Document:

<Page>

                                                                   Exhibit 4.6

                          REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

     This Registration Rights Agreement (the "Agreement") is made and entered
into as of February 11, 2002, by and between UNIVERSAL ACCESS GLOBAL HOLDINGS
INC., a Delaware corporation ("UAXS"), and the parties executing this Agreement
in the space provided on the signature page hereto (each, a "Holder" and
collectively, the "Holders").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

     WHEREAS, each of the Holders has acquired (i) a portion of the Convertible
Promissory Notes due May 13, 2002 of UAXS (the "Notes") and (ii) a Common Stock
Purchase Warrant, dated February 11, 2002 (the "Warrants" and, together with the
Notes, the "Securities"), issued in connection with the Note and Warrant
Purchase Agreement, dated as of February 11, 2002, by and between UAXS and the
Lenders named therein (the "Purchase Agreement").

     WHEREAS, in connection with the issuance of the Securities pursuant to the
Purchase Agreement, UAXS has agreed to provide the Holders with certain
registration rights.

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and other good and
valuable consideration, the parties hereto agree as follows:

     1.   SHELF REGISTRATION. UAXS shall:

          (a) subject to receipt of necessary information from the Holders as
contemplated by Section 9 hereof, within forty five (45) days of the date
hereof, file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") a shelf
registration statement on Form S-3 as contemplated by Rule 415 under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), and any related
qualification or compliance with respect to the sale from time to time on a
delayed or continuous basis of all or a part of the Registrable Securities (as
defined below); and use its commercially reasonable efforts, subject to receipt
of necessary information from the Holders, to cause such registration statement
to be declared effective no later than ninety (90) days after the date hereof;

          (b) if Form S-3 is not available with respect to the sale from time to
time on a delayed or continuous basis of all or a part of the Registrable
Securities, then UAXS shall, subject to receipt of necessary information from
the Holders as contemplated by Section 9 hereof, (i) file within sixty (60) days
of the date hereof a registration statement on such form as is then available to
effect a registration of the Registrable Securities, subject to the consent of
the Holders, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, and (ii) use its
commercially reasonable efforts to cause such registration statement to be
declared effective no later than one hundred twenty (120) days after the date
hereof;

          (c) use its commercially reasonable efforts to prepare and file with
the SEC such amendments and supplements to the registration statement and the
prospectus used in

<Page>

connection therewith as may be necessary to keep the registration statement
current and effective until the earlier of (i) the second anniversary of the
date hereof, (ii) the date on which the Holders may sell all Registrable
Securities then held by the Holder without restriction by the volume limitations
of Rule 144(e) under the Securities Act or (iii) such time as all Registrable
Securities have been sold pursuant to a registration statement under this
Section 1 or any other registration statement which may, at UAXS's discretion,
include any Registrable Securities (the "Registration Period"); PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that UAXS may suspend the use of the prospectus for a period not to
exceed thirty (30) days in any 90-day period or an aggregate of ninety (90) days
in any 12-month period if UAXS determines in good faith that it would be
detrimental to UAXS and its stockholders to use such prospectus because of a
development or potential development involving UAXS which UAXS would be
obligated to disclose in the prospectus, but which disclosure would be premature
at such time or in UAXS's reasonably judgment have a material adverse effect
upon UAXS or its stockholders, and prior to suspending such use, UAXS provides
the Holders with written notice of such suspension, which notice need not
specify the nature of the event giving rise to such suspension;

          (d) "Registrable Securities" shall mean (1) any shares of Common
Stock, par value $0.01 per share, of UAXS (the "Common Stock") issuable upon
conversion of any Notes or upon any exercise of any Warrants, and (2) any shares
of Common Stock issued with respect to such shares of Registrable Securities by
way of a stock split, stock dividend, recapitalization, merger or other similar
distribution;

          (e) UAXS's obligations under Sections 1 hereof shall be subject to the
receipt of any consents required under the Amended and Restated Registration
Rights and Informational Rights Agreement, dated June 30, 1999, by and between
UAXS and the other signatories thereto in order to permit registration rights
granted to Holders as contemplated by this Agreement. UAXS shall use all
commercially reasonable efforts to seek and obtain the requisite consents within
ten (10) days following the date hereof;

          (f) UAXS represents and warrants that it meets the requirements for
the use of Form S-3 for registration of the sale by the Holders of the
Registrable Securities. UAXS will use commercially reasonable efforts to file
all reports required to be filed by UAXS with the SEC in a timely manner so as
to preserve its eligibility for the use of Form S-3;

          PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that UAXS shall not be obligated to effect any such
registration, qualification or compliance pursuant to this Section 1, if UAXS
determines in good faith that it would be detrimental to UAXS and its
stockholders not to defer the filing of any such registration statement because
of a development or potential development involving UAXS which UAXS would be
obligated to disclose in the registration statement, but which disclosure would
be premature at such time or in UAXS's reasonably judgment have a material
adverse effect upon UAXS or its stockholders, and UAXS provides the Holders with
written notice thereof, which notice need not specify the nature of the event
giving rise to such suspension, in which event UAXS shall have the right to
defer the filing of the registration statement for a period of not more than
ninety (90) days after the date hereof.

