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Exhibit 10.1    
  

Agreement  

        This Agreement is made as of the nineteenth day of September, 2002, between Qwest Corporation, including its controlled affiliates (collectively, "QC") and
McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc., including McLeodUSA Incorporated and its controlled affiliates listed on Schedule I attached hereto (collectively "McLeod"). 

R E C I T A L S  

        A.    US
WEST Communications, Inc., predecessor to QC, and McLeod entered into certain Interconnection Agreements in 14 states (collectively "IA"), and QC has succeeded
to all rights and obligations of US WEST Communications, Inc. under the IA. The IA was subsequently amended on several occasions, including on October 26, 2000, ("10/00 IA Amendment"),
and the 10/00 IA Amendment was approved in all 14 states. 

        B.    QC
and McLeod provide and bill each other for services pursuant to the IA, as amended, state and federal tariffs and price guides pursuant to rules promulgated by state
regulatory agencies and the Federal Communications Commission, respectively. 

        C.    Certain
disputes have arisen since January 1, 2002, in connection with billings from QC to McLeod, and from McLeod to QC, under the IA, as amended, and federal and
state tariffs (collectively "Billing Disputes"). 

        D.    Certain
disputes have arisen since October 31, 2001, between QC and its affiliates and McLeodUSA Telecom Development, Inc., McLeodUSA Community
Telephone, Inc. and Dakota Community Telephone, Inc. in connection with operational matters which are the subject of complaints pending with state regulatory agencies in Minnesota and
South Dakota (the "DTG Operational Disputes"). 

        E.    On
December 31, 2001, QC and McLeod entered into that certain Confidential Billing Settlement Agreement ("SA"). 

        F.    Qwest
states that a total of Twenty-Nine Million Two Hundred Fifty-Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Fifty Three and No/100 ($29,258,753.00) Dollars is past due
and owing by McLeod to QC to and including August 4, 2002 ("McLeod Amount"). 

        G.    On
or about April 22, 1997, US WEST Communications, Inc. and McLeod entered into that certain Agreement regarding the SMDR function of Centrex Plus service
("SMDR Agreement"), and QC is the successor to all rights and obligations of US WEST Communications, Inc. under the SMDR Agreement. 

        H.    Disputes
have arisen between QC and McLeod under the SMDR Agreement. 

        I.    QC
and McLeod desire to settle disputes and claims that exist between them, including without limitation, claims and disputes arising under or with respect to the IA, as
amended, the Billing Disputes and the SMDR Agreement, as set forth herein. 

A G R E E M E N T S    A N D    C O V E N A N T S  

        1.    Within
five (5) business days of the execution of this Agreement, McLeod shall pay to QC by wire transfer the sum of Twenty-Four Million Three Hundred
Ninety-Seven Thousand, One Hundred Eighty-Four and No/100 ($24,397,184.00), which represents the McLeod Amount, minus certain unresolved disputes of $2,426,569, and minus resolved disputes
of $2,435,000. 

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        2.    QC
and McLeod agree that upon execution of this Agreement, the SMDR Agreement shall terminate effective June 30, 2002 and be of no further force and effect, and
all rights and obligations of QC and McLeod, and each of them, under the SMDR Agreement are terminated. 

        3.    The
SA shall remain in full force and effect except that, notwithstanding the SA, McLeod shall be permitted to raise, and the SA shall not affect the resolution of, any
McLeod Excluded Claims, as defined and limited in Section 7 below (even if such claims were released under the SA). 

        4.    QC
and McLeod shall immediately take all commercially reasonable steps necessary to amend the 10/00 IA Amendment, pursuant to the document attached hereto as  Exhibit A, as follows: (i) substitute
for the prices set forth on Attachment 3.2 of the 10/00 IA Amendment, to become effective on
September 20, 2002, the new platform recurring prices set forth on Exhibit A hereto; and (ii) amend Section 1.11 of the 10/00 IA Amendment to include the following specific
language: 

In
accordance with Section 1.10, Qwest hereby gives advance written notice of the termination of this Amendment, effective December 31, 2003. The parties agree to meet to discuss
McLeodUSA's (as defined in this Agreement, as amended) conversion plans no later than July 1, 2003. 

