Document:

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                                                                   Exhibit 10.34

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as
of January 20, 2000, by and between MJD COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Delaware
corporation (together with its successors and assigns permitted hereunder, the
"Company"), and EUGENE B. JOHNSON (the "Executive").

                                    RECITALS:

         WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") has
determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its subsidiaries
and stockholders to enter into this Agreement for purposes of the Company
employing the Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective agreements and
covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

         1. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD. Subject to Section 3, the Company hereby agrees
to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to be employed by the
Company in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, for a
period (the "Employment Period") commencing on the date hereof and ending on
December 31, 2003. In the event the Executive continues to perform services
after the Employment Period, and pending agreement for extension of the
Employment Agreement, such services shall constitute employment for an
unspecified term, terminable at will, with or without cause or reason, with or
without advance notice, and with or without pay in lieu of advance notice.

         2. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a) POSITION AND DUTIES.

                           (i) During the term of the Executive's employment,
the Executive shall serve as Executive Vice President of the Company and, in so
doing, shall perform normal duties and responsibilities associated with such
position, subject to the general direction, approval and control of the Chief
Executive Officer of the Company.

                           (ii) During the term of the Executive's employment,
and excluding any periods of vacation and other leave to which the Executive is
entitled, the Executive agrees to devote substantially all his business time to
the business and affairs of the Company and to use the
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Executive's best efforts to perform faithfully, effectively and efficiently his
duties and responsibilities.

                           (iii) During the term of the Executive's employment
it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (1) serve on
industry trade, civic or charitable boards or committees, (2) deliver lectures
or fulfill speaking engagements, and (3) manage personal investments, so long as
such activities do not interfere with the performance of the Executive's duties
and responsibilities as an employee of the Company.

                           (iv) Executive agrees to observe and comply with the
Company's rules and policies as adopted by the Company from time to time.

                  (b) COMPENSATION.

                           (i) BASE SALARY. During the term of the Executive's
employment, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary (the "Annual Base
Salary"), which shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices
of the Company, in an amount to be determined by the Board.

                           (ii) BONUS. Executive shall receive an annual bonus
in an amount to be determined by the Board.

                           (iii) INCENTIVE SAVINGS, STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT
PLANS. During the term of the Executive's employment, the Executive shall be
entitled to participate in all incentive, savings stock option and retirement
plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other employees
of the Company, as amended from time to time. In addition, the Executive shall
be entitled to participate in the MJD Communications, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation Plan.

                           (iv) WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS. During the term of the
Executive's employment, the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case
may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits
under the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by
the Company, including medical, prescription, dental, disability, salary
continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident
insurance plans and programs, as amended from time to time, to the extent
applicable generally to other employees of the Company. In addition, the
Executive shall be entitled to payment of long term disability and term life
insurance premiums in an amount not to exceed $7,000 in the aggregate annually.

                           (v) PERQUISITES. During the term of the Executive's
employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the
benefits described above, such perquisites and fringe benefits appertaining to
his position in accordance with any policies, practices and procedures
established by the Board, as amended from time to time, including, without
limitation reimbursement for automobile (import luxury or equivalent) expenses.

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                           (vi) EXPENSES. During the term of the Executive's
employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for
all reasonable employment expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with
the Company's policies, practices and procedures, as amended from time to time.

         3. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a) DEATH OR DISABILITY. The Executive's employment shall
terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period.
If the Disability (as defined below) of the Executive has occurred during the
Employment Period, the Company may give to the Executive written notice in
accordance with Section 11(b) of its intention to terminate the Executive's
employment. In such event, the Executive's employment with the Company shall
terminate effective on the 90th day after receipt of such notice by the
Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), if, within the 90 days after such
receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to perform, with reasonable
accommodation, the essential functions of his position. For purposes of this
Agreement, at any time the Company or any of its affiliates sponsors a long-term
disability plan for the Company's employees, "Disability" shall mean disability
as defined in such long-term disability plan. The determination of whether the
Executive has a Disability shall be made by the person or persons required to
render disability determinations under the long-term disability plan. At any
time the Company does not sponsor a long-term disability plan for its employees,
"Disability" shall mean the Executive's inability to perform, with reasonable
accommodation, the essential functions of his position hereunder for a period of
180 consecutive days due to mental or physical incapacity, as determined by a
physician selected by the Company or its insurers.