                                       -2-
<Page>

     2.   PIGGYBACK REGISTRATION.

          (a) If UAXS shall determine to file a registration statement (other
than a registration statement on Form S-4 or Form S-8, otherwise relating to
employee benefit plans, or pursuant to the requirements of Rule 145 of the
Securities Act) with the SEC, UAXS shall promptly give each Holder written
notice thereof. If requested by a Holder in writing within ten (10) days after
receipt of any such notice, UAXS shall include in such registration (and any
related qualification under blue sky laws or other compliance) all or, at such
Holder's option, any portion of such Holder's Registrable Securities
concurrently with the registration of such other securities; PROVIDED, HOWEVER,
that if the shares subject to such registration are to be distributed by means
of an underwriting, the right of any Holder to participate in such registration
shall be conditioned upon such Holder's participation in such underwriting and
the inclusion of such Holder's Registrable Securities to be registered in the
underwriting to the extent requested; PROVIDED, FURTHER, the Holders proposing
to distribute their securities through such underwriting shall enter into the
underwriting agreement into which UAXS and any other holder of securities of
UAXS enter with the managing underwriter selected by UAXS in its sole discretion
for such underwriting.

          (b) If a registration pursuant to Section 2(a) is for a registered
public offering involving an underwriting, UAXS shall advise the Holders as part
of the notice given pursuant hereto of the name of the underwriter(s) chosen by
UAXS, in its sole discretion.

          Notwithstanding any other provision of this Section 2, if the managing
underwriter advises UAXS in writing that market factors require exclusion of
shares to be sold by selling stockholders, or a limitation of the number of
shares to be so sold, then Registrable Securities may be included in the
registration only to the extent it would not reduce the inclusion of all
securities proposed to be offered by UAXS for its own account.

          If Registrable Securities may be included in the registration pursuant
to the immediately preceding paragraph, and if the managing underwriter advises
UAXS in writing that market factors require exclusion of shares to be sold by
selling stockholders, or a limitation of the number of shares to be so sold,
then UAXS shall so advise all Holders of Registrable Securities and the number
of shares that may be included in the registration and underwriting, subject to
the limitations in the immediately preceding paragraph, shall be allocated among
all Holders of Registrable Securities and any other selling stockholders having
similar registration rights (except for any Holders or other selling
stockholders who have indicated to UAXS their decision not to distribute any of
their shares through such underwriting) in proportion, as nearly as practicable,
to the respective amounts of shares entitled to registration rights held by such
Holders or other selling stockholders at the time the Holders or other selling
stockholders provided notice of their intent to file the registration statement.
No Registrable Securities excluded from the underwriting at the discretion of
the managing underwriter shall be included in such registration.

          If any Holder of Registrable Securities disapproves of the terms of
the underwriting, such person may elect to withdraw therefrom by written notice
to UAXS and the managing underwriter. In such event, the Registrable Securities
and/or other securities held by such Holder affected shall be withdrawn from
registration. However if such withdrawal is made,

                                       -3-
<Page>

the registration will be deemed to have been completed with respect to the
withdrawing Holder for purposes of determining whether UAXS has satisfied its
registration obligations under this Section 2.

          UAXS shall have the right to terminate or withdraw any registration
initiated by it under this Section 2 prior to the effectiveness of such
registration whether or not any Holder has elected to include securities in such
registration.

     3.   ORDERLY MARKETING

          No Holder may sell or otherwise transfer any Registrable Securities
other than (i) to a private transferee that agrees to be bound by the provisions
of this Agreement in a transaction exempt from the registration requirements of
the Securities Act or (ii) pursuant to a registration in volumes that, in the
aggregate with all other sales by such Holder during any three-month period,
does not exceed the lesser of (A) one-half of one percent (1/2%) of the then
outstanding shares of Common Stock of UAXS and (B) fifty percent (50%) of the
average weekly reported volume of trading in the shares of Common Stock of UAXS
on NASDAQ during the four calendar weeks preceding the date of such sale, and in
each case in the manner specified in Rule 144(f) under the Securities Act,
regardless of the applicability of such rule to any proposed transfer.

