Document:

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                                                                  Exhibit 10.5

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                         RIGHT OF NEGOTIATION AGREEMENT

                                     BETWEEN

                         METROMEDIA FIBER NETWORK, INC.,

                                       AND

                            VERIZON INVESTMENTS INC.

                           DATED AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2001

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                                TABLE OF CONTENTS

                                                                            PAGE

ARTICLE I   DEFINITIONS 1

            Section 1.1  Certain Definitions ................................  1

ARTICLE II  RIGHT OF NEGOTIATION ............................................  5

            Section 2.1  Right of Negotiation ...............................  5

ARTICLE III  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES .................................  6

            Section 3.1  Representations and Warranties of the Company ......  6

            Section 3.2  Representations and Warranties of Verizon ..........  7

ARTICLE IV  MISCELLANEOUS ...................................................  8

            Section 4.1  Specific Performance ...............................  8

            Section 4.2  Entire Agreement ...................................  8

            Section 4.3  Amendment ..........................................  8

            Section 4.4  Term ...............................................  8

            Section 4.5  Severability .......................................  9

            Section 4.6  Notices ............................................  9

            Section 4.7  Governing Law ...................................... 10

            Section 4.8  Successors and Assigns ............................. 10

            Section 4.9  Interpretation ..................................... 10

            Section 4.10 Counterparts ....................................... 10

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                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                         RIGHT OF NEGOTIATION AGREEMENT

       RIGHT OF NEGOTIATION AGREEMENT, dated as of October 1, 2001 (this
"AGREEMENT"), by and among Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "COMPANY"), and Verizon Investments Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("VERIZON").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

       WHEREAS, the Company and Verizon are parties to the Note Purchase
Agreement, of even date herewith (the "PURCHASE AGREEMENT"), pursuant to which,
among other things, Verizon has agreed to purchase from the Company $50,000,000
in principal amount of the Company's 8.5% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due
2011; and

       WHEREAS, each of the parties hereto acknowledges and agrees that, as a
condition to Verizon's willingness to enter into the Purchase Agreement and to
consummate the transactions contemplated thereby, Verizon has required, among
other things, that the Company enter into, and the Company has agreed to enter
into, this Agreement;

       NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing and the mutual
covenants and agreements contained herein, and intending to be legally bound
hereby, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:

                                   ARTICLE I

                                   DEFINITIONS

       Section 1.1 Certain Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

       (a) The term "ACQUISITION TRANSACTION" shall mean any transaction or
series of transactions that would, if consummated, result in any of the
following: (i) any Person or Group, other than a Permitted Holder, becoming the
Beneficial Owner, directly or indirectly, of 35% or more of the Voting Stock
(measured by voting power rather than number of shares) (for the purposes of
this clause, such other Person shall be deemed to Beneficially Own any voting
stock of a specified corporation held by a parent corporation if such other
person beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, more than 35% of the voting
stock (measured by voting power rather than by number of shares) of such parent
corporation and the Permitted Holders beneficially own, directly or indirectly,
in the aggregate a lesser percentage of voting stock (measured by voting power
rather than by number of shares) of such parent corporation and do not have the
right or ability by voting power, contract or otherwise to elect or designate
for election a majority of the board of directors of such parent corporation),
(ii) the Company consolidating or merging with or into any other Person, or any
Person consolidating with, or merging with or into, the Company, other than a
consolidation or merger (a) of the Company into a wholly owned subsidiary of the
Company or (b) pursuant to a transaction in which the outstanding Voting Stock
is changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or other

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property with the effect that the beneficial owners of the outstanding Voting
Stock immediately prior to such transaction, beneficially own, directly or
indirectly, at least a majority of the voting stock (measured by voting power
rather than number of shares) of the surviving corporation immediately following
such transaction, (iii) the Transfer (other than by way of merger or
consolidation), in one or a series of related transactions, of all or
substantially all of the assets of the Company and its Subsidiaries taken as a
whole to any Person other than a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company or a
Permitted Holder or a Person more than 50% of the voting stock (measured by
voting power rather than by number of shares) of which is owned, directly or
indirectly, following such transaction or transactions by the Permitted Holders,
including any such Transfer made in accordance with any applicable provision of
United States Code, 11 U.S.C. sections 101 ET SEQ. (or any successor statute
thereto); PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that Transfers in the ordinary course of business
of capacity on fiber optic or cable systems owned, controlled or operated by the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of telecommunications capacity or
transmission rights, rights of way or conduit acquired by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries for use in the business of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, for sale, lease, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition, in the ordinary course of business, to any
customer of the Company or any Subsidiaries shall not be deemed a disposition of
assets for purposes of this clause (iii), or (iv) the adoption of a plan
relating to the total liquidation of the Company.

       (b) The term "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL" shall have the meaning given to such
term in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

       (c) The term "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL NOTICE" shall have the meaning given
to such term in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

       (d) The term "AFFILIATE" shall have the meaning given to such term in
Rule 12b-2 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or any
successor act thereto, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder from
time to time.

       (e) The term "AGREEMENT" shall have the meaning given to such term in the
introductory paragraph hereof.

       (f) The terms "BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP" and "BENEFICIAL OWNER" shall have
the meanings given such terms in Section 13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended or any successor act thereto, and the rules and regulations
promulgated thereunder.

       (g) The term "BUSINESS DAY" means any day other than a Legal Holiday.

       (h) The term "CLASS A COMMON STOCK" shall mean the Company's Class A
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

       (i) The term "CLASS B COMMON STOCK" shall mean the Company's Class B
Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

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       (j) The term "COMPANY" shall mean Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc., a
Delaware corporation, and any successor thereto.