                  (b) CAUSE OR WITHOUT CAUSE. The Company may terminate the
Executive's employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (a) misappropriating any
funds or any material property of the Company; (b) obtaining or attempting to
obtain any material personal profit from any transaction in which the Executive
has an interest which is adverse to the interest of the Company unless the
Company shall first give its consent to such transaction; (c) (i) the willful
taking of actions which directly impair the Employee's ability to perform the
duties required by the terms of his employment; or (ii) taking any action
detrimental to the Company's goodwill or damaging to the Company's relationships
with its customers, suppliers or employees; provided that such neglect or
refusal, action or breach shall have continued for a period of twenty (20) days
following written notice thereof; (d) being convicted of or pleading NOLO
CONTENDERE to any crime or offense constituting a felony under applicable law or
any crime or offense involving fraud or moral turpitude; or (e) any material
intentional failure to comply with applicable laws or governmental regulations
within the scope of employment as defined by this Agreement. For purposes of
this Agreement, "without Cause" shall mean a termination by the Company of the
Executive's employment during the Employment Period for any reason other than a
termination based upon Cause, death, Disability or upon a Change of Control, as
defined below.

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<PAGE>

                  (c) CHANGE OF CONTROL. If a Change of Control (as defined
below) occurs during the Employment Period and the Board determines in good
faith that it is in the Company's best interests to terminate the Executive's
employment with the Company within one year of such Change of Control the
Company may terminate the Executive's employment by giving the January 19,
2000Executive written notice in accordance with Section 11(b) of its intention
to terminate the Executive's employment. Any such termination by the Company as
contemplated in this Section 3(d) is referred to herein as a termination "upon a
Change of Control."

                  For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change of Control" shall be
deemed to have occurred if: (a) the stockholders of the Company on the date
hereof (after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Stock
Purchase Agreement; dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company and
the other Parties thereto) no longer own, either directly or indirectly, shares
of capital stock of the Company entitling them to 51% in the aggregate of the
voting power for the election of the directors of the Company, as a result of a
merger or consolidation of the Company, a transfer of capital stock of the
Company or otherwise, or (b) the Company sells, assigns, conveys, transfers,
leases or otherwise disposes of, in one transaction or a series of related
transactions, all or substantially all of its property or assets to any other
person or entity.

                  (d) NOTICE OF TERMINATION. Any termination by the Company for
Cause or without Cause or upon a Change of Control, shall be communicated by a
Notice of Termination to the Executive hereto given in accordance with Section
11(b). For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Notice of Termination" means a
written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this
Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable
detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of
the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the
Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such
notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall not be more than 15
days after the giving of such notice if the Executive is giving such notice).
The failure by the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or
circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause or a termination upon a
Change of Control shall not waive any right of the Company hereunder or preclude
the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Company's
rights hereunder.

                  (e) DATE OF TERMINATION. The term "Date of Termination" means
(i) if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or upon
a Change of Control, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any
later date specified therein pursuant to Section 3(e), as the case may be, (ii)
if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive 30 days from the
date of receipt of the Notice of Termination, (iii) if the Executive's
employment is terminated by the Company other than for Cause or upon a Change of
Control, the date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such
termination and (iv) if the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of
death or Disability, the date of death of the Executive or the Disability, as
the case may be.

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         4. OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION.

                  (a) FOR CAUSE; WITHOUT GOOD REASON; OTHER THAN FOR DEATH,
DISABILITY OR UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL. If, during the Employment Period, the
Company shall terminate the Executive's employment for Cause, the Executive
shall not be entitled to any benefits pursuant to this Agreement.

                  (b) WITHOUT CAUSE. In the event that the Executive's
employment as Executive Vice President of the Company is terminated without
"cause" and not as a result of a Change of Control, the Executive shall be
entitled to receive in a lump sum payment from the Company, an amount equal to
the Executive's Annual Base Salary as of the date of termination for a period of
nine (9) months plus all accrued and unpaid base salary and benefits as of the
Date of Termination. In addition, the Company shall maintain the Executive's
long term disability and medical benefits for a period of nine (9) months
following the Date of Termination.

                  (c) CHANGE OF CONTROL. In the event that the Company
terminates the Executive's employment as Executive Vice President upon a Change
of Control (as defined below), the Executive shall be entitled to receive from
the Company in a lump sum payment, an amount equal to the Executive's Annual
Base Salary as of the Date of Termination for a period of (18) months. In
addition, the Company shall maintain the Executive's long term disability and
medical benefits for a period of eighteen (18) months following the Date of
Termination.