     4.   REGISTRATION EXPENSES.

          All Registration Expenses (as defined below) incurred in connection
with any registration, qualification or compliance pursuant to Sections 1 and 2
shall be borne by UAXS. All Selling Expenses (as defined below) incurred in
connection with any registration pursuant to Sections 1 and 2 shall be borne by
the Holders of the securities so registered, pro rata, on the basis of the
number of shares so registered (provided that each Holder shall bear the full
amount of the fees and disbursements of any counsel retained by such Holder).
"Registration Expenses" shall mean all expenses incurred by UAXS in complying
with Sections 1 and 2 hereof, including, without limitation, all registration,
filing and qualification fees, printing expenses, fees and disbursements of
counsel for UAXS and blue sky filing fees and expenses. "Selling Expenses" shall
mean all underwriting discounts, selling commissions, and stock transfer taxes,
if any, applicable to the sale of the Registrable Securities pursuant to the
registration statement and all fees and disbursements of any counsel for any
Holder (but excluding the compensation of regular employees of UAXS which shall
be paid in any event by UAXS).

     5.   OBLIGATIONS OF UAXS.

          (a) UAXS shall use its commercially reasonable efforts to (i) cause
the Registrable Securities registered pursuant to this Agreement to also be
registered or qualified for sale under the securities or blue sky laws of such
states as the Holders may reasonably request, (ii) with respect to a
registration pursuant to Section 1 hereof, prepare and file in those
jurisdictions any amendments (including post-effective amendments) and
supplements to such registrations and qualifications as may be necessary to
maintain their effectiveness during the Registration Period, (c) with respect to
a registration pursuant to Section 1 hereof, take any other actions necessary to
maintain such registrations and qualifications in effect at all times during the
Registration Period, and (d) take any other actions reasonably necessary or
advisable to qualify the Registrable Securities for sale in such jurisdictions;
PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that UAXS shall not

                                       -4-
<Page>

be required in connection therewith or as a condition thereto to qualify to do
business or to file a general consent to service of process in any such states
unless UAXS is already subject to service in such jurisdiction and.

          (b) Promptly following the filing of a registration statement pursuant
to this Agreement, UAXS shall furnish to the Holders a copy of the registration
statement and of each amendment and supplement thereto (in each case, including
all exhibits), as well as such reasonable number of copies of each prospectus
contained in such registration statement and each supplement or amendment
thereto (including each preliminary prospectus), as the Holders may reasonably
request to facilitate the disposition of the Registrable Securities included in
such registration.

          (c) UAXS shall notify the Holders as promptly as practicable when such
registration statement and each post-effective amendment thereto has become
effective or a supplement to any prospectus forming a part of such registration
statement has been filed.

          (d) UAXS shall as promptly as practicable notify each Holder of
Registrable Securities covered by a registration statement of the happening of
any event as a result of which the prospectus included in such registration
statement, as then in effect, includes an untrue statement of a material fact or
omits to state any material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to
make the statements therein not misleading in the light of the circumstances
then existing, and at the reasonable request of the Holders furnish to it such
number of copies of a supplement to or an amendment of such prospectus. UAXS
will promptly (but in no event more than ten business days) prepare and file a
supplement or amendment to the registration statement to correct such untrue
statement or omission, and will deliver a number of copies of such supplement or
amendment to each Investor as such Investor may reasonably request; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that UAXS shall have the right to defer the filing of such supplement
or amendment to the registration statement for a period of not more than thirty
(30) days in any 90-day period or an aggregate of ninety (90) days in any
12-month, if UAXS determines in good faith that it would be detrimental to UAXS
and its stockholders not to defer the filing of such supplement or amendment to
the registration statement because of a development or potential development
involving UAXS which UAXS would be obligated to disclose in such supplement or
amendment to the registration statement, but which disclosure would be premature
at such time or in UAXS's reasonably judgment have a material adverse effect
upon UAXS or its stockholders.

          (e) Any registration statement (including any amendments or
supplements thereto and prospectuses contained therein) filed by UAXS covering
Registrable Securities will not contain any untrue statement of a material fact
or omit to state a material fact required to be stated therein, or necessary to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading. With respect to a registration pursuant to Section 1
hereof, UAXS will prepare and file with the SEC such amendments (including
post-effective amendments) and supplements to the registration statement and the
prospectus used in connection with the registration statement as may be
necessary to permit sales pursuant to the registration statement at all times
during the Registration Period, and, during such period, will comply with the
provisions of the Securities Act with respect to the disposition of all
Registrable Securities of UAXS covered by the registration statement until the
termination of the Registration Period, or if earlier, until such time as all of
such Registrable Securities have been

                                       -5-
<Page>

disposed of in accordance with the intended methods of disposition by the seller
or sellers thereof as set forth in the registration statement.

