Document:

Employment Agreement

 EXHIBIT 10.16 
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
 AGREEMENT made as of the 4th day of January, 2007, between D&E
Communications, Inc., a Pennsylvania business corporation, having its principal office at 124 East Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522-0458 (“D&E”) and Thomas E. Morell, having an address of 2168 Landis Valley Road, Lancaster, PA
17601 (“Executive”). 
 BACKGROUND 
 D&E desires to employ Executive on a contractual basis as its Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, and Executive desires to accept such position, on the terms and conditions set forth
below. As additional consideration for the execution of this Agreement, Executive has been given benefits upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined herein). 
 NOW THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows: 
 AGREEMENT

 1. Employment. D&E hereby agrees to employ the executive for a term of years, as more particularly set forth herein, and
provide Executive with certain change in control benefits, in exchange for which Executive accepts the terms and conditions set forth herein governing his employment, including the restrictive covenants set forth herein. 
 2. Term. Executive’s employment shall be for a two year term, commencing as of January 4, 2007, (the “Initial Term”).
Beginning on the first anniversary date of this Agreement (i.e. January 4, 2008), and on each anniversary date thereafter until notice is given as set forth below, the term of this Agreement shall be extended by one additional year (the
“Extended Term”), subject, however, to prior termination of this Agreement as set forth below. This Agreement shall automatically renew and extend as provided in this paragraph 2 unless at least 60 days prior to any anniversary date
of this Agreement, either D&E or Executive gives 60 days’ prior written notice to the other of its or his intention not to extend the Agreement. If notice is so given, the term of this Agreement shall not be extended for an additional year,
but shall instead continue for the then remaining term. As used herein, “Term” shall mean the Executive’s employment with D&E pursuant to this Agreement during the Initial Term and any Extended Term. 
 3. Compensation. 
 (a)
Salary. Executive will be paid an annual salary of $230,000, subject to adjustment as provided below (the “Salary”), which will be payable in equal periodic installments according to D&E’s customary payroll
practices, but no less frequently than monthly. Executive’s salary shall be at least in the amount of his salary for the initial year of this Agreement, with such increases (in connection with D&E’s annual performance review procedures
or otherwise), if any, as may be established by D&E. 
  

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 (b) Benefits. Benefits for the Executive and his family will be the same, in the
aggregate, to those provided by D&E to similarly situated D&E executive officers (“similarly situated D&E executive officers” shall mean the “named executive officers” in D&E’s proxy statement), including
participation in such pension, profit sharing, bonus, life insurance, disability insurance, hospitalization, major medical, and other employee benefit plans of D&E that may be in effect to the extent Executive is eligible under the terms of
those plans (collectively, the “Benefits”). 
 (i) Executive shall participate, from the effective date of
this Agreement, in the D&E Supplemental Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, which is a plan of deferred compensation that provides for an annual supplemental retirement benefit
equal to the additional qualified retirement benefit the Executive would accrue under the D&E Communications, Inc. Employee’s Retirement Plan (the “Qualified Retirement Plan”). 
 (ii) Short-Term Incentive Plan. As additional compensation for the services to be rendered by Executive pursuant to this Agreement,
Executive will be eligible to participate in such executive level bonus/incentive programs and plans as may be in effect from time to time as approved by the Board of Directors of D&E. Executive shall be eligible for a targeted Short-term
Incentive Plan bonus at the end of calendar year 2007 at twenty-five percent (25%) of his Salary as defined in D&E’s Short-term Incentive Plan. The target is neither a minimum nor a cap on any bonus. D&E, through its compensation
committee, will annually consider the implementation of an annual incentive award program, for which the Executive will be eligible. 
 (c) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to six (6) weeks of paid time off per year during the term of his employment, or such greater amount commensurate with periods of paid time off as may from time to time be provided
for similarly situated D&E executive officers. 
 (d) Expense Reimbursement. D&E will reimburse Executive for
reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with D&E’s regular reimbursement policies, as in effect from time to time and upon receipt of itemized vouchers
therefor and such other supporting information as D&E may reasonably request. 
 (e) Automobile. D&E will
provide Executive with either a company car or related reimbursement, in the discretion of D&E, similar to that provided for similarly situated D&E executive officers. 
 (f) Long-Term Incentive Program. D&E, through its compensation committee, will annually consider the implementation of a
long-term incentive program for which the Executive will be eligible. 
 (g) Reservation of Right to Amend Benefit
Plans. Executive understands that from time to time it may be necessary for economic and business reasons for 

  

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D&E to amend any of its benefit plans, which amendments may involve the increase, decrease or change of form of a Benefit. Executive’s employment
pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to any such amendments, and any such amendments applicable to all D&E employees, or the specific class thereof of which Executive is a member, that impacts Executive’s Benefits hereunder shall not
be a breach of this Agreement by D&E. In no event, however, shall any such amendment deprive Executive of any Benefit that has vested or is then otherwise owed to Executive under this Agreement, the SERP, D&E’s Short-term Incentive
Plan, D&E’s Long-term Incentive Plan or any of D&E’s pension, profit sharing, bonus or short-term or long-term disability plans. 
 4. Duties. The Executive shall serve as the Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of D&E, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, and have the normal duties, responsibilities and authority associated with
such position including, without limitation, those set forth in Exhibit B attached and made a part hereof, as well as such duties (which are reasonably consistent with Executive’s primary duties) as shall be assigned to him from time to
time by the Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors of D&E. In the event Executive is assigned additional duties by either the Chief Executive Officer or Board of Directors that result in a material change in Executive’s duties as
provided under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive additional compensation commensurate with the additional duties. The Executive shall devote his entire working time and attention to D&E’s business. During the term of
this Agreement, Executive shall not be employed by, or participate or engage in or be a part of in any manner the management or operations of any business enterprise other than D&E without the prior written consent of D&E, which consent may
be granted or withheld in its sole discretion; provided, however, that Executive may, while he remains employed by D&E, participate in reasonable charitable, social, teaching, educational and civic activities, as well as industry trade groups
and associations and personal investment activities, so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of Executive’s obligations under this Agreement, as well as those activities set forth on Exhibit C attached hereto.