                  5. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is held to
be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws, such
provision shall be fully severable, this Agreement shall be construed and
enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never
comprised a part of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the
illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this
Agreement.

                  6. MISCELLANEOUS.

                           (a) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in
         several counterparts each of which is an original. This Agreement and
         any counterpart so executed shall be deemed to be one and the same
         instrument. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement
         or any counterpart hereof to produce or account for any of the other
         counterparts.

                           (b) CONTENTS OF AGREEMENT; PARTIES-IN-INTEREST, ETC.
         This Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties
         regarding the subject matter hereof. Any previous agreements or
         understandings between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof
         are merged into and superseded by this Agreement. All representations,
         warranties,

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<PAGE>

         covenants, terms, conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall be
         binding upon and inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by the
         respective heirs, legal representatives, successors and permitted
         assigns of the Company and the Executive. Neither this Agreement nor
         any rights, interests or obligations hereunder may be assigned by any
         party without the prior written consent of the other party hereto.

                           (c) NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL
         BE CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF
         THE STATE OF NEW YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF
         CONFLICT OF LAWS.

                           (d) SECTION HEADINGS. The section headings herein
         have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no
         way modify or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

                           (e) NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands and other
         communications which are required or permitted hereunder shall be
         sufficient if given in writing and delivered personally or by
         registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by facsimile
         transmission (with a copy simultaneously sent by registered or
         certified mail, postage prepaid), as follows (or to such other address
         as shall be set forth in a notice given in the same manner):

                                    (1) If to the Company to:

                                        MJD Communications, Inc.
                                        521 East Morehead Street, Suite 250
                                        Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
                                        Facsimile: (704) 344-8150

                                        Attn: Jack H. Thomas

                                        Copies to:

                                        Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
                                        399 Park Avenue
                                        New York, New York 10022-4697
                                        Facsimile: (212) 319-4090
                                        Attn: Neil A. Torpey, Esq.

                                    (2) If to the Executive, to:

                                        Eugene B. Johnson
                                        920 Berkeley Avenue

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                                        Charlotte, North Carolina 28203

                           (f) MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. Any of the terms or
         conditions of this Agreement may be waived in writing at any time by
         the party which is entitled to the benefits thereof, and this Agreement
         may be modified or amended at any time by the Company and the
         Executive. No supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement
         shall be binding unless executed in writing by each of the parties
         hereto. No waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be
         deemed or shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof nor
         shall such waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

                           (g) THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as otherwise
         expressly set forth herein, no individual or entity shall be a
         third-party beneficiary of the representations, warranties, covenants
         and agreements made by any party hereto.

                           (h) TERMINATION OF PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS. The parties
         hereto acknowledge and agree that this Agreement supersedes and
         terminates all existing severance agreements or arrangements between
         the Company or any of its affiliates and the Executive.

                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

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                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed or have
caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

EXECUTIVE                               MJD COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

/s/ Eugene B. Johnson                   By: /s/ Walter E. Leach, Jr.
-------------------------------         -----------------------------------
Eugene B. Johnson                           Name:  Walter E. Leach, Jr.
                                            Title: Senior VP & CFO

                                       8<PAGE>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.35

                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

         This EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT (the "Agreement") is made and entered into as
of January 20, 2000, by and between MJD COMMUNICATIONS INC., a Delaware
corporation (together with its successors and assigns permitted hereunder, the
"Company"), and JOHN P. DUDA (the "Executive").

                                    RECITALS:

         WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the "Board") has
determined that it is in the best interests of the Company and its subsidiaries
and stockholders to enter into this Agreement for purposes of the Company
employing the Executive on the terms and conditions set forth herein.

         NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the respective agreements and
covenants set forth herein and other good and valuable consideration, the
receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto, intending to be
legally bound, hereby agree as follows:

         1. EMPLOYMENT PERIOD. Subject to Section 3, the Company hereby agrees
to employ the Executive, and the Executive hereby agrees to be employed by the
Company in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Agreement, for a
period (the "Employment Period") commencing on the date hereof and ending on
December 31, 2003. In the event the Executive continues to perform services
after the Employment Period, and pending agreement for extension of the
Employment Agreement, such services shall constitute employment for an
unspecified term, terminable at will, with or without cause or reason, with or
without advance notice, and with or without pay in lieu of advance notice.

         2.       TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a)      POSITION AND DUTIES.

                           (i) During the term of the Executive's employment,
the Executive shall serve as President and Chief Executive Officer -- Telecom
Group and, in so doing, shall perform normal duties and responsibilities
associated with such position, subject to the general direction, approval and
control of the Chief Executive Officer of the Company.