In
the event that McLeodUSA does not, by December 31, 2003, convert some or all of its services, as described in this Section 1.11, the prices set forth in Attachment 3.2 of the
Interconnection Agreement Amendment Terms, dated October 26, 2000, ("Prior Amendment") and not the prices set forth on Attachment 3.2 hereto, shall apply to all such services that McLeodUSA has
failed to so convert. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as agreement or assent on the part of Qwest to provide to McLeodUSA, or any other party, subsequent to December 31, 2003, the
services known as "UNE-M" described in and made available pursuant to the Prior Amendment; provided, such services shall continue to be provided to McLeodUSA during a commercially
reasonable conversion period. 

        Apart
from the foregoing, all other terms and conditions of the IA, as amended, including without limitation, the term thereof, shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect 

        5.    QC
and McLeod will cooperate and use all commercially reasonable efforts to file no later than September 20, 2002, and obtain approvals from all appropriate state
regulatory agencies pursuant to Section 252 of the Act the IA amendment described in Section 4, above. In this regard, QC and McLeod each agrees that it will promptly respond to any
requests by any state regulatory agency in connection with the requested approval of the IA, as amended, described in Section 4 of this Agreement or any filing by any party opposing such
requested approval. 

        6.    In
consideration of the payments, covenants, agreements and commitments contained herein, QC releases, acquits, holds harmless and forever discharges McLeod, its
officers, directors, employees,
agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, partners, insurance companies and bonding companies and each of their directors, officers, agents, attorneys,
employees and representatives (collectively "McLeod Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, damages, disputes, actions, causes of action, suits, debts, duties, losses, and obligations of
any kind or nature whatsoever, known or unknown, which it has, had or may have that accrued prior to and including June 30, 2002 ("Cut-Off Date") (collectively "QC Claims") against
the McLeod Released Parties, or any of them, including without limitation, QC Claims arising by reason of, related to or under: (i) the IA, as amended; (ii) the Billing Disputes;
(iii) the SA; (iv) the portion of the McLeod Amount due prior to July 1, 2002; (v) the SMDR Agreement; (vi) the services provided to or obtained from McLeod and
payments made to McLeod; (vii) federal and state antitrust laws; (viii) federal and state statutes and administrative rules and regulations; (ix) the Communications Act of 1934,
as amended; (x) all interconnection contracts and agreements between QC and McLeod; and (xi) federal and state tariffs; provided, however, the foregoing general release specifically
excludes the following: 

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(A) the McLeod Excluded Claims, as defined and limited in Section 7 below, and (B) the DTG Operational Disputes. 

        7.    In
consideration of the payments, covenants, agreements and commitments contained herein, McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc., on behalf of itself and the
entities listed on Schedule I hereto releases, acquits, holds harmless and forever discharges QC its officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, parents,
subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, partners, insurance companies and bonding companies and each of their directors, officers, agents, attorneys, employees and representatives other than Qwest
Communications Corporation and its controlled affiliates (collectively "QC Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, damages, disputes, actions, causes of action, suits, debts, duties,
losses and obligations of any kind or nature whatsoever, known or unknown, which any of them has, had or may have that accrued prior to and including the Cut-Off Date (collectively "McLeod
Claims") against the QC Released Parties, or any of them, including without limitation, McLeod Claims arising by reason of, related to or under: (i) the IA, as amended; (ii) the Billing
Disputes; (iii) the SA; (iv) the portion of the McLeod Amount due prior to July 1, 2002; (v) the SMDR Agreement; (vi) the services provided to or obtained from QC
and payments received from QC; (vii) federal and state antitrust laws; (viii) federal and state statutes and administrative rules and regulations; (ix) the Communications Act of
1934, as amended; (x) all interconnection contracts and agreements between QC and McLeod; and (xi) federal and state tariffs; provided, however, the foregoing general release
specifically excludes the following: (A) the McLeod Excluded Claims, as defined and limited below, and (B) the DTG Operational Disputes. 