 5. Termination of Employment. 
 (a) Due To Death, Disability, For Cause or Without Good Reason. 
 (i) For
Cause. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated by D&E for Cause, D&E shall pay the Executive his full Salary, plus any accrued paid time off, through the date of termination at the rate in effect at the time of
termination, and any Benefits that have vested or are then otherwise owed to Executive, and D&E shall have no further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. “Cause” shall mean: 
 (a) the failure by the Executive to substantially perform his duties hereunder after notice from D&E and a failure to cure such
violation within thirty (30) days of the date of said notice or, if said violation cannot be cured within such period of time, within a reasonable time thereafter, if the Executive is diligently attempting to cure the violation, but in no event
longer than 60 days from the date of the notice; 
  

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 (b) the engaging by the Executive in misconduct injurious to D&E; 
 (c) the dishonesty or gross negligence of the Executive in the performance of his duties; 
 (d) material violation by Executive of D&E’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; 
 (e) use by the Executive of alcohol which interferes with the performance of his duties; 
 (f) use by the Executive of illegal drugs; 
 (g) the breach of Executive’s fiduciary duty involving personal profit; 
 (h) the
violation by the Executive of any law, rule or regulation which jeopardizes the business of D&E; 
 (i) moral turpitude
or other conduct on the part of Executive which brings public discredit to D&E; 
 (j) commission by Executive of
workplace violence or harassment; or 
 (k) the material violation by the Executive of any provision of this Agreement or any
policy of D&E not already addressed above after notice from D&E and a failure to cure such violation within thirty (30) days of the date of said notice or, if said violation cannot be cured within such period of time, within a
reasonable time thereafter, if the Executive is diligently attempting to cure the violation, but in no event longer than 60 days from the date of the notice. 
 The foregoing notwithstanding, any actions undertaken by Executive at the specific direction of the Board of Directors or based upon the advice of corporate counsel shall not constitute “Cause” hereunder, even if such action is
arguably within the ambit of any of subsections (a) through (k) above. 
 (ii) Death or Disability. If the
Executive’s employment shall be terminated due to Executive’s Disability, D&E shall pay the Executive his full Salary, plus any accrued paid time off through the date of termination, and any Benefits that have vested or are then
otherwise owed to Executive, including but not limited to short-term and/or long-term disability benefits, and D&E shall have no further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated due
to Executive’s death, D&E shall pay the Executive’s designated beneficiaries, or if no designated beneficiaries, pay to Executive’s heirs his full Salary, plus 

  

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any accrued paid time off and any Benefits that have vested or are then otherwise owed to Executive through the date of termination and for one full month (4
weeks) following the date of termination. All stock options and performance restricted shares held by Executive shall immediately vest to the extent provided in the 1999 Long-term Incentive Plan and any applicable award agreements and D&E shall
have no further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. “Disability” shall have the meaning given to the term “total disability” in the D&E Short-term Disability Program. Nothing in this provision shall be
interpreted to limit the Executive’s rights to recover benefits under any applicable disability insurance policy. 
 (iii) Without Good Reason. If Executive desires to terminate his employment without Good Reason, Executive shall provide D&E with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of the effective date of such termination. Until the
effective date of termination, Executive shall continue to fulfill his duties under this Agreement. D&E shall continue to pay Executive his normal Salary through the effective date of termination, plus any accrued paid time off and any Benefits
that have vested or are then otherwise owed to Executive, and D&E shall have no further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. D&E may, in its discretion, request that Executive cease to perform his duties under this Agreement at
any time following its receipt of notice of termination and prior to the effective date of termination but, in such event, Executive shall still be entitled to be paid his normal Salary, plus any accrued vacation, and any Benefits that have vested
or are then otherwise owed to Executive, through the effective date of termination. 
 (b) Without Cause or for Good
Reason. If the Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause by D&E, or is terminated by Executive for Good Reason, then D&E shall pay the Executive the greater of (x) his full Salary from the date of termination through
the last day of the then current Term; or (y) an amount equal to one year’s Salary at his then current Salary. In addition, the Executive shall be entitled to: (i) an additional annual retirement benefit pursuant to the terms of the
SERP such that the Executive is treated as if he had remained employed by D&E through the end of the then current Term. The benefit provided under the SERP is intended to be in addition to the Qualified Retirement Plan benefit payable to the
Executive regardless of whether the Executive has satisfied the vesting requirements of such plan(s); (ii) payment of the amount that would have been due to the Executive under any Short-term Incentive Plan in effect at the time of
Executive’s termination had the Executive remained employed by D&E through the end of the incentive period relating thereto. Any such incentive payment shall be due and payable only at the time and in the manner provided for in the plan
relating thereto; and (iii) payment on behalf of Executive of the fees and costs charged by a nationally recognized outplacement firm selected by the Executive to provide outplacement services, not to exceed a period of twelve (12) months
after termination and the amount of $12,500. Termination for “Good Reason” shall mean termination by the Executive of his employment due to: 
 (i) any material adverse change in the position, responsibilities, authority or duties assigned to the employee, as contemplated by
Paragraph 4, without his consent, except in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause; 
  

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 (ii) failure of D&E or any successor or assign to comply with Paragraph 3 hereof in
any material manner; 
 (iii) requiring the Executive to be based anywhere that is 75 miles or more distant from the
Executive’s current place of work, without his consent, except for required travel on D&E’s business to an extent substantially consistent with his present business travel obligations; 
 (iv) a requirement by D&E or its successor that Executive, in his reasonable judgment take an action that would violate the
requirements of generally accepted accounting principles, the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, applicable stock exchange listing standards or D&E’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics; 
 (v) failure of any successor or assign of D&E to assume this Agreement and honor its provisions, or any material breach of this
Agreement by D&E or its successor or assign; or 
 (vi) notwithstanding 5(b)(ii) above, any reduction in the Salary.

 If the Executive intends to terminate his employment for Good Reason, he must first give notice to D&E that such action or limitation
of D&E constitutes Good Reason. The Executive’s employment shall be deemed terminated for Good Reason if D&E fails to cure such situation within thirty (30) days of the date of said notice or, if said situation cannot be cured
within such period, within a reasonable time thereafter, if a diligent effort is being made to cure such situation, but in no event longer than 60 days from the date of the notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Executive is a key
employee (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 416(i)) of the Company as of the last day of the calendar year preceding the date a benefit becomes payable under this Paragraph 5(b), distribution of that portion of the Executive’s
payment attributable to the termination of his employment for Good Reason, shall be made or commenced six months after the date the benefit would otherwise have been paid pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this Paragraph 5(b). This six month
period shall be shortened to the extent that counsel to D&E believes that it is then permissible under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, without the imposition of an excise tax. 
 If the Executive dies while receiving severance payments under this paragraph 5(b), then the remaining balance of severance payments due shall be paid to
his designated beneficiaries, or if no beneficiaries are designated, then to the Executive’s heirs. 
 6. Change of Control.

 (a) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Term and, within the 12 months immediately
following the effective date of the Change in Control, Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason or is 

  

