STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORP
S-1, 1997-08-04
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    As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on August 4, 1997
                                               REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

                               ----------------

                                   FORM S-1
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

                               ----------------

                   STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
            (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

<TABLE>
<S>                                 <C>                            <C>
                 MARYLAND                       4813                     52-1660985
 (State or other Jurisdiction of    (Primary Standard Industrial      (I.R.S. Employer
   Incorporation or Organization)    Classification Code Number)   Identification Number)
</TABLE>


                               ----------------

<TABLE>
<S>                                                <C>
               10411 MOTOR CITY DRIVE                            RAM MUKUNDA
             BETHESDA, MD 20817                     PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
                    (301) 365-8959                          10411 MOTOR CITY DRIVE
  (Address, Including Zip Code, and Telephone                 BETHESDA, MD 20817
  Number, Including Area Code, of Registrant's                  (301) 365-8959
            Principal Executive Offices)           (Name, Address, Including Zip Code, and
                                                   Telephone Number, Including Area Code, of
                                                                 Agent for Service)
</TABLE>

                               ----------------

                                  COPIES TO:
<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
           Thomas L. Hanley, Esq.                John L. Sullivan, III, Esq.
           Robert B. Murphy, Esq.                    David L. Kaye, Esq.
       Yolanda Stefanou Faerber, Esq.           Venable, Baetjer & Howard LLP
Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A.   2010 Corporate Ridge, Suite 400
            11921 Rockville Pike                      McLean, VA 22102
            Rockville, MD 20852                        (703) 760-1600
               (301) 230-5200
</TABLE>

                               ----------------

        APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:
   AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE AFTER THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT BECOMES EFFECTIVE.

     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous  basis  pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box. [ ]

     If this Form is filed to  register  additional  securities  for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list  the  Securities  Act  registration  statement  number  of the  earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]

     If this Form is a  post-effective  amendment  filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the  Securities  Act,  check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration  statement number of the earlier effective  registration  statement
for the same offering. [ ]

   If  delivery  of  the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
                      please check the following box. [ ]

                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                     PROPOSED
                                                                                      MAXIMUM
                                                                 PROPOSED            AGGREGATE        AMOUNT OF
     TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF              AMOUNT TO BE         MAXIMUM OFFERING       OFFERING         REGISTRATION
  SECURITIES TO BE REGISTERED             REGISTERED          PRICE PER SHARE          PRICE             FEE
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                   <C>                     <C>                  <C>                <C>
Common Stock, $.01 par value ......   2,185,000 Shares(1)        $11.00(2)         $24,035,000(2)       $7,284
===================================================================================================================================
</TABLE>

(1)  Includes 285,000 shares which the Underwriters  have the option to purchase
     to cover over-allotments, if any.

(2)  Estimated  solely for the  purposes of  calculating  the  registration  fee
     pursuant to Rule 457 under the Securities Act.

     The Registrant  hereby amends this  Registration  Statement on such date or
dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall
file a further  amendment  which  specifically  states  that  this  Registration
Statement shall  thereafter  become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of
the Securities Act of 1933, or until this  Registration  Statement  shall become
effective on such date as the Commission,  acting pursuant to said Section 8(a),
may determine.

================================================================================


<PAGE>






                   STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                             CROSS REFERENCE SHEET
                   PURSUANT TO ITEM 501(B) OF REGULATION S-K


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
          FORM S-1 ITEMS AND CAPTIONS                              CAPTION IN PROSPECTUS
- ---------------------------------------------------   ---------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>
 1. Forepart of Registration Statement and
   Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus .........   Cover Page of Registration Statement; Cross Ref-
                                                      erence Sheet; Outside Front Cover Page of Pro-
                                                      spectus
 2. Inside Front and Outside Back Cover Pages
   of Prospectus  .................................   Inside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Outside
                                                      Back Cover Page of Prospectus
 3. Summary Information, Risk Factors and Ra-
   tio of Earnings to Fixed Charges    ............   Prospectus Summary; Risk Factors
 4. Use of Proceeds  ..............................   Use of Proceeds
 5. Determination of Offering Price    ............   Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Risk
                                                      Factors; Underwriting
 6. Dilution   ....................................   Dilution; Shares Eligible for Future Sale
 7. Selling Security Holders  .....................   Not Applicable
 8. Plan of Distribution   ........................   Outside Front Cover Page of Prospectus; Under-
                                                      writing
 9. Description of Securities to be Registered ....   Outside  Front Cover Page of  Prospectus;  Pro-
                                                      spectus Summary;  Description of Capital Stock;
                                                      Shares Eligible for Future Sale
10. Interests of Named Experts and Counsel   ......   Legal Matters; Experts
11. Information with Respect to Registrant   ......   Prospectus  Summary;  Risk  Factors;  The  Com-
                                                      pany;      Dividend      Policy;      Dilution;
                                                      Capitalization;    Selected   Financial   Data;
                                                      Management's   Discussion   and   Analysis   of
                                                      Financial  Condition and Results of Operations;
                                                      Business;   Management;  Certain  Transactions;
                                                      Principal Stockholders;  Description of Capital
                                                      Stock; Financial Statements
12. Disclosure of Commission Position on In-
   demnification for Securities Act Liabilities ...   Not Applicable
</TABLE>




<PAGE>




                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED __________, 1997

                                1,900,000 SHARES


                                    STARTEC
                      The Star of Worldwide Communications



                   STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                                  COMMON STOCK

                                 ------------

     All of the shares of common  stock,  par value $0.01 per share (the "Common
Stock")  offered  hereby  are  being  sold  by  Startec  Global   Communications
Corporation   ("STARTEC"  or  the  "Company").   Prior  to  this  offering  (the
"Offering"),  there  has  been no  public  market  for the  Common  Stock of the
Company.  It is currently  estimated that the initial public offering price will
be  between  $9.00  and  $11.00  per  share.  For a  discussion  of the  factors
considered in determining the initial public offering price, see "Underwriting."

     Application  will be made to have the shares of Common  Stock  approved for
quotation on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "STGC."

                                 ------------

SEE  "RISK  FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE __ OF THIS PROSPECTUS FOR A DISCUSSION OF
CERTAIN  FACTORS  THAT  SHOULD  BE  CONSIDERED  BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE
                    SHARES OF COMMON STOCK OFFERED HEREBY.

THESE  SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR  DISAPPROVED  BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
AND  EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR ANY STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  PASSED UPON THE
ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                  UNDERWRITING
                     PRICE TO     DISCOUNTS AND      PROCEEDS TO
                     PUBLIC       COMMISSIONS(1)     COMPANY(2)
                     ----------   ----------------   ------------
Per Share   ......     $               $                $
Total(3)    ......     $               $                $
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

(1)  Excludes a non-accountable expense allowance payable to the Representatives
     of the Underwriters equal to 1% of the gross proceeds of the Offering.  The
     Company  has  agreed  to  indemnify  the   Underwriters   against   certain
     liabilities,  including  liabilities  under the  Securities Act of 1933, as
     amended. See "Underwriting."

(2)  Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $_____.

(3)  The Company has granted to the  Underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up
     to   285,000   additional   shares   of  Common   Stock   solely  to  cover
     over-allotments,  if any. If the Underwriters exercise this option in full,
     the Price to Public, Underwriting Discounts and Commissions and Proceeds to
     Company  will be $         , $        and $          ,    respectively. See
     "Underwriting."

                                 ------------

     The shares of Common Stock are offered by the  Underwriters  named  herein,
subject  to  prior  sale,  when,  as and if  delivered  to and  accepted  by the
Underwriters,  and  subject  to their  right to reject  any order in whole or in
part. It is expected that delivery of  certificates  representing  the shares of
Common  Stock will be made  against  payment  therefor at the offices of Ferris,
Baker Watts, Incorporated,  1720 Eye Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C., or through
the Depositary Trust Company, on or about __________, 1997.

                                 ------------

             FERRIS, BAKER WATTS       BOENNING & SCATTERGOOD, INC.
                 Incorporated

                The date of this Prospectus is __________, 1997

INFORMATION   CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  SUBJECT  TO  COMPLETION  OR  AMENDMENT.   A
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  RELATING  TO THESE  SECURITIES  HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE  COMMISSION.  THESE  SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  BECOMES
EFFECTIVE.  THIS  PROSPECTUS  SHALL  NOT  CONSTITUTE  AN  OFFER  TO  SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE  SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER,  SOLICITATION  OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.

<PAGE>





     CERTAIN  PERSONS  PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT  STABILIZE,  MAINTAIN  OR  OTHERWISE  AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK,
INCLUDING   ENTERING  INTO  STABILIZING  BIDS,   EFFECTING   SYNDICATE  COVERING
TRANSACTIONS  OR IMPOSING  PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE  ACTIVITIES,
SEE "UNDERWRITING."

<PAGE>



                              PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

     The  following  summary is qualified in its entirety by, and should be read
in conjunction with, the more detailed  information,  including risk factors and
financial statements and notes thereto,  appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
Unless  otherwise  indicated,  the  information  in this  Prospectus  assumes no
exercise of the Underwriters'  over-allotment  option. See  "Underwriting."  For
definitions of certain  technical and other terms used in this  Prospectus,  see
"Glossary of Terms."

                                  THE COMPANY

     STARTEC is a rapidly growing,  facilities-based international long distance
carrier which markets its services to select ethnic U.S. residential communities
that have  significant  international  long  distance  usage.  Additionally,  to
maximize  the  efficiency  of  its  network  capacity,  the  Company  sells  its
international  long distance  services to some of the world's leading  carriers.
The Company provides its services through a flexible network of owned and leased
transmission  facilities,   resale  arrangements  and  a  variety  of  operating
agreements and termination arrangements. The Company currently operates a switch
in   Washington,    D.C.   and   leases   switching    facilities   from   other
telecommunications  carriers.  The Company is in the process of  constructing an
international gateway facility in New York City.

     The Company's mission is to dominate select  international  telecom markets
by strategically  building network facilities that allow it to manage both sides
of a telephone  call.  The Company  intends to own  multiple  switches and other
network  facilities  which allow it to  originate  and  terminate a  substantial
portion of its own traffic.  Further, the Company intends to implement a network
hubbing strategy,  linking foreign-based  switches and other  telecommunications
equipment  together with the Company's  marketing base in the United States.  To
implement this hubbing strategy,  the Company intends to: (i) build transmission
capacity, including its ability to originate and transport traffic; (ii) acquire
additional termination options to increase routing flexibility; and (iii) expand
its customer base through focused marketing efforts.

     STARTEC's  residential  customers  access its  network by dialing a carrier
identification  code ("CIC  Code") prior to dialing the number they are calling.
Using a CIC Code to access the Company's  network is known as  "dial-around"  or
"casual  calling" because  customers can use the Company's  services at any time
without  changing  their  existing  long  distance  carrier.  Additionally,  the
customer's  monthly bill from the local exchange  carrier  ("LEC")  reflects the
charges for the international  carrier services rendered by the Company. As part
of the Company's  marketing strategy,  it maintains a comprehensive  database of
customer  information  which is used for the development of marketing  programs,
planning, and other strategic purposes.

     Increased  deregulation  and the  globalization  of the  telecommunications
industry have resulted in accelerated  growth in the use of  international  long
distance  services.  The international  switched  telecommunications  market was
approximately  $56 billion in aggregate  carrier revenues for 1995, of which $14
billion was U.S.-originated  international  traffic.  According to the Company's
market  research,  during  the  period  from 1990 to 1995,  the  U.S.-originated
international telecommunications market grew at an annual compound rate of 11.7%
from $8 billion to $14 billion,  compared with an annual compound growth rate of
7.25% in the U.S.  domestic long distance market.  The Company believes that the
international  telecommunications  market will continue to experience growth for
the foreseeable  future as a result of numerous factors,  including:  (i) global
economic  development with corresponding  increases in the number of telephones,
particularly in developing  countries;  (ii) continuing  deregulation of foreign
telecommunications markets; (iii) reductions in rates stimulating higher traffic
volumes;  (iv) increases in the availability of transmission  capacity;  and (v)
increases in investment in telephone  infrastructure and consequent increases in
access to telecommunications services.

     The  Company   currently   markets  its  services  to  ethnic   residential
communities  throughout the United States  through a variety of media  including
print  advertising,  direct  marketing,  radio and  television.  These marketing
efforts have resulted in significant growth in the Company's  residential billed
customer base from approximately 4,100 as of March 31, 1994 to over 33,700 as of
March 31, 1997.

                                       3


<PAGE>



     To achieve the  economies  of scale  necessary to maintain  cost  effective
operations,  the Company in late 1995 began reselling its international  carrier
capacity to other carriers.  As a result,  STARTEC has  experienced  significant
growth in revenues and in the number of its carrier  customers.  As of March 31,
1997,  the  Company  had 28  carrier  customers  who  were  active  users of the
Company's  international  long distance  services.  Carrier  revenues were $19.5
million for the fiscal year ended  December  31, 1996 and reached  approximately
$7.7  million for the three  months  ended  March 31,  1997.  The  Company  will
continue to market its international  long distance services to existing and new
carrier customers.

                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

     On July 1, 1997,  the  Company  entered  into a Secured  Revolving  Line of
Credit  Facility  Agreement  with Signet Bank (the  "Signet  Agreement"),  which
provides for maximum  borrowings  of up to $10 million  through the end of 1997,
and the lesser of $15 million or 85% of eligible accounts receivable  thereafter
until maturity on December 31, 1999. The Company has used some amounts available
under the Signet Agreement to begin implementing its strategic plan to build its
transmission  capacity,  acquire additional  termination options, and expand its
customer  base.  Proceeds from the Signet  Agreement have also been allocated to
the Company's  marketing  programs,  the  anticipated  acquisition  of rights in
transatlantic digital undersea fiber optic cable, and the addition of monitoring
equipment  and software  upgrades to help  support the expanded  network and the
anticipated increase in traffic.

                              ------------------

     The Company was  incorporated in Maryland in 1989. The principal  executive
offices of the Company are located at 10411 Motor City Drive, Bethesda, Maryland
20817, and its telephone number is (301) 365-8959.  The Company recently changed
its name from STARTEC, Inc. to Startec Global Communications Corporation.

                                  THE OFFERING

<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
Common Stock Offered by the Company   .........   1,900,000 shares
Common Stock to be Outstanding After the
 Offering  ....................................   7,297,999 shares(1)
Use of Proceeds  ..............................   The Company  intends to use the net  proceeds of the Offering as
                                                  follows:   (i)   to   acquire   cable   facilities,   switching,
                                                  compression and other related telecommunications equipment; (ii)
                                                  for marketing,   (iii) to  pay down amounts due under the Signet
                                                  Agreement,  and (iv)  for  working  capital  and  other  general
                                                  corporate  purposes,  including possible future acquisitions and
                                                  strategic alliances. See "Use of Proceeds."
Proposed Nasdaq National Market symbol   ......   STGC
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)  Includes  17,175  non-voting  common shares which were  converted to voting
     common  shares,  and excludes  5,351 non-voting   common  shares which were
     purchased and retired,  subsequent to March 31, 1997.  Excludes (i) 269,766
     shares of Common  Stock  issuable  upon the  exercise of options  under the
     Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan; (ii) 750,000 shares of Common Stock
     reserved for issuance under the Company's 1997 Performance  Incentive Plan;
     and (iii) 713,800 shares of Common Stock issuable  pursuant to the exercise
     of certain warrants and upon conversion of a note. See "Management -- Stock
     Option Plans,"  "Description of Capital Stock -- Warrants and  Registration
     Rights," and "Underwriting."


                                       4


<PAGE>




                            SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

     The following table presents summary  financial data of the Company for the
years ended December 31, 1992,  1993,  1994,  1995 and 1996 and the three months
ended March 31, 1996 and 1997. The historical financial data for the years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 has been derived from the financial  statements
of the  Company  which have been  audited by Arthur  Andersen  LLP,  independent
public accountants,  as set forth in the financial  statements and notes thereto
presented  elsewhere herein. The financial data for the years ended December 31,
1992 and 1993,  for the three  months  ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,  and as of
March  31,  1997  has  been  derived  from  the  Company's  unaudited  financial
statements in a manner consistent with the audited financial statements.  In the
opinion  of the  Company's  management,  these  unaudited  financial  statements
include all adjustments  necessary for a fair  presentation of such information.
Operating  results for interim  periods are not  necessarily  indicative  of the
results  that  might be  expected  for the entire  fiscal  year.  The  following
information  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Company's   financial
statements  and  notes  thereto  presented   elsewhere  herein.  See  "Financial
Statements" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                        YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       MARCH 31,
                                       ---------------------------------------------------------- --------------------
                                        1992       1993        1994        1995         1996         1996      1997
                                       -------- ----------- ----------- ------------ ------------ ----------- --------
                                           (UNAUDITED)                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                    <C>      <C>         <C>         <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues  ........................ $2,394     $   3,288   $  5,108    $  10,508    $  32,215    $  4,722  $12,372
 Gross margin    .....................    809           198        407        1,379        2,334         255    1,607
 Income (loss) from operations  ......    254        (1,610)      (933)      (1,112)      (2,509)       (444)     256
 Net income (loss)  .................. $  208     $  (1,668)  $   (979)   $  (1,206)   $  (2,830)   $   (497) $   137
PER SHARE DATA:
 Net income (loss) per common and
  equivalent share  .................. $ 0.04     $   (0.34)  $  (0.20)   $   (0.22)   $   (0.50)   $  (0.09) $  0.02

 Weighted average common and equiva-
  lent shares outstanding               4,868         4,888      4,888        5,609        5,695       5,695    5,695
</TABLE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             AS OF MARCH 31, 1997
                                                         -----------------------------
                                                          ACTUAL       AS ADJUSTED(1)
                                                         -----------   ---------------
                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                      <C>           <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Cash and cash equivalents ...........................     $     239         $14,419
 Working capital  ....................................        (6,941)          7,239
 Total assets  .......................................         8,335          22,515
 Long-term obligations, net of current portion  ......           573             608
 Stockholders' (deficit) equity  .....................     $  (5,941)        $10,759
</TABLE>

- ----------

(1)  Adjusted to give effect to (i) the sale of 1,900,000 shares of Common Stock
     offered hereby (at an assumed  initial public  offering price of $10.00 per
     share) and the  application of the estimated net proceeds  therefrom,  (ii)
     the fair value of 150,000  warrants issued to the underwriters and the fair
     value of the Signet Bank warrants, which are not redeemable upon completion
     of the  Offering,  and  (iii) the  acceleration  of  unearned  compensation
     expense  related to stock options which vest upon the effective date of the
     Offering.


                                       5


<PAGE>



                                  RISK FACTORS

     In addition to the other  information  contained  in this  Prospectus,  the
following risk factors should be considered  carefully by prospective  investors
prior to making an investment in the Common Stock  offered  hereby.  Information
contained in this Prospectus contains "forward-looking  statements" which can be
identified  by the  use  of  forward-looking  terminology  such  as  "believes,"
"expects,"  "may," "will," "should," or "anticipates" or the negative thereof or
other  variations  thereon  or  comparable  terminology  or  as  discussions  of
strategy.  No  assurance  can be given  that the future  results  covered by the
forward-looking  statements  will be  achieved  or that the events  contemplated
thereby  will  occur or have the  effects  anticipated.  The  following  matters
constitute cautionary  statements  identifying important factors with respect to
such forward-looking statements,  including certain risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to vary materially from the future results covered in
such forward-looking  statements.  Other factors could also cause actual results
to vary materially from the anticipated results covered in such  forward-looking
statements.

HISTORY OF LOSSES; UNCERTAINTY OF FUTURE OPERATING RESULTS

     Although the Company has experienced  significant  revenue growth in recent
years, the Company had an accumulated  deficit of approximately  $7.0 million as
of March 31, 1997 and its  operations  have  generated  a net loss and  negative
operating  cash flows in each of the last three  fiscal  years.  There can be no
assurance  that the  Company's  revenue will continue to grow or be sustained in
future  periods  or  that  the  Company  will be able  to  achieve  or  maintain
profitability  in  any  future  period.   See  "Selected   Financial  Data"  and
"Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations."

POTENTIAL FLUCTUATIONS IN QUARTERLY OPERATING RESULTS

     The Company's  quarterly  operating results have fluctuated in the past and
may  fluctuate  significantly  in the future as a result of a variety of factors
which can affect  revenues,  cost of services and other expenses.  These factors
include costs relating to entry into new markets, variations in carrier revenues
return traffic under operating agreements, variations in user demand, the mix of
residential and carrier  services sold, the  introduction of new services by the
Company or its competitors, pricing pressures from increased competition, prices
charged  by  the  Company's   providers  of  leased   facilities,   and  capital
expenditures  and other  costs  relating  to the  expansion  of  operations.  In
addition,  general economic  conditions,  specific economic conditions affecting
the telecommunications  industry, and the effects of governmental  regulation or
regulatory   changes  on  the   telecommunications   industry   may  also  cause
fluctuations  in the Company's  quarterly  operating  results.  Certain of these
factors are outside of the Company's  control.  In the event that one or more of
such factors cause  fluctuations in the Company's  quarterly  operating results,
the price of the Common  Stock  could be  materially  adversely  affected.  "See
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of  Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations."

CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS; NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING


     The Company  believes  that the net proceeds from this  Offering,  together
with amounts  available under the Signet  Agreement,  will be sufficient to fund
the  Company's  capital  needs  for the next 18  months.  The  Company  expects,
however,  that it will need to raise  additional  capital from public or private
equity  or debt  sources  in order  to  finance  its  future  growth,  including
financing  construction  or  acquisition  of additional  transmission  capacity,
expanding  service  within its existing  markets and into new  markets,  and the
introduction  of  additional or enhanced  services,  all of which can be capital
intensive. In addition, the Company may need to raise additional capital to fund
unanticipated working capital needs and capital expenditure  requirements and to
take advantage of unanticipated  business  opportunities,  including accelerated
expansion,  acquisitions,  investments or strategic  alliances.  There can be no
assurance  that  additional  financing  will  be  available  to the  Company  on
satisfactory  terms or at all.  Moreover,  the  Signet  Agreement  significantly
limits the  Company's  ability to obtain  additional  financing.  If  additional
financing is obtained through the issuance of equity securities,  the percentage
ownership of the Company's  then-current  stockholders  would be reduced and, if
such equity securities take the


                                       6


<PAGE>





form of preferred  stock,  the holders of such preferred  stock may have rights,
preferences  or privileges  senior to those of holders of Common  Stock.  If the
Company  is  unable  to  obtain  additional  financing  in a  timely  manner  on
satisfactory  terms,  it may be  required to postpone or reduce the scope of its
expansion, which could adversely affect the Company's ability to compete and its
business,  results of operations  and  financial  condition.  See  "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations  --
Liquidity and Capital Resources and "Description of Capital Stock."

MANAGEMENT OF GROWTH


     The  Company's  recent  growth and its strategy to continue such growth has
placed,  and is  expected  to continue  to place,  a  significant  strain on the
Company's management,  operational and financial resources and increased demands
on its  systems and  controls.  In order to manage its growth  effectively,  the
Company must  continue to implement  and improve its  operational  and financial
systems  and  controls,  accurately  forecast  customer  demand and its need for
transmission facilities,  attract additional managerial,  technical and customer
service  personnel,  and train and manage its  personnel  base.  There can be no
assurance  that the Company will be successful in these  activities.  Failure of
the  Company  to satisfy  these  requirements  or the  emergence  of  unexpected
difficulties in managing its expansion  could  materially  adversely  affect the
Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.