        The
"McLeod Excluded Claims" means McLeod Claims that (a) arise by reason of, related to, or under amounts billed by QC to McLeod (but not including any amounts related to service
quality performance) between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002, (b) arise in the normal course of business consistent with past dealings between McLeod on the one hand and QC or
its predecessor on the other hand (the "Ordinary Course"), (c) are set forth in one or more formal written dispute letters (the "Dispute Letters") submitted to QC or its affiliates after the
date hereof and no later than December 15, 2002, (d) shall not exceed Three Million Two Hundred Fifty Thousand and No/100 ($3,250,000.00) Dollars in the aggregate with respect to the
amount claimed by McLeod in the Dispute Letters and notwithstanding the amount, if any, ultimately recovered from QC and its affiliates, and (e) shall not exceed Two Million Five Hundred
Thousand and No/100 ($2,500,000.00) Dollars in the aggregate with respect to the amount, if any, ultimately recovered from QC and its affiliates. McLeod shall be entitled to withdraw or modify McLeod
Claims that it has made prior to the date hereof and
the definitive statement of McLeod Excluded Claims shall be as set forth in the Dispute Letters, without regard to prior communications between the parties regarding such claims. The parties agree
that the McLeod Excluded Claims will be resolved through the normal course dispute resolution process, consistent with the Ordinary Course. 

        8.    The
terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and are binding upon, the respective successors and subsidiaries of QC and McLeod,
and each of them. 

        9.    QC
and McLeod each represents and warrants, and with respect to subsection (g) below McLeod represents and warrants, that: 

        (a)  It
has full authority and the present ability to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement; 

        (b)  It
has obtained all consents, approvals and authorizations required or necessary in order for it to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement; 

        (c)  It
has all requisite corporate and other legal power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement; 

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        (d)  It
will comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of all governmental agencies, bodies and other organizations in performing its obligations under
this Agreement; 

        (e)  Other
than regulatory approvals and consents previously obtained, no consents, approvals, authorizations or notices from any third parties are required in connection
with or for: (i) the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) the validity and enforceability of this Agreement; (iii) its execution, delivery and performance of
its obligations under this Agreement. 

        (f)    It
has not assigned, sold or transferred its right, power or authority to execute and grant the releases and enter into the covenants and agreements contained herein. 

        (g)  Schedule I
lists McLeodUSA Incorporated and all of its controlled affiliates. 

        10.  This
Agreement constitutes the full, entire and complete understanding and agreement between QC and McLeod and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or
representations, if any, whether written, oral or otherwise, that relate in any manner whatsoever to the subjects of this Agreement. 

        11.  No
term or condition of this Agreement, including without limitation the terms and conditions of this paragraph, may be amended, modified or supplemented, and no waivers
or consents to departures from any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be effective or of any force or effect other than as shall be set forth in and pursuant to a written instrument
signed by both QC and McLeod, as applicable. No waiver by either party of any default, misrepresentation or breach of any term or condition of this Agreement, whether intentional or otherwise, will be
deemed to extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation or breach of any term or condition of this Agreement or in any manner affect any rights arising by reason of any such prior or
subsequent default, misrepresentation or breach. 

        12.  This
Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York. This Agreement has been jointly drafted by QC and McLeod and
shall not be interpreted in favor of or against either QC or McLeod. 

        13.  QC
and McLeod have each sought and obtained advice of counsel in negotiating and entering into this Agreement. 

        14.  Any
claim, controversy or dispute arising by reason of or under this Agreement, including its enforceability, formation or existence, shall be resolved by means of
private, confidential arbitration before a single arbitrator conducted in Denver, Colorado, if initiated by McLeod and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, if initiated by QC, under the then-current
Commercial Arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator shall be an attorney engaged in the practice of law and knowledgeable about telecommunications law and services.
The arbitrator shall not have the authority to award punitive or exemplary damages. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding and may be entered in and judgment enforced by any court having
jurisdiction. The parties shall each bear their own costs and attorneys' fees, but shall share equally the fees and expenses of the arbitrator 

        15.  Any
notice to QC or McLeod required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally served, delivered by Certified US Mail, or by a courier
service. Upon prior agreement of QC's and McLeod's designated recipients listed below, such notice may also be provided 

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by facsimile. Any notice shall be delivered using one of the aforementioned means and shall be directed as indicated below: 

	 	If to QC:	Qwest Corporation

Attention: Legal Department

1801 California Street, Suite 5100

Denver, Colorado 80202

Tel: 303/672-2700

Fax: 303/295-7046
	

 	

If to McLeod:	

McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc.