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terminated by D&E without Cause, D&E or its successor shall pay to the Executive (immediately upon termination of employment and without the
requirement of notice or the opportunity to cure as provided in Paragraph 5), in lieu of the payment of any other sum that might otherwise be payable pursuant to Section 5: (i) a lump sum equal to 2.0 times the Executive’s annual
Salary, determined as of the date of the Change of Control, (ii) an additional annual retirement benefit pursuant to the terms of the SERP such that the Executive is treated as if he had remained employed by D&E through the end of the
Initial Term or any applicable Extended Term (the benefit provided under the SERP is intended to be in addition to the Qualified Retirement Plan benefit payable to the Executive regardless of whether the Executive has satisfied the vesting
requirements of such plan(s)); and (iii) payment of the amount that would have been due to the Executive under any Short Term Incentive Plan in effect at the time of Executive’s termination had the Executive remained employed by D&E
through the end of the incentive period relating thereto (any such incentive payment shall be due and payable only at the time and in the manner provided for in the plan relating thereto); in each case subject to the limitations set forth in
Paragraph 6(c) below. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” means: 
 (b) For purposes of
this Agreement, a “Change of Control” means: 
 (i) the acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person or
entity, or persons or entities acting in concert, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of voting power over that number of voting shares of the capital stock of D&E which, when combined with the existing voting power of such
persons or entities, would enable them to cast fifty percent (50%) or more of the votes which all shareholders of D&E would be entitled to cast in the election of directors of D&E; 
 (ii) the sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of 75% or more of the assets,
other than intangible assets, including good will, of D&E to a transferee other than D&E or an entity of which a controlling interest is owned by D&E; or 
 (iii) the date that, during any period of two consecutive years “Continuing Directors” cease to make up a majority of the
members of the Board of Directors of D&E. “Continuing Directors” shall mean: (x) each individual who, at the beginning of such period, was a member of the Board of Directors of D&E; and (y) any director elected or
nominated for election, by D&E’s shareholders who was first approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Continuing Directors then still in office; provided, however, that no individual shall be considered a Continuing Director if such
individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest or proxy contest, including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any election contest or proxy contest. For purposes of the
foregoing, “election contest” means a solicitation with respect to the election or removal of directors that is subject to the provisions of Rule 14a-11 of the (iv) 1934 Act, and “proxy contest” means the
solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other than the Board of Directors of D&E. 
  

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 (iv) the voluntary dissolution of D&E. 
 (c) Following the occurrence of a Change in Control, Executive may terminate his employment without Good Reason and shall be eligible to
receive a lump sum equal to the Executive’s then annual Salary, determined as of the date of the Change in Control (the “Transition Amount”), under the conditions set forth in this Paragraph 6(b); in the event of such election,
the provisions of Paragraph 6(a) shall no longer apply. The Transition Amount shall be payable six months (the “Six-Month Period”) after the later of (i) the date on which Executive’s employment terminates or (ii) the
date (the “Transition Date”) that is nine (9) months after the effective date of the Change in Control; provided, however, that (x) Executive shall be required to remain employed with D&E or its successor for the
period between such effective date and the Transition Date during which Executive shall continue to perform the duties he was performing prior to the Change in Control and/or such transition duties as reasonably requested by D&E or its successor
(no Transition Amount would be payable in the event that the Executive’s employment is terminated prior to the Transition Date by D&E for Cause or by the Executive without Good Reason) and (y) Executive must elect to terminate his
employment pursuant to this Paragraph within ninety (90) days of the effective date of the Change in Control by providing written notice of such election to D&E. This Transition Amount shall be a joint and several obligation of D&E and
any person or entity involved in a Change in Control as provided in 6(a)(i) and (ii) above. In addition to the Transition Amount, if Executive is eligible to receive the Transition Amount, D&E shall pay Executive: (i) an additional
annual retirement benefit pursuant to the terms of the SERP such that the Executive is treated as if he had remained employed by D&E through the Transition Date (the benefit provided under the SERP is intended to be in addition to the Qualified
Retirement Plan benefit payable to the Executive regardless of whether the Executive has satisfied the vesting requirements of such plan(s)); and (ii) payment of the amount that would have been due to the Executive under any Short Term
Incentive Plan in effect at the time of Executive’s termination had the Executive remained employed by D&E through the Transition Date (any such incentive payment shall be due and payable only at the time and in the manner provided for in
the plan relating thereto). Following the election in (ii) above, Executive shall continue to be paid his normal Salary, all Benefits and continue to participate in all incentive plans through the Transition Date. Following the election in
(ii) above, D&E or its successor may, in its discretion, request that Executive cease to perform his duties under this Agreement at any time following its receipt of such election and prior to the Transition Date but, in such event,
Executive shall still be entitled to be paid his normal Salary Benefits and continue to participate in all incentive plans through the Transition Date in addition to the Transition Amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Six-Month Period shall
apply only in the event the Executive is a key employee (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 416(i)) of the Company as of the last day of the calendar year preceding the date a benefit becomes payable under this Paragraph 6(b). The
Six-Month Period shall be shortened to the extent that counsel to D&E believes that it is then permissible under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, without the imposition of an excise tax. 
  

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 (d) In the event the payment described in Paragraphs 6(a) or 6(b), when added to all
other amounts or benefits provided to or on behalf of Executive in connection with his termination of employment, would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such payments
shall be retroactively (if necessary) reduced to the extent necessary to avoid such excise tax imposition. Upon written notice to Executive, together with calculations of D&E’s independent auditors, Executive shall remit to D&E the
amount of the reduction (only if such amount has been paid to Executive) plus such interest as may be necessary to avoid the imposition of such excise tax. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if
any portion of the amount herein payable to Executive is determined to be non-deductible pursuant to the regulations promulgated under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, D&E shall be required only to pay to
Executive the amount determined to be deductible under Section 280G. 
 7. Restrictive Covenants. 
 (a) During the Term of this Agreement and during the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not Compete with D&E in the Territory. For
purposes of the foregoing, (i) “Territory” shall mean any city or county in which D&E provides, offers or plans to provide or offer its services determined as of the date of termination of Executive’s employment,
provided that any such plan to offer or provide services has been discussed at the executive level of D&E and memorialized in an internal memorandum or other writing prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment.
“Territory” shall not include any additional geographical location of any successor to D&E by purchase, merger, consolidation, acquisition of assets or otherwise; (ii) “Compete” shall mean the direct or indirect
ownership, management, operation, control, employment by, participation in, or connection in any manner with the ownership, management, operation or control of any business which is engaged in providing the types of communications goods or services,
or any other line of business, in which D&E is engaged at the time of Executive’s termination including, if applicable and without limitation, wireline, wireless, internet access, VOIP, broadband or any similar communications means, whether
as an individual on his own, as a partner, joint venturer, officer, shareholder, employee, agent, independent contractor, lessor, creditor or otherwise; and (iii) “Restricted Period” shall mean a period of one (1) year
from and after the date of termination of this Agreement, provided that, if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Paragraphs 5(a) or 5(b), the Restricted Period shall be the same as the period during which the Executive is
entitled to Salary payments under Paragraphs 5(a) and 5(b). The foregoing restrictive covenant will be effective only if Executive receives the payments to which he is entitled under Paragraphs 5(a) or 5(b). The foregoing restrictive covenant shall
not be construed to prohibit the ownership by Executive of up to five percent (5%) of any class of securities of any corporation which is in competition with D&E, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment and that neither
Executive nor any group of persons including Executive in any way, either directly or indirectly, manages or exercises control of any such corporation, guarantees any of its financial obligations, otherwise takes any part in its business, other than
exercising his rights as a shareholder, or seeks to do any of the foregoing. 
  