       (k) The term "GAAP" shall mean generally accepted accounting principles
in the United States of America as in effect from time to time.

       (l) The term "GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY" shall mean any nation or government,
any state, local or other political subdivision thereof, any court, arbitrator,
official, agency, department or other Person exercising executive, legislative,
judicial, regulatory or administrative functions of or pertaining to government,
or any federal, state or local governmental or regulatory agency, authority,
commission or instrumentality.

       (m) The term "GROUP" shall have the meaning given such term in Section
13(d)(3) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended or any successor act
thereto, and the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

       (n) The term "LEGAL HOLIDAY" means a Saturday, a Sunday or a day on which
banking institutions in the City of New York or at a place of payment are
authorized by law, regulation or executive order to remain closed. If a payment
date is a Legal Holiday at a place of payment, payment may be made at that place
on the next succeeding day that is not a Legal Holiday, and no interest shall
accrue on such payment for the intervening period.

       (o) The term "NEGOTIATION PERIOD" shall have the meaning given to such
term in Section 2.1(b) hereof.

       (p) The term "PERMITTED HOLDER" shall mean Metromedia Company, its
general partners and their respective Related Persons and Persons that would
constitute a Class B Permitted Holder, each as defined in the Company's Amended
and Restated Certificate of Incorporation as in effect on the date hereof.

       (q) The term "PERSON" shall mean any individual, sole proprietorship,
partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, trust, unincorporated
organization, association, corporation, institution, public benefit corporation,
entity or government (whether foreign, federal, state, county, city, municipal
or otherwise, including any instrumentality, division, agency, body or
department thereof).

       (r) The term "SIGNIFICANT ASSET DISPOSITION" shall mean any Transfer, in
one or a series of related transactions by the Company or one of its
Subsidiaries to a Third Party of assets (other than cash) that have an aggregate
book value (as determined in accordance with GAAP) of at least $390 million,
including any such Transfer made in accordance with any applicable provision of
United States Code, 11 U.S.C. sections 101 ET SEQ. (or any successor statute
thereto), other than (x) a sale of all or substantially all of the assets of the
Company and its Subsidiaries (which shall be deemed an Acquisition Transaction
under clause (iii) of the definition of such term), or (y) any Transfer in the
ordinary course of business of capacity on fiber optic or cable systems owned,
controlled or operated by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or of
telecommunications capacity

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or transmission rights, rights of way or conduit acquired by the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries for use in the business of the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries, including, without limitation, for sale, lease, transfer,
conveyance or other disposition, in the ordinary course of business, to any
customer of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, shall not be deemed a
Significant Asset Disposition.

       (s) The term "SIGNIFICANT ASSET DISPOSITION PROPOSAL" shall have the
meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

       (t) The term "SIGNIFICANT ASSET DISPOSITION PROPOSAL NOTICE" shall have
the meaning given to such term in Section 2.1(a) hereof.

       (u) The term "SUBSIDIARY" means (i) any corporation of which an aggregate
of 50% or more of the outstanding capital stock having ordinary voting power to
elect a majority of the board of directors of such corporation (irrespective of
whether, at the time, capital stock of any other class or classes of such
corporation shall have or might have voting power by reason of the happening of
any contingency) is at the time, directly or indirectly, owned legally or
beneficially by the Company and/or one or more Subsidiaries of the Company, and
(ii) any partnership, joint venture or other entity in which the Company and/or
one or more Subsidiaries of the Company shall have an interest (whether in the
form of voting or participation in profits or capital contributions) of 50% or
more.

       (v) The term "THIRD PARTY" shall mean any Person other than (i) Verizon
or any of its Affiliates or (ii) the Company .

       (w) The term "TRANSFER" (including, with correlative meaning,
"Transferred") shall mean any, direct or indirect, offer, sale, lease,
conveyance, transfer, assignment, exchange, grant of an option or right to
purchase, or other disposition of any kind.

       (x) The term "VERIZON PARTY" shall have the meaning given to such term in
Section 2.1(b) hereof.

       (y) The term "VOTING STOCK" shall mean (i) the Class A Common Stock, the
Class B Common Stock and any other securities issued by the Company having the
ordinary power to vote in the election of directors of the Company (other than
securities having such power only upon the happening of a contingency), and (ii)
the common stock and any other securities issued by any successor to the Company
pursuant to a merger, consolidation or reorganization having the ordinary power
to vote in the election of directors of such successor company (other than
securities having such power only upon the happening of a contingency).

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                                   ARTICLE II

                              RIGHT OF NEGOTIATION

       Section 2.1 RIGHT OF NEGOTIATION.

       (a) If the Company (or, in the case of clause (ii), any Subsidiary of the
Company) (i)(x) desires, proposes or determines, or is actively considering in
response to an oral offer or proposal, to effect an Acquisition Transaction, or
(y) receives a bona fide written offer from a Third Party (determined in good
faith by the Company) with respect to an Acquisition Transaction (in any case
under clause (i)(x) or (i)(y), an "ACQUISITION PROPOSAL"), or (ii)(x) desires,
proposes or determines, or is actively considering in response to an oral offer
or proposal, to effect a Significant Asset Disposition, or (y) receives a bona
fide written offer from a Third Party (determined in good faith by the Company
or the relevant Subsidiary) with respect to a Significant Asset Disposition (in
any case under clause (ii)(x) or (ii)(y), a "SIGNIFICANT ASSET DISPOSITION
PROPOSAL"), then the Company shall promptly provide written notice to Verizon of
such Acquisition Proposal or of such Significant Asset Disposition Proposal (to
the extent such notice pertains to an Acquisition Proposal, the "ACQUISITION
PROPOSAL NOTICE"; and to the extent such notice pertains to a Significant Asset
Disposition Proposal, the "SIGNIFICANT ASSET DISPOSITION PROPOSAL NOTICE"). Any
Significant Asset Disposition Proposal Notice shall include a complete and
accurate description of the material terms and conditions of the Significant
Asset Disposition Proposal, including, without limitation, a description of the
assets contemplated to be Transferred in the proposed Significant Asset
Disposition.