Law Group

McLeodUSA Technology Park

6400 C Street SW

P.O. Box 3177

Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52406-3177

Tel: 319/790-7775

Fax: 319/790-7901

        16.  QC
and McLeod acknowledge and agree that they have legitimate disputes regarding the subject matter of this Agreement and that the resolutions of these disputes embodied
in this Agreement represent compromises of the positions of each of them. Accordingly, QC and McLeod deny any wrongdoing or liability that each alleges against the other and expressly acknowledge and
agree that the resolutions contained in this Agreement may not and cannot be used against the other in any manner whatsoever in any forum, other than in respect of a breach of this Agreement. Further,
QC and McLeod acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not constitute an admission by either of them of the truth, accuracy or merit of any fact, asserted principle of law, any matter, claim or
cause of action alleged or asserted in any judicial, regulatory or other forum, whether past, present or future, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement does not constitute an
admission with respect to the appropriateness or legality of any charges, billed or unbilled, whether paid or unpaid, nor does it constitute an ongoing term or condition of any interconnection
agreement or otherwise. Nothing contained herein shall be construed or interpreted to preclude representatives of QC or McLeod from responding to legal process in connection with the subject matter of
this Agreement; provided, that any such responding party shall provide prompt notice of any such response to the other party. 

        17.  Either
party may, in its discretion and upon notice to the other party, may provide a copy of this agreement to any state public utility commission or the Federal
Communications Commission. 

        18.  This
Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall be deemed one and the same
document. 

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        IN
WITNESS THEREOF, QC AND McLeod have caused this Agreement to be duly executed and delivered as of the date first set forth above. 

	Qwest Corporation,

the successor to US WEST Communications, Inc.
	

By:	
 	

/s/  RICHARD C. NOTEBAERT      

	

Name:	
 	

Richard C. Notebaert

	

Title:	
 	

Chairman and CEO

	

McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc.

  
	

By:	

 	

/s/  STEPHEN C. GRAY      

	

Name:	
 	

Stephen C. Gray

	

Title:	
 	

President

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Schedule I  

        McLeodUSA
Incorporated 

        McLeodUSA
Holdings, 

        McLeodUSA
Telecommunications Services, Inc. 

        McLeodUSA
Market Response, Inc. 

        Consolidated
Market Response, Inc. 

        McLeodUSA
Network Services, Inc. 

        McLeodUSA
Purchasing, L.L.C. 

        McLeodUSA
Integrated Business Systems, Inc. 

        McLeodUSA
Public Services, Inc. 

        McLeodUSA
Information Services, Inc. 

        Illinois
Consolidated Telephone Company 

        Midwest
Cellular Associates 

        CapRock
Communications Corp. 

        CapRock
Telecommunications Corp. 

        CapRock
Fiber Network, Ltd. 

        CapRock
Telecommunications Leasing Corp. 

        CapRock
Design Services, L.P. 

        CapRock
Network Services, L.P. 

        Intelispan, Inc.

        Devise
Associates, Inc. 

        McLeodUSA
Telecom Development, Inc. 

        McLeodUSA
Community Telephone, Inc. 

        Dakota
Community Telephone, Inc. 

INTERCONNECTION AGREEMENT AMENDMENT  

        McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc. ("McLeod") and Qwest Corporation ("Qwest") (collectively, the "Parties") are signatories to an Interconnection
Agreement in the State                        [insert state]. That Interconnection Agreement has been amended by the Parties from
time to time, including an
Amendment approved on or about                        [insert date of approval]. The Parties agree to amend that Amendment as
follows: 

        In
the body of the amendment, add the following at the end of Section 1.11: 

        "In
accordance with Section 1.10, Qwest hereby gives advance written notice of the termination of this Amendment, effective December 31, 2003. The parties agree to meet to
discuss McLeodUSA's (as defined in this Agreement, as amended) conversion plans no later than July 1, 2003. 