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 (b) During the Term of his employment hereunder and for ten (10) years following
termination, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of an authorized officer of D&E, disclose to any person, other than an employee of D&E or a person to whom disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in
connection with the performance by the Executive of his duties, any material confidential information, defined as information protected under Section 5302 of the Pennsylvania Uniform Trade Secrets Act, 12 Pa. C.S. §5301, et seq., obtained
by him while in the employ of D&E with respect to any of D&E’s or its affiliates’ business plans and strategies, pricing and pricing strategies, engineering and technical data, services, products, customers, sales records, methods
of business or any business practices the disclosure of which could be or will be materially damaging to D&E or its affiliates (the “Confidential Information”); provided, however, that confidential information shall not include
any information known generally to the public (other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by the Executive or any person with the assistance, consent or direction of the Executive) or any information of a type not otherwise considered
confidential by persons engaged in the same business or a business similar to that conducted by D&E or any information that must be disclosed as required by law or governmental authority. 
 (c) Executive agrees, for a period of two (2) years following termination of his employment with D&E, (i) not to solicit any
D&E employees or officers to leave D&E to accept employment by Executive or his new employer; and (ii) not to solicit or encourage any D&E customers to cease doing business with D&E and/or to transfer any or all of their
business relationships to any institution which Executive may found or to Executive’s new employer. 
 (d) Executive
agrees that he will not disparage D&E in any communications of any nature with any third parties, including but not limited to shareholders of D&E or its vendors, customers and suppliers, regarding any matters related to D&E during or
following termination of his employment. The foregoing prohibition is not intended to, and should not be construed as, preventing Executive from fulfilling any duty to report accounting issues pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act
and any regulations promulgated thereunder, or otherwise providing truthful information to third parties. 
 (e) Executive
acknowledges and agrees that the covenants contained herein are fair and reasonable in light of the consideration paid hereunder, and that damages alone shall not be an adequate remedy for any breach by Executive of his covenants which then apply
and accordingly expressly agrees that, in addition to any other remedies which D&E may have, D&E shall be entitled to injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction for any breach or threatened breach of any such covenants by
Executive. Nothing contained herein shall prevent or delay D&E from seeking, in any court of competent jurisdiction, specific performance or other equitable remedies in the event of any breach or intended breach by Executive of any of his
obligations hereunder. 
 (f) The period of time applicable to any covenant in this Paragraph 7 will be extended by the
duration of any violation by Executive of such covenant. 
  

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 (g) If any covenant in Paragraph 7 is held to be unreasonable, arbitrary, or against
public policy, such covenant will be considered to be divisible with respect to scope, time, and geographic area, and such lesser scope, time, or geographic area, or all of them, as a court of competent jurisdiction may determine to be reasonable,
not arbitrary, and not against public policy, will be effective, binding, and enforceable against Executive. 
 8. D&E Property.
The Executive will not remove from D&E’s premises (except to the extent such removal is for purposes of the performance of the Executive’s duties at home or while traveling, or except as otherwise specifically authorized by D&E)
any document, record, notebook, plan, model, component, device, or computer software or code, whether embodied in a disk or in any other form (collectively, the “Proprietary Items”). The Executive recognizes that, as between D&E
and the Executive, all of the Proprietary Items, whether or not developed by the Executive, are the exclusive property of D&E. Upon termination of this Agreement by either party, or upon the request of D&E during the Term, the Executive will
immediately return to D&E all of the Proprietary Items in the Executive’s possession or subject to the Executive’s control, and the Executive shall not retain any copies, abstracts, sketches, or other physical embodiment of any of the
Proprietary Items. 
 9. Employee Inventions. 
 (a) Each Employee Invention will belong exclusively to D&E. The Executive acknowledges that all of the Executive’s writing, works
of authorship and other Employee Inventions are works made for hire and the property of D&E, including any copyrights, patents or other intellectual property rights pertaining thereto. If it is determined that any such works are not works made
for hire, the Executive hereby assigns to D&E all of the Executive’s right, title, and interest, including all rights of copyright, patent and other intellectual property rights, to or in such Employee Inventions. The Executive covenants
that he will promptly: 
 (i) disclose to D&E in writing any Employee Invention; 
 (ii) assign to D&E or to a party designated by D&E, at D&E’s request and without additional compensation, all of the
Executive’s right to the Employee Invention for the United States and all foreign jurisdictions; 
 (iii) execute and
deliver to D&E such applications, assignments, and other documents as D&E may request in order to apply for and obtain patents or other registrations with respect to any Employee Invention in the United States and any foreign jurisdictions;

 (iv) sign all other papers necessary to carry out the above obligations; and 
 (v) give testimony and render any other assistance, but without expense to the Executive, in support of D&E’s rights to any
Employee Invention. 
 (b) For purposes of the foregoing, “Employee Invention” shall mean any idea,
invention, technique, modification, process, or improvement (whether 

  

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patentable or not), any industrial design (whether registerable or not) and any work of authorship related to the business of D&E (whether or not
copyright protection may be obtained for it) created, conceived, or developed by the Executive, either solely or in conjunction with others, during the Term, or a period that includes a portion of the Term, that relates in any way to, or is useful
in any manner in, the business then being conducted or proposed to be conducted by D&E, and any such item created by the Executive, either solely or in conjunction with others, following termination of the Executive’s employment with the
Employer, that is based upon or uses Confidential Information. 
 10. Indemnification. D&E shall indemnify and hold harmless the
Executive, to the fullest extent permitted by Pennsylvania law and D&E’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, whichever affords greater protection, with respect to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding brought
against him by reason of the fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of D&E or is or was serving at the request of D&E as a director, officer, employee or agent of another person or entity. To the fullest extent
permitted by Pennsylvania law and D&E’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, D&E shall, in advance of final disposition, advance expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) incurred by the Executive in connection
with any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding with respect to which the Executive may be entitled to indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the Executive agrees to reimburse D&E all such monies advanced if the
presiding court finds that he is not entitled to be indemnified by D&E under Pennsylvania law or D&E’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. The Executive’s right to indemnification provided herein is not exclusive of any other
rights of indemnification to which the Executive may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or otherwise, and shall continue beyond the term of this Agreement. D&E shall use its best efforts to obtain insurance coverage for
the Executive under an insurance policy covering officers and directors of D&E against lawsuits, arbitrations or other proceedings, provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to require D&E to obtain such insurance, if the
Board of Directors of D&E determines that such coverage cannot be obtained at a commercially reasonable price. 
 11. Attorney’s
Fees and Costs. In the event of any litigation, arbitration, mediation or other proceeding between D&E and the Executive with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and the enforcement of the rights hereunder and such litigation or
other proceeding results in a judgment, order, or other administrative determination in favor of the Executive, D&E shall reimburse the Executive for all of his reasonable costs and expenses relating to such litigation or other proceeding,
including, without limitation, his reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses. 
 12. Notices. Any notice required or desired to be
given under this Agreement shall be deemed given if in writing and sent by overnight courier, or via certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Executive’s residence or to D&E’s principal office, as the case may be. 

13. Waiver of Breach. Either party’s waiver of a breach of any provision in this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be
construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the non-breaching party. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an authorized officer of D&E. 
  

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 14. Assignment. The Executive acknowledges that his services are unique and personal. Accordingly,
the Executive may not assign his rights or delegate his duties or obligations under this Agreement. D&E’s rights and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, D&E’s successors and
assigns, and D&E may assign this Agreement, including the restrictive covenants contained in Paragraph 7 of this Agreement, to any successor or assign. Executive’s rights under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of his designated
beneficiaries, or heirs and assigns to the extent provided by the express terms of this Agreement, and be binding upon any successor or assign to the same extent and with the same force as D&E. 
 15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties. It may not be changed orally but only by an agreement in
writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change, modification, extension, or discharge is sought. 
 16.
Headings. Headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret or construe its provisions. 
 17.
Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument. 
 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Agreement the day and year first above written. 
  