          (f) Subject to UAXS' rights under this Section 5, UAXS will use its
commercially reasonable efforts to prevent the issuance of any stop order or
other suspension of effectiveness of a registration statement and, if such an
order is issued, will use its commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the
withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible time and to notify each Holder
that holds Registrable Securities being sold of the issuance of such order and
the resolution thereof.

          (g) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein or in
the Purchase Agreement, if the use of the registration statement is suspended by
UAXS, UAXS will promptly give notice of the suspension to all Holders whose
securities are covered by the registration statement, and will promptly notify
each such Holder as soon as the use of the registration statement may be
resumed.

          (h) UAXS will permit a single firm of legal counsel, designated by the
Holders who hold a majority in interest of the Registrable Securities being
offered pursuant to the registration statement, to review the registration
statement and all amendments and supplements thereto prior to their filing with
the SEC.

          (i) UAXS will cause all of the Registrable Securities covered by each
registration statement to be listed on each securities exchange on which
securities of the same class or series issued by UAXS are then listed, if any,
if the listing of such Registrable Securities is then permitted under the rules
of such exchange.

          (j) UAXS will cooperate with the Holders who hold Registrable
Securities being sold to facilitate the timely preparation and delivery of
certificates (not bearing any restrictive legends) representing Registrable
Securities sold pursuant to a registration statement and will enable such
certificates to be in such denominations or amounts as the case may be, and
registered in such names as the Holders may reasonably request.

     6.   INDEMNIFICATION.

          (a) Subject to the conditions set forth below, UAXS agrees to
indemnify and hold harmless each Participating Holder (as defined below), its
employees, officers, directors, partners, members and each person, if any, who
controls any such person within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act,
from and against any and all loss, liability, charge, claim, damage, and expense
(collectively, "Loss"), arising out of, based upon, or in connection with any
(i) untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact contained
(A) in any registration statement, prospectus, or any amendment or supplement
thereto, relating to the sale of any of the Registrable Securities held by such
Participating Holder or (B) in any application or other document or
communication executed by or on behalf of UAXS or based upon written information
furnished by or on behalf of UAXS filed in any jurisdiction in order to register
or qualify any of the Registrable Securities held by such Participating Holder
under the securities or blue sky laws thereof or filed with the SEC or any
securities exchange or any omission or alleged omission to state a material fact
required to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements made therein
not misleading, or (ii) any violation or alleged violation by UAXS of the
Securities

                                       -6-
<Page>

Act, the Exchange Act or any other law, including without limitation any state
securities law or any rule or regulation thereunder; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that
UAXS will not be liable in any case to the extent that any such Loss arises out
of or is based on any untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement
or omission, made in reliance upon and in conformity with written information
furnished to UAXS by such Participating Holder for use therein; PROVIDED,
FURTHER, that UAXS shall not be liable to any person under the indemnity
provided by this Section 6 with respect to any preliminary prospectus to the
extent that any Loss results from the offer or sale of Registrable Securities to
a person to whom there was not sent or given, at or prior to the earlier of (i)
the delivery of such Registrable Securities in connection with such sale or (ii)
the written confirmation of such sale, a copy of the prospectus or of the
prospectus as then amended or supplemented, if UAXS has previously furnished
copies thereof in sufficient quantity to such Participating Holder, and the Loss
of such Participating Holder results from an untrue statement or omission of a
material fact in the preliminary prospectus that was corrected in the prospectus
or in the prospectus as then amended or supplemented. "Participating Holder"
means any Holder whose Registrable Securities is included in the securities as
to which a registration has been effected and as to which a claim for
indemnification under this Section 6 is being made.