       (b) Assuming Verizon (or its designee referred to below) enters into a
customary confidentiality agreement, for a period of ten (10) Business Days
following the receipt by Verizon of an Acquisition Proposal Notice or a
Significant Asset Disposition Proposal Notice (the "NEGOTIATION PERIOD"),
Verizon or its designee (which designee shall be an Affiliate of Verizon that
is, directly or indirectly, 100% owned by Verizon Communications Inc. or is
otherwise acceptable to the Company) (the "VERIZON PARTY"), shall have the
nonexclusive right to negotiate with the Company, and to conduct reasonable and
customary due diligence, in connection with the proposed Acquisition Transaction
or the proposed Significant Asset Disposition, as the case may be. If, during
the Negotiation Period, the Verizon Party offers or otherwise proposes to
effect, or seeks to negotiate with the Company with respect to, an Acquisition
Transaction or a Significant Asset Disposition (with respect to the same assets
subject to the Significant Asset Disposition Proposal), as the case may be, then
the Company shall negotiate with the Verizon Party, and cooperate with its due
diligence inquiries, in good faith during the remainder of the Negotiation
Period; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, that the Company shall not be under any obligation to
accept any such offer or other proposal made by the Verizon Party to effect an
Acquisition Transaction or a Significant Asset Disposition or to accept any
other offer.

       (c) During the Negotiation Period, the Company shall not (and shall cause
its Subsidiaries not to), directly or indirectly, enter into any exclusivity
agreement or any definitive agreement (other than a customary confidentiality
agreement) with any

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Third Party with respect to or otherwise relating to the subject Acquisition
Proposal or Significant Asset Disposition Proposal, as the case may be.

       (d) If the Company and the Verizon Entity have not entered into an
exclusivity agreement or a definitive agreement with respect to or otherwise
relating to the subject Acquisition Transaction or Significant Asset
Disposition, as the case may be, then the Company shall have a period of 90
calendar days following the expiration of the Negotiation Period to enter into
an exclusivity agreement or definitive agreement with a Third Party with respect
to or otherwise relating to the subject Acquisition Proposal or Significant
Asset Disposition Proposal, as the case may be (it being understood that the
Company shall not be obligated to enter into any such agreement); PROVIDED,
HOWEVER, that if any such exclusivity or definitive agreement is not so entered
into with a Third Party within such 90-day period, the provisions of Section
2.1(a) shall again be applicable with respect to the subject Acquisition
Proposal or Significant Asset Disposition Proposal, as the case may be; and
PROVIDED FURTHER, HOWEVER, that, if the Company enters into an exclusivity
agreement or definitive agreement with a Third Party with respect to or
otherwise relating to the subject Acquisition Proposal or Significant Asset
Disposition Proposal during such 90-day period and the Acquisition Transaction
or the Significant Asset Disposition contemplated by such agreement is not
consummated and such agreement is terminated, the provisions of Section 2.1(a)
shall again be applicable with respect to the subject Acquisition Proposal or
Significant Asset Disposition Proposal, except if such exclusivity or definitive
agreement is terminated by the Company to accept an alternative proposal as
permitted by such exclusivity or definitive agreement or applicable Delaware
law.

       (e) In the event there exists several Significant Asset Disposition
Proposals with respect to different Significant Asset Dispositions, the terms of
this Section 2.1 shall apply to each Significant Asset Disposition Proposal
severally.

       (f) For clarification purposes, it is understood and agreed that, in the
event the Company enters into a definitive agreement with a Third Party with
respect to an Acquisition Transaction or a Significant Asset Disposition,
nothing in this Agreement shall prohibit or preclude Verizon or any of its
Affiliates from making a proposal regarding the consummation of a competing or
alternative Acquisition Transaction or Significant Asset Disposition, as the
case may be.

                                  ARTICLE III

                         REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

       Section 3.1 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY. The Company
represents and warrants to Verizon as follows:

       (a) AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AND PERFORM AGREEMENTS. The Company has the full
legal capacity, right and power and all authority required to enter into,
execute and deliver this Agreement and to perform and comply fully with its
obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by the
Company have been

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duly authorized by all requisite organizational action on the part of the
Company. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by, and constitutes
the legal, valid and binding obligation of, the Company enforceable against the
Company in accordance with its terms, except (A) as the enforceability may be
limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance,
moratorium or similar laws now or hereafter in effect generally affecting
creditors' rights or by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such
enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (B) the
remedy of specific performance and injunctive relief hereunder may be subject to
equitable defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any
proceeding therefor may be brought.

       (b) NO CONFLICTS; CONSENTS.

              (i) The execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement do
       not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and the
       compliance with the provisions hereof applicable to it will not, conflict
       with or result in any violation of or default (with or without notice or
       lapse of time, or both) under (A) any contract, agreement or other
       binding arrangement to which the Company is a party, (B) any charter,
       by-laws, trust agreement, partnership agreement or any other
       organizational document of the Company, if applicable, or (C) any law,
       statute, rule or regulation, or any judgment, order, writ, injunction or
       decree of any Governmental Entity applicable to the Company.

