and the Syndication Agent) shall not be deemed a failure to
satisfy the requirements of this Section 5.15 (j).  Company shall deliver to
Administrative Agent as soon as reasonably practicable notice of the final
determination of each such application.  Company will use all commercially
reasonable efforts to  obtain all of such approvals as promptly as practicable.
If any such application in respect of any of New Jersey or Indiana is not
approved, Company will after consultation with and at the request of Syndication
Agent or Administrative Agent take all such further actions as may be reasonably
requested to appeal such decision.

                                       81
<PAGE>

          (k)  As soon as reasonably practicable and in any event prior to the
Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment Termination Date, Holdings and Company shall
have applied for all regulatory approvals which are necessary, appropriate or
advisable, including, without limitation, application to the FCC and/or each
relevant state commission with jurisdiction over telecommunications matters, to
effect the contribution by Holdings of 100% of the Capital Stock of each of its
Subsidiaries requiring such approval to Company, such that after each such
contribution, each such Subsidiary is a 100% direct Subsidiary of Company.
Company shall deliver to Administrative Agent as soon as reasonably practicable
notice of the final determination of each such application.  Company will use
all commercially reasonable efforts to  obtain all of such approvals as promptly
as practicable.  Prior to the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment Date, if any
such application is not approved, Company will after consultation with and at
the request of Syndication Agent or Administrative Agent take all such further
actions as may be reasonably requested to appeal such decision.

          (l)  With respect to any Subsidiary for which such action as specified
in the foregoing clause (j) is required, within 10 days after Holdings or such
Subsidiary receives the relevant necessary approval to enable such Subsidiary,
as applicable, to (i) be a Guarantor hereunder and/or (ii) become a Grantor
under the Pledge and Security Agreement, and in any event prior to the first
Credit Date such Subsidiary will:  (1) in the case of clause (i) execute a
Counterpart Agreement and take all such actions and execute and deliver, or
cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments, agreements,
and certificates similar to those described in Sections 3.1(b), 3.1(f) and 3.1
(l); and (2) in the case of clause (ii), execute a Pledge Supplement
substantially in the form of Exhibit A to the Subsidiary Pledge and Security
Agreement and take all such actions and execute and deliver, or cause to be
executed and delivered, all such documents, instruments, agreements, and
certificates similar to those described in Sections 3.1(b), 3.1(f) and 3.1(l).

          (m)  With respect to any Subsidiary for which such action as specified
in the foregoing clause (k) is required, within 10 days after the end of the
Fiscal Quarter in which Holdings or such Subsidiary receives the necessary
approval to enable such Subsidiary to become a 100% direct Subsidiary of
Company,  and in any event prior to the Delayed Term Loan Commitment Termination
Date, Holdings and Company will procure that such Subsidiary will become a 100%
direct Subsidiary of Company and such Subsidiary will, in order to create in
favor of the Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Lenders, a valid and perfected
First Priority security interest in 100% of the Capital Stock of such
Subsidiary, deliver to Collateral Agent certificates (accompanied by irrevocable
undated stock powers, duly endorsed in blank and otherwise satisfactory in form
and substance to Collateral Agent) representing all Capital Stock pledged
pursuant to the Pledge and Security Agreement, and take all such actions and
execute and deliver, or cause to be executed and delivered, all such documents,
instruments, agreements, and certificates similar to those described in Sections
3.1(b), 3.1(f) and 3.1(l).

          (n)  Within thirty (30) days after the Closing Date, the Company shall
furnish to the Administrative Agent (which Administrative Agent shall promptly
furnish to the Lenders if

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requested) post-closing searches made with respect to the personal or mixed
property (including fixtures) of the Credit Parties, reflecting the filing of
the UCC Financing Statements referred to in Section 3.1(f)(iii) hereof.

 SECTION 5.  NEGATIVE COVENANTS

     Each Credit Party covenants and agrees that, so long as any Commitment is
in effect and until payment in full in same day funds of all Obligations and
cancellation or expiration of all Letters of Credit, such Credit Party shall
perform, and shall cause each of its Subsidiaries to perform, all covenants in
this Section 6.

     5.1. Indebtedness.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or guaranty, or
otherwise become or remain directly or indirectly liable with respect to any
Indebtedness, except:

          (a)  the Obligations, including any Indebtedness under any Hedge
Agreement with any Lender Counterparty;

          (b)  Indebtedness of any Guarantor Subsidiary to Company or to any
other Guarantor Subsidiary, or of Company to any Guarantor Subsidiary; provided,
                                                                       --------
(i) all such Indebtedness shall be made pursuant to an Intercompany Loan
Agreement, (ii) all such Indebtedness shall be subordinated in right of payment
to the payment in full of the Obligations pursuant to the terms of the
applicable promissory notes or an intercompany subordination agreement that in
any such case, is reasonably satisfactory to Administrative Agent, (iii) all
such Indebtedness shall satisfy the requirements of Section 5.13 and (iv) any
payment by any such Guarantor Subsidiary under any guaranty of the Obligations
shall result in a pro tanto reduction of the amount of any Indebtedness owed by
such Subsidiary to Company or to any of its Subsidiaries for whose benefit such
payment is made;

          (c)  Indebtedness incurred by Holdings with respect to Permitted
Holdings Debt;

          (d)  Indebtedness incurred by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in
the ordinary course of business and arising from agreements providing for
indemnification, adjustment of purchase price or similar obligations, or from
guaranties or letters of credit, surety bonds or performance bonds securing the
performance of Holdings or any such Subsidiary pursuant to such agreements, in
connection with Permitted Acquisitions or permitted dispositions of any
business, assets or Subsidiary of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries;

          (e)  Indebtedness in respect of netting services, overdraft
protections and otherwise in connection with Deposit Accounts;

                                       83
<PAGE>

          (f)  guaranties in the ordinary course of business of the obligations
of suppliers, customers, franchisees and licensees of Holdings and its
Subsidiaries not in any event to exceed $5,000,000 at any time outstanding;

          (g)  Indebtedness described in Schedule 6.1, but not any extensions,
                                         ------------
renewals or replacements of such Indebtedness;

          (h)  Indebtedness with respect to "dark fiber" Capital Leases in an
aggregate amount not to exceed at any time $100,000,000; provided that
                                                         --------
obligations incurred with respect to such Capital Leases during any Fiscal Year
shall not exceed $30,000,000; provided further that  the primary obligor in
                              ---------------------
respect of all such Indebtedness is the Dark Fiber Subsidiary, it being agreed
however that Holdings (but not Company or any other Subsidiary thereof) may, to
the extent permitted under the Holdings Senior Notes, guarantee such
Indebtedness;

          (i)  Indebtedness in the form of letters of credit for the account of
Holdings in an aggregate face amount not to exceed $3,000,000 at any time
outstanding; and

          (j)  other Indebtedness of Holdings and its Subsidiaries in an
aggregate amount not to exceed at any time $20,000,000, provided that only up to
                                                        --------
$15,000,000 of which may be secured by Liens on the assets of Holdings in
accordance with Section 6.2(m) and the balance shall be unsecured.

     5.2. Liens.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, create, incur, assume or permit to
exist any Lien on or with respect to any property or asset of any kind
(including any document or instrument in respect of goods or accounts
receivable) of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, whether now owned or
hereafter acquired, or any income or profits therefrom, or file or permit the
filing of, or permit to remain in effect, any financing statement or other
similar notice of any Lien with respect to any such property, asset, income or
profits under the UCC of any State or under any similar recording or notice
statute, except:

          (a)  Liens in favor of Collateral Agent for the benefit of Secured
Parties granted pursuant to any Credit Document;

          (b)  Liens for Taxes, the payment of which is not, at the time,
required thereby;

          (c)  statutory Liens of landlords, banks (and rights of set-off), of
carriers, warehousemen, mechanics, repairmen, workmen and materialmen, and other
Liens imposed by law (other than any such Lien imposed pursuant to Section 401
(a)(29) or 412(n) of the Internal Revenue Code or by ERISA), in each case
incurred in the ordinary course of business (i) for amounts not yet overdue or
(ii) for amounts that are overdue and that (in the case of any such amounts
overdue for a period in excess of five days) are being contested in good faith
by appropriate proceedings, so long

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<PAGE>

as such reserves or other appropriate provisions, if any, as shall be required
by GAAP shall have been made for any such contested amounts;

          (d)  Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary course of
business in connection with workers' compensation, unemployment insurance and
other types of social security, deposits made in the ordinary course of business
with utility companies, and Liens incurred or deposits made in the ordinary
course of business to secure the performance of tenders, statutory or regulatory
obligations, surety and appeal bonds, bids, leases, government contracts, trade
contracts, performance and return-of-money bonds and other similar obligations
(exclusive of obligations for the payment of borrowed money or other
Indebtedness), so long as no foreclosure, sale or similar proceedings have been
commenced with respect to any portion of the Collateral (which individually or
in the aggregate, has a fair market value in excess of $1,000,000) on account
thereof;

          (e)  easements, rights-of-way, restrictions, encroachments, and other
minor defects or irregularities in title, in each case which do not and will not
interfere in any material respect with the ordinary conduct of the business of
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries;

          (f)  any interest or title of a lessor or sublessor under any lease
permitted hereunder;

          (g)  Liens solely on any cash earnest money deposits made by Holdings
or any of its Subsidiaries in connection with any letter of intent or purchase
agreement entered into by it;

          (h)  licenses of patents, trademarks and other intellectual property
rights granted by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
business and not interfering in any respect with the ordinary conduct of the
business of Company or such Subsidiary;

          (i)  Liens described in Schedule 6.2;
                                  ------------

          (j)  Liens consisting of judgment or judicial attachment liens with
respect to judgments that do not constitute an Event of Default;

          (k)  Liens securing intercompany obligations incurred in accordance
with the provisions of Section 5.13;

          (l)  Liens on escrowed Cash representing a portion of the proceeds of
permitted sales of assets by a Credit Party established  to satisfy contingent
post-closing obligations owed by such Credit Party (including earn-outs,
indemnities and working capital adjustments);

          (m)  Liens securing Indebtedness permitted pursuant to Section 6.1(j);
provided, (i) any such Lien shall not encumber the Capital Stock of Holdings'
--------
Subsidiaries and (ii) such Liens shall not secure obligations in an aggregate
principal amount in excess of $15,000,000 at any time outstanding. Such Liens
may be prior to the Liens granted to the Collateral Agent pursuant to the

                                       85
<PAGE>

Collateral Documents and, if requested by Company, the Collateral Agent agrees
(and is hereby irrevocably authorised by each Lender) to enter into good faith
negotiations with the Person in whose favour such Liens are granted to document
and effect such subordination; and

           (n)  Liens on Cash deposits made by Holdings in an account with
LaSalle Bank National Association and designated "Focal Cash Collateralization
Account" or such other account with such other institution as may from time to
time be maintained by Company, in each case, specifically created and maintained
solely for such purpose securing reimbursement obligations with respect to
letters of credit permitted pursuant to Section 6.1(i); provided that the
aggregate Cash balance on deposit in such account shall at any time not exceed
the aggregate face value of letters of credit outstanding at such time.

     5.3.  No Further Negative Pledges.  Except with respect to (a) the
Permitted Holdings Debt (b) specific property encumbered to secure payment of
particular Indebtedness permitted hereby or to be sold pursuant to an executed
agreement with respect to a permitted Asset Sale, and (c) restrictions by reason
of customary provisions restricting assignments, subletting or other transfers
contained in leases, licenses and similar agreements entered into in the
ordinary course of business (provided that such restrictions are limited to the
property or assets secured by such Liens and proceeds and products thereof or
the property or assets subject to such leases, licenses or similar agreements
and proceeds and products thereof, as the case may be), no Credit Party nor any
of its Subsidiaries shall enter into any agreement prohibiting the creation or
assumption of any Lien upon any of its properties or assets, whether now owned
or hereafter acquired.

     5.4.  Restricted Payments; Restrictions on Subsidiary Distributions.  (a)
No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly
or indirectly, declare, order, pay, make or set apart any sum for any Restricted
Junior Payment except the following shall be permitted:

               (i)   Holdings may make regularly scheduled or required payments
(but not voluntary prepayments) required to be made to holders of Permitted
Holdings Debt;

               (ii)  so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, or would result therefrom, Company shall be
permitted to declare and pay by way of dividend to Holdings amounts sufficient
to discharge overhead expenses arising in the ordinary course of business and
owing by Holdings to (y) Company and (z) other Persons but in the case of (z),
only to the extent that such sums are indeed used by Holdings for such purpose
and Cash Equivalents on hand at Holdings are less than $30,000,000;

               (iii) so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, or would result therefrom, Company shall be
permitted to declare and pay by way of dividend to Holdings at times and in
amounts sufficient to enable Holdings to make payments permitted under clause
(i) above, so long as Holdings applies the amount of any such Restricted Junior
Payment for such purpose;

                                       86
<PAGE>

               (iv)  so long as no Default or Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, or would result therefrom, Equipment Subsidiary
shall be permitted to declare and pay by way of dividend to Company the net
proceeds of sales of Telecommunications Assets to Company financed with the
proceeds of Loans and Company shall be permitted to declare and pay by way of
dividend to Holdings such amounts so received; and

               (v)   any Subsidiary of Company shall be permitted to declare and
pay dividends to Company or to its immediate holding company which is itself
both a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Company and a Guarantor Subsidiary.

           (b) Except as provided herein or in the Permitted Holdings Debt, no
Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, create or
otherwise cause or suffer to exist or become effective any consensual
encumbrance or restriction of any kind on the ability of any Subsidiary of
Holdings to (i) pay dividends or make any other distributions on any of such
Subsidiary's Capital Stock owned by Holdings or any other Subsidiary of
Holdings, (ii) repay or prepay any Indebtedness owed by such Subsidiary to
Holdings or any other Subsidiary of Holdings, (iii) make loans or advances to
Holdings or any other Subsidiary of Holdings, or (iv) transfer any of its
property or assets to Holdings or any other Subsidiary of Holdings.

     5.5.  Investments.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its
Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, make or own any Investment in any
Person, including any Joint Venture, except:

           (a)  Cash Equivalents;

           (b)  equity Investments owned as of the Closing Date in any
Subsidiary and Investments made after the Closing Date in Company or any
Guarantor Subsidiary;

           (c)  Investments in (i) accounts receivable arising and trade credit
granted in the ordinary course of business and in any Securities received in
satisfaction or partial satisfaction thereof from financially troubled account
debtors (ii) deposits, prepayments and other credits to suppliers made in the
ordinary course of business consistent with the past practices of Holdings and
its Subsidiaries and (iii) Joint Venture Investments in other Persons so long as
the only consideration or other value paid or required to be paid in connection
with such Investments is Capital Stock of Holdings;

           (d)  intercompany loans to the extent permitted under Section 6.1(b);

           (e)  Consolidated Capital Expenditures permitted by Section 6.6(f);

                                       87
<PAGE>

          (f)  loans and advances to employees of Holdings and its Subsidiaries
made in the ordinary course of business in an aggregate principal amount not to
exceed $10,000,000 in the aggregate;

          (g)  Investments made in connection with Permitted Acquisitions
permitted pursuant to Section 6.8;

          (h)  Investments described in Schedule 6.5;
                                        ------------

          (i)  Investments made with the Excess Equity Proceeds Amount; and

          (j)  Investments in Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries which are not Guarantor
Subsidiaries, in an aggregate amount,  which when aggregated with Permitted
Acquisitions permitted pursuant to Section 6.8(c) (but excluding such portions
financed with Excess Equity Proceeds) does not exceed $100,000,000.

          (k)  other Investments in an aggregate amount not to exceed at any
time $10,000,000 plus the amount of Cash dividends or other Cash distributions
                 ----
received by a Credit Party with respect to such Investments.

     5.6. Stage 1 Financial Covenants.  During Stage 1:

          (a)  Minimum Revenues.  Holdings shall not permit Revenues for any
Fiscal Quarter during Stage 1, beginning September 30, 2000, to be less than the
correlative amount indicated as set forth on Schedule 6.6(a), provided that for
                                             ---------------  --------
the purposes of determining compliance with this covenant following consummation
of a Permitted Acquisition (i) such amounts set forth in Schedule 6.6(a) shall
                                                         --------------
be increased by 100% of the greater of (y) revenues (calculated in each case for
the purpose of this clause on the same basis as Revenues) of the entity or
assets being acquired for the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended prior to the
consummation of such Permitted Acquisition and (z) revenues of the entity or
assets being acquired for the Fiscal Quarter prior to the Fiscal Quarter being
measured and (ii) Revenues of Holdings shall be calculated and increased or
reduced with respect to such period on a pro forma basis in the same manner.

          (b)  Minimum Access Lines.  As of the last day of each Fiscal Quarter
during Stage 1, beginning September 30, 2000, Holdings and its Subsidiaries
shall not permit the number of Access Lines to be less than the correlative
amount indicated as set forth on Schedule 6.6(b), provided that for the purposes
                                 ---------------  --------
of determining compliance with this covenant following consummation of a
Permitted Acquisition (i) such amounts set forth in Schedule 6.6(b) shall be
                                                    ---------------
increased by 100% of the greater of (y) the number of access lines (calculated
in each case for the purpose of this clause on the same basis as Access Lines)
of the entity or assets being acquired for the Fiscal Quarter most recently
ended prior to the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition and (z) the Fiscal
Quarter being measured and (ii) the number of Access Lines of Holdings shall be

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<PAGE>

calculated and increased or reduced with respect to such period on a pro forma
basis in the same manner.

          (c)  Consolidated EBITDA.  Holdings shall not permit Consolidated
EBITDA for any Fiscal Quarter during Stage 1, beginning September 30, 2000, to
be less than the correlative amount indicated as set forth on Schedule 6.6(c),
                                                              ---------------
provided that for the purposes of determining compliance with this covenant
--------
following consummation of a Permitted Acquisition (i) such amounts set forth in

Schedule 6.6(c) shall (x) be increased, if positive, by 100% of Consolidated
--------------
EBITDA of the entity or assets being acquired for the Fiscal Quarter most
recently ended prior to the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition or if
greater, the Fiscal Quarter prior to the Fiscal Quarter being measured, or (y)
be reduced, if negative, by the greater of 100% of negative Consolidated EBITDA
for the entity or assets being acquired as shown on the historical financial
statements of such entity for the Fiscal Quarter most recently ended prior to
the consummation of such Permitted Acquisition and 100% of Consolidated EBITDA
for the entity or assets being acquired for the Fiscal Quarter prior to the
Fiscal Quarter being measured and (ii) Consolidated EBITDA of Holdings shall be
calculated and increased or reduced with respect to such period on a pro forma
basis in the same manner.

          (d)  Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Total Capitalization.
Holdings shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Total
Capitalization at any time during Stage 1 to exceed 0.25:1.00.

          (e)  Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to Consolidated Gross PP&E.
Holdings shall not permit the ratio of Consolidated Senior Secured Debt to
Consolidated Gross PP&E at any time during Stage 1 to exceed 0.50:1.00.

          (f)  Maximum Consolidated Capital Expenditures. Holdings shall not and
shall not permit its Subsidiaries to make or incur Consolidated Capital
Expenditures, in any Fiscal Year indicated on Schedule 6.6(f), in an aggregate
                                              ---------------
amount for Company and its Subsidiaries in excess of the corresponding amount
set forth on Schedule 6.6(f); provided, that 75% of any unutilized amount (in
             ---------------  --------
each case, determined without regard to any operation of this provision) for any
Fiscal Year may be utilized in the next succeeding Fiscal Year; and provided
                                                                    --------
further that, in addition, Holdings and its Subsidiaries may make or incur
-------
Consolidated Capital Expenditures (in excess of the amounts otherwise permitted
under this Section 6.6(f)) in an amount not in excess of the Excess Equity
Proceeds Amount.

     5.7. Stage 2 Financial Covenants.  During Stage 2:

          (a)  Senior Leverage Ratio.  Holdings shall not permit the Senior
Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter during Stage 2 to exceed
the correlative ratio indicated as set forth on Schedule 6.7(a).
                                                ---------------

                                       89
<PAGE>

          (b)  Total Leverage Ratio.  Holdings shall not permit the Total
Leverage Ratio as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter during Stage 2 to exceed
the correlative ratio indicated as set forth on Schedule 6.7(b).
                                                ---------------

          (c)  Interest Coverage Ratio.  Holdings shall not permit the Interest
Coverage Ratio as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter commencing March 31,
2004 and thereafter during  Stage 2 to be less than the correlative ratio
indicated as set forth on Schedule 6.7(c).
                          ---------------

          (d)  Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio.  Holdings shall not permit the Fixed
Charge Coverage Ratio as of the last day of any Fiscal Quarter commencing
December 31,2004 and thereafter during Stage 2, to be less than the correlative
ratio indicated as set forth on Schedule 6.7(d).
                                ---------------

     5.8. Fundamental Changes; Disposition of Assets; Acquisitions.  No Credit
Party shall, nor shall it permit, any of its Subsidiaries to, enter into any
transaction of merger or consolidation, or liquidate, wind-up or dissolve itself
(or suffer any liquidation or dissolution), or convey, sell, lease or sub-lease
(as lessor or sublessor), transfer or otherwise dispose of, in one transaction
or a series of transactions, all or any part of its business, assets or property
of any kind whatsoever, whether real, personal or mixed and whether tangible or
intangible, whether now owned or hereafter acquired, or acquire by purchase or
otherwise (other than purchases or other acquisitions of inventory, materials
and equipment in the ordinary course of business) the business, property or
fixed assets of, or stock or other evidence of beneficial ownership of, any
Person or any division or line of business or other business unit of any Person,
except:

          (a)  any Subsidiary of Company may be merged with or into Company or
any Guarantor Subsidiary, or be liquidated, wound up or dissolved, or all or any
part of its business, property or assets may be conveyed, sold, leased,
transferred or otherwise disposed of, in one transaction or a series of
transactions, to Company or any Guarantor Subsidiary; provided, in the case of
                                                      --------
such a merger, Company or such Guarantor Subsidiary, as applicable shall be the
continuing or surviving Person;

          (b)  sales or other dispositions of assets which do not constitute
Asset Sales;

          (c)  Permitted Acquisitions, the aggregate cash consideration for
which (when aggregated with Investments permitted pursuant to Section 6.5(j))
constitutes less than $100,000,000, (provided that no more than $75,000,000 of
                                     --------
such amount shall be in respect of acquisitions of any assets, business lines,
divisions or entities which have generated negative Free Cash Flow for the
trailing twelve month period  immediately preceding such acquisition) plus, the
portion, if any, of Excess Equity Proceeds Amounts allocated to Permitted
Acquisitions;

          (d)  Investments made in accordance with Section 6.5; and

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<PAGE>

           (e)  subject to the requirements of Section 2.12(a), Asset Sales the
proceeds of which when aggregated with the proceeds of all other Asset Sales
made since the Closing Date, do not exceed $30,000,000.

     5.9.  Disposal of Subsidiary Interests.  Except for any sale of all of the
Capital Stock of any of its Subsidiaries made in compliance with the provisions
of Section 6.8, no Credit Party shall  (a) directly or indirectly sell, assign,
pledge or otherwise encumber or dispose of any Capital Stock of any of its
Subsidiaries, except to qualify directors if required by applicable law; or (b)
permit any of its Subsidiaries directly or indirectly to sell, assign, pledge or
otherwise encumber (excluding encumbrances consisting of negative pledge
restrictions permitted under Section 6.3) or dispose of any Capital Stock of any
of its Subsidiaries, except to another Credit Party (subject to the restrictions
on such disposition otherwise imposed hereunder), or to qualify directors if
required by applicable law.

     5.10. Sales and Lease-Backs.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit
any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, become or remain liable as
lessee or as a guarantor or other surety with respect to any lease of any
property (whether real, personal or mixed), whether now owned or hereafter
acquired, which such Credit Party (a) has sold or transferred or is to sell or
to transfer to any other Person (other than Company or any of its Subsidiaries),
or (b) intends to use for substantially the same purpose as any other property
which has been or is to be sold or transferred by such Credit Party to any
Person (other than Company or any of its Subsidiaries) in connection with such
lease.

     5.11. Sale or Discount of Receivables.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it
permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly, sell with recourse,
or discount or otherwise sell for less than the face value thereof, any of its
notes or accounts receivable (it being understood that the restrictions
contained in this Section 6.11 shall not apply to any write-off of bad debt in
the ordinary course of business consistent with prior practice) except in
connection with an Asset Sale permitted under Section 6.8.

     5.12. Transactions with Shareholders and Affiliates.  No Credit Party
shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, directly or indirectly,
enter into or permit to exist any transaction (including the purchase, sale,
lease or exchange of any property or the rendering of any service) with any
holder of 10% or more of any class of Capital Stock of Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries or with any Affiliate of Holdings or of any such holder, on terms
that are less favorable to Holdings or that Subsidiary, as the case may be, than
those that might be obtained at the time from a Person who is not such a holder
or Affiliate; provided, the foregoing restriction shall not apply to (a) any
              --------
transaction between Company and any Guarantor Subsidiary or between any of the
Guarantor Subsidiaries; (b) reasonable and customary fees paid to members of the
board of directors (or similar governing body) of Holdings and its Subsidiaries;
(c) compensation arrangements entered into in the ordinary course for officers
and other employees of Holdings and its Subsidiaries entered into in the
ordinary course of business; and (d) transactions described in Schedule 6.12.
                                                               -------------

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<PAGE>

     5.13.  Conduct of Business.  From and after the Closing Date, (i) no Credit
Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its Subsidiaries to, engage in any
business other than (a) the businesses engaged in by such Credit Party on the
Closing Date and similar or related businesses including, without limitation,
data communications, including without limitation Internet access, Internet
portal, web hosting, application hosting, and communication equipment
collocation businesses; and (b) such other lines of business as may be consented
to by Requisite Lenders; (ii) Company shall not engage in any business
activities or own any assets or properties other than the Capital Stock of its
Subsidiaries and otherwise as incident to its existence as a holding company
except in respect of (a) the Related Company Agreements until such time as their
assignment to Dark Fiber Subsidiary is effective in accordance with Section
5.15(h), (b) the Intercompany Loan Agreement, Approved Lease Agreements and
Intercompany Security Agreement and item (viii) of the definition of Related
Agreements, (c) the employment contracts of the Company's employees, (d) the
purchase and owning of Telecommunications Assets to be used in the businesses
referred to in clause (i) of this Section 6.13 and (e) the provision of shared
overhead, goods and services to Credit Parties; (iii) Holdings shall not engage
in any business activities or own any assets or properties other than the
Capital Stock of its Subsidiaries and otherwise as incident to its existence as
a holding company except  in respect of (a) Permitted Holdings Debt, (b) Related
Agreements existing as of the Closing Date to which Holdings is party, (c)
guaranties by Holdings expressly permitted by the terms hereof, (d) Permitted
Liens, (e) the provision of shared overhead, goods and services to Credit
Parties; and (f) certain employment contracts in respect of executive officers
of Holdings existing as of the Closing Date; and (iv) Equipment Subsidiary shall
not engage in any business other than the purchase of Telecommunications Assets
and the sale or other transfer of all such Telecommunications Assets within 180
days of such purchase to Company (pursuant to a sale and repurchase agreement or
such other agreement as appropriate, in each case, in form and substance
satisfactory to the Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent).

     5.14.  Amendments or Waivers with respect to Related Agreements and
Holdings Permitted Debt. (a) Neither Holdings nor any of its Subsidiaries will
agree to any material amendment to, or waive any of its material rights under,
any Related Agreement after the Closing Date without in each case obtaining the
prior written consent of Requisite Lenders to such amendment or waiver.

            (b)  Holdings shall not amend or otherwise change the terms of any
Permitted Holdings Debt, or make any payment consistent with an amendment
thereof or change thereto, if the effect of such amendment or change is to
increase the interest rate on such Permitted  Holdings Debt, change (to earlier
dates) any dates upon which payments of principal or interest are due thereon,
change any event of default or condition to an event of default with respect
thereto (other than to eliminate any such event of default or increase any grace
period related thereto), change the redemption, prepayment or defeasance
provisions thereof, change the subordination provisions of such Permitted
Holdings Debt, or if the effect of such amendment or change, together with all
other amendments or changes made, is to increase materially the obligations of
the obligor thereunder or

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to confer any additional rights on the holders of such Permitted Holdings Debt
(or a trustee or other representative on their behalf) which would be adverse to
any Credit Party or Lenders.

     5.15.  Disposition of Licenses, etc.  From and after the Closing Date,
Holdings and its Subsidiaries shall not sell, assign, transfer or otherwise
dispose or attempt to dispose of in any way any Governmental Authorization or
any other licenses, permits or approvals, the assignments, transfer or disposal
of which could reasonably be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect
(recognizing a sale of a License or other Governmental Authorization otherwise
permitted under Section 6.8 would, to the extent it is material, impair that
Collateral without, for purposes of this Section 6.15, resulting in a Material
Adverse Effect), without the prior written consent of the Requisite Lenders.

     5.16.  Fiscal Year.  No Credit Party shall, nor shall it permit any of its
Subsidiaries to change its Fiscal Year-end from December 31.

 SECTION 6.  GUARANTY

     6.1.   Guaranty.  Subject to the provisions of Section 7.2, Guarantors
jointly and severally hereby irrevocably and unconditionally guaranty to
Administrative Agent for the ratable benefit of the Beneficiaries the due and
punctual payment in full of all Obligations of Company when the same shall
become due, whether at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration,
acceleration, demand or otherwise (including amounts that would become due but
for the operation of the automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy
Code, 11 U.S.C. (S)362(a)) (the "Guaranteed Obligations").

     6.2.   Contribution by Guarantors.  (a) Each Guarantor desires to allocate
among themselves (collectively, the "Contributing Guarantors"), in a fair and
equitable manner, their obligations arising under this Guaranty. Accordingly, in
the event any payment or distribution is made on any date by a Guarantor (a
"Funding Guarantor") under this Guaranty that exceeds its Fair Share as of such
date, such Funding Guarantor shall be entitled to a contribution from each of
the other Contributing Guarantors in the amount of such other Contributing
Guarantor's Fair Share Shortfall as of such date, with the result that all such
contributions will cause each Contributing Guarantor's Aggregate Payments to
equal its Fair Share as of such date. "Fair Share" means, with respect to a
Contributing Guarantor as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (a)
the ratio of (i) the Fair Share Contribution Amount with respect to such
Contributing Guarantor to (ii the aggregate of the Fair Share Contribution
Amounts with respect to all Contributing Guarantors multiplied by (b) the
aggregate amount paid or distributed on or before such date by all Funding
Guarantors under this Guaranty in respect of the obligations Guaranteed. "Fair
Share Shortfall" means, with respect to a Contributing Guarantor as of any date
of determination, the excess, if any, of the Fair Share of such Contributing
Guarantor over the Aggregate Payments of such Contributing Guarantor. "Fair
Share Contribution Amount" means, with respect to a Contributing Guarantor

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as of any date of determination, the maximum aggregate amount of the obligations
of such Contributing Guarantor under this Guaranty that would not render its
obligations hereunder or thereunder subject to avoidance as a fraudulent
transfer or conveyance under Section 548 of Title 11 of the United States Code
or any comparable applicable provisions of state law; provided, solely for
                                                      --------
purposes of calculating the "Fair Share Contribution Amount" with respect to any
Contributing Guarantor for purposes of this Section 7.2, any assets or
liabilities of such Contributing Guarantor arising by virtue of any rights to
subrogation, reimbursement or indemnification or any rights to or obligations of
contribution hereunder shall not be considered as assets or liabilities of such
Contributing Guarantor. "Aggregate Payments" means, with respect to a
Contributing Guarantor as of any date of determination, an amount equal to (1)
the aggregate amount of all payments and distributions made on or before such
date by such Contributing Guarantor in respect of this Guaranty (including,
without limitation, in respect of this Section 7.2), minus (2) the aggregate
amount of all payments received on or before such date by such Contributing
Guarantor from the other Contributing Guarantors as contributions under this
Section 7.2. The amounts payable as contributions hereunder shall be determined
as of the date on which the related payment or distribution is made by the
applicable Funding Guarantor. The allocation among Contributing Guarantors of
their obligations as set forth in this Section 7.2 shall not be construed in any
way to limit the liability of any Contributing Guarantor hereunder. Each
Guarantor is a third party beneficiary to the contribution agreement set forth
in this Section 7.2.