							
	Attest:	 	 	 	D&E COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
				
	  
	 		 	By	 	  

				
	  
	 		 	Title:	 	  

			
	Witness:	 		 	EXECUTIVE
			
	  
	 		 	  

  

 13Employment Agreement

 EXHIBIT 10.17 
 EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
 AGREEMENT made as of the 4th day of January, 2007, between D&E
Communications, Inc., a Pennsylvania business corporation, having its principal office at 124 East Main Street, Ephrata, PA 17522-0458 (“D&E”) and Albert H. Kramer, having an address of 1932 Heatherton Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601
(“Executive”). 
 BACKGROUND 
 D&E desires to employ Executive on a contractual basis as its Senior Vice President Operations, and Executive desires to accept such position, on the terms and conditions set forth below. As additional
consideration for the execution of this Agreement, Executive has been given benefits upon the occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined herein), among other things. 
 NOW THEREFORE, intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties agree as follows: 
 AGREEMENT

 1. Employment. D&E hereby agrees to employ the Executive for a term of years, as more particularly set forth herein, and
provide Executive with certain change in control benefits, in exchange for which Executive accepts the terms and conditions set forth herein governing his employment, including the restrictive covenants set forth herein. 
 2. Term. Executive’s employment hereunder shall be for a two year term, commencing on January 4, 2007 (the “Initial
Term”). On the second anniversary date of this Agreement (i.e., January 4, 2009), and on each anniversary date thereafter until notice is given as set forth below, the term of this Agreement shall be extended by one additional year
(the “Extended Term”), subject, however, to prior termination of this Agreement as set forth below. This Agreement shall automatically renew and extend as provided in this Paragraph 2 until either D&E or Executive gives 60
days’ prior written notice to the other of its or his intention not to extend the Agreement. If notice is so given, the term of this Agreement shall not be extended for an additional year, but shall instead continue for the then remaining term.
As used herein, “Term” shall mean the Executive’s employment with D&E pursuant to this Agreement during the Initial Term and any Extended Term. 
 3. Compensation. 
 (a) Salary. Executive will be paid an annual salary of
$200,000, subject to adjustment as provided below (the “Salary”), which will be payable in equal periodic installments according to D&E’s customary payroll practices, but no less frequently than monthly. Executive’s
salary shall be at least in the amount of his salary for the initial year of this contract, with such increases (in connection with D&E’s annual performance review procedures or otherwise), if any, as may be established by D&E.
Executive shall be considered for a merit increase at the time customarily considered by D&E and in the event of such an increase, the increase shall be retroactive and pro-rated. 
  

 1 

 (b) Benefits. Benefits for the Executive and his family will be the same, in the
aggregate, to those provided by D&E to similarly situated D&E executive officers (“similarly situated D&E executive officers” shall mean the “named executive officers” in D&E’s proxy statement) as of the date
hereof, including participation in such pension, profit sharing, bonus, life insurance, disability insurance, hospitalization, major medical, and other employee benefit plans of D&E that may be in effect from time to time, to the extent
Executive is eligible under the terms of those plans (collectively, the “Benefits”). 
 (i) Executive shall
participate, from the effective date of this Agreement, in the D&E Supplemental Retirement Plan (the “SERP”), the form of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A, which is a plan of deferred compensation that provides for
an annual supplemental retirement benefit equal to the additional qualified retirement benefit the Executive would accrue under the D&E Communications, Inc. Employee’s Retirement Plan (the “Qualified Retirement Plan”).

 (ii) Short-term Incentive Plan. As additional compensation for the services to be rendered by Executive pursuant to
this Agreement, Executive will be eligible to participate in such executive level bonus/incentive programs and plans as may be in effect from time to time as approved by the Board of Directors of D&E. Executive shall be eligible for a targeted
Short-term Incentive Plan bonus at the end of calendar year 2007 at twenty-five percent (25%) of his Salary as defined in D&E’s Short Term Incentive Plan. The target is neither a minimum nor a cap on any bonus. D&E, through its
compensation committee, will annually consider the implementation of an annual incentive award program, for which the Executive will be eligible. 
 (c) Paid Time Off. Executive shall be entitled to six (6) weeks of paid time off per year during the term of his employment, or such greater amount commensurate with periods of paid time off as may from
time to time be provided for similarly situated D&E executive officers. 
 (d) Expense Reimbursement. D&E will
reimburse Executive for reasonable expenses incurred by Executive in the performance of Executive’s duties pursuant to this Agreement in accordance with D&E’s regular reimbursement policies, as in effect from time to time and upon
receipt of itemized vouchers therefor and such other supporting information as D&E may reasonably request. 
 (e)
Automobile. D&E will provide Executive with either a company car or related reimbursement, in the discretion of D&E, similar to that provided for similarly situated D&E executive officers. 
 (f) Reservation of Right to Amend Benefit Plans. Executive understands that from time to time it may be necessary for economic and
business reasons for D&E to amend any of its benefit plans, which amendments may involve the increase, decrease or change of form of a benefit. Executive’s employment pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to any such amendments, and
any such amendments applicable to all D&E employees, or the specific class thereof of which Executive is a member, that impacts 

  

 2 

 
Executive’s benefit package hereunder shall not be a breach of this Agreement by D&E. In no event, however, shall any such amendment deprive
Executive of any Benefit that has vested or is then otherwise owed to Executive under this Agreement, the SERP, D&E’s Short-term Incentive Plan, D&E’s Long-term Incentive Plan or any of D&E’s pension, profit sharing, bonus
or short-term or long-term disability plans. 
 4. Duties. The Executive shall serve as the Senior Vice President Operations of
D&E, reporting to the Chief Executive Officer , and have the normal duties, responsibilities and authority associated with such position including, without limitation, those set forth in Exhibit B attached and made a part hereof, as well
as such duties (which are reasonably consistent with Executive’s primary duties) as shall be assigned to him from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer. In the event Executive is assigned additional duties by either the Chief Executive
Officer or Board of Directors that result in a material change in Executive’s duties as provided under this Agreement, Executive shall be entitled to receive additional compensation commensurate with the additional duties. The Executive shall
devote his entire working time and attention to D&E’s business. During the term of this Agreement, Executive shall not be employed by, or participate or engage in or be a part of in any manner the management or operations of any business
enterprise other than D&E without the prior written consent of D&E, which consent may be granted or withheld in its sole discretion; provided, however, that Executive may, while he remains employed by D&E, participate in reasonable
charitable, social, teaching, educational and civic activities, as well as industry trade groups and associations and personal investment activities, so long as such activities do not interfere with the performance of Executive’s obligations
under this Agreement, as well as those activities set forth on Exhibit C attached hereto. 
 5. Termination of Employment.