          (b) Each Participating Holder agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
UAXS, and each of its employees, officers, directors and each other person, if
any, who controls UAXS within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act,
from and against any and all Loss whatsoever (including any of the foregoing
incurred in settlement of any litigation), arising out of, based upon, or in
connection with (i) any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a
material fact contained (A) in any registration statement, prospectus, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, relating to the sale of any of the Registrable
Securities held by such Participating Holder or (B) in any application or other
document or communication executed by or on behalf of UAXS or based upon written
information furnished by or on behalf of UAXS filed in any jurisdiction in order
to register or qualify any of the Registrable Securities held by such
Participating Holder under the securities or blue sky laws thereof or filed with
the SEC or any securities exchange or any omission or alleged omission to state
a material fact required to be stated therein or necessary to make the
statements made therein not misleading, but only to the extent that such untrue
statement or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission is made in
any registration statement, prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto,
or in any application, in reliance upon and in conformity with written
information furnished to UAXS by or on behalf of the Participating Holder for
inclusion in any such registration statement, prospectus, or any amendment or
supplement thereto, or in any application, as the case may be, or (ii) any
violation or alleged violation by a Participating Holder of the Securities Act,
the Exchange Act or any other law, including without limitation any state
securities law or any rule or regulation thereunder. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the liability of each Participating Holder under this Section 6 shall
be limited to an amount equal to the proceeds to such Participating Holder of
Registrable Securities sold by such Participating Holder as contemplated herein.

          (c) Each party entitled to indemnification under this Section 6 (an
"Indemnified Party") shall notify the party required to provide indemnification
(the "Indemnifying Party") in writing promptly after such Indemnified Party has
actual knowledge of any claim as to which indemnity may be sought; PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that the failure to so notify the Indemnifying Party within a
reasonable time after the Indemnified Party's actual knowledge

                                       -7-
<Page>

of the claim, to the extent prejudicial to such Indemnifying Party's ability to
defend such action, shall relieve such Indemnifying Party of liability to the
Indemnified Party pursuant to this Section 6, but the failure so to notify shall
not relieve Indemnifying Party from any liability other than pursuant to this
Section 6(c). The Indemnifying Party shall promptly assume the defense of such
action, including the employment of counsel (reasonably satisfactory to such
Indemnified Parties), provided that the Indemnified Parties shall have the right
to employ its or their own counsel in any such case, but the fees and expenses
of such counsel shall be at the expense of such Indemnified Parties unless the
employment of such counsel shall have been authorized in writing by the
Indemnifying Party in connection with the defense of such action or such
Indemnified Parties shall have received an opinion of counsel to the Indemnified
Parties that there is a conflict or potential conflict between the positions of
the Indemnified Parties and the Indemnifying Parties. Anything in this Section 6
to the contrary notwithstanding, the Indemnifying Party shall not be liable for
any settlement of any claim or action effected without its written consent,
which shall not be unreasonably withheld. The Indemnifying Party shall not,
without the prior written consent of each Indemnified Party that is not released
as described in this sentence, settle or compromise any action, or permit a
default or consent to the entry of judgment in or otherwise seek to terminate
any pending or threatened action, in respect of which indemnity may be sought
hereunder, unless such settlement, compromise, consent, or termination includes
an unconditional release of each Indemnified Party from all liability in respect
of such action.

          (d) To provide for just and equitable contribution, if (i) an
Indemnified Party makes a claim for indemnification pursuant to this Section 6,
but it is found in a final judicial determination, not subject to further
appeal, that such indemnification may not be enforced in such case, or (ii) any
Indemnified or Indemnifying Party seeks contribution under the Securities Act,
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") or
otherwise, then UAXS (including for this purpose any contribution made by or on
behalf of any director of UAXS, any officer of UAXS who signed any such
registration statement, any controlling person of UAXS, and its or their
respective legal counsel), as one entity, and each Participating Holder as a
separate entity, shall contribute to the Losses to which any of them may be
subject, (after contribution from others) on the basis of relevant equitable
considerations such as the relative fault of UAXS and such Participating Holder
in connection with the facts which resulted in such Losses. The relative fault,
in the case of an untrue statement, alleged untrue statement, omission, or
alleged omission shall be determined by, among other things, whether such
statement, alleged statement, omission, or alleged omission relates to
information supplied by UAXS or by such Participating Holder, and the parties'
relative intent, knowledge, access to information, and opportunity to correct or
prevent such statement, alleged statement, omission, or alleged omission.