          (c)  Anything contained in this Guaranty to the contrary
notwithstanding, if any Fraudulent Transfer Law (as hereinafter defined) is
determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be applicable to the
obligations of Guarantor under this Guaranty, such obligations of Guarantor
hereunder shall be limited to a maximum aggregate amount equal to the largest
amount that would not render its obligations hereunder subject to avoidance as a
fraudulent transfer or conveyance under Section 548 of Title 11 of the United
States Code or any applicable provisions of comparable state law or foreign law
(collectively, the "Fraudulent Transfer Laws"), in each case after giving effect
to all other liabilities of Guarantor, contingent or otherwise, that are
relevant under the Fraudulent Transfer Laws (specifically excluding, however,
any liabilities of Guarantor (x) in respect of intercompany indebtedness to
Company or other Affiliates of Company to the extent that such indebtedness
would be discharged in an amount equal to the amount paid by Guarantor hereunder
and (y) under any guaranty of unsecured subordinated notes which guaranty
contains a limitation as to maximum amount similar to that set forth in this
subsection 7.2(b)), and after giving effect as assets to the value (as
determined under the applicable provisions of the Fraudulent Transfer Laws) of
any rights to subrogation, reimbursement, indemnification or contribution of
Guarantor pursuant to applicable law or pursuant to the terms of any agreement
as contemplated by subsection 7.2(a).

     6.3.  Payment by Guarantors.  Subject to Section 7.2, Guarantors hereby
jointly and severally agree, in furtherance of the foregoing and not in
limitation of any other right which any Beneficiary may have at law or in equity
against any Guarantor by virtue hereof, that upon the failure of Company to pay
any of the Guaranteed Obligations when and as the same shall become due, whether
at stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, acceleration, demand or
otherwise

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(including amounts that would become due but for the operation of the automatic
stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. (S)362(a)),
Guarantors will upon demand pay, or cause to be paid, in Cash, to Administrative
Agent for the ratable benefit of Beneficiaries, an amount equal to the sum of
the unpaid principal amount of all Guaranteed Obligations then due as aforesaid,
accrued and unpaid interest on such Guaranteed Obligations (including interest
which, but for Company's becoming the subject of a case under the Bankruptcy
Code, would have accrued on such Guaranteed Obligations, whether or not a claim
is allowed against Holdings or Company for such interest in the related
bankruptcy case) and all other Obligations of Guarantors or Company then owed to
Beneficiaries as aforesaid.

     6.4. Liability of Guarantors Absolute.  Each Guarantor agrees that its
obligations hereunder are irrevocable, absolute, independent and unconditional
and shall not be affected by any circumstance which constitutes a legal or
equitable discharge of a guarantor or surety other than payment in full of the
Guaranteed Obligations.  In furtherance of the foregoing and without limiting
the generality thereof, each Guarantor agrees as follows:

          (a)  this Guaranty is a guaranty of payment when due and not of
collectibility; this Guaranty is a primary obligation of each Guarantor and not
merely a contract of surety;

          (b)  Administrative Agent may enforce this Guaranty upon the
occurrence of an Event of Default notwithstanding the existence of any dispute
between any Credit Party and any Beneficiary with respect to the existence of
such Event of Default;

          (c)  the obligations of each Guarantor hereunder are independent of
the obligations of Company and the obligations of any other guarantor (including
any other Guarantor) of the obligations of Company, and a separate action or
actions may be brought and prosecuted against such Guarantor whether or not any
action is brought against Company or any of such other guarantors and whether or
not Company is joined in any such action or actions;

          (d)  payment by any Guarantor of a portion, but not all, of the
Guaranteed Obligations shall in no way limit, affect, modify or abridge any
Guarantor's liability for any portion of the Guaranteed Obligations which has
not been paid.  Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, if
Administrative Agent is awarded a judgment in any suit brought to enforce any
Guarantor's covenant to pay a portion of the Guaranteed Obligations, such
judgment shall not be deemed to release such Guarantor from its covenant to pay
the portion of the Guaranteed Obligations that is not the subject of such suit,
and such judgment shall not, except to the extent satisfied by such Guarantor,
limit, affect, modify or abridge any other Guarantor's liability hereunder in
respect of the Guaranteed Obligations;

          (e)  any Beneficiary, upon such terms as it deems appropriate, without
notice or demand and without affecting the validity or enforceability hereof or
giving rise to any reduction, limitation, impairment, discharge or termination
of any Guarantor's liability hereunder, from time

                                       95
<PAGE>

to time may (i) renew, extend, accelerate, increase the rate of interest on, or
otherwise change the time, place, manner or terms of payment of the Guaranteed
Obligations; (ii) settle, compromise, release or discharge, or accept or refuse
any offer of performance with respect to, or substitutions for, the Guaranteed
Obligations or any agreement relating thereto and/or subordinate the payment of
the same to the payment of any other obligations; (iii) request and accept other
guaranties of the Guaranteed Obligations and take and hold security for the
payment hereof or the Guaranteed Obligations; (iv) release, surrender, exchange,
substitute, compromise, settle, rescind, waive, alter, subordinate or modify,
with or without consideration, any security for payment of the Guaranteed
Obligations, any other guaranties of the Guaranteed Obligations, or any other
obligation of any Person (including any other Guarantor) with respect to the
Guaranteed Obligations; (v) enforce and apply any security now or hereafter held
by or for the benefit of such Beneficiary in respect hereof or the Guaranteed
Obligations and direct the order or manner of sale thereof, or exercise any
other right or remedy that such Beneficiary may have against any such security,
in each case as such Beneficiary in its discretion may determine consistent
herewith or the applicable Hedge Agreement and any applicable security
agreement, including foreclosure on any such security pursuant to one or more
judicial or nonjudicial sales, whether or not every aspect of any such sale is
commercially reasonable, and even though such action operates to impair or
extinguish any right of reimbursement or subrogation or other right or remedy of
any Guarantor against Company or any security for the Guaranteed Obligations;
and (vi) exercise any other rights available to it under the Credit Documents or
the Hedge Agreements; and

          (f)  this Guaranty and the obligations of Guarantors hereunder shall
be valid and enforceable and shall not be subject to any reduction, limitation,
impairment, discharge or termination for any reason (other than payment in full
of the Guaranteed Obligations), including the occurrence of any of the
following, whether or not any Guarantor shall have had notice or knowledge of
any of them: (i) any failure or omission to assert or enforce or agreement or
election not to assert or enforce, or the stay or enjoining, by order of court,
by operation of law or otherwise, of the exercise or enforcement of, any claim
or demand or any right, power or remedy (whether arising under the Credit
Documents or the Hedge Agreements, at law, in equity or otherwise) with respect
to the Guaranteed Obligations or any agreement relating thereto, or with respect
to any other guaranty of or security for the payment of the Guaranteed
Obligations; (ii) any rescission, waiver, amendment or modification of, or any
consent to departure from, any of the terms or provisions (including provisions
relating to events of default) hereof, any of the other Credit Documents, any of
the Hedge Agreements or any agreement or instrument executed pursuant thereto,
or of any other guaranty or security for the Guaranteed Obligations, in each
case whether or not in accordance with the terms hereof or such Credit Document,
such Hedge Agreement or any agreement relating to such other guaranty or
security; (iii) the Guaranteed Obligations, or any agreement relating thereto,
at any time being found to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable in any respect;
(iv) the application of payments received from any source (other than payments
received pursuant to the other Credit Documents or any of the Hedge Agreements
or from the proceeds of any security for the Guaranteed Obligations, except to
the extent such security also serves as collateral for indebtedness other than
the Guaranteed Obligations) to the payment of indebtedness other than the
Guaranteed Obligations,

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<PAGE>

even though any Beneficiary might have elected to apply such payment to any part
or all of the Guaranteed Obligations; (v) any Beneficiary's consent to the
change, reorganization or termination of the corporate structure or existence of
Company or any of its Subsidiaries and to any corresponding restructuring of the
Guaranteed Obligations; (vi) any failure to perfect or continue perfection of a
security interest in any collateral which secures any of the Guaranteed
Obligations; (vii) any defenses, set-offs or counterclaims which Company may
allege or assert against any Beneficiary in respect of the Guaranteed
Obligations, including failure of consideration, breach of warranty, payment,
statute of frauds, statute of limitations, accord and satisfaction and usury;
and (viii) any other act or thing or omission, or delay to do any other act or
thing, which may or might in any manner or to any extent vary the risk of any
Guarantor as an obligor in respect of the Guaranteed Obligations.

     6.5.  Waivers by Guarantors.  Each Guarantor hereby waives, for the benefit
of Beneficiaries: (a) any right to require any Beneficiary, as a condition of
payment or performance by such Guarantor, to (i) proceed against Company, any
guarantor (including any Guarantor) of the Guaranteed Obligations or any other
Person, (ii) proceed against or exhaust any security held from Company, any such
other guarantor or any other Person, (iii) proceed against or have resort to any
balance of any Deposit Account or credit on the books of any Beneficiary in
favor of Company or any other Person, or (iv) pursue any other remedy in the
power of any Beneficiary whatsoever; (b) any defense arising by reason of the
incapacity, lack of authority or any disability or other defense of Company or
any Guarantor including any defense based on or arising out of the lack of
validity or the unenforceability of the Guaranteed Obligations or any agreement
or instrument relating thereto or by reason of the cessation of the liability of
Company or any Guarantor from any cause other than payment in full of the
Guaranteed Obligations; (c) any defense based upon any statute or rule of law
which provides that the obligation of a surety must be neither larger in amount
nor in other respects more burdensome than that of the principal; (d) any
defense based upon any Beneficiary's errors or omissions in the administration
of the Guaranteed Obligations, except behavior which amounts to bad faith;
(e)(i)  any principles or provisions of law, statutory or otherwise, which are
or might be in conflict with the terms hereof and any legal or equitable
discharge of such Guarantor's obligations hereunder, (ii) the benefit of any
statute of limitations affecting such Guarantor's liability hereunder or the
enforcement hereof, (iii) any rights to set-offs, recoupments and counterclaims,
and (iv) promptness, diligence and any requirement that any Beneficiary protect,
secure, perfect or insure any security interest or lien or any property subject
thereto; (f) notices, demands, presentments, protests, notices of protest,
notices of dishonor and notices of any action or inaction, including acceptance
hereof, notices of default hereunder, the Hedge Agreements or any agreement or
instrument related thereto, notices of any renewal, extension or modification of
the Guaranteed Obligations or any agreement related thereto, notices of any
extension of credit to Company and notices of any of the matters referred to in
Section 7.4 and any right to consent to any thereof; and (g) any defenses or
benefits that may be derived from or afforded by law which limit the liability
of or exonerate guarantors or sureties, or which may conflict with the terms
hereof.

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<PAGE>

     6.6.  Guarantors' Rights of Subrogation, Contribution, etc.  Until the
Guaranteed Obligations shall have been indefeasibly paid in full and all
Commitments shall have terminated, each Guarantor hereby waives any claim, right
or remedy, direct or indirect, that such Guarantor now has or may hereafter have
against Company or any Guarantor or any of its assets in connection with this
Guaranty or the performance by such Guarantor of its obligations hereunder, in
each case whether such claim, right or remedy arises in equity, under contract,
by statute, under common law or otherwise and including without limitation (a)
any right of subrogation, reimbursement or indemnification that such Guarantor
now has or may hereafter have against Company with respect to the Guaranteed
Obligations, (b) any right to enforce, or to participate in, any claim, right or
remedy that any Beneficiary now has or may hereafter have against Company, and
(c) any benefit of, and any right to participate in, any collateral or security
now or hereafter held by any Beneficiary. In addition, until the Guaranteed
Obligations shall have been indefeasibly paid in full and the Commitments shall
have terminated each Guarantor shall withhold exercise of any right of
contribution such Guarantor may have against any other guarantor (including any
other Guarantor) of the Guaranteed Obligations, including, without limitation,
any such right of contribution as contemplated by Section 7.2.  Each Guarantor
further agrees that, to the extent the waiver or agreement to withhold the
exercise of its rights of subrogation, reimbursement, indemnification and
contribution as set forth herein is found by a court of competent jurisdiction
to be void or voidable for any reason, any rights of subrogation, reimbursement
or indemnification such Guarantor may have against Company or against any
collateral or security, and any rights of contribution such Guarantor may have
against any such other guarantor, shall be junior and subordinate to any rights
any Beneficiary may have against Company, to all right, title and interest any
Beneficiary may have in any such collateral or security, and to any right any
Beneficiary may have against such other guarantor.  If any amount shall be paid
to any Guarantor on account of any such subrogation, reimbursement,
indemnification or contribution rights at any time when all Guaranteed
Obligations shall not have been finally and indefeasibly paid in full, such
amount shall be held in trust for Administrative Agent on behalf of
Beneficiaries and shall forthwith be paid over to Administrative Agent for the
benefit of Beneficiaries to be credited and applied against the Guaranteed
Obligations, whether matured or unmatured, in accordance with the terms hereof.

     6.7.  Subordination of Other Obligations.  Any Indebtedness of Company or
any Guarantor now or hereafter held by any Guarantor (the "Obligee Guarantor")
is hereby subordinated in right of payment to the Guaranteed Obligations, and
any such indebtedness collected or received by the Obligee Guarantor after an
Event of Default has occurred and is continuing shall be held in trust for
Administrative Agent on behalf of Beneficiaries and shall forthwith be paid over
to Administrative Agent for the benefit of Beneficiaries to be credited and
applied against the Guaranteed Obligations but without affecting, impairing or
limiting in any manner the liability of the Obligee Guarantor under any other
provision hereof.

     6.8.  Continuing Guaranty.  This Guaranty is a continuing guaranty and
shall remain in effect until all of the Guaranteed Obligations shall have been
finally and indefeasibly paid in full and

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the Commitments shall have terminated. Each Guarantor hereby irrevocably waives
any right to revoke this Guaranty as to future transactions giving rise to any
Guaranteed Obligations.

     6.9.   Authority of Guarantors or Company.  It is not necessary for any
Beneficiary to inquire into the capacity or powers of any Guarantor or Company
or the officers, directors or any agents acting or purporting to act on behalf
of any of them.

     6.10.  Financial Condition of Company.  Any Credit Extension may be made to
Company or continued from time to time, and any Hedge Agreements may be entered
into from time to time, in each case without notice to or authorization from any
Guarantor regardless of the financial or other condition of Company at the time
of any such grant or continuation or at the time such Hedge Agreement is entered
into, as the case may be.  No Beneficiary shall have any obligation to disclose
or discuss with any Guarantor its assessment, or any Guarantor's assessment, of
the financial condition of Company.  Each Guarantor has adequate means to obtain
information from Holdings and/or Company on a continuing basis concerning the
financial condition of Company and its ability to perform its obligations under
the Credit Documents and the Hedge Agreements, and each Guarantor assumes the
responsibility for being and keeping informed of the financial condition of
Company and of all circumstances bearing upon the risk of nonpayment of the
Guaranteed Obligations.  Each Guarantor hereby waives and relinquishes any duty
on the part of any Beneficiary to disclose any matter, fact or thing relating to
the business, operations or conditions of Company now known or hereafter known
by any Beneficiary.

     6.11.  Bankruptcy, etc.  (a)  So long as any Guaranteed Obligations remain
outstanding, no Guarantor shall, without the prior written consent of
Administrative Agent acting pursuant to the instructions of Requisite Lenders,
commence or join with any other Person in commencing any bankruptcy,
reorganization or insolvency case or proceeding of or against Company or any
Guarantor.  The obligations of Guarantors hereunder shall not be reduced,
limited, impaired, discharged, deferred, suspended or terminated by any case or
proceeding, voluntary or involuntary, involving the bankruptcy, insolvency,
receivership, reorganization, liquidation or arrangement of Company or any
Guarantor or by any defense which Holdings, Company or any other Guarantor may
have by reason of the order, decree or decision of any court or administrative
body resulting from any such proceeding.

           (b)  Each Guarantor acknowledges and agrees that any interest on any
portion of the Guaranteed Obligations which accrues after the commencement of
any case or proceeding referred to in clause (a) above (or, if interest on any
portion of the Guaranteed Obligations ceases to accrue by operation of law by
reason of the commencement of such case or proceeding, such interest as would
have accrued on such portion of the Guaranteed Obligations if such case or
proceeding had not been commenced) shall be included in the Guaranteed
Obligations because it is the intention of Guarantors and Beneficiaries that the
Guaranteed Obligations which are guaranteed by Guarantors pursuant hereto should
be determined without regard to any rule of law or order which may relieve
Company of any portion of such Guaranteed Obligations.  Guarantors will permit
any trustee in

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bankruptcy, receiver, debtor in possession, assignee for the benefit of
creditors or similar person to pay Administrative Agent, or allow the claim of
Administrative Agent in respect of, any such interest accruing after the date on
which such case or proceeding is commenced.

           (c)  In the event that all or any portion of the Guaranteed
Obligations are paid by Company, the obligations of Guarantors hereunder shall
continue and remain in full force and effect or be reinstated, as the case may
be, in the event that all or any part of such payment(s) are rescinded or
recovered directly or indirectly from any Beneficiary as a preference,
fraudulent transfer or otherwise, and any such payments which are so rescinded
or recovered shall constitute Guaranteed Obligations for all purposes hereunder.

     6.12.  Discharge of Guaranty Upon Sale of Guarantor.  If all of the Capital
Stock of any Guarantor or any of its successors in interest hereunder shall be
sold or otherwise disposed of (including by merger or consolidation) in
accordance with the terms and conditions hereof, the Guaranty of such Guarantor
or such successor in interest, as the case may be, hereunder shall automatically
be discharged and released without any further action by any Beneficiary or any
other Person effective as of the time of such Asset Sale; provided, as a
                                                          --------
condition precedent to such discharge and release, Administrative Agent shall
have received evidence satisfactory to it that arrangements satisfactory to it
have been made for delivery to Administrative Agent of the applicable Net Asset
Sale Proceeds of such disposition pursuant to Section 2.12(a).

 SECTION 7.  EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     7.1.   Events of Default.  If any one or more of the following conditions
or events shall occur:

           (a) Failure to Make Payments When Due.  Failure by Company to pay (i)
               ---------------------------------
when due any installment of principal of any Loan, whether at stated maturity,
by acceleration, by notice of voluntary prepayment, by mandatory prepayment or
otherwise, or (ii) any interest on any Loan or any fee or any other amount due
hereunder or under any of the other Credit Documents within three (3) days after
the date due; or

           (b) Default in Other Agreements.  (i) Failure of any Credit Party to
               ---------------------------
pay when due any principal of or interest on or any other amount payable in
respect of one or more items of Indebtedness (other than Indebtedness referred
to in Section 8.1(a)) in an individual or aggregate principal amount of
$5,000,000 or more or beyond the grace period, if any, provided therefor; or
(ii) breach or default by any Credit Party with respect to any other material
term of (1) one or more items of Indebtedness in the individual or aggregate
principal amounts referred to in clause (i) above or (2) any loan agreement,
mortgage, indenture or other agreement relating to such item(s) of Indebtedness,
in each case beyond the grace period, if any, provided therefor, if the effect
of such breach or default is to cause, or to permit the holder or holders of
that Indebtedness (or a trustee on behalf of such holder or holders), to cause,
that Indebtedness to become or be declared due and

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payable (or redeemable) prior to its stated maturity or the stated maturity of
any underlying obligation, as the case may be; or

          (c)  Breach of Certain Covenants.  Failure of any Credit Party to
               ---------------------------
perform or comply with any term or condition contained in Section 2.4, Section
5.1(f), Section 5.2, Section 5.5 or Section 6; or

          (d)  Breach of Representations, etc.  Any representation, warranty,
               -------------------------------
certification or other statement made or deemed made by any Credit Party in any
Credit Document or in any statement or certificate at any time given by any
Credit Party or any of its Subsidiaries in writing pursuant hereto or thereto or
in connection herewith or therewith shall be false in any material respect as of
the date made or deemed made; or

          (e)  Other Defaults Under Credit Documents.  Any Credit Party shall
               -------------------------------------
default in the performance of or compliance with any term contained herein or
any of the other Credit Documents, other than any such term referred to in any
other Section of this Section 8.1, and such default shall not have been remedied
or waived within thirty (30) days after the earlier of (i) an officer of such
Credit Party becoming aware of such default or (ii) receipt by Company of notice
from Administrative Agent or any Lender of such default; or

          (f)  Involuntary Bankruptcy; Appointment of Receiver, etc..  (i) A
               -----------------------------------------------------
court of competent jurisdiction shall enter a decree or order for relief in
respect of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries in an involuntary case under the
Bankruptcy Code or under any other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar
law now or hereafter in effect, which decree or order is not stayed; or any
other similar relief shall be granted under any applicable federal or state law;
or (ii) an involuntary case shall be commenced against Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries under the Bankruptcy Code or under any other applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency or similar law now or hereafter in effect; or a decree or order of a
court having jurisdiction in the premises for the appointment of a receiver,
liquidator, sequestrator, trustee, custodian or other officer having similar
powers over Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries, or over all or a substantial
part of its property, shall have been entered; or there shall have occurred the
involuntary appointment of an interim receiver, trustee or other custodian of
Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries for all or a substantial part of its
property; or a warrant of attachment, execution or similar process shall have
been issued against any substantial part of the property of Holdings or any of
its Subsidiaries, and any such event described in this clause (ii) shall
continue for sixty (60) days without having been dismissed, bonded or
discharged; or

          (g)  Voluntary Bankruptcy; Appointment of Receiver, etc.  (i) Holdings
               --------------------------------------------------
or any of its Subsidiaries shall have an order for relief entered with respect
to it or shall commence a voluntary case under the Bankruptcy Code or under any
other applicable bankruptcy, insolvency or similar law now or hereafter in
effect, or shall consent to the entry of an order for relief in an involuntary
case, or to the conversion of an involuntary case to a voluntary case, under any
such law, or shall consent to the appointment of or taking possession by a
receiver, trustee or other custodian for all or a

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substantial part of its property; or Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries shall
make any assignment for the benefit of creditors; or (ii) Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries shall be unable, or shall fail generally, or shall admit in writing
its inability, to pay its debts as such debts become due; or the board of
directors (or similar governing body) of Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries (or
any committee thereof) shall adopt any resolution or otherwise authorize any
action to approve any of the actions referred to herein or in Section 8.1(f); or

          (h)  Judgments and Attachments.  Any money judgment, writ or warrant
               -------------------------
of attachment or similar process involving in the aggregate at any time an
amount in excess of $5,000,000 (to the extent not adequately covered by
insurance as to which a solvent and unaffiliated insurance company has
acknowledged coverage) shall be entered or filed against Holdings or any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their respective assets and shall remain undischarged,
unvacated, unbonded or unstayed for a period of sixty (60) days (or in any event
later than five days prior to the date of any proposed sale thereunder); or

          (i)  Dissolution.  Any order, judgment or decree shall be entered
               -----------
against any Credit Party decreeing the dissolution or split up of Holdings or
that Subsidiary and such order shall remain undischarged or unstayed for a
period in excess of sixty (60) days; or

          (j)  Employee Benefit Plans.  There shall occur one or more ERISA
               ----------------------
Events which individually or in the aggregate results in or might reasonably be
expected to result in liability of Holdings, any of its Subsidiaries or any of
their respective ERISA Affiliates in excess of $1,000,000 during the term
hereof; or there shall exist an amount of unfunded benefit liabilities (as
defined in Section 4001(a)(18) of ERISA), individually or in the aggregate for
all Pension Plans (excluding for purposes of such computation any Pension Plans
with respect to which assets exceed benefit liabilities), which exceeds
$1,000,000; or

          (k)  Change of Control.  A Change of Control shall occur; or
               -----------------

          (l)  Guaranties, Collateral Documents and other Credit Documents.  At
               -----------------------------------------------------------
any time after the execution and delivery thereof, (i) the Guaranty for any
reason, other than the satisfaction in full of all Obligations guaranteed
thereby, shall cease to be in full force and effect (other than in accordance
with its terms) or shall be declared to be null and void or any Guarantor shall
repudiate its obligations thereunder, (ii) this Agreement or any Collateral
Document ceases to be in full force and effect (other than by reason of a
release of Collateral in accordance with the terms hereof or thereof or the
satisfaction in full of the Obligations in accordance with the terms hereof) or
shall be declared null and void, or Collateral Agent shall not have or shall
cease to have a valid and perfected Lien in any Collateral purported to be
covered by the Collateral Documents with the priority required by the relevant
Collateral Document which collateral, individually or in the aggregate, has a
fair market value in excess of $1,000,000, in each case for any reason other
than the negligent or willful failure of Collateral Agent or any Lender to take
any action within its control and required of it by the Credit Documents, or
(iii) any Credit Party shall contest the validity or enforceability of any

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<PAGE>

Credit Document in writing or deny in writing that it has any further liability,
including with respect to future advances by Lenders, under any Credit Document
to which it is a party;

THEN, (1) upon the occurrence of any Event of Default described in Section
8.1(f) or 8.1(g), automatically, and (2) upon the occurrence of any other Event
of Default, at the request of (or with the consent of) Requisite Lenders, upon
notice to Company by Administrative Agent, (A) the Commitments, if any, of each
Lender having such Commitments shall immediately terminate; (B) each of the
following shall immediately become due and payable, in each case without
presentment, demand, protest or other requirements of any kind, all of which are
hereby expressly waived by each Credit Party: (I) the unpaid principal amount of
and accrued interest on the Loans, and (II)  all other Obligations; and (C) the
Administrative Agent may cause the Collateral Agent to enforce any and all Liens
and security interests created pursuant to Collateral Documents.

SECTION 8.   AGENTS

     8.1.  Appointment of Agents.  Each of GSCP and SSB is hereby appointed a
Joint Lead Arranger hereunder.  GSCP is hereby appointed as Syndication Agent
hereunder.  Each Lender hereby authorizes each Joint Lead Arranger and
Syndication Agent to act as its agents in accordance with the terms hereof and
the other Credit Documents.  Citibank is hereby appointed Administrative Agent
(for purposes of this Section 9, the terms "Administrative Agent" and "Agent"
shall also include Citibank in its capacity as Collateral Agent pursuant to the
Collateral Documents) hereunder and under the other Credit Documents and each
Lender hereby authorizes Administrative Agent to act as its agent in accordance
with the terms hereof and the other Credit Documents.  Bank of America is hereby
appointed Documentation Agent hereunder, and each Lender hereby authorizes each
Documentation Agent to act as its agent in accordance with the terms hereof and
the other Credit Documents.  Each Agent hereby agrees to act upon the express
conditions contained herein and the other Credit Documents, as applicable.  The
provisions of this Section 9 are solely for the benefit of Agents and Lenders
and no Credit Party shall have any rights as a third party beneficiary of any of
the provisions thereof other than the right to receive notices pursuant to the
first two sentences of Section 9.7.  In performing its functions and duties
hereunder, each Agent shall act solely as an agent of Lenders and does not
assume and shall not be deemed to have assumed any obligation towards or
relationship of agency or trust with or for Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries.
Each of Syndication Agent and Documentation Agent, without consent of or notice
to any party hereto, may assign any and all of its rights or obligations
hereunder to any of its Affiliates.  As of the Closing Date, all the respective
obligations of (i) GSCP and SSB in its capacity as Joint Lead Arranger and (ii)
Bank of America, in its capacity as Documentation Agent, shall terminate.

     8.2.  Powers and Duties.  Subject to the final sentence of Section 9.1
hereof, each Lender irrevocably authorizes each Agent to take such action on
such Lender's behalf and to exercise such powers, rights and remedies hereunder
and under the other Credit Documents as are specifically delegated or granted to
such Agent by the terms hereof and thereof, together with such powers, rights

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<PAGE>

and remedies as are reasonably incidental thereto.  Each Agent shall have only
those duties and responsibilities that are expressly specified herein and the
other Credit Documents.  Each Agent may exercise such powers, rights and
remedies and perform such duties by or through its agents or employees.  No
Agent shall have, by reason hereof or any of the other Credit Documents, a
fiduciary relationship in respect of any Lender; and nothing herein or any of
the other Credit Documents, expressed or implied, is intended to or shall be so
construed as to impose upon any Agent any obligations in respect hereof or any
of the other Credit Documents except as expressly set forth herein or therein.

     8.3.  General Immunity.

          (a)  No Responsibility for Certain Matters.  No Agent shall be
               -------------------------------------
responsible to any Lender for the execution, effectiveness, genuineness,
validity, enforceability, collectibility or sufficiency hereof or any other
Credit Document or for any representations, warranties, recitals or statements
made herein or therein or made in any written or oral statements or in any
financial or other statements, instruments, reports or certificates or any other
documents furnished or made by any of Agent to Lenders or by or on behalf of any
Credit Party to any Agent or any Lender in connection with the Credit Documents
and the transactions contemplated thereby or for the financial condition or
business affairs of any Credit Party or any other Person liable for the payment
of any Obligations, nor shall any Agent be required to ascertain or inquire as
to the performance or observance of any of the terms, conditions, provisions,
covenants or agreements contained in any of the Credit Documents or as to the
use of the proceeds of the Loans or as to the existence or possible existence of
any Event of Default or Default.

          (b)  Exculpatory Provisions.  No Agent nor any of its officers,
               ----------------------
partners, directors, employees or agents shall be liable to Lenders for any
action taken or omitted by any Agent under or in connection with any of the
Credit Documents except to the extent caused by such Agent's gross negligence or
willful misconduct.  Each Agent shall be entitled to refrain from any act or the
taking of any action (including the failure to take an action) in connection
herewith or any of the other Credit Documents or from the exercise of any power,
discretion or authority vested in it hereunder or thereunder unless and until
such Agent shall have received instructions in respect thereof from Requisite
Lenders (or such other Lenders as may be required to give such instructions
under Section 10.5) and, upon receipt of such instructions from Requisite
Lenders (or such other Lenders, as the case may be), such Agent shall be
entitled to act or (where so instructed) refrain from acting, or to exercise
such power, discretion or authority, in accordance with such instructions.
Without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing, (i) each Agent shall be
entitled to rely, and shall be fully protected in relying, upon any
communication, instrument or document believed by it to be genuine and correct
and to have been signed or sent by the proper Person or Persons, and shall be
entitled to rely and shall be protected in relying on opinions and judgments of
attorneys (who may be attorneys for Holdings and its Subsidiaries), accountants,
experts and other professional advisors selected by it; and (ii) no Lender shall
have any right of action whatsoever against any Agent as a result of such Agent
acting or (where so instructed) refraining from acting hereunder or any of the
other Credit

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<PAGE>

Documents in accordance with the instructions of Requisite Lenders (or such
other Lenders as may be required to give such instructions under Section 10.5).

     8.4.   Agents Entitled to Act as Lender.  The agency hereby created shall
in no way impair or affect any of the rights and powers of, or impose any duties
or obligations upon, any Agent in its individual capacity as a Lender hereunder.
With respect to its participation in the Loans, each Agent in its individual
capacity, shall have the same rights and powers hereunder as any other Lender
and may exercise the same as if it were not performing the duties and functions
delegated to it hereunder, and the term "Lender" shall, unless the context
clearly otherwise indicates, include each Agent in its individual capacity. Any
Agent in its individual capacity, and its Affiliates may accept deposits from,
lend money to and generally engage in any kind of banking, trust, financial
advisory or other business with Holdings or any of its Affiliates as if it were
not performing the duties specified herein, and may accept fees and other
consideration from Holdings or any of its Affiliates for services in connection
herewith and otherwise without having to accoun t for the same to Lenders.

     8.5.   Lenders' Representations, Warranties and Acknowledgment.

          Each Lender represents and warrants that it has made its own
independent investigation of the financial condition and affairs of Holdings and
its Subsidiaries in connection with Credit Extensions hereunder and that it has
made and shall continue to make its own appraisal of the creditworthiness of
Holdings and its Subsidiaries.  No Agent shall have any duty or responsibility,
either initially or on a continuing basis, to make any such investigation or any
such appraisal on behalf of Lenders or to provide any Lender with any credit or
other information with respect thereto, whether coming into its possession
before the making of the Loans or at any time or times thereafter, and no Agent
shall have any responsibility with respect to the accuracy of or the
completeness of any information provided to Lenders.