COMPETITION


     The long distance  telecommunications industry is intensely competitive. In
many of the markets  targeted by the Company there are numerous  entities  which
are  currently  competing  for the same  residential  and carrier  customers and
others  which  have   announced   their   intention  to  enter  those   markets.
International and interstate  telecommunications  providers compete on the basis
of price, customer service,  transmission quality,  breadth of service offerings
and value-added services.  Residential customers frequently change long distance
providers in response to  competitors'  offerings of lower rates or  promotional
incentives,  and, in general, because the Company is a dial-around provider, the
Company's  customers  can  switch  carriers  at  any  time.  In  addition,   the
availability  of  dial-around  long  distance  services has made it possible for
residential  customers  to use the  services  of a  variety  of  competing  long
distance  providers without the necessity of switching  carriers.  The Company's
carrier  customers  generally also use the services of a number of international
long  distance   telecommunications   providers.   The  Company   believes  that
competition in its  international and interstate long distance markets is likely
to increase as these markets continue to experience  decreased regulation and as
new  technologies  are applied to  telecommunications.  Prices for long distance
calls in several of the markets in which the Company  competes  have declined in
recent years and are likely to continue to decrease.

     The  U.S.  based  international   telecommunications   services  market  is
dominated by AT&T, MCI and Sprint. The Company also competes with numerous other
carriers  in certain  markets,  some of which  focus  their  efforts on the same
customers targeted by the Company.  Recent and pending deregulation  initiatives
in the U.S. and other  countries may  encourage  additional  new  entrants.  The
Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "Telecommunications Act" or the "1996 Act"),
permits and is designed to promote  additional  competition  in the  intrastate,
interstate and international  telecommunications  markets by both U.S. based and
foreign  companies,  including the RBOCs. In addition,  pursuant to the terms of
the WTO Agreement on basic telecommunications,  countries who are signatories to
the  agreement  have  committed,  to varying  degrees,  to allow access to their
domestic and international markets to competing telecommunications providers, to
allow foreign ownership interests in existing  telecommunications  providers and
to  establish   regulatory   schemes  and  policies   designed  to   accommodate
telecommunications  competition.  The  Company  also is likely to be  subject to
additional  competition  as a result of mergers or the  formation  of  alliances
among some of the largest  telecommunications  carriers.  Many of the  Company's
competitors are significantly  larger,  have  substantially  greater  financial,
technical  and  marketing  resources  than the  Company,  own or control  larger
networks,  transmission and termination  facilities,  offer a broader variety of
services than the Company, and have strong name recognition,  brand loyalty, and
long-standing  relationships  with many of the Company's  target  customers.  In
addition,  many of the Company's  competitors  enjoy economies of scale that can
result in a lower cost structure for  transmission  and other costs of providing
services, which could cause significant pricing pressures within


                                       7


<PAGE>






the  long  distance  telecommunications  industry.  If the Company's competitors
were   to   devote   significant   additional  resources  to  the  provision  of
international  long distance services to the Company's target customer base, the
Company's  business,  results  of  operations  and  financial condition could be
materially   adversely   affected.  See  "Business  --  Government  Regulation,"
"Business -- Competition."


DEPENDENCE ON AVAILABILITY OF TRANSMISSION FACILITIES

     Substantially all of the telephone calls made by the Company's customers to
date have been connected through  transmission  lines of  facilities-based  long
distance  carriers  which provide the Company  transmission  capacity  through a
variety of lease and resale arrangements.  The Company's ability to maintain and
expand its business is dependent, in part, upon whether the Company continues to
maintain satisfactory  relationships with these carriers,  many of which are, or
may in the future  become,  competitors  of the  Company.  The  Company's  lease
arrangements  generally  do not  have  long  terms  and  its  resale  agreements
generally  permit price  adjustments  on short  notice,  which makes the Company
vulnerable to adverse  price and service  changes or  termination.  Although the
Company  believes  that its  relationships  with these  carriers  generally  are
satisfactory,  the failure to continue  to maintain  satisfactory  relationships
with one or more of the carriers  could have a material  adverse effect upon the
Company's  cost  structure,  service  quality,  network  diversity,  results  of
operations  and financial  condition.  During the fiscal year ended December 31,
1996,   the  Company's   five  largest   carriers   supplied  the  Company  with
approximately  67% (on a cost of services basis) of its  transmission  capacity,
with  one  of  the  carriers   accounting  for  approximately  25%  of  supplied
transmission  capacity during 1996.  During the three- month period ending March
31,  1997,  the  Company's  five  largest  carriers  supplied  the Company  with
approximately  53% (on a cost of services basis) of its  transmission  capacity,
with  one  of  the  carriers   accounting  for  approximately  14%  of  supplied
transmission. See "Business -- The STARTEC Network."

     The future  profitability of the Company will depend in part on its ability
to obtain  transmission  facilities on a cost effective  basis.  Presently,  the
terms of the Company's  agreements for transmission lines subject the Company to
the  possibility of  unanticipated  price  increases and service  cancellations.
Although the rates the Company is charged  generally are less than the rates the
Company  charges its customers for connecting  calls through these lines, to the
extent these costs increase,  the Company may experience  reduced or, in certain
circumstances,  negative  margins  for  some  services.  As its  traffic  volume
increases in particular international markets, the Company may reduce its use of
variable  usage  arrangements  and enter into fixed  leasing  arrangements  on a
longer-term basis and/or construct or acquire additional transmission facilities
of its own. To the extent the Company enters into such fixed arrangements and/or
increases its owned  transmission  facilities and incorrectly  projects  traffic
volume in particular markets, it would experience higher fixed costs without any
concomitant increase in revenue.

     Acquisition of ownership  positions in, and other access rights to, digital
undersea fiber optic cable  transmission lines is a key element of the Company's
business  strategy.  Because  digital  undersea fiber optic lines typically take
several  years  to plan  and  construct,  international  long  distance  service
providers generally make investments based on anticipated  traffic.  The Company
does not control the planning or  construction  of digital  undersea fiber optic
cable  transmission  lines,  and must  seek  access to such  facilities  through
partial  ownership  positions  or through  lease  arrangements  and other access
arrangements  on  negotiated  terms  that  may vary  with  industry  and  market
conditions.  There can be no assurance  that digital  undersea fiber optic cable
transmission  lines will be available to the Company to meet its current  and/or
projected  international traffic volume, or that such lines will be available on
satisfactory terms or at all. See "Business -- The STARTEC Network."

DEPENDENCE ON FOREIGN CALL TERMINATION ARRANGEMENTS

     The Company currently offers  U.S.-originated  international  long distance
service globally through a network of operating agreements, resale arrangements,
transit  and  refile   agreements,   and  various  other   foreign   termination
arrangements. The Company's ability to terminate traffic in its targeted foreign
markets is an essential component of its service, and, therefore, the Company is
dependent upon its operating agreements and other termination arrangements.  The
Company has been successful in nego-


                                       8


<PAGE>






tiating and maintaining operating agreements and termination  arrangements,  and
no material  agreements or arrangements  through which the Company's  traffic is
terminated  have been cancelled or suspended to date.  However,  there can be no
assurance  that  the  Company  will be able to  negotiate  additional  operating
agreements or termination  arrangements  or maintain  agreements or arrangements
with its  current  foreign  partners  in the  future.  Cancellation  of  certain
operating  agreements or other  termination  arrangements  could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's  business.  Moreover,  the failure to enter into
additional  operating  agreements and termination  arrangements  could limit the
Company's  ability to increase its services to its current target markets,  gain
entry into new markets, or otherwise increase its revenues.


DEPENDENCE ON EFFECTIVE INFORMATION SYSTEMS

     In the normal course of its  business,  the Company must record and process
significant  amounts of data  quickly  and  accurately  in order to bill for the
services it has provided to customers and to ensure that it is properly  charged
by vendors for services it has used. While the Company believes that its current
management information systems are sufficient to meet its current demands, these
systems  have not grown at the same  rate as the  Company's  business  and it is
anticipated   that  additional   investment  will  be  needed.   The  successful
implementation  and integration of any additional or new management  information
systems  resources is important to the Company's  ability to monitor costs, bill
customers,  achieve  operating  efficiencies  and otherwise  support its growth.
There  can be no  assurance,  however,  that  the  Company  will  not  encounter
difficulties in the acquisition, implementation,  integration and ongoing use of
any  additional  or new  management  information  systems  resources,  including
possible delays,  cost-overruns,  or incompatibility  with the Company's current
management information systems resources or its business needs. See "Business --
Management Information and Billing Systems."

CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION

     During the fiscal year ended  December 31, 1996, the Company's five largest
carrier customers,  including one related party, accounted for approximately 40%
of the Company's net revenues,  with one of the carrier customers accounting for
approximately  23% of net revenues  during that year.  In  addition,  during the
three month period  ending March 31, 1997,  the Company's  five largest  carrier
customers,  including one related party,  accounted for approximately 49% of the
Company's  net  revenues,  with  one of the  carrier  customers  accounting  for
approximately 34% of net revenues during that period.  The Company's  agreements
and arrangements with its carrier customers generally may be terminated on short
notice  without  penalty,  and do not  require the  carriers  to maintain  their
current levels of use of the Company's  services.  Carriers may terminate  their
relationship with the Company or substantially reduce their use of the Company's
services  for a variety  of  reasons,  including  the entry of  significant  new
competitors  offering lower rates than the Company,  problems with  transmission
quality and customer service,  changes in the regulatory environment,  increased
use of the carriers' own transmission facilities, and other factors. A loss of a
significant  amount of carrier  business could have a material adverse effect on
the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

     In addition,  this concentration of carrier customers increases the risk of
non-payment or  difficulties  in collecting the full amounts due from customers.
The Company's four largest  carrier  customers  represented 35% and 44% of gross
accounts  receivable  as of December 31, 1996 and March 31, 1997,  respectively.
The  Company  performs  initial and ongoing  credit  evaluations  of its carrier
customers in an effort to reduce the risk of  non-payment.  Although the Company
believes that its allowance for doubtful accounts is sufficient, there can be no
assurance that the Company will not experience collection  difficulties and that
its  allowances  will be  adequate in the  future.  If the  Company  experiences
difficulties in collecting  accounts  receivable  from its  significant  carrier
customers, its business,  results of operations and financial condition could be
materially adversely affected. See "Business -- Customers."

RESPONSE RATES; RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER ATTRITION

     The Company is significantly  affected by the residential customer response
rates to its marketing campaigns and residential customer attrition rates. While
the Company  believes that its response rates and customer  attrition  rates are
better than industry averages, there can be no assurance that this will

                                       9


<PAGE>





continue to be the case.  Decreases in the residential customer response rate or
an increase in the Company's  residential  customer attrition rate, could have a
material  adverse  impact on the Company's  business,  results of operations and
financial condition.

RISKS OF INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS

     The  Company has to date  generated  substantially  all of its  revenues by
providing  international long distance  telecommunications  services and expects
that this will continue in the future. There are certain risks inherent in doing
business on an  international  level,  such as unexpected  changes in regulatory
requirements,  tariffs,  customs,  duties and other  trade  barriers,  political
risks, and other factors which could  materially  adversely impact the Company's
current and planned operations. The international telecommunications industry is
changing  rapidly  due to  deregulation,  privatization  of Post  Telephone  and
Telegraphs   (the   "PTTs"),    technological    improvements,    expansion   of
telecommunications   infrastructure   and  the   globalization  of  the  world's
economies.  There can be no assurance that one or more of these factors will not
vary in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

     A key component of the Company's business strategy is its planned expansion
into   additional   international   markets.   The  Company  intends  to  pursue
arrangements  with foreign  correspondents  to gain access to and  terminate its
traffic in those markets.  In many of these markets,  the government may control
access to the local networks and otherwise exert substantial  influence over the
telecommunications  market,  either directly or through  ownership or control of
the PTT. In addition,  incumbent U.S. carriers serving international markets may
have better brand recognition and customer loyalty, and significant  operational
advantages over the Company.  Further, the existing carrier may take many months
to allow  competitors such as the Company to interconnect to its switches within
the market.  The Company has limited  recourse if its foreign  partners  fail to
perform under their  arrangements with the Company,  or if foreign  governments,
PTTs or other  carriers take actions that affect the  Company's  ability to gain
entry into those markets.

     The Company is also subject to the Foreign Corrupt  Practices Act ("FCPA"),
which generally  prohibits U.S. companies and their  intermediaries from bribing
foreign  officials for the purpose of obtaining or maintaining  business.  While
Company policy  prohibits such actions,  the Company may be exposed to liability
under the FCPA as a result of past or future actions taken without the Company's
knowledge by agents, strategic partners, and other intermediaries.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

     The Company's  business is subject to varying  degrees of federal and state
regulation.  Federal  laws and the  regulations  of the  Federal  Communications
Commission  (the "FCC")  apply to the  Company's  international  and  interstate
facilities-based and resale telecommunications  services, while applicable state
regulatory  authorities  ("PSCs")  have  jurisdiction  over   telecommunications
services originating and terminating within the same state. At the federal level
the Company is subject to common carriage  requirements under the Communications
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Communications Act").  Comprehensive amendments to
the Communications Act were made by the Telecommunications Act, which was signed
into law on February 8, 1996. In addition,  although the laws of other countries
only directly apply to carriers doing business in those  countries,  the Company
may be affected  indirectly by such laws insofar as they affect foreign carriers
with which the Company does business.

     International  telecommunications carriers are required to obtain authority
from the FCC under  Section  214 of the  Communications  Act in order to provide
international  service that originates or terminates in the United States.  U.S.
international  common  carriers  also are required to file and maintain  tariffs
with the FCC specifying the rates,  terms, and conditions of their services.  In
1996,  the  FCC  established   new  rules  that   streamlined  its  Section  214
authorization and tariff regulation  processes to provide for shorter notice and
review periods for certain U.S.  international  carriers  including the Company.
The Company has applied for global facilities-based  Section 214 authority under
the FCC's new streamlined  processing rules. A  facilities-based  global Section
214  authorization  enables  carriers to provide  international  basic switched,
private  line,   data,   television  and  business   services  using  previously
U.S.-authorized  facilities to virtually all countries in the world. The Company
expects to receive global

                                       10


<PAGE>





Section 214  authority  from the FCC by August 27, 1997 if no  opposition to its
application for such authority is received prior to August 13, 1997.  Opposition
or rejection of the Company's application for global Section 214 authority would
delay the Company's plans to acquire  international  submarine cable  facilities
for the  expansion  of its  international  facilities-based  services.  However,
rejection of the Company's  application  for global Section 214 authority  would
not alter its existing  FCC  authority  to provide  facilities-based  and resold
international  services via  satellite or from  applying to the FCC for expanded
global authority to resell submarine cable facilities.

     The FCC's  streamlined  rules also provide for global Section 214 authority
to resell  switched and private line services of other carriers by  non-dominant
international carriers. However, the FCC decides on a case-by-case basis whether
to grant Section 214 authority to U.S.  carriers to resell the switched  private
lines of affiliated  foreign  carriers to countries  where a foreign  carrier is
dominant based on a showing that there are equivalent  resale  opportunities for
U.S.  carriers in the foreign  carrier's market. To date, the FCC has found that
Canada,   the  U.K.,  Sweden  and  New  Zealand  do  provide  equivalent  resale
opportunities.  The FCC has found that equivalent  resale  opportunities  do not
exist in Germany, Hong Kong and France. The FCC also is considering applications
for  equivalency  determinations  with  respect to  Australia,  Chile,  Denmark,
Finland and Mexico.  It is possible that  interconnected  private line resale to
additional  countries  may be allowed in the  future.  Pursuant to FCC rules and
policies,  the  Company's  authorization  to provide  service  via the resale of
interconnected international private lines will be expanded to include countries
subsequently  determined by the FCC to afford equivalent resale opportunities to
those  available  under  United  States  law,  if any. As a result of the recent
signing of the WTO  Agreement,  the FCC has proposed to replace the  equivalency
test with a rebuttable  presumption in favor of resale of interconnected private
lines to WTO member countries. See "Business -- Government Regulation."

     The FCC is currently  considering whether to limit or prohibit the practice
whereby a carrier  routes,  through its facilities in a third  country,  traffic
originating  from one country and  destined  for  another  country.  The FCC has
permitted  third country  calling where all countries  involved  consent to this
type  of  routing  arrangements,  referred  to as  "transiting."  Under  certain
arrangements  referred to as "refiling," the carrier in the destination  country
does not consent to receiving traffic from the originating  country and does not
realize the traffic it receives from the third  country is actually  originating
from a  different  country.  The FCC to date  has  made no  pronouncement  as to
whether refile arrangements  comport either with U.S. or ITU regulations.  It is
possible that the FCC may determine  that  refiling,  as defined,  violates U.S.
and/or  international  law. To the extent that the  Company's  traffic is routed
through  a  third  country  to  reach  a  destination   country,   such  an  FCC
determination  with respect to  transiting  and  refiling  could have a material
adverse  effect on the Company's  business,  results of operations and financial
condition.

     The Company must also conduct its international business in compliance with
the FCC's  international  settlements  policy  ("ISP").  The ISP establishes the
parameters by which U.S.-based carriers and their foreign  correspondents settle
the cost of terminating each other's traffic over their respective networks. The
precise terms of settlement are established in a  correspondent  agreement (also
referred to as an "operating agreement"),  which also sets forth the term of the
agreement,  the types of  service  covered by the  agreement,  the  division  of
revenues  between  the  carrier  that  bills for the call and the  carrier  that
terminates the call at the other end, the frequency of settlements, the currency
in which  payments  will be made,  the formula  for  calculating  traffic  flows
between  countries,  technical  standards,  and procedures for the settlement of
disputes.

     The Company's  provision of domestic  long  distance  service in the United
States is subject to regulation by the FCC and certain state PSCs,  who regulate
to varying degrees interstate and intrastate rates,  respectively,  ownership of
transmission facilities,  and the terms and conditions under which the Company's
domestic  services  are  provided.  In  general,  neither  the FCC nor the  PSCs
exercise direct oversight over cost  justification for domestic carriers' rates,
services or profit levels, but either or both may do so in the future.  Domestic
carriers  such  as the  Company,  however,  are  required  by  federal  law  and
regulations to file tariffs listing the rates,  terms and conditions  applicable
to their interstate services.

                                       11


<PAGE>






     The FCC adopted an order on October 29, 1996,  eliminating  the requirement
that non-dominant interstate carriers, such as the Company, maintain FCC tariffs
for domestic interstate long distance service.  This order was to take effect as
of December 1997.  However,  on February 13, 1997, the U.S. Court of Appeals for
the DC Circuit ruled that the FCC's order be stayed pending  judicial  review of
appeals  challenging  the order.  Should the  appeals  fail and the FCC's  order
become effective, the Company may benefit from the elimination of FCC tariffs by
gaining more  flexibility  and speed in dealing with  marketplace  changes.  The
absence  of  tariffs,  however,  will  also  require  that  the  Company  secure
contractual  agreements  with its customers  regarding  many of the terms of its
existing  tariffs or face  possible  claims  arising  because  the rights of the
parties are no longer clearly defined. To the extent that the Company's customer
base involves "casual calling" customers, the potential absence of tariffs would
require  the  Company  to  establish  contractual  methods  to  limit  potential
liability to such customers.

     In addition, the Company generally is also required to obtain certification
from the relevant state PSC prior to the initiation of intrastate service and to
file tariffs  with such states.  The Company  currently  has the  certifications
required to provide service in 21 states,  and has filed or is in the process of
filing requests for certification in 13 additional states.  Although the Company
intends and expects to obtain operating  authority in each jurisdiction in which
operating  authority is required,  there can be no assurance that one or more of
these jurisdictions will not deny the Company's request for operating authority.
Any failure to maintain proper federal and state  certification  or tariffs,  or
any  difficulties or delays in obtaining  required  certifications  could have a
material  adverse  effect on the  Company's  business,  financial  condition and
results of operations.

     The FCC and  certain  PSCs  also  impose  prior  approval  requirements  on
transfers or changes of control,  including  pro forma  transfers of control and
corporate reorganizations,  and assignments of regulatory  authorizations.  Such
requirements  may have the effect of delaying,  deterring or preventing a change
in control of the Company. The Company also is required to obtain state approval
for the  issuance  of  securities.  Six of the  states in which the  Company  is
certificated  provide for prior  approval  or  notification  of the  issuance of
securities  by the Company.  Although the  necessary  approvals are being sought
prior to the  Offering,  because of time  constraints,  the Company may not have
obtained  such  approval  from  the six  states  prior  to  consummation  of the
Offering.  Although these state filing  requirements  may have been preempted by
the National  Securities Market Improvement Act of 1996, there is no case law on
this point.  The Company  believes the remaining  approvals  will be granted and
that obtaining such  approvals  subsequent to the Offering  should not result in
any  material  adverse  consequences  to the Company,  although  there can be no
assurance that such consequence will not result.

     The 1996 Act is designed to promote  local  telephone  competition  through
federal and state  deregulation.  As part of its pro-competitive  policies,  the
1996 Act  frees  the  RBOCs  from the  judicial  orders  that  prohibited  their
provision  of long  distance  services  outside of their  operating  territories
(which are called,  Local Access and  Transport  Areas  ("LATAs").  The 1996 Act
provides  specific  guidelines  that  allow the RBOCs to provide  long  distance
interLATA  service to customers inside the RBOC's region but not before the RBOC
has demonstrated to the FCC and state regulators that it has opened up its local
network  to  competition  and  met a  "competitive  checklist"  of  requirements
designed to provide competing network providers with nondiscriminatory access to
the RBOC's local network.  To date, RBOCs in two states have filed  applications
for in-region long distance  authority with the FCC -- Ameritech  Corporation in
Michigan  and  Southwestern   Bell  Corporation   ("SBC")  in  Oklahoma.   These
developments  could permit RBOCs to compete with the Company in the provision of
domestic and international long distance services.

     To  originate  and  terminate  calls in  connection  with  providing  their
services,  long  distance  carriers  such as the Company must  purchase  "access
services" from LECs or CLECs.  Access charges represent a significant portion of
the Company's cost of U.S. domestic long distance services and, generally,  such
access charges are regulated by the FCC for interstate  services and by PSCs for
intrastate  services.  The FCC has  undertaken  a  comprehensive  review  of its
regulation  of LEC access  charges to better  account for  increasing  levels of
local  competition.  Under  alternative  access  charge  rate  structures  being
considered by the FCC, LECs would be permitted to allow volume  discounts in the
pricing of access charges.

                                       12


<PAGE>





While the outcome of these  proceedings is uncertain,  if these rate  structures
are adopted, many long distance carriers, including the Company, could be placed
at a significant cost disadvantage to larger competitors.