 (a) Due To Death, Disability, For Cause or Without Good Reason. 
 (i) For Cause. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated by D&E for Cause, D&E shall pay the Executive his
full Salary, plus any accrued paid time off, through the date of termination at the rate in effect at the time of termination, any Benefits that have vested or are otherwise owed to Executive, and D&E shall have no further obligation to the
Executive under this Agreement. “Cause” shall mean: 
 (a) the failure by the Executive to substantially
perform his duties hereunder after notice from D&E and a failure to cure such violation within thirty (30) days of the date of said notice or, if said violation cannot be cured within such period of time, within a reasonable time
thereafter, if the Executive is diligently attempting to cure the violation, but in no event longer than 60 days from the date of the notice; 
 (b) the engaging by the Executive in misconduct injurious to D&E; 
 (c) the dishonesty
or gross negligence of the Executive in the performance of his duties; 
  

 3 

 (d) material violation by Executive of D&E’s Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics; 
 (e) use by the Executive of alcohol which interferes with the performance of his duties; 
 (f) use by the Executive of illegal drugs; 
 (g) the breach of Executive’s fiduciary duty involving personal profit; 
 (h) the
violation by the Executive of any law, rule or regulation which jeopardizes the business of D&E; 
 (i) moral turpitude
or other conduct on the part of Executive which brings public discredit to D&E; 
 (j) commission by Executive of
workplace violence or harassment; or 
 (k) the material violation by the Executive of any provision of this Agreement or any
policy of D&E not already addressed above after notice from D&E and a failure to cure such violation within thirty (30) days of the date of said notice or, if said violation cannot be cured within such period of time, within a
reasonable time thereafter, if the Executive is diligently attempting to cure the violation, but in no event longer than 60 days from the date of the notice. 
 The foregoing notwithstanding, any actions undertaken by Executive at the specific direction of the Board of Directors or based upon the advice of corporate counsel shall not constitute “Cause” hereunder, even if such action is
arguably within the ambit of any of subsections (a) through (k) above. 
 (ii) Death or Disability. If the
Executive’s employment shall be terminated due to Executive’s Disability, D&E shall pay the Executive his full Salary plus any accrued paid time off through the date of termination, and any Benefits that have vested or are then
otherwise owed to Executive, including but not limited to short-term and/or long-term disability benefits, and D&E shall have no further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. If the Executive’s employment shall be terminated due
to Executive’s death, D&E shall pay the Executive’s designated beneficiaries, or if no designated beneficiaries, pay to Executive’s heirs his full Salary, plus any accrued paid time off and any Benefits that have vested or are
then otherwise owed to Executive through the date of termination and for one full month (4 weeks) following the date of termination. All stock options and performance restricted shares held by Executive shall immediately vest to the extent provided
in the 1999 Long Term Incentive Plan and any applicable award agreements and D&E shall have no further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. “Disability” shall have the meaning given to the term “total
disability” in the D&E Short Term Disability Program. Nothing in this provision shall be interpreted to limit the Executive’s rights to recover benefits under any applicable disability insurance policy. 
  

 4 

 (iii) Without Good Reason. If Executive desires to terminate his employment
without Good Reason, Executive shall provide D&E with at least 60 days’ prior written notice of the effective date of such termination. Until the effective date of termination, Executive shall continue to fulfill his duties under this
Agreement. D&E shall continue to pay Executive his normal Salary through the effective date of termination, plus any accrued paid time off and any Benefits that have vested or are then otherwise owed to Executive, and D&E shall have no
further obligation to the Executive under this Agreement. D&E may, in its discretion, request that Executive cease to perform his duties under this Agreement at any time following its receipt of notice of termination and prior to the effective
date of termination but, in such event, Executive shall still be entitled to be paid his normal Salary, plus any accrued vacation, and any Benefits that have vested or are then otherwise owed to Executive, through the effective date of termination.

 (b) Without Cause or for Good Reason. If the Executive’s employment is terminated without Cause by D&E, or
is terminated by Executive for Good Reason, then D&E shall pay the Executive the greater of (x) his full Salary from the date of termination through the last day of the then current Term; or (y) an amount equal to one year’s
Salary at his then current Salary. In addition, the Executive shall be entitled to: (i) an additional annual retirement benefit pursuant to the terms of the SERP, such that the Executive is treated as if he had remained employed by D&E
through the end of the then current Term. The benefit provided under the SERP is intended to be in addition to the Qualified Retirement Plan benefit payable to the Executive regardless of whether the Executive has satisfied the vesting requirements
of such plan(s); (ii) payment of the amount that would have been due to the Executive under any Short-term Incentive Plan in effect at the time of Executive’s termination had the Executive remained employed by D&E through the end of
the incentive period relating thereto. Any such incentive payment shall be due and payable only at the time and in the manner provided for in the plan relating thereto; and (iii) payment on behalf of Executive of the fees and costs charged by a
nationally recognized outplacement firm selected by the Executive to provide outplacement services, not to exceed a period of twelve (12) months after termination and the amount of $12,500. Termination for “Good Reason” shall
mean termination by the Executive of his employment due to: 
 (i) any material adverse change in the position,
responsibilities, authority or duties assigned to the employee, as contemplated by Paragraph 4, without his consent, except in connection with the termination of the Executive’s employment for Cause; 
 (ii) failure of D&E or any successor or assign to comply with Paragraph 3 hereof in any material manner; 
 (iii) requiring the Executive to be based anywhere that is 75 miles or more distant from the Executive’s current place of work,
without his consent, except for required travel on D&E’s business to an extent substantially consistent with his present business travel obligations; 
  

 5 

 (iv) a requirement by D&E or its successor that Executive, in his reasonable judgment
take an action that would violate the requirements of generally accepted accounting standards, the regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission, applicable stock exchange listing standards or D&E’s Code of Business Conduct and
Ethics; 
 (v) failure of any successor or assign of D&E to assume this Agreement and honor its provisions, or any
material breach of this Agreement by D&E or its successor or assign; or 
 (vi) notwithstanding 5(b)(ii) above, any
reduction in the Salary. 
 If the Executive intends to terminate his employment for Good Reason, he must first give notice to D&E that
such action or limitation of D&E constitutes Good Reason. The Executive’s employment shall be deemed terminated for Good Reason if D&E fails to cure such situation within thirty (30) days of the date of said notice or, if said
situation cannot be cured within such period, within a reasonable time thereafter, if a diligent effort is being made to cure such situation, but in no event longer than 60 days from the date of the notice. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the
event the Executive is a key employee (as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 416(i)) of the Company as of the last day of the calendar year preceding the date a benefit becomes payable under this Paragraph 5(b), distribution of that
portion of the Executive’s payment attributable to the termination of his employment for Good Reason, shall be made or commenced six months after the date the benefit would otherwise have been paid pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this
Paragraph 5(b). This six month period shall be shortened to the extent that counsel to D&E believes that it is then permissible under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, without the imposition of an excise tax.