     8.6.   Right to Indemnity.  Each Lender, in proportion to its Pro Rata
Share, severally agrees to indemnify each Agent, to the extent that such Agent
is required hereunder to be, and shall not have been, reimbursed by any Credit
Party, for and against any and all liabilities, obligations, losses, damages,
penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses (including counsel fees
and disbursements) or disbursements of any kind or nature whatsoever which may
be imposed on, incurred by or asserted against such Agent in exercising its
powers, rights and remedies or performing its duties hereunder or under the
other Credit Documents or otherwise in its capacity as such Agent in any way
relating to or arising out hereof or the other Credit Documents; provided, no
                                                                 --------
Lender shall be liable for any portion of such liabilities, obligations, losses,
damages, penalties, actions, judgments, suits, costs, expenses or disbursements
resulting from such Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct.  If any
indemnity furnished to any Agent for any purpose shall, in the opinion of such
Agent, be insufficient or become impaired, such Agent may call for additional
indemnity and cease, or not commence, to do the acts indemnified against until
such additional indemnity is furnished; provided, in no event shall this
                                        --------
sentence require any Lender to indemnify any Agent against any liability,
obligation, loss, damage, penalty, action, judgment, suit, cost,

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<PAGE>

expense or disbursement in excess of such Lender's Pro Rata Share thereof; and
provided further, this sentence shall not be deemed to require any Lender to
-------- -------
indemnify any Agent against any liability, obligation, loss, damage, penalty,
action, judgment, suit, cost, expense or disbursement described in the proviso
in the immediately preceding sentence.

     8.7.   Successor Administrative Agent.  Administrative Agent may resign at
any time by giving thirty (30) days' prior written notice thereof to Lenders and
Company, and Administrative Agent may be removed at any time with or without
cause by an instrument or concurrent instruments in writing delivered to Company
and Administrative Agent and signed by Requisite Lenders.  Upon any such notice
of resignation or any such removal, Requisite Lenders shall have the right, upon
five Business Days' notice to Company, to appoint a successor Administrative
Agent.  Upon the acceptance of any appointment as Administrative Agent hereunder
by a successor Administrative Agent, that successor Administrative Agent shall
thereupon succeed to and become vested with all the rights, powers, privileges
and duties of the retiring or removed Administrative Agent and the retiring or
removed Administrative Agent shall promptly (i) transfer to such successor
Administrative Agent all sums, Securities and other items of Collateral held
under the Collateral Documents, together with all records and other documents
necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance of the duties of the
successor Administrative Agent under the Credit Documents, and (ii) execute and
deliver to such successor Administrative Agent such amendments to financing
statements, and take such other actions, as may be necessary or appropriate in
connection with the assignment to such successor Administrative Agent of the
security interests created under the Collateral Documents, whereupon such
retiring or removed Administrative Agent shall be discharged from its duties and
obligations hereunder.  After any retiring or removed Administrative Agent's
resignation or removal hereunder as Administrative Agent, the provisions of this
Section 9 shall inure to its benefit as to any actions taken or omitted to be
taken by it while it was Administrative Agent hereunder. For purposes of this
Section 9.7, any reference to "Administrative Agent" also shall be deemed to be
and include a reference to "Collateral Agent."

     8.8.   Collateral Documents and Guaranty.

           (a) Agent under Collateral Documents and Guaranties.  Each Lender
               -----------------------------------------------
hereby authorizes Collateral Agent, on behalf of and for the benefit of Secured
Parties, to be the agent for and representative of Lenders and all other Secured
Parties with respect to the Collateral and the Collateral Documents and to enter
into the Collateral Documents.  Each Lender hereby authorizes Administrative
Agent, on behalf of and for the benefit of Lenders, to be the agent for and
representative of Lenders with respect to the Guaranty.  Subject to Section
10.5, without further written consent or authorization from Lenders, each of
Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent, as applicable, may execute any
documents or instruments necessary to (i) release any Lien encumbering any item
of Collateral that is the subject of a sale or other disposition of assets
permitted hereby or to the release of which Requisite Lenders (or such other
Lenders as may be required to give such consent under Section 10.5) have
otherwise consented or (ii) release any Guarantor from the Guaranty pursuant to
Section 7.12 or with respect to the release of which

                                      106
<PAGE>

Requisite Lenders (or such other Lenders as may be required to give such consent
under Section 10.5) have otherwise consented.

          (b)  Right to Realize on Collateral and Enforce Guaranty.  Anything
               ---------------------------------------------------
contained in any of the Credit Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, each
Credit Party, Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent and each Lender hereby
agree that (i) no Lender shall have any right individually to realize upon any
of the Collateral or to enforce the Guaranty, it being understood and agreed
that all powers, rights and remedies hereunder may be exercised solely by
Administrative Agent or Collateral Agent, as applicable, on behalf of Lenders in
accordance with the terms hereof, and (ii) in the event of a foreclosure by
Collateral Agent on any of the Collateral pursuant to a public or private sale,
Collateral Agent or any Lender may be the purchaser of any or all of such
Collateral at any such sale and each of Administrative Agent and Collateral
Agent, as agent for and representative of Lenders (but not any Lender or Lenders
in its or their respective individual capacities unless Requisite Lenders shall
otherwise agree in writing) shall be entitled, for the purpose of bidding and
making settlement or payment of the purchase price for all or any portion of the
Collateral sold at any such public sale, to use and apply any of the Obligations
as a credit on account of the purchase price for any collateral payable by
Collateral Agent at such sale.

 SECTION 9.  MISCELLANEOUS

     9.1.   Notices.  Unless otherwise specifically provided herein, any notice
or other communication herein required or permitted to be given to a Credit
Party or any Agent, shall be sent to such Person's address as set forth on
Appendix B or in the other relevant Credit Document, and in the case of any
----------
Lender, the address as indicated on Appendix B or otherwise indicated to
                                    ----------
Administrative Agent in writing.  Each notice hereunder shall be in writing and
may be personally served, telexed or sent by telefacsimile or United States mail
or courier service and shall be deemed to have been given when delivered in
person or by courier service and signed for against receipt thereof, upon
receipt of telefacsimile or telex, or three Business Days after depositing it in
the United States mail with postage prepaid and properly addressed; provided, no
                                                                    --------
notice to any Agent shall be effective until received by such Agent.

     9.2.   Expenses.  Whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby shall
be consummated, Company agrees to pay promptly (a) all the actual and reasonable
costs and expenses of the Syndication Agent associated with the syndication of
the credit facilities hereunder and the preparation of the Credit Documents and
any consents, amendments, waivers or other modifications thereto; (b) all the
costs of furnishing all opinions by counsel for any Credit Party (including any
opinions requested by Lenders as to any legal matters arising hereunder) and of
each Credit Party's performance of and compliance with all agreements and
conditions on its part to be performed or complied with hereunder and the other
Credit Documents, including with respect to confirming compliance with
environmental, insurance and solvency requirements; (c) the reasonable fees,
expenses and disbursements of counsel to Syndication Agent (in each case
including allocated costs of internal counsel) in connection with the
negotiation, preparation, execution and administration

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<PAGE>

of the Credit Documents and any consents, amendments, waivers or other
modifications thereto and any other documents or matters requested by any Credit
Party; (d) all the actual costs and reasonable expenses of creating and
perfecting Liens in favor of Collateral Agent, for the benefit of Secured
Parties pursuant hereto, including filing and recording fees, expenses and
taxes, stamp or documentary taxes, search fees, title insurance premiums and
reasonable fees, expenses and disbursements of counsel to Collateral Agent and
of counsel providing any opinions that any Agent or Requisite Lenders may
request in respect of the Collateral or the Liens created pursuant the
Collateral Documents; (e) all the actual costs and reasonable fees, expenses and
disbursements of any auditors, accountants, consultants or appraisers; (f) all
the actual costs and reasonable expenses (including the reasonable fees,
expenses and disbursements of any appraisers, consultants, advisors and agents
employed or retained by Collateral Agent and its counsel) in connection with the
custody or preservation of any of the Collateral; (g) all other actual and
reasonable costs and expenses incurred by Syndication Agent and Administrative
Agent in connection with the negotiation, preparation and execution of the
Credit Documents and any consents, amendments, waivers or other modifications
thereto and the transactions contemplated thereby; and (h) after the occurrence
of a Default or an Event of Default, all costs and expenses, including
reasonable attorneys' fees (including allocated costs of internal counsel) and
costs of settlement, incurred by any Agent and Lenders in enforcing any
Obligations of or in collecting any payments due from any Credit Party hereunder
or under the other Credit Documents by reason of such Default or Event of
Default (including in connection with the sale of, collection from, or other
realization upon any of the Collateral or the enforcement of the Guaranty) or in
connection with any refinancing or restructuring of the credit arrangements
provided hereunder in the nature of a "work-out" or pursuant to any insolvency
or bankruptcy cases or proceedings.

     9.3.   Indemnity.  In addition to the payment of expenses pursuant to
Section 10.2, whether or not the transactions contemplated hereby shall be
consummated, each Credit Party agrees to defend (subject to Indemnitees'
selection of counsel), indemnify, pay and hold harmless, each Agent and Lender
and the officers, partners, directors, trustees, employees, agents and
Affiliates of each Agent and each Lender (each, an "Indemnitee"), from and
against any and all Indemnified Liabilities; provided, no Credit Party shall
                                             --------
have any obligation to any Indemnitee hereunder with respect to any Indemnified
Liabilities to the extent such Indemnified Liabilities arise from the gross
negligence or willful misconduct of that Indemnitee.  To the extent that the
undertakings to defend, indemnify, pay and hold harmless set forth in this
Section 10.3 may be unenforceable in whole or in part because they are violative
of any law or public policy, the applicable Credit Party shall contribute the
maximum portion that it is permitted to pay and satisfy under applicable law to
the payment and satisfaction of all Indemnified Liabilities incurred by
Indemnitees or any of them.

     9.4.   Set-Off.  In addition to any rights now or hereafter granted under
applicable law and not by way of limitation of any such rights, upon the
occurrence of any Event of Default each Lender is hereby authorized by each
Credit Party at any time or from time to time subject to the consent of
Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed),
without notice to any Credit Party or to any other Person (other than
Administrative Agent), any such notice being

                                      108
<PAGE>

hereby expressly waived, to set off and to appropriate and to apply any and all
deposits (general or special, including Indebtedness evidenced by certificates
of deposit, whether matured or unmatured, but not including trust accounts) and
any other Indebtedness at any time held or owing by such Lender to or for the
credit or the account of any Credit Party against and on account of the
obligations and liabilities of such Credit Party to such Lender hereunder or any
of the other Credit Documents, including all claims of any nature or description
arising out of or connected hereto, or with any other Credit Document,
irrespective of whether or not (a) such Lender shall have made any demand
hereunder or (b) the principal of or the interest on the Loans or any other
amounts due hereunder shall have become due and payable pursuant to Section 2
and although such obligations and liabilities, or any of them, may be contingent
or unmatured. Each Credit Party hereby further grants to Administrative Agent
and each Lender a security interest in all Deposit Accounts maintained with
Administrative Agent or such Lender as security for the Obligations.

     9.5.   Amendments and Waivers.

           (a) Requisite Lenders' Consent.  Subject to Sections 10.5(b) and
               --------------------------
10.5(c), no amendment, modification, termination or waiver of any provision of
the Credit Documents, or consent to any departure by any Credit Party therefrom,
shall in any event be effective without the written concurrence of the Requisite
Lenders.

           (b) Affected Lenders' Consent.  Without the written consent of each
               -------------------------
Lender  (other than a Defaulting Lender) that would be affected thereby, no
amendment, modification, termination, or consent shall be effective if the
effect thereof would:

               (i)   extend the scheduled final maturity of any Loan or Note;

               (ii)  waive, reduce or postpone any scheduled repayment (but not
prepayment) or the Revolving Commitment Termination Date or the Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitment Termination Date;

               (iii) reduce the rate of interest on any Loan (other than any
waiver of any increase in the interest rate applicable to any Loan pursuant to
Section 2.8) or any fee or other amount payable hereunder or under any of the
other Credit Documents;

               (iv)  extend the time for payment of any such interest or fees;

               (v)   amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of this
Section 10.5(b) or Section 10.5(c) or Section 10.6(a);

               (vi)  amend the definition of "Requisite Lenders" or "Pro Rata
Share"; provided, with the consent of Requisite Lenders (except that such
        --------
consent shall not be required in the case of Indebtedness incurred or
commitments made under Section 2.2 of this Agreement),

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<PAGE>

additional extensions of credit pursuant hereto may be included in the
determination of "Requisite Lenders" or "Pro Rata Share" on substantially the
same basis as the Revolving Commitments, the Revolving Loans, the Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitments, the Delayed Draw Term Loans, the New Term Loan
Commitments and the New Term Loans are included on the Closing Date;

               (vii)  release or otherwise subordinate all or substantially all
of the Collateral or all or substantially all of the Guarantors from the
Guaranty except as expressly provided in the Credit Documents; or

               (viii) consent to the assignment or transfer by any Credit Party
of any of its rights and obligations under any Credit Document.

          (c)  Other Consents.  No amendment, modification, termination or
               --------------
waiver of any provision of the Credit Documents, or consent to any departure by
any Credit Party therefrom, shall:

               (i)    increase any Commitment of any Lender over the amount
thereof then in effect without the consent of such Lender; provided, no
                                                           --------
amendment, modification or waiver of any condition precedent, covenant, Default
or Event of Default shall constitute an increase in any Commitment of any
Lender;

               (ii)   amend the definition of "Requisite Class Lenders" without
the consent of Requisite Class Lenders of each Class affected by such amendment;
provided, with the consent of the Requisite Lenders, additional extensions of
--------
credit pursuant hereto may be included in the determination of such "Requisite
Class Lenders" on substantially the same basis as the Revolving Commitments, the
Revolving Loans, the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments and the Delayed Draw
Term Loans and the New Term Loan Commitments and the New Term Loans are included
on the Closing Date;

               (iii)  alter the required application of any repayments or
prepayments as between Classes pursuant to Section 2.13 without the consent of
Requisite Class Lenders of each Class which is being allocated a lesser
repayment or prepayment as a result thereof; provided, Requisite Lenders may
                                             --------
waive, in whole or in part, any prepayment so long as the application, as
between Classes, of any portion of such prepayment which is still required to be
made is not altered;

               (iv)   amend, modify, terminate or waive any provision of Section
9 or Section 10 as the same applies to any Agent, or any other provision hereof
as the same applies to the rights or obligations of any Agent, in each case
without the consent of such Agent; or

               (v)    increase the aggregate amount of the New Revolving
Commitments, New Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments and New Term Commitments
permitted to be requested by Company pursuant to Section 2.2 above $300,000,000
without the consent of all Lenders.

                                      110
<PAGE>

           (d)  Execution of Amendments, etc.  Administrative Agent may, but
                -----------------------------
shall have no obligation to, with the concurrence of any Lender, execute
amendments, modifications, waivers or consents on behalf of such Lender. Any
waiver or consent shall be effective only in the specific instance and for the
specific purpose for which it was given. No notice to or demand on any Credit
Party in any case shall entitle any Credit Party to any other or further notice
or demand in similar or other circumstances. Any amendment, modification,
termination, waiver or consent effected in accordance with this Section 10.5
shall be binding upon each Lender at the time outstanding, each future Lender
and, if signed by a Credit Party, on such Credit Party.

     9.6.  Successors and Assigns; Participations.

           (a)  Generally.  This Agreement shall be binding upon the parties
                ---------
hereto and their respective successors and assigns and shall inure to the
benefit of the parties hereto and the successors and assigns of Lenders.  No
Credit Party's rights or obligations hereunder nor any interest therein may be
assigned or delegated by any Credit Party without the prior written consent of
all Lenders.

           (b)  Register.  Company, Administrative Agent and Lenders shall deem
                --------
and treat the Persons listed as Lenders in the Register as the holders and
owners of the corresponding Commitments and Loans listed therein for all
purposes hereof, and no assignment or transfer of any such Commitment or Loan
shall be effective, in each case, unless and until an Assignment Agreement
effecting the assignment or transfer thereof shall have been delivered to and
accepted by Administrative Agent and recorded in the Register as provided in
Section 10.6(e).  Prior to such recordation, all amounts owed with respect to
the applicable Commitment or Loan shall be owed to the Lender listed in the
Register as the owner thereof, and any request, authority or consent of any
Person who, at the time of making such request or giving such authority or
consent, is listed in the Register as a Lender shall be conclusive and binding
on any subsequent holder, assignee or transferee of the corresponding
Commitments or Loans.

           (c)  Right to Assign.  Each Lender shall have the right at any time
                ---------------
to sell, assign or transfer all or a portion of its rights and obligations under
this Agreement, including, without limitation, all or a portion of its
Commitment or Loans owing to it, Note or Notes held by it, or other Obligation
(provided, however, that each such assignment shall be of a uniform, and not
 --------  -------
varying, percentage of all rights and obligations under and in respect of any
Loan and its related Commitments):

                (i)   to any Person meeting the criteria of clause (i) of the
definition of the term of "Eligible Assignee" upon the giving of notice to
Company and Administrative Agent; and

                (ii)  to any Person meeting the criteria of clause (ii) of the
definition of the term of "Eligible Assignee" and, in the case of assignments of
Loans or Commitments to any such Person (except in the case of assignments made
by or to GSCP), consented to by each of Company and

                                      111
<PAGE>

Administrative Agent (such consent not to be unreasonably withheld or delayed
or, in the case of Company, required at any time an Event of Default shall have
occurred and then be continuing); provided, further each such assignment
                                  --------
pursuant to this Section 10.6(c)(ii) shall be in an aggregate amount of not less
than (A) $5,000,000 (or such lesser amount as may be agreed to by Company and
Administrative Agent or as shall constitute the aggregate amount of the
Revolving Commitments, Revolving Loans of the assigning Lender) with respect to
the assignment of the Revolving Commitments and Revolving Loans and (B)
$1,000,000 (or such lesser amount as may be agreed to by Company and
Administrative Agent or as shall constitute the aggregate amount of Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitments, Delayed Draw Term Loans, New Term Loans and/or New Term
Loan Commitments of the assigning Lender with respect to the assignments
thereof) with respect to the assignment of Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments,
Delayed Draw Term Loans, New Term Loans, and/or New Term Loan Commitments;
provided further that after giving effect to such assignment, the assigning
-------- -------
Lender shall have Commitments and Loans aggregating at least $1,000,000 (unless
such assigning Lender is assigning all of its Commitments and Loans), in each
case unless otherwise agreed to by Company and the Administrative Agent).

          (d)  Mechanics.  The assigning Lender and the assignee thereof shall
               ---------
execute and deliver to Administrative Agent an Assignment Agreement, together
with (i) a processing and recordation fee of $500 in the case of assignments
pursuant to Section 10.6(c)(i) or made by or to GSCP, and $2,000 in the case of
all other assignments (except that only one fee shall be payable in the case of
contemporaneous assignments to Related Funds), and (ii) such forms, certificates
or other evidence, if any, with respect to United States federal income tax
withholding matters as the assignee under such Assignment Agreement may be
required to deliver to Administrative Agent and Company pursuant to Section
2.19(c).

          (e)  Notice of Assignment.  Upon its receipt of a duly executed and
               --------------------
completed Assignment Agreement, together with the processing and recordation fee
referred to in Section 10.6(d) (and any forms, certificates or other evidence
required by this Agreement in connection therewith), Administrative Agent shall
record the information contained in such Assignment Agreement in the Register,
shall give prompt notice thereof to Company and shall maintain a copy of such
Assignment Agreement.

          (f)  Representations and Warranties of Assignee.  Each Lender, upon
               ------------------------------------------
execution and delivery hereof or upon executing and delivering an Assignment
Agreement, as the case may be, represents and warrants as of the Closing Date or
as of the applicable Effective Date (as defined in the applicable Assignment
Agreement) that (i) it is an Eligible Assignee; (ii) it has experience and
expertise in the making of or investing in commitments or loans such as the
applicable Commitments or Loans, as the case may be; and (iii) it will make or
invest in, as the case may be, its Commitments or Loans for its own account in
the ordinary course of its business and without a view to distribution of such
Commitments or Loans within the meaning of the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act or other federal securities laws (it being understood that, subject to the
provisions of this Section 10.6,

                                      112
<PAGE>

the disposition of such Commitments or Loans or any interests therein shall at
all times remain within its exclusive control).

          (g)  Effect of Assignment.  Subject to the terms and conditions of
               --------------------
this Section 10.6, as of the "Effective Date" specified in the applicable
Assignment Agreement: (i) the assignee thereunder shall have the rights and
obligations of a "Lender" hereunder to the extent such rights and obligations
hereunder have been assigned to it pursuant to such Assignment Agreement and
shall thereafter be a party hereto and a "Lender" for all purposes hereof; (ii)
the assigning Lender thereunder shall, to the extent that rights and obligations
hereunder have been assigned thereby pursuant to such Assignment Agreement,
relinquish its rights (other than any rights which survive the termination
hereof under Section 10.8) and be released from its obligations hereunder (and,
in the case of an Assignment Agreement covering all or the remaining portion of
an assigning Lender's rights and obligations hereunder, such Lender shall cease
to be a party hereto); provided, anything contained in any of the Credit
                       --------
Documents to the contrary notwithstanding, such assigning Lender shall continue
to be entitled to the benefit of all indemnities hereunder as specified herein
with respect to matters arising out of the prior involvement of such assigning
Lender as a Lender hereunder; (iii) the Revolving Commitments shall be modified
to reflect the Revolving Commitment of such assignee and any remaining Revolving
Commitment of such assigning Lender, if any; (iv) the Delayed Draw Term Loan
Commitments shall be modified to reflect the Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment
of such assignee and any remaining Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment of such
assigning Lender, if any; and (v) if any such assignment occurs after the
issuance of any Note hereunder, the assigning Lender shall, upon the
effectiveness of such assignment or as promptly thereafter as practicable,
surrender its applicable Notes to Administrative Agent for cancellation, and
thereupon Company shall issue and deliver new Notes, if so requested by the
assignee and/or assigning Lender, to such assignee and/or to such assigning
Lender, with appropriate insertions, to reflect the new Commitments and/or
outstanding Loans of the assignee and/or the assigning Lender.

          (h)  Participations.  Each Lender shall have the right at any time to
               --------------
sell one or more participations to any Person (other than Holdings any of its
Subsidiaries or any of its Affiliates or any direct competitor of Holdings or
any of its Subsidiaries) in all or any part of its Revolving Commitments,
Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitments, Loans or in any other Obligation.  The
holder of any such participation, other than an Affiliate of the Lender granting
such participation, shall not be entitled to require such Lender to take or omit
to take any action hereunder except with respect to any amendment modification
or waiver that would (i) extend the final scheduled maturity of any Loan or Note
in which such participant is participating, or reduce the rate or extend the
time of payment of interest or fees thereon (except in connection with a waiver
of applicability of any post-default increase in interest rates) or reduce the
principal amount thereof, or increase the amount of the participant's
participation over the amount thereof then in effect (it being understood that a
waiver of any Default or Event of Default or of a mandatory reduction in the
Commitment shall not constitute a change in the terms of such participation, and
that an increase in any Commitment or Loan shall be permitted without the
consent of any participant if the participant's participation is not increased
as a result thereof), (ii) consent to the assignment or transfer by any Credit
Party of any

                                      113
<PAGE>

of its rights and obligations under this Agreement or (iii) release all or
substantially all of the Collateral under the Collateral Documents or all or
substantially all of the Documents under the Guaranty (except as expressly
provided in the Credit Documents) supporting the Loans hereunder in which such
participant is participating. All amounts payable by any Credit Party hereunder,
including amounts payable to such Lender pursuant to Section 2.17(c), 2.18 or
2.19, shall be determined as if such Lender had not sold such participation.
Each Credit Party and each Lender hereby acknowledge and agree that, solely for
purposes of Sections 10.4 and 10.6(j), (1) any participation will give rise to a
direct obligation of each Credit Party to the participant and (2) the
participant shall be considered to be a "Lender."

          (i)  Certain Other Assignments.  In addition to any other assignment
               -------------------------
permitted pursuant to this Section 10.6, (i) any Lender may assign and pledge
all or any portion of its Loans, the other Obligations owed to such Lender, and
its Notes, if any, to secure obligations of such Lender, including, without
limitation, any pledge or assignment to secure obligations to any Federal
Reserve Bank and this Section 10.6 shall not apply to any such pledge or
assignment of a security interest; provided, (x) no Lender, as between Company
                                   --------
and such Lender, shall be relieved of any of its obligations hereunder as a
result of any such assignment and pledge, and (y) in no event shall the
applicable Federal Reserve Bank or trustee be considered to be a "Lender" or be
entitled to require the assigning Lender to take or omit to take any action
hereunder and (z) any transfer of the rights and obligations of a "Lender"
hereunder to any Person upon the foreclosure of any pledge or security interest
referred to in this clause (i) may only be made pursuant to the provisions of
Sections 10.6(c) through (e) governing assignments of interests in the Loans.

          (j)  Ratable Sharing.  Lenders hereby agree among themselves that,
               ---------------
except as otherwise provided  in the Collateral Documents with respect to
amounts realized from the exercise of rights with respect to Liens on the
Collateral, if any of them shall after the occurrence and during the continuance
of a Default or Event of Default, whether by voluntary payment (other than a
voluntary prepayment of Loans made and applied in accordance with the terms
hereof), through the exercise of any right of set-off or banker's lien, by
counterclaim or cross action or by the enforcement of any right under the Credit
Documents or otherwise, or as adequate protection of a deposit treated as cash
collateral under the Bankruptcy Code, receive payment or reduction of a
proportion of the aggregate amount of principal, interest, fees and other
amounts then due and owing to such Lender hereunder or under the other Credit
Documents (collectively, the "Aggregate Amounts Due" to such Lender) which is
greater than the proportion received by any other Lender in respect of the
Aggregate Amounts Due to such other Lender, then the Lender receiving such
proportionately greater payment shall (k) notify Administrative Agent and each
other Lender of the receipt of such payment and (l) apply a portion of such
payment to purchase participations (which it shall be deemed to have purchased
from each seller of a participation simultaneously upon the receipt by such
seller of its portion of such payment) in the Aggregate Amounts Due to the other
Lenders so that all such recoveries of Aggregate Amounts Due shall be shared by
all Lenders in proportion to the Aggregate Amounts Due to them; provided, if all
                                                                --------
or part of such proportionately greater payment received by

                                      114
<PAGE>

such purchasing Lender is thereafter recovered from such Lender upon the
bankruptcy or reorganization of Company or otherwise, those purchases shall be
rescinded and the purchase prices paid for such participations shall be returned
to such purchasing Lender ratably to the extent of such recovery, but without
interest. To the extent not prohibited by the Holdings Senior Notes, Company
expressly consents to the foregoing arrangement and agrees that any holder of a
participation so purchased may exercise any and all rights of banker's lien, set
off or counterclaim with respect to any and all monies owing by Company to that
holder with respect thereto as fully as if that holder were owed the amount of
the participation held by that holder.

     9.7   Independence of Covenants.  All covenants hereunder shall be given
independent effect so that if a particular action or condition is not permitted
by any of such covenants, the fact that it would be permitted by an exception
to, or would otherwise be within the limitations of, another covenant shall not
avoid the occurrence of a Default or an Event of Default if such action is taken
or condition exists.

     9.8   Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements.  All
representations, warranties and agreements made herein shall survive the
execution and delivery hereof and the making of any Credit Extension.
Notwithstanding anything herein or implied by law to the contrary, the
agreements of each Credit Party set forth in Sections 2.17(c), 2.18, 2.19, 10.2,
10.3 and 10.4 and the agreements of Lenders set forth in Sections 2.19(d), 2.21,
9.6 and 10.6(j) shall survive the payment of the Loans and the termination
hereof.

     9.9   No Waiver; Remedies Cumulative.  No failure or delay on the part of
any Agent or any Lender in the exercise of any power, right or privilege
hereunder or under any other Credit Document shall impair such power, right or
privilege or be construed to be a waiver of any default or acquiescence therein,
nor shall any single or partial exercise of any such power, right or privilege
preclude other or further exercise thereof or of any other power, right or
privilege.  The rights, powers and remedies given to each Agent and each Lender
hereby are cumulative and shall be in addition to and independent of all rights,
powers and remedies existing by virtue of any statute or rule of law or in any
of the other Credit Documents or any of the Hedge Agreements.  Any forbearance
or failure to exercise, and any delay in exercising, any right, power or remedy
hereunder shall not impair any such right, power or remedy or be construed to be
a waiver thereof, nor shall it preclude the further exercise of any such right,
power or remedy.

     9.10  Marshalling; Payments Set Aside.  Neither any Agent nor any Lender
shall be under any obligation to marshal any assets in favor of any Credit Party
or any other Person or against or in payment of any or all of the Obligations.
To the extent that any Credit Party makes a payment or payments to
Administrative Agent or Lenders (or to Administrative Agent, on behalf of
Lenders), or Collateral Agent or Lenders enforce any security interests or
exercise their rights of setoff, and such payment or payments or the proceeds of
such enforcement or setoff or any part thereof are subsequently invalidated,
declared to be fraudulent or preferential, set aside and/or required to be
repaid to a trustee, receiver or any other party under any bankruptcy law, any
other state or federal

                                      115
<PAGE>

law, common law or any equitable cause, then, to the extent of such recovery,
the obligation or part thereof originally intended to be satisfied, and all
Liens, rights and remedies therefor or related thereto, shall be revived and
continued in full force and effect as if such payment or payments had not been
made or such enforcement or setoff had not occurred.

     9.11  Severability.  In case any provision in or obligation hereunder or
any Note or any of the other Credit Documents shall be invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and enforceability of
the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision or obligation in
any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.

     9.12  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement (together with the Exhibits hereto,
the schedules hereto and the other agreements, documents and instruments
delivered in connection herewith) and the Credit Documents constitute the entire
agreement among the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof and
thereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and verbal, among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject
matter hereof.

     9.13  Obligations Several; Independent Nature of Lenders' Rights.  The
obligations of Lenders hereunder are several and no Lender shall be responsible
for the obligations or Commitment of any other Lender hereunder.  Nothing
contained herein or in any other Credit Document, and no action taken by Lenders
pursuant hereto or thereto, shall be deemed to constitute Lenders as a
partnership, an association, a joint venture or any other kind of entity. The
amounts payable at any time hereunder or under any of the other Credit Documents
to each Lender shall be a separate and independent debt, and each Lender shall
be entitled to protect and enforce its rights arising hereunder or thereunder
and it shall not be necessary for any other Lender to be joined as an additional
party in any proceeding for such purpose.

     9.14  Headings.  Section headings herein are included herein for
convenience of reference only and shall not constitute a part hereof for any
other purpose or be given any substantive effect.

     9.15  APPLICABLE LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE
PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 AND
SECTION 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW), WITHOUT REGARD TO
CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

     9.16  CONSENT TO JURISDICTION.  ALL JUDICIAL PROCEEDINGS BROUGHT AGAINST
ANY CREDIT PARTY ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING HERETO OR ANY OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENT,
OR ANY OF THE OBLIGATIONS, MAY BE BROUGHT IN ANY STATE OR FEDERAL COURT OF
COMPETENT JURISDICTION IN THE STATE, COUNTY AND CITY OF NEW YORK.  BY EXECUTING
AND DELIVERING THIS AGREEMENT, EACH CREDIT PARTY, FOR ITSELF AND IN

                                      116
<PAGE>

CONNECTION WITH ITS PROPERTIES, IRREVOCABLY (a) ACCEPTS GENERALLY AND
UNCONDITIONALLY THE NONEXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION AND VENUE OF SUCH COURTS (AND ANY
APPELLATE COURTS THEREFROM); (b) WAIVES ANY DEFENSE OF FORUM NON CONVENIENS; (c)
AGREES THAT SERVICE OF ALL PROCESS IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN ANY SUCH COURT MAY
BE MADE BY REGISTERED OR CERTIFIED MAIL, RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED, TO THE
APPLICABLE CREDIT PARTY AT ITS ADDRESS PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 10.1;
(d) AGREES THAT SERVICE AS PROVIDED IN CLAUSE (c) ABOVE IS SUFFICIENT TO CONFER
PERSONAL JURISDICTION OVER THE APPLICABLE CREDIT PARTY IN ANY SUCH PROCEEDING IN
ANY SUCH COURT, AND OTHERWISE CONSTITUTES EFFECTIVE AND BINDING SERVICE IN EVERY
RESPECT; AND (e) AGREES THAT AGENTS AND LENDERS RETAIN THE RIGHT TO SERVE
PROCESS IN ANY OTHER MANNER PERMITTED BY LAW OR TO BRING PROCEEDINGS AGAINST ANY
CREDIT PARTY IN THE COURTS OF ANY OTHER JURISDICTION.