     UAXS and the Participating Holders agree that it would be unjust and
inequitable if the respective obligations of UAXS and the Participating Holders
for contribution were determined by pro rata or per capita allocation of the
aggregate Losses (even if the Participating Holders and the other indemnified
parties were treated as one entity for such purpose) or by any other method of
allocation that does not reflect the equitable considerations referred to in
this Section 6(d). Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein,
the liability of each Participating Holder under this Section 6(d) shall be
limited to an amount equal to the proceeds to such Participating Holder of
Registrable Securities sold by such Participating Holder as contemplated

                                       -8-
<Page>

herein. No person guilty of a fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning
of Section 11(f) of the Securities Act) shall be entitled to contribution from
any person who is not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation. For purposes
of this Section 6(d), each person, if any, who controls any Participating Holder
within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act and each officer,
director, partner, member, manager, accountant and legal counsel of any
Participating Holder or control person shall have the same rights to
contribution as such Participating Holder and each person, if any, who controls
UAXS within the meaning of Section 15 of the Securities Act, each officer of
UAXS who shall have signed any such registration statement, each director of
UAXS, and its or their respective legal counsel shall have the same rights to
contribution as UAXS, subject in each case to the provisions of this Section
6(d). Anything in this Section 6(d) to the contrary notwithstanding, no party
shall be liable for contribution with respect to the settlement of any claim or
action effected without its written consent. This Section 6(d) is intended to
supersede any right to contribution under the Securities Act, the Exchange Act
or otherwise.

     7. RULE 144 REPORTING. UAXS agrees that until all the Registrable
Securities have been sold under a registration statement, pursuant to Rule 144
under the Securities Act or otherwise, it shall use all commercially reasonable
efforts to:

               (i) make and keep public information available, as those terms
are understood and defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act, at all times
after the date hereof;

               (ii) file with the SEC in a timely manner all reports and other
documents required of UAXS under the Securities Act and the Exchange Act; and

               (iii) furnish to any Holder, so long as the Holder owns any
Registrable Securities, promptly upon request (i) a written statement by UAXS as
to its compliance in all material respects with the reporting requirements of
Rule 144, the Securities Act and the Exchange Act; (ii) a copy of the most
recent annual or quarterly report of UAXS and such other reports and documents
so filed by UAXS; and (iii) such other information as may be reasonably
requested in order to permit any Holder to avail itself of any rule or
regulation of the SEC or any state securities authority which permits the
selling of any such securities without registration.

     8. ASSIGNMENT OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS. The registration rights granted
pursuant to this Agreement shall be transferable by a Holder only to a
transferee of not less than fifty percent (50%) of the shares of Registrable
Securities originally issued to such Holder (as presently constituted and
subject to subsequent adjustments for stock splits, stock dividends, reverse
stock splits and the like) and the term "Holder" as used in this Agreement shall
include any such transferee; PROVIDED that UAXS is given written notice at the
time or within a reasonable period of time after such transfer stating the name
and address of the transferee and identifying the securities with respect to
which such registration rights are being transferred or assigned; PROVIDED,
FURTHER, that the transferee of such rights shall assume in writing the
obligations of such Holder under this Agreement contemplated with such transfer.

     9. INFORMATION BY HOLDER. Each Holder of Registrable Securities as a
condition to inclusion of such Registrable Securities in any registration shall
furnish to UAXS such information regarding such Holder and the distribution
proposed by such Holder as UAXS may

                                       -9-
<Page>

reasonably request in writing and as shall, in UAXS' reasonable judgment, be
appropriate or required in connection with any registration, qualification or
compliance referred to in this Agreement.

     10. MARKET STAND OFF. Each Holder hereby agrees with respect to any
registration:

               (i) that it will not, during a period of time determined by UAXS
and the managing underwriter (not to exceed ninety (90) days) following the
effective date of a registration statement to be appropriate to facilitate the
issuance of shares of Common Stock by UAXS, which registration statement (A)
involves an offer of shares of Common Stock on account of UAXS (other than a
registration statement of Form S-8) and (B) does not include any Registrable
Securities, directly or indirectly, offer to sell, sell, make any short sale of,
loan, grant any option for the purchase of, pledge or otherwise transfer or
dispose of any securities of UAXS or with respect to which the Holder has
beneficial ownership within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the SEC,
whether acquired before or after the effective date of such registration
statement (collectively, the "Holder's Shares"). For the avoidance of doubt, the
foregoing restriction is expressly understood to preclude any Holder from
engaging in any hedging or other transaction which is designed to or which
reasonably could be expected to lead to or result in a sale or disposition of
the Holder's Shares even if such shares would be disposed of by someone other
than the Holder. Such prohibited hedging or other transactions would include
without limitation any short sale or any purchase, sale or grant of any right
(including without limitation any put or call option) with respect to any of the
Holder's Shares or with respect to any security that includes, relates to, or
derives any significant part of its value from such shares;

               (ii) if so requested by UAXS or the managing underwriter, to
enter into a lock-up agreement to the effect set forth in Section 10 (i) above,
and in a form satisfactory to UAXS and the managing underwriter; and

               (iii) that UAXS may impose stop-transfer instructions with
respect to those securities of UAXS subject to the restrictions in Sections
10(i) and (ii) above.