        In
the event that McLeodUSA does not, by December 31, 2003, convert some or all of its services, as described in this Section 1.11, the prices set forth in Attachment 3.2
of the Interconnection Agreement Amendment Terms, dated October 26, 2000, ("Prior Amendment") and not the prices set forth on Attachment 3.2 hereto, shall apply to all such services that
McLeodUSA has failed to so convert. Nothing contained herein shall be construed as agreement or assent on the part of Qwest to provide to McLeodUSA, or any other party, subsequent to
December 31, 2003, the services known as "UNE-M" described in and made available pursuant to the Prior Amendment; provided, such services shall continue to be provided to McLeodUSA
during a commercially reasonable conversion period." 

        In
Attachment 3.2, under the heading "Prices for Offering", replace the "Platform recurring" rates column with the following: 

        Platform
recurring rates,

effective on September 20, 2002 and ending December 31, 2003: 

	 
	 	 

	AZ	 	20.61
	CO	 	27.05
	IA	 	22.47
	ID	 	26.25
	MN	 	24.50
	MT	 	31.85
	ND	 	22.54
	NE	 	22.06
	NM	 	26.86
	OR	 	26.90
	SD	 	28.45
	UT	 	21.86
	WA	 	21.16
	WY	 	32.29

        Apart
from the foregoing, all other terms and conditions of the IA, as amended, including without limitation, the term thereof, shall remain unchanged and in full force and effect. 

	 
	 	 

	McLeodUSA Telecommunications

Services, Inc.	 	Qwest Corporation
 
	

/s/  DAVID R. CONN      
 Authorized Signature	
 	

/s/  RICHARD C. NOTEBAERT      
 Authorized Signature
	

David R. Conn
 Name Printed/Typed	
 	

Richard C. Notebaert
 Name Printed/Typed
	

Vice President
 Title	
 	

Chairman & CEO
 Title
	

September 19, 2002
 Date	
 	

September 19, 2002
 Date

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Exhibit 10.2    
  

Agreement  

        This Agreement is made as of the ninetheenth day of September, 2002, between Qwest Communications Corporation, including its controlled affiliates (collectively,
"QCC") and McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc., including McLeodUSA Incorporated and its controlled affiliates listed on Schedule I attached hereto (collectively "McLeod"). 

        R
E C I T A L S 

        A.    On
October 2, 2000, QCC and McLeod entered into that certain Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which QCC committed to make certain dollar amounts of purchases from
McLeod through December 31, 2003 (including, without limitation, any actual or alleged supplement thereto or modification or amendment thereof, the "Qwest PA"). 

        B.    It
has been contended, and Qwest has denied, that the Qwest PA has been amended, modified or supplemented pursuant to one or more oral agreements, understandings or
assumptions. 

        C.    On
October 2, 2000, QCC and McLeod entered into that certain Purchase Agreement, pursuant to which McLeod committed to make certain dollar amounts of purchases
from QCC through December 31, 2003 (including, without limitation, any actual or alleged supplement thereto or modification or amendment thereof, the "McLeod PA"). 

        D.    Certain
disputes arose between QCC and McLeod under the Qwest PA. 

        E.    On
December 31, 2001, QCC and McLeod entered into that certain Confidential Billing Settlement Agreement resolving the disputes under the Qwest PA ("SA"). 

        F.    Certain
disputes have arisen during 2002, between QCC and McLeod under the Qwest PA, the McLeod PA and the SA. 

        G.    Certain
disputes have arisen since December 31, 2001, between QCC and McLeod in connection with billings from McLeod to QCC for switched access, private line and
billing services (collectively "Billing Disputes"). 

        H.    QCC
and McLeod desire to settle disputes and claims that exist between them, including without limitation, claims and disputes arising under or with respect to the Qwest
PA, the McLeod PA (including, without limitation, any claim that either the QCC PA or the McLeod PA was amended, supplemented or modified by one or more alleged oral agreements, understandings or
assumptions), and the SA, as set forth herein. 