              (ii) Other than filing this Agreement or a Form 8-K, under the
       Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, no consents, approvals or
       authorizations of, or notices or filings with, any Person or Governmental
       Entity are required to be obtained or made by the Company in connection
       with the execution and delivery by the Company of this Agreement, and the
       consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and the compliance
       with the provisions hereof applicable to the Company.

       Section 3.2 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF VERIZON. Verizon represents
and warrants to the Company as follows:

       (a) AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AND PERFORM AGREEMENTS. Verizon has the full
legal right and power and all authority required to enter into, execute and
deliver this Agreement and to perform and comply fully with Verizon's
obligations hereunder. The execution and delivery of this Agreement by Verizon
have been duly authorized by all requisite corporate action on the part of
Verizon. This Agreement has been duly executed and delivered by, and constitutes
the legal, valid and binding obligation of, Verizon enforceable against Verizon
in accordance with its terms, except (A) as the enforceability may be limited by
bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium or
similar laws now or hereafter in effect generally affecting creditors' rights or
by general principles of equity, regardless of whether such enforceability is
considered in a proceeding in equity or at law, and (B) the remedy of specific
performance and injunctive relief hereunder may be subject to equitable defenses
and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding therefor may be
brought.

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       (b) NO CONFLICTS; CONSENTS.

              (i) The execution and delivery by Verizon of this Agreement do
       not, and the consummation of the transactions contemplated hereby and the
       compliance with the provisions hereof applicable to it will not, conflict
       with or result in any violation of or default (with or without notice or
       lapse of time, or both) under (A) any contract, agreement or other
       binding arrangement to which Verizon is a party, (B) Verizon's
       certificate of incorporation or by-laws, or (C) any law, statute, rule or
       regulation, or judgment, order, writ, injunction or decree of any
       Governmental Entity applicable to Verizon.

              (ii) No consents, approvals or authorizations of, or notices or
       filings with, any Person or Governmental Entity are required to be
       obtained or made by Verizon in connection with the execution and delivery
       by Verizon of this Agreement, and the consummation of the transactions
       contemplated hereby and the compliance with the provisions hereof
       applicable to Verizon.

                                   ARTICLE IV

                                  MISCELLANEOUS

       Section 4.1 SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. The parties hereto agree and declare
that legal remedies may be inadequate to enforce the provisions of this
Agreement and, therefore, the parties shall be entitled to specific performance
of the terms hereof, in addition to any other remedy at law or in equity. It is
accordingly agreed that the parties shall be entitled to an injunction or
injunctions to prevent or cure breaches of the provisions of this Agreement and
to enforce specifically the terms and provisions of this Agreement.

       Section 4.2 ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and other agreements
expressly referred to herein constitute the entire agreement among the Company
and Verizon with respect to the express subject matter hereof and supersedes all
prior agreements and understandings, both written and oral, among the Company
and Verizon with respect to the express subject matter hereof.

       Section 4.3 AMENDMENT. This Agreement may not be amended except by an
instrument in writing signed by the Company and Verizon

       Section 4.4 TERM. This Agreement shall terminate on the earliest to occur
of: (i) the consummation of an Acquisition Transaction; (ii) the 90th
consecutive day on which Verizon or one of its Affiliates does not Beneficially
Own shares of Class A Common Stock equal to 2% or more of the aggregate number
of issued and outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common
Stock as of the date hereof; IT BEING UNDERSTOOD that the term "Beneficially
Own" for the purposes of this clause (ii) shall presume that any securities held
by Verizon or its Affiliates that are convertible into shares of Class A Common
Stock are immediately convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock,
notwithstanding any term in any such securities to the

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contrary; or (iii) the tenth anniversary of the date hereof.

       Section 4.5 SEVERABILITY. If any term or other provision of this
Agreement is invalid, illegal or incapable of being enforced by any rule or law,
or public policy, all other conditions and provisions of this Agreement shall
nevertheless remain in full force and effect so long as the economic or legal
substance of this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially adverse to
any party. Upon such determination that any term or other provision is invalid,
illegal or incapable of being enforced, the parties hereby shall negotiate in
good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the
parties as closely as possible to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law
in a mutually acceptable manner in order that the terms of this Agreement remain
as originally contemplated.

       Section 4.6 NOTICES. All notices and other communications given or made
pursuant hereto shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given
or made and shall be effective (a) upon receipt if delivered personally, (b)
upon receipt of a transmission confirmation if sent by facsimile (with a
confirming copy sent by overnight courier), and (c) on the next business day if
sent by Federal Express, United Parcel Service, Express Mail or other reputable
overnight courier to the parties at the following addresses (or at such other
address for a party as shall be specified by notice):

                  If to the Company:

                  David A. Persing, Esq.
                  Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc.
                  c/o Metromedia Company
                  One Meadowlands Plaza
                  East Rutherford, New Jersey  07073-2137
                  Telecopy Number:  (201) 531-2803

                  with a copy to:

                  Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
                  1285 Avenue of the Americas
                  New York, New York  10019-6064
                  Attn:  Douglas A. Cifu, Esq.
                  Telecopy Number:  (212) 757-3990

                  If to Verizon:

                  Verizon Investments Inc.
                  3900 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
                  Wilmington, DE 19802
                  Attn:  President
                  Telecopy Number:  (302) 761-4228

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                  with copies to:

                  Verizon Communications Inc.
                  1095 Avenue of the Americas
                  New York, New York  10036
                  Attn:  Associate General Counsel - Strategic Transactions
                  Telecopy Number:  (212) 764-2739

                  and

                  Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                  767 Fifth Avenue
                  New York, New York  10153
                  Attn:  Frederick S. Green, Esq.
                  Telecopy Number:  (212) 310-8007

       Section 4.7 GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by and
construed in accordance with, the applicable laws of the State of Delaware,
without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law provisions.