     9.17  WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH OF THE PARTIES HERETO HEREBY WAIVES ITS
RESPECTIVE RIGHTS TO A JURY TRIAL OF ANY CLAIM OR CAUSE OF ACTION BASED UPON OR
ARISING HEREUNDER OR UNDER ANY OF THE OTHER CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR ANY DEALINGS
BETWEEN THEM RELATING TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS LOAN TRANSACTION OR THE
LENDER/BORROWER RELATIONSHIP THAT IS BEING ESTABLISHED.  THE SCOPE OF THIS
WAIVER IS INTENDED TO BE ALL-ENCOMPASSING OF ANY AND ALL DISPUTES THAT MAY BE
FILED IN ANY COURT AND THAT RELATE TO THE SUBJECT MATTER OF THIS TRANSACTION,
INCLUDING CONTRACT CLAIMS, TORT CLAIMS, BREACH OF DUTY CLAIMS AND ALL OTHER
COMMON LAW AND STATUTORY CLAIMS.  EACH PARTY HERETO ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS
WAIVER IS A MATERIAL INDUCEMENT TO ENTER INTO A BUSINESS RELATIONSHIP, THAT EACH
HAS ALREADY RELIED ON THIS WAIVER IN ENTERING INTO THIS AGREEMENT, AND THAT EACH
WILL CONTINUE TO RELY ON THIS WAIVER IN ITS RELATED FUTURE DEALINGS.  EACH PARTY
HERETO FURTHER WARRANTS AND REPRESENTS THAT IT HAS REVIEWED THIS WAIVER WITH ITS
LEGAL COUNSEL AND THAT IT KNOWINGLY AND VOLUNTARILY WAIVES ITS JURY TRIAL RIGHTS
FOLLOWING CONSULTATION WITH LEGAL COUNSEL.  THIS WAIVER IS IRREVOCABLE, MEANING
THAT IT MAY NOT BE MODIFIED EITHER ORALLY OR IN WRITING (OTHER THAN BY A MUTUAL
WRITTEN WAIVER SPECIFICALLY REFERRING TO THIS SECTION 10.17 AND EXECUTED BY EACH
OF THE PARTIES HERETO), AND THIS WAIVER SHALL APPLY TO ANY SUBSEQUENT
AMENDMENTS, RENEWALS, SUPPLEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS HERETO OR ANY OF THE OTHER
CREDIT DOCUMENTS OR TO ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS OR AGREEMENTS RELATING TO THE LOANS
MADE

                                      117
<PAGE>

HEREUNDER.  IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, THIS AGREEMENT MAY BE FILED AS A
WRITTEN CONSENT TO A TRIAL BY THE COURT.

     9.18  Confidentiality.  Each Lender shall hold all information provided to
it by Company which has either been (i) identified and marked as confidential by
Company or (ii) (except where such information is clearly public) specifically
requested by such Lender rather than merely provided pursuant to the
requirements hereof, in accordance with such Lender's customary procedures for
handling confidential information of this nature and in accordance with prudent
lending or investing practices, it being understood and agreed by Company that
in any event a Lender may make disclosures to Affiliates of such Lender (and to
other persons authorized by a Lender or Agent to organize, present or
disseminate such information in connection with disclosures otherwise made in
accordance with this Section 10.18), disclosures reasonably required by any bona
fide or potential assignee, transferee or participant in connection with the
contemplated assignment, transfer or participation by such Lender of any Loans
or any participations therein or by any direct or indirect contractual
counterparties (or the professional advisors thereto) in Hedge Agreements
(provided, such counterparties and advisors are advised of and agree to be bound
by the provisions of this Section 10.18) or disclosures in connection with the
enforcement of any of the rights or remedies hereunder or under any of the
Credit Documents or disclosures required or requested by any govern  mental
agency or representative thereof or by the NAIC or pursuant to legal process;
provided, unless specifically prohibited by applicable law or court order, each
--------
Lender shall make reasonable efforts to notify Company of any request by any
governmental agency or representative thereof (other than any such request in
connection with any examination of the financial condition or other routine
examination of such Lender by such governmental agency) for disclosure of any
such non-public information prior to disclosure of such information;  and
provided, further that in no event shall any Lender be obligated or required to
--------
return any materials furnished by Holdings or any of its Subsidiaries.

     9.19  Usury Savings Clause.  Notwithstanding any other provision herein,
the aggregate interest rate charged with respect to any of the Obligations,
including all charges or fees in connection therewith deemed in the nature of
interest under applicable law shall not exceed the Highest Lawful Rate.  If the
rate of interest (determined without regard to the preceding sentence) under
this Agreement at any time exceeds the Highest Lawful Rate, the outstanding
amount of the Loans made hereunder shall bear interest at the Highest Lawful
Rate until the total amount of interest due hereunder equals the amount of
interest which would have been due hereunder if the stated rates of interest set
forth in this Agreement had at all times been in effect.  In addition, if when
the Loans made hereunder are repaid in full the total interest due hereunder
(taking into account the increase provided for above) is less than the total
amount of interest which would have been due hereunder if the stated rates of
interest set forth in this Agreement had at all times been in effect, then to
the extent permitted by law, Company shall pay to Administrative Agent an amount
equal to the difference between the amount of interest paid and the amount of
interest which would have been paid if the Highest Lawful Rate had at all times
been in effect.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is the intention of Lenders
and Company to conform strictly to any applicable usury laws.

                                      118
<PAGE>

Accordingly, if any Lender contracts for, charges, or receives any consideration
which constitutes interest in excess of the Highest Lawful Rate, then any such
excess shall be cancelled automatically and, if previously paid, shall at such
Lender's option be applied to the outstanding amount of the Loans made hereunder
or be refunded to Company.

     9.20  Counterparts; Effectiveness.  This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be
deemed an original, but all such counterparts together shall constitute but one
and the same instrument.

     This Agreement shall become effective upon the execution of a counterpart
hereof by each of the parties hereto and receipt by Company and Administrative
Agent of written or telephonic notification of such execution and authorization
of delivery thereof.

                 [Remainder of page intentionally left blank]

                                      119
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed and delivered by their respective officers thereunto duly
authorized as of the date first written above.

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF CALIFORNIA

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF COLORADO

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF FLORIDA

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                                     S-1
<PAGE>

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF GEORGIA

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF ILLINOIS

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF MASSACHUSETTS

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF MICHIGAN

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                         Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                         Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF MID-ATLANTIC

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF MINNESOTA

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                                      S-2
<PAGE>

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF MISSOURI

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF NEW JERSEY

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF NEW YORK

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF OHIO

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF PENNSYLVANIA

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF TEXAS

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                                     S-3
<PAGE>

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF VIRGINIA

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF WASHINGTON

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         OF WISCONSIN

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                         FOCAL EQUIPMENT FINANCE,LLC

                         By:  /s/ ROBERT M. JUNKROSKI
                              -------------------------------------
                              Name:  Robert M. Junkroski
                              Title: Vice President & Treasurer

                                     S-4
<PAGE>

                         GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.,
                         ------------------------------------------------
                         as a Joint Lead Arranger, Syndication Agent and
                         a Lender

                         By:  /s/ EDMUND KEARNS
                              -------------------------------------------
                              Authorized Signatory

                                     S-5
<PAGE>

                         CITIBANK, N.A.,
                         as Administrative Agent, Collateral Agent
                         and a Lender

                         By:  /s/ KIMBERLY HARPER
                              ---------------------------------
                              Name:  Kimberly Harper
                              Title: Vice President

                         SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.,
                         as a Joint Lead Arranger

                         By:  /s/ CAESAR WYSZOMIRSKI
                              ---------------------------------
                              Name:  Caesar Wyszomirski
                              Title: Director

                                      S-6
<PAGE>

                         BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
                         as Documentation Agent and a Lender

                         By:  /s/ JULIE A. SCHELL
                              ---------------------------------
                              Name:  Julie A. Schell
                              Title: Principal

                                      S-7
<PAGE>

                         CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON,
                         as a Lender

                         By:  /s/ DAVID L. SAWYER
                              ---------------------------------
                              Name:  David L. Sawyer
                              Title: Vice President

                         By:  /s/ LALITA ADVANI
                              ---------------------------------
                              Name:  Lalita Advani
                              Title: Assistant Vice President

                                      S-8
<PAGE>

                         LASALLE BANK, N.A.,
                         as a Lender

                         By:  /s/ JOHN C. THURSTON
                              ---------------------------------
                              Name:  John C. Thurston
                              Title: Vice President

                                      S-9
<PAGE>

                              ROYAL BANK OF CANADA,
                              as a Lender

                              By:  /s/ CHARLES ROMANO
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   Name:  Charles Romano
                                   Title:  Manager

                                     S-10

<PAGE>

                              CIT LENDING SERVICES CORPORATION,
                              as a Lender

                              By:  /s/ JOHN P. SIRICO, II
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   Name:  John P. Sirico, II
                                   Title:  Vice President

                                     S-11

<PAGE>

                              WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.,
                              as a Lender

                              By:  /s/ FITZHUGH L. WICKHAM
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   Name:  Fitzhugh L. Wickham
                                   Title:  Vice President

                                     S-12
<PAGE>

                              IBM CREDIT CORPORATION,
                              as a Lender

                              By:  /s/ THOMAS S. CURCIO
                                   ---------------------------------------------
                                   Name:  Thomas S. Curcio
                                   Title:  Manager of Credit

                                     S-13
<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX A
                                                TO CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                             Revolving Commitments

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
                                                                         Pro
lender                                       Revolving Commitment     Rata Share
================================================================================
<S>                                          <C>                      <C>
Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P.             $ 30,500,000.00          20.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citibank, N.A.                                 $ 26,000,000.00          17.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank of America, N.A.                          $ 26,000,000.00          17.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit Suisse First Boston                     $ 12,500,000.00           8.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LaSalle Bank, N.A.                             $ 12,500,000.00           8.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Bank of Canada                           $ 12,500,000.00           8.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wachovia Bank, N.A.                            $ 12,500,000.00           8.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIT Lending Services Corporation               $ 10,000,000.00           6.66%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IBM Credit Corporation                         $  7,500,000.00           5.00%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Total                                $150,000,000.00            100%
================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                APPENDIX A-1-1
<PAGE>

                      DELAYED DRAW TERM LOAN COMMITMENTS

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
================================================================================
                                             DELAYED DRAW                PRO
LENDER                                  TERM LOAN COMMITMENT          RATA SHARE
================================================================================
<S>                                     <C>                           <C>
Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P.         $ 30,500,000.00              20.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Citibank, N.A.                             $ 26,000,000.00              17.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bank of America, N.A.                      $ 26,000,000.00              17.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit Suisse First Boston                 $ 12,500,000.00               8.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LaSalle Bank, N.A.                         $ 12,500,000.00               8.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Royal Bank of Canada                       $ 12,500,000.00               8.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wachovia Bank, N.A.                        $ 12,500,000.00               8.33%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CIT Lending Services Corporation           $ 10,000,000.00               6.66%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IBM Credit Corporation                     $  7,500,000.00               5.00%
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
               Total                       $150,000,000.00                100%
================================================================================
</TABLE>

                                APPENDIX A-2-1
<PAGE>

                                                                      APPENDIX B
                                                TO CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                               Notice Addresses

FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
         200 North LaSalle Street
         Suite 800
         Chicago, IL 60601
         Attention:  Robert Junkroski - Vice President/Treasurer
         Telecopier: (312) 895-8403

FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
         200 North LaSalle Street
         Suite 800
         Chicago, IL 60601
         Attention:  Robert Junkroski - Vice President/Treasurer
         Telecopier: (312) 895-8403

EACH GUARANTOR
         200 North LaSalle Street
         Suite 800
         Chicago, IL 60601
         Attention:  Robert Junkroski - Vice President/Treasurer
         Telecopier: (312) 895-8403

in each case, with a copy to:
         Focal Communications Corporation
         200 North LaSalle Street
         Suite 800
         Chicago, IL 60601
         Attention:  Robert Junkroski - Vice President/Treasurer
         Telecopier: (312) 895-8403

                                 APPENDIX B-1
<PAGE>

GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.,
as a Joint Lead Arranger, Syndication Agent and a Lender

         Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P.
         85 Broad Street
         New York, New York 10004
         Attention:  Stephen King
         Telecopier:  (212) 357-0932

with a copy to:

         Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P.
         85 Broad Street
         New York, New York 10004
         Attention: John Makrinos
         Telecopier:  (212) 357-4597

                                 APPENDIX B-2
<PAGE>

CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent,
Collateral Agent and a Lender

Administrative Agent's Principal Office:
         c/o Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
         390 Greenwich Street
         New York, NY 10013
         Attention:  James P. Garvin
         Telecopier: (212) 723-8547

Lender's Principal Office:
         c/o Salomon Smith Barney Inc.
         390 Greenwich Street
         New York, NY 10013
         Attention:  James P. Garvin
         Telecopier: (212) 723-8547

                                 APPENDIX B-3
<PAGE>

SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC.,
as a Joint Lead Arranger

         390 Greenwich Street
         New York, NY 10013
         Attention:  James P. Garvin
         Telecopier:  (212) 723-8547

BANK OF AMERICA, N.A.,
as Documentation Agent and a Lender

         64/th/ Floor
         901 Main Street
         Dallas, TX 75202
         Attention:  Julie Schell
         Telecopier: (214) 209-9390

CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
as a Lender

         11 Madison Avenue
         New York, NY 10010
         Attention:  David Sawyer
         Telecopier:  (212) 325-8314

LASALLE BANK, N.A.,
as a Lender

         135 South LaSalle Street
         Suite #1140
         Chicago, Illinois 60603
         Attention:  John Thurston
         Telecopier: (312) 904-6225

                                 APPENDIX B-4
<PAGE>

ROYAL BANK OF CANADA
as a Lender
         One Liberty Plaza
         5th Floor
         New York, NY 10006
         Attention:  Kevin Cornwell
         Telecopier:  (212) 428-6460

WACHOVIA BANK, N.A.
as a Lender

         191 Peachtree Street, NE
         Atlanta, GA 30303
         Attention:  Fitzhugh L. Wickham
         Telecopier:  (404) 332-5016

CIT LENDING SERVICES CORPORATION
as a Lender

         c/o The CIT Group, Inc. - Structured Finance Group
         44 Whippany Road, Suite 160
         Morristown, NJ 07962-4558
         Attention:  Vice-President - Credit
         Telecopier:  (973) 401-6715
         Copy to:  Vice-President - Legal, John P. Sirico, II
         Telecopier:  (973) 401-6762

IBM CREDIT CORPORATION
as a Lender

         North Castle Drive - MD 17
         Armonk, NY 10504
         Attention:  Ronald Pekrul
         Telecopier:  (914) 765-6271

                                 APPENDIX B-5
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 3.1(e)

                      Certain Governmental Authorizations
                      -----------------------------------

A.   Corporate reorganization contemplated by Section 5.15 requires prior
approval of telecommunications regulatory agency in the following states in
which Holdings or any Subsidiary is certified as of the Closing Date:

California
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia

B.   Corporate reorganization contemplated by Section 5.15 requires notification
in the following states in which Holdings or any Subsidiary is certified as of
the Closing Date:

District of Columbia
Massachusetts

C.   Issuance of Debt requires prior approval of telecommunications regulatory
agency in the following states (those approvals which have not been obtained are
so indicated) in which Holdings or any Subsidiary is certified as of the Closing
Date:

Delaware          (approved)
Georgia           (approved)
Indiana           (applied for)
New Jersey        (applied for)
New York          (applied for)
Pennsylvania      (approved)
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 4.1
                Jurisdictions of Organization and Qualification
                -----------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Type               Jurisdiction           Jurisdiction
Name                                                   of                    of                      of
                                                  Organization           Organization           Qualification
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                    <C>                    <C>
Focal Communications Corporation                  Corporation            Delaware               DE, IL, MA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of California    Corporation            Delaware               DE, CA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Colorado      Corporation            Delaware               DE, CO
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Florida       Corporation            Delaware               DE, FL
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Georgia       Corporation            Delaware               DE, GA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Illinois      Corporation            Delaware               DE, IL, IN
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of               Corporation            Delaware               DE, MA
Massachusetts
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Michigan      Corporation            Delaware               DE, MI
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Mid-Atlantic  Corporation            Delaware               DE, DC, MD
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Minnesota     Corporation            Delaware               DE, MN
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Missouri      Corporation            Delaware               DE, MO
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of New Jersey    Corporation            Delaware               DE, NJ
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of New York      Corporation            Delaware               DE, CT, NY,
                                                                                                NJ
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Ohio          Corporation            Delaware               DE, OH
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Pennsylvania  Corporation            Delaware               DE, PA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Texas         Corporation            Delaware               DE, TX
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Virginia      Corporation            Virginia               VA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Washington    Corporation            Delaware               DE, WA
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Wisconsin     Corporation            Delaware               DE, WI
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Financial Services, Inc.                    Corporation            Delaware               *
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal International Corp.                         Corporation            Delaware               DE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Telecommunications Corporation              Corporation            Delaware               DE, IL, IN,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Equipment Finance, LLC                      Single                 Delaware               DE
                                                  Member LLC
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<CAPTION>
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Authorized               Capital Stock
Name                                               Capital                   in Issue                    FEIN
                                                    Stock
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                               <C>                     <C>                        <C>
Focal Communications Corporation                  500 shares              500 shares                 36-4167094
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of California    500 shares              500 shares                 36-4128832
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Colorado      500 shares              500 shares                 36-4246239
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Florida       500 shares              500 shares                 36-4202978
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Georgia       500 shares              500 shares                 36-4246246
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Illinois      **                      ***                        36-4081278
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of               500 shares              500 shares                 36-4128824
Massachusetts
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Michigan      500 shares              500 shares                 36-4203095
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Mid-Atlantic  500 shares              500 shares                 36-4197370
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Minnesota     500 shares              500 shares                 36-4287773
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Missouri      500 shares              500 shares                 36-4246247
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of New Jersey    500 shares              500 shares                 36-4128826
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of New York      500 shares              500 shares                 36-4128831
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Ohio          500 shares              500 shares                 36-4244644
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Pennsylvania  500 shares              500 shares                 36-4187401
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Texas         500 shares              500 shares                 36-4246248
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Virginia      500 shares              500 shares                 36-4197372
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Washington    500 shares              500 shares                 36-4202514
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications Corporation of Wisconsin     500 shares              500 shares                 36-4244645
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Financial Services, Inc.                    500 shares              500 shares                 36-4260494
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal International Corp.                         500 shares              500 shares                 36-4308954
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Telecommunications Corporation              500 shares              500 shares                 36-4128833
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Equipment Finance, LLC                      500 shares              single memb-               36-4386768
                                                                          ership interest
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
    All Capital Stock referred to above is common stock of par value $0.01
* DE, CA, CO, DC, GA, IL, IN, MD, MA, MI, MN, NJ, NY, OH, TX, PA, VA, WA
** Class A:  85,567 shares          ***    Class A:  80,307.793 shares
   Class B:  35,000 shares                 Class B:  20,000 shares
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 4.2

                          Capital Stock and Ownership
                          ---------------------------

As of June 30, 2000, there were 9,621,369 non-qualified stock options
outstanding in favor of employees, directors and consultants of Holdings.
Holdings is publicly traded on the Nasdaq National Market.

As at the date hereof, all of the above entities are Wholly-Owned Subsidiaries
of Focal Communications Corporation, other than (i) Focal Communications
Corporation of Virginia which is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Focal
Communications Corporation of Mid-Atlantic and (ii) Focal Equipment Finance,
LLC which is a Wholly-Owned Subsidiary of Focal Financial Services, Inc.
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 4.5

                             Governmental Consents
                             ---------------------

A.  Issuance of Debt requires prior approval of telecommunications regulatory
agency in the following states in which Holdings or any Subsidiary is certified
as of the Closing Date:

Delaware
Georgia
Indiana
New Jersey
New York
Pennsylvania

B.  Issuance of Debt requires notification in the following states in which
Holdings or any Subsidiary is certified as of the Closing Date:

Massachusetts

C.  Corporate reorganization contemplated by Section 5.15 requires prior
approval of telecommunications regulatory agency in the following states in
which Holdings or any Subsidiary is certified as of the Closing Date:

California
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
New Jersey
New York
Ohio
Pennsylvania
Texas
Virginia

D.  Corporate reorganization contemplated by Section 5.15 requires notification
in the following states in which Holdings or any Subsidiary is certified as of
the Closing Date:

District of Columbia
Massachusetts
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 4.7

                            Contingent Liabilities
                            ----------------------

                                     None
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 4.13

                              Real Estate Assets
                              ------------------

All of the following real property other than 1305 East Algonquin Road in Mount
Prospect, Illinois is leased property.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Credit Party             Address/City/State/Zip Code       Lease
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                               <C>
Focal Communications          Switch Space
Corporation of California     ------------
                              1741 Technology Drive             Lease Agreement dated
                              San Jose, California 95110        April 1, 2000

                              Sales Office                      Lease Agreement dated
                              ------------                      December 22, 1997,
                              The Concourse                     together with Sublease
                              1735 Technology Drive             Agreement dated
                              Suite 240                         December 30, 1998
                              San Jose, California 95112
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications          Switch Space
Corporation of California     -------------
                              Townsend Center                   Lease Agreement dated
                              650 Townsend                      January 26, 1998,
                              Suite 2119A                       together with
                              San Francisco, California 94103   Amendments 1 through
                                                                3

                              The Garland Center                Lease Agreement dated
                              1200 West 7/th/ Street L2, 250    May 19, 1998, together
                              Los Angeles, California 90017     with First Amendment
                                                                to Lease Agreement
                                                                dated July 8, 1998

                              2850 South Redhill Avenue         Lease Agreement dated
                              Suite 120
                              Santa Ana, California 92707

                              Sales Office
                              -------------
                              2600 Michaelson Drive             Lease Agreement dated
                              2/nd/ Floor                       June 8, 1999
                              Irvine, California 92612
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications          Switch Space
Corporation of Georgia        --------------
                              INFORUM                           Lease Agreement dated
                              250 Williams Street               February 5, 1999
                              No. L-200
                              Atlanta, Georgia 30303
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
        Credit Party           Address/City/State/Zip Code              Lease
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                                <C>
Focal Communications         Switch Space                       No lease agreement
Corporation of Illinois      --------------                     because Focal owns
                             1305 East Algonquin Road           this property.
                             Mount Prospect, Illinois 60056

                             1850 Howard Street                 Lease Agreement dated
                             Floor 1850-A                       June 30, 2000.
                             Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60001
                                                                Lease Agreement dated
                             Switch Space, Sales and Corporate  December 31, 1996
                             ---------------------------------  together with
                             Offices                            Amendments Nos. 1
                             -------                            through 12
                             200 North LaSalle Street
                             Chicago, Illinois 60601
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of               ------------
Massachusetts                Riverfront Office Park             Lease Agreement dated
                             One Main Street                    January 6, 1999
                             11/th/ Floor
                             Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142

                             Sales Office                       Lease Agreement dated
                             ------------                       March _, 1996 and
                             99 High Street                     Sublease Agreement
                             16/th/ Floor                       dated May 1, 1999
                             Boston, Massachusetts 02109

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of Michigan      -------------
                             The Vanguard Center                Lease Agreement dated
                             23800 West Ten Mile Road           August 31, 1998
                             Suite 100
                             Southfield, Michigan 48034

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of Mid-          ------------
Atlantic                     1120 Vermont Avenue                Lease Agreement dated
                             Terrace Level                      May 4, 1998, together
                             Washington, D.C. 20005             with First Amendment
                                                                to Lease Agreement
                                                                dated July 23, 1998
                             Sales Office
                             -------------
                             7799 Leesburg Pike                 Lease Agreement dated
                             Falls Church, Virginia  20043      July 10, 1995 and
                                                                Sublease Agreement
                                                                dated September 10,
                                                                1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of Minnesota     -------------
                             Piper Jaffray Tower                Lease Agreement dated
                             222 South Ninth Street             May 1, 2000
                             Minneapolis, Minnesota  55402

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Credit Party               Address/City/State/Zip Code             Lease
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>                                <C>
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of New           --------------
Jersey                       One Evertrust Plaza                Lease Agreement dated
                             17/th/ Floor                       February 19, 1999
                             Christopher Columbus Drive &       together with
                             Washington Street                  Amendment No. 1
                             Jersey City, New Jersey 07302      dated March 1, 2000

                             Sales Office                       Lease Agreement dated
                             -------------                      March 24, 2000
                             Metroview Office LLC
                             333 Thornall Street
                             Edison, New Jersey 08837
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of New York      ------------
                             Financial Square                   Lease Agreement dated
                             32 Old Slip                        May 20, 1997
                             Suite 400
                             New York, New York 10005

                             Hudson Telecom Center              Lease Agreement dated
                             325 Hudson                         April 14, 2000
                             New York, New York 10013

                             Sales Office                       Lease Agreement dated
                             ------------                       September 25, 1998
                             One Penn Plaza                     with Amendment 1
                             250 West 34/th/ Street
                             New York, New York 10019-4798
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of Ohio          ------------
                             The Halle Building                 Lease Agreement dated
                             1228 Euclid Avenue                 April 1, 2000
                             10/th/ Floor
                             Cleveland, Ohio 44115
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of               ------------
Pennsylvania                 Mellon Independence Center         Lease Agreement dated
                             701 Market Street                  March 10, 1998
                             Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106

                             1000 Forge Avenue                  Lease Agreement dated
                             Building C                         July 1, 2000
                             Norristown, Pennsylvania 19403
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications         Switch Space
Corporation of Texas         -------------                      Lease Agreement dated
                             5959 Corporate Drive               August 1, 1999
                             Suite 300
                             Houston, Texas 77036
                                                                Lease Agreement dated
                                                                December 15, 1998
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Credit Party                     Address/City/State/Zip Code         Lease
------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>                               <C>
                              INFOMART
                              1950 Stemmons Freeway
                              Suite 6060                        Lease Agreement dated
                              Dallas, Texas 75207               April 1, 2000

                              One Allen Center
                              500 Dallas Street
                              Houston, Texas 77002
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Focal Communications          Switch Space                      Lease Agreement dated
Corporation of                -------------                     August 7, 1998
Washington                    The Decatur Building
                              1511 6/th/ Avenue
                              Second Flood
                              Seattle, Washington 98101
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 4.16

                              Material Contracts
                              ------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number  Agreement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>     <C>
  1     $270,000,000 12.125% Senior Discount Notes due 2008
        Purchase Agreement dated February 12, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2     $275,000,000 11-7/8% Senior Notes Due 2010
        Purchase Agreement dated January 7, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3     California, Los Angeles, 1200 West 7th Street
        Lease Agreement dated May 19, 1998, together with First Amendment to lease
        Agreement dated July 8, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4     California, San Francisco, 650 Townsend Street
        Lease Agreement dated January 26, 1998, together with Amendments 1 through 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5     California, San Jose, 1741 Technology Drive
        Lease Agreement dated April 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6     California, Santa Ana, 2850 Redhill Avenue
        Lease Agreement dated June 5, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  7     DPI/TFS, Inc.
        Software License dated April 10, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  8     Georgia, Atlanta, 250 Williams Street
        Lease Agreement dated February 5, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  9     Illinois, Chicago, 200 North LaSalle Street
        Lease Agreement dated December 31, 1996, together with Amendments Nos. 1
        through 12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 10     Illinois, Elk Grove Village, 1850 Howard Street
        Lease Agreement dated June 30, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11     Level 3 Communications, LLC
        IRU Agreement with Focal Financial Services, Inc. dated April 28, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12     Level 3 Communications, LLC
        Master Services Agreement Private Line dated April 30, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13     Massachusetts, Cambridge, One Main Street
        Lease Agreement dated January 6, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14     Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc.
        Fiber Optic Network Leased Fiber Agreement with Focal Financial Services, Inc.
        dated May 24, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 15     Michigan, Southfield, 23800 West Ten Mile Road
        Lease Agreement dated August 31, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 16     Minnesota, Minneapolis, 222 South Ninth Street
        Lease Agreement dated May 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 17     New Jersey, Jersey City, One Evertrust Plaza
        Lease Agreement dated March 1, 1999, together with Amendment No. 1 dated March
        1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 18     New York, New York, 32 Old Slip
        Lease Agreement dated May 20, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 19     New York, New York, 325 Hudson
        Lease Agreement dated April 14, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 20     Nortel Networks Inc.
        Master Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 21     NTFC Capital Corporation
        Loan and Security Agreement dated December 30, 1998 together with Amendment
        No. 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number  Agreement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>     <C>
  22    Ohio, Cleveland, 1228 Euclid Avenue
        Lease Agreement dated April 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  23    Pennsylvania, Norristown, 1000 Forge Avenue, Building C
        Lease Agreement dated July 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  24    Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 701 Market Street
        Lease Agreement dated March 10, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  25    Texas, Dallas, 1950 Stemmons Freeway
        Lease Agreement dated December 15, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  26    Texas, Houston, 5959 Corporate Drive
        Lease Agreement dated August 1, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  27    Texas, Houston, One Allen center, 500 Dallas Street
        Lease Agreement dated April 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  28    Washington, D.C., 1120 Vermont Avenue, NW
        Lease Agreement dated May 4, 1998, together with First Amendment to Lease
        Agreement dated July 23, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  29    Washington, Seattle, 1511 6/th/ Avenue
        Lease Agreement dated August 7, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  30    WorldCom Technologies, Inc.
        Private Line Service Agreement dated May 4, 1999 together with First Amendment
        dated May 3, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  31    XCOM Technologies, Inc.
        Purchase Agreement dated January 6, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 4.16

                              Material Contracts
                              ------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number  Agreement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>     <C>
  1     $270,000,000 12.125% Senior Discount Notes due 2008
        Purchase Agreement dated February 12, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  2     $275,000,000 11-7/8% Senior Notes Due 2010
        Purchase Agreement dated January 7, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  3     California, Los Angeles, 1200 West 7th Street
        Lease Agreement dated May 19, 1998, together with First Amendment to lease
        Agreement dated July 8, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  4     California, San Francisco, 650 Townsend Street
        Lease Agreement dated January 26, 1998, together with Amendments 1 through 3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  5     California, San Jose, 1741 Technology Drive
        Lease Agreement dated April 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  6     California, Santa Ana, 2850 Redhill Avenue
        Lease Agreement dated June 5, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  7     DPI/TFS, Inc.
        Software License dated April 10, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  8     Georgia, Atlanta, 250 Williams Street
        Lease Agreement dated February 5, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  9     Illinois, Chicago, 200 North LaSalle Street
        Lease Agreement dated December 31, 1996, together with Amendments Nos. 1
        through 12
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 10     Illinois, Elk Grove Village, 1850 Howard Street
        Lease Agreement dated June 30, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 11     Level 3 Communications, LLC
        IRU Agreement with Focal Financial Services, Inc. dated April 28, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 12     Level 3 Communications, LLC
        Master Services Agreement Private Line dated April 30, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 13     Massachusetts, Cambridge, One Main Street
        Lease Agreement dated January 6, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 14     Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc.
        Fiber Optic Network Leased Fiber Agreement with Focal Financial Services, Inc.
        dated May 24, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 15     Michigan, Southfield, 23800 West Ten Mile Road
        Lease Agreement dated August 31, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 16     Minnesota, Minneapolis, 222 South Ninth Street
        Lease Agreement dated May 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 17     New Jersey, Jersey City, One Evertrust Plaza
        Lease Agreement dated March 1, 1999, together with Amendment No. 1 dated March
        1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 18     New York, New York, 32 Old Slip
        Lease Agreement dated May 20, 1997
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 19     New York, New York, 325 Hudson
        Lease Agreement dated April 14, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 20     Nortel Networks Inc.
        Master Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 21     NTFC Capital Corporation
        Loan and Security Agreement dated December 30, 1998 together with Amendment
        No. 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number  Agreement
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>     <C>
  22    Ohio, Cleveland, 1228 Euclid Avenue
        Lease Agreement dated April 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  23    Pennsylvania, Norristown, 1000 Forge Avenue, Building C
        Lease Agreement dated July 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  24    Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 701 Market Street
        Lease Agreement dated March 10, 1998
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  25    Texas, Dallas, 1950 Stemmons Freeway
        Lease Agreement dated December 15, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  26    Texas, Houston, 5959 Corporate Drive
        Lease Agreement dated August 1, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  27    Texas, Houston, One Allen center, 500 Dallas Street
        Lease Agreement dated April 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  28    Washington, D.C., 1120 Vermont Avenue, NW
        Lease Agreement dated May 4, 1998, together with First Amendment to Lease
        Agreement dated July 23, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  29    Washington, Seattle, 1511 6/th/ Avenue
        Lease Agreement dated August 7, 1998
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  30    WorldCom Technologies, Inc.
        Private Line Service Agreement dated May 4, 1999 together with First Amendment
        dated May 3, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  31    XCOM Technologies, Inc.
        Purchase Agreement dated January 6, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 4.17

                           Governmental Regulations
                           ------------------------

     See Schedule 4.5.  In addition, each of the Subsidiaries of Holdings (other
than the Company, Dark Fiber Subsidiary and Equipment Subsidiary) is subject to
regulation by the relevant public utility commission (or similar regulatory
body) in each of the states in which such Subsidiary conducts telecommunications
business.
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 5.15(a)

            Certain Material Contracts being collaterally assigned
            ------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      Material Contract
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>   <C>
 32.  DPI/TFS, Inc.
      Software License dated April 10, 1997
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 33.  Level 3 Communications, LLC
      IRU Agreement with Focal Financial Services, Inc.
      Master Services Agreement Private Line dated April 30, 1999
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 34.  Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc.
      Fiber Optic Network Leased Fiber Agreement with Focal Financial Services, Inc. dated May
      24, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 35.  Nortel Networks Inc.
      Master Purchase Agreement dated January 1, 2000
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 36.  WorldCom Technologies, Inc.
      Private Line Service Agreement dated May 4, 1999 together with First
      Amendment dated May 3, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 37.  XCOM Technologies, Inc.
      Purchase Agreement dated January 6, 1999
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                               Schedule 5.15(b)

              Certain Agreements requiring Acknowledgment Letters
              ---------------------------------------------------

Level 3 Communications, LLC IRU Agreement with Focal Financial Services, Inc.
dated April 28, 1999.
<PAGE>

                                  Schedule 6.1

                              Certain Indebtedness
                              --------------------

1.   $270,000,000 12.125% Senior Discount Notes due 2008

2.   $275,000,000 11.875% Senior Notes due 2010

3.   Loan and Security Agreement dated December 30, 1998 between Holdings and
     NTFC Capital Corporation

4.   Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc. Fiber Optic Network Leased Fiber
     Agreement with Focal Financial Services, Inc. dated May 24, 1999

5.   Directors and Officers Policy (financed)
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 6.2

                                 Certain Liens
                                 -------------

1.   With respect to the real property owned by Holdings in Arlington Heights,
Illinois, Requirements for Storm Water Detention dated November 25, 1986 and
recorded December 18, 1988 as Document 86607474, whereby United Airlines agrees
to provide for proper storm water detention in accordance with the rules and
regulations of the Metropolitan Sanitary District of Greater Chicago.