 If the Executive dies while receiving severance payments under this paragraph 5(b), then the remaining balance of severance payments due
shall be paid to his designated beneficiaries, or if no beneficiaries are designated, then to the Executive’s heirs. 
 6. Change of
Control. 
 (a) Notwithstanding the foregoing, if a Change of Control occurs during the Term and, within the 12 months
immediately following the effective date of the Change in Control, the Executive’s employment with D&E is terminated by Executive for Good Reason or by D&E without Cause, D&E or its successor shall pay to the Executive (immediately
upon termination of employment and without the requirement of notice or the opportunity to cure as provided in Paragraph 5), in lieu of the payment of any other sum that might otherwise be payable pursuant to Section 5: (i) a lump sum
equal to 1.5 times the Executive’s annual salary, determined as of the date of the Change of Control, (ii) an additional annual retirement benefit pursuant to the terms of the SERP such that the Executive is treated as if he had remained
employed by D&E through the end of the Initial Term or any applicable Extended Term (the benefit provided under the SERP is 

  

 6 

 
intended to be in addition to the Qualified Retirement Plan benefit payable to the Executive regardless of whether the Executive has satisfied the vesting
requirements of such plan(s)); and (iii) payment of the amount that would have been due to the Executive under any Short-term Incentive Plan in effect at the time of Executive’s termination had the Executive remained employed by D&E
through the end of the incentive period relating thereto (any such incentive payment shall be due and payable only at the time and in the manner provided for in the plan relating thereto); and in each case subject to the limitations set forth in
6(b) below. For purposes of this Agreement, a “Change of Control” means: 
 (i) the acquisition, directly or
indirectly, by any person or entity, or persons or entities acting in concert, whether by purchase, merger, consolidation or otherwise, of voting power over that number of voting shares of the capital stock of D&E which, when combined with the
existing voting power of such persons or entities, would enable them to cast fifty percent (50%) or more of the votes which all shareholders of D&E would be entitled to cast in the election of directors of D&E; 
 (ii) the sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions) of 75% or more of the assets,
other than intangible assets, including good will, of D&E to a transferee other than D&E or an entity of which a controlling interest is owned by D&E; or 
 (iii) the date that, during any period of two consecutive years “Continuing Directors” cease to make up a majority of the
members of the Board of Directors of D&E. “Continuing Directors” shall mean: (x) each individual who, at the beginning of such period, was a member of the Board of Directors of D&E; and (y) any director elected or
nominated for election, by D&E’s shareholders who was first approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Continuing Directors then still in office; provided, however, that no individual shall be considered a Continuing Director if such
individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest or proxy contest, including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any election contest or proxy contest. For purposes of the
foregoing, “election contest” means a solicitation with respect to the election or removal of directors that is subject to the provisions of Rule 14a-11 of the 1934 Act, and “proxy contest” means the solicitation of
proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other than the Board of Directors of D&E. 
 (iv) the voluntary
dissolution of D&E. 
 (b) In the event the payment described in 6(a), when added to all other amounts or benefits
provided to or on behalf of Executive in connection with his termination of employment, would result in the imposition of an excise tax under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, such payments shall be retroactively
(if necessary) reduced to the extent necessary to avoid such excise tax imposition. Upon written notice to Executive, together with calculations of D&E’s independent auditors, Executive shall remit to D&E the amount of the reduction
plus such interest as may be 

  

 7 

 
necessary to avoid the imposition of such excise tax. Notwithstanding the foregoing or any other provision of this Agreement to the contrary, if any portion
of the amount herein payable to Executive is determined to be non-deductible pursuant to the regulations promulgated under Section 280G of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, D&E shall be required only to pay to Executive the
amount determined to be deductible under Section 280G. 
 7. Restrictive Covenants. 
 (a) During the Term of this Agreement and during the Restricted Period, the Executive shall not Compete with D&E in the Territory. For
purposes of the foregoing, (i) “Territory” shall mean any city or county in which D&E provides, offers or plans to provide or offer its services determined as of the date of termination of Executive’s employment,
provided that any such plan to offer or provide services has been discussed at the executive level of D&E and memorialized in an internal memorandum or other writing prior to the termination of the Executive’s employment.
“Territory” shall not include any additional geographical location of any successor to D&E by purchase, merger, consolidation, acquisition of assets or otherwise; (ii) “Compete” shall mean the direct or indirect
ownership, management, operation, control, employment by, participation in, or connection in any manner with the ownership, management, operation or control of any business which is engaged in providing the types of communications goods or services,
or any other line of business, in which D&E is engaged at the time of Executive’s termination including, if applicable and without limitation, wireline, wireless, internet access, VOIP, broadband or any similar communications means, ,
whether as an individual on his own, as a partner, joint venturer, officer, shareholder, employee, agent, independent contractor, lessor, creditor or otherwise; and (iii) “Restricted Period” shall mean a period of one
(1) year from and after the date of termination of this Agreement, provided that, if the Executive’s employment is terminated pursuant to Paragraphs 5(a) or 5(b), the Restricted Period shall be the same as the period during which the
Executive is entitled to Salary payments under Paragraphs 5(a) and 5(b). The foregoing restrictive covenant will be effective only if Executive receives the payments to which he is entitled under Paragraphs 5(a) or 5(b). The foregoing restrictive
covenant shall not be construed to prohibit the ownership by Executive of up to five percent (5%) of any class of securities of any corporation which is in competition with D&E, provided that such ownership represents a passive investment
and that neither Executive nor any group of persons including Executive in any way, either directly or indirectly, manages or exercises control of any such corporation, guarantees any of its financial obligations, otherwise takes any part in its
business, other than exercising his rights as a shareholder, or seeks to do any of the foregoing. 
 (b) During the Term of
his employment hereunder and for ten (10) years following termination, the Executive shall not, without the prior written consent of an authorized officer of D&E, disclose to any person, other than an employee of D&E or a person to whom
disclosure is reasonably necessary or appropriate in connection with the performance by the Executive of his duties, any material confidential information, defined as information protected under Section 5302 of the Pennsylvania Uniform Trade
Secrets Act, 12 Pa. C.S. §5301, et seq., obtained by him while in the employ of D&E with respect to any of D&E’s or its affiliates’ business plans and strategies, pricing and 

  