A G R E E M E N T  

        1.    Within
four (4) business days of the execution of this Agreement, QCC shall pay to McLeod by wire transfer the sum of Twenty Four Million Nine Hundred
Sixty-Five Thousand and No/100 ($24,965,000.00). 

        2.    Upon
execution of this Agreement: 

        (a)  The
Qwest PA shall terminate and be of no further force and effect and all obligations and rights of QCC and McLeod, and each of them, under the Qwest PA are terminated. 

        (b)  QCC
acknowledges and agrees that as of the date of this Agreement the purchases by McLeod have met or exceeded the requirements of the McLeod PA and are expected to meet
or exceed such requirements for the remainder of its term. The McLeod PA is terminated, is of no 

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further force and effect, and all obligations and rights of QCC and McLeod, and each of them, under the McLeod PA are terminated. 

        (c)  All
of the respective rights, obligations and covenants of QCC and McLeod under the SA shall be deemed to have been, and have been, honored, fulfilled or performed as
the case may be and the SA shall terminate effective June 30, 2002. 

        3.    In
consideration of the payments, covenants, agreements and commitments contained herein, QCC releases, acquits, holds harmless and forever discharges McLeod, its
officers, directors, employees, agents, attorneys, successors, assigns, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, partners, insurance companies and bonding companies and each of their
directors, officers, agents, attorneys employees and representatives (collectively "McLeod Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, damages, disputes, actions, causes of action, suits,
debts, duties, losses, and obligations of any kind or nature whatsoever, known or unknown, which it has, had or may have that accrued prior to and including June 30, 2002 ("Cut-Off
Date") (collectively "QCC Claims") against the McLeod Released Parties, or any of them, including without limitation, QCC Claims arising by reason of, related to, or under: (i) the Qwest PA,
(ii) the McLeod PA, (iii) the SA, (iv) the Billing Disputes, (v) the services provided to or obtained from McLeod and payments made to or received from McLeod,
(vi) federal and state antitrust laws, (vii) federal and state statutes and administrative rules and regulations, (viii) the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and
(ix) federal and state tariffs; provided, however, the foregoing general release specifically excludes the following: (A) the McLeod Excluded Claims as defined and limited in
Section 4 below, and (B) claims by QCC with respect to usage, rates and other billing matters for switched access billed to QCC by McLeod in an amount not to exceed Seven Hundred
Twenty-five Thousand, Six Hundred Dollars and No/100 ($725,600.00). 

        4.    In
consideration of the payments, covenants, agreements and commitments contained herein, McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc., on behalf of itself and the
entities listed on Schedule I hereto (collectively "McLeod Releasing Parties") releases, acquits, holds harmless, and forever discharges QCC, its officers, directors, employees, agents,
attorneys, successors, assigns, parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, shareholders, partners, insurance companies and bonding companies and each of their directors, officers, agents, attorneys employees
and representatives other than Qwest Corporation and its controlled affiliates (collectively "QCC Released Parties") from any and all claims, demands, damages, disputes, actions, causes of action,
suits, debts, duties, losses and obligations of any kind or nature whatsoever, known or unknown, which any of them has, had or may have that accrued prior to and including the Cut-Off Date
(collectively "McLeod Claims") against the QCC Released Parties, or any of them, including without limitation, claims arising by reason of or under: (i) the Qwest PA, (ii) the McLeod PA,
(iii) the SA, (iv) the Billing Disputes, (v) the services provided to or obtained from QCC and payments made to or received from QCC, (vi) federal and state antitrust laws,
(vii) federal and state statutes and administrative rules and regulations, (vii) the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, and (ix) federal and state tariffs; provided, however,
the foregoing general release specifically excludes the following: (A) the McLeod Excluded Claims, as defined and limited below, and (B) defenses to claims by QCC with respect to usage,
rates and other billing matters for switched access billed to QCC by McLeod in an amount not to exceed Seven Hundred Twenty-five Thousand, Six Hundred Dollars and No/100 ($725,600.00), if
any. 