2.   See Table following this page.

<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 6.2

                                   Continued
                                   ---------
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Tab      Debtor         State/County          Secured           Filing Date     File No.                Description
     ---      ------         ------------          --------          -----------     --------                -----------
                             Jurisdiction        Party/Assignee
                             ------------        --------------
   --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ================================================================================================================================
   ------
<S>        <C>             <C>                   <C>                  <C>           <C>             <C>
     1.    Focal           Secretary of State,    NTFC Capital         01/11/99     9901460619      Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications    California           Corporation                                       refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation                                                                              loan agreement, general
                                                                                                    intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Focal           Secretary of State,    NTFC Capital         01/11/99       00271C        Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications     Michigan            Corporation                                       refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation                                                                              loan agreement, general
                                                                                                    intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Focal            Washington D.C.,      NTFC Capital         01/11/98     990000595       Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications  Recorder of Deeds      Corporation                                       refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation                                                                              loan agreement, general
                                                                                                    intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Focal           Secretary of State,    Secured Party:       05/16/97      3689665        Lease for specific office
           Communications     Illinois            Emerald Financial                                 furniture and equipment. This
           Corporation                            Group Inc.                                        financing statement evidences
                                                                                                    a lease and was filed for
                                                  Assignee:                                         information purposes only.
                                                  Grand National Bank -
                                                  NBK
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Focal           Secretary of State,    IBM                  07/23/98      3883872        Lien on specific computer
           Communications      Illinois                                                             equipment.
           Corporation
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Tab      Debtor         State/County          Secured           Filing Date    File No.                Description
     ---      ------        -------------          --------          ----------     --------                -----------
                             Jurisdiction        Party/Assignee
                             -----------         --------------
   =================================================================================================================================
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>        <C>             <C>                    <C>               <C>              <C>            <C>
           Focal           Secretary of State,    NTFC Capital       01/11/99        3970758        Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications     Illinois            Corporation                                       refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation                                                                              loan agreement, general
                                                                                                    intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Focal            Secretary of the      NTFC Capital       01/11/99       29790347        Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications    Commonwealth,        Corporation                                       refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation       Pennsylvania                                                           loan agreement, general
                                                                                                    intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
           Focal            Department of         NTFC Capital       01/11/99      99-011-0012      Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications     Licensing,          Corporation                                       refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation       Washington                                                             loan agreement, general
                                                                                                    intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     2.    Focal            Secretary of State,   NTFC Capital       01/11/99      9901460735       Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications      California         Corporation                                       refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation of                                                                           loan agreement, general
           California                                                                               intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     3.    Focal           Secretary of State,    NTFC Capital       01/11/99      9901460750       Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications      California         Corporation                                       refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation of                                                                           loan agreement, general
           California                                                                               intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     4.    Focal           Secretary of State,    NFTC Capital       01/11/99        00272C         Lien on equipment financed or
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Tab      Debtor             State/County          Secured           Filing Date     File No.                Description
     ---      ------             ------------          --------          -----------     --------                -----------
                                 Jurisdiction        Party/Assignee
                                 ------------        --------------
   =================================================================================================================================
<S>        <C>                 <C>                   <C>                 <C>           <C>         <C>
           Communications         Michigan            Corporation                                   refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation of                                                                           loan agreement, general
           MIchigan                                                                                 intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     5.    Focal                 Washington D.C.,     NFTC Capital        01/11/98     9900000596   Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications      Recorder of Deeds      Corporation                                   refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation of the                                                                       loan agreement, general
           Mid-Atlantic                                                                             intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     6.    Focal                Secretary of the      NTFC Capital        01/11/99       29790344   Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications       Commonwealth          Corporation                                   refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation of        Pennsylvania                                                       loan agreement, general
           Pennsylvania                                                                             intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     7.    Focal                    Texas,            NTFC Capital        05/13/99     99-00094107  Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications      Secretary of State     Corporation                                   refinanced with proceeds from
           of Texas                                                                                 loan agreement, general
                                                                                                    intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     8.    Focal               Department of          NTFC Capital        01/11/99     99-011-0013  Lien on equipment financed or
           Communications      Licensing,             Corporation                                   refinanced with proceeds from
           Corporation of                                                                           loan agreement, general
           Washington                                                                               intangibles associated with
                                                                                                    financed equipment, and proceeds
                                                                                                    from the foregoing.
   ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 6.5

                              Certain Investments
                              -------------------

     Fifty percent ownership of 650 Townsend Facility Company, LLC, a California
limited liability company.
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 6.6(a)

                            Stage 1 Minimum Revenues
                            ------------------------

               =================================================
                                           Minimum Quarterly
                Fiscal Quarter Ending   Revenues (in millions)
               =================================================
                 September 30, 2000             $ 45.0
               -------------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2000             $ 56.5
               -------------------------------------------------
                   March 31, 2001               $ 63.5
               -------------------------------------------------
                    June 30, 2001               $ 75.0
               -------------------------------------------------
                 September 30, 2001             $ 85.0
               -------------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2001             $100.0
               -------------------------------------------------
                   March 31, 2002               $106.0
               -------------------------------------------------
                    June 30, 2002               $118.0
               =================================================
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 6.6(b)

                          Stage 1 Minimum Access Lines
                          ----------------------------

               ============================================
                                         Minimum Quarterly
                Fiscal Quarter Ending      Access Lines
               ============================================
                 September 30, 2000           255,000
               --------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2000           355,000
               --------------------------------------------
                   March 31, 2001             420,000
               --------------------------------------------
                    June 30, 2001             490,000
               --------------------------------------------
                 September 30, 2001           560,000
               --------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2001           645,000
               --------------------------------------------
                   March 31, 2002             725,000
               --------------------------------------------
                    June 30, 2002             800,000
               ============================================
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 6.6(c)

                      Stage 1 Minimum Consolidated EBITDA
               ===================================================
                                            Maximum Quarterly
                Fiscal Quarter Ending         EBITDA Loss /
                                         Minimum Quarterly EBITDA
                                              (in millions)
               ===================================================
                 September 30, 2000              ($13.0)
               ---------------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2000               ($7.0)
               ---------------------------------------------------
                   March 31, 2001                ($10.0)
               ---------------------------------------------------
                    June 30, 2001                 ($8.0)
               ---------------------------------------------------
                 September 30, 2001               ($7.0)
               ---------------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2001               $ 2.5
               ---------------------------------------------------
                   March 31, 2002                 $ 3.0
               ---------------------------------------------------
                    June 30, 2002                 $ 7.0
               ---------------------------------------------------
                 September 30, 2002               $11.0
               ---------------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2002               $12.0
               ---------------------------------------------------
                   March 31, 2003                 $12.0
               ---------------------------------------------------
                    June 30, 2003                 $13.0
               ---------------------------------------------------
                 September 30, 2003               $15.0
               ---------------------------------------------------
                  December 31, 2003               $18.0
               ===================================================
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 6.6(f)

            Stage 1 and 2 Maximum Consolidated Capital Expenditures
            -------------------------------------------------------

               ================================================
                 Fiscal Quarter           Maximum Capital
                     Ending         Expenditures (in millions)
               ================================================
               December 31, 2000               $375.0
               ------------------------------------------------
               December 31, 2001               $140.0
               ------------------------------------------------
               December 31, 2002               $105.0
               ------------------------------------------------
               December 31, 2003               $105.0
               ================================================
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 6.7(a)

                         Stage 2 Senior Leverage Ratio
                         -----------------------------

               ======================================================
                   Fiscal Quarter Ending        Senior Leverage Ratio
               ======================================================
                    September 30, 2002                 5.00 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
                     December 31, 2002                 5.00 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
                      March 31, 2003                   5.00 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
                       June 30, 2003                   5.00 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
                    September 30, 2003                 5.00 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
                     December 31, 2003                 4.50 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
                      March 31, 2004                   4.00 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
                       June 30, 2004                   3.50 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
                    September 30, 2004                 3.50 :1
               ------------------------------------------------------
               December 31, 2004 and the end           3.00 :1
                of each quarter thereafter
               ======================================================
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 6.7(b)

                         Stage 2 Total Leverage Ratio
                         ----------------------------

               =======================================================
               Fiscal Quarter Ending             Total Leverage Ratio
               =======================================================
                     September 30, 2002                15.50 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                      December 31, 2002                15.50 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                       March 31, 2003                  15.50 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                        June 30, 2003                  15.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                     September 30, 2003                14.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                      December 31, 2003                12.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                       March 31, 2004                  10.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                        June 30, 2004                   8.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                     September 30, 2004                 6.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                December 31, 2004, and at the           4.00 :1
               end of each quarter thereafter
               =======================================================
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 6.7(c)

                        Stage 2 Interest Coverage Ratio
                        -------------------------------

               ===================================================
                                                Minimum Interest
                   Fiscal Quarter Ending         Coverage Ratio
               ====================================================

                       March 31, 2004                1.00 :1
               ----------------------------------------------------
                       June 30, 2004                 1.00 :1
               ----------------------------------------------------
                     September 30, 2004              1.50 :1
               ----------------------------------------------------
                December 31, 2004 and at the         2.00 :1
               end of each quarter thereafter
               ====================================================
<PAGE>

                                Schedule 6.7(d)

                      Stage 2 Fixed Change Coverage Ratio
                      -----------------------------------

               =======================================================
                                                 Minimum Fixed Charge
                    Fiscal Quarter Ending           Coverage Ratio
               =======================================================

                      December 31, 2004                1.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                       March 31, 2005                  1.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                        June 30, 2005                  1.00 :1
               -------------------------------------------------------
                September 30, 2005 and at the          1.25 :1
               end of each quarter thereafter
               =======================================================
<PAGE>

                                 Schedule 6.12

                         Certain Affiliate Transactions
                         ------------------------------

1.   Stock Purchase Agreement dated November 27, 1996, by and among Holdings,
     MDCP, Frontenac, BV, Addy, Barnicle, Beatty and Taylor, with Appendices

2.   Amendment No. 1 dated January 23, 1998 to Stock Purchase Agreement

3.   Amendment No. 2 dated August 21, 1998, to Stock Purchase Agreement

4.   Stock Pledge Agreements by and between Holdings and each of Addy, Barnicle,
     Beatty and Taylor

5.   Stockholders Agreement by and among Holdings, MDCP, Frontenac, BV, Addy,
     Barnicle, Beatty and Taylor

6.   Amendment No. 1 dated July 7, 1998, to Stockholders Agreement and Consent

7.   Amendment No. 2 dated August 21, 1998, to Stockholders Agreement and
     Consent

8.   Amendment No. 3 dated February 16, 1999, to Stockholders Agreement, Waiver
     and Consent

9.   Executive Stock Agreement and Employment Agreement by and between Barnicle
     and Focal

10.  Amendment No. 1 dated August 21, 1998, to Executive Stock Agreement and
     Employment Agreement and Consent (J. Barnicle)

11.  Executive Stock Agreement and Employment Agreement by and between Beatty
     and Focal

12.  Amendment No. 1 dated August 21, 1998, to Executive Stock Agreement and
     Employment Agreement and Consent (J. Beatty)

13.  Executive Stock Agreement and Employment Agreement by and between Taylor
     and Focal

14.  Amendment No. 1 dated August 21, 1998, to Executive Stock Agreement and
     Employment Agreement and Consent (R. Taylor)

15.  Registration Agreement by and among Focal, MDCP, Frontenac, BV, Addy,
     Barnicle, Beatty and Taylor

16.  Amendment No. 1 dated August 21, 1998, to Registration Agreement and
     Consent
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT A-1 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                                FUNDING NOTICE

     Reference is made to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August
__, 2000 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified,
the "Credit Agreement"; the terms defined therein and not otherwise defined
     ----------------
herein being used herein as therein defined), by and among FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES,
                                      --------
INC., a Delaware corporation  ("Company"), CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as
                                -------
Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT
PARTNERS L.P. ("GSCP"), as Syndication Agent, CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative
                ----
Agent, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Documentation Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH
BARNEY INC., as Joint Lead Arrangers.

     1.   Loan Request.  Pursuant to Section 2.1(a) of the Credit Agreement,
          ------------
Company desires that Lenders make the following Loans to Company in accordance
with Section 2.1(b) of the Credit Agreement on _________________ (the "Credit
                                                                       ------
Date"):
----

     (a)  Delayed Draw Term Loans:

          (i)  Amount of Base Rate Loans:                    $________________
          (ii) Amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans
               with an initial Interest Period of ____
               month(s):                                     $________________

     (b)  Revolving Loans:

          (i)  Amount of Base Rate Loans:                    $________________
          (ii) Amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans
               with an initial Interest Period of ____
               month(s):                                     $________________

     2.   Use of Proceeds.  The use of proceeds of the Loans requested in
          ---------------
Section 1 above shall be as follows:

     (a)  To provide purchase money financing
          for the construction, acquisition or
          improvement of hard costs of Telecommunications
          Assets by Company:
                                                             $________________
<PAGE>

     (b)  The total hard costs of the Telecommunications
          Assets constructed, acquired or improved
          or to be constructed, acquired or improved
          with the funds specified in 2(a) is equal to:       $_______________

     (c)  2(a)/2(b) is equal to
          [not to exceed 80%]:                                ______%

     (d)  The Telecommunications Assets
          constructed, acquired or improved, or to be
          constructed, acquired or improved, with the
          funds specified in 2(a), and the location(s)
          where each such Telecommunications Asset is, or
          is reasonably expected to be, located, and
          is or will be, as follows:

               ====================================
               Telecommunications Asset    Location
               ====================================

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

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

     (e)  The portion of the funds specified in 2(a) to be
          used to finance the hard costs of the Telecom-
          munications Assets to be purchased from
          Equipment Subsidiary (within 180 days of
          Equipment Subsidiary's own purchase thereof)
          (being those items marked with an asterisk in
          the table at 2(d) above) is equal to:               $_______________

     3.   Certification. The undersigned officer of Company, to the best of his
          -------------
or her knowledge, and Company certify that as of the Credit Date (i) the above
statements in this Funding Notice and the representations and warranties
contained in each of the Credit Documents are true, correct and complete in all
respects on and as of such Credit Date to the same extent as though made on and
as of such date, except to the extent such representations and warranties
specifically relate to an earlier date, in which case such representations and
warranties were true, correct and complete in all respects on and as of such
earlier date;  (ii) no event has occurred and is continuing or would result from
the consummation of the borrowing contemplated hereby that would constitute an
Event of Default or a Default; (iii) all other applicable requirements of
Section 3.2 of the Credit Agreement have been met with respect to the borrowing
contemplated hereby; and (iv) attached hereto are invoices in respect of each of
the Telecommunications Assets identified in Section 2(d) above and

                                     A-1-2
<PAGE>

Company hereby confirms the grant to the Collateral Agent set forth in the
Company Pledge and Security Agreement and does hereby grant to the Collateral
Agent a security interest in all of Company's right, title and interest in and
to all Telecommunications Assets identified in Section 2(d) above.

Date:_______

                         FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                         By:_________________________________
                            Name:
                            Title:

                                     A-1-3
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT A-2 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                        CONVERSION/CONTINUATION NOTICE

     Reference is made to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August
__, 2000 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified,
the "Credit Agreement"; the terms defined therein and not otherwise defined
     ----------------
herein being used herein as therein defined), by and among FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS
CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES,
                                      --------
INC., a Delaware corporation  ("Company"), CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as
                                -------
Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT
PARTNERS L.P. ("GSCP"), as Syndication Agent, CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative
                ----
Agent, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Documentation Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH
BARNEY INC., as Joint Lead Arrangers.

     Pursuant to Section 2.7 of the Credit Agreement, Company desires to convert
or to continue the following Delayed Draw Term Loans, each such conversion
and/or continuation to be effective as of ___________________:

     1.   Delayed Draw Term Loans:

     (a)  Amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans
          to be continued as Eurodollar Rate
          Loans, with an Interest Period
          of _____ month(s):                                       $____________

     (b)  Amount of Base Rate Loans to be
          converted to Eurodollar Rate Loans,
          with an initial Interest Period of ______
          month(s):                                                $____________

     (c)  Amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans
          to be converted to Base Rate Loans:                      $____________

     2.   Revolving Loans:

     (a)  Amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans
          to be continued as Eurodollar Rate
          Loans, with an Interest Period
          of _____ month(s):                                       $____________

     (b)  Amount of Base Rate Loans to be
          converted to Eurodollar Rate Loans,

                                     A-2-1
<PAGE>

          with an initial Interest Period of _____
          month(s):                                                $____________

     (c)  Amount of Eurodollar Rate Loans
          to be converted to Base Rate Loans:                      $____________

     In the case of a conversion to or continuation of a Eurodollar Rate Loan,
the undersigned officer, to the best of his or her knowledge, and Company
certify that (a) no Event of Default or Default has occurred and is continuing,
and (b) the conversion or continuation date thereof is the expiration date of
such Loan's Interest Period.

Date:_____________       FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                         By:_________________________________
                            Name:
                            Title:

                                     A-2-2
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT B-1 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                          DELAYED DRAW TERM LOAN NOTE
$[1]__________                                                 [2]________, ____

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation
("Company"), promises to pay to the order of [3]________________ ("Payee") or
  -------                                                           ------
its registered assigns the lesser of (a) [1]_________________ DOLLARS
($[1]_________) and (b) the unpaid principal amount of all advances made by
Payee to Company as Delayed Draw Term Loans under the Credit Agreement referred
to below in the installments referred to below.

     Company also promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount
hereof, from the date hereof until paid in full, at the rates and at the times
which shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of that certain
Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August __, 2000 (as it may be
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the "Credit Agreement"),
                                                            ----------------
by and among FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
("Holdings"), Company, CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as Guarantors, the
  --------
Lenders party thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.
("GSCP"), as Syndication Agent, CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, BANK OF
------
AMERICA, N.A. as Documentation Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. as
Joint Lead Arrangers. Capitalized terms used herein not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement.

     Company shall make principal payments on this Note as set forth in Section
2.10 of the Credit Agreement.  This Note is subject to mandatory prepayment and
to prepayment at the option of Company, each as provided in the Credit
Agreement.

     This Note is one of the "Delayed Draw Term Loan Notes" in the maximum
                              ----------------------------
aggregate principal amount of $150,000,000 and is issued pursuant to and
entitled to the benefits of the Credit Agreement, to which reference is hereby
made for a more complete statement of the terms and conditions under which the
Delayed Draw Term Loan evidenced hereby was made and is to be repaid.

     All payments of principal and interest in respect of this Note shall be
made in lawful money of the United States of America in same day funds at the
Administrative Agent's Principal Office or at such other place as shall be
designated in writing for such purpose in accordance with the terms of the
Credit Agreement.  Unless and until an Assignment Agreement effecting the
assignment or transfer of this Note shall have been accepted by Administrative
Agent and

_____________
[1] Lender's Delayed Draw Term Loan Commitment
[2] Date of Issuance
[3] Name of Lender

                                     B-1-1
<PAGE>

recorded in the Register, Company and Administrative Agent shall be entitled to
deem and treat Payee as the owner and holder of this Note and the Loan evidenced
hereby.  Payee hereby agrees, by its acceptance hereof, that it will make a
notation hereon of all advances and all principal payments made hereunder and of
the date to which interest hereon has been paid; provided, the failure to make
                                                 --------
any notation shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of Company
hereunder with respect to payments of principal of or interest on this Note.

     THIS NOTE AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND PAYEE HEREUNDER
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH,
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE GENERAL
OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK), BUT OTHERWISE WITHOUT REGARD TO
CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

     Upon the occurrence of a continuing Event of Default, the unpaid balance of
the principal amount of this Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, may become, or may be declared to be, due and payable in the manner,
upon the conditions and with the effect provided in the Credit Agreement.

     The terms of this Note are subject to amendment only in the manner provided
in the Credit Agreement.

     This Note is subject to restrictions on transfer or assignment as provided
in the Credit Agreement.

     No reference herein to the Credit Agreement and no provision of this Note
or the Credit Agreement shall alter or impair the obligations of Company, which
are absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this
Note at the place, at the respective times, and in the currency herein
prescribed.

     Company promises to pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, all as provided in the Credit Agreement, incurred in the
collection and enforcement of this Note.  Company and any endorsers of this Note
hereby consent to renewals and extensions of time at or after the maturity
hereof, without notice, and hereby waive diligence, presentment, protest, demand
and notice of every kind and, to the full extent permitted by law, the right to
plead any statute of limitations as a defense to any demand hereunder.

                                     B-1-2
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company has caused this Note to be duly executed and
delivered by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date and at the
place first written above.

                  FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                  By:_________________________________
                     Name:
                     Title:

                                     B-1-3
<PAGE>

                  TRANSACTIONS ON DELAYED DRAW TERM LOAN NOTE

                                              Outstanding
         Type of   Amount of    Amount of      Principal
        Loan Made  Loan Made  Principal Paid    Balance    Notation
Date    This Date  This Date    This Date      This Date   Made By
------  ---------  ---------  --------------  -----------  --------

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                                    B-1-4

<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT B-2 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                                REVOLVING NOTE

$[1]__________                                               [2]__________, ____

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES INC., a Delaware corporation
("Company"), promises to pay to the order of [3]________________ ("Payee") or
  -------                                                          -----
its registered assigns, on or before the Revolving Credit Commitment Termination
Date (as defined in  the Credit Agreement referred to below) the lesser of (a)
[1]_________________ DOLLARS ($[1]_________) and (b) the unpaid principal amount
of all advances made by Payee to Company as Revolving Loans under the Credit
Agreement referred to below.

     Company also promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount
hereof, from the date hereof until paid in full, at the rates and at the times
which shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of that certain
Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August __, 2000 (as it may be
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the "Credit Agreement"),
                                                            ----------------
by and among FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
("Holdings"), Company, CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as Guarantors, the
  --------
Lenders party thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.
("GSCP"), as Syndication Agent, CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, BANK OF
 -----
AMERICA, N.A. as Documentation Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. as
Joint Lead Arrangers. Capitalized terms used herein not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement.

     This Note is subject to mandatory prepayment and to prepayment at the
option of Company, each as provided in the Credit Agreement.

     This Note is one of the "Revolving Notes" in the maximum aggregate
                              ---------------
principal amount of $150,000,000 and is issued pursuant to and entitled to the
benefits of the Credit Agreement, to which reference is hereby made for a more
complete statement of the terms and conditions under which the Revolving Loans
evidenced hereby were made and are to be repaid.

     All payments of principal and interest in respect of this Note shall be
made in lawful money of the United States of America in same day funds at the
Administrative Agent's Principal Office or at such other place as shall be
designated in writing for such purpose in accordance with the terms of the
Credit Agreement.  Unless and until an Assignment Agreement effecting the
assignment or transfer of this Note shall have been accepted by Administrative
Agent and

_____________
[1] Lender's Revolving Credit Commitment
[2] Date of Issuance
[3] Name of Lender

                                     B-2-1
<PAGE>

recorded in the Register, Company and Administrative Agent shall be entitled to
deem and treat Payee as the owner and holder of this Note and the Loans
evidenced hereby.  Payee hereby agrees, by its acceptance hereof, that it will
make a notation hereon of all advances and all principal payments made hereunder
and of the date to which interest hereon has been paid; provided, the failure to
                                                        --------
make any notation shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of Company
hereunder with respect to payments of principal of or interest on this Note.

     THIS NOTE AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND PAYEE HEREUNDER
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH,
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE GENERAL
OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK), BUT OTHERWISE WITHOUT REGARD TO
CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

     Upon the occurrence of a continuing Event of Default, the unpaid balance of
the principal amount of this Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, may become, or may be declared to be, due and payable in the manner,
upon the conditions and with the effect provided in the Credit Agreement.

     The terms of this Note are subject to amendment only in the manner provided
in the Credit Agreement.

     This Note is subject to restrictions on transfer or assignment as provided
in the Credit Agreement.

     No reference herein to the Credit Agreement and no provision of this Note
or the Credit Agreement shall alter or impair the obligations of Company, which
are absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this
Note at the place, at the respective times, and in the currency herein
prescribed.

     Company promises to pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, all as provided in the Credit Agreement, incurred in the
collection and enforcement of this Note.  Company and any endorsers of this Note
hereby consent to renewals and extensions of time at or after the maturity
hereof, without notice, and hereby waive diligence, presentment, protest, demand
and notice of every kind and, to the full extent permitted by law, the right to
plead any statute of limitations as a defense to any demand hereunder.

                                     B-2-2
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company has caused this Note to be duly executed and
delivered by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date and at the
place first written above.

                  FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                  By:_________________________________
                     Name:
                     Title:

                                     B-2-3
<PAGE>

                         TRANSACTIONS ON REVOLVING NOTE

                                              Outstanding
         Type of   Amount of    Amount of      Principal
        Loan Made  Loan Made  Principal Paid    Balance    Notation
Date    This Date  This Date    This Date      This Date   Made By
------  ---------  ---------  --------------  -----------  --------

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                                     B-2-4

<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT B-3 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                              NEW TERM LOAN NOTE
$[1]__________                                                 [2]________, ____

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation
("Company"), promises to pay to the order of [3]________________ ("Payee") or
  -------                                                           ------
its registered assigns the lesser of (a) [1]_________________ DOLLARS
($[1]_________) and (b) the unpaid principal amount of all advances made by
Payee to Company as Delayed Draw Term Loans under the Credit Agreement referred
to below in the installments referred to below.

     Company also promises to pay interest on the unpaid principal amount
hereof, from the date hereof until paid in full, at the rates and at the times
which shall be determined in accordance with the provisions of that certain
Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August __, 2000 (as it may be
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the "Credit Agreement"),
                                                            ----------------
by and among FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
("Holdings"), Company, CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as Guarantors, the
  --------
Lenders party thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P.
("GSCP"), as Syndication Agent, CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, BANK OF
  ----
AMERICA, N.A. as Documentation Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. as
Joint Lead Arrangers. Capitalized terms used herein not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Credit Agreement.

     Company shall make principal payments on this Note as set forth in the
Credit Agreement. This Note is subject to mandatory prepayment and to prepayment
at the option of Company, each as provided in the Credit Agreement.

     This Note is one of the "New Term Loan Notes" in the maximum aggregate
                              -------------------
principal amount of $[_________] and is issued pursuant to and entitled to the
benefits of the Credit Agreement, to which reference is hereby made for a more
complete statement of the terms and conditions under which the Delayed Draw Term
Loan evidenced hereby was made and is to be repaid.

     All payments of principal and interest in respect of this Note shall be
made in lawful money of the United States of America in same day funds at the
Administrative Agent's Principal Office or at such other place as shall be
designated in writing for such purpose in accordance with the terms of the
Credit Agreement.  Unless and until an Assignment Agreement effecting the
assignment or transfer of this Note shall have been accepted by Administrative
Agent and

_____________
[1] Lender's Tranche A Term Loan Commitment
[2] Date of Issuance
[3] Name of Lender

                                     B-3-1
<PAGE>

recorded in the Register, Company and Administrative Agent shall be entitled to
deem and treat Payee as the owner and holder of this Note and the Loan evidenced
hereby.  Payee hereby agrees, by its acceptance hereof, that it will make a
notation hereon of all advances and all principal payments made hereunder and of
the date to which interest hereon has been paid; provided, the failure to make
                                                 --------
any notation shall not limit or otherwise affect the obligations of Company
hereunder with respect to payments of principal of or interest on this Note.

     THIS NOTE AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF COMPANY AND PAYEE HEREUNDER
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH,
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE GENERAL
OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK), BUT OTHERWISE WITHOUT REGARD TO
CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

     Upon the occurrence of a continuing Event of Default, the unpaid balance of
the principal amount of this Note, together with all accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, may become, or may be declared to be, due and payable in the manner,
upon the conditions and with the effect provided in the Credit Agreement.

     The terms of this Note are subject to amendment only in the manner provided
in the Credit Agreement.

     This Note is subject to restrictions on transfer or assignment as provided
in the Credit Agreement.

     No reference herein to the Credit Agreement and no provision of this Note
or the Credit Agreement shall alter or impair the obligations of Company, which
are absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of and interest on this
Note at the place, at the respective times, and in the currency herein
prescribed.

     Company promises to pay all costs and expenses, including reasonable
attorneys' fees, all as provided in the Credit Agreement, incurred in the
collection and enforcement of this Note.  Company and any endorsers of this Note
hereby consent to renewals and extensions of time at or after the maturity
hereof, without notice, and hereby waive diligence, presentment, protest, demand
and notice of every kind and, to the full extent permitted by law, the right to
plead any statute of limitations as a defense to any demand hereunder.

                                     B-3-2
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Company has caused this Note to be duly executed and
delivered by its officer thereunto duly authorized as of the date and at the
place first written above.

                  FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                  By:_________________________________
                     Name:
                     Title:

                                     B-3-3
<PAGE>

                      TRANSACTIONS ON NEW TERM LOAN NOTE

                                                      Outstanding
            Type of    Amount of      Amount of        Principal
           Loan Made   Loan Made    Principal Paid      Balance      Notation
   Date    This Date   This Date      This Date        This Date     Made By
   ----    ---------   ---------    --------------    -----------    --------

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

                                     B-3-4

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT C TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                            COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

     THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFIES AS FOLLOWS:

     1.   I am the [treasurer] of FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

     2.   I have reviewed the terms of that certain Credit and Guaranty
Agreement, dated as of August __, 2000 (as it may be amended, restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified, the "Credit Agreement"; the terms defined
                                         ----------------
therein and not otherwise defined herein being used herein as therein defined),
by and among FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation
("Holdings"), FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation
  --------
("Company"), CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as Guarantors, the Lenders party
  -------
thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P. ("GSCP"), as
                                                                ----
Syndication Agent, CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, BANK OF AMERICA,
N.A. as Documentation Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. as Joint Lead
Arrangers, and the terms of the other Credit Documents, and I have made, or have
caused to be made under my supervision, a review in reasonable detail of the
transactions and condition of Holdings and its Subsidiaries during the
accounting period covered by the attached financial statements.