       Section 4.8 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon
and inure to the benefit of the parties and their successors and legal
representatives. Neither party to this Agreement shall be permitted to assign
this Agreement; PROVIDED, that, Verizon may assign its rights under this
Agreement to any Affiliate that agrees in writing to be bound by the terms of
this Agreement.

       Section 4.9 INTERPRETATION. For the purposes of this Agreement, (i) terms
defined in the singular shall be held to include the plural and VICE VERSA and
words of one gender shall be held to include the other gender as the context
requires, and (ii) the terms "hereof", "herein", "hereunder" and "herewith" and
words of similar import shall, unless otherwise stated, be construed to refer to
this Agreement as a whole (including the schedules hereto) and not to any
particular provision of this Agreement. Where a word or phrase is defined
herein, each of its other grammatical forms shall have a corresponding meaning.

       Section 4.10 COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more
counterparts, each of which shall be an original and all of which, when taken
together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

                     [Signatures appear on following page.]

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       IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the parties hereto have caused this Agreement
to be duly executed on the date hereof.

                                       THE COMPANY:

                                       METROMEDIA FIBER NETWORK, INC.

                                       By: /s/ Nick Tanzi
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Nick Tanzi
                                           Title: President and CEO

                                       VERIZON:

                                       VERIZON INVESTMENTS INC.

                                       By: /s/ Phil Seskin
                                           -------------------------------------
                                           Name:  Phil Seskin
                                           Title: Senior Vice-President<Page>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.6

                                                                  EXECUTION COPY

                                VOTING AGREEMENT

            THIS VOTING AGREEMENT (this "Agreement") is entered into and
effective as of October 1, 2001 (the "Effective Date") by and among
METROMEDIA FIBER NETWORK, INC., a Delaware corporation ("MFN"), VERIZON
INVESTMENTS INC., a Delaware corporation ("Verizon"), BECHTEL CORPORATION
("Bechtel"), HATHAWAY DINWIDDIE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, EDWARDS AND KELCEY,
INC., CUPERTINO ELECTRIC INC. and each of the stockholders listed on
Schedule I attached hereto (each such stockholder, a "Stockholder").

            WHEREAS, Verizon and MFN have entered into a Note Purchase
Agreement, dated as of the date hereof (the "Purchase Agreement; capitalized
terms not defined herein shall have the meaning ascribed to them in the Purchase
Agreement), pursuant to which, among other things, (A) Verizon purchased from
MFN 8.5% Senior Secured Convertible Notes due 2011 of MFN in the aggregate
principal amount of $50,000,000 (the "New Convertible Notes"), which New
Convertible Notes are convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock, par value
$0.01 (the "Class A Common Stock"), of MFN and were issued pursuant to, and in
accordance with, the terms of the Indenture, dated as of the date hereof, by and
between MFN and Wilmington Trust Company, as trustee (the "New 8.5% Notes
Indenture"), and (B) MFN will exchange $975,281,000 principal amount of MFN's
6.15% Convertible Subordinated Notes due 2010 Notes held by Verizon for
$500,000,000 principal amount of MFN's 6.15% Series A Convertible Subordinated
Notes due March 16, 2010 (the "New 6.15% Series A Notes") and $475,281,000
principal amount of MFN's 6.15% Series B Convertible Subordinated Notes due
March 16, 2010 (the "New 6.15% Series B Notes," and together with the New 6.15%
Series A Notes, the "New 6.15% Notes"), the terms of which are governed by the
Indenture, dated as of the date hereof (the "New 6.15% Notes Indenture"),
between MFN and U.S. Bank Trust National Association, as trustee; and

            WHEREAS, Bechtel, MFN and Metromedia Fiber Network Services, Inc.
("MFNS"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of MFN have entered into that certain Master
Restructuring Agreement, dated as of October 1, 2001 (the "MRA"), pursuant to
which, among other things, (A) MFNS (and MFN, with respect to the conversion
rights only) issued to Bechtel that certain 8.5% Senior Subordinated Convertible
Note in the aggregate principal amount of $89,000,000 (the "Bechtel Note"),
which Bechtel Note is convertible into shares of Class A Common Stock and (B)
MFN and Bechtel executed that certain Warrant Agreement, dated as of October 1,
2001, pursuant to which MFN issued to Bechtel a warrant (the "Bechtel Warrant")
exercisable for 25,000,000 shares of Class A Common Stock;

            WHEREAS, Hathaway Dinwiddie Construction Company, Edwards and
Kelcey, Inc. and Cupertino Electric Inc. (the "Contractors") and certain
subcontractors together with MFNS have entered into certain settlement
agreements dated on or about the date hereof (each a "Vendor Agreement")
relating to construction services and related obligations performed for MFNS or
subsidiaries of MFNS, under which certain cash

<Page>
                                                                               2

payments, promissory notes, shares of MFNS Class A Common Stock and warrants to
purchase shares of MFNS Class A Common Stock are to be delivered to the
Contractors and certain subcontractors (such shares and warrants being
collectively referred to below as the Vendors' Securities); and

            WHEREAS, as a condition to Verizon's willingness to enter into the
Purchase Agreement, and as a condition to Bechtel's willingness to enter into
the MRA, and as a condition to the Contractor's' willingness to enter into the
Vendor Agreements and arrange for the subcontractors' participation therein,
each of Verizon and Bechtel and the Contractors has required MFN and the other
Stockholders party hereto to establish and enter into this Agreement;

            NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the above recitals and the
mutual covenants made herein, the parties hereto agree as follows:

      1.    SHARE OWNERSHIP

            1.1. CURRENT SHARES. Each Stockholder represents and warrants to
each of MFN, Verizon, Bechtel, the Contractors and each other Stockholder that
(i) such Stockholder is a record or beneficial owner of the shares of capital
stock or voting securities of MFN set forth opposite its name on Schedule I
attached hereto (the "Shares") with power to vote the Shares or cause the Shares
to be voted; (ii) the Shares set forth opposite its name on Schedule I attached
hereto constitute such Stockholder's entire interest in the outstanding capital
stock and voting securities of MFN; and (iii) such Stockholder's address is
accurately set forth on the signature page attached hereto.