        The
"McLeod Excluded Claims" means McLeod Claims that (a) arise by reason of, related to, or under amounts billed by QCC to McLeod (but not including any amounts related to
service quality performance) between January 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002, (b) arise in the normal course of business consistent with past dealings between McLeod on the one hand and
QCC on the other hand (the "Ordinary Course"), (c) are set forth in one or more formal written dispute letters (the "Dispute Letters") submitted to QCC after the date hereof and no later than
December 15, 2002, (d) shall not exceed One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) in the aggregate with respect to the amount claimed by McLeod in the Dispute Letters and
notwithstanding the amount, if any, ultimately 

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recovered from QCC and (e) shall not exceed One Million and No/100 Dollars ($1,000,000.00) with respect to the amount, if any, ultimately recovered from QCC. McLeod shall be entitled to
withdraw or modify McLeod Claims that it has made prior to the date hereof and the definitive statement of McLeod Excluded Claims shall be as set forth in the Dispute Letters, without regard to prior
communications between the parties regarding such claims. The parties agree that the McLeod Excluded Claims will be resolved through the normal course dispute resolution process, consistent with the
Ordinary Course. 

        5.    The
terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and are binding upon, the respective successors and subsidiaries of QCC and the
McLeod, and each of them. 

        6.    QCC
and McLeod each represents and warrants, and with respect to subsection (g) below McLeod represents and warrants, that: 

        (a)  It
has full authority and the present ability to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement; 

        (b)  It
has obtained all consents, approvals and authorizations required or necessary in order for it to perform all of its obligations under this Agreement; 

        (c)  It
has all requisite corporate and other legal power and authority to enter into and perform its obligations under this Agreement; 

        (d)  It
will comply with all applicable laws, rules, regulations and orders of all governmental agencies, bodies and other organizations in performing its obligations under
this Agreement; 

        (e)  Other
than regulatory approvals and consents previously obtained, no consents, approvals, authorizations or notices from any third parties are required in connection
with or for: (i) the performance of its obligations under this Agreement; (ii) the validity and enforceability of this Agreement; (iii) its execution, delivery and performance of
its obligations under this Agreement. 

        (f)    It
has not assigned, sold or transferred its right, power or authority to execute and grant the releases and to enter into the covenants and agreements contained herein. 

        (g)  Schedule I
lists McLeodUSA Incorporated and all controlled affiliates of McLeodUSA Incorporated. 

        7.    This
Agreement constitutes the full, entire and complete understanding and agreement between QCC and McLeod and supersedes any prior understandings, agreements or
representations, if any, whether written, oral or otherwise, that relate in any manner whatsoever to any of the subjects of this Agreement. 

        8.    No
term or condition of this Agreement, including without limitation, the terms and conditions of this paragraph, may be amended, modified or supplemented and no waivers
or consents to departures from any of the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall be effective or of any force or effect other than as shall be set forth in and pursuant to a written instrument
signed by both QCC and McLeod. No waiver by either party of any default, misrepresentation or breach of any term or condition of this Agreement, whether intentional or otherwise, will be deemed to
extend to any prior or subsequent default, misrepresentation or breach of any term or condition of this Agreement or in any manner affect any rights arising by reason of any such prior or subsequent
default, misrepresentation or breach. 

        9.    This
Agreement shall be interpreted and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New York. This Agreement has been jointly drafted by QCC and McLeod and
shall not be interpreted in favor of or against either QCC or McLeod. 

3

 

        10.  QCC
and McLeod have each sought and obtained advice of counsel in negotiating and entering into this Agreement. 

        11.  Any
claim, controversy or dispute arising by reason of or under this Agreement, including its enforceability, formation or existence, shall be resolved by means of
private, confidential arbitration before a single arbitrator conducted in Denver, Colorado, if initiated by McLeod and in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, if initiated by QCC, under the then-current
Commercial Arbitration rules of the American Arbitration Association. The arbitrator shall be an attorney engaged in the practice of law and knowledgeable about telecommunications law and services.
The arbitrator shall not have the authority to award punitive or exemplary damages. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding and may be entered in and judgment enforced by any court having
jurisdiction. The parties shall each bear their own costs and attorneys' fees, but shall share equally the fees and expenses of the arbitrator. 