     3.   The examination described in paragraph 2 above did not disclose, and I
have no knowledge of, the existence of any condition or event which constitutes
an Event of Default or Default during or at the end of the accounting period
covered by the attached financial statements or as of the date of this
Certificate, except as set forth in a separate attachment, if any, to this
Certificate, describing in detail, the nature of the condition or event, the
period during which it has existed and the action which Company or Holdings has
taken, is taking, or proposes to take with respect to each such condition or
event.

     The foregoing certifications, together with the computations set forth in
the Attachment and the financial statements delivered with this Certificate in
support hereof, are made and delivered this __________ day of ____________
pursuant to Section 5.1(c) of the Credit Agreement.

                            FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                            By:____________________________________________
                               Name:
                               Title: [Treasurer]

                                      C-1
<PAGE>

                                                                   ATTACHMENT TO
                                                          COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE

FOR THE FISCAL [QUARTER] [YEAR] ENDING ____________________.

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                     <C>
1.   Certain Indebtedness Amounts
     ----------------------------
     (a)  Indebtedness of any Guarantor Subsidiary to
          Company or any other Guarantor
          Subsidiary(6.1(b)):                                              $ __________________________

     (b)  Indebtedness incurred by Holdings with respect
          to Permitted Holdings Debt:                                      $ __________________________

     (c)  "Dark Fiber" Capital Leases in the Period:           Actual:     $ __________________________
                                                            Permitted:     $ 30,000,000

     (d)  Aggregate outstanding "Dark Fiber" Capital
          Leases:                                              Actual:     $ __________________________
                                                            Permitted:     $ 100,000,000

     (e)  "Other Unsecured Indebtedness" in the Period:                    $ __________________________

     (f)  Aggregate outstanding "Other Indebtedness"           Actual:     $ __________________________
                                                            Permitted:     $ 5,000,000

2.   Certain Investments
     -------------------

     (a)  Permitted Acquisitions in the Period:                            $ __________________________

     (b)  Amount of 2(a) financed with net
          Indebtedness and/or Cash on hand (and
          excluding equity Securities of Company):                         $ __________________________

     (c)  Aggregate amount of 2(b) since the
          Closing Date:                                        Actual:     $ __________________________
                                                            Permitted:     $ 100,000,000
                                     Permitted amount plus 2(i) below:     $ __________________________

     (d)  Acquisitions in the Period of assets,
          business lines, divisions or entities
          which have not generated positive
</TABLE>

                                      C-2
<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                     <C>
          Consolidated EBITDA for the trailing
          12-month period immediately preceding
          such acquisition:                                                $ __________________________

     (e)  Amount of 2(d) financed with net
          Indebtedness and/or Cash on hand (and
          excluding equity Securities of Company):                         $ __________________________

     (f)  Aggregate amount of 2(e) since the Closing
          Date:                                                Actual:     $ __________________________
                                                            Permitted:     $ 75,000,000
                                   Permitted amount plus (2)(i) below:     $ __________________________

     (g)  Excess Equity Proceeds Amount raised in
          the Period:                                                      $ __________________________

     (h)  Aggregate Excess Equity Proceeds Amount
          raised since the Closing Date:                                   $ __________________________

     (i)  Amount of 2(a) financed in whole or in part
          with a portion of the Excess Equity Proceeds
          Amount                                                           $ __________________________

     (j)  Ordinary course loans and advances to employees
          of Holdings and Subsidiaries during the Period:                   $ __________________________

     (k)  Aggregate ordinary course loans and advances
          outstanding:                                         Actual:     $ __________________________
                                                            Permitted:     $ 10,000,000
                                                                             --------------------------

     (l)  "Investments made with the Excess Equity
          Proceeds Amount" in the Period                                   $ __________________________

     (m)  "Investments made with the Excess Equity
          Proceeds Amount" since the Closing Date:                         $ __________________________

     (n)  "Other Investments" in the Period (Section
          6.5(j)):                                                         $ __________________________

     (o)  Aggregate "Other Investments" outstanding:           Actual:     $ __________________________
                                                            Permitted:     $ 10,000,000

     (p)  Consolidated Capital Expenditures in the
          Period                                                           $ __________________________
</TABLE>

                                     C-3

<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<S>                                <C>                                     <C>
     (q)  Consolidated Capital Expenditures since the
          Closing Date                                                     $ _______________

     (r)  Amount of 2(q) financed with Excess Equity
          Proceeds Amount                                                  $ _______________

     (s)  2(h) - (2(c) + 2(r))                                             $ _______________

     (t)  2(m) * 2(s)

     (u)  2(i) + 2(l)                                                      $ _______________

                                                            Permitted:     $ 150,000,000
                                                                             ---------------
</TABLE>

* = less than

                                      C-4
<PAGE>

     STAGE 1  FINANCIAL COVENANTS
     ----------------------------

1.   Revenues                                     Actual:   $ _______________
                                                  Required: $ _______________

2.   Access Lines                                 Actual:     _______________
                                                  Required:   _______________

3.   Consolidated EBITDA                          Actual:   $ _______________
                                                  Required: $ _______________

4.   (a)  Senior Secured Debt:                              $ _______________
     (b)  Total Capitalization:                             $ _______________

     4(a) / 4(b):                                 Actual:     _______________
                                                  Required:   _______________

5.   (a)  Total Debt:                                       $ _______________
     (b)  Total Gross PP&E                                  $ _______________

     5(a) / 5(b):                                 Actual:     _______________
                                                  Required:   _______________

6.   Maximum Capital Expenditures                 Actual:   $ _______________
                                                  Required: $ _______________

                                      C-5
<PAGE>

     STAGE 2  FINANCIAL COVENANTS
     ----------------------------

1.   (a)  Consolidated Senior Secured Debt:                 $ _______________
     (b)  Annualized Consolidated EBITDA:                   $ _______________

     1(a) / 1(b):                                 Actual:     _______________
                                                  Required:   _______________

2.   (a)  Consolidated Total Debt:                          $ _______________
     (b)  Annualized Consolidated EBITDA:                   $ _______________

     2(a) / 2(b):                                 Actual:     _______________
                                                  Required:   _______________

3.   (a)  Consolidated EBITDA:                              $ _______________
     (b)  Consolidated Cash Interest Expense:               $ _______________

     3(a) / 3(b):                                 Actual:     _______________
                                                  Required:   _______________

4.   (a)  Annualized Consolidated EBITDA:                   $ _______________
     (b)  Consolidated Fixed Charges:                       $ _______________

     4(a) / 4(b):                                 Actual:     _______________
                                                  Required:   _______________

                                      C-6
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT D TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                              OPINIONS OF COUNSEL

                                   [TO COME]

                                      D-1
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT E TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                             ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

     THIS ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT, dated as of Effective Date as set forth on
Schedule I (this "Agreement"), by and between the parties signatory hereto and
                  ---------
designated as Assignor ("Assignor") and Assignee ("Assignee").
                         --------                  --------

                                   RECITALS:

     WHEREAS, Assignor is party to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as
of August __, 2000 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise
modified, the "Credit Agreement"; the terms defined therein and not otherwise
               ----------------
defined herein being used herein as therein defined), by and among FOCAL
COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), FOCAL FINANCIAL
                                                     --------
SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation  ("Company"), CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF
                                          -------
HOLDINGS, as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN
SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P. ("GSCP"), as Syndication Agent, CITIBANK, N.A., as
                             ----
Administrative Agent, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Documentation Agent and GSCP and
SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC., as Joint Lead Arrangers; and

     WHEREAS, Assignor desires to sell and assign to Assignee, and Assignee
desires to purchase and assume from Assignor, certain rights and obligations of
Assignor under the Credit Agreement.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the agreements and covenants herein
contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     Section 3.  Assignment and Assumption.  Subject to the terms and conditions
                 -------------------------
hereof, as of the Effective Date as set forth on Schedule I, Assignor sells and
assigns to Assignee, without recourse, representation or warranty (except as
expressly set forth herein), and Assignee purchases and assumes from Assignor,
the percentage interest specified on Schedule I in all of the rights and
obligations with respect to the Commitments and outstanding Loans of Lenders
arising under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents (the "Assigned
                                                                        --------
Share").  In consideration of such assignment, Assignee hereby agrees to pay to
-----
Assignor on the date set forth on Schedule I as the "Settlement Date", the
                                                     ---------------
principal amount of any outstanding loans included within the Assigned Share
(such principal amount referred to herein as the "Purchase Price"), such
                                                  --------------
payment to be made by wire transfer of immediately available funds.  Upon the
occurrence of the Effective Date:  (a) the Assignee shall have the rights and
obligations of a "Lender" to the extent of the Assigned Share and shall
thereafter be a party to the Credit Agreement and a "Lender" for all purposes
of the Credit Documents; (b) Assignor shall, to the extent of the Assigned
Share, relinquish its rights (other than

                                      E-1
<PAGE>

any rights which survive the termination of the Credit Agreement under Section
10.8 thereof) and be released from its obligations under the Credit Agreement;
and (c) the Commitments shall be modified to reflect the Commitment of Assignee
and any remaining Commitment of Assignor. From and after the Effective Date,
Administrative Agent shall make all payments under the Credit Agreement in
respect of the Assigned Share (i) in the case of any interest and fees that
shall have accrued prior to the Settlement Date, to Assignor, and (ii) in all
other cases, to Assignee; provided, Assignor and Assignee shall make payments
                          --------
directly to each other to the extent necessary to effect any appropriate
adjustments in any amounts distributed to Assignor and/or Assignee by
Administrative Agent under the Credit Documents in respect of the Assigned Share
in the event that, for any reason whatsoever, the payment of consideration
contemplated by this Section 1 occurs on a date other than the Settlement Date.

     Section 4.  Effective Date.  Notwithstanding anything herein to the
                 --------------
contrary, the Effective Date shall not be deemed to have occurred until each of
the following conditions are satisfied, as determined in the reasonable judgment
of each of Assignor, Assignee and Administrative Agent: (a) the execution of a
counterpart hereof by each of Assignor and Assignee; (b) the payment of the
Purchase Price on the Settlement Date; (c) if applicable, the receipt by
Administrative Agent of the processing and recordation fee referred to in
Section 10.6 of the Credit Agreement; (d) in the event Assignee is a Non-US
Lender, the delivery by Assignee to Administrative Agent of such forms,
certificates or other evidence with respect to United States federal income tax
withholding matters as Assignee may be required to deliver to Administrative
Agent pursuant to Section 2.19(c); (e) the receipt by Administrative Agent of
originals or telefacsimiles of executed counterparts hereof; and (f) the
recordation by Administrative Agent in the Register of the pertinent information
regarding this Assignment pursuant to Section 10.6 of the Credit Agreement.

     Section 5.  Certain Representations, Warranties and Agreements.  (a)
                 --------------------------------------------------
Assignor represents and warrants to Assignee that (i) Assignor is the legal and
beneficial owner of the Assigned Share, free and clear of any adverse claim; and
(ii) Schedule I sets forth the aggregate amount of the Commitments and the
aggregate amount of the Loans, in each case as of the Effective Date.

     (b) Assignee represents and warrants to Assignor that (i) it is an Eligible
Assignee and that it has experience and expertise in the making or purchasing of
loans and commitments such as the Loans and the Commitments; (ii) it has
acquired the Assigned Share for its own account in the ordinary course of its
business and without a view to distribution of the Loans within the meaning of
the Securities Act or the Exchange Act or other federal securities laws (it
being understood that, subject to the provisions of Section 10.6 of the Credit
Agreement, the disposition of the Assigned Share or any interests therein shall
at all times remain within its exclusive control); (iii) it has received,
reviewed and approved a copy of the Credit Agreement (including all Exhibits and
Schedules thereto); and (iv) it has received from Assignor such financial
information regarding Company and its Subsidiaries as is available to Assignor
and as Assignee has requested, that it has made its own independent
investigation of the financial condition and affairs of Company and its
Subsidiaries in connection with the assignment evidenced by this Agreement, and
that it has made and shall continue to make its own appraisal of the
creditworthiness of Company and its

                                      E-2
<PAGE>

Subsidiaries. Assignor shall have no duty or responsibility, either initially or
on a continuing basis, to make any such investigation or any such appraisal on
behalf of Assignee or to provide Assignee with any other credit or other
information with respect thereto, whether coming into its possession before the
making of the initial Loans or at any time or times thereafter, and Assignor
shall not have any responsibility with respect to the accuracy of or the
completeness of any information provided to Assignee.

     (c)  Each party to this Agreement represents and warrants to the other
party hereto that it has full power and authority to enter into this Agreement
and to perform its obligations hereunder in accordance with the provisions
hereof, that this Agreement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
such party and that this Agreement constitutes a legal, valid and binding
obligation of such party, enforceable against such party in accordance with its
terms, except as enforceability may be limited by applicable bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, moratorium or other similar laws affecting
creditors' rights generally and by general principles of equity.

     (d)  Assignor shall not be responsible to Assignee for the execution,
effectiveness, genuineness, validity, enforceability, collectibility or
sufficiency of any of the Credit Documents or for any representations,
warranties, recitals or statements made therein or made in any written or oral
statements or in any financial or other statements, instruments, reports or
certificates or any other documents furnished or made by Assignor to Assignee or
by or on behalf of Company or any of its Subsidiaries to Assignor or Assignee in
connection with the Credit Documents and the transactions contemplated thereby
or for the financial condition or business affairs of Company or any other
Person liable for the payment of any Obligations, nor shall Assignor be required
to ascertain or inquire as to the performance or observance of any of the terms,
conditions, provisions, covenants or agreements contained in any of the Credit
Documents or as to the use of the proceeds of the Loans or as to the existence
or possible existence of any Event of Default or Default.

     Section 6.  Miscellaneous.  Assignor and Assignee each agrees from time to
                 -------------
time, upon request of such other party, to take such additional actions and to
execute and deliver such additional documents and instruments as such other
party may reasonably request to effect the transactions contemplated by, and to
carry out the intent of, this Agreement.  Neither this Agreement nor any term
hereof may be changed, waived, discharged or terminated, except by an instrument
in writing signed by the party (including, if applicable, any party required to
evidence its consent to or acceptance of this Agreement) against whom
enforcement of such change, waiver, discharge or termination is sought.  Any
notice or other communication herein required or permitted to be given shall be
given pursuant to Section 10.1 of the Credit Agreement, and all for purposes
thereof, the notice address of Assignee shall be the address as set forth on the
signature page hereof.  In case any provision in or obligation under this
Agreement shall be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions or
obligations, or of such provision or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall
not in any way be affected or impaired thereby.  This Agreement shall be binding
upon, and shall inure to the benefit of, the parties hereto and their respective
successors and assigns.  This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts and by different parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of
which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original, but all such
counterparts together shall constitute but one and the same instrument;
signature pages may be detached from multiple separate counterparts and

                                      E-3
<PAGE>

attached to a single counterpart so that all signature pages are physically
attached to the same document.

     THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PARTIES HEREUNDER
SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH,
THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF THE GENERAL
OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK), BUT OTHERWISE WITHOUT REGARD TO
CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed and delivered as of the Effective Date by their respective
officers thereunto duly authorized.

     [ASSIGNOR], as Assignor                 [ASSIGNEE], as Assignee

     By:__________________________           By:__________________________
        Name:                                   Name:
        Title:                                  Title:

     [Consented to as of the Effective       [Consented to as of the Effective
     Date][1]:                               Date][1]:

     [COMPANY], as Company                   [HOLDINGS], as Holdings

     By:__________________________           By:__________________________
        Name:                                   Name:
        Title:                                  Title:

     Consented to and recorded as of
     __________, ______.

     [NAME OF ADMINISTRATIVE
     AGENT], as Administrative Agent

     By:__________________________
        Name:
        Title:

_______________
[1] If required

                                      E-4
<PAGE>

                                                            SCHEDULE I TO
                                                            ASSIGNMENT AGREEMENT

1.   Effective Date:     $__________

2.   Settlement Date:    $__________

3.   Assigned Share:

==============================================================================
         Facility                  Aggregate       Principal    Percentage
                                   Amount of        Amount     of Facility
                                Commitment/Loans   Assigned      Assigned
==============================================================================
 Delayed Draw Term Loans          $___________    $__________     _____%

 Revolving Credit Commitment      $___________    $__________     _____%

 Revolving Credit Loans           $___________    $__________     _____%
==============================================================================

4.   Payment Instructions:

     ASSIGNOR:                          ASSIGNEE:

     Attention:                         Attention:

5.   Notice Instructions:

     ASSIGNOR:                          ASSIGNEE:

     Attention:                         Attention:

                                      E-5
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT F TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                        CERTIFICATE RE NON-BANK STATUS

     Reference is hereby made to that certain Credit and Guaranty Agreement,
dated as of  August __, 2000 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or
otherwise modified, the "Credit Agreement"; the terms defined therein and not
                         ----------------
otherwise defined herein being used herein as therein defined), by and among
FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), FOCAL
                                                           --------
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation  ("Company"), CERTAIN
                                                    -------
SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to
time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P. ("GSCP"), as Syndication Agent,
                                           ----
CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. as Documentation
Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC. as Joint Lead Arrangers. Pursuant
to Section 2.19(c) of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned hereby certifies
that it is not a "bank" or other Person described in Section 881(c)(3) of the
Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

                                      [NAME OF LENDER]

                                      By:______________________________________
                                         Name:
                                         Title:

                                      F-1
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT G-1 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                           CLOSING DATE CERTIFICATE

     THE UNDERSIGNED HEREBY CERTIFY AS FOLLOWS:

     1.   We are, respectively, the general counsel and the treasurer of each of
FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION and FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

     2.   We have reviewed the terms of Sections 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 of the Credit
Agreement and the definitions and provisions contained in such Credit Agreement
relating to such subsections, and in our opinion we have made, or have caused to
be made under our supervision, such examination or investigation as is necessary
to enable us to express an informed opinion as to the matters referred to
herein.

     3.   Based upon our review and examination described in paragraph (2)
above, we certify that as of the date hereof:   the representations and
warranties in Section 4 of the Credit Agreement are true and correct on and as
of the Closing Date to the same extent as though made on and as of that date,
except to the extent such representations and warranties specifically relate to
an earlier date, in which case such representations and warranties were true and
correct on and as of such earlier date;  each Credit Party has performed all
agreements and satisfied all conditions which the Credit Agreement or the Credit
Documents provide shall be performed or satisfied by it on or before the Closing
Date; no event has occurred or is continuing as of the date hereof that would
constitute an Event of Default or a Default.

     4.   Attached as Annex A hereto are true and complete (and, where
applicable, executed and conformed) copies of each of the Material Contracts,
and we have reviewed the terms of each of such documents and in our opinion we
have made, or have caused to be made under our supervision, such examination or
investigation as is necessary to enable us to express an informed opinion as to
the matters referred to in paragraph (5).

     5.   Based upon our review and examination described in paragraphs (2) and
(4) above, we certify that as of the date hereof  no Credit Party has failed in
any material respect to perform any material obligation or covenant required by
the Material Contracts to be performed or complied with by it on or before the
Closing Date, where such failure could reasonably be expected to have a Material
Adverse Effect.

     6.   Each Credit Party has requested McDermott, Will & Emery, special New
York counsel for Credit Parties, (ii) Swidler Berlin Shereff Friedman, LLP,
special United States telecommunications regulatory counsel for Credit Parties
and (iii)  Renee M. Martin, Esq., general counsel for Credit Parties, to deliver
to Agents and Lenders on the Closing Date favorable written

                                     G-1-1
<PAGE>

opinions setting forth substantially the matters in the opinions designated in
Exhibit D annexed to the Credit Agreement, and as to such other matters as
Syndication Agent and Administrative Agent may reasonably request.

     7.   Attached hereto as Annex B are true, complete and correct copies of
the Historical Financial Statements of Holdings, together with pro forma
consolidated and consolidating balance sheets of Holdings and its Subsidiaries
as at the Closing Date, prepared in accordance with GAAP, and  the Projections.

     The foregoing certifications are made and delivered as of  August __, 2000.

                                        ________________________________________
                                        Title:  General Counsel

                                        ________________________________________
                                        Title:  Treasurer

                                     G-1-2
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT G-2 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                              SOLVENCY CERTIFICATE

     The undersigned DOES HEREBY CERTIFY as follows:

     1.   I am the treasurer of each of FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. and FOCAL
COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION.

     2.   Reference is made to that certain Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated
as of  August __, 2000 (as it may be amended, restated, supplemented or
otherwise modified, the "Credit Agreement"; the terms defined therein and not
                         ----------------
otherwise defined herein being used herein as therein defined), by and among
FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), FOCAL
                                                           --------
FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation  ("Company"), CERTAIN
                                                    -------
SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to
time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P. ("GSCP"), as Syndication Agent,
                                           ----
CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent, BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Documentation
Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH BARNEY INC., as Joint Lead Arrangers.

     3.   I have reviewed the terms of Sections 3 and 4 of the Credit Agreement
and the definitions and provisions contained in the Credit Agreement relating
thereto, and, in my opinion, have made, or have caused to be made under my
supervision, such examination or investigation as is necessary to enable me to
express an informed opinion as to the matters referred to herein.

     4.   Based upon my review and examination described in paragraph (3) above,
I certify that as of the date hereof, after giving effect to the Credit
Extensions to be made on the date hereof and the other transactions contemplated
by the Credit Documents, each Credit Party is Solvent.

     The foregoing certifications are made and delivered as of  __________
[date].

                            ________________________
                            Name:
                            Title: Treasurer of
                                   Focal Financial Services Inc.
                                   and
                                   Focal Communications Corporation

                                     G-2-1
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT H TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                             COUNTERPART AGREEMENT

     THIS COUNTERPART AGREEMENT, dated ____________ is delivered pursuant to the
Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated as of August __, 2000 (as it may be
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified, the "Credit Agreement";
                                                            ----------------
the terms defined therein and not otherwise defined herein being used herein as
therein defined), by and among FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware
corporation ("Holdings"), FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware corporation
              --------
("Company"), CERTAIN SUBSIDIARIES OF HOLDINGS, as Guarantors, the Lenders party
  -------
thereto from time to time, GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS L.P. ("GSCP"), as
                                                                ----
Syndication Agent, CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Collateral Agent,
BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., as Documentation Agent and GSCP and SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
INC., as Joint Lead Arrangers.

     1.   Pursuant to Section 5.10 of the Credit Agreement, the undersigned
hereby:

     (a)  agrees that this Counterpart Agreement may be attached to the Credit
Agreement and that by the execution and delivery hereof, the undersigned becomes
a Guarantor under the Credit Agreement and agrees to be bound by all of the
terms thereof;

     (b)  represents and warrants that each of the representations and
warranties set forth in the Credit Agreement and each other Credit Document and
applicable to the undersigned are true and correct both before and after giving
effect to this Counterpart Agreement, except to the extent that any such
representation and warranty relates solely to any earlier date, in which case
such representation and warranty is true and correct as of such earlier date;

     (c)  no event has occurred or is continuing as of the date hereof, or will
result from the transactions contemplated hereby on the date hereof, that would
constitute an Event of Default or a Default;

     (d)  agrees, to the extent provided in Section 7.2 of the Credit Agreement
as applicable, to irrevocably and unconditionally guaranty the due and punctual
payment in full of all Obligations when the same shall become due, whether at
stated maturity, by required prepayment, declaration, acceleration, demand or
otherwise (including amounts that would become due but for the operation of the
automatic stay under Section 362(a) of the Bankruptcy Code, 11 U.S.C. (S)
362(a)) and in accordance with Section 7.2 of the Credit Agreement; and

     (e)  Grantor hereby (i) agrees that this Counterpart Agreement may be
attached to the Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of August __, 2000 (as it
may be amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time,
the "Master Pledge and Security Agreement") among Holdings, Company, each of the
other Grantors party thereto and the Collateral

                                      H-1
<PAGE>

Agent, (ii) agrees that by the execution and delivery hereof the undersigned
becomes a Grantor under the Master Pledge and Security Agreement and agrees that
such Grantor will comply with all the terms and conditions of the Master Pledge
and Security Agreement as if it were an original signatory thereto, (iii) grants
to Collateral Agent a security interest in all of Grantor's right, title and
interest in and to all "Collateral" (as such term is defined in the Master
Pledge and Security Agreement) of the undersigned in each case whether now or
hereafter existing or in which Grantor now has or hereafter acquires an interest
and wherever the same may be located and (iv) delivers to Collateral Agent true,
complete and correct supplements to all schedules attached to the Master Pledge
and Security Agreement. All such collateral shall be deemed to be part of the
"Collateral" and hereafter subject to each of the terms and conditions of the
Master Pledge and Security Agreement.

     2.   The undersigned agrees from time to time, upon request of
Administrative Agent, to take such additional actions and to execute and deliver
such additional documents and instruments as Administrative Agent may request to
effect the transactions contemplated by, and to carry out the intent of, this
Agreement. Neither this Agreement nor any term hereof may be changed, waived,
discharged or terminated, except by an instrument in writing signed by the party
(including, if applicable, any party required to evidence its consent to or
acceptance of this Agreement) against whom enforcement of such change, waiver,
discharge or termination is sought. Any notice or other communication herein
required or permitted to be given shall be given in pursuant to Section 10.1 of
the Credit Agreement, and all for purposes thereof, the notice address of the
undersigned shall be the address as set forth on the signature page hereof. In
case any provision in or obligation under this Agreement shall be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any jurisdiction, the validity, legality and
enforceability of the remaining provisions or obligations, or of such provision
or obligation in any other jurisdiction, shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby.

     THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 OF
THE GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK), BUT OTHERWISE WITHOUT
REGARD TO CONFLICT OF LAWS PRINCIPLES THEREOF.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has caused this Counterpart Agreement
to be duly executed and delivered by its duly authorized officer as of
______________.

                            [NAME OF SUBSIDIARY]

                            By:_______________________
                               Name:
                               Title:

Address for Notices:
____________________
____________________
____________________

                                      H-2
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT I-1 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                     COMPANY PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                                     I-1-1
<PAGE>

                                                                  EXHIBIT I-2 TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                     MASTER PLEDGE AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

                                     I-2-1
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT J TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                     LANDLORD PERSONAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL
                               ACCESS AGREEMENT

          This LANDLORD PERSONAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL ACCESS AGREEMENT (this
"Agreement") is dated as of  ___________ and entered into by __________________,
a ___________ ("Landlord"), to and for the benefit of Citibank, N.A.
("Citibank"), as collateral agent ("Agent") for Lenders which are or may
hereafter become parties to the Credit Agreement (as hereinafter defined).

                                   RECITALS:

          WHEREAS, _______________, a ________________ ("Tenant"), has
possession of and occupies all or a portion of the property described on Exhibit
                                                                         -------
A annexed hereto (the "Premises");
-

          WHEREAS, Tenant's interest in the Premises arises under the lease
agreement (the "Lease") more particularly described on Exhibit B annexed hereto,
                                                       ---------
pursuant to which Landlord has rights, upon the terms and conditions set forth
therein, to take possession of, and otherwise assert control over, the Premises;

          WHEREAS, Tenant is a party to the Credit and Guaranty Agreement, dated
as of August _____, 2000 (as it may be from time to time amended, restated,
supplemented or otherwise modified, the "Credit Agreement"), by and among Focal
Communications Corporation ("Company"), Focal Financial Services, Inc.
("Borrower"), the Subsidiaries of Company (other than Borrower) party thereto,
as Guarantors, various Lenders, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. ("GSCP"), as
Syndication Agent, GSCP and Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers,
Citibank, N.A., as Collateral Agent and Administrative Agent and Bank of
America, N.A., as Documentation Agent;

          WHEREAS, Tenant's obligations under the Credit Agreement will be
secured, in part, by all inventory, machinery and other personal property and
fixtures of Tenant (including all inventory of Tenant now or hereafter located
on the Premises (the "Subject Inventory")) and all equipment used in Tenant's
business (including all equipment of Tenant now or hereafter located on the
Premises (together with the Subject Inventory, the "Collateral")); and

          WHEREAS, Agent has requested that Landlord execute this Agreement as a
condition to the extension of credit under the Credit Agreement.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and for other good
and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby
acknowledged, Landlord hereby represents and warrants to, and covenants and
agrees with, Agent as follows:

                                      J-1
<PAGE>

          1.  Landlord hereby (a) waives and releases unto Agent and its
successors and assigns any and all rights granted by or under any present or
future laws to levy or distraint for rent or any other charges which may be due
to Landlord against the Collateral, and any and all other claims, liens and
demands of every kind which it now has or may hereafter have against the
Collateral, and (b) agrees that any rights it may have in or to the Collateral,
no matter how arising (to the extent not effectively waived pursuant to clause
(a) of this paragraph 1 shall be second and subordinate to the rights of Agent
in respect thereof.  Landlord acknowledges that the Collateral is and will
remain personal property and not fixtures even though it may be affixed to or
placed on the Premises.

          2.  Landlord certifies that (a) Landlord is the landlord under the
Lease, (b) the Lease is in full force and effect and has not been amended,
modified, or supplemented except as set forth on Exhibit B annexed hereto, (c)
                                                 ---------
to the knowledge of Landlord, there is no defense, offset, claim or counterclaim
by or in favor of Landlord against Tenant under the Lease or against the
obligations of Landlord under the Lease, and (d) no notice of default has been
given under or in connection with the Lease which has not been cured, and
Landlord has no knowledge of the occurrence of any other default under or in
connection with the Lease.

          3.  Landlord consents to the installation or placement of the
Collateral on the Premises, and Landlord grants to Agent a license to enter upon
and into the Premises to do any or all of the following with respect to the
Collateral: assemble, have appraised, display, remove, maintain, prepare for
sale or lease, repair, transfer, or sell (at public or private sale). In
entering upon or into the Premises, Agent hereby agrees to indemnify, defend and
hold Landlord harmless from and against any and all claims, judgments,
liabilities, costs and expenses incurred by Landlord caused solely by Agent's
entering upon or into the Premises and taking any of the foregoing actions with
respect to the Collateral. Such costs shall include any damage to the Premises
made by Agent in severing and/or removing the Collateral therefrom.

          4.  Landlord agrees that it will not prevent Agent or its designee
from entering upon the Premises at all reasonable times to inspect or remove the
Collateral. In the event that Landlord has the right to, and desires to, obtain
possession of the Premises (either through expiration of the Lease or
termination thereof due to the default of Tenant thereunder), Landlord will
deliver notice (the "Landlord's Notice") to Agent to that effect. Within the 45
day period after Agent receives the Landlord's Notice, Agent shall have the
right, but not the obligation, to cause the Collateral to be removed from the
Premises. During such 45 day period, Landlord will not remove the Collateral
from the Premises nor interfere with Agent's actions in removing the Collateral
from the Premises or Agent's actions in otherwise enforcing its security
interest in the Collateral. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this
paragraph, Agent shall at no time have any obligation to remove the Collateral
from the Premises.

          5.  Landlord shall send to Agent a copy of any notice of default under
the Lease sent by Landlord to Tenant.  In addition, Landlord shall send to Agent
a copy of any notice received by Landlord of a breach or default under any other
lease, mortgage, deed of trust, security agreement

                                      J-2
<PAGE>

or other instrument to which Landlord is a party which may affect Landlord's
rights in, or possession of, the Premises.

          6.  All notices to Agent under this Agreement shall be in writing and
sent to Agent at its address set forth on the signature page hereof by
telefacsimile, by United States mail, or by overnight delivery service.

          7.  The provisions of this Agreement shall continue in effect until
Landlord shall have received Agent's written certification that all amounts
advanced under the Credit Agreement have been paid in full.

          8.  This Agreement and the rights and obligations of the parties
hereunder shall be governed by, and shall be construed and enforced in
accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York, without regard to
conflicts of laws principles.

                                      J-3
<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have caused this Agreement to be
duly executed and delivered as of the day and year first set forth above.