                           (ii) During the term of the Executive's employment,
and excluding any periods of vacation and other leave to which the Executive is
entitled, the Executive agrees to devote substantially all his business time to
the business and affairs of the Company and to use the

<PAGE>

Executive's best efforts to perform faithfully, effectively and efficiently his
duties and responsibilities.

                           (iii) During the term of the Executive's employment
it shall not be a violation of this Agreement for the Executive to (1) serve on
industry trade, civic or charitable boards or committees, (2) deliver lectures
or fulfill speaking engagements, and (3) manage personal investments, so long as
such activities do not interfere with the performance of the Executive's duties
and responsibilities as an employee of the Company.

                           (iv) Executive agrees to observe and comply with the
Company's rules and policies as adopted by the Company from time to time.

                  (b)      COMPENSATION.

                           (i) BASE SALARY. During the term of the Executive's
employment, the Executive shall receive an annual base salary (the "Annual Base
Salary"), which shall be paid in accordance with the customary payroll practices
of the Company, in an amount to be determined by the Board.

                           (ii) BONUS. Executive shall receive an annual bonus
in an amount to be determined by the Board.

                           (iii) INCENTIVE SAVINGS, STOCK OPTION AND RETIREMENT
PLANS. During the term of the Executive's employment, the Executive shall be
entitled to participate in all incentive, savings stock option and retirement
plans, practices, policies and programs applicable generally to other employees
of the Company, as amended from time to time. In addition, the Executive shall
be entitled to participate in the MJD Communications, Inc. Nonqualified Deferred
Compensation Plan.

                           (iv) WELFARE BENEFIT PLANS. During the term of the
Executive's employment, the Executive and/or the Executive's family, as the case
may be, shall be eligible for participation in and shall receive all benefits
under the welfare benefit plans, practices, policies and programs provided by
the Company, including medical, prescription, dental, disability, salary
continuance, employee life, group life, accidental death and travel accident
insurance plans and programs, as amended from time to time, to the extent
applicable generally to other employees of the Company. In addition, the
Executive shall be entitled to payment of long term disability and term life
insurance premiums in an amount not to exceed $6,000 in the aggregate annually.

                           (v) PERQUISITES. During the term of the Executive's
employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive, in addition to the
benefits described above, such perquisites and fringe benefits appertaining to
his position in accordance with any policies, practices and procedures
established by the Board, as amended from time to time, including, without
limitation reimbursement for automobile (American luxury or equivalent)
expenses.

                                       2
<PAGE>

                           (vi) EXPENSES. During the term of the Executive's
employment, the Executive shall be entitled to receive prompt reimbursement for
all reasonable employment expenses incurred by the Executive in accordance with
the Company's policies, practices and procedures, as amended from time to time.

         3.       TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT.

                  (a) DEATH OR DISABILITY. The Executive's employment shall
terminate automatically upon the Executive's death during the Employment Period.
If the Disability (as defined below) of the Executive has occurred during the
Employment Period, the Company may give to the Executive written notice in
accordance with Section 11(b) of its intention to terminate the Executive's
employment. In such event, the Executive's employment with the Company shall
terminate effective on the 90th day after receipt of such notice by the
Executive (the "Disability Effective Date"), if, within the 90 days after such
receipt, the Executive shall not have returned to perform, with reasonable
accommodation, the essential functions of his position. For purposes of this
Agreement, at any time the Company or any of its affiliates sponsors a long-term
disability plan for the Company's employees, "Disability" shall mean disability
as defined in such long-term disability plan. The determination of whether the
Executive has a Disability shall be made by the person or persons required to
render disability determinations under the long-term disability plan. At any
time the Company does not sponsor a long-term disability plan for its employees,
"Disability" shall mean the Executive's inability to perform, with reasonable
accommodation, the essential functions of his position hereunder for a period of
180 consecutive days due to mental or physical incapacity, as determined by a
physician selected by the Company or its insurers.