     11. TERMINATION OF REGISTRATION RIGHTS. The rights granted pursuant to
Sections 1 and 2 hereof shall terminate as to any Holder, at the time such
Holder is able to sell all Registrable Securities held by such Holder pursuant
to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act.

     12.  MISCELLANEOUS.

          (a) AGREEMENTS AND WAIVERS. The provisions of this Agreement,
including the provisions of this sentence, may not be amended, modified or
supplemented, unless such amendment, modification or supplement is in writing
and signed by UAXS and a majority in interest of holders of Registrable
Securities who are parties hereto. Any amendment or modification effected in
accordance with this Section 12 shall be binding upon each Holder and UAXS. Any
Holder may waive any of his or her rights or UAXS's obligations hereunder with
respect to such Holder without obtaining the consent of any other person only by
a writing signed by such Holder. Any amendment, waiver or modification not
effected in accordance with this Section 12 shall be void.

                                      -10-
<Page>

          (b) NOTICES. Any notice, request, instruction or other communication
to be given hereunder by any party to the others shall be in writing and
delivered personally or sent by registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,
or by email or facsimile and shall be deemed to have been duly given: (i) on the
date of delivery if personally delivered by hand, (ii) on the third day after
such notice is (a) deposited in the United States mail, if mailed by registered
or certified mail, postage prepaid, return receipt requested, or (b) sent by a
nationally recognized overnight express courier, or (ii) by facsimile or email
upon written or email confirmation (other than the automatic confirmation that
is received from the recipient's facsimile machine) of receipt by the recipient
of such notice:

      IF TO UAXS:                  Universal Access Global Holdings Inc.
                                   233 S. Wacker Drive, Suite 600
                                   Chicago, Illinois  60606
                                   Attention:  General Counsel
                                   Telephone No.:  (312) 660-5000
                                   Facsimile No.:  (312) 660-1219
                                   Email:  legalmailbox@universalaccess.net

      WITH A COPY (WHICH SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE NOTICE) TO:

                                   Sullivan & Cromwell
                                   1870 Embarcadero Road
                                   Palo Alto, California  94303
                                   Attention:  Scott D. Miller
                                   Telephone No.: (650) 461-5600
                                   Facsimile No.:  (650) 461-5700
                                   Email:  millersc@sullcrom.com

      and if to a Holder, at its address as shown on the stock records of
      UAXS; or such other address as any such party shall deliver to UAXS.

          (c) COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts and by the parties hereto in separate counterparts, each of which
when so executed shall be deemed to be an original and all of which taken
together shall constitute one and the same agreement.

          (d) HEADINGS. The headings in this Agreement are for convenience of
references only and shall not limit or otherwise affect the meaning hereof.

          (e) GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois without reference to its
conflicts of law provisions.

          (f) SEVERABILITY. In the event that anyone or more of the provisions
contained herein, or the application hereof in any circumstance is held invalid,
illegal or unenforceable, the validity, legality and enforceability of any such
provisions contained herein shall not be affected or impaired thereby.

                                      -11-
<Page>

          (g) ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement is intended by the parties as a
final expression of their agreement and intended to be a complete and exclusive
statement of this agreement and understanding of the parties hereto in respect
of the subject matter contained herein. There are not restrictions, promises
warranties or undertakings, other than those set forth or referred to herein,
concerning the registration rights granted by UAXS pursuant to this Agreement.

                                      -12-
<Page>

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, UAXS, and the Holders have executed or have caused this
Agreement to be executed by their respective officers thereunto duly authorized
as of the date first written above.

                                    UNIVERSAL ACCESS GLOBAL
                                    HOLDINGS INC.

                                    By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT

<Page>

                                    Oak Investment Partners IX, Limited
                                    Partnership

                                    By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                    Address:       One Gorham Island
                                                   Westport, Connecticut  06880

<Page>

                                    Oak IX Affiliates Fund, L.P.

                                    By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                    Address:       One Gorham Island
                                                   Westport, Connecticut  06880

<Page>

                                    Oak IX Affiliates Fund-A, L.P.