                         [NAME OF LANDLORD]

                         By: _____________________________
                              Name:
                              Title:

                         Landlord's Address For Notices:

                         _________________________________
                         _________________________________
                         _________________________________
                         Fax: (___) ________

          By its acceptance hereof, as of the day and year first set forth
above, Agent agrees to be bound by the provisions hereof.

                         CITIBANK, N.A.,
                         as Collateral Agent

                         By:______________________________
                             Name:
                             Title:

                         Agent's Address For Notices:

                         ________________________________
                         ________________________________
                         ________________________________
                         ________________________________
                         Fax: (___) ________

                                      J-4
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT A TO
                                                      LANDLORD PERSONAL PROPERTY
                                                     COLLATERAL ACCESS AGREEMENT

Legal Description of Premises:

                                      J-5
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT B TO
                                                      LANDLORD PERSONAL PROPERTY
                                                     COLLATERAL ACCESS AGREEMENT

Description of Lease:

                                      J-6
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT K TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                               JOINDER AGREEMENT

          THIS JOINDER AGREEMENT, dated as of [__________ __, 200_] (this

"Agreement"), by and among [NEW LENDERS] (each a "Lender" and collectively the
 ---------
"Lenders"), FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. a Delaware corporation ("Company"),
                                                                    -------
FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation ("Holdings"), Goldman
                                                           --------
Sachs Credit Partners L.P., as Syndication Agent (in such capacity, "Syndication
Agent") and CITIBANK, N.A., as Administrative Agent (in such capacity

"Administrative Agent").
 --------------------

                                   RECITALS:

          WHEREAS, reference is hereby made to that certain Credit and Guaranty
Agreement, dated as of  August __, 2000 (said Credit and Guaranty Agreement, as
amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified to the date hereof, the

"Credit Agreement"), by and among Company, Holdings, certain Subsidiaries of
 ----------------
Holdings party thereto, as Guarantors, the Lenders party thereto from time to
time, the Administrative Agent, Goldman Sachs Credit Partners, ("GSCP") as
                                                                 ----
Syndication Agent, Bank of America, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and GSCP and
Salomon Smith Barney, Inc., as Joint Arrangers.  Unless otherwise defined
herein, capitalized terms used herein shall have the respective meanings
ascribed to them in the Credit Agreement; and

          WHEREAS, subject to the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement,
Company may increase the existing Revolving Commitments and/or the Delayed Draw
Term Loan Commitments and/or provide for New Term Loan Commitments by entering
into one or more Joinder Agreements with New Revolving Loan Lenders and/or New
Delayed Draw Term Loan Lenders and/or New Term Loan Lenders, as applicable.

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and agreements,
provisions and covenants herein contained, the parties hereto agree as follows:

          Each Lender party hereto hereby agrees to commit to provide its
respective Commitment as set forth on Schedule A annexed hereto, on the terms
and subject to the conditions set forth below:

          Each Lender (i) confirms that it has received a copy of the Credit
Agreement and the other Credit Documents, together with copies of the financial
statements referred to therein and such other documents and information as it
has deemed appropriate to make its own credit analysis and decision to enter
into this Joinder Agreement (this "Agreement"); (ii) agrees that it will,
                                   ---------
independently and without reliance upon the Administrative Agent or any other
Lender or Agent and based on such documents and information as it shall deem
appropriate at the time, continue to make

                                      K-1
<PAGE>

its own credit decisions in taking or not taking action under the Credit
Agreement; (iii) appoints and authorizes Administrative Agent and Syndication
Agent to take such action as agent on its behalf and to exercise such powers
under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents as are delegated to
Administrative Agent and Syndication Agent, as the case may be, by the terms
thereof, together with such powers as are reasonably incidental thereto; and
(iv) agrees that it will perform in accordance with their terms all of the
obligations which by the terms of the Credit Agreement are required to be
performed by it as a Lender.

          Each Lender hereby agrees to make its Commitment on the following
terms and conditions/1/:

1.   Applicable Margin.  The Applicable Margin for each Series [__] New Term
Loan shall mean, as of any date of determination, a percentage per annum as set
forth below plus the pricing premium, if any, less the pricing reduction, if
            ----
any, in each case as set forth below:

               ========================================
                     Series [__] New Term Loans
               ========================================
                   Total         Eurodollar   Base Rate
               Leverage Ratio    Rate Loans     Loans
               ========================================
               ____:____          _____%       _____%
               ========================================

2.   Principal Payments. Company shall make principal payments on the Series
 [__] New Term Loans in installments on the dates and in the amounts set forth
 below:

       ========================================
             (A)                 (B)
                              Scheduled
          Payment           Repayment of
          Date       Series [__] New Term Loans
       ========================================
                        $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                        $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                        $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                        $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                        $_________
       ----------------------------------------

_________________

1    Insert completed items 1-7 as applicable, with respect to New Term Loans
     with such modifications as may be agreed to by the parties hereto to the
     extent consistent with Section 2.2 of the Credit Agreement.

                                      K-2
<PAGE>

       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
                  $_________
       ----------------------------------------
       TOTAL      $_________
       ========================================

3.   Voluntary and Mandatory Prepayments.  Scheduled installments of principal
of the [Series[__]] New Term Loans set forth above shall be reduced in
connection with any voluntary or mandatory prepayments of the [Series[__]] New
Term Loans in accordance with Sections 2.11,2.12 and 2.13 of the Credit
Agreement respectively: and provided further, that the [Series [__]] New Term
                            -------- -------
Loans and all other amounts under the Credit Agreement with respect to the
[Series[__]] New Term Loans shall be paid in full no later than six months prior
to the maturity of any Subordinated Indebtedness, and the final installment
payable by Company in respect of the [Series]] New Term Loans on such date shall
be in an amount, if such amount is different from the amount specified above,
sufficient to repay all amounts owing by Company under the Credit Agreement with
respect to the [Series [__]] New Term Loans.

4.   Prepayment Fees.  Borrower agrees to pay to each [New Term Loan Lender] the
following prepayment fees, if any: [__________].

  [Insert other additional prepayment provisions with respect to New Term Loans]

5.   Other Fees.  Borrower agrees to pay each [New Revolving Loan Lender] [New
Delayed Draw Term Loan Lender] [New Term Loan Lender] its Pro Rata Share of an
aggregate fee equal to [________ __, ____] on [_________ __, ____].

6.   Proposed Borrowing.  This Agreement represents Borrower's request to borrow
[New Revolving Loans] [New Delayed Draw Term Loans] [Series [__] New Term Loans]
from [New Revolving Loan Lenders] [New Delayed Draw Term Loan Lenders] [New Term
Loan Lenders] as follows (the "Proposed Borrowing"):
                               ------------------

     (a)  Business Day of Proposed Borrowing:  ___________, ____
          ----------------------------------

                                      K-3
<PAGE>

     (b)  Amount of Proposed Borrowing:  $___________________
          ----------------------------

     (c)  Interest rate option:    [_]  a. Base Rate Loan(s)
          --------------------
                                   [_]  b. Eurodollar Rate Loans
                                           with an initial Interest
                                           Period of ____ month(s)

7.   [New Lenders.  Each [New Revolving Loan Lender] [New Delayed Draw Term Loan
Lender] [New Term Loan Lender] acknowledges and agrees that upon its execution
of this Agreement and the making of [New Revolving Loans] [New Delayed Draw Term
Loans] [Series [__] New Term Loans] that such [New Revolving Loan Lender] [New
Delayed Draw Term Loan Lender] [New Term Loan Lender] shall become a "Lender"
under, and for all purposes of, the Credit Agreement and the other Credit
Documents, and shall be subject to and bound by the terms thereof, and shall
perform all the obligations of and shall have all rights of a Lender
thereunder.]/2/

8.   Credit Agreement Governs.  Except as set forth in this Agreement, [New
Revolving Loans] [New Delayed Draw Term Loans] [Series [__] New Term Loans]
shall otherwise be subject to the provisions of the Credit Agreement and the
other Credit Documents.

9.   Company's Certifications.  By its execution of this Agreement, the
undersigned officer, to the best of his or her knowledge, and Company hereby
certify that:

          (i)   The representations and warranties contained in the Credit
     Agreement and the other Credit Documents are true and correct in all
     material respects on and as of the date hereof to the same extent as though
     made on and as of the date hereof, except to the extent such
     representations and warranties specifically relate to an earlier date, in
     which case such representations and warranties were true and correct in all
     material respects on and as of such earlier date;

          (ii)  No event has occurred and is continuing or would result from the
     consummation of the Proposed Borrowing contemplated hereby that would
     constitute a Default or an Event of Default; and

          (iii) Company and Holdings has each performed in all material respects
     all agreements and satisfied all conditions which the Credit Agreement
     provides shall be performed or satisfied by it on or before the date
     hereof.

___________________

2 Insert bracketed language if the lending institution is not already a Lender.

                                      K-4
<PAGE>

10.  Company Covenants.  By its execution of this Agreement, Company and
Holdings each hereby covenant that:

          (i)   [Company shall make any payments required pursuant to Section
     2.17(c) of the Credit Agreement in connection with the New Revolving Loan
     Commitments;]/3/

          (ii)  Company shall deliver or cause to be delivered the following
     legal opinions and documents: [___________], together with all other legal
     opinions and other documents reasonably requested by Administrative Agent
     in connection with this Agreement; and

          (ii)  Set forth on the attached Officers' Certificate are the
     calculations (in reasonable detail) demonstrating compliance with the
     financial tests described in Sections 6.6 or 6.7, as applicable, of the
     Credit Agreement.

11.  Eligible Assignee.  By its execution of this Agreement, each [New Revolving
Loan Lender] [New Delayed Draw Term Lender] [New Term Loan Lender] represents
and warrants that it is an Eligible Assignee.

12.  Notice.  For purposes of the Credit Agreement, the initial notice address
of each [New Revolving Loan Lender] [New Delayed Draw Term Lender] [New Term
Loan Lender] shall be as set forth below its signature below.

13.  Non-US Lenders.  For each [New Revolving Loan Lender] [New Delayed Draw
Term Lender] [New Term Loan Lender] that is a Non-US Lender, delivered herewith
to Administrative Agent are such forms, certificates or other evidence with
respect to United States federal income tax withholding matters as such [New
Revolving Loan Lender] [New Delayed Draw Term Lender] [New Term Loan Lender] may
be required to deliver to Administrative Agent pursuant to subsection 2.19(c) of
the Credit Agreement.

14.  Recordation of the New Loans.  Upon execution and delivery hereof,
Administrative Agent will record the [New Revolving Loans] [New Delayed Draw
Term Loans] [Series [__] New Term Loans] made by [New Revolving Loan Lenders]
[New Delayed Draw Term Lenders] [New Term Loan Lenders] in the Register.

15.  Amendment, Modification and Waiver.  This Agreement may not be amended,
modified or waived except by an instrument or instruments in writing signed and
delivered on behalf of each of the parties hereto.

16.  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement, the Credit Agreement and  the Credit
Documents constitute the entire agreement among the parties with respect to the
subject matter hereof and

______________________

3 Select this provision in the circumstance where the Lender is a New Revolving
  Loan Lender.

                                      K-5
<PAGE>

thereof and supersede all other prior agreements and understandings, both
written and verbal, among the parties or any of them with respect to the subject
matter hereof.

17.  GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT AND THE RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE
PARTIES HEREUNDER SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND SHALL BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

18.  Severability.  Any term or provision of this Agreement which is invalid or
unenforceable in any jurisdiction shall, as to that jurisdiction, be ineffective
to the extent of such invalidity or unenforceability without rendering invalid
or unenforceable the remaining terms and provisions of this Agreement or
affecting the validity or enforceability of any of the terms or provisions of
this Agreement in any other jurisdiction.  If any provision of this Agreement is
so broad as to be unenforceable, the provision shall be interpreted to be only
so broad as would be enforceable.

19.  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of
which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one
and the same agreement.

                                      K-6
<PAGE>

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the undersigned has caused its duly
authorized officer to execute and deliver this Joinder Agreement as of
[__________________ ____, _____________].

                               [NAME OF LENDER]

                               By:______________________________
                                  Name:
                                  Title:

                                  Notice Address:

                                  ______________________

                                  ______________________

                                  ______________________

                                  Attention:
                                  Telephone:
                                  Facsimile:

FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION,

By:_____________________________
   Name:
   Title:

FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.,

By:_____________________________
   Name:
   Title:

Consented to by:

GOLDMAN SACHS CREDIT PARTNERS, L.P.,
as Syndication Agent

By:_____________________________
   Name:
   Title:

                                      K-7
<PAGE>

CITIBANK, N.A.,
as Administrative Agent

By:_____________________________
   Name:
   Title:

                                      K-8
<PAGE>

                                                                      SCHEDULE A
                                                            TO JOINDER AGREEMENT

================================================================================
    Name of Lender          Type of Commitment               Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[___________________]     [New Revolving                   $_________________
                          Commitment] [New Delayed
                          Draw Term Loan
                          Commitment] [New Term
                          Loan Commitment]
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

                                                    Total: $_________________
================================================================================

                                      K-9
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT L TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                             ACKNOWLEDGMENT LETTER
                       [on Holdings/Company letterhead]

[Name]
[address]                                [date]

     Reference is made to [describe agreement] dated ___________ between [name]
and _______________ (the "Agreement").
                          ---------

     Pursuant to Section ____ of the Agreement, [Holdings/Company] requests your
consent to the assignment of the Agreement to Citibank, N.A., as collateral
agent on behalf of secured parties, as collateral for a financing to be entered
into on or about August ___, 2000.  In the event of a default by
[Holdings/Company] or any of their subsidiaries under the financing, [name]
agrees that Citibank, N.A., as collateral agent, or its designees may exercise
any of the rights and privileges of [Holdings/Company] under the Agreement,
including entering into [describe] premises, and may request an assignment of
the Agreement and rights thereunder to a third party.  [As provided in Section
____ of the Agreement, your consent to such an assignment would be subject to
the provision of reasonable evidence of the assignee's resources, ability and
authority to perform under the Agreement].

     [An assignment of this type is consistent with Section ___ of the Agreement
and furthers the goals of The Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the FCC by
removing barriers to entry for CLECs.]  [As you know, the FCC took action on
March 18, 1999 to ensure local competition and the reasonable cooperation of
RBOCs in connection with collocation arrangements.]  We therefore request your
consent to this assignment as promptly as possible.

                               Very truly yours,

CONSENTED TO:

[name]

By:______________________
   Name:
   Title:

                                      L-1
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT M TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                                     LEASE

     THIS LEASE is made on August __, 2000 between FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES,
INC. ("Lessor") and each of the Subsidiaries of Focal Communications Corporation
       ------
listed on Schedule 1 hereto or becoming a party hereto as provided in Section 23
below (each such Subsidiary a "Lessee").
                               ------

     20.  Property. Lessor leases to the party identified on Schedule 2 and such
          --------
Lessee leases from Lessor, each of the various items of tangible and intangible
personal property (referred to as "Leased Property") more particularly described
                                   ---------------
and allocated to such Lessees on Schedule 2 hereto, as such schedule may be
supplemented from time to time.  Leased Property shall include, but not be
limited to, transmission equipment, electronics, computers and other
telecommunications assets and non-affixed, non-permanent building improvements.

     21.  Term. Each item of Leased Property shall be leased for a number of
          ----
months that is a whole or fractional month less than [73%]/1/[100%]/2/ of useful
life of the item as reflected on the books of Lessor in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles (the "Term").  Rent shall be charged
from the first month of the Term until the end of the last full month of the
Term. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties may terminate the lease with
respect to any particular item prior to the end of the agreed Term if Lessee
determines that it no longer desires to use the asset in its business and Lessor
determines that it can sell or release the asset on terms acceptable to Lessor
and the Collateral Agent (as hereafter defined) in their sole discretion.

     22.  Rent. The monthly rent for Leased Property shall be the amount
          ----
obtained by amortizing [50%]/1/[100%]/2/ of the Cost Base of the asset over the
number of months in the Term with 6% annual simple interest. [In addition, at
the end of the Term, Lessee shall pay Lessor a Final Payment in an amount equal
to [____]% of the Cost Base of the asset.]/3/

     "Cost Base" as used above includes the purchase price of the asset as well
      ---------
as all associated delivery, installation or other costs incurred by Lessor, if
any, in connection with the purchase and provision to Lessee of the asset.
Lessor shall furnish Lessee quarterly an invoice, which lists the Leased
Property by group (as agreed by Lessor and Lessee) and the applicable quarterly
rent and any
_______________

1    Relevant figure for master lease with Focal Communications Corporation of
     Illinois ("FCCI") (the "FCCI Lease") being Capital Leases permitted by the
                ----         ----------
     Credit Agreement.

2    Relevant figure for master lease with all Subsidiaries other than FCCI.

3    To be included only in FCCI Lease.

                                      M-1
<PAGE>

other charges.  Lessor will make available to Lessee upon request detailed
information regarding rent and other charges on an asset-by-asset basis.  Lessee
shall pay the rent quarterly to Lessor at the principal place of business of the
Lessor unless, with the written consent of the Collateral Agent, Lessor as the
immediate parent of Lessee, elects to contribute the rent to Lessee as a
contribution of capital.  Lessee hereby waives any rights of set-off it may have
against Lessor with respect to any amounts due hereunder.

     23. Security Interests In Leased Property.  The Leased Property is subject
         -------------------------------------
to the following liens until released by the holder of such lien (such liens,
the "Leased Property Liens"):  (1) the lien and security interest  created by
     ---------------------
Lessor in favor of Citibank, N.A., as Collateral Agent for the Secured Parties
(as defined in the Company Pledge and Security Agreement) (the "Collateral
                                                                ----------
Agent"), pursuant to the Company Pledge and Security Agreement dated as of
-----
August ______, 2000 between Focal Financial Services, Inc. and Citibank, N.A. as
Collateral Agent (the "Company Pledge and Security Agreement") which security
                       -------------------------------------
interest secures among other obligations the obligation of the Lessor under the
Credit Agreement dated as of August __, 2000 (as amended, restated, supplemented
or otherwise modified from time to time (the "Lessor Credit Agreement")) among
                                              -----------------------
Focal Communications Corporation , Focal Financial Services, Inc., certain
subsidiaries of Holdings, the lenders party thereto, Goldman Sachs Credit
Partners as Syndication Agent, Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent and as
Collateral Agent, Bank of America, N.A. as Documentation Agent and GSCP and
Salomon Smith Barney Inc., as Joint Lead Arrangers.  (such lien, the "Lessor
                                                                      ------
Lien");  (2) the lien and security interest created by each Lessee in favor of
----
the Collateral Agent pursuant to the Master Pledge and Security Agreement dated
as of August __, 2000 between each of the grantors party thereto and the
Collateral Agent (the "Master Pledge and Security Agreement") which security
                       ------------------------------------
interest secures, among other obligations, the obligation of each Lessee under
the Guaranty (the "Lessee Guarantee Lien"); (3) the lien and security interest
                   ---------------------
created by each Lessee pursuant to Section 23 hereunder to secure among other
obligations, the obligation of each Lessee under this lease (the "Lessee Lease
                                                                  ------------
Lien"); and (4) the lien and security interest created by each Lessee pursuant
----
to the Intercompany Security Agreement dated as of August __, 2000 between each
of  the grantors party thereto and Lessor (the "Intercompany Security
                                                ---------------------
Agreement") to secure among other obligations the Lessee's obligations under the
---------
Intercompany Loan Agreement dated as of August __, 2000 between each of the
Lessees and Lessor and under this lease (such lien the "Lessee Intercompany
                                                        -------------------
Lien").
----
     a.  The parties hereto acknowledge that the Lessor Lien was created by the
         Lessor and attached to the Leased Property immediately prior to the
         time the Leased Property became subject to this Lease and that any
         rights acquired by the Lessee in the Leased Property or hereunder are
         subject to the Lessor Lien. Notwithstanding the provisions of Article
         2A of the Uniform Commercial Code or any other law or any agreement
         between the parties to the contrary, the Collateral Agent's rights in
         the Leased Property are not subject to the terms of this Lease.

     b.  The Lessor agrees that the liens and security interests of the
         Collateral Agent shall be senior and prior in right to the liens and
         security interest of Lessor, if any, in the Leased

                                      M-2
<PAGE>

         Property, and such priority is applicable irrespective of the order of
         creation, attachment or perfection of any such liens or security
         interests or any priority that might otherwise be available to the
         Collateral Agent or the Lessor.

     c.  The Lessor agrees that the liens and security interests of the
         Collateral Agent shall be senior and prior in right to the liens and
         security interest of Lessor, if any, in the Leased Property, and such
         priority is applicable irrespective of the order of creation,
         attachment or perfection of any such liens or security interests or any
         priority that might otherwise be available to the Collateral Agent or
         the Lessor.

     24. Security Interest in Lease.  This Lease is subject to a lien and
         --------------------------
security interest granted by Lessor to Collateral Agent pursuant to the terms of
the Lessor Pledge and Security Agreement and secures, among other obligations,
the obligation of the Lessor under the Lessor Credit Agreement.

     a.  The Lessee agrees that, upon written notice to Lessee by the Collateral
         Agent of the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default (as
         defined in the Lessor Credit Agreement), the Collateral Agent may
         exercise its right to acquire, sell or otherwise dispose of all the
         Lessor's rights under this Lease, notwithstanding any rights of the
         Lessee hereunder.

     b.  The Collateral Agent may exercise all the rights of the Lessor
         hereunder, including the right to demand and collect payment of the
         Lease Obligations. Lessee shall make all payments hereunder to Lessor
         until receipt of written notice from Collateral Agent.

     25. Location.  Lessee shall give Lessor and Collateral Agent such
         --------
information relating to the Leased Property as either the Lessor or the
Collateral Agent may reasonably request from time to time.  For so long as the
Lessor Lien is outstanding, Lessor and Collateral Agent shall have the right to
enter the property where the Leased Property is located during business hours
for the purpose of inspecting it or observing its use.

     26. Installation and Maintenance.  Except as the parties may otherwise
         ----------------------------
agree, Lessee shall be responsible for installation and maintenance of all
Leased Property.

     27. Use.  Lessee shall comply with all federal, state, municipal, police
         ---
and other laws, ordinances and regulations relating to the possession, use or
maintenance of the Leased Property. Lessee shall give Lessor immediate notice of
any attachment or other judicial process affecting the Leased Property. If
Lessor or Collateral Agent supplies Lessee with any label, plate or other
marking, which indicates that the Leased Property is owned by Lessor, Lessee
shall affix it and keep it upon a prominent place on the Leased Property.

     28. Alterations.  Without the prior consent of Lessor and Collateral
         -----------
Agent, Lessee shall not make any alterations, additions, or improvements to the
Leased Property which will adversely affect the Leased Property. Such permitted
alterations, additions or improvements may, at Lessee's option,

                                      M-3
<PAGE>

be removed by Lessee upon the expiration or earlier termination of this Lease,
but only if such removal may be accomplished without damage to the Leased
Property or otherwise reducing its value.

     29.  Repairs.  Lessee, at its expense, shall keep the Leased Property in
          -------
good working condition and shall finish any parts necessary to keep the Leased
Property in good working condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted. However, if
Lessee and Lessor determine that any particular repair will extend the life of
the item of Leased Property and Collateral Agent consents to such repair, Lessor
shall pay for such repair.

     30.  Loss and Damage Insurance.  Lessee assumes and shall be liable for any
          -------------------------
loss or damage to the Leased Property from any cause occurring at any time
subsequent to the commencement of the lease. The value of the property at the
time of any loss or damage shall in no event be less than the aggregate amount
of all future rental payments due hereunder as of the date of such loss or
damage but shall be determined by the Lessor, the Lessee and, so long as the
Lessor Lien is outstanding, the Collateral Agent. If the parties cannot agree to
a value, then the parties shall jointly select a qualified appraiser to
determine the value of the item. Cost of the appraiser shall be borne equally by
Lessor and Lessee, and the determination of value by the appraiser shall be
binding on the parties. Lessor may at its option insure the Leased Property
against risk of physical loss or damage; however, the amount or availability of
such insurance shall not be for the benefit of the lessee and shall not reduce
the Lessee's damages to Lessor for any loss or damage to the Leased Property. If
any item of Leased Property is damaged or any loss occurs, Lessee shall
immediately notify Lessor of the damage or loss Collateral Agent shall be named
as loss payee on any such policy of insurance.

     31.  Surrender.  Subject to Section 13 below, upon the expiration or
          ---------
earlier termination of this Lease, as to any item of Leased Property, Lessee
shall, at its own expense, return the item to Lessor in good working condition,
ordinary wear and tear excepted.

     32.  Purchase Option.  In lieu of surrender of an item of Leased Property
          ---------------
upon expiration or termination of the Lease, Lessee may, at its option, elect to
purchase such item at its fair market value (which value shall be calculated
without regard to any Leased Property Liens encumbering such property) as of
that date. Fair market value shall be determined jointly by Lessee, Lessor and,
for so long as the Lessor Lien is outstanding, the Collateral Agent, and if the
parties cannot agree to a value, then the parties shall jointly select a
qualified appraiser to determine the value of the item. Cost of the appraiser
shall be borne equally by Lessor and Lessee, and the determination of value by
the appraiser shall be binding on the parties. Lessee shall exercise its
purchase option under this Section by notification on or before the date of
termination or expiration of the Lease (or within 10 business days of the
termination in the event of an early termination of this Lease) with respect to
the item in writing to the Lessor and, for so long as the Lessor Lien is
outstanding, also to the Collateral Agent. Any sale pursuant to this Section 13
shall be subject to Section 2.12(a) of the Credit Agreement. Any item of Leased
Property sold pursuant to this Section 13 shall be released from the Lessor Lien
by the Collateral Agent upon payment of the fair market value purchase price to
the Collateral Agent. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Lessor shall remain liable
for the full
                                      M-4
<PAGE>

performance of all obligations on the part of Lessor to be performed under the
Company Pledge and Security Agreement./4/

     33.  Other Taxes and Fees.  Lessor shall collect and separately state on
          --------------------
invoices to Lessee amounts of sales or use taxes levied on the rent charged from
Lessor to Lessee to the extent such collection is required under applicable
federal, state, county, city, or other laws or regulations.  In addition to
rent, Lessee shall pay to Lessor separately stated amounts for collection of
sales or use taxes with amounts charged for the rent of Leased Property.  Lessee
shall pay all governmental charges resulting from the ownership of the equipment
such as fees for tiding or registration of equipment.  In addition, Lessee shall
be responsible for all ad valorem taxes payable with respect to the Leased
Property.  Lessor shall pay all federal, foreign, state, city, county or other
taxes arising from net income derived from the lease.

     34.  Warranties.  LESSOR MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, AS
          ----------
TO ANY MATTER WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE CONDITION OF THE
EQUIPMENT, ITS MERCHANTABILITY OR ITS FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE.

     35.  Indemnity.  Lessee shall indemnify Lessor against, and hold Lessor
          ---------
harmless from, any and all claims, actions, suits, proceedings, costs, expenses,
damages and liabilities, including reasonable attorneys' fees, relating to the
Leased Property, including without limitation, the manufacture, selection,
delivery, possession, use, operation or return of the Leased Property.  Each
party agrees that it will give the other prompt notice of the assertion of any
such claim or the filing of any such action, suit or proceeding.

     36.  Default.  A default shall occur when (1) Lessee  fails to pay any rent
          -------
or other amount as to any item of Leased Property, within 30 days after the same
is due and payable, (2) any Lessee fails to observe, keep or perform any other
term of this Lease as to any item of Leased Property, and such Lessee fails to
remedy, cure or remove such failure within 30 days after receipt of written
notice from such Lessor (or for so long as Lessor Lien is outstanding, the
Collateral Agent), or (3) a Default occurs under the Credit Agreement.  Upon
such Default hereunder, Lessor or Collateral Agent (in the case of a Default
under clause (3)) shall have the right to exercise any one or more of the
following remedies:

     a.   To take possession of any or all items of Leased Property, without
          demand or notice, wherever it is located, without any court order or
          other legal process, unless such repossession is prohibited by law.
          Lessee waives any damages because of repossession unless caused by
          Lessor's or Collateral Agent's gross negligence or willful misconduct,
          as the case may be. A repossession shall not cause a termination of
          this Lease as to any item of Leased Property unless Lessor or
          Collateral Agent as the case may be, expressly notifies Lessee in
          writing.

__________________

4    The purchase option contained in Section 13 shall be for a nominal purchase
     price rather than the fair market value of the property.

                                      M-5
<PAGE>

     b.   To terminate this Lease as to any or all items of Leased Property.

     c.   To pursue any other remedy at law or in equity.

Notwithstanding any repossession, or any other action which Lessor or Collateral
Agent may take, Lessee shall remain liable for the full performance of all
obligations on the part of Lessee to be performed under this Lease.

Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 17, upon the occurrence of
any Event of Default described in Section 8.1(f) or 8.1(q) of the Credit
Agreement, this Lease shall terminate automatically.

     37.  Assignment.  Without the prior consent of Lessor and Collateral Agent,
          ----------
Lessee shall not assign, transfer, pledge or hypothecate this Lease or the
Leased Property to any third party (other than the Collateral Agent).  All
rights of Lessor may be assigned, pledged, mortgaged, transferred or otherwise
disposed of, without notice to Lessee.  Subject to the foregoing, this Lease is
binding on the personal representatives, successors and assigns of the parties.
The parties intend that the equipment identified on Schedule 2 (whether or not
identified on one or more separate pieces of paper and whether or not leased by
separate lessees) shall not be deemed subject to separate agreements or separate
leases; but this Lease shall be construed as a single agreement, and the rights
hereunder may not be separately transferred with respect to any item of Leased
Property.

     38.  Applicable Law.  This Lease shall be governed by and construed under
          --------------
the laws of New York applicable to contracts made and to be performed entirely
within such state. This Lease shall be valid only if signed first by Lessee and
then signed and accepted by Lessor.

     39.  Ownership.  The Leased Property shall continue to be the sole and
          ---------
exclusive property of Lessor, and Lessee shall have no right, title or interest
except as expressly set forth in this Lease.

     40.  Payment Subordination.
          ---------------------
     a.   The Lessor agrees that the Lease Obligations (as defined herein) are
          subordinate in right of payment, to the extent and in the manner
          provided in this Section 21, to the prior payment in full in cash of
          all the Guaranteed Obligations (as defined in the Credit Agreement)
          and that the subordination is for the benefit of and enforceable by
          the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.

     b.   The Lessee may not pay rent, any interest thereon, the Final Payment,
          or any other amount in respect of the Lease Obligations during any
          period (a "Payment Blockage Period") commencing on the date the
                     -----------------------
          Administrative Agent shall have given written notice to the Lessee (a
          "Blockage Notice") that such payments in respect of the Lease
           ---------------
          Obligations should cease and ending on the date that the
          Administrative Agent shall notify the Lessee that the Blockage Notice
          is no longer in effect.

                                      M-6
<PAGE>

     c. If a distribution is made to the Lessor that because of this Section 21
        should not have been made to it, the Lessor shall hold such payment in
        trust for the Collateral Agent and the Secured Parties and pay it over
        to them as their interests may appear.

     d. No right of the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to enforce the
        subordination of the Lease Obligations shall be impaired by any act or
        failure to act by the Lessor or by its failure to comply with this
        Lease, the Credit Agreement or any other Credit Document (as defined in
        the Credit Agreement).

     e. The Lessor authorizes and directs the Collateral Agent on the Lessor's
        behalf to take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to
        acknowledge or effectuate the subordination provided in this Section 21
        and appoints the Collateral Agent as attorney-in-fact for any and all
        such purposes.

     f. The Lessor shall not take or omit to take any action or assert any claim
        with respect to the Lease Obligations or otherwise which is inconsistent
        with the provisions of this Lease. Without limiting the foregoing, the
        Lessor shall not assert, collect or enforce the Lease Obligations or any
        part thereof or take any action to foreclose or realize upon the Lease
        Obligations or any party thereof or enforce this Lease or the Company
        Pledge and Security Agreement except to the extent (but only to such
        extent) that the commencement of a legal action may be required to toll
        the running of any applicable statute of limitation. Until all
        obligations owed under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit
        Documents have been paid in full, the Lessor shall not have any right of
        subrogation, reimbursement, restitution, contribution or indemnity
        whatsoever from any assets of the Lessor or the Lessee. The Lessor
        further waives any and all rights with respect to marshalling.

     g. Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, any
        secured party to whom the Lessor assigns its right, title and interest
        in, to and under this Lease shall be entitled to terminate this Lease if
        and upon such circumstances as the security agreement between the Lessor
        and such secured party so permits. Upon any such termination, the Lessee
        shall promptly deliver to such secured party or allow such secured party
        to take possession of the Leased Property. This Lease is subject and
        subordinate in all respects to the rights of the secured party under
        such security agreement.