     In February 1997, the World Trade  Organization  ("WTO")  announced that 69
countries,  including the United States,  Japan, and all of the member states of
the European  Union  ("EU"),  reached an agreement  within the  framework of the
General  Agreement  of Trade  Services  ("GATS")  to  facilitate  trade in basic
telecommunication services. The WTO Agreement becomes effective January 1, 1998.
Pursuant to the terms of the WTO  Agreement,  signatories  to the WTO  Agreement
have  committed  to  varying  degrees  to allow  access  to their  domestic  and
international markets to competing  telecommunications  providers, allow foreign
ownership  interests  in domestic  telecommunications  providers  and  establish
regulatory   schemes  to  develop  and   implement   policies   to   accommodate
telecommunications  competition.  At this time, the Company is unable to predict
the  effect  the  WTO  Agreement  and  related  developments  might  have on its
business, financial condition and results of operations.

     There can be no assurance that future regulatory,  judicial and legislative
changes will not have a material  adverse  effect on the  Company,  that U.S. or
foreign  regulators or third parties will not raise material  issues with regard
to  the  Company's   compliance  or  noncompliance   with  applicable  laws  and
regulations,  or that  regulatory  activities  will not have a material  adverse
effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Moreover,  the FCC and the PSCs  generally  have  the  authority  to  condition,
modify,  cancel,  terminate  or revoke the  Company's  operating  authority  for
failure to comply with federal and state laws and applicable rules,  regulations
and policies.  Fines or other penalties also may be imposed for such violations.
Any such action by the FCC and/or the PSCs could have a material  adverse effect
on the Company's business,  financial  condition and results of operations.  See
"Business -- Government Regulation."

EFFECT OF RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES

     The  telecommunications  industry is characterized by rapid and significant
technological  advancements  and  introductions  of new  products  and  services
employing  new  technologies.   Improvements  in  transmission  equipment,   the
development of switching  technology  allowing the simultaneous  transmission of
voice,  data  and  video,  and the  commercial  availability  of  Internet-based
domestic and  international  switched  voice,  data and video services at prices
lower  than  comparable  services  offered  by  the  Company  are  all  possible
developments   that  could   adversely   affect  the  Company.   The   Company's
profitability  will  depend  on its  ability  to  anticipate  and adapt to rapid
technological changes, acquire or otherwise access new technology, and offer, on
a  timely  and  cost-effective  basis,  services  that  meet  evolving  industry
standards.  There can be no assurance  that the Company will be able to adapt to
such technological  changes,  maintain competitive services and prices or obtain
new technologies on a timely basis or on satisfactory terms.

RISK OF NETWORK FAILURE

     The success of the Company is largely dependent upon its ability to deliver
high  quality,  uninterrupted  telecommunications  services.  Any failure of the
Company's network or other systems or hardware that causes  interruptions in the
Company's  operations  could  have a  material  adverse  effect on the  Company.
Increases in the  Company's  traffic and the build-out of its network will place
additional  strains  on its  systems,  and  there can be no  assurance  that the
Company will not experience system failures. Frequent,  significant or prolonged
system  failures,  or  difficulties  experienced  by  customers  in accessing or
maintaining connection with the Company's network could substantially damage the
Company's  reputation  and  result in lost  goodwill,  customer  attrition,  and
adverse financial consequences.


DEPENDENCE ON KEY PERSONNEL

     The Company's  success  depends to a significant  degree upon the continued
contributions  of its  management  team and  technical,  marketing  and customer
service  personnel.  The  Company's  success  also will depend on its ability to
attract and retain additional qualified management, technical, marketing

                                       13


<PAGE>





and customer  service  personnel.  Competition  for  qualified  employees in the
telecommunications  industry  is  intense  and,  from time to time,  there are a
limited number of persons with knowledge of and experience in particular sectors
of the  telecommunications  industry. The process of locating personnel with the
combination  of skills  and  attributes  required  to  implement  the  Company's
strategies is often lengthy, and there can be no assurance that the Company will
be successful  in  attracting  and  retaining  such  personnel.  The loss of the
services of key  personnel,  or the  inability to attract  additional  qualified
personnel, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations, its
ability to implement  its business  strategies,  and its efforts to expand.  Any
such event  could  have a material  adverse  effect on the  Company's  business,
financial condition and results of operations. See "Management."

RISKS RELATED TO USE OF STARTEC NAME

     Certain other telecommunications companies and related businesses use names
or hold registered trademarks that include the word "star." In addition, several
other   companies   in   businesses   that   the   Company   believes   are  not
telecommunications-related   use  variations  of  the   "star-technology"   word
combination  (e.g.,  Startek  and  Startech).   Although  the  Company  holds  a
registered trademark for "STARTEC," there can be no assurance that its continued
use of the STARTEC name will not result in litigation brought by companies using
similar names or, in the event the Company should change its name, that it would
not suffer a loss of goodwill.

RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH STRATEGIC ALLIANCES, ACQUISITIONS AND INVESTMENTS

     The Company intends to pursue strategic alliances and to acquire assets and
businesses or make  strategic  investments  in  businesses  that it believes are
complementary  to the  Company's  current and planned  operations.  The Company,
however, has no present  commitments,  agreements or understandings with respect
to any strategic  alliance,  acquisition  or  investment.  Any future  strategic
alliances,  acquisitions  or  investments  would  be  accompanied  by the  risks
commonly  encountered  in  strategic  alliances  with,  or  acquisitions  of, or
investments in, other companies.  Such risks include  difficulty of assimilating
the  operations  and  personnel of the  companies,  potential  disruption of the
Company's  ongoing  business,  inability of management to maximize the financial
and strategic  position of the Company by the  successful  incorporation  of the
acquired  technology,   know-how,   and  rights  into  the  Company's  business,
maintenance  of  uniform  standards,  controls,  procedures  and  policies,  and
impairment of relationships  with employees and customers as a result of changes
in management. There can be no assurance that the Company would be successful in
overcoming  these risks or any other  problems  encountered  with such strategic
alliances, investments or acquisitions.

     Further,  if the  Company  were to  proceed  with  one or more  significant
strategic  alliances,  acquisitions  or investments  in which the  consideration
given by the Company  consists of cash, a  substantial  portion of the Company's
available cash could be used to consummate the strategic alliances, acquisitions
or  investments.  If the  Company  were to  consummate  one or more  significant
strategic  alliances,  acquisitions  or investments  in which the  consideration
given by the Company consists of stock, stockholders of the Company could suffer
a significant dilution of their interests in the Company. Many of the businesses
that might become  attractive  acquisition  candidates  for the Company may have
significant   goodwill  and  intangible   assets,   and  acquisitions  of  these
businesses,   if  accounted  for  as  a  purchase,  would  typically  result  in
substantial  amortization  charges  to the  Company.  The  financial  impact  of
acquisitions,  investments and strategic alliances could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's business,  financial condition and results of operations
and could cause  substantial  fluctuations in the Company's future quarterly and
yearly operating results.

CONTROL OF COMPANY BY CURRENT STOCKHOLDERS


     After completion of this Offering,  the executive officers and directors of
the Company will continue to beneficially  own 4,015,991 shares of Common Stock,
representing  51.1% of the Common Stock,  including  options to purchase 125,116
shares of Common Stock  exercisable  over time  following the completion of this
Offering.  Of  these  amounts,  Ram  Mukunda,  President  of  the  Company  will
beneficially own 3,579,675  shares of Common Stock. Mr. Mukunda,  Vijay Srinivas
and Usha Srinivas have


                                       14


<PAGE>






entered  into  a  voting  agreement  dated  as  of  July  31,  1997 (the "Voting
Agreement"),  pursuant  to  which  Mr.  Mukunda has the power to vote all of the
shares  held  by  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Srinivas.  The Voting Agreement will terminate
December  31,  1997,  or  at such other time as the parties may otherwise agree.
The  Company's  executive  officers  and  directors  as a group, or Mr. Mukunda,
acting  individually,  will  exercise significant influence over such matters as
the  election  of  the  directors  of  the  Company, amendments to the Company's
charter,  and  other  fundamental  corporate transactions such as mergers, asset
sales,   and   the  sale  of  the  Company.  See  "Principal  Stockholders"  and
"Description of Capital Stock."

RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED BY SIGNET AGREEMENT

     The  Signet  Agreement  contains  a  number  of  affirmative  and  negative
covenants, including covenants restricting the Company and its subsidiaries with
respect to the conduct of business and maintenance of corporate  existence,  the
incurrence of additional indebtedness,  the creation of liens, transactions with
Company  affiliates,   the  consummation  of  certain  merger  or  consolidating
transactions  or the sale of substantial  amounts of the Company's  assets,  the
sale  of  capital  stock  of  any  subsidiary,  the  making  of  investments  or
acquisition  of assets,  and the making of  dividend  and  similar  payments  or
distributions.  In addition, the Signet Agreement includes a number of financial
covenants,  including  covenants  requiring  the  Company  to  maintain  certain
financial  ratios  and  thresholds.  A  breach  of any of these  obligations  or
covenants  could  result in an event of default  pursuant  to which  Signet Bank
could declare all amounts outstanding due and payable immediately.  There can be
no assurance  that the assets or cash flows of the Company,  or other sources of
financing, would be sufficient to repay in full all borrowings outstanding under
the Signet  Agreement.  Beginning  on January 1, 1998 (and  extending to July 1,
1998 upon the  occurrence of defined  events),  should Signet Bank determine and
assert based on its  reasonable  assessment  that a material  adverse change has
occurred,  all amounts outstanding would be due and payable. The warrants issued
to Signet Bank in connection with the Signet  Agreement also contain  provisions
which may affect the Company's  ability to raise additional  capital through the
sale or  issuance of its Common  Stock,  options,  warrants  or other  rights to
purchase  Common  Stock,  or  securities  convertible  into Common Stock without
providing Signet Bank with the right to maintain its percentage ownership in the
Company.  See "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and
Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."

     In addition, the Company's repayment and other obligations under the Signet
Agreement are secured by (i) a first  priority  security  interest in all of the
Company's tangible and intangible assets, including all customer lists and other
intellectual property of all direct and indirect subsidiaries,  (ii) a pledge of
all of the capital  stock of the Company  owned by Ram  Mukunda,  the  Company's
President,  Director and Principal  Shareholder,  and Vijay Srinivas,  a Company
Director and his wife, Usha Srinivas,  and (iii) all leased or owned real estate
and all fixtures and equipment.  A breach of any of the Company's obligations or
covenants  under  the  Signet  Agreement  could  result  in an event of  default
pursuant  to which  Signet  Bank could also seek to  foreclose  on the  security
provided by the Company,  Mr. Mukunda and Mr. and Mrs. Srinivas.  If Signet Bank
were to take possession of and control over the shares subject to the pledge, it
would  acquire  voting  control  of more than 50% of the  Company's  issued  and
outstanding  shares of Common Stock. See "Description of Capital Stock -- Signet
Agreement."

CERTAIN  PROVISIONS  OF  THE  COMPANY'S  ARTICLES  OF  INCORPORATION, BYLAWS AND
MARYLAND LAW

     The  Company's  Amended  and  Restated   Articles  of  Incorporation   (the
"Charter") and Bylaws (the "Bylaws")  include certain  provisions which may have
the effect of delaying,  deterring or preventing a future  takeover or change in
control of the Company  unless such takeover or change in control is approved by
the Company's Board of Directors. Such provisions may also render the removal of
directors and management  more  difficult.  In addition,  the Company's Board of
Directors  has the  authority to issue up to 100,000  shares of preferred  stock
(the  "Preferred  Stock") and to determine the price,  rights,  preferences  and
privileges  of  those  shares   without  any  further  vote  or  action  by  the
stockholders.  The rights of the holders of Common Stock will be subject to, and
may be adversely  affected by, the rights of the holders of any Preferred  Stock
that may be issued  in the  future.  The  issuance  of  Preferred  Stock,  while
providing  flexibility  in  connection  with  possible  acquisitions  and  other
corporate  purposes,  could  have the effect of making it more  difficult  for a
third party to acquire a majority of the outstanding


                                       15


<PAGE>





voting stock of the Company. The Company has no present plan to issue any shares
of Preferred Stock. The Company's  Charter and Bylaws contain other  provisions,
such as notice  requirements for stockholders,  staggered terms for its Board of
Directors,  and limitations on the stockholders'  ability to remove directors or
to present  proposals to the  stockholders for a vote, all of which may have the
further  effect of making it more difficult for a third party to gain control or
to acquire the Company.

     The Company is also subject to the anti-takeover provisions of the Maryland
General  Corporation Law which prohibit the Company from engaging in a "business
combination"  with an Interested  Stockholder  (as defined) for a period of five
years after the date of the  transaction  in which the person  first  becomes an
Interested  Stockholder,  unless  the  business  combination  is  approved  in a
prescribed  manner. The Company is also subject to the control share acquisition
provisions of the Maryland  General  Corporation  Law, which provide that shares
acquired by a person with certain  levels of voting power have no voting  rights
unless approved by a stockholder  vote of two-thirds of the votes entitled to be
cast,  excluding shares owned by the acquiror and by the Company's  officers and
employee-directors, and in certain circumstances, such shares may be redeemed by
the Company.  The application of these statutes and certain other  provisions of
the  Company's  Charter  could  have the  effect of  discouraging,  delaying  or
preventing  a change of  control of the  Company  not  approved  by the Board of
Directors, which could adversely affect the market price of the Company's Common
Stock.  Additionally,  certain  Federal  regulations  require prior  approval of
certain  transfers  of control  which  could  also have the effect of  delaying,
deferring  or  preventing  a change of  control.  See  "Business  --  Government
Regulation"  and  "Description  of Capital  Stock -- Certain  Provisions  of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Maryland Law."

ABSENCE OF PRIOR PUBLIC MARKET; POSSIBLE VOLATILITY OF STOCK PRICE

     Prior to this  Offering,  there has been no public  market  for the  Common
Stock, and there can be no assurance that an active public market for the Common
Stock will develop after the Offering, or that, if a public market develops, the
market  price for the  Common  Stock will  equal or exceed  the  initial  public
offering  price set  forth on the cover  page of this  Prospectus.  The  initial
public  offering  price of the Common Stock  offered  hereby was  determined  by
negotiations between the Company and the Representatives of the Underwriters and
may bear no relationship to the price at which the Common Stock will trade after
completion of this  Offering.  The initial  public  offering price of the Common
Stock offered hereby does not necessarily bear any relationship to the Company's
earnings,  assets,  book value, or any other  recognized  measure of value.  For
factors  considered  in  determining  the initial  public  offering  price,  see
"Underwriting."

     Historically, the market prices for securities of emerging companies in the
telecommunications  industry  have been highly  volatile.  Future  announcements
concerning  the Company or its  competitors,  including  results of  operations,
technological  innovations,   government  regulations,   proprietary  rights  or
significant litigation, may have a significant impact on the market price of the
Common  Stock.  In  addition,   the  stock  markets  recently  have  experienced
significant  price and  volume  fluctuations  that  particularly  have  affected
telecommunications companies and resulted in changes in the market prices of the
stocks of many companies  which have not been directly  related to the operating
performance  of  those  companies.   Such  market  fluctuations  may  materially
adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock.

DIVIDEND POLICY

     The Company has never paid cash  dividends  on its Common  Stock and has no
plans to do so in the  foreseeable  future.  The  declaration and payment of any
dividends in the future will be  determined  by the Board of  Directors,  in its
discretion,  and will depend on a number of  factors,  including  the  Company's
earnings,  capital requirements,  and overall financial condition.  In addition,
the Company's  ability to declare and pay dividends is substantially  restricted
under  the terms of the  Signet  Agreement.  See  "Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations  --  Liquidity  and
Capital  Resources,"  "Dividend  Policy and "--  Restrictions  Imposed by Signet
Agreement."

                                       16


<PAGE>






DILUTION TO PURCHASERS OF COMMON STOCK

     Purchasers  of  Common Stock in this Offering will experience immediate and
substantial  dilution.  To  the  extent  outstanding  options  and  warrants  to
purchase  shares  of  the  Company's  Common  Stock are exercised in the future,
there will be further dilution. See "Dilution."

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

     Future sales of Common Stock in the public market  following  this Offering
by the current  stockholders  of the Company,  or the perception that such sales
could occur,  could adversely  affect the market price for the Common Stock. The
Company's  principal  stockholders  hold a significant  portion of the Company's
outstanding  Common Stock and a decision by one or more of these stockholders to
sell shares  pursuant to Rule 144 under the  Securities  Act or otherwise  could
materially adversely affect the market price of the Common Stock.

     On the date of this Prospectus,  the 1,900,000 shares of Common Stock to be
sold  in  this  Offering  (together  with  shares  sold  upon  exercise  of  the
Underwriters'  over allotment option,  if any) will be eligible  immediately for
sale in the public market.  An additional  2,070,790 shares will become eligible
for public sale beginning 180 days after the effective date of the  Registration
Statement of which this  Prospectus  forms a part,  subject to the provisions of
Rule 144 under the Securities Act.  Certain of the Company's  stockholders,  and
certain  holders of warrants to purchase  shares of Common Stock,  also have the
right to request the  Company to register  their  shares for public  sale.  If a
large number of shares are registered and sold in the public market  pursuant to
the  exercise  of such  registration  rights,  such sales  could have an adverse
effect on the market price of the Common Stock.  See "Shares Eligible For Future
Sale" and "Description of Capital Stock -- Signet Agreement."

                                USE OF PROCEEDS

     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the shares of Common Stock
in this  Offering  are  estimated  to be $16.7  million  ($19.3  million  if the
Underwriters'  over-allotment  option is  exercised  in full),  after  deducting
underwriting  discounts and commissions and estimated  offering expenses payable
by the Company.

     The Company  intends to use the net  proceeds  of the  Offering as follows:
approximately $8.3 million to acquire cable facilities,  switching,  compression
and other related telecommunications  equipment;  approximately $4.2 million for
marketing;  approximately  $2.5 million to pay down amounts due under the Signet
Agreement, which matures on December 31, 1999 and bears interest, as of July 31,
1997, at a rate of 9.8%;  and the balance for working  capital and other general
corporate  purposes,   including  possible  future  acquisitions  and  strategic
alliances.  While the Company  continually  reviews  possible  acquisitions  and
strategic alliances, it has not entered into any understanding or agreement with
respect to any future acquisition or strategic alliance.  Pending application of
the net  proceeds,  the  Company may invest  such net  proceeds  in  short-term,
interest-bearing  investment grade securities.  See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."


                                       17


<PAGE>

                                DIVIDEND POLICY

     The Company has never  declared  or paid any cash  dividends  on its Common
Stock, nor does it expect to do so in the foreseeable  future. It is anticipated
that all future earnings,  if any, generated from operations will be retained by
the Company to develop and expand its business.  Any future  determination  with
respect to the payment of dividends  will be at the  discretion  of the Board of
Directors  and will depend upon,  among other things,  the  Company's  operating
results,   financial   condition   and  capital   requirements,   the  terms  of
then-existing  indebtedness,  general business conditions and such other factors
as the Board of Directors deems relevant.  In addition,  the terms of the Signet
Agreement  prohibit the payment of cash dividends  without the lender's consent.
See "Risk Factors -- Dividend Policy" and "Management's  Discussion and Analysis
of  Financial  Condition  and Results of  Operations  --  Liquidity  and Capital
Resources."

                                    DILUTION

     The deficit in net tangible  book value of the Company as of March 31, 1997
was $5.9 million or $1.10 per share of Common Stock. The deficit in net tangible
book  value per share  represents  the  amount of total  tangible  assets of the
Company less the amount of its total liabilities and divided by the total number
of shares of Common Stock  outstanding.  After giving  effect to the sale by the
Company of the  1,900,000  shares of Common Stock  offered  hereby at an assumed
initial public offering price of $10.00 per share, net of underwriting discounts
and commissions,  and receipt of the net proceeds  therefrom,  the pro forma net
tangible  book value of the  Company as of March 31,  1997 would have been $10.7
million,  or $1.47 per share.  This  represents  an  immediate  increase  in net
tangible book value of $2.57 per share to existing stockholders and an immediate
dilution of $8.53 per share to  investors  purchasing  shares of Common Stock in
the Offering. The following table illustrates this per share dilution:

<TABLE>
<S>                                                                      <C>        <C>
Public offering price per share   ....................................              $10.00
 Net tangible book deficit per share as of March 31, 1997 before
  Offering   .........................................................    $(1.10)
 Increase in net tangible book value per share attributable to
  this Offering ......................................................      2.57
                                                                         --------
Pro forma net tangible book value per share as adjusted for this
 Offering ............................................................                1.47
                                                                                    -------
Dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors  ......               $8.53
                                                                                    =======
</TABLE>

     The following  table sets forth, on a pro forma basis as of March 31, 1997,
the  differences  between  the  existing  stockholders  and  the  new  investors
purchasing  Common Stock in the Offering with respect to the number of shares of
Common Stock  purchased from the Company,  the total  consideration  paid to the
Company and the average price per share paid:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    SHARES PURCHASED          TOTAL CONSIDERATION       AVERAGE
                                 -----------------------   -------------------------     PRICE
                                  NUMBER        PERCENT     AMOUNT          PERCENT    PER SHARE
                                 -----------   ---------   -------------   ---------   ----------
<S>                              <C>           <C>         <C>             <C>         <C>
Existing stockholders   ......   5,397,999         74.0%   $ 1,003,259          5.0%       $0.19
New investors  ...............   1,900,000         26.0     19,000,000         95.0        10.00
                                 ----------     -------    ------------     -------        ------
 Total   .....................   7,297,999        100.0%   $20,003,259        100.0%       $2.74
                                 ==========     =======    ============     =======        ======
</TABLE>

     The foregoing table assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over allotment
option or the effect of convertible securities,  options or warrants to purchase
additional shares of Common Stock. As of the date of this Prospectus, there were
options  outstanding  to purchase a total of 269,766 shares of Common Stock at a
weighted  average  exercise  price of $1.44 per share,  and  warrants  and other
rights  outstanding  to  purchase  a total  of  713,800  shares.  To the  extent
outstanding  options and warrants are exercised,  there will be further dilution
to  new  investors.   See   "Management  --  Stock  Option  Plans,"   "Principal
Stockholders,"  "Description  of  Capital  Stock --  Warrants  and  Registration
Rights," and "Underwriting."