                  (b) CAUSE OR WITHOUT CAUSE. The Company may terminate the
Executive's employment during the Employment Period for Cause or without Cause.
For purposes of this Agreement, "Cause" shall mean (a) misappropriating any
funds or any material property of the Company; (b) obtaining or attempting to
obtain any material personal profit from any transaction in which the Executive
has an interest which is adverse to the interest of the Company unless the
Company shall first give its consent to such transaction; (c) (i) the willful
taking of actions which directly impair the Employee's ability to perform the
duties required by the terms of his employment; or (ii) taking any action
detrimental to the Company's goodwill or damaging to the Company's relationships
with its customers, suppliers or employees; provided that such neglect or
refusal, action or breach shall have continued for a period of twenty (20) days
following written notice thereof; (d) being convicted of or pleading NOLO
CONTENDERE to any crime or offense constituting a felony under applicable law or
any crime or offense involving fraud or moral turpitude; or (e) any material
intentional failure to comply with applicable laws or governmental regulations
within the scope of employment as defined by this Agreement. For purposes of
this Agreement, "without Cause" shall mean a termination by the Company of the
Executive's employment during the Employment Period for any reason other than a
termination based upon Cause, death, Disability or upon a Change of Control, as
defined below.

                                       3
<PAGE>

                  (c) CHANGE OF CONTROL. If a Change of Control (as defined
below) occurs during the Employment Period and the Board determines in good
faith that it is in the Company's best interests to terminate the Executive's
employment with the Company within one year of such Change of Control the
Company may terminate the Executive's employment by giving the Executive written
notice in accordance with Section 11(b) of its intention to terminate the
Executive's employment. Any such termination by the Company as contemplated in
this Section 3(d) is referred to herein as a termination "upon a Change of
Control."

                  For purposes of this Agreement, a "Change of Control" shall be
deemed to have occurred if: (a) the stockholders of the Company on the date
hereof (after giving effect to the transactions contemplated by the Stock
Purchase Agreement; dated as of the date hereof, by and among the Company and
the other Parties thereto) no longer own, either directly or indirectly, shares
of capital stock of the Company entitling them to 51% in the aggregate of the
voting power for the election of the directors of the Company, as a result of a
merger or consolidation of the Company, a transfer of capital stock of the
Company or otherwise, or (b) the Company sells, assigns, conveys, transfers,
leases or otherwise disposes of, in one transaction or a series of related
transactions, all or substantially all of its property or assets to any other
person or entity.

               (d) NOTICE OF TERMINATION. Any termination by the Company for
Cause or without Cause or upon a Change of Control, shall be communicated by a
Notice of Termination to the Executive hereto given in accordance with Section
11(b). For purposes of this Agreement, the term "Notice of Termination" means a
written notice which (i) indicates the specific termination provision in this
Agreement relied upon, (ii) to the extent applicable, sets forth in reasonable
detail the facts and circumstances claimed to provide a basis for termination of
the Executive's employment under the provision so indicated and (iii) if the
Date of Termination (as defined below) is other than the date of receipt of such
notice, specifies the termination date (which date shall not be more than 15
days after the giving of such notice if the Executive is giving such notice).
The failure by the Company to set forth in the Notice of Termination any fact or
circumstance which contributes to a showing of Cause or a termination upon a
Change of Control shall not waive any right of the Company hereunder or preclude
the Company from asserting such fact or circumstance in enforcing the Company's
rights hereunder.

               (e) DATE OF TERMINATION. The term "Date of Termination" means (i)
if the Executive's employment is terminated by the Company for Cause or upon a
Change of Control, the date of receipt of the Notice of Termination or any later
date specified therein pursuant to Section 3(e), as the case may be, (ii) if the
Executive's employment is terminated by the Executive 30 days from the date of
receipt of the Notice of Termination, (iii) if the Executive's employment is
terminated by the Company other than for Cause or upon a Change of Control, the
date on which the Company notifies the Executive of such termination and (iv) if
the Executive's employment is terminated by reason of death or Disability, the
date of death of the Executive or the Disability, as the case may be.

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<PAGE>

         4.       OBLIGATIONS OF THE COMPANY UPON TERMINATION.

                  (a) FOR CAUSE; WITHOUT GOOD REASON; OTHER THAN FOR DEATH,
DISABILITY OR UPON A CHANGE OF CONTROL. If, during the Employment Period, the
Company shall terminate the Executive's employment for Cause, the Executive
shall not be entitled to any benefits pursuant to this Agreement.

                  (b) WITHOUT CAUSE. In the event that the Executive's
employment as Chief Executive Officer--Telecom Group of the Company is
terminated without "cause" and not as a result of a Change of Control, the
Executive shall be entitled to receive in a lump sum payment from the Company,
an amount equal to the Executive's Annual Base Salary as of the date of
termination for a period of twelve (12) months plus all accrued and unpaid base
salary and benefits as of the Date of Termination. In addition, the Company
shall maintain the Executive's long term disability and medical benefits for a
period of twelve (12) months following the Date of Termination.