            1.2. NEW SHARES. Each of the Stockholders agrees that any shares of
capital stock or voting securities, including, but not limited to, any such
shares of capital stock or voting securities acquired upon the conversion,
exercise or exchange of any securities convertible into capital stock or voting
securities, of MFN (the "New Shares") that such Stockholder purchases or with
respect to which such Stockholder otherwise acquires beneficial ownership after
the date of this Agreement and prior to the Expiration Date (as defined in
Section 6) shall be subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement to the
same extent as if they constituted Shares as of the date hereof.

      2.    VOTING RIGHTS AND CONVERSION FEATURES TERMS OF THE NEW CONVERTIBLE
NOTES, THE BECHTEL NOTE AND THE BECHTEL WARRANT, AND THE VENDORS' SECURITIES.
Prior to the Expiration Date, at every meeting of the stockholders of MFN at
which the matters described in this Section 2 are considered or voted upon, and
at every adjournment or postponement thereof, and on every action of MFN with
respect to the following matter, each of the Stockholders shall vote, or, using
such Stockholder's best efforts, and to the full extent legally permitted, cause
the holder of record to vote the Shares and any New Shares in favor of any
proposal seeking approval of the issuance of Class A Common Stock issuable upon
conversion of the New Convertible Notes, the Bechtel Note and the Bechtel
Warrant and the issuance of Class A Common Stock issuable as or in connection
with the Vendors' Securities or any other transactions contemplated by the
Purchase

<Page>
                                                                               3

Agreement, and the MRA and the Vendor Agreements, or in favor of any other
proposal the purpose of which is to seek approval of matters relating to the
foregoing.

      3.    [Intentionally left blank]

      4.    NOTICE TO TRANSFER AGENT. Each of the Stockholders authorizes MFN to
notify its transfer agent of the existence of this Agreement and to take such
other actions reasonably necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions of
this Agreement.

      5.    REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES AND COVENANTS OF STOCKHOLDER. Each of
the Stockholders hereby represents, warrants and covenants to each of MFN,
Verizon, Bechtel, the Contractors and each other Stockholder that such
Stockholder has full power and legal capacity to execute and deliver this
Agreement and to perform his or her obligations hereunder. This Agreement has
been duly and validly executed and delivered by such Stockholder and constitutes
the valid and legally binding obligation of such Stockholder, enforceable
against such Stockholder in accordance with its terms, except as may be limited
by (i) the effect of bankruptcy, insolvency, conservatorship, arrangement,
moratorium or other laws affecting or relating to the rights of creditors
generally, or (ii) the rules governing the availability of specific performance,
injunctive relief or other equitable remedies and general principles of equity,
regardless of whether considered in a proceeding in equity or at law. The
execution and delivery of this Agreement by such Stockholder does not, and the
performance of such Stockholder's obligations hereunder will not, result in any
breach of or constitute a default (or an event that with notice or lapse of time
or both would become a default) under, or give to others any right to terminate,
amend, accelerate or cancel any right or obligation under, or result in the
creation of any lien or encumbrance on any Shares or New Shares pursuant to, any
note, bond, mortgage, indenture, contract, agreement, license, permit, franchise
or other instrument or obligation to which such Stockholder is a party or by
which such Stockholder or the Shares or New Shares are or will be bound or
affected.

      6.    EXPIRATION AND TERMINATION. As used herein, the term "Expiration
Date" shall mean the earlier to occur of (i) the date on which there are no New
Convertible Notes, Bechtel Notes or Bechtel Warrants or Vendor Securities
outstanding or (ii) MFN's obtaining the Requisite Company Vote (as defined in
the Purchase Agreement, with respect to Verizon and as defined in the MRA, with
respect to Bechtel); it being understood that, in connection with seeking to
obtain the Requisite Company Vote, MFN shall comply with Section 5.4 of the
Purchase Agreement, with respect to Verizon and Section 6.4 of the MRA, with
respect to Bechtel; and MFN's obtaining the stockholder approval referred to in
the definition of Initial Exercise Date and Section 9.07 of the Warrant
Agreement included in the Vendors' Securities. This Agreement and all
obligations of each of the Stockholders hereunder shall terminate and have no
further force or effect as of the Expiration Date.

      7.    MISCELLANEOUS.

            7.1. BINDING EFFECT, TRANSFERS AND ASSIGNMENTS. Each of the
Stockholders agrees not to transfer, sell, exchange, pledge or otherwise dispose
of or

<Page>
                                                                               4

encumber any of the Shares, or make any offer or agreement relating thereto, at
any time prior to the Expiration Date other than pursuant to the Stockholders'
Agreement (to the extent applicable to such Stockholder) and, to the extent
permitted thereunder, only to a transferee that agrees in writing to be bound by
the terms of this Agreement, a copy of which shall be sent to MFN. Each of the
Stockholders understands and agrees that if such Stockholder attempts to
transfer, vote or provide any other person with the authority to vote any of the
Shares prior to the Expiration Date other than in compliance with this
Agreement, MFN shall not, and each of the Stockholders hereby unconditionally
and irrevocably instructs MFN to not permit any such transfer on its books and
records, issue a new certificate representing any of the Shares or record such
vote unless and until such Stockholder shall have complied with the terms of
this Agreement. This Agreement and all of the provisions hereof shall attach to
the Shares and the New Shares and be binding upon and inure to the benefit of
the parties hereto and their respective successor and permitted assigns, but,
except as otherwise specifically provided herein, neither this Agreement nor any
of the rights, interests or obligations of the parties hereto may be assigned by
any of the parties without the prior written consent of the other. This
Agreement is intended to bind each of the Stockholders solely as a
securityholder of MFN only with respect to the specific matters set forth
herein.