                                    By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                    Address:       One Gorham Island
                                                   Westport, Connecticut  06880

<Page>

                                    Quantum Industrial Partners LDC

                                    By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                    Address:       c/o Soros Fund Management LLC
                                                   New York, New York 10106

<Page>

                                       SFM Domestic Investments LLC

                                    By:
                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        Name:
                                        Title:

                                    Address:       c/o Soros Fund Management LLC
                                                   New York, New York 10106

                 SIGNATURE PAGE TO REGISTRATION RIGHTS AGREEMENT<Page>

                                                                   Exhibit 10.12

                                 PROMISSORY NOTE

$________                                      Chicago, Illinois
                                               Dated as of September 28, 2001

     FOR VALUE RECEIVED, [__________________] ("Borrower") promises to pay to
UAXS Global Holdings Inc. (the "Lender") or order, at 233 South Wacker Drive,
Suite 600, Chicago, Illinois 60606, or such other place as the Lender or holder
hereof may from time to time designate, the principal sum of [AMOUNT IN WORDS]
Dollars ($).

     1.   INTEREST RATE. Interest shall accrue on the unpaid principal portion
          of this Note at the rate of [SIX] percent (6%) per annum, simple
          interest.

     2.   PAYMENT SCHEDULE. Principal and accrued and unpaid interest, if any,
          shall be due and payable on September 28, 2006 (the "Maturity Date").
          Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower and Lender agree that if
          Borrower's employment with the Company terminates before September 28,
          2006, then the Maturity Date shall be the EARLIER of (a) thirty
          calendar days after the date Borrower's employment with Lender
          terminates and (b) September 28, 2006.

     3.   REPAYMENT OF INDEBTEDNESS. On or before the Maturity Date, Borrower
          shall repay the entire principal and interest owing under this Note by
          one of the following methods (or, with respect to principal, the
          method described in the following sentence), to be selected in
          Borrower's sole discretion: (i) in cash or immediately available
          funds; or (ii) by delivering and transferring to Lender the number of
          shares of the Company's common stock (the "Common Stock") whose Fair
          Market Value equals the entire principal and interest owing under this
          Note as of the date of repayment. In addition to the repayment methods
          described in the previous sentence, Borrower may repay the entire
          principal amount owing under this Note by delivering and transferring
          to Lender [_____] shares (the "Shares") of Common Stock. Payments made
          with respect to interest are not refundable.

          The Fair Market Value of the Common Stock shall be determined (i) by
          reference to the national securities market or exchange on which the
          Common Stock is traded on the Maturity Date, or (ii) if the Common
          Stock is not traded on a national securities market or exchange on the
          Maturity Date, by the board of directors of Lender acting in good
          faith based upon a valuation report prepared by an independent
          valuation firm or consultant. Notwithstanding any provision of this
          Note, the Lender shall not be required to accept Shares or Common
          Stock in repayment of amounts due hereunder if the Lender is
          restricted by law from doing so. The number of Shares referred to
          above shall be adjusted to give effect to any stock split, stock
          dividend or combination of the Common Stock occurring after the date
          hereof. With respect to principal owing under this Note, this Note is
          with recourse to Borrowers' interest in the Shares but without
          recourse to Borrower personally. With respect to interest owing under
          this Note, this Note is recourse to Borrower personally.

          Any repayment under this paragraph 3 which is made in shares of Common
          Stock shall include only shares owned by Borrower for six months or
          more prior to the date of repayment, provided, however, that if such
          shares were acquired pursuant to an incentive stock option plan as
          defined in Code Sections 422 or prior

<Page>

          Code Section 422A of the Lender or any affiliate including any
          qualified stock option plan as defined in prior Code Section 422, then
          the applicable holding period requirements of said Sections 422 and
          422A shall have been met with respect to such shares.

     4.   PREPAYMENT. Borrower shall have the right to prepay all or any part of
          the unpaid balance hereof at any time, without premium or penalty.

     5.   SECURITY; PLEDGE OF SHARES. Borrower hereby pledges the Shares to
          Lender as collateral security for the principal owing under this Note
          and agrees to execute and deliver to Lender such other documents as
          Lender may request in connection with the pledge of the Shares.

     6.   AMENDMENT OF NOTE. This Note may be terminated, amended or otherwise
          modified only by prior written consent of Lender and Borrower.

     7.   GOVERNING LAW. This Note shall be governed by and construed in
          accordance with the internal laws of the State of Illinois, in which
          state it shall be performed, without giving effect to the conflict of
          law principles thereof, and shall be binding upon Borrower and his
          heirs, legal representatives, successors, and assigns.

                                                  BORROWER:

                                                  -------------------------
                                                  [Name of Borrower]

                                                  LENDER:

                                                  UAXS GLOBAL HOLDINGS INC.

                                                  BY:
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                  Name:
                                                  Title:

                                        2

Source: [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00036-of-00352.parquet"}, [{"source": "alea-institute/alea-institute/kl3m-data-edgar-agreements/train-00036-of-00352.parquet"}]]