                  (c) CHANGE OF CONTROL. In the event that the Company
terminates the Executive's employment as Chief Executive Officer--Telecom Group
upon a Change of Control (as defined below), the Executive shall be entitled to
receive from the Company in a lump sum payment, an amount equal to the
Executive's Annual Base Salary as of the Date of Termination for a period of
twenty-four (24) months. In addition, the Company shall maintain the Executive's
long term disability and medical benefits for a period of twenty-four (24)
months following the Date of Termination.

                  5. SEVERABILITY. If any provision of this Agreement is held to
be illegal, invalid or unenforceable under present or future laws, such
provision shall be fully severable, this Agreement shall be construed and
enforced as if such illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision had never
comprised a part of this Agreement, and the remaining provisions of this
Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall not be affected by the
illegal, invalid or unenforceable provision or by its severance from this
Agreement.

                  6. MISCELLANEOUS.

                     (a) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in several
         counterparts each of which is an original. This Agreement and any
         counterpart so executed shall be deemed to be one and the same
         instrument. It shall not be necessary in making proof of this Agreement
         or any counterpart hereof to produce or account for any of the other
         counterparts.

                     (b) CONTENTS OF AGREEMENT; PARTIES-IN-INTEREST, ETC. This
         Agreement sets forth the entire understanding of the parties regarding
         the subject matter hereof. Any previous agreements or understandings
         between the parties regarding the subject matter

                                       5
<PAGE>

         hereof are merged into and superseded by this Agreement. All
         representations, warranties, covenants, terms, conditions and
         provisions of this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the
         benefit of and be enforceable by the respective heirs, legal
         representatives, successors and permitted assigns of the Company and
         the Executive. Neither this Agreement nor any rights, interests or
         obligations hereunder may be assigned by any party without the prior
         written consent of the other party hereto.

                     (c) NEW YORK LAW TO GOVERN. THIS AGREEMENT SHALL BE
         CONSTRUED AND ENFORCED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW
         YORK WITHOUT REGARD TO THE PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS.

                     (d) SECTION HEADINGS. The section headings herein have been
         inserted for convenience of reference only and shall in no way modify
         or restrict any of the terms or provisions hereof.

                     (e) NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands and other
         communications which are required or permitted hereunder shall be
         sufficient if given in writing and delivered personally or by
         registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by facsimile
         transmission (with a copy simultaneously sent by registered or
         certified mail, postage prepaid), as follows (or to such other address
         as shall be set forth in a notice given in the same manner):

                         (1) If to the Company to:

                             MJD Communications, Inc.
                             521 East Morehead Street, Suite 250
                             Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
                             Facsimile: (704) 344-8150

                             Attn:  Jack H. Thomas

                             Copies to:

                             Paul, Hastings, Janofsky & Walker LLP
                             399 Park Avenue
                             New York, New York 10022-4697
                             Facsimile: (212) 319-4090
                             Attn: Neil A. Torpey, Esq.

                         (2) If to the Executive, to:

                             John P. Duda
                             6733 North Baltusrol Lane
                             Charlotte, NC 28210

                                       6
<PAGE>

                     (f) MODIFICATION AND WAIVER. Any of the terms or conditions
         of this Agreement may be waived in writing at any time by the party
         which is entitled to the benefits thereof, and this Agreement may be
         modified or amended at any time by the Company and the Executive. No
         supplement, modification or amendment of this Agreement shall be
         binding unless executed in writing by each of the parties hereto. No
         waiver of any of the provisions of this Agreement shall be deemed or
         shall constitute a waiver of any other provision hereof nor shall such
         waiver constitute a continuing waiver.

                     (g) THIRD PARTY BENEFICIARIES. Except as otherwise
         expressly set forth herein, no individual or entity shall be a
         third-party beneficiary of the representations, warranties, covenants
         and agreements made by any party hereto.

                     (h) TERMINATION OF PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS. The parties hereto
         acknowledge and agree that this Agreement supersedes and terminates all
         existing severance agreements or arrangements between the Company or
         any of its affiliates and the Executive.

                  [REMAINDER OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

                                       7
<PAGE>

               IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed or have
caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

EXECUTIVE                               MJD COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

/s/ John P. Duda                        By: /s/ Walter E. Leach, Jr.
-----------------------------               -----------------------------
John P. Duda                                Name:  Walter E. Leach, Jr.
                                            Title: Senior VP & CFO

                                       8

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