            7.2. AMENDMENT AND MODIFICATION. This Agreement may not be modified,
amended, altered or supplemented except by the execution and delivery of a
written agreement executed by each of the parties hereto.

            7.3. FURTHER ASSURANCES. Until the Expiration Date, each Stockholder
shall use all reasonable efforts to take, or to cause to be taken, all actions,
and to do, or cause to be done, and to assist and cooperate with other parties
in doing, all things necessary, proper and advisable to consummate and make
effective in the most expeditious manner practicable, the transactions
contemplated by this Agreement.

            7.4. STOCKHOLDER CAPACITY. No person executing this Agreement who is
or becomes during the term hereof a director of MFN makes any agreement or
understanding herein in his or her capacity as such director. Furthermore,
notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained in Section 2 above, if any
representative of such Stockholder is a member of MFN's Board of Directors,
nothing in such section shall be construed to obligate such representative to
act in such person's capacity as a director in any manner that may conflict with
such person's fiduciary duties as a director of MFN.

            7.5. NOTICES. All notices, requests, demands or other communications
that are required or may be given pursuant to the terms of this Agreement shall
be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given (a) when delivered, if
delivered by hand, (b) one business day after transmitted, if transmitted by a
nationally recognized overnight courier service, (c) when telecopied, if
telecopied (which is confirmed), or (d) three business days after mailing, if
mailed by registered or certified mail (return receipt requested), to the
parties at the following addresses:

<Page>
                                                                               5

                  (a) If to a Stockholder, at the address set forth below such
Stockholder's signature at the end hereof.

                  (b)   If to MFN, to:

                        David A. Persing, Esq.
                        Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc.
                        c/o Metromedia Company
                        One Meadowlands Plaza
                        East Rutherford, New Jersey  07073-2137
                        Telecopy Number:  (201) 531-2803

                        with a copy to:

                        Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison
                        1285 Avenue of the Americas
                        New York, New York  10019-6064
                        Attn:  Douglas A. Cifu, Esq.
                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 757-3990

                        If to Verizon:

                        Verizon Investments Inc.
                        3900 Washington Street, 2nd Floor
                        Wilmington, Delaware 19802
                        Attn:  President
                        Telecopy Number:  (302) 761-4228

                        with copies to:

                        Verizon Communications, Inc.
                        1095 Avenue of the Americas
                        New York, New York 10036
                        Attn:  Associate General Counsel - Strategic
                        Transactions
                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 764-2739

                        and

                        Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP
                        767 Fifth Avenue
                        New York, New York  10153
                        Attn:  Frederick S. Green, Esq.
                        Telecopy Number:  (212) 310-8007

                        If to Bechtel:

                        c/o Bechtel Enterprises Holdings, Inc.
                        50 California Street, Suite 2200

<Page>
                                                                               6

                        P.O.  Box 193965
                        San Francisco, California  94119-3965
                        Attention:  Michael C. Bailey
                        Facsimile: (415) 951-0850

                        with a copy to:

                        Shearman & Sterling
                        599 Lexington Avenue
                        New York, New York  10023

                        Attention:  Douglas P. Bartner, Esq.
                        Facsimile:  (212) 848-7179

                        If to Hathway Dinwiddie Construction Company:

                        If to Cupertino Electric Inc.:

                        Jan Kang
                        Cupertino Electric, Inc.
                        1132 North Seventh Street
                        San Jose, CA  95112
                        Telecopy Number:  (603) 925-5574

or to such other address as any party hereto may designate for itself by notice
given as herein provided.

            7.6.  GOVERNING LAW. This Agreement shall be governed by, and
construed and enforced in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York
without giving effect to the principles of conflicts or choice of law rules of
any jurisdiction. The parties hereto hereby irrevocably and unconditionally
consent to submit to the non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of the State
of New York and of the United States of America located in the County of New
York, New York (the "New York Courts") for any litigation arising out of or
relating to the Agreement and the transactions contemplated thereby, waive any
objection to the laying of venue of any such litigation in the New York Courts
and agree not to plead or claim in any New York Court that such litigation
brought therein has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

<Page>
                                                                               7

            7.7.  ENTIRE AGREEMENT. This Agreement and the other agreements
referred to herein contain the entire understanding of the parties in respect of
the express subject matter hereof, and supersede all prior negotiations and
understandings between the parties with respect to such subject matter; it being
understood that nothing in this Agreement shall be deemed in any way to
supersede or limit the Stockholders' Agreement.

            7.8.  SCOPE OF AGREEMENT; SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE. Each Stockholder
agrees and acknowledges that any agreement made by, or obligation of, it
hereunder shall be for the benefit of each other Stockholder party hereto, as
well as MFN, and Verizon, and Bechtel and the Contractors. Each party hereto, in
addition to being entitled to exercise all rights provided herein or granted by
law, including recovery of damages, will be entitled to specific performance of
this Agreement, including with respect to any obligations hereunder. Each party
hereto hereby agrees that monetary damages would not be adequate compensation
for any loss incurred by reason of a breach by it of the provisions of this
Agreement and hereby agrees to waive the defense in any action for specific
performance that a remedy at law would be adequate.