                                       18

<PAGE>






                                CAPITALIZATION
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)


     The following table sets forth the  capitalization of the Company (i) as of
March 31, 1997,  (ii) pro forma to reflect the  repayment of debt with  proceeds
from the Signet Agreement and the conversion and retirement of non-voting common
stock as if such events had occurred as of March 31, 1997; and (iii) as adjusted
to reflect the sale and  issuance  of  1,900,000  shares of Common  Stock by the
Company in the Offering (at an assumed  initial public  offering price of $10.00
per share, and assuming no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option),
and the  application of the estimated net proceeds  therefrom as described under
"Use of Proceeds." This table should be read in conjunction  with  "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial  Condition and Results of  Operations"  and
the financial  statements and related notes thereto appearing  elsewhere in this
Prospectus.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       AS OF MARCH 31, 1997
                                                                              --------------------------------------
                                                                               ACTUAL    PRO FORMA(1)   AS ADJUSTED
                                                                              ---------- -------------- ------------
<S>                                                                           <C>        <C>            <C>
Cash and cash equivalents    ................................................   $    239     $    239      $ 14,419
                                                                                 =======     ========        =======
Current maturities of long-term obligations:
 Receivables based credit facility ..........................................   $  1,846     $     --      $     --
 Notes payable to related parties  ..........................................        103           --            --
 Notes payable to individuals and other  ....................................        650           --            --
 Capital lease obligations   ................................................        241          241           241
                                                                                 -------     --------        -------
                                                                                   2,840          241           241
Long-term obligations, net of current portion:
 Signet credit facility   ...................................................         --        2,585            85
 Redeemable Signet warrants(2)  .............................................         --           65            --
 Capital lease obligations   ................................................        523          523           523
 Notes payable to related parties  ..........................................         50           --            --
                                                                                 -------     --------        -------
                                                                                     573        3,173           608
                                                                                 -------     --------        -------
  Total long-term obligations   .............................................      3,413        3,414           849
                                                                                 -------     --------        -------
Stockholders' (deficit) equity
 Common Stock;  $0.01 par value;  10,000,000  shares authorized on an actual and
  pro forma basis,  20,000,000 shares  authorized as adjusted;  5,380,824 shares
  issued and outstanding, 5,397,999 pro forma and 7,297,999 as ad-
  justed(3) .................................................................         54           54            73
 Non voting common stock; $1.00 par value; 25,000  shares  authorized; 22,526
  shares issued and  outstanding, no  shares  outstanding   pro forma  and as
  adjusted ..................................................................         23           --            --
 Preferred stock, $1.00 par value; no shares authorized on an actual  and pro
  forma basis, 100,000 shares authorized as  adjusted;  no shares  issued and
  outstanding ...............................................................         --           --            --
  Additional paid-in capital ................................................      1,063        1,041        17,042
  Unearned compensation(2)   ................................................       (120)        (120)           --
  Warrants(2) ...............................................................         --           --           724
  Accumulated deficit(2)  ...................................................     (6,961)      (6,961)       (7,080)
                                                                                 -------     --------        --------
   Total Stockholders' (deficit) equity  ....................................     (5,941)      (5,986)       10,759
                                                                                 -------     --------        --------
   Total capitalization   ...................................................     (2,528)      (2,572)       11,608
                                                                                 =======     ========        ========
</TABLE>
- ----------

(1)  Gives pro forma effect for (i) proceeds from the Signet  Agreement  used to
     retire the  receivables  based credit  facility,  notes  payable to related
     parties, and notes payable to individuals and other, (ii) the fair value of
     269,900  warrants  granted  to Signet  Bank,  which  contain  a  repurchase
     feature,  recorded  as a  discount  to  the  Signet  Agreement,  (iii)  the
     conversion  of 17,175  shares of non voting  common stock for voting Common
     Stock,  and (iv) the purchase and  retirement of 5,351 shares of non voting
     common stock.

(2)  Reflects (i) the fair value of 150,000  warrants issued to the underwriters
     and the fair value of the Signet  Warrants,  which are not redeemable  upon
     completion  of  the  Offering,   and  (ii)  the  acceleration  of  unearned
     compensation expense related to stock options which vest upon the effective
     date of the Offering.

(3)  Excludes (i) 269,766  shares of Common Stock  issuable upon the exercise of
     options  under the Amended and Restated  Stock  Option  Plan;  (ii) 750,000
     shares of Common  Stock  reserved  for issuance  under the  Company's  1997
     Performance  Incentive  Plan;  and (iii)  713,800  shares  of Common  Stock
     issuable  pursuant to the exercise of certain  warrants and upon conversion
     of a note. See "Management -- Stock Option Plans,"  "Description of Capital
     Stock -- Warrants and Registration Rights," and "Underwriting."


                                       19


<PAGE>




                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE DATA)

     The following table presents summary  financial data of the Company for the
years ended December 31, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996 and the three months ended
March 31, 1996 and 1997. The historical  financial data as of December 31, 1994,
1995, 1996 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996
have been derived from the  financial  statements of the Company which have been
audited by Arthur Andersen LLP, independent public accountants,  as set forth in
the financial  statements  and notes thereto  presented  elsewhere  herein.  The
financial  data as of December  31, 1992 and 1993,  and for the years then ended
and for the three  months  ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 have been  derived from
the Company's  unaudited  financial  statements in a manner  consistent with the
audited financial statements. In the opinion of the Company's management,  these
unaudited  financial  statements  include all  adjustments  necessary for a fair
presentation of such information.  Operating results for interim periods are not
necessarily  indicative  of the results  that might be  expected  for the entire
fiscal years. The following  information  should be read in conjunction with the
Company's  selected financial  statements and notes thereto presented  elsewhere
herein. See "Financial Statements" and "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                   THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                           YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    MARCH 31,
                                            ------------------------------------------------------ -------------------
                                             1992       1993       1994       1995        1996       1996     1997
                                            -------- ----------- --------- ------------ ---------- --------- --------
                                                (UNAUDITED)                                           (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                         <C>      <C>         <C>       <C>          <C>        <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Net revenues    ........................... $2,394     $   3,288  $ 5,108    $  10,508   $ 32,215   $ 4,722  $12,372
Cost of services   ........................  1,585         3,090    4,701        9,129     29,881     4,467   10,765
                                            -------     --------  --------    ---------  ---------  -------- --------
 Gross margin   ...........................    809           198      407        1,379      2,334       255    1,607
General and administrative expenses  ......    464         1,491    1,159        2,170      3,996       595    1,151
Selling and marketing expenses    .........     30           232       91          184        514        52      104
Depreciation and amortization  ............     61            85       90          137        333        52       96
                                            -------     --------  --------    ---------  ---------  -------- --------
 Income (loss) from operations ............    254        (1,610)    (933)      (1,112)    (2,509)     (444)     256
Interest expense   ........................     47            71       70          116        337        58      117
Interest income ...........................      1            13       24           22         16         5        1
                                            -------     --------  --------    ---------  ---------  -------- --------
 Income (loss) before income tax
  provision  ..............................    208        (1,668)    (979)      (1,206)    (2,830)     (497)     140
Income tax provision  .....................     --            --       --           --         --        --        3
                                            -------     --------  --------    ---------  ---------  -------- --------
 Net income (loss) ........................ $  208     $  (1,668) $  (979)   $  (1,206)  $ (2,830)  $  (497) $   137
                                            =======     ========  ========    =========  =========  ======== ========
PER SHARE DATA:
 Net income (loss) per common and
  equivalent share    ..................... $ 0.04     $   (0.34) $ (0.20)   $   (0.22)  $  (0.50)  $ (0.09) $  0.02
                                            =======     ========  ========    =========  =========  ======== ========
 Weighted average common and equiva-
  lent shares outstanding .................  4,868         4,888    4,888        5,609      5,695     5,695    5,695
</TABLE>




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                              AS OF
                                                                    AS OF DECEMBER 31,                      MARCH 31,
                                                 --------------------------------------------------------- ------------
                                                   1992       1993        1994        1995        1996        1997
                                                 --------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- ------------
                                                      (UNAUDITED)                                          (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                              <C>       <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
 Cash and cash equivalents .....................   $   230   $     194   $     257   $     528   $     148   $     239
 Working capital deficit   .....................      (364)     (2,097)     (3,295)     (3,744)     (7,000)     (6,941)
 Total assets  .................................     1,606       1,176       1,954       4,044       7,328       8,335
 Long-term obligations, net of current portion         165         248           6         361         646         573
 Stockholders' deficit  ........................   $  (207)  $  (1,824)  $  (2,803)  $  (3,259)  $  (6,089)  $  (5,941)
</TABLE>


                                       20


<PAGE>






                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The  following  discussion  and  analysis of the  financial  condition  and
results  of  operations  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  financial
statements,  related notes, and other detailed information included elsewhere in
this Prospectus. This discussion, including the Company's plans and strategy for
its business, contains forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and
uncertainties.  The Company's actual results could differ  materially from those
anticipated by the  forward-looking  statements as a result of certain  factors,
including, but not limited to those discussed under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere
in this Prospectus.

OVERVIEW


     The  Company  is a rapidly  growing,  facilities-based  international  long
distance  carrier  that has  implemented  a marketing  strategy to serve  ethnic
residential  markets  in the U.S.  and some of the  leading  international  long
distance  carriers.  The  Company's  quarterly  revenues have  increased  nearly
fifteen  fold over the last  three  years  from  approximately  $863,000  in the
quarter ended March 31, 1994 to approximately $12.4 million in the quarter ended
March 31, 1997. The Company's  residential  billing customers  increased to over
33,700  for March  1997  compared  to  approximately  4,100 for March  1994,  as
measured  over a 30 day period.  Since its  inception  in 1989,  the Company has
focused its marketing efforts on the residential  consumer marketplace in ethnic
communities   in  which   management   believes  there  is  a  high  demand  for
international  long  distance  services.  To  achieve  the  economies  of  scale
necessary to maintain cost effective operations, the Company began reselling its
capacity to other leading  carriers in late 1995. The Company  currently  offers
U.S.-originated  long distance service  worldwide  through a flexible network of
owned and leased  transmission  facilities,  resale  arrangements,  as well as a
variety of operating agreements and termination arrangements.

     Until 1995, the Company's business base was concentrated in the New York to
Washington,  D.C.  corridor  and focused on the delivery of  dial-around  access
calling services to India. At the end of 1995, the Company expanded its customer
base to include the West Coast,  and began  targeting other ethnic groups in the
U.S.,  such as the Middle  Eastern and Russian  communities.  This expansion was
facilitated  by utilizing a portion of the proceeds of the sale of stock to Blue
Carol  Enterprises  Ltd., an affiliate of Portugal  Telecom  International.  The
Company supported this expansion by leasing network capacity from other domestic
telecommunications  companies,  thereby experiencing higher per-minute costs. In
late 1995, the Company began to market its international  long distance services
to other telecommunications carriers. While providing greater utilization of its
own  network  facilities,  the  carrier  group  allowed  the  Company  to  build
relationships with other carriers,  which in turn, led to additional termination
options for its residential traffic. See "Business -- Strategy."

     The Company's strategy is to serve its customers by building its own global
network,  which will allow the Company to  originate,  transmit,  and  terminate
calls utilizing  network capacity the Company manages.  The Company  anticipates
that this network expansion will allow it to achieve a per-minute cost advantage
over current arrangements. As the Company transitions from leasing facilities to
owning or managing its facilities,  the Company's  management believes economies
on the  per-minute  cost of a call will be  realized,  while  fixed  costs  will
increase.  Presently, the facilities owned by the Company are domestically based
and provide a cost advantage only with respect to origination costs. The Company
realizes a per-minute cost savings when it is able to originate calls on network
facilities  it owns and manages ("on net") versus calls which must be originated
through the utilization of facilities the Company does not own ("off net").  For
the three months ended March 31, 1997 and for the year ended  December 31, 1996,
approximately  57.5%  and  44.9%  of the  Company's  residential  revenues  were
originated on the Company's  facilities,  resulting in gross margins of 3.8% and
2.4% as  compared  to gross  margins  of 1.5% and 1.5% on  residential  revenues
originated on other  carrier  facilities  during the  respective  periods.  As a
higher  percentage of calls are originated,  transmitted,  and terminated on the
Company's own facilities,  per-minute costs are expected to decline,  predicated
on call traffic volumes.

     Revenues  for   telecommunication   services   provided  to  customers  are
recognized  as services are  rendered,  net of an allowance for revenue that the
Company  estimates will ultimately not be realized.  Revenues for return traffic
received  according  to the terms of the  Company's  operating  agreements  with
foreign PTT's,

                                       21


<PAGE>






as described  below, are recognized as revenue as the return traffic is received
and processed.  There can be no assurance that traffic will be delivered back to
the United States or what impact changes in future settlement rates, allocations
among  carriers or levels of traffic will have on net payments made and revenues
received and recorded by the Company.

     The Company's cost of services  consists of origination,  transmission  and
termination  expenses.  Origination  costs  include the amounts paid to LECs and
other domestic  telecommunication  network  providers in areas where the Company
does not have its own  network  facilities.  Transmission  expenses  are  fixed,
month-to-month  payments  associated  with  capacity  on  satellites,   undersea
fiber-optic cables, and other domestic and international  leased lines.  Leasing
this capacity subjects the Company to price changes and transmission  costs that
are higher  than  transmission  costs on the  Company's  owned  network.  As the
Company builds its own  transmission  capacity,  the risk  associated with price
fluctuations  and the relative costs of  transmission  are expected to decrease,
however,  fixed costs will increase. See "Risk Factors -- Potential Fluctuations
in Quarterly Operating Results"

     Among the Company's various foreign termination  arrangements,  the Company
has entered into operating agreements with a number of foreign PTTs, under which
international long distance traffic is both delivered and received.  Under these
agreements,  the foreign carriers are  contractually  obligated to adhere to the
policy of the FCC,  whereby  traffic from the foreign  country is routed through
U.S.  international  carriers,  such as the Company,  in the same  proportion as
traffic carried into the country ("return traffic"). Mutually- exchanged traffic
between  the  Company  and  foreign  carriers  is  reconciled  through  a formal
settlement  arrangement at agreed upon rates. The Company records the amount due
to the foreign PTT as an expense in the period the traffic is  terminated.  When
the return  traffic is received  in the future  period,  the  Company  generally
realizes a higher  gross  margin on the return  traffic as compared to the lower
margin on the outbound  traffic.  Return traffic  accounted for 4.1% and 3.5% of
revenues in the quarter  ended  March 31, 1997 and the year ended  December  31,
1996, respectively.

     In addition to the operating  agreements,  the Company utilizes alternative
termination  arrangements  offered by third party vendors.  The Company seeks to
maintain  strong vendor  diversity for countries  where traffic  volume is high.
These vendor  arrangements  provide  service on a variable cost basis subject to
volume. These prices are subject to changes, generally with a seven-day notice.

     As the international  telecommunications  marketplace has been deregulated,
per-minute  prices for  services  have  fallen and,  as a  consequence,  related
per-minute costs for these services have also fallen.  As a result,  the Company
has not been adversely  affected by the price reductions,  although there can be
no  assurance  that this will  continue.  Although  the  Company  has  generated
positive net income as of March 31, 1997, the Company expects  selling,  general
and administrative costs to increase as it develops its infrastructure to manage
higher  business  volume.  Thus,  continued   profitability  is  dependent  upon
management's  ability to successfully  manage growth and  operations.  See "Risk
Factors -- Management of Growth."



                                       22


<PAGE>




 Results of Operations

     The following table sets forth for the periods  indicated certain financial
data as a percentage of net revenues.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                     THREE MONTHS
                                               YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,              ENDED MARCH 31,
                                         ------------------------------------   -----------------------
<S>                                      <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
                                              1994         1995         1996         1996         1997
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     -------
Net revenues  ........................       100.0%       100.0%       100.0%       100.0%       100.0%
Cost of services .....................        92.0         86.9         92.8         94.6         87.0
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     -------
 Gross margin ........................         8.0         13.1          7.2          5.4         13.0
General and administrative expenses ..        22.7         20.7         12.4         12.6          9.3
Selling and marketing expenses  ......         1.8          1.8          1.6          1.1          0.8
Depreciation and amortization   ......         1.8          1.3          1.0          1.1          0.8
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     -------
 Income (loss) from operations  ......       (18.3)       (10.7)        (7.8)        (9.4)         2.1
Interest expense .....................        (1.4)        (1.1)        (1.1)        (1.2)        (1.0)
Interest income  .....................         0.5          0.2          0.1          0.1           --
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     -------
 Income (loss) before income tax  
  provision ..........................       (19.2)       (11.6)        (8.8)       (10.5)         1.1
Income tax provision   ...............          --           --           --           --           --
                                          ---------    ---------    ---------    ---------     -------
 Net income (loss)  ..................       (19.2)%      (11.6)%       (8.8)%      (10.5)%       1.1%
                                          =========    =========    =========    =========     =======
</TABLE>

THREE  MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1997 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996

     Net Revenues. Net revenues increased  approximately $7.7 million or 163.8%,
to $12.4  million in the three months ended March 31, 1997 from $4.7 million for
the three  months  ended  March  31,  1996.  Residential  revenue  increased  in
comparative  periods by approximately $2.5 million or 119.0%, to $4.6 million in
the first quarter 1997 from $2.1 million in the first quarter 1996. The increase
in residential revenue is due to an increase in residential billing customers to
over 33,700 for March 1997 from  approximately  15,700 for March  1996.  Carrier
revenue increased  approximately  $5.2 million or 200.0%, to $7.8 million in the
first quarter 1997 from $2.6 million in the first quarter 1996.  The increase in
carrier  revenue is due to the execution of the  Company's  strategy to optimize
its  capacity  on its  facilities,  which has  resulted  in sales to  additional
customers and increased sales to existing clients. Carrier revenue also improved
due to an increase in return  traffic to  approximately  $512,000  for the three
months  ended March 31, 1997 from  approximately  $300,000  for the three months
ended March 31, 1996.

     Gross Margin.  Total gross margin increased  approximately  $1.3 million to
$1.6 million for the quarter  ended March 31, 1997 from $256,000 for the quarter
ended March 31, 1996.  Gross margin  improved as a percentage  of net revenue to
13.0% for the first quarter 1997 from 5.4% for the first quarter 1996. The gross
margin on residential  revenue  increased to 9.6% in the quarter ended March 31,
1997 from 4.0% for the quarter  ended March 31, 1996,  due to an increase in the
percentage of  residential  traffic  originated on net and improved  termination
costs.  In the three months ended March 31, 1997,  57.5% of residential  revenue
originated  on net,  as compared  to 46.8% in the three  months  ended March 31,
1996.  The gross  margin on carrier  revenue  increased  to 15.0% in the quarter
ended March 31, 1997 from 6.6% in the quarter  ended March 31,  1996.  Excluding
the impact of return traffic,  which is included in carrier  revenue,  the gross
margin on carrier  revenue  would have been 9.0% in the quarter  ended March 31,
1997, and negative 5.4% in the quarter ended March 31, 1996. The  improvement in
margin on carrier  revenue is due to reduced  termination  costs pursuant to the
Company's strategy of diversifying its termination options.

     The reported  gross margin for the quarters  ended March 31, 1997 and March
31, 1996 includes the effect of accrued disputed charges of approximately $8,000
and $231,000, respectively, which represents less than 1.0% and 5.0% of reported
revenues.


                                       23


<PAGE>




     General and Administrative.  General and administrative  expenses increased
approximately  $605,000 or 101.7%,  to $1.2  million for the three  months ended
March 31, 1997 from  $595,000 for the three  months  ended March 31, 1996.  As a
percentage of net revenue,  general and administrative expenses declined to 9.3%
from 12.6% for the  respective  periods.  The  increase  in dollar  amounts  was
primarily  due to an  increase  in  personnel  to 54 from  29 in the  respective
periods and, to a lesser extent, an increase in billing processing fees.

     Selling  and  Marketing.  Selling and  marketing  expenses  decreased  as a
percentage  of net revenue to 0.8% in the quarter ended March 31, 1997 from 1.1%
in the quarter  ended March 31, 1996. In dollar  amounts,  selling and marketing
expenses  increased  to  approximately  $104,000 in the quarter  ended March 31,
1997,  from  approximately  $52,000 in the quarter  ended March 31,  1996,  as a
result of the Company's efforts to market to new customer groups.

     Depreciation  and  Amortization.  Depreciation  and  amortization  expenses
increased  to  approximately  $96,000 in the  quarter  ended March 31, 1997 from
$52,000 in the quarter  ended March 31,  1996,  primarily  due to an increase in
capital expenditures for the expansion of the network infrastructure.

     Interest.  Interest  expense  increased to  approximately  $117,000 for the
quarter  ended March 31, 1997 from $58,000 in the quarter  ended March 31, 1996,
as a result of additional  debt incurred by the Company to fund working  capital
needs.

     Net Income.  Net income was  approximately  $137,000 for the quarter  ended
March 31, 1997 as compared to a loss of $497,000 for the quarter ended March 31,
1996. The  improvement in net income is largely  attributable to the increase in
gross margin dollar amounts as described above.

1996 COMPARED TO 1995

     Net Revenues. Net revenues increased approximately $21.7 million or 206.7%,
to $32.2  million  for the year ended 1996 from $10.5  million in the year ended
1995. Residential revenue increased in comparative periods by approximately $7.4
million  or 137.0%,  to $12.8  million  in 1996 from $5.4  million in 1995.  The
increase in residential revenue is due to a concerted effort to expand marketing
to the West Coast and to target additional ethnic communities such as the Middle
Eastern, Philippine, and Russian communities. The Company's residential customer
base grew to approximately  27,800 customers as of December 31, 1996 from 10,700
customers as of December 31, 1995. Carrier revenue increased approximately $14.3
million or 280.4%,  to $19.4  million  in 1996 from $5.1  million in 1995.  This
growth  is a  direct  result  of the  Company's  strategy  to  optimize  network
utilization  by offering its  services to other  carriers.  In this regard,  the
Company was  successful in expanding its marketing and increased  sales to first
and second-tier carriers.  Return traffic decreased to $1.2 million in 1996 from
$2.0 million in 1995.  Net  revenues in 1995  reflect the receipt of  previously
undelivered return traffic revenues to the Company.

     Gross Margin. Total gross margin increased  approximately  $900,000 to $2.3
million  in 1996 from  $1.4  million  for  1995.  Gross  margin  decreased  as a
percentage of net revenue to 7.2% for 1996 from 13.1% for 1995. The gross margin
on  residential  revenue  decreased  to 8.2% in 1996  from  10.4% in 1995 due to
initial expenses  associated with the entry into new markets. As a result of the
expansion  into  additional  ethnic  markets and new  geographic  areas,  on net
origination  declined  to 44.9%  in  1996,  as  compared  to 62.9% in 1995.  The
relative  decrease in on net originated  traffic was due to customer base growth
prior to the  expansion  of owned or  managed  facilities.  The gross  margin on
carrier  revenue,  excluding  return  traffic,  increased  to 0.9% in 1996  from
negative 36.9% in 1995.

     General and Administrative.  General and administrative  expenses increased
approximately  $1.8 million or 81.8%, to $4.0 million for 1996 from $2.2 million
for 1995.  However,  as a percentage of net revenue,  general and administrative
expenses declined to 12.4% from 20.7% in the respective periods. The increase in
dollar amounts in general and  administrative  expenses  primarily resulted from
increased third party billing and collection fees of  approximately  $349,000 to
support higher calling volume;  increased  personnel  expense to $1.5 million in
1996 from $1.1  million  in 1995 as a result of new  hires;  as well as bad debt
losses of  approximately  $529,000  attributable to the bankruptcy of one former
customer.


                                       24


<PAGE>







     Selling  and  Marketing.  Selling and  marketing  expenses  decreased  as a
percentage of net revenue to 1.6% in 1996 from 1.8% in 1995. In dollar  amounts,
selling and marketing expenses increased to approximately  $514,000 in 1996 from
$184,000 in 1995. The increase is attributable to the Company's efforts to enter
additional ethnic markets.

     Depreciation and Amortization.  Depreciation and amortization expenses grew
to  approximately  $333,000 in 1996 from $137,000 in 1995,  primarily due to the
increase in capital expenditures.

     Interest.  Interest expense  increased to  approximately  $337,000 for 1996
from  $116,000 in 1995,  primarily  due to increased  borrowings  under a credit
facility  to support  growth in  accounts  receivable,  and to a lesser  extent,
increased borrowings from related and other parties.

     Net  Loss. The Company experienced a net loss of approximately $2.8 million
in 1996 as compared to a net loss of $1.2 million in 1995.