     "Lease Obligations" as used above means all Obligations of the Lessee under
      -----------------
this Lease.

     41.  General Agreement.  [The Lessor and each Lessee intend that this Lease
          -----------------
be a true lease with respect to the Leased Property.  If, notwithstanding the
intent of the parties to this Lease, this Lease is deemed by any court,
tribunal, arbitrator or other adjudicative authority in any proceeding to
constitute a financing arrangement or otherwise not to constitute a "true lease"
with respect to the Leased Property, then]/5/ Lessee hereby grants to Lessor a
security interest in and to Lessee's rights in and to all Leased Property to
secure the obligation of the Lessee hereunder.

______________________________

5    Not to be included in FCCI Lease.

                                      M-7
<PAGE>

     42.  Additional Lessees.  The Credit Agreement predicates that each
          ------------------
Subsidiary that was not in existence on the date of the Credit Agreement is
required to enter into this Agreement as a Lessee and the Intercompany Security
Agreement if the Lessor wishes to lease Telecommunications Assets to such
Subsidiary.  Upon execution and delivery by the Lessor and a Subsidiary of an
instrument in the form of Annex 1 hereto, such Subsidiary shall become a Lessee
hereunder and a Grantor under the Intercompany Security Agreement, in each case
with the same force and effect as if originally named as a Lessee herein or a
Grantor under the Intercompany Security Agreement.  The execution and delivery
of any such instrument shall not require the consent of any Lessee hereunder.
The rights and obligations of each Lessee hereunder and each Grantor under the
Intercompany Security Agreement shall remain in full force and effect
notwithstanding the addition of any new Lessee as a party to this Agreement or
the Intercompany Security Agreement.

     43.  Notices.  All communications and notices hereunder shall (except as
          -------
otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as provided in
Section 10.1 of the Lessor Credit Agreement.  All communications and notices
hereunder to any Lessee shall be given to it at its address or telecopy number
set forth on Schedule I.

     44.  Entire Agreement.  This instrument constitutes the entire agreement
          ----------------
between Lessor and Lessee.  It shall not be changed except by a written
agreement signed by both parties.

                 (remainder of page intentionally left blank)

                                      M-8
<PAGE>

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Lessor and Lessee have duly executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

                                      LESSOR:

                                      FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.

                                      By:___________________________
                                      Title:________________________

                                      LESSEE:

                                      [EACH OF THE SUBSIDIARIES LISTED ON
                                      SCHEDULE 1 HERETO]/6/

                                      [FOCAL COMMUNICATIONS
                                      CORPORATION OF ILLINOIS]/7/

                                      By:___________________________

                                      Title: Authorized Signatory
                                            -------------------------

Acknowledged by and agreed to by:

CITIBANK, N.A., as Collateral Agent
under Company Pledge and Security Agreement

By:______________________________________
Title:___________________________________

____________________________

6  For Lease with all Subsidiaries other than FCCI.

7  For FCCI Lease only.

                                      M-9
<PAGE>

                                                      SCHEDULE 1 TO MASTER LEASE

                                   LESSEE[S]

                    Name                                Address

[Focal Communications Corporation of California        each of
Focal Communications Corporation of Colorado           Chief Executive Office
Focal Communications Corporation of Florida            200 North LaSalle Street
Focal Communications Corporation of Georgia            Chicago, Illinois 60601
Focal Communications Corporation of Massachusetts
Focal Communications Corporation of Michigan
Focal Communications Corporation of Mid-Atlantic
Focal Communications Corporation of Minnesota
Focal Communications Corporation of Missouri
Focal Communications Corporation of New Jersey
Focal Communications Corporation of New York
Focal Communications Corporation of Ohio
Focal Communications Corporation of Pennsylvania
Focal Communications Corporation of Texas
Focal Communications Corporation of Virginia
Focal Communications Corporation of Washington
Focal Communications Corporation of Wisconsin
Focal International Corp.
Focal Telecommunications Corporation
Focal Equipment Finance, LLC]/8/
[Focal Communications Corporation of Illinois]/9/

_______________________________

8    Lease with all Subsidiaries other than FCCI.

9    FCCI Lease only.

                                     M-10
<PAGE>

                                                      SCHEDULE 2 TO MASTER LEASE

                        DESCRIPTION OF LEASED PROPERTY
                          IN RESPECT OF EACH LESSEE

                [List Leased Property and corresponding Lessee]

                                     M-11
<PAGE>

                                                                      ANNEX 1 TO
                                                                MASTER LEASE/10/

     THIS IS SUPPLEMENT NO. __ dated as of [__________] to the Approved Lease
Agreement dated as of August [    ], 2000 (the "Approved Lease Agreement"),
                                                ------------------------
among the Subsidiaries of Focal Communications Corporation listed on Schedule 1
thereto, and Focal Financial Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the

"Lessor").
 ------

          A.   Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of August
[__], 2000 (as amended, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time,
the "Credit Agreement"), among Focal Communications Corporation, Focal Financial
     -----------------
Services, Inc., certain Subsidiaries of Focal Communications Corporation, the
lenders from time to time party thereto (the "Lenders"), Goldman Sachs Credit
                                              -------
Partners ("GSCP") as Syndication Agent,  Citibank, N.A., as Administrative Agent
           ----
and collateral agent, Bank of America N.A. as Documentation Agent, and GSCP and
Salomon Smith Barney Inc. as Joint Lead Arrangers (b) the Approved Lease
Agreement and (c) the Intercompany Security Agreement.

          B.   Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein
shall have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Approved Lease Agreement
and the Credit Agreement.

          C.   The Lessees have entered into the Approved Lease Agreement as
required by the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement predicates that each
Subsidiary not in existence on the date of the Credit Agreement is required to
enter into the Approved Lease Agreement as a Lessee if the Lessor wishes to
lease Telecommunications Assets to such Subsidiary. Section 24 of the Approved
Lease Agreement provides that additional Subsidiaries may become Lessees under
the Approved Lease Agreement and Grantors under the Intercompany Security
Agreement by execution and delivery of an instrument in the form of this
Supplement. The undersigned Subsidiary (the "New Lessee") is executing this
                                             -----------
Supplement in accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become
a Lessee under the Approved Lease Agreement and a Grantor under the Intercompany
Security Agreement.

          Accordingly, the Lessor and the New Lessee agree as follows:

          SECTION 1. In accordance with Section 23 of the Approved Lease
Agreement, the New Lessee by its signature below becomes a Lessee under the
Approved Lease Agreement and a Grantor under the Intercompany Security
Agreement, in each case with the same force and effect as if originally named
therein as a Lessee or a Grantor, respectively, and the New Lessee hereby (a)
agrees to all the terms and provisions of the Approved Lease Agreement
applicable to it as a Lessee thereunder and of the Intercompany Security
Agreement applicable to it as a Grantor thereunder, (b) represents and warrants
that the representations and warranties made by it as a Lessee or Grantor,

_______________________

10   [Not relevant for FCCI Lease.]

                                     M-12
<PAGE>

as applicable, thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, (c)
grants to Lessor a security interest in all of such New Lessee's right, title
and interest in and to all "Collateral" (as such term is defined in the
Intercompany Security Agreement) of such New Lessee, whether now or hereafter
existing or in which New Lessee now has or hereafter acquires an interest and
wherever the same may be located and (d) represents and warrants that it has
duly completed and herewith delivers to Lessor supplements to all schedules
attached to the Intercompany Security Agreement. Each reference to a "Lessee" in
the Approved Lease Agreement and a "Grantor" in the Intercompany Security
Agreement shall be deemed to include the New Lessee. Each of the Approved Lease
Agreement and the Intercompany Security Agreement is hereby incorporated herein
by reference.

          SECTION 2.  The New Lessee represents and warrants to the Lessor that
this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by it and
constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against it in
accordance with its terms.

          SECTION 3.  This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by
different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall
constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a
single contract.  This Supplement shall become effective when the Lessor shall
have received counterparts of this Supplement that, when taken together, bear
the signatures of the New Lessee and the Lessor.  Delivery of an executed
signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission shall be as
effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.

          SECTION 4.  Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Approved
Lease Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

          SECTION 5.  THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK.

          SECTION 6.  In case any one or more of the provisions contained in
this Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect,
the validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein and in the Approved Lease Agreement shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular
provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the
validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction). The parties hereto shall
endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which
comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable
provisions.

          SECTION 7.  All communications and notices hereunder shall be in
writing and given as provided in the Approved Lease Agreement. All
communications and notices hereunder to the New Lessee shall be given to it at
the address set forth under its signature below.

          SECTION 8.  The New Lessee agrees to reimburse the Lessor for its
reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement, including
the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for the Lessor.

                                     M-13
<PAGE>

          SECTION 9.  The Lessor and the New Lessee intend that this Supplement
and together with the Approved Lease Agreement be a true lease with respect to
the Leased Property. If, notwithstanding the intent of the parties to this
Supplement, this Supplement or the Approved Lease Agreement is deemed by any
court, tribunal, arbitrator or other adjudicative authority in any proceeding to
constitute a financing arrangement or otherwise not to constitute a "true lease"
with respect to the Leased Property, then New Lessee hereby grants to Lessor a
security interest in and to Lessee's rights in and to all Leased Property to
secure the obligation of the New Lessee hereunder and under the Approved Lease
Agreement.

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Lessee and the Lessor have duly executed
this Supplement to the Approved Lease Agreement as of the day and year first
above written.

                             [Name of New Lessee],

                                   By:_________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:
                                      Address:

                                   FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., as
                                   Lessor,

                                   By:_________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:

Acknowledged by and agreed to by:
[NAME OF COLLATERAL AGENT]

by__________________________________
  Name:
  Title:
  Address:

                                     M-14
<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT N TO
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                          INTERCOMPANY LOAN AGREEMENT

     THIS INTERCOMPANY LOAN AGREEMENT is dated as of August __, 2000, among each
Subsidiary of Focal Communications Corporation listed on Schedule I hereto or
becoming a party hereto as provided in Section 4.09 (each such Subsidiary
individually, a "Subsidiary Borrower" and collectively, the "Subsidiary
                 -------------------                         ----------
Borrowers"), as borrowers, and FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., a Delaware
---------
corporation (the "Company"), as lender.
                  -------

     Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of August __, 2000
(as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to time, the
"Credit Agreement"), among Focal Communications Corporation ("Holdings"), the
 ----------------                                             --------
Company, certain Subsidiaries of Holdings, the lenders party thereto (the
"Lenders"), Goldman Sachs Credit Partners L.P. ("GSCP") as Syndication Agent,
 -------
Citibank, N.A., as administrative agent and collateral agent (the "Collateral
                                                                   ----------
Agent") Bank of America, N.A., as Documentation Agent, and Salomon Smith Barney
-----
Inc. and GSCP as Joint Lead Arrangers, and (b) the Intercompany Security
Agreement dated as of August [    ], 2000 (as amended, restated, supplemented or
otherwise modified from time to time, the "Intercompany Security Agreement"),
                                           -------------------------------
among the Company and the Subsidiary Borrowers.

     Pursuant to the Credit Agreement, the Lenders will make loans to the
Company, subject to the terms and conditions specified therein.  Section 5.13 of
the Credit Agreement requires that any and all intercompany loans made by
Company to any of its Subsidiaries are evidenced by and made in accordance with
this Agreement.

     Accordingly, the Subsidiary Borrowers and the Company (and each of their
respective successors or assigns), hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                  Definitions
                                  -----------

     SECTION 1.01   Definition of Terms Used Herein.  Unless the context
                    -------------------------------
otherwise requires, all capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have
the meanings set forth in the Credit Agreement.

     SECTION 1.02   Rules of Interpretation.  The rules of interpretation
                    -----------------------
specified in Sections 1.3 and 1.4 of the Credit Agreement shall be applicable to
this Agreement.

                                      N-1
<PAGE>

                                  ARTICLE II

                              Intercompany Loans
                              ------------------

     The Company may from time to time make loans (the "Intercompany Loans") to
                                                        ------------------
any of the Subsidiary Borrowers to the extent permitted in accordance with the
Credit Agreement.  Each of the Subsidiary Borrowers and the Company hereby
agrees that the Intercompany Loans shall not, at any time, be evidenced by any
written promissory notes and agree that the Intercompany Loans shall be recorded
by appropriate notation in the books and records of the Company.  The
Intercompany Loans will be payable in the full amount of all principal and
accrued and unpaid interest 30 days after demand therefor from the Company.
Interest on the Intercompany Loans will accrue at such rate or rates, and be
payable at such times, as the Company and the applicable Subsidiary Borrower may
from time to time agree.  All payments in respect of the Intercompany Loans
shall be made in U.S. dollars without any reduction for any claim of set-off,
recoupment, counterclaim or other similar right by any Subsidiary Borrower.

                                  ARTICLE III

                                 Subordination
                                 -------------

     SECTION 3.01   Subordination of Payment.  The Company and each Subsidiary
                    ------------------------
Borrower agrees that the Intercompany Loans are subordinated in right of
payment, to the extent and in the manner provided in this Article III, to the
prior payment in full in cash of all the Guaranteed Obligations (as defined in
the Credit Agreement) and that the subordination is for the benefit of and
enforceable by the Collateral Agent on behalf of the Secured Parties.

     SECTION 3.02   Subordination of Liens.  Pursuant to the Company Pledge and
                    ----------------------
Security Agreement dated as of August [   ], 2000, between the Company and the
Collateral Agent, the Company has granted to the Collateral Agent a security
interest in, among other things, the Intercompany Loans, any instruments
evidencing the Intercompany Loans and all security related to the Intercompany
Loans, including the security interest created by the Intercompany Security
Agreement.  The Company agrees that the liens and security interests of the
Collateral Agent shall be senior and prior in right to the liens and security
interest of Company in the Collateral (as defined in the Intercompany Security
Agreement), and such priority is applicable irrespective of the order of
creation, attachment or perfection of any such liens or security interests or
any priority that might otherwise be available to the Collateral Agent or the
Company.

     SECTION 3.03   Default on Senior Indebtedness.  The Subsidiary Borrowers
                    ------------------------------
may not pay the principal of, premium, if any, interest on, or any other amount
in respect of the Intercompany Obligations during any period (a "Payment
                                                                 -------
Blockage Period") commencing on the date the Administrative Agent shall have
---------------
given written notice of the occurrence of a continuing Event of Default to the
Subsidiary Borrowers (a "Blockage Notice") that such payments in respect of the
                         ---------------
Intercompany Obligations should cease and ending on the date that the
Administrative Agent shall notify the Subsidiary Borrowers that the Blockage
Notice is no longer in effect.

                                      N-2
<PAGE>

     SECTION 3.04   When Distributions Must Be Paid Over.  If a distribution is
                    ------------------------------------
made to the Company that because of this Article III should not have been made
to it, the Company shall hold such payment in trust for the Collateral Agent and
the Secured Parties and pay it over to them as their interests may appear.

     SECTION 3.05   Subordination May Not Be Impaired by Borrower.  No right of
                    ---------------------------------------------
the Collateral Agent or any Secured Party to enforce the subordination of the
Intercompany Obligations shall be impaired by any act or failure to act by the
Company or by its failure to comply with this Agreement, the Credit Agreement or
any other Credit Document.

     SECTION 3.06   Administrative Agent To Effectuate Subordination.  The
                    ------------------------------------------------
Company authorizes and directs the Collateral Agent on the Company's behalf to
take such action as may be necessary or appropriate to acknowledge or effectuate
the subordination provided in this Article III and irrevocably appoints the
Collateral Agent as attorney-in-fact for any and all such purposes.

     SECTION 3.07   Enforcement of Remedies.  The Company shall not take or omit
                    -----------------------
to take any action or assert any claim with respect to the Intercompany
Obligations (as defined in the Intercompany Security Agreement) or otherwise
which is inconsistent with the provisions of this Agreement. Without limiting
the foregoing, the Company shall not assert, collect or enforce the Intercompany
Obligations or any part thereof or take any action to foreclose or realize upon
the Intercompany Obligations or any part thereof or enforce this Agreement or
the Intercompany Security Agreement except to the extent (but only to such
extent) that the commencement of a legal action may be required to toll the
running of any applicable statute of limitation. Until all obligations owed
under the Credit Agreement and the other Credit Documents have been paid in
full, the Company shall not have any right of subrogation, reimbursement,
restitution, contribution or indemnity whatsoever from any assets of the Company
or a Subsidiary Borrower. The Company further waives any and all rights with
respect to marshalling.

                                  ARTICLE IV

                                 Miscellaneous
                                 -------------

     SECTION 4.01   GOVERNING LAW.  THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE CONSTRUED IN
                    -------------
ACCORDANCE WITH AND GOVERNED BY THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING
SECTION 5-1401 AND SECTION 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATION LAW), BUT
WITHOUT REGARD TO ITS CONFLICT OF LAW PROVISIONS.

     SECTION 4.02   Waivers.  Neither this Agreement nor any provision hereof
                    -------
may be waived, amended or modified except pursuant to an agreement or agreements
in writing entered into by the Company and the Subsidiary Borrower or Subsidiary
Borrowers with respect to which such waiver, amendment or modification is to
apply.

                                      N-3
<PAGE>

     SECTION 4.03   WAIVER OF JURY TRIAL.  EACH PARTY HERETO HEREBY WAIVES, TO
                    --------------------
THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO A TRIAL
BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ARISING OUT OF,
UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY RELATED DOCUMENT.  EACH PARTY
HERETO (A) CERTIFIES THAT NO REPRESENTATIVE, AGENT OR ATTORNEY OF ANY OTHER
PARTY HAS REPRESENTED, EXPRESSLY OR OTHERWISE, THAT SUCH OTHER PARTY WOULD NOT,
IN THE EVENT OF LITIGATION, SEEK TO ENFORCE THE FOREGOING WAIVER AND (B)
ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT AND THE OTHER PARTIES HERETO HAVE BEEN INDUCED TO ENTER
INTO THIS AGREEMENT BY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE MUTUAL WAIVERS AND
CERTIFICATIONS IN THIS SECTION 4.03.

     SECTION 4.04   Severability.  In the event any one or more of the
                    ------------
provisions contained in this Agreement should be held invalid, illegal or
unenforceable in any respect, the validity, legality and enforceability of the
remaining provisions contained herein shall not in any way be affected or
impaired thereby (it being understood that the invalidity of a particular
provision in a particular jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the
validity of such provision in any other jurisdiction).  The parties shall
endeavor in good-faith negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or
unenforceable provisions with valid provisions the economic effect of which
comes as close as possible to that of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable
provisions.

     SECTION 4.05   Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in two or more
                    ------------
counterparts, each of which shall constitute an original but all of which when
taken together shall constitute but one contract (subject to Section 4.04), and
shall become effective as provided in Section 4.04.  Delivery of an executed
signature page to this Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be effective as
delivery of a manually executed counterpart hereof.

     SECTION 4.06   Headings.  Article and Section headings used herein are for
                    --------
the purpose of reference only, are not part of this Agreement and are not to
affect the construction of, or to be taken into consideration in interpreting,
this Agreement.

     SECTION 4.07   Jurisdiction; Consent to Service of Process.  (a) Each
                    -------------------------------------------
Subsidiary Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally submits, for itself
and its property, to the nonexclusive jurisdiction of any New York State court
or Federal court of the United States of America sitting in New York City, and
any appellate court from any thereof, in any action or proceeding arising out of
or relating to this Agreement, or for recognition or enforcement of any
judgment, and each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
agrees that all claims in respect of any such action or proceeding may be heard
and determined in such New York State or, to the extent permitted by law, in
such Federal court.  Each of the parties hereto agrees that a final judgment in
any such action or proceeding shall be conclusive and may be enforced in other
jurisdictions by suit on the judgment or in any other manner provided by law.
Nothing in this Agreement shall affect any right that the Company may otherwise
have to bring any action or proceeding relating to this Agreement against any
Subsidiary Borrower or its properties in the courts of any jurisdiction.

                                      N-4
<PAGE>

          (b) Each Subsidiary Borrower hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
waives, to the fullest extent it may legally and effectively do so, any
objection which it may now or hereafter have to the laying of venue of any suit,
action or proceeding arising out of or relating to this Agreement in any New
York State or Federal court.  Each of the parties hereto hereby irrevocably
waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, the defense of an inconvenient
forum to the maintenance of such action or proceeding in any such court.

          (c) Each party to this Agreement irrevocably consents to service of
process by mail in the manner provided for notices in Section 4.12.  Nothing in
this Agreement will affect the right of any party to this Agreement to serve
process in any other manner permitted by law.

     SECTION 4.08   Termination.  This Agreement and the Security Interest shall
                    -----------
terminate when all the Intercompany Obligations have been paid in full and the
Intercompany Loan Agreement has been terminated in a manner permitted by the
Credit Agreement, at which time the Company shall execute and deliver to the
Subsidiary Borrowers, at the Subsidiary Borrowers expense, all Uniform
Commercial Code termination statements and similar documents which the
Subsidiary Borrowers shall reasonably request to evidence such termination.  Any
execution and delivery of termination statements or documents pursuant to this
Section 4.08 shall be without recourse to or warranty by the Company.  A
Subsidiary Borrower shall automatically be released from its obligations
hereunder and the security interest in the Intercompany Collateral of such
Subsidiary Borrower shall be automatically released in the event that all the
capital stock of such Subsidiary Borrower shall be sold, transferred or
otherwise disposed of to a person that is not the Company or an Affiliate of the
Company in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.

     SECTION 4.09   Additional Subsidiary Borrowers.  The Credit Agreement
                    -------------------------------
predicates that each Subsidiary that was not in existence on the date of the
Credit Agreement is required to enter into this Agreement as a Subsidiary
Borrower and the Intercompany Security Agreement if the Company wishes to make
intercompany loans to such Subsidiary Borrower.  Upon execution and delivery by
the Company and a Subsidiary of an instrument in the form of Annex 1 hereto,
such Subsidiary shall become a Subsidiary Borrower hereunder and a Grantor under
the Intercompany Security Agreement, in each case with the same force and effect
as if originally named as a Subsidiary Borrower herein or a Grantor under the
Intercompany Security Agreement.  The execution and delivery of any such
instrument shall not require the consent of any Subsidiary Borrower hereunder.
The rights and obligations of each Subsidiary Borrower hereunder and each
Grantor under the Intercompany Security Agreement shall remain in full force and
effect notwithstanding the addition of any new Subsidiary Borrower as a party to
this Agreement or the Intercompany Security Agreement.

     SECTION 4.10   Compliance with Laws.  Notwithstanding anything herein which
                    --------------------
may be construed to the contrary, no action shall be taken by the Company with
respect to the Licenses or any license, permit, certificate or authorization of
the Federal Communications Commission ("FCC") or any other federal, state or
                                        ---
local regulatory or governmental bodies applicable to or having jurisdiction
over the Subsidiary Borrowers unless and until any required approval under the
Federal Communications Act of 1934, and any applicable rules and regulations
thereunder, requiring the consent to or approval of such action by the FCC or
any governmental or other communications

                                      N-5
<PAGE>

authority, have been satisfied and, to the extent applicable, any action taken
with respect to, concerning or affecting the Intercompany Collateral, directly
or indirectly, or any security interest granted therein by the Company shall be
subject to any required approval of the FCC and any state or local
communications regulatory authority and all applicable communications laws.

     SECTION 4.11   Collateral Agent's Rights.  The Subsidiary Borrowers agree
                    -------------------------
that, upon the occurrence and continuation of an Event of Default (as defined in
the Credit Agreement), the Collateral Agent may exercise its right to acquire,
sell or otherwise dispose of all the Company's rights under this Agreement and
the Intercompany Security Agreement, whereupon this Agreement shall be deemed to
have been assigned to the Collateral Agent and the Collateral Agent may exercise
all the rights of the Company hereunder, including the right to demand and
collect payment of the Intercompany Loans.

     SECTION 4.12   Notices.  All communications and notices hereunder shall
                    -------
(except as otherwise expressly permitted herein) be in writing and given as
provided in Section 10.1 of the Credit Agreement.  All communications and
notices hereunder to any Subsidiary Borrower shall be given to it at its address
or telecopy number set forth on Schedule I.

                                      N-6
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this Agreement as
of the day and year first above written.

                       EACH OF THE SUBSIDIARY BORROWERS
                       LISTED ON SCHEDULE I HERETO,

                              By:______________________________
                                 Name:
                                 Title:  Authorized Signatory

                       FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., as
                       lender,

                              By:______________________________
                                 Name:
                                 Title:  Authorized Signatory

                                      N-7
<PAGE>

                                                                      SCHEDULE I
                                                  TO INTERCOMPANY LOAN AGREEMENT

                             SUBSIDIARY BORROWERS

                    Name                                 Address
                    ----                                 -------

Focal Communications Corporation of California          each of
Focal Communications Corporation of Colorado            Chief Executive Office
Focal Communications Corporation of Florida             200 North LaSalle Street
Focal Communications Corporation of Georgia             Chicago, Illinois 60601
Focal Communications Corporation of Illinois
Focal Communications Corporation of Massachusetts
Focal Communications Corporation of Michigan
Focal Communications Corporation of Mid-Atlantic
Focal Communications Corporation of Minnesota
Focal Communications Corporation of Missouri
Focal Communications Corporation of New Jersey
Focal Communications Corporation of New York
Focal Communications Corporation of Ohio
Focal Communications Corporation of Pennsylvania
Focal Communications Corporation of Texas
Focal Communications Corporation of Virginia
Focal Communications Corporation of Washington
Focal Communications Corporation of Wisconsin
Focal Financial Services, Inc.
Focal International Corp.
Focal Telecommunications Corporation
Focal Equipment Finance, LLC

                                      N-8
<PAGE>

                                                                      ANNEX 1 TO
                                                     INTERCOMPANY LOAN AGREEMENT

     THIS IS SUPPLEMENT NO. __ dated as of [__________] to the Intercompany Loan
Agreement dated as of August [    ], 2000 (the "Intercompany Loan Agreement"),
                                                ---------------------------
among the Subsidiaries of Focal Financial Services, Inc. listed on Schedule I
thereto, and Focal Financial Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the
"Company"), as lender.
 -------

     A.   Reference is made to (a) the Credit Agreement dated as of August [__],
2000 (as amended, restated, supplemented or otherwise modified from time to
time, the "Credit Agreement"), among Focal Communications Corporation, Focal
           ----------------
Financial Services, Inc., certain Subsidiaries of Focal Communications
Corporation, the lenders from time to time party thereto (the "Lenders"),
                                                               -------
Goldman Sachs Credit Partners ("GSCP") as Syndication Agent,  Citibank, N.A., as
                                ----
Administrative Agent and collateral agent, Bank of America N.A. as Documentation
Agent, and GSCP and Salomon Smith Barney Inc. as Joint Lead Arrangers (b) the
Intercompany Loan Agreement and (c) the Intercompany Security Agreement.

     B.   Capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall
have the meanings assigned to such terms in the Intercompany Loan Agreement and
the Credit Agreement.

     C.   The Subsidiary Borrowers have entered into the Intercompany Loan
Agreement as required by the Credit Agreement.  The Credit Agreement predicates
that each Subsidiary not in existence on the date of the Credit Agreement is
required to enter into the Intercompany Loan Agreement as a Subsidiary Borrower
if the Company wishes to make intercompany loans to such Subsidiary Borrower.
Section 4.09 of the Intercompany Loan Agreement provides that additional
Subsidiaries may become Subsidiary Borrowers under the Intercompany Loan
Agreement and Grantors under the Intercompany Security Agreement by execution
and delivery of an instrument in the form of this Supplement.  The undersigned
Subsidiary (the "New Subsidiary Borrower") is executing this Supplement in
                 ------------------------
accordance with the requirements of the Credit Agreement to become a Subsidiary
Borrower under the Intercompany Loan Agreement and a Grantor under the
Intercompany Security Agreement.

     Accordingly, the Company and the New Subsidiary Borrower agree as follows:

     SECTION 1.  In accordance with Section 4.09 of the Intercompany Loan
Agreement, the New Subsidiary Borrower by its signature below becomes a
Subsidiary Borrower under the Intercompany Loan Agreement and a Grantor under
the Intercompany Security Agreement, in each case with the same force and effect
as if originally named therein as a Subsidiary Borrower or a Grantor,
respectively, and the New Subsidiary Borrower hereby (a) agrees to all the terms
and provisions of the Intercompany Loan Agreement applicable to it as a
Subsidiary Borrower thereunder and of the Intercompany Security Agreement
applicable to it as a Grantor thereunder, (b) represents and warrants that the
representations and warranties made by it as a Subsidiary Borrower or Grantor,
as applicable, thereunder are true and correct on and as of the date hereof, (c)
grants to

                                      N-9
<PAGE>

Company a security interest in all of such New Subsidiary Borrower's right,
title and interest in and to all "Collateral" (as such term is defined in the
Intercompany Security Agreement) of such New Subsidiary Borrower, whether now or
hereafter existing or in which New Subsidiary Borrower now has or hereafter
acquires an interest and wherever the same may be located and (d) represents and
warrants that it has duly completed and herewith delivers to Company supplements
to all schedules attached to the Intercompany Security Agreement. Each reference
to a "Subsidiary Borrower" in the Intercompany Loan Agreement and a "Grantor" in
the Intercompany Security Agreement shall be deemed to include the New
Subsidiary Borrower. Each of the Intercompany Loan Agreement and the
Intercompany Security Agreement is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

     SECTION 2.  The New Subsidiary Borrower represents and warrants to the
Company that this Supplement has been duly authorized, executed and delivered by
it and constitutes its legal, valid and binding obligation, enforceable against
it in accordance with its terms.

     SECTION 3.  This Supplement may be executed in counterparts (and by
different parties hereto on different counterparts), each of which shall
constitute an original, but all of which when taken together shall constitute a
single contract.  This Supplement shall become effective when the Company shall
have received counterparts of this Supplement that, when taken together, bear
the signatures of the New Subsidiary Borrower and the Company.  Delivery of an
executed signature page to this Supplement by facsimile transmission shall be as
effective as delivery of a manually signed counterpart of this Supplement.

     SECTION 4.  Except as expressly supplemented hereby, the Intercompany Loan
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.

     SECTION 5.  THIS SUPPLEMENT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY, AND CONSTRUED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK (INCLUDING SECTION 5-1401 AND
SECTION 5-1402 OF THE NEW YORK GENERAL OBLIGATIONS LAW), BUT WITHOUT REGARD TO
ITS CONFLICTS OF LAW PROVISIONS.

     SECTION 6.  In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this
Supplement should be held invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect, the
validity, legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained
herein and in the Intercompany Loan Agreement and the Intercompany Security
Agreement shall not in any way be affected or impaired thereby (it being
understood that the invalidity of a particular provision in a particular
jurisdiction shall not in and of itself affect the validity of such provision in
any other jurisdiction).  The parties hereto shall endeavor in good-faith
negotiations to replace the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions with
valid provisions the economic effect of which comes as close as possible to that
of the invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions.

     SECTION 7.  All communications and notices hereunder shall be in writing
and given as provided in Section 4.01 of the Intercompany Loan Agreement.  All
communications and notices hereunder to the New Subsidiary Borrower shall be
given to it at the address set forth under its signature below.

                                     N-10
<PAGE>

     SECTION 8.  The New Subsidiary Borrower agrees to reimburse the Company for
its reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in connection with this Supplement,
including the reasonable fees, other charges and disbursements of counsel for
the Company.

                                     N-10
<PAGE>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the New Subsidiary Borrower and the Company have duly
executed this Supplement to the Intercompany Loan Agreement as of the day and
year first above written.

                                   [Name of New Subsidiary Borrower],

                                   By:__________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:
                                      Address:

                                   FOCAL FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC., as
                                   lender,

                                   By:__________________________________
                                      Name:
                                      Title:
                                      Address:

Acknowledged by and agreed to by:
[NAME OF COLLATERAL AGENT]

by__________________________________
  Name:
  Title:
  Address:

                                     N-11
<PAGE>

                                                                EXHIBIT O TO THE
                                                   CREDIT AND GUARANTY AGREEMENT

                        INTERCOMPANY SECURITY AGREEMENT

                                      O-1

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