        12.  Any
notice to QCC or McLeod required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be personally served, delivered by Certified US Mail or by a courier
service. Upon prior agreement of QCC's and McLeod's designated recipients listed below, such notice may also be provided by facsimile. Any notice shall be delivered using one of the aforementioned
means and shall be directed as indicated below: 

	 
	 	 

	If to QCC:	 	Qwest Communications Corporation

Attention: Legal Department

1801 California Street, Suite 5100

Denver, Colorado 80202

Tel:    303/672-2700

Fax:    303/295-7046
	

If to McLeod:	
 	

McLeodUSA

Attention:    Law Group

McLeodUSA Technology Park

6400 C Street SW

P.O. 3177

Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-3177

Tel:    319/790-7775

Fax:    319/790-7901

        13.  QCC
and McLeod acknowledge and agree that they have legitimate disputes regarding the subject matter of this Agreement and that the resolutions of these disputes
embodied in this Agreement represent compromises of the positions of each of them. Accordingly, QCC and McLeod deny any wrongdoing or liability that each alleges against the other and expressly
acknowledge and agree that the resolutions contained in this Agreement may not and cannot be used against the other in any manner whatsoever in any forum, other than in respect of a breach of this
Agreement. Further, QCC and McLeod acknowledge and agree that this Agreement does not constitute an admission by either of them of the truth, accuracy or merit of any fact, asserted principle of law,
any matter, claim or cause of action alleged or asserted in any judicial, regulatory or other forum, whether past, present or future, relating to the subject matter of this Agreement. This Agreement
does not constitute an admission with respect to the appropriateness or legality of any charges, billed or unbilled, whether paid or unpaid, nor does it constitute an ongoing term or condition of any
interconnection agreement or otherwise. Nothing contained herein shall be construed or interpreted to preclude representatives of QCC or McLeod from responding to legal process in connection with the
subject matter of this Agreement; provided, that any such responding party shall provide prompt notice of any such response to the other party. 

        14.  Either
party may, in its discretion and upon notice to the other party, provide a copy of this agreement to any state public utility commission or the Federal
Communications Commission. 

        15.  This
Agreement may be executed by facsimile and in multiple counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which shall be deemed one and the same
document. 

4

 

        IN
WITNESS THEREOF, QCC and McLeod have caused this Agreement to be executed and delivered as of the day first set forth above. 

	 
	 	 
	 	 
	 	 

	Qwest Communications Corporation	 	McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc.
	

By:	
 	

/s/  KELLY S. CARTER      
	
 	

By:	
 	

/s/  STEPHEN C. GRAY      

	Name:	 	Kelly S. Carter
	 	Name:	 	Stephen C. Gray

	Title:	 	Vice President Finance & Tax
	 	Title:	 	President

5

Schedule I  

McLeodUSA
Incorporated 

McLeodUSA
Holdings, 

McLeodUSA
Telecommunications Services, Inc. 

McLeodUSA
Market Response, Inc. 

Consolidated
Market Response, Inc. 

McLeodUSA
Network Services, Inc. 

McLeodUSA
Purchasing, L.L.C. 

McLeodUSA
Integrated Business Systems, Inc. 

McLeodUSA
Public Services, Inc. 

McLeodUSA
Information Services, Inc. 

Illinois
Consolidated Telephone Company 

Midwest
Cellular Associates 

CapRock
Communications Corp. 

CapRock
Telecommunications Corp. 

CapRock
Fiber Network, Ltd. 

CapRock
Telecommunications Leasing Corp. 

CapRock
Design Services, L.P. 

CapRock
Network Services, L.P. 

Intelispan, Inc.

Devise
Associates, Inc. 

McLeodUSA
Telecom Development, Inc. 

McLeodUSA
Community Telephone, Inc. 

Dakota
Community Telephone, Inc. 

QuickLinks

Exhibit 10.2

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00044-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00044-of-00352.parquet"}]]