1995 COMPARED TO 1994

     Net Revenues. Net revenues increased  approximately $5.4 million or 105.9%,
to $10.5  million  for the year ended  1995 from $5.1  million in the year ended
1994. Residential revenue increased in comparative periods by approximately $2.0
million  or 58.8% , to $5.4  million  in 1995 from  $3.4  million  in 1994.  The
increase  in  residential  revenue  was  due to an  increase  in the  number  of
customers to approximately 10,700 by the end of 1995 from approximately 6,300 at
the end of 1994. Carrier revenue increased approximately $3.4 million or 200.0%,
to $5.1  million in 1995 from $1.7  million  in 1994.  The  increase  in carrier
revenue was primarily the result of both increased  sales to existing  customers
and an increase in return  traffic to  approximately  $2.0  million in 1995 from
$174,000 in 1994.

     Gross Margin. Total gross margin increased  approximately  $972,000 to $1.4
million in 1995 from $407,000 for 1994.  Gross margin  increased as a percentage
of net  revenue  to 13.1%  for 1995 from  8.0% for  1994.  The  gross  margin on
residential  revenue  decreased  to 10.4% in 1995  from  17.0% in 1994 due to an
expansion from the Company's  Mid-Atlantic customer base. The Company elected to
expand its business base in advance of acquiring  facilities,  thereby  reducing
the  percentage of on net  originating  traffic.  In 1995,  62.9% of residential
revenue  originated  on net, as compared to 75.8% in 1994.  The gross  margin on
carrier revenue,  excluding the impact of return traffic,  decreased to negative
36.9% in 1995 from negative 23.6% in 1994.

     General and Administrative.  General and administrative  expenses increased
approximately  $1.0 million or 83.3%, to $2.2 million for 1995 from $1.2 million
for 1994.  As a  percentage  of  revenue,  general and  administrative  expenses
declined to 20.7% from 22.7% in the respective  periods.  The increase in dollar
amounts  was  primarily  due to  increased  personnel  and  commission  expenses
incurred to develop new markets.

     Selling  and   Marketing.   Selling   and   marketing   expenses   remained
approximately  the same as a percentage of net revenue in 1995 and 1994 at 1.8%.
In dollar amounts,  selling and marketing  expenses  increased to  approximately
$184,000  in 1995 from  $91,000  in 1994.  The  increase  in dollar  amounts  is
attributable to the Company's efforts to enter additional ethnic markets.

     Depreciation  and  Amortization.  Depreciation  and  amortization  expenses
increased to approximately  $137,000 in 1995 from $90,000 in 1994, primarily due
to an  increase  in  capital  expenditures  for  the  expansion  of the  network
infrastructure.

     Interest.  Interest expense  increased to  approximately  $116,000 for 1995
from  $70,000 in 1994,  primarily as a result of  increased  borrowings  under a
credit facility to support growth in accounts receivable.

     Net  Income.  The  Company  experienced  a  net  loss of approximately $1.2
million in 1995 as compared to a loss of $979,000 in 1994.

QUARTERLY RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following table sets forth certain unaudited  quarterly  financial data
for each of the quarters in the year ended  December  31,  1995,  the year ended
December 31, 1996,  and the three  months ended March 31, 1997.  This  quarterly
information has been derived from and should be read in conjunction


                                       25


<PAGE>


with the Company's financial statements and the notes thereto included elsewhere
in this  Prospectus,  and, in  management's  opinion,  reflects all  adjustments
(consisting  only  of  normal  recurring   adjustments)  necessary  for  a  fair
presentation  of the  information.  Operating  results  for any  quarter are not
necessarily indicative of results for any future period.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                         QUARTERS ENDED
                                 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                 MAR. 31,   JUNE 30,   SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,   MAR. 31,   JUNE 30,   SEPT. 30,   DEC. 31,   MAR. 31,
                                   1995       1995        1995       1995       1996       1996        1996       1996       1997
                                 ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- ---------- ---------- ----------- ---------- --------
<S>                              <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>
Net revenues   .................   $ 1,462    $ 1,860     $ 2,762    $ 4,424    $ 4,722    $ 8,485     $ 7,652   $ 11,356  $12,372
Cost of services  ..............     1,137      1,533       2,363      4,096      4,467      7,922       6,763     10,729   10,765
                                    -------    -------      ------    -------    -------    -------      ------  --------- --------
 Gross margin(1)  ..............       325        327         399        328        255        563         889        627    1,607
General and administrative
 expenses   ....................       449        460         484        777        595        778       1,370      1,253    1,151
Selling and marketing expenses..        30         30          39         85         52        101         166        195      104
Depreciation and amortization ..        29         31          32         45         52         93          93         95       96
                                    -------    -------      ------    -------    -------    -------      ------  --------- --------
 Income (loss) from operations..      (183)      (194)       (156)      (579)      (444)      (409)       (740)      (916)     256
Interest expense  ..............        22         23          25         46         58         60          80        139      117
Interest income   ..............         5          5           6          6          5          4           5          2        1
                                    -------    -------      ------    -------    -------    -------      ------  --------- --------
 Income (loss) before income tax
  provision ....................      (200)      (212)       (175)      (619)      (497)      (465)       (815)    (1,053)     140
Income tax provision ...........        --         --          --         --         --         --          --         --        3
                                    -------    -------      ------    -------    -------    -------      ------  --------- --------
 Net income (loss)   ...........   $  (200)   $  (212)    $  (175)   $  (619)   $  (497)   $  (465)    $  (815)  $ (1,053) $   137
                                    =======    =======      ======    =======    =======    =======      ======  ========= ========
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1)  During the first quarter of 1997,  the Company's  gross margin  improved by
     approximately  $1.0 million over the fourth quarter 1996.  The  improvement
     was due to (i)  approximately  $500,000  in  costs  accrued  in the  fourth
     quarter 1996 for disputed vendor  obligations as compared to  approximately
     $8,000  in  costs  accrued   during  the  first   quarter  of  1997,   (ii)
     approximately  $400,000 due to cost  reductions in 1997  resulting  from an
     increase in the utilization of alternative  termination  options, and (iii)
     to a lesser  extent,  an  increase  in the  percentage  of  retail  traffic
     originated on net.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Although  founded in 1989, the Company's rapid growth  commenced in 1995 as
the Company began actively marketing international services to additional ethnic
communities   in  major   metropolitan   areas   in  the   U.S.   and  to  other
telecommunication  carriers.  This  growth  required  an  investment  in working
capital to finance the net loss that was incurred  through 1996 and the increase
in accounts  receivable.  However,  until the first  quarter of 1997,  operating
activities  were a net use of cash.  Net cash used in operating  activities  was
$76,000 in 1994, $768,000 in 1995 and $1.4 million in 1996. In the first quarter
of 1997, operating activities generated net cash of approximately  $177,000.  To
facilitate this growth,  the Company made  investments in property and equipment
of approximately $44,000 in 1994, $200,000 in 1995, $520,000 in 1996 and $64,000
in the first  quarter  of 1997.  Through  1996,  the  Company  funded its growth
primarily through borrowings under its receivable credit facility, notes payable
to  individuals  and the issuance of voting common  stock.  Net cash provided by
financing  activities was approximately  $183,000 in 1994, $1.2 million in 1995,
$1.5  million  in  1996,  and  approximately  $23,000  of net  cash  was used in
financing activities in the first quarter of 1997.

     On July 1, 1997,  the  Company  entered  into the Signet  Agreement,  which
provides for maximum  borrowings of up to $10 million through December 31, 1997,
and the lesser of $15 million or 85 percent of eligible accounts receivable,  as
defined,  thereafter  until maturity on December 31, 1999. The Company may elect
to pay quarterly  interest  payments at the prime rate,  plus 2 percent,  or the
adjusted  LIBOR,  plus 4  percent.  The  Signet  Agreement  required  a $150,000
commitment  fee to be paid at  closing,  and a quarterly  commitment  fee of one
quarter percent of the unborrowed  portion.  The Signet  Agreement is secured by
substantially  all of the Company's  assets.  It contains certain  financial and
non-financial  covenants,  including,  but not limited to, ratios of monthly net
revenue to loan balance,  interest  coverage,  and cash flow  leverage,  minimum
subscribers,  limitations  on  capital  expenditures,  additional  indebtedness,
acquisition  or  transfer  of assets,  payment of  dividends,  new  ventures  or
mergers,  and issuance of additional  equity.  Beginning on January 1, 1998 (and
extending to July 1, 1998 upon the occurrence of defined events),  should Signet
Bank  determine and assert based on its  reasonable  assessment  that a material
adverse change has occurred, all amounts outstanding would be due and payable.


                                       26


<PAGE>



     The Signet  Agreement  provides  that Signet Bank (the  "Lender" or "Signet
Bank") receive warrants to purchase up to 539,800 shares of the Company's voting
common stock,  which represents ten percent of the issued and outstanding shares
of the Company as of July 1, 1997.  Warrants  representing  five  percent of the
issued and outstanding shares are immediately exercisable. The exercise price of
these warrants is $8.46.  Further,  beginning in the fourth calendar  quarter of
1997, and continuing until the Company completes an initial public offering,  an
additional  one percent  each  calendar  quarter  will vest in the  Lender.  The
exercise price of these warrants will be set at a price which values the Company
at 10 times revenue for the immediately preceding month. So long as the Offering
is  completed by December  31,  1997,  the Lender will only receive  warrants to
purchase 269,900 shares, representing five percent of the issued and outstanding
shares of the Company as of July 1, 1997. Until the Offering has been completed,
the Company is  obligated  to  repurchase  the shares  under  warrant in certain
circumstances  at the  then  fair  value  of the  Company  as  determined  by an
independent  appraisal.  The Lender has certain registration rights with respect
to the  shares  under  warrant.  See  "Description  of  Capital  Stock -- Signet
Agreement."

     The Company will be reporting  the warrants to purchase  269,900  shares of
the Company's Common Stock,  which are currently  exercisable,  as a discount to
the loan, which will be amortized to interest expense over the term of the loan.
Until the Offering has been completed,  amounts ascribed to the warrants will be
reflected as a liability and will be adjusted based upon their redemption value.
Additional  warrants which may become  exercisable in the event that the Company
does not  complete  the Offering in 1997 will be valued at their fair value when
and if exercisable  and will be charged to interest  expense over the balance of
the term of the loan.

     Prior to the  execution of the Signet  Agreement,  the Company had a credit
and billing arrangement with a third party. This facility allowed the Company to
receive  advances of 70% of all records  submitted for billing.  These  advances
were secured by receivables  involved.  The credit limit under the agreement was
$3 million and bore an interest rate of prime plus four percent.

     The  Company  is  continuing  to pursue a flexible  approach  to expand its
markets and enhance its network  facilities  by investing in  marketing,  and in
switching and transmission facilities, where anticipated traffic volumes justify
such investments. Historically, the Company has achieved market penetration with
only  modest  investments  in  marketing.  There  can be no  assurance  that the
Company's  prior  marketing   achievements  can  be  replicated  with  increased
marketing investments.  A number of factors,  including market share, competitor
rates and quality of service  determine  the  effectiveness  of the market entry
strategy.

     The Company has planned capital  expenditures through 1998 of $8.5 million.
Additionally,  marketing  expenditures  for 1997 and 1998 are  expected to reach
$4.5 million in the  aggregate.  These  capital  needs are expected to be met by
cash  from  operations,  amounts  available  under  the line of  credit  and the
proceeds  of the  Offering.  See "Use of  Proceeds."  These  capital  needs will
continue to expand as the Company  executes  its  business  strategy.  See "Risk
Factors -- Capital Requirements; Need for Additional Financing."

     The Company accrued approximately $1.4 million and $643,000 during 1996 and
1995,  respectively,  for  disputed  vendor  obligations  asserted by one of the
Company's  foreign  carriers  for  minutes  processed  in excess of the  minutes
reflected  on the  Company's  records.  If the Company  prevails in its dispute,
these amounts or portions  thereof would be credited to operations in the period
of resolution. Conversely, if the Company does not prevail in its dispute, these
amounts or portions thereof would be paid in cash.

NEW ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

     In 1997 the Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board released  Statement No.
128, "Earnings Per Share." Statement 128 requires dual presentation of basic and
diluted  earnings per share on the face of the income  statement for all periods
presented.  Basic  earnings  per share  excludes  dilution  and is  computed  by
dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average  number
of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects
the potential dilution that

                                       27


<PAGE>






could  occur  if  securities  or other  contracts  to issue  common  stock  were
exercised or  converted  into common stock or resulted in the issuance of common
stock that then shared in the earnings of the entity. Diluted earnings per share
is computed similarly to fully diluted earnings per share pursuant to Accounting
Principles Bulletin No. 15. Statement 128 is effective for fiscal periods ending
after  December 15, 1997,  and when adopted,  will require  restatement of prior
periods' earnings per share.

     The  requirements  of the  Securities and Exchange  Commission  require the
dilutive effects of common stock and stock rights issued within twelve months of
an initial  public  offering be included  in the  computation  of both basic and
dilutive earnings per share.  Accordingly, management anticipates that Statement
128 will not have a material impact upon reported earnings per share.


EFFECTS OF INFLATION

     Inflation is not a material factor affecting the Company's business and has
not had a significant effect on the Company's operations to date.


                                       28


<PAGE>




                                    BUSINESS

GENERAL

     STARTEC is a rapidly growing,  facilities-based international long distance
carrier which markets its services to select ethnic U.S. residential communities
that have  significant  international  long  distance  usage.  Additionally,  to
maximize  the  efficiency  of  its  network  capacity,  the  Company  sells  its
international  long distance  services to some of the world's leading  carriers.
The Company provides its services through a flexible network of owned and leased
transmission  facilities,   resale  arrangements  and  a  variety  of  operating
agreements and termination arrangements. The Company currently operates a switch
in   Washington,    D.C.   and   leases   switching    facilities   from   other
telecommunications  carriers.  The Company is in the process of  constructing an
international gateway facility in New York City.

     The Company's mission is to dominate select  international  telecom markets
by strategically  building network facilities that allow it to manage both sides
of a telephone  call.  The Company  intends to own  multiple  switches and other
network  facilities  which allow it to  originate  and  terminate a  substantial
portion  of  its  own  traffic.  The  Company  believes  that  building  network
facilities,  acquiring  additional  termination options and expanding its proven
marketing strategy should lead to continued growth and improved profitability.

INDUSTRY BACKGROUND

     The international  telecommunications industry consists of transmissions of
voice and data that  originate  in one country and  terminate  in another.  This
industry  is  experiencing  a period of rapid  change  which has  resulted  in a
substantial  growth in international  telecommunications  traffic.  For domestic
carriers,  the international market can be divided into two major segments:  the
U.S.-originated  market,  which consists of all international calls which either
originate or are billed in the United  States,  and the overseas  market,  which
consists  of all calls  billed  outside  the  United  States.  According  to the
Company's market research, the international  telecommunications services market
was  approximately  $56 billion in aggregate  carrier revenues for 1995, and the
volume of international  traffic on the public telephone  network is expected to
grow at a compound  annual growth rate of 10% or more from 1997 through the year
2000.  The  U.S.-originated  international  market has  experienced  substantial
growth in recent years,  with revenues rising from  approximately  $8 billion in
1990 to approximately $14 billion in 1995.

     The Company believes that the international  telecommunications market will
continue to experience  strong growth for the foreseeable  future as a result of
the following developments and trends:

   - Global  Economic  Development  and Increased  Access to  Telecommunications
     Services. The dramatic increase in the number of telephone lines around the
     world,  stimulated by economic growth and development,  government mandates
     and technological  advancements is expected to lead to increased demand for
     international telecommunications services in those markets.

   - Deregulation  of  Telecommunications  Markets.  The continuing deregulation
     and  privatization of telecommunications markets has provided and continues
     to  provide  opportunities  for  carriers  who  desire  to  penetrate those
     markets.

   - Reduced Rates Stimulating Higher Traffic Volumes. The reduction of outbound
     international long distance rates, resulting from increased competition and
     technological  advancements,  has made, and continues to make international
     calling  available  to a much  larger  customer  base  thereby  stimulating
     increased traffic volumes.


   - Increased Capacity.  The increased  availability of higher-quality  digital
     undersea fiber optic cable has enabled international long distance carriers
     to improve service quality while reducing costs.


   - Popularity   and   Acceptance   of   Technology.   The   proliferation   of
     communications devices,  including cellular telephones,  facsimile machines
     and  communications  equipment has led to a general  increase in the use of
     telecommunications services.

   - Bandwidth  Needs.  The  demand  for  bandwidth-intensive  data transmission
     services,  including  Internet-based  demand,  has increased rapidly and is
     expected to continue in the future.

                                       29


<PAGE>






 Development of U.S. and Foreign Telecommunications Markets

     The 1984  court-ordered  divestiture  of AT&Ts monopoly over local and long
distance  telecommunications  fostered the  emergence of new U.S.  long distance
companies.  Today there are over 500 U.S. long distance companies, most of which
are small- or medium-sized companies, serving residential and business customers
and other  carriers.  In order to be successful,  these small- and  medium-sized
companies must offer customers a full range of services, including international
long distance.  However,  management believes most of these carriers do not have
the  critical  mass of traffic  to receive  volume  discounts  on  international
transmission  from the larger  facilities-based  carriers such as AT&T,  MCI and
Sprint,  or  the  financial  ability  to  invest  in  international  facilities.
Alternative international carriers, such as the Company, have capitalized on the
demand  created by these small- and  medium-sized  companies for less  expensive
international transmission facilities. These carriers are able to take advantage
of larger traffic volumes to obtain discounts on  international  routes (through
resale)  and/or invest in facilities  when volume on particular  routes  justify
such  investments.   As  these  emerging   international  carriers  have  become
established,  they have also begun to carry  overflow  traffic  from larger long
distance providers which own international transmission facilities.

     Liberalization  and  privatization  have  also  allowed  new long  distance
providers to emerge in foreign markets. Liberalization began in the U.K. in 1981
when  Mercury,  a subsidiary  of Cable & Wireless  plc, was granted a license to
operate a  facilities-based  network and compete with British Telecom.  The 1990
adoption of the "Directive on  Competition in the Market for  Telecommunications
Services"  announced the beginning of  deregulation  in Europe,  and a series of
subsequent  EU  directives,  reports  and  actions  are  expected  to  result in
substantial deregulation of the telecommunications  industries in most EU member
states  by 1998.  Liberalization  is also  occurring  on a global  basis as many
governments in Eastern Europe, Asia and Latin America privatize government-owned
monopolies and open their markets to competition.  Also,  signatories to the WTO
Agreement  have  committed to varying  degrees to allow access to their domestic
and  international  markets to  competing  telecommunications  providers,  allow
foreign  ownership  interests  in  existing  telecommunications   providers  and
establish  regulatory  schemes to develop and implement  policies to accommodate
telecommunications competition.

     As liberalization erodes the traditional monopolies held by single national
providers,  many of which are wholly or partially  government-owned  PTT's, U.S.
long  distance  providers  have the  opportunity  to  negotiate  more  favorable
agreements  with both the  traditional  and  newly-emerging  foreign  providers.
Further,  deregulation in certain countries is enabling U.S.-based  providers to
establish  local  switching  and  transmission  facilities  in those  countries,
allowing  them to terminate  their own traffic and begin to carry  international
long distance traffic originating in those countries.

 International Switched Long Distance Services

     International   switched  long  distance   services  are  provided  through
switching and transmission facilities that automatically route calls to circuits
based  upon  a  predetermined  set  of  routing   criteria.   In  the  U.S.,  an
international long distance call typically  originates on a LEC's network and is
transported to the caller's  domestic long distance  carrier.  The domestic long
distance  provider  picks up the call and carries the call to its own or another
carrier's  international  gateway switch,  where an international  long distance
provider  picks it up and sends it  directly  or through  one or more other long
distance providers to a corresponding gateway switch in the destination country.
Once the traffic  reaches  the  destination  country,  it is routed to the party
being called through that country's domestic telephone network.

     International  long distance  carriers are often  categorized  according to
ownership and use of transmission  facilities and switches.  No carrier utilizes
exclusively-owned  facilities  for  transmission  of all of  its  long  distance
traffic. Carriers vary from being primarily facilities-based,  meaning that they
own and operate their own  land-based  and/or  undersea  cable and switches,  to
those that are purely resellers of another carrier's  transmission  network. The
largest U.S.  carriers,  such as AT&T,  MCI,  Sprint and WorldCom  primarily use
owned  transmission  facilities  and  switches  and may  transmit  some of their
overflow  traffic  through other long distance  providers,  such as the Company.
Only  very  large  carriers  have  the  transmission  facilities  and  operating
agreements  necessary  to cover  the  over 200  countries  to which  major  long
distance providers generally offer service. A significantly larger group of long
distance

                                       30


<PAGE>





providers  own and operate  their own switches but use a  combination  of resale
agreements with other long distance providers and leased and owned facilities to
transmit and terminate  traffic,  or rely solely on resale agreements with other
long distance  providers.  For a discussion of the Company's analysis of the mix
of providers in the long distance market see "STARTEC's Industry Paradigm."

     Operating  Agreements.  Traditional  operating  agreements  provide for the
termination  of traffic  in,  and return  traffic  to,  the  international  long
distance  carriers'   respective   countries  for  mutual   compensation  at  an
"accounting  rate"  negotiated by each country's  dominant  carrier.  Under such
traditional operating agreements,  the international long distance provider that
originates  more traffic  compensates  the long  distance  provider in the other
country by paying an amount  determined by multiplying the net traffic imbalance
by half of the accounting rate.

     Under a typical  operating  agreement,  each  carrier  owns or  leases  its
portion of the transmission  facilities  between two countries.  A carrier gains
ownership  rights  in  digital  undersea  digital  fiber  optic  cable  by:  (i)
purchasing direct ownership in a particular cable (usually prior to the time the
cable is placed into service);  (ii) acquiring an IRU in a previously  installed
cable;  or (iii) by leasing or otherwise  obtaining  capacity  from another long
distance  provider that has either direct ownership or IRU rights in a cable. In
situations  in which a long  distance  provider  has  sufficiently  high traffic
volume,  routing  calls across  cable that is directly  owned by a carrier or in
which a carrier  has an IRU is  generally  more  cost-effective  than the use of
short-term variable capacity  arrangements with other long distance providers or
leased cable.  Direct  ownership and IRU rights,  however,  require a carrier to
make an initial capital commitment based on anticipated usage.

     Transit   Arrangements.   In  addition  to  using   traditional   operating
agreements,   an   international   long   distance   provider  may  use  transit
arrangements,  pursuant to which a long  distance  provider  in an  intermediate
country carries the traffic to the  destination  country.  Transit  arrangements
require  agreement  among all of the carriers of the  countries  involved in the
transmission and termination of the traffic, and are generally used for overflow
traffic  or in cases in which a direct  circuit  is  unavailable  or not  volume
justified.

     Switched  Resale  Arrangements.   Switched  resale  arrangements  typically
involve the carrier  purchase and sale of termination  services between two long
distance  providers on a variable,  per minute basis. The resale of capacity was
first permitted as a result of the  deregulation of the U.S.  telecommunications
market,  and has  fostered  the  emergence  of  alternative  international  long
distance  providers  which  rely,  at least in part,  on  transmission  services
acquired  on a carrier  basis  from  other  long  distance  providers.  A single
international  call may pass through the facilities of multiple resellers before
it reaches the foreign  facilities-based carrier which ultimately terminates the
call. Resale arrangements set per minute prices for different routes,  which may
be  guaranteed  for a set  period  of  time  or may be  subject  to  fluctuation
following notice. The resale market for international  transmission  capacity is
continually  changing,  as new  long  distance  resellers  emerge  and  existing
providers  respond to changing costs and competitive  pressures.  In order to be
able to effectively manage costs when using resale  arrangements,  long distance
providers must have timely access to changing market prices and be able to react
to changes in costs through pricing adjustments and routing decisions.

     Alternative  Transit/Termination  Arrangements.  As the international  long
distance  market  began  to  deregulate,   long  distance  providers   developed
alternative  transit/termination  arrangements  in an effort to  decrease  their
costs of  terminating  international  traffic.  Some of the more  significant of
these arrangements  include refiling,  international  simple resale ("ISR"), and
ownership of switching  facilities  in foreign  countries.  Refiling of traffic,
which takes  advantage of  disparities  in settlement  rates  between  different
countries,  allows  traffic  to a  destination  country  to be  treated as if it
originated  in another  country  which  enjoys lower  settlement  rates with the
destination  country,  thereby  resulting in a lower overall  termination  cost.
Refiling  is similar to  transit,  except  that with  respect  to  transit,  the
facilities-based  long distance provider in the destination country has a direct
relationship  with the  originating  long distance  provider and is aware of the
transit  arrangement,  while with refiling,  it is likely that the long distance
provider  in the  destination  country  is not aware that the  received  traffic
originated in another country with another carrier. To date, the FCC has made no
pronouncement  as to whether  refiling  complies  with U.S. or ITU  regulations,
although it is considering such issues in an existing proceeding.

                                       31


<PAGE>



     With ISR, a long distance provider completely bypasses the accounting rates
system by connecting an international leased private line to the public switched
telephone network of a foreign country or directly to the premises of a customer
or  foreign  partner.   Although  ISR  is  currently  sanctioned  by  applicable
regulatory  authorities only on a limited number of routes (including U.S.-U.K.,
U.S.-Canada, U.S.-Sweden, U.S.-New Zealand, U.K.-worldwide and Canada-U.K.), its
use is  increasing  and is  expected  to expand  significantly  as  deregulation
continues  in  the   international   telecommunications   market.  In  addition,
deregulation  has made it possible for  U.S.-based  long  distance  providers to
establish their own switching facilities in certain foreign countries,  allowing
them to directly terminate traffic. See "-- Government Regulation."

STARTEC'S INDUSTRY PARADIGM

     It  is  common  in  the  industry  to  classify   and  identify   different
telecommunications  companies  as  "first-tier,"  "second-tier"  or "third tier"
carriers  based  primarily  on their  revenue  size.  The Company  analyzes  its
competitive  market position and its strategy based on a more  comprehensive set
of  criteria,  focusing  on  technology,  network  infrastructure  and  margins.
Broadly,  the  Company's  Industry  Paradigm is comprised  of four  identifiable
segments:    Switchless   Reseller,    Switch-Based    Reseller,    Single-Sided
Facilities-Based Carrier and Dual-Sided Facilities-Based Carrier.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                         STARTEC'S INDUSTRY PARADIGM


                                                  CHARACTERISTICS
<S>                                                 <C>
                            DUAL SIDED               o  Sophisticated technology
                         FACILITIES BASED            o  Highly competent network operations
                              CARRIER                o  Highest margin

                           SINGLE SIDED                 o  Higher technology
                         FACILITIES BASED               o  Competent network managment
                              CARRIER                   o  Higher margin

                           SWITCH BASED                    o  Limited technology
                             RESELLER                      o  Limited network
                                                           o  High margin

                        SWITCHLESS RESELLER                   o  No technology
                                                              o  No network
                                                              o  Low margin
</TABLE>

     At the bottom of the Industry Paradigm are the Switchless Resellers,  which
do not own switching  facilities and rely solely on resale agreements with other
long distance carriers to transport and terminate their traffic.  Although these
companies  generally  are able to keep overhead  costs down,  since they are not
burdened  with  the  costs  associated  with  ownership  of  facilities,   their
dependence  on other  companies for capacity and service  substantially  reduces
their ability to control variable costs associated with  origination,  transport
and termination of telephone calls.

     Switch-Based  Resellers  occupy  the next level of the  Industry  Paradigm.
Companies  at this level  usually own a switch,  which may or may not embody the
most current  technology,  and may even do their own billing and  collection  of
customer accounts. While the margins at this level generally are better than for
Switchless  Resellers,  these  companies are also  substantially  dependent upon
resale agreements with  facilities-based long distance carriers to transport and
terminate their traffic.

     At  the  level  above  the  Switch-Based  Resellers  are  the  Single-Sided
Facilities-Based  Carriers.  The  move  up  from  the  reseller  levels  to  the
facilities-based carrier levels is a significant one in terms of costs, required
technology,  and  available  margins.   Single-Sided  Facilities-Based  Carriers
generally operate multiple switches, have the ability to originate at least some
of their own calls, and maintain network management facilities.

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     The  top  level  of  the   Industry   Paradigm   consists   of   Dual-Sided
Facilities-Based  Carriers.  The domestic  carriers at this level  generally own
multiple  switches,  and other  facilities  which  allow them to  originate  and
terminate  a  substantial  portion  of  their  own  traffic.  In  addition,  the
international  carriers at this level also have ownership rights,  IRUs or other
arrangements  to use undersea fiber optic cable lines and satellite  facilities,
operating   agreements   and  other   termination   arrangements   with  foreign
telecommunications  providers,  and may even have switches in foreign  countries
which  allow  them  to  terminate  their  own  traffic.  The  domestic  and  the
international  Dual-Sided  Facilities-Based  Carriers use the latest technology,
have sophisticated network operations,  and are best able to control the quality
of their services. The margins are potentially the highest at this level, as the
carriers have the greatest control over costs of service.

STRATEGY

     The Company began and has historically operated as a switch-based reseller.
The  Company  is  investing  in  network  infrastructure  which will allow it to
operate as a single-sided  facilities-based carrier.  Utilizing a portion of the
net proceeds  from this  Offering,  the Company  intends to invest in additional
network   infrastructure   with  the  objective  of  becoming  an  international
dual-sided facilities-based carrier.

     The  Company  intends to  implement  a network  hubbing  strategy,  linking
foreign-based switches and other telecommunications  equipment together with the
Company's  marketing  base in the  United  States.  To  implement  this  hubbing
strategy, the Company intends to: (i) build transmission capacity, including its
ability to originate and transport traffic; (ii) acquire additional  termination
options to increase  routing  flexibility;  and (iii) expand its  customer  base
through focused marketing efforts.

     A "hub" will consist of a switch and/or other telecommunications equipment,
including cables and compression equipment. Hub locations will be selected based
on their  similarity  to the  established  U.S.  model,  in  which  identifiable
international  ethnic  communities are  accessible,  and where it is possible to
connect with some of the leading international carriers. Once established, these
hubs will be connected to the  Company's  marketing  base in the United  States.
Management  believes the hubbing  strategy will allow the Company to move up the
Industry Paradigm, from a single-sided  facilities-based carrier to a dual-sided
facilities-based   carrier  serving  ethnic  communities  and  telecommunication
carriers in select markets worldwide.

     To implement this hubbing strategy, the Company intends to:

     Build Transmission Capacity. The Company originates and transports customer
traffic through a network of Company-owned and managed facilities and facilities
leased or acquired through resale arrangements from other  facilities-based long
distance  carriers.  The additional  traffic generated by the Company's expanded
customer base and increased usage of its long distance services will necessitate
the acquisition of additional switching and transmission capacity. To meet these
needs, the Company has begun to implement a strategic  build-out of its network,
including installation of improved switching facilities,  planned acquisition of
ownership interests in and/or rights to use digital undersea fiber optic cables,
and installation of compression  equipment to increase capacity on those cables.
The Company has also taken steps to improve its systems  supporting  the network
and further enhance the quality of its services by adding equipment  upgrades in
its network  monitoring and customer  service  centers,  and it plans to install
enhanced software which will allow it to monitor call traffic routing, capacity,
and quality.  Building  additional  switching  and  transmission  capacity  will
decrease  the  Company's  reliance on leased  facilities  and  exposure to price
fluctuations. The Company's goal in taking these actions is to improve its gross
margin and provide  greater  assurance  of the quality  and  reliability  of its
services.

     Acquire Additional  Termination Options.  Customer traffic is terminated in
the   destination   country  through  a  variety  of   arrangements,   including
international  operating agreements.  The anticipated expansion of the Company's
customer base in existing and new target markets,  and the resulting increase in
traffic,  will  require the Company to provide  additional  methods to terminate
that traffic.  As part of its hubbing  strategy,  the Company plans to explore a
number  of  options  including,   additional  operating  agreements,   strategic
alliances,  transit and refile  arrangements,  and the  acquisition of switching
facilities in foreign countries. The increase in termination options is expected
to provide greater routing  flexibility  and  reliability,  as well as achieving
greater management and control over the cost of transmitting customers' calls.


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     Expand Customer Base. The Company will continue to target additional ethnic
U.S. residential communities with significant international long distance usage.
In addition,  the Company plans to extend its marketing efforts outside the U.S.
into  countries  which have ethnic  communities  which the Company  believes are
potential  customers,  and to begin  marketing  its long  distance  services  to
U.S.-based small businesses which have an international  focus. The Company will
also consider  opportunities  to increase its residential  customer base through
strategic  alliances and  acquisitions.  By increasing its residential  customer
base, the Company's goal is to capture  operating  efficiencies  associated with
high traffic volumes and to increase its margins.

     The Company's marketing strategy, which targets selected ethnic communities
is  attractive  to foreign  carriers who enter into  agreements  with STARTEC in
order to capture outgoing  international  U.S. traffic from customers located in
their  corresponding U.S. ethnic  communities.  As a result of the relationships
established   by   these   agreements,   STARTEC   expects   that   its   global
telecommunications  network  will become more cost  effective  and will make the
Company an attractive supplier to the world's leading carriers. The Company also
anticipates  that its  hubbing  strategy  will  also  allow it to serve  carrier
customers over a wider geographical area.

CUSTOMERS

     The number of the Company's  residential  customers has grown significantly
over the past three years, from approximately 4,100 as of March 31, 1994 to more
than  33,700 as of March 31,  1997 (as  measured  over a 30 day  period).  These
customers generally are members of ethnic groups that tend to be concentrated in
major U.S.  metropolitan  areas,  including  Middle  Eastern,  Indian,  Russian,
African and Southeast Asian communities. Net revenues from residential customers
accounted  for 40% and 37% of the  Company's  net  revenues  in the  year  ended
December 31, 1996 and the three month period ended March 31, 1997, respectively.
No  single  residential  customer  accounted  for more than one  percent  of the
Company's revenues during those periods.

     The number of the Company's carrier customers also has grown  significantly
since the Company  first began  marketing  its  services to this segment in late
1995. As of March 31, 1997,  the Company had 28 active carrier  customers,  with
revenues from carrier customers  accounting for 60% and 63% of the Company's net
revenues in the year ended  December  31, 1996 and the three month  period ended
March  31,  1997,  respectively.  One  of  these  carrier  customers,  WorldCom,
accounted for approximately 23% of total revenues in the year ended December 31,
1996.  WorldCom  accounted for  approximately 34% of total revenues and Frontier
Communications  Services,  Inc.  accounted for approximately 15% of net revenues
for the first quarter  ended March 31, 1997.  In a number of cases,  the Company
provides services to carriers which are also suppliers to the Company.

     The Company has entered into operating  agreements  with  telecommunication
carriers in foreign countries under which international long-distance traffic is
both delivered and received.  Under these  agreements,  the foreign carriers are
contractually  obligated to adhere to the policy of the FCC, which requires that
traffic from the foreign country is routed to  international  carriers,  such as
the  Company,  in the same  proportion  as  traffic  carried  into the  country.
Mutually  exchanged  traffic between the Company and foreign carriers is settled
through a formal settlement policy at agreed upon rates per-minute.  The Company
records  the amount due to the  foreign  partner as an expense in the period the
traffic is terminated. When the return traffic is received in the future period,
the  Company  generally  realizes a higher  gross  margin on the return  traffic
compared to the lower  margin (or  sometimes  negative  margin) on the  outbound
traffic.  Revenue  recognized  from return traffic was  approximately  $174,000,
$1,959,000,  and $1,121,000 or 3%, 19% and 3% of net revenues in 1994, 1995, and
1996, and $298,000 and $513,000 or 6% and 4% of net revenues in the  three-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,  respectively.  There can be no assurance
that traffic will be delivered  back to the United States or what impact changes
in future settlement rates, allocations among carriers or levels of traffic will
have on net payments made and revenues received.

SERVICES AND MARKETING

     STARTEC focuses  primarily on the provision of international  long distance
services to targeted  residential  customers in major U.S.  metropolitan  areas.
STARTEC   also   offers   international   long   distance   services   to  other
telecommunications carriers and interstate long distance services in the U.S.

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<PAGE>







     Using part of the proceeds obtained under the Signet Agreement, the Company
recently expanded its residential marketing program, targeting additional ethnic
communities  with significant  international  long distance usage and increasing
its efforts  within its current  target  markets.  The Company  intends to use a
portion of the proceeds of the Offering to expand  significantly its residential
marketing  programs in the U.S., and to implement its marketing strategy abroad.
See "Use of Proceeds"  and  "Management's  Discussion  and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."

 Residential Customers

     The Company generally  provides  international  and interstate  residential
long distance  customers with  dial-around  long distance  service.  Residential
customers  access  STARTEC's  network by dialing its CIC code before dialing the
number they are calling. Using a CIC Code to access the Company allows customers
to use the Company's  services at any time without  changing their existing long
distance  carrier.  It is also possible for a customer to select  STARTEC as its
default long distance  carrier.  In this instance,  the LEC would  automatically
route all of that customer's long distance calls through STARTEC's  network.  As
part of its marketing strategy,  the Company maintains a comprehensive  database
of customer information which is used for the development of marketing programs,
strategic planning, and other purposes.

     The Company  invests  substantial  resources in identifying  and evaluating
potential markets for its services. In particular,  the Company looks for ethnic
groups having qualities and characteristics which indicate a large potential for
high-volume  international  telecommunications  usage.  Once a  market  has been
identified, the Company evaluates the opportunity presented by that market based
upon  factors  that  include  the credit  characteristics  of the target  group,
switching requirements,  network access and vendor diversity.  Assuming that the
target market meets the Company's  criteria,  the Company  implements  marketing
programs targeted specifically at that ethnic group, with the goal of generating
region- specific  international  long distance traffic.  The Company markets its
residential  services  under the  "STARTEC"  name  through  a variety  of media,
including low-cost print advertising, radio and television advertising on ethnic
programs and direct mail, all in the customers native language. The Company also
sponsors and attends community events and trade shows.

     Potential  customers  call  a toll  free  number  and  are  connected  to a
multilingual customer service representative.  The Company uses this opportunity
to  obtain  detailed  information  regarding,   among  other  things,  customers
anticipated calling patterns. The customer service representative then sends out
a welcome pack  explaining how to use the services.  Once the customer begins to
use the services, the Company monitors usage and periodically  communicates with
the  customer  to gauge  service  satisfaction.  STARTEC  also uses  proprietary
software  to assist  it in  tracking  customer  satisfaction  and a  variety  of
customer  behaviors,  including turnover  ("churn"),  retention and frequency of
usage.

     The Company currently  markets its services to the Middle Eastern,  Indian,
Russian,  African and Southeast Asian  communities in the U.S. In addition,  the
Company is  considering  marketing its services in countries  such as Canada and
the  United  Kingdom,  which  also have  ethnic  communities  which may meet the
Company's criteria for potential target markets.

     In addition to its current long distance services,  the Company continually
evaluates  potential  new service  offerings  in order to  increase  traffic and
customer  retention and loyalty.  New services the Company  expects to introduce
include Home Country Direct  Services,  which provides  customers with access to
STARTEC's  network from any country and allows them to place  either  collect or
credit/debit  card calls, and Prepaid Domestic and  International  Calling Cards
which can be used from any touch tone telephone in the United States,  Canada or
the United Kingdom.

 Carrier Customers

     To maximize the efficiency of its network  capacity,  the Company sells its
international  long  distance  services  to  other  telecommunication  carriers.
STARTEC has been actively marketing its services to carrier customers since late
1995 and believes that it has established a high degree of credibility and


                                       35


<PAGE>





valuable  relationships with the leading carriers.  The Company  participates in
international carrier membership organizations,  trade shows, seminars and other
events that provide its  marketing  staff with  opportunities  to establish  and
maintain  relationships  with other carriers that are potential  customers.  The
Company generally avoids providing services to lower-tiered  carriers because of
potential difficulties in collecting accounts receivable.

THE STARTEC NETWORK

     The Company  provides its services  through a flexible network of owned and
leased transmission facilities, resale arrangements,  and a variety of operating
agreements  and  termination  arrangements.  The Company has been  expanding its
network to match increases in its long distance traffic volume, and has recently
begun to implement  plans for a significant  strategic  build-out of the STARTEC
network.  The  purpose  of  the  build-out  is  to  increase   profitability  by
controlling  costs,  while  maintaining  a high  degree of network  quality  and
reliability.   The  network  employs  advanced  switching  technologies  and  is
supported  by  monitoring   facilities  and  the  Company's   technical  support
personnel.

 Switching and Transmission Facilities

     The Company  currently owns and operates a switch in  Washington,  D.C. and
leases a line to New York City where major telephone cables are terminated.  New
switching  equipment is expected to be installed  and placed in service at a new
facility in New York City by the end of the fourth  fiscal  quarter of 1997.  At
that time, the Company intends that its switching  functions will be transferred
to the New York City facility and the  Washington,  D.C.  location will become a
point-of-presence.  Relocating the switch to New York City is expected to reduce
leased line charges and increase the Company's  ability to originate  traffic on
its own  network.  In  addition,  the New York City  facility is larger than the
Company's Washington,  D.C. facility,  thereby allowing the Company to install a
larger and more cost effective  switch.  In the future,  the Company  intends to
upgrade its  existing  facilities  and add  switches in key  locations,  such as
California, which is a gateway to the Asia/Pacific market.

     International long distance traffic is transmitted through an international
gateway  switch,  across  undersea  digital  fiber  optic  cable  lines  or  via
satellite,  to the destination country.  STARTEC currently has access to digital
undersea fiber optic cable and satellite  facilities  through  arrangements with
other   carriers.   The  Company   intends  to  acquire   IRUs  in  three  other
trans-Atlantic cables such as Columbus,  Canus-1, Cantat-3 and Americus-1 and is
also exploring the possibility of acquiring IRUs in  trans-Pacific  cables.  The
Company believes that it may achieve substantial savings by acquiring additional
IRUs,  which would  reduce its  dependence  on leased  cable  access.  Having an
ownership  interest  rather than a lease  interest in undersea cable enables the
Company to increase  its capacity  without a  significant  increase in cost,  by
utilizing  digital  compression  equipment,  which it cannot do under leasing or
similar access arrangements.  Digital compression equipment enhances the traffic
capacity of the  undersea  cable,  which  permits the Company to maximize  cable
utilization while reducing the Company's need to acquire additional capacity.

     The Company enters into lease arrangements and resale agreements with other
telecommunications  carriers when cost effective. The Company purchases switched
minute  capacity  from  various  carriers  and  depends on such  agreements  for
termination  of its  traffic.  The Company  currently  purchases  capacity  from
approximately  20  carriers.  During the fiscal year ended  December  31,  1996,
purchases  from the five largest  suppliers of capacity  represented  67% of the
Company's total cost of services and 53% as of March 31, 1997. During the fiscal
year ended December 31, 1996, VSNL,  Cherry  Communications,  Inc., and WorldCom
accounted for 25%, 13% and 13% of total cost of services,  respectively.  During
the quarter  ended March 31, 1997,  WorldCom,  VSNL and Star  Telecommunications
accounted for 14%, 14% and 13% of total costs of services, respectively.

     Further,  the Company  utilizes  the  services of several  alternate,  cost
effective  carriers in order to  transport  and  terminate  its  traffic.  These
alternative  carriers provide the Company with substantial  flexibility and cost
efficiency, as well as diversity, in the event one carrier's charges increase or
such carrier is not capable of providing the services  STARTEC needs in order to
transport and terminate its traffic.


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<PAGE>






     The  Company's  efforts  to build  additional  switching  and  transmission
capacity are intended to decrease the  Company's  reliance on leased  facilities
and resale agreements. The strength of the Company's international operations is
based upon the diversity of its cost effective  routes to terminal  points.  The
primary benefits of owning and operating  additional  network facilities instead
of  leasing  or  reselling  another   carrier's   capacity  arise  from  reduced
transmission costs and greater control over service quality and reliability. The
transmission  cost for a call that is not routed on net  through  the  Company's
owned  facilities is dependent  upon the cost per minute paid to the  underlying
carrier.  In  contrast,  the cost of a call routed on net through the  Company's
owned  facilities is dependent upon the total fixed costs associated with owning
and  operating  those  facilities.   As  traffic  across  the  owned  facilities
increases,  management  believes the Company can capture operating  efficiencies
and improve its margins.

 Termination Arrangements

     STARTEC attempts to retain flexibility and maximize its termination options
by using a mix of operating agreements, transit and refile arrangements,  resale
agreements and other  arrangements  to terminate its traffic in the  destination
country.  The Company's  approach is designed to enable it to take  advantage of
the rapidly evolving international telecommunications market in order to provide
low cost international long distance services to its customers.

     The  Company   currently  has  operating   agreements   with  the  national
telecommunications  administrations  of India,  Uganda and Syria  under which it
exchanges  traffic.   The  Company  continually  pursues  additional   operating
agreements with other foreign governments and administrations.  In addition, the
Company uses resale agreements and transit and refile  arrangements to terminate
its traffic in countries with which it does not have operating agreements. These
agreements  and  arrangements  provide the  Company  with  multiple  options for
routing traffic to each destination country.

     The  Company is also  exploring  the  possibility  of  acquiring  switching
facilities in certain foreign  countries.  This option is becoming  increasingly
available  as  deregulation  continues in the  international  telecommunications
market,  and would provide the Company with  opportunities  to terminate its own
traffic and better control customer calls.

 Network Operations, Technical Support and Customer Service

     The  Company  uses   proprietary   routing  software  to  maximize  routing
efficiency.  Network operations personnel continually monitor pricing changes by
the  Company's  carrier-suppliers  and adjust call routing to make the most cost
efficient use of available capacity.  In addition,  the Company provides 24-hour
network  monitoring,   trouble  reporting  and  response   procedures,   service
implementation  coordination and problem  resolution.  The Company has developed
and uses proprietary  software which allows it to monitor, on a minute by minute
basis, all key aspects of its services.  Recent software upgrades and additional
network  monitoring  equipment  have been  installed  to enhance  the  Company's
ability  to  handle  increased  traffic  and  monitor  network  operations.  The
Company's customer service center, which services the residential customer base,
is  staffed by  trained,  multilingual  customer  service  representatives,  and
operates  12  hours  per day  during  the week and  eight  hours  per day on the
weekends.  The customer  service center uses advanced ACD software to distribute
incoming calls to its customer service  representatives.  Over time, the Company
plans to increase its customer service coverage and eventually  operate 24-hours
per day, 7 days per week.

     The Company generally utilizes redundant, highly automated state-of-the-art
telecommunications  equipment  in its network and has diverse  alternate  routes
available in cases of component or facility failure,  or in the event that cable
transmission  wires are  inadvertently  cut. Back-up power systems and automatic
traffic re-routing enable the Company to provide a high level of reliability for
its customers.  Computerized  automatic network monitoring equipment allows fast
and accurate  analysis  and  resolution  of network  problems.  In general,  the
Company relies upon other carriers'  networks to provide redundancy in the event
of technical  difficulties in the network.  The Company  believes that this is a
more cost  effective  strategy  than  purchasing  or leasing  its own  redundant
capacity.

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MANAGEMENT INFORMATION AND BILLING SYSTEMS

     The Company's  operations use advanced  information  systems including call
data collection and call data storage linked to a proprietary  reporting system.
The Company  also  maintains  redundant  billing  systems for rapid and accurate
customer  billing.  The Company's  systems  enable it, on a real time basis,  to
determine the most cost effective  termination  alternatives,  monitor  customer
usage and manage profit margins.  The Company's systems also enable it to ensure
accurate and timely billing and reduce routing errors.

     The Company's  proprietary reporting software compiles call, price and cost
data into a variety of  reports  which the  Company  can use to  re-program  its
routes on a real time basis.  The  Company's  reporting  software  can  generate
additional reports, as needed,  including customer usage,  country usage, vendor
rates, vendor usage by minute, dollarized vendor usage, and loss reports.

     The Company has built multiple  redundancies into its billing and call data
collection  systems.   Two  call  collector  computers  receive  redundant  call
information  simultaneously,  one of which  produces  a file  every 24 hours for
filing  purposes  while  the  other  immediately  forwards  the  called  data to
corporate  headquarters  for use in customer service and traffic  analysis.  The
Company maintains two independent and redundant billing systems in order to both
verify  billing  internally  and to ensure  that  bills are sent out on a timely
basis. All of the call data, and resulting billing data, are continuously backed
up on tape drive and redundant storage devices.

     Residential  customers  are billed for the Company's  services  through the
LEC, with the Company's charges appearing  directly on the bill each residential
customer  receives  from its LEC.  The Company  utilizes a third  party  billing
company to facilitate  collections  of amounts due to the Company from the LECs.
The third party billing company receives  collections from the LEC and transfers
the sums to the Company,  after withholding  processing fees,  applicable taxes,
and provisions for credits and uncollectible  accounts. As part of its strategy,
the Company also plans to enter into billing and collection  agreements directly
with certain LECs, which will provide the Company with opportunities to decrease
some of the costs currently associated with billing and collection.

COMPETITION

     The long distance  telecommunications industry is intensely competitive. In
many of the markets  targeted by the Company there are numerous  entities  which
are  currently  competing  for the same  residential  and carrier  customers and
others  which  have   announced   their   intention  to  enter  those   markets.
International and interstate  telecommunications  providers compete on the basis
of price, customer service,  transmission quality,  breadth of service offerings
and value-added services.  Residential customers frequently change long distance
providers in response to  competitors'  offerings of lower rates or  promotional
incentives,  and, in general, the Company's customers can switch carriers at any
time. In addition,  the availability of dial-around  long distance  services has
made it possible for  residential  customers to use the services of a variety of
competing long distance  providers without the necessity of switching  carriers.
The  Company's  carrier  customers  generally  use the  services  of a number of
international  long  distance   telecommunications   providers,   including  the
Company's.  The Company  believes  that  competition  in its  international  and
interstate long distance markets is likely to increase as these markets continue
to  experience  decreased  regulation  and as new  technologies  are  applied to
telecommunications.  Prices for long distance calls in several of the markets in
which the  Company  competes  have  declined  in recent  years and are likely to
continue to decrease. While the Company competes generally with the domestic and
international carriers discussed herein, it believes that STARTEC is a leader in
its chosen  business  niche -- the  provision  of  international  long  distance
services to residential customers in targeted ethnic markets.

     The U.S.-based international telecommunication services market is dominated
by AT&T, MCI and Sprint.  The Company also competes with numerous other carriers
in certain markets,  including WorldCom, Inc., TresCom International,  Inc., and
STAR  Telecommunications,  Inc. Some of these competitors focus their efforts on
the same customers targeted by the Company. In addition, many of the

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<PAGE>





Company's   current  competitors  are  also  Company  customers.  The  Company's
business  could  be  materially  adversely  affected  if a significant number of
those  customers reduce or cease doing business with the Company for competitive
reasons. See "Risk Factors -- Competition."

     Recent and pending deregulation initiatives in the U.S. and other countries
may encourage  additional  new industry  entrants.  The  Telecommunications  Act
permits and is designed to promote  additional  competition  in the  intrastate,
interstate and international  telecommunications  markets by both U.S.-based and
foreign  companies,  including the RBOCs. In addition,  pursuant to the terms of
the WTO Agreement,  countries who are  signatories to the agreement are expected
to allow  access  to their  domestic  and  international  markets  to  competing
telecommunications  providers,  allow  foreign  ownership  interests in existing
telecommunications  providers  and  establish  regulatory  schemes and  policies
designed to  accommodate  telecommunications  competition.  The Company  also is
likely to be subject  to  additional  competition  as a result of mergers or the
formation of alliances  among some of the largest  telecommunications  carriers.
Recent  examples of mergers and alliances  include the planned merger of British
Telecom and MCI and the "Global One" alliance among Sprint, Deutsche Telekom and
France Telecom.

     Many  of  the  Company's   competitors  are  significantly   larger,   have
substantially  greater  financial,  technical and marketing  resources  than the
Company,   own  or  control  larger   networks,   transmission  and  termination
facilities,  and offer a broader variety of services than the Company,  and have
strong name recognition, brand loyalty, and long-standing relationships with the
many of the  Company's  target  customers.  In addition,  many of the  Company's
competitors  enjoy  economies of scale that can result in a lower cost structure
for  transmission  and other  costs of  providing  services,  which  could cause
significant  pricing  pressures  within  the  long  distance  telecommunications
industry.  If the Company's  competitors were to devote  significant  additional
resources  to the  provision  of  international  long  distance  services to the
Company's  target customer base, the Company's  business,  results of operations
and  financial  condition  could  be  materially  adversely  affected.  See  "--
Government Regulation" and "Risk Factors -- Competition."

     The  telecommunications  industry  is in a period  of  rapid  technological
evolution,  marked by the introduction of new product and service  offerings and
increasing  satellite  and  undersea  cable  transmission  capacity for services
similar to those provided by the Company.  Such  technologies  include satellite
and ground based systems,  utilization of the Internet for voice, data and video
communications,  and digital  wireless  communication  systems  such as personal
communications  services ("PCS"). The Company is unable to predict which of many
future  product  and  service  offerings  will  be  important  to  maintain  its
competitive  position  or the  expenditures  that may be  required  to  acquire,
develop or otherwise provide such products and services.

GOVERNMENT REGULATION

 Overview

     The Company's  business is subject to varying  degrees of federal and state
regulation.  Federal laws and the  regulations of the FCC apply to the Company's
international  and  interstate  facilities-based  and resale  telecommunications
services,  while  applicable  PSCs  have  jurisdiction  over  telecommunications
services originating and terminating within the same state. At the federal level
the Company is subject to common carriage  requirements under the Communications
Act.  Comprehensive  amendments  to the  Communications  Act  were  made  by the
Telecommunications Act. The purpose of the 1996 Act is to promote competition in
all areas of telecommunications  by reducing unnecessary  regulation at both the
federal and state levels to the greatest extent  possible.  The FCC and PSCs are
in the process of implementing the 1996 Act's regulatory reforms.

     In addition,  although the laws of other  countries  only directly apply to
carriers  doing  business  in  those  countries,  the  Company  may be  affected
indirectly by such laws insofar as they affect  foreign  carriers with which the
Company  does  business.  There  can be no  assurance  that  future  regulatory,
judicial and legislative  changes will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company,  that  U.S.  or  foreign  regulators  or third  parties  will not raise
material issues with regard to the Company's  compliance or  noncompliance  with
applicable laws and regulations, or that regulatory activities will not have a

                                       39


<PAGE>





material  adverse  effect on the  Company's  business,  financial  condition and
results  of  operations.  Moreover,  the FCC and the  PSCs  generally  have  the
authority  to  condition,  modify,  cancel,  terminate  or revoke the  Company's
operating  authority  for  failure  to comply  with  federal  and state laws and
applicable rules, regulations and policies. Fines or other penalties also may be
imposed  for such  violations.  Any such action by the FCC and/or the PSCs could
have a material adverse effect on the Company's  business,  financial  condition
and results of operations. See "Risk Factors -- Government Regulation."

 Federal and State Transactional Approvals

     The FCC and  certain  PSCs  also  impose  prior  approval  requirements  on
transfers or changes of control,  including  pro forma  transfers of control and
corporate reorganizations,  and assignments of regulatory  authorizations.  Such
requirements  may have the effect of delaying,  deterring or preventing a change
in control of the Company. The Company also is required to obtain state approval
for the  issuance  of  securities.  Six of the  states in which the  Company  is
certificated  provide for prior  approval  or  notification  of the  issuance of
securities  by the Company.  In five of these states,  the Company's  intrastate
revenues for the first  quarter of 1997 were less than $1,000 per state.  In the
remaining state, New York, the intrastate revenues exceeded $1,000 for the first
quarter but were only 1.2% of the Company's total residential revenues from that
state.  Although the necessary  approvals  will be sought prior to the offering,
because of time  constraints,  the Company may not have  obtained  such approval
from the six states prior to consummation of the Offering.  Although these state
filing  requirements may have been preempted by the National  Securities  Market
Improvement Act of 1996, there is no case law on this point.  After consultation
with  counsel,  the  Company  believes  the  approvals  will be granted and that
obtaining  such  approvals  subsequent to the Offering  should not result in any
material adverse consequences to the Company, although there can be no assurance
that such consequence will not result.

 International Services

     International  telecommunications carriers are required to obtain authority
from the FCC under  Section  214 of the  Communications  Act in order to provide
international  service that originates or terminates in the United States.  U.S.
international  common  carriers  also are required to file and maintain  tariffs
with the FCC specifying the rates,  terms, and conditions of their services.  In
1989,  the Company  received  Section 214 authority  from the FCC to acquire and
operate facilities for the provision of direct  international  service to Italy,
Israel, Kenya, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia,  Pakistan,  Sri Lanka, South Korea and
the United Arab  Emirates  ("UAE").  The Company  also is  authorized  to resell
services of other common  carriers for the provision of switched  voice,  telex,
facsimile and other data  services,  and for the provision of INTELSAT  Business
Services  ("IBS") and  international  television  services  to various  overseas
points.

     In 1996, the FCC  established  new rules that  streamlined  its Section 214
authorization and tariff regulation  processes to provide for shorter notice and
review periods for certain U.S.  international  carriers  including the Company.
The FCC  established  streamlined  regulation  for  "non-dominant"  carriers  --
service  providers found to lack market power on the routes served.  The Company
is  classified by the FCC as a  non-dominant  carrier on its  international  and
domestic routes. The Company has applied for global facilities-based Section 214
authority under the FCC's new streamlined  processing rules. A  facilities-based
global Section 214 authorization enables carriers to provide international basic
switched,  private line, data, television and business services using authorized
facilities to virtually all countries in the world.

     The FCC's  streamlined  rules also provide for global Section 214 authority
to resell  switched and private line services of other carriers by  non-dominant
international carriers. However, the FCC decides on a case-by-case basis whether
to grant Section 214 authority to U.S.  carriers to resell the switched  private
lines of affiliated  foreign  carriers to countries  where a foreign  carrier is
dominant based on a showing that there are equivalent  resale  opportunities for
U.S.  carriers in the foreign  carrier's market. To date, the FCC has found that
Canada,   the  U.K.,  Sweden  and  New  Zealand  do  provide  equivalent  resale
opportunities.  The FCC has found that equivalent  resale  opportunities  do not
exist in Germany, Hong Kong and France. The FCC also is considering applications
for equivalency determinations with


                                       40


<PAGE>






respect to Australia,  Chile,  Denmark,  Finland and Mexico. It is possible that
interconnected private line resale to additional countries may be allowed in the
future.  Pursuant to FCC rules and  policies,  the  Company's  authorization  to
provide  service via the resale of  interconnected  international  private lines
will be  expanded to include  countries  subsequently  determined  by the FCC to
afford  equivalent  resale  opportunities to those available under United States
law, if any. As a result of the recent signing of the WTO Agreement, the FCC has
proposed to replace the  "equivalency"  test with a  rebuttable  presumption  in
favor of resale of interconnected private lines to WTO member countries.

     The Company must also conduct its international business in compliance with
the ISP. The ISP  establishes  the parameters by which  U.S.-based  carriers and
their foreign correspondents settle the cost of terminating each other's traffic
over their respective networks.  The precise terms of settlement are established
in a  correspondent  agreement  (also referred to as an "operating  agreement"),
which also sets forth the term of the agreement, the types of service covered by
the agreement,  the division of revenues  between the carrier that bills for the
call and the carrier that terminates the call at the other end, the frequency of
settlements,  the  currency  in which  payments  will be made,  the  formula for
calculating traffic flows between countries, technical standards, and procedures
for the settlement of disputes.  The amount of payments (the "settlement  rate")
is  determined  by the  negotiated  accounting  rate  specified in the operating
agreement.  Under the ISP, the settlement rate generally must be one-half of the
accounting rate. Carriers must obtain waivers of the FCC's rules if they wish to
use an  accounting  rate  that  differs  from  the  prevailing  rate or vary the
settlement rate from one-half of the accounting rate.

     The  ISP  is  designed  to  eliminate  foreign  carriers'   incentives  and
opportunities  to  discriminate in their  operating  agreements  among different
U.S.-based  carriers through a practice referred to as "whipsawing."  Whipsawing
involves a foreign carrier varying the accounting and/or settlement rate offered
to different  U.S.-based carriers for the benefit of the foreign carrier,  which
could secure various incentives by favoring one U.S.-based carrier over another.
Under the uniform  settlements  policy,  U.S.-based carriers can only enter into
operating  agreements that contain the same accounting rate and settlement terms
offered to all U.S.-based carriers in that country and provide for proportionate
return traffic.  When a U.S.-based  carrier negotiates an accounting rate with a
foreign  carrier  that is lower  than the  accounting  rate  offered  to another
U.S.-based  carrier for the same service,  the U.S.-based carrier with the lower
rate must file a notification  letter with the FCC. If a U.S.-based carrier does
not already have an operating  agreement in effect,  it must file a request with
the FCC to modify the accounting rate for that country to introduce service with
the foreign  correspondent  in that  country.  A  U.S.-based  carrier  also must
request  modification  authority  from  the  FCC for  any  proposal  that is not
prospective,  that is not a simple  reduction in the  accounting  rate,  or that
changes  the  terms and  conditions  of an  existing  operating  agreement.  The
notification and modification  procedures are intended to provide all U.S.-based
carriers   with  an   opportunity   to   compete   in   foreign   markets  on  a
nondiscriminatory  basis.  Among  other  efforts  to  counter  the  practice  of
whipsawing and inequitable  treatment of similarly situated U.S.-based carriers,
the FCC adopted the principle of proportionate return -- which requires that the
U.S.  carrier  terminate  U.S.-inbound  traffic  in the same  proportion  as the
U.S-outbound  traffic  that it sends to the foreign  correspondent  -- to assure
that  competing  U.S.-based  carriers have roughly  equitable  opportunities  to
receive  the  return  traffic  that  reduces  the  marginal  cost  of  providing
international service.

     Consistent  with  its  pro-competition  policies,  the FCC  also  prohibits
U.S.-based carriers from agreeing to accept special concessions from any foreign
carrier or administration.  A special concession is any arrangement that affects
traffic  flow to or from the  U.S.  that is  offered  exclusively  by a  foreign
carrier or  administration  to a particular U.S.  carrier that is not offered to
similarly  situated U.S.  carriers  authorized to serve a particular route. With
the adoption of the WTO agreement this year,  the FCC is  considering  modifying
its no-special  concessions  rule to prohibit only those exclusive  arrangements
granted by a foreign correspondent with market power.

     In 1996,  the FCC amended the ISP to provide  carriers with  flexibility to
introduce  alternative  payment  arrangements  that  deviate  from  the ISP with
foreign  correspondents  in any  foreign  country  where the FCC has  previously
determined that effective competitive  opportunities ("ECO") exist.  Alternative
arrangements that deviate from the ISP also may be established for international
switched  traffic  between the U.S. and countries that have not previously  been
found to satisfy the ECO test where

                                       41


<PAGE>





the U.S.  carrier  can  demonstrate  that  deviation  from the ISP will  promote
market-oriented pricing and competition,  while precluding abuse of market power
by the  foreign  correspondent.  As a result of the WTO  Agreement,  the FCC has
proposed  to  replace  the ECO test with a  rebuttable  presumption  in favor of
alternative  payment  arrangements with WTO member  countries.  While these rule
changes may provide more  flexibility  to the Company to respond more rapidly to
changes in the global  telecommunications  market,  it will also provide similar
flexibility to the Company's  competitors.  The Company intends, where possible,
to take  advantage  of lowered  accounting  rates and more  flexible  settlement
arrangements.  In  addition,  the FCC has also  recently  proposed  revisions to
reduce  the level  and  increase  enforcement  of its  international  settlement
"benchmark"  rates,  which are the FCC's  target  ceilings  for prices that U.S.
carriers should pay to foreign carriers for terminating U.S. calls overseas.

     Pursuant to FCC regulations, U.S. international telecommunications carriers
are  required to file copies of their  contracts  with  foreign  correspondents,
including operating  agreements,  with the FCC within 30 days of execution.  The
Company has filed each of its operating agreements with the FCC. The FCC's rules
also require the Company to file periodically a variety of reports regarding its
international  traffic  flows and use of  international  facilities.  The FCC is
engaged in a rulemaking  proceeding  in which it has proposed to reduce  certain
reporting  requirements of common carriers. The Company is unable to predict the
outcome of this proceeding or its effect on the Company.  The Company  currently
has on file with the FCC operating  agreements and accounting rate modifications
for India, Syria and Uganda. In addition,  the Company has on file and maintains
with the FCC annual circuit status reports and traffic data reports.

     The FCC is currently  considering whether to limit or prohibit the practice
whereby a carrier  routes,  through its facilities in a third  country,  traffic
originating  from one country and  destined  for  another  country.  The FCC has
permitted  third country  calling where all countries  involved  consent to this
type  of  routing  arrangements,  referred  to as  "transiting."  Under  certain
arrangements  referred to as "refiling," the carrier in the destination  country
does not consent to receiving traffic from the originating  country and does not
realize the traffic it receives from the third  country is actually  originating
from a  different  country.  The FCC to date  has  made no  pronouncement  as to
whether refile arrangements  comport either with U.S. or ITU regulations.  It is
possible that the FCC may determine  that  refiling,  as defined,  violates U.S.
and/or  international  law. To the extent that the  Company's  traffic is routed
through  a  third  country  to  reach  a  destination   country,   such  an  FCC
determination  with respect to  transiting  and  refiling  could have a material
adverse  effect on the Company's  business,  results of operations and financial
condition.

     The FCC also  regulates  the ability of U.S.-based  international  carriers
affiliated with foreign carriers to serve markets where the foreign affiliate is
dominant. U.S.-based carriers must report to the FCC a 10% ownership affiliation
with a foreign carrier. A U.S.  international  carrier is required to notify the
FCC prior to entering  into an agreement  that would  provide a foreign  carrier
with a 10% or greater interest in the U.S. carrier. This notification is subject
to a public notice and comment period and FCC review to determine whether a U.S.
carrier should be regulated as dominant on routes where the foreign affiliate is
dominant. The Company has provided notification to the FCC of the 15% investment
in the Company by an affiliate of Portugal Telecom, a foreign carrier from a WTO
member country and signatory to the WTO Agreement.  Currently, the FCC considers
a U.S. international carrier to be dominant, and will limit its entry, on routes
where a foreign  carrier has a 25% or greater or a  controlling  interest in the
U.S.  carrier or where the U.S.  carrier  has a 25% or  greater  or  controlling
interest in the foreign  carrier.  In order for a U.S. carrier that has a 25% or
greater  affiliation  with or controls or is controlled by a foreign  carrier to
receive  authority  from the FCC to enter markets  where the foreign  carrier is
dominant,  the U.S. carrier is required to show to the FCC that it meets the ECO
test, i.e. that effective opportunities exist for other U.S. carriers to compete
in the foreign  market.  As a result of WTO  Agreement,  the FCC has proposed to
replace the ECO test with a rebuttable  presumption  in favor of foreign  market
entry by U.S.  carriers  with foreign  affiliates  in WTO member  countries.  If
adopted, the FCC's liberalized foreign market entry policies may have a two-fold
effect on the Company: (i) increased opportunities for foreign investment in and
by the  Company  and entry by the Company  into WTO member  countries;  and (ii)
increased  competition  for the Company from other U.S.  international  carriers
serving or seeking to serve WTO member countries.

                                       42


<PAGE>






     The  FCC  may   condition,   modify  or  revoke  any  of  the  Section  214
authorizations  granted to the Company for violations of the Communications Act,
the FCC's rules and policies or the  conditions of those  authorizations  or may
impose monetary forfeitures for such violations.  Any such action on the part of
the FCC may have a material adverse effect on the Company's business,  financial
condition and results of operations

 Interstate and Intrastate Services

     The Company's  provision of domestic  long  distance  service in the United
States is subject to regulation by the FCC and certain state PSCs,  who regulate
to varying degrees interstate and intrastate rates,  respectively,  ownership of
transmission facilities,  and the terms and conditions under which the Company's
domestic  services  are  provided.  In  general,  neither  the FCC nor the  PSCs
exercise direct oversight over cost  justification for domestic carriers' rates,
services or profit levels, but either or both may do so in the future.  Domestic
carriers  such  as the  Company,  however,  are  required  by  federal  law  and
regulations to file tariffs listing the rates,  terms and conditions  applicable
to their  interstate  services.  The Company has filed  domestic  long  distance
tariffs with the FCC.  The FCC adopted an order on October 29, 1996  eliminating
the requirement  that  non-dominant  interstate  carriers,  such as the Company,
maintain FCC tariffs for domestic  interstate long distance service.  This order
was to take effect as of December 1997.  However, on February 13, 1997, the U.S.
Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit ruled that the FCC's order be stayed pending
judicial review of appeals  challenging  the order.  Should the appeals fail and
the FCC's order become  effective,  the Company may benefit from the elimination
of FCC tariffs by gaining more flexibility and speed in dealing with marketplace
changes.  The absence of tariffs,  however,  will also  require that the Company
secure contractual  agreements with its customers regarding many of the terms of
its existing  tariffs or face possible  claims arising because the rights of the
parties are no longer clearly defined. To the extent that the Company's customer
base involves "casual calling" customers, the potential absence of tariffs would
require  the  Company  to  establish  contractual  methods  to  limit  potential
liability.

     In addition, the Company generally is also required to obtain certification
from the relevant state PSC prior to the initiation of intrastate service and to
file tariffs  with such states.  The Company  currently  has the  certifications
required to provide service in 21 states,  and has filed or is in the process of
filing requests for certification in 13 additional states.  Although the Company
intends and expects to obtain operating  authority in each jurisdiction in which
operating  authority is required,  there can be no assurance that one or more of
these jurisdictions will not deny the Company's request for operating authority.
Any failure to maintain proper federal and state  certification  or tariffs,  or
any  difficulties or delays in obtaining  required  certifications  could have a
material  adverse  effect on the  Company's  business,  financial  condition and
results of operations.  Many states also impose various  reporting  requirements
and/or  require prior  approval for transfers of control of certified  carriers,
corporate  reorganizations,   acquisitions  of  telecommunications   operations,
assignments  of carrier  assets,  carrier  stock  offerings,  and  incurrence by
carriers  of  significant  debt  obligations.   Certificates  of  authority  can
generally be conditioned,  modified,  canceled,  terminated, or revoked by state
regulatory  authorities  for  failure to comply with state law and/or the rules,
regulations,  and policies of the PSCs.  Fines and other  penalties  also may be
imposed for such  violations.  Any such action by the PSCs could have a material
adverse  effect on the Company's  business,  financial  condition and results of
operations  The Company  monitors  regulatory  developments  in all 50 states to
ensure regulatory compliance.

 Casual Calling Issues

     The FCC is currently  engaged in a rulemaking to expand the number of codes
available  for  casual  calling  services.  An  increase  in the number of codes
available for casual calling will allow for increased  competition in the casual
calling industry. In addition,  the FCC is considering rules to require dominant
local exchange  carriers and competitive local exchange carriers to make billing
arrangements  available on a  nondiscriminatory  basis to casual calling service
providers.  The Company  already has LEC billing  arrangements  in place but may
wish to take  advantage  of rules  the FCC may  adopt  to  develop  new  billing
arrangements  with competing LECs.  Competing casual calling  providers  without
billing  arrangements also would benefit from such a  nondiscriminatory  billing
obligation.

                                       43


<PAGE>






 Other Legislative and Regulatory Initiatives


     The 1996 Act is designed to promote  local  competition  through  state and
federal  deregulation.  As part of its  pro-competitive  policies,  the 1996 Act
frees the RBOCs from the judicial orders that prohibited their provision of long
distance services outside of their operating  territories  (LATAs). The 1996 Act
provides  specific  guidelines  that  allow the RBOCs to provide  long  distance
inter-LATA service to customers inside the RBOC's region but not before the RBOC
has demonstrated to the FCC and state regulators that it has opened up its local
network  to  competition  and  met a  "competitive  checklist"  of  requirements
designed to provide competing network providers with nondiscriminatory access to
the RBOC's local network.  To date, RBOCs in two states have filed  applications
for in-region long distance  authority with the FCC -- Ameritech  Corporation in
Michigan and SBC in Oklahoma. Ameritech has been required to refile the Michigan
application  which is pending before the FCC. The SBC  application was denied by
the FCC, and the denial is pending judicial  review.  These  developments  could
permit  RBOCs to compete  with the  Company in the  provision  of  domestic  and
international long distance services.  The FCC also has proposed rules to govern
the RBOCs's  provision of  affiliated  out-of-region  interstate,  interexchange
services.  Among other things, the FCC has proposed to allow affiliates of RBOCs
that provide out-of-region interstate,  interexchange service to be regulated as
non-dominant carriers, under certain circumstances.

     The 1996 Act also contains  provisions  that will permit the FCC to forbear
from any provision of the  Communications  Act or FCC regulation  upon a finding
that  forbearance  will  promote   competition  and  that  the  carrier  seeking
forbearance does not possess market power. FCC forbearance  could reduce some of
the Company's  regulatory  requirements,  such as filing  specific rates for its
domestic interstate interexchange services.

     To  originate  and  terminate  calls in  connection  with  providing  their
services,  long  distance  carriers  such as the Company must  purchase  "access
services" from LECs or CLECs.  Access charges represent a significant portion of
the Company's cost of U.S. domestic long distance services and, generally,  such
access charges are regulated by the FCC for interstate  services and by PSCs for
intrastate  services.  The FCC has  undertaken  a  comprehensive  review  of its
regulation  of LEC access  charges to better  account for  increasing  levels of
local  competition.  Under  alternative  access  charge  rate  structures  being
considered by the FCC, LECs would be permitted to allow volume  discounts in the
pricing of access charges.  While the outcome of these proceedings is uncertain,
if these rate structures are adopted, many long distance carriers, including the
Company,   could  be  placed  at  a  significant  cost  disadvantage  to  larger
competitors.

     Certain additional provisions of the 1996 Act, and the rules that have been
proposed to be adopted pursuant thereto,  could materially affect the growth and
operation of the  telecommunications  industry and the services  provided by the
Company.  Further,  certain of the 1996 Act's  provisions  have been, and likely
will continue to be, judicially challenged. The Company is unable to predict the
outcome of such  rulemakings or litigation or the substantive  effect of the new
legislation  and the  rulemakings  on the  Company's  business,  operations  and
financial condition.

 WTO Agreement on Basic Telecommunications

     In February 1997, the WTO announced that 69 countries, including the United
States,  Japan,  and  all of the  member  states  of the EU,  agreed  on the WTO
Agreement to facilitate  competition in basic  telecommunications  services. The
WTO Agreement becomes  effective  January 1, 1998.  Pursuant to the terms of the
WTO  Agreement,  signatories  to the WTO  Agreement  have  committed  to varying
degrees to allow access to their domestic and international markets to competing
telecommunications  providers,  allow  foreign  ownership  interests in existing
telecommunications  providers  and establish  regulatory  schemes to develop and
implement policies to accommodate telecommunications competition.

     The FCC has initiated  certain  proceedings  which must be completed by the
end of the year to review,  and modify if necessary,  its current  international
telecommunications   policies  in  light  of  U.S.  obligations  under  the  WTO
Agreement.  These  proceedings  address,  among other  issues,  the viability of
equivalency   and  other   reciprocity   principles   currently   applicable  to
international facilities-based and

                                       44


<PAGE>





resale services,  foreign ownership limitations,  foreign carrier entry into the
U.S. market, and accounting rate benchmarks. Correspondingly, telecommunications
markets in many foreign countries are expected to be significantly  liberalized,
creating additional competitive market opportunities for U.S. telecommunications
businesses  such as the Company.  Although  many  countries  have agreed to make
certain changes to increase competition in its respective markets,  there can be
no assurance that countries will enact or implement the legislation  required to
effect the changes contained the offers in a timely manner or at all. Failure by
a country to meet  commitments  made under the WTO  Agreement may give rise to a
cause of action for the injured foreign  countries to lodge a trade dispute with
the WTO.  At this time,  the  Company  is unable to  predict  the effect the WTO
Agreement  and  related  developments  might  have  on its  business,  financial
condition and results of operations.

EMPLOYEES

     As of August 1, 1997,  the Company had 49 full time  employees  and 33 part
time employees.  None of the Company's employees are currently  represented by a
collective  bargaining  agreement.  The Company believes that its relations with
its employees are good.

PROPERTIES

     The Company's  headquarters are located in approximately 18,500 square feet
of space in Bethesda, Maryland. The Company leases this space under an agreement
under which it pays $15,226 per month,  which  expires on November 1, 1999.  The
Company also is a party to a co-location  agreement  whereby it has the right to
occupy certain space in Washington, D.C. as a site for its switching facilities,
under  which it pays $250 per  month,  and is in the  process of  negotiating  a
co-location  agreement with another party for approximately 2,000 square feet in
New  York  City  to  house  new  switching  facilities.  The  Washington,   D.C.
co-location  agreement is currently  renewable on a year-to-year  basis, and the
New York City  co-location  agreement  is expected to have a term of five years,
with a five year  renewal  option.  The Company  anticipates  that it will incur
additional  lease  and  co-location  expenses  as it adds  additional  switching
capacity.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     The Company is from time to time involved in  litigation  incidental to the
conduct of its business.  The Company is not currently a party to any lawsuit or
proceeding  which,  in the opinion of  management,  is likely to have a material
adverse  effect on the Company's  business,  financial  condition and results of
operations.

                                       45


<PAGE>






                                   MANAGEMENT


DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

     The following  table sets forth, as of July 31, 1997,  certain  information
regarding the Company's directors and executive officers.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 YEAR OF EXPIRATION
         NAME                AGE                    POSITION                     OF TERM AS DIRECTOR
- --------------------------   -----   -----------------------------------------   --------------------
<S>                          <C>     <C>                                         <C>
Ram Mukunda   ............   38      President, Chief Executive Officer,                   2000
                                     Treasurer and Director
Prabhav V. Maniyar  ......   38      Senior Vice President, Chief Financial                1999
                                     Officer, Secretary and Director
Anthony Das   ............   43      Vice President, International Relations               N/A
Gustavo Pereira  .........   43      Vice President, Engineering                           N/A
Nazir G. Dossani .........   55      Director                                              1998
Richard K. Prins .........   40      Director                                              1998
Vijay Srinivas   .........   44      Director                                              1999
</TABLE>


     RAM  MUKUNDA  is  the  founder  and  majority  owner  of  STARTEC. Prior to
founding  STARTEC  in  1989,  Mr.  Mukunda  was Advisor, Strategic Planning with
INTELSAT,   an   international   consortium  responsible  for  global  satellite
services.  While  at  INTELSAT,  he  was  responsible  for  issues  relating  to
corporate,  business,  financial planning and strategic development. Mr. Mukunda
earned  a  M.S.  in  Electrical Engineering from the University of Maryland. Mr.
Mukunda and Mr. Srinivas are brothers-in-law.

     PRABHAV  V.  MANIYAR  joined  STARTEC as Chief Financial Officer in January
1997.  From  June  1993  until  he joined the Company, Mr. Maniyar was the Chief
Financial  Officer  of Eldyne, Inc., Unidyne Corporation and Diversified Control
Systems,  LLC  collectively  know as the Witt Group of Companies. The Witt Group
of  Companies  was acquired by the Titan Corporation in May 1996. From June 1985
to  May 1993, he held progressively more responsible positions with NationsBank.
Mr.  Maniyar  earned  a  B.S. in Economics from Virginia Commonwealth University
and  M.A.  in  Economics  from  Old  Dominion  University. Mr. Maniyar currently
serves as a director of Teletronics, Inc., a wireless modem product company.

     ANTHONY DAS joined STARTEC as Vice President of International  Relations in
February 1997. Prior to joining the Company,  Mr. Das was a Senior Consultant at
Armitage  Associates from April 1996 to January 1997.  Prior to joining Armitage
Associates,  he  served  as a  Senior  Career  Executive  in the  Office  of the
Secretary,  Department of Commerce from 1993 to 1995, from 1990 to 1993, Mr. Das
was the Director of Public  Communication at the State Department.  Mr. Das is a
graduate of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.

     GUSTAVO  PEREIRA joined  STARTEC in August,  1995 and is Vice President for
Engineering.  From 1989 until he joined the Company in 1995,  Mr. Pereira served
as Director of Switching  Systems for Marconi in Portugal.  In this  capacity he
supervised   more  than  100  engineers,   he  was  responsible  for  Portugal's
international telecommunications network.

     NAZIR  G.  DOSSANI  will  join  STARTEC  as  a  director  immediately  upon
completion   of   the   Offering.  Mr.  Dossani  has  been  Vice  President  for
Asset/Liability  Management  at  Freddie  Mac  since January 1993. Prior to this
position,  Mr.  Dossani  was Vice President -- Pricing and Portfolio Analysis at
Fannie  Mae.  Mr.  Dossani  received  a  Ph.D.  in  Regional  Sciences  from the
University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from Wharton School of Business.

     RICHARD  K.  PRINS  will  join  STARTEC  as  a  director  immediately  upon
completion  of  the  Offering. Mr. Prins is currently Senior Vice President with
Ferris,  Baker Watts, Incorporated. From July 1988 through March 1996, he served
as Managing Director of Investment Banking with Crestar Securities


                                       46


<PAGE>






Corporation.  Mr.  Prins received an MBA from Oral Roberts University and a B.A.
from  Colgate University. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Path
Net,  Inc.,  a  domestic  telecommunications  company,  and  The Association for
Corporate Growth, National Capital Chapter.

     VIJAY  SRINIVAS  is the  brother-in-law  of Ram  Mukunda  and is a founding
director of the Company. He has a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from the University
of North  Dakota  and is a  senior  research  scientist  at ELF  Atochem,  North
America, a diversified chemical company.

CERTAIN KEY EMPLOYEES

     SUBHASH  PAI  joined  STARTEC  in  January,  1992  and  is  Controller  and
Assistant  Secretary.  Mr.  Pai  is  a CA/CPA. Prior to joining STARTEC, he held
various positions with a multinational shipping company in India.

     DHRUVA  KUMAR  joined  STARTEC  in April,  1993 and is  Director  of Global
Carrier Services. Prior to managing the Carrier Services group, Mr. Kumar held a
series of progressively more responsible positions within the Company.

     T.J.  MASTER  joined  STARTEC  in  May,  1993  and  is  Manager of Switched
Services.  Mr.  Master  is  responsible  for the Company's residential marketing
efforts.   Previously   he  was  Marketing  Executive  at  the  Times  of  India
publication group in New Delhi.

     TEFERI  DEJENE  joined  STARTEC in October,  1992 and is  Manager,  Network
Switching.   Since  1992,  Mr.  Dejene  held  a  series  of  progressively  more
responsible positions in network operations.

     SOSSINA  TAFARI  joined  STARTEC  in  May,  1993  and  is  Manager, Network
Operations.  Ms.  Tafari  manages Network Operations for the Company. Previously
she worked in network maintenance for MCI.

CLASSIFIED BOARD OF DIRECTORS

     Pursuant to its Charter,  the Company's  Board of Directors is divided into
three  classes of directors  each  containing,  as nearly as possible,  an equal
number of directors. Directors within each class are elected to serve three-year
terms, and  approximately  one-third of the directors stand for election at each
annual meeting of the Company's  stockholders.  A classified  Board of Directors
may have the effect of  deterring or delaying any attempt by any person or group
to obtain control of the Company by a proxy contest since such third party would
be required to have its  nominees  elected at two  separate  annual  meetings of
stockholders  in order to elect a majority  of the  members  of the  Board.  See
"Control  of Company by Current  Stockholders"  and  Certain  Provisions  of the
Company's Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Maryland Law."

COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

     Following   completion  of  the  Offering,  the  Board  of  Directors  will
establish  two  standing  committees:  the  Audit Committee and the Compensation
Committee.

     The Audit  Committee  will be charged with  recommending  the engagement of
independent accountants to audit the Company's financial statements,  discussing
the scope and results of the audit with the independent  accountants,  reviewing
the functions of the Company's management and independent accountants pertaining
to the Company's financial  statements,  reviewing  management's  procedures and
policies  regarding  internal  accounting  controls,  and performing  such other
related duties and functions as are deemed  appropriate  by the Audit  Committee
and the Board of Directors. Upon completion of the Offering, Messrs. Dossani and
Prins will serve as the members of the Committee.

     The Compensation  Committee will be responsible for reviewing and approving
salaries,  bonuses and benefits paid or given to all  executive  officers of the
Company  and making  recommendations  to the Board of  Directors  with regard to
employee  compensation and benefit plans.  The Compensation  Committee will also
administer  the  Company's  Restated  Stock  Option  Plan and  1997  Performance
Incentive Plan. Upon completion of the Offering,  Messrs. Dossani and Prins will
serve as the members of the Compensation Committee.

                                       47


<PAGE>






COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION

     The Board of Directors did not have a Compensation  Committee  prior to the
Offering.  Accordingly,  the entire Board of Directors,  including directors who
are  executive  officers  of the  Company,  made all  determinations  concerning
compensation  of executive  officers.  Following the completion of the Offering,
the Board of  Directors  will  establish  a  Compensation  Committee  which will
consist  entirely of directors  who are not  employees  of the Company.  See "--
Committees of the Board."

COMPENSATION OF DIRECTORS

     Currently,  the Company's  directors do not receive cash  compensation  for
their service on the Board of Directors.  Following  completion of the Offering,
directors who are not executive officers or employees of the Company may receive
meeting fees,  committee fees and other  compensation.  Members of the Board who
are not  officers of the  Company are  entitled to receive a grant of options to
purchase  5,000 shares of the Company's  Common Stock upon joining the Board and
additional  options to purchase 2,000 shares per year thereafter.  All directors
will be reimbursed for reasonable  out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection
with attendance at board and committee meetings.

COMPENSATION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS


     The following Summary Compensation Table sets forth the compensation earned
by the Company's  President and Chief  Executive  Officer and the Vice President
for Engineering (the "Named Officers") during the three years ended December 31,
1994, 1995 and 1996. No other executive officer earned in excess of $100,000 for
services  rendered in all capacities to the Company during the three years ended
December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996.


                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        ANNUAL COMPENSATION
                                           ---------------------------------------------
              NAME AND                                                     OTHER ANNUAL
         PRINCIPAL POSITION                YEAR     SALARY       BONUS     COMPENSATION
- ----------------------------------------   ------   ----------   -------   -------------
<S>                                        <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>
Ram Mukunda  ...........................   1996     $165,875     N/A       $18,000(1)
 President and Chief Executive Officer     1995      150,000     N/A          N/A
                                           1994      127,000     N/A          N/A
Gustavo Pereira(2) .....................   1996      110,000     N/A          N/A
 Vice President, Engineering               1995      32,000      N/A          N/A
                                           1994       N/A        N/A          N/A
</TABLE>
- ----------
(1)  This amount represents the value of an automobile allowance.

(2)  Mr. Pereira joined the Company in August 1995.

STOCK OPTION GRANTS

     During  the year ended  December  31,  1996,  the Named  Officers  were not
awarded any options to purchase  any  securities  of the  Company,  nor were the
Named Officers granted any stock appreciation rights during fiscal 1996.

OPTION EXERCISES AND HOLDINGS

     There were no options  exercised by the Named  Officers for the fiscal year
ended  December 31, 1996 or  outstanding  at the end of that year,  nor were any
stock  appreciation  rights exercised during such year or outstanding at the end
of that year.

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

     The Company  entered into an employment  agreement with Ram Mukunda on July
1, 1997 (the  "Mukunda  Employment  Agreement"),  pursuant to which Mr.  Mukunda
holds the positions of President,  Chief Executive  Officer and Treasurer of the
Company, is paid an annual base salary of $250,000


                                       48


<PAGE>





per year, is entitled to participate in the Company's 1997 Performance Incentive
Plan,  and is  eligible  to  receive  a bonus,  as  determined  by the  Board of
Directors of the Company based upon the financial and operating  performance  of
the Company.  In addition,  the Mukunda  Employment  Agreement  provides that if
there is a "Change of Control" (as defined below), Mr. Mukunda will receive, for
the longer of twelve  (12) months or the  remainder  of what would have been the
balance of the term under his employment agreement (which initially could be for
a period of up to three years), the following benefits:  (1) a severance payment
equal to $20,830 per month,  (2) a pro rata portion of the bonus  applicable  to
the calendar year in which such termination  occurs,  (3) all accrued but unpaid
base salary and other benefits as of the date of termination, and (4) such other
benefits  as he  was  eligible  to  participate  in at and  as of  the  date  of
termination.

     The Company also entered into an employment  agreement with Prabhav Maniyar
on July 1, 1997 (the  "Maniyar  Employment  Agreement"),  pursuant  to which Mr.
Maniyar  holds the  positions of Vice  President,  Chief  Financial  Officer and
Secretary of the Company, is paid an annual base salary of $175,000 per year, is
entitled to participate in the Company's 1997 Performance Incentive Plan, and is
eligible to receive a bonus,  as  determined  by the Board of  Directors  of the
Company based upon the financial and operating  performance  of the Company.  In
addition,  the Maniyar Employment  Agreement provides that if there is a "Change
of Control" (as defined  below),  Mr.  Maniyar will  receive,  for the longer of
twelve (12) months or the  remainder  of what would have been the balance of the
term under his employment agreement (which initially could be for a period of up
to three  years),  the  following  benefits:  (1) a severance  payment  equal to
$14,580  per  month,  (2) a pro rata  portion  of the  bonus  applicable  to the
calendar year in which such termination  occurs, (3) all accrued but unpaid base
salary and other  benefits,  and (4) such other  benefits as he was  eligible to
participate in at and as of the date of termination.

     The Mukunda  Agreement and the Maniyar  Agreement each have an initial term
of three years and are renewable for successive one year terms. In addition, the
agreements also contain provisions which restrict the ability of Messrs. Mukunda
and  Maniyar  to compete  with the  Company  for a period of one year  following
termination.

     A "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred, with respect to the
terms and conditions set forth in each of the Mukunda  Employment  Agreement and
the Maniyar Employment Agreement,  if (A) any person becomes a beneficial owner,
directly or indirectly, of securities of the Company representing 30% or more of
the  combined  voting  power of all classes of the  Company's  then  outstanding
voting  securities;  or (B) during any period of two consecutive  calendar years
individuals  who at the  beginning  of  such  period  constitute  the  Board  of
Directors,  cease for any  reason to  constitute  at least a  majority  thereof,
unless the election or nomination for the election by the Company's shareholders
of each new director was approved by a vote of at least  two-thirds (2/3) of the
directors then still in office who either were directors at the beginning of the
two-year  period or whose  election or nomination for election was previously so
approved;   or  (C)  the  shareholders  of  the  Company  approve  a  merger  or
consolidation  of the  Company  with any other  company or entity,  other than a
merger or  consolidation  that  would  result in the  voting  securities  of the
Company outstanding  immediately prior thereto continuing to represent more than
50% of the combined voting power of the voting securities of the Company or such
surviving  entity  outstanding  immediately  after such merger or  consolidation
(exclusive of the  situation  where the merger or  consolidation  is effected in
order to implement a recapitalization of the Company in which no person acquires
more than 30% of the combined  voting power of the  Company's  then  outstanding
securities);  or (D) the  shareholders of the Company approve a plan of complete
liquidation  of the Company or an agreement for the sale or  disposition  by the
Company of all or substantially all of the Company's assets.

STOCK OPTION PLANS

 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan

     The Company adopted the STARTEC, Inc. Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan")
in 1993 to encourage stock ownership by key management employees of the Company,
to provide an incentive for such employees to expand and improve the profits and
prosperity of the Company and to assist the

                                       49


<PAGE>





Company in attracting  and retaining key personnel  through the grant of options
to purchase shares of Common Stock. The Board of Directors  amended and restated
the  Option  Plan in  January  1997 to  establish  a  determinable  date for the
exercisability  of  options  granted  under the  Option  Plan and to make  other
changes and updates.

     The Option  Plan  provided  for the grant of options to  purchase  up to an
aggregate of 270,000 shares of Common Stock to selected  full-time  employees of
the Company. Options granted may be exercised only upon the occurrence of a sale
of more than fifty percent of the Common Stock in one transaction, a dissolution
or liquidation of the Company, a merger or consolidation of the Company in which
it is not the  surviving  corporation,