            7.9.  COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in two or more
counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

            7.10. SEVERABILITY. If any term, provision, covenant or restriction
of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction or other
authority to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remainder of the terms,
provisions, covenants and restrictions of this Agreement shall remain in full
force and effect and shall in no way be affected, impaired or invalidated so
long as the economic or legal substance of the transactions contemplated hereby
is not affected in any manner materially adverse to any party. Upon such a
determination, the parties shall negotiate in good faith to modify this
Agreement so as to effect the original intent of the parties as closely as
possible in an acceptable manner in order that the transactions contemplated
hereby be consummated as originally contemplated to the fullest extent possible.

            7.11. HEADINGS; REFERENCES. The section and paragraph headings
contained in this Agreement are for reference purposes only and shall not affect
in any way the meaning or interpretation of this Agreement. All references
herein to "Sections," "Exhibits" or "Schedules" shall be deemed to be references
to Sections hereof or Exhibits or Schedules hereto unless otherwise indicated.

                            [Signature page follows]

<Page>

            IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have duly executed this
Agreement, or have caused this Agreement to be fully executed on their behalf as
of the date first set forth above.

                                    METROMEDIA FIBER NETWORK, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Nick Tanzi
                                       -----------------------------------
                                        Name:  Nick Tanzi
                                        Title: President & COO

                                    VERIZON INVESTMENTS INC.

                                    By: /s/ Phil Seskin
                                       -----------------------------------
                                        Name:  Phil Seskin
                                        Title: Senior Vice-President

                                    BECHTEL CORPORATION

                                    By: /s/ George E. Conniff
                                       ------------------------------------
                                        Name: George E. Conniff
                                        Title: President,
                                        Telecommunications and Industrial

                               [Voting Agreement]
<Page>

                                    HATHWAY DINWIDDIE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY

                                    By: /s/ David A. Lee
                                       -----------------------------------
                                        Name:  David A. Lee
                                        Title: SVP

                               [Voting Agreement]
<Page>

                                    EDWARDS AND KELCEY, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Kevin J. McMahon
                                       -----------------------------------
                                        Name:  Kevin J. McMahon
                                        Title: CEO

                               [Voting Agreement]
<Page>

                                    CUPERTINO ELECTRIC, INC.

                                    By: /s/ Jan Kang
                                       -----------------------------------
                                        Name:  Jan Kang
                                        Title: VP & General Counsel

                               [Voting Agreement]
<Page>

                                    STOCKHOLDER

                                    METROMEDIA COMPANY

                                    By: /s/ Metromedia Company
                                       -----------------------------------
                                        Name:  Metromedia Company
                                        Title:

                                    810 Seventh Avenue
                                    New York, New York  10019
                                    212-606-4362

                               [Voting Agreement]
<Page>

                                    STOCKHOLDER

                                     /s/ John W. Kluge
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    John W. Kluge

                                    John W. Kluge
                                    c/o Metromedia Company
                                    810 Seventh Avenue, 29th Floor
                                    New York, New York  10019
                                    (212) 606-4444

                               [Voting Agreement]
<Page>

                                    STOCKHOLDER

                                     /s/ Stuart Subotnick
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Stuart Subotnick

                                    Stuart Subotnick
                                    Metromedia Company
                                    810 Seventh Avenue, 29th Floor
                                    New York, New York  10019
                                    (212) 606-4451

                               [Voting Agreement]
<Page>

                                    STOCKHOLDER

                                     /s/ Stephen A. Garofalo
                                    --------------------------------------
                                    Stephen A. Garofalo

                                    Stephen A. Garofalo
                                    Metromedia Fiber Network, Inc.
                                    360 Hamilton Avenue
                                    White Plains, New York  10601
                                    (914) 421-6709

                               [Voting Agreement]

<Page>

                                                                  (1) Schedule I

<Table>
<Caption>

NAME OF STOCKHOLDER                CLASS A COMMON STOCK              CLASS B COMMON STOCK
-------------------             -------------------------      ----------------------------------
                                DIRECTLY     BENEFICIALLY         DIRECTLY          BENEFICIALLY
                                 OWNED          OWNED               OWNED               OWNED
                                ---------    ------------      -------------       --------------

<S>                        <C>                <C>                 <C>               <C>
Metromedia Company .....           --                --           62,924,096                --
John W. Kluge ..........           --         3,177,100(1)                --        62,924,096(2)
Stuart Subotnick .......           --         4,683,500(3)         4,454,448        63,084,096(4)
Stephen A. Garofalo ....   82,334,846         6,259,000(5)                --                --
</Table>

----------
(1) Includes options to purchase 700,000 shares of the Company's Class A
      common stock at an exercise price of $28.5625 per share owned by the Kluge
      Trust.

(2) Represents shares held by Metromedia Company.

(3) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 2,733,500 and 700,000
      shares of the Company's Class A common stock at an exercise price of
      $0.12313 and $28.5625 per share, respectively. Also includes 1,250,000
      shares held by three trusts for which Mr. Subotnick serves as Trustee.

(4) Includes 62,924,096 shares owned by Metromedia Company and shares owned by
      the Subotnick Family Trust, the Paula Subotnick Trust and the Bryan
      Subotnick Trust.

(5) Includes presently exercisable options to purchase 1,233,962, 4,761,489
      and 263,549 shares of the Company's Class A common stock owned by Mr.
      Garofalo, the Garofalo Trust No. 1 and the Garofalo Trust No. 2,
      respectively, having an exercise price of $0.12313 per share

                               [Voting Agreement]

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