 8 

 
pricing strategies, engineering and technical data, services, products, customers, sales records, methods of business or any business practices the
disclosure of which could be or will be materially damaging to D&E or its affiliates (the “Confidential Information”); provided, however, that confidential information shall not include any information known generally to the
public (other than as a result of unauthorized disclosure by the Executive or any person with the assistance, consent or direction of the Executive) or any information of a type not otherwise considered confidential by persons engaged in the same
business or a business similar to that conducted by D&E or any information that must be disclosed as required by law or governmental authority. 
 (c) Executive agrees, for a period of two (2) years following termination of his employment with D&E, (i) not to solicit any D&E employees or officers to leave D&E to accept employment by
Executive or his new employer; and (ii) not to solicit or encourage any D&E customers to cease doing business with D&E and/or to transfer any or all of their business relationships to any institution which Executive may found or to
Executive’s new employer. 
 (d) Executive agrees that he will not disparage D&E in any communications of any nature
with any third parties, including but not limited to shareholders of D&E or its vendors, customers and suppliers, regarding any matters related to D&E during or following termination of his employment. The foregoing prohibition is not
intended to, and should not be construed as, preventing Executive from fulfilling any duty to report accounting issues pursuant to the requirements of the Sarbanes Oxley Act and any regulations promulgated thereunder, or otherwise providing truthful
information to third parties. 
 (e) Executive acknowledges and agrees that the covenants contained herein are fair and
reasonable in light of the consideration paid hereunder, and that damages alone shall not be an adequate remedy for any breach by Executive of his covenants which then apply and accordingly expressly agrees that, in addition to any other remedies
which the D&E may have, D&E shall be entitled to injunctive relief in any court of competent jurisdiction for any breach or threatened breach of any such covenants by Executive. Nothing contained herein shall prevent or delay D&E from
seeking, in any court of competent jurisdiction, specific performance or other equitable remedies in the event of any breach or intended breach by Executive of any of his obligations hereunder. 
 (f) The period of time applicable to any covenant in this Paragraph 7 will be extended by the duration of any violation by Executive of
such covenant. 
 (g) If any covenant in Paragraph 7 is held to be unreasonable, arbitrary, or against public policy, such
covenant will be considered to be divisible with respect to scope, time, and geographic area, and such lesser scope, time, or geographic area, or all of them, as a court of competent jurisdiction may determine to be reasonable, not arbitrary, and
not against public policy, will be effective, binding, and enforceable against Executive. 
 8. D&E Property. The Executive will
not remove from D&E’s premises (except to the extent such removal is for purposes of the performance of the Executive’s duties at home or 

  

 9 

 
while traveling, or except as otherwise specifically authorized by D&E) any document, record, notebook, plan, model, component, device, or computer
software or code, whether embodied in a disk or in any other form (collectively, the “Proprietary Items”). The Executive recognizes that, as between D&E and the Executive, all of the Proprietary Items, whether or not developed
by the Executive, are the exclusive property of D&E. Upon termination of this Agreement by either party, or upon the request of D&E during the Term, the Executive will immediately return to D&E all of the Proprietary Items in the
Executive’s possession or subject to the Executive’s control, and the Executive shall not retain any copies, abstracts, sketches, or other physical embodiment of any of the Proprietary Items. 
 9. Employee Inventions. 
 (a) Each Employee Invention will belong exclusively to D&E. The Executive acknowledges that all of the Executive’s writing, works of authorship and other Employee Inventions are works made for hire and the property of D&E,
including any copyrights, patents or other intellectual property rights pertaining thereto. If it is determined that any such works are not works made for hire, the Executive hereby assigns to D&E all of the Executive’s right, title, and
interest, including all rights of copyright, patent and other intellectual property rights, to or in such Employee Inventions. The Executive covenants that he will promptly: 
 (i) disclose to D&E in writing any Employee Invention; 
 (ii) assign to D&E or to a party designated by D&E, at D&E’s request and without additional compensation, all of the
Executive’s right to the Employee Invention for the United States and all foreign jurisdictions; 
 (iii) execute and
deliver to D&E such applications, assignments, and other documents as D&E may request in order to apply for and obtain patents or other registrations with respect to any Employee Invention in the United States and any foreign jurisdictions;

 (iv) sign all other papers necessary to carry out the above obligations; and 
 (v) give testimony and render any other assistance, but without expense to the Executive, in support of D&E’s rights to any
Employee Invention. 
 (b) For purposes of the foregoing, “Employee Invention” shall mean any idea,
invention, technique, modification, process, or improvement (whether patentable or not), any industrial design (whether registerable or not) and any work of authorship related to the business of D&E (whether or not copyright protection may be
obtained for it) created, conceived, or developed by the Executive, either solely or in conjunction with others, during the Term, or a period that includes a portion of the Term, that relates in any way to, or is useful in any manner in, the
business then being conducted or proposed to be conducted by D&E, and any such item created by the Executive, either solely or in conjunction with others, following termination of the Executive’s employment with the Employer, that is based
upon or uses Confidential Information. 
  

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 10. Indemnification. D&E shall indemnify and hold harmless the Executive, to the fullest
extent permitted by Pennsylvania law and D&E’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, whichever affords greater protection, with respect to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding brought against him by reason of the
fact that he is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of D&E or is or was serving at the request of D&E as a director, officer, employee or agent of another person or entity. To the fullest extent permitted by Pennsylvania law and
D&E’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws, D&E shall, in advance of final disposition, advance expenses (including, without limitation, attorney’s fees) incurred by the Executive in connection with any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding with respect to which the Executive may be entitled to indemnification hereunder; provided, however, that the Executive agrees to reimburse D&E all such monies advanced if the presiding court finds that he is
not entitled to be indemnified by D&E under Pennsylvania law or D&E’s Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws. The Executive’s right to indemnification provided herein is not exclusive of any other rights of indemnification to which
the Executive may be entitled under any bylaw, agreement, vote of shareholders or otherwise, and shall continue beyond the term of this Agreement. D&E shall use its best efforts to obtain insurance coverage for the Executive under an insurance
policy covering officers and directors of D&E against lawsuits, arbitrations or other proceedings, provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to require D&E to obtain such insurance, if the Board of Directors of D&E
determines that such coverage cannot be obtained at a commercially reasonable price. 
 11. Attorney’s Fees and Costs. In the
event of any litigation, arbitration, mediation or other proceeding between D&E and the Executive with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and the enforcement of the rights hereunder and such litigation or other proceeding results in
a judgment, order, or other administrative determination in favor of the Executive, D&E shall reimburse the Executive for all of his reasonable costs and expenses relating to such litigation or other proceeding, including, without limitation,
his reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses. 
 12. Notices. Any notice required or desired to be given under this Agreement
shall be deemed given if in writing and sent by overnight courier, or via certified mail, return receipt requested, to the Executive’s residence or to D&E’s principal office, as the case may be. 
 13. Waiver of Breach. Either party’s waiver of a breach of any provision in this Agreement by the other party shall not operate or be
construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach by the non-breaching party. No waiver shall be valid unless in writing and signed by an authorized officer of D&E. 
 14. Assignment. The Executive acknowledges that his services are unique and personal. Accordingly, the Executive may not assign his rights or delegate his duties or obligations under this Agreement.
D&E’s rights and obligations under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, D&E’s successors and assigns, and D&E may assign this Agreement, including the restrictive covenants contained in
Paragraph 7 of this Agreement, to any successor or assign. Executive’s rights under this Agreement shall inure to the benefit of his designated beneficiaries, or heirs and assigns to the extent provided by the express terms of this Agreement,
and be binding upon any successor or assign to the same extent and with the same force as D&E. 
  

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 15. Entire Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire understanding of the parties. It may not
be changed orally but only by an agreement in writing signed by the party against whom enforcement of any waiver, change, modification, extension, or discharge is sought. 
 16. Headings. Headings in this Agreement are for convenience only and shall not be used to interpret or construe its provisions. 
 17. Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in two (2) or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original but all of which together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

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

							
	 Attest:
	 		 	D&E COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
				
	  
	 		 	By	 	  

				
	  
	 		 	Title:	 	  

			
	 Witness:
	 		 	EXECUTIVE
			
	  
	 		 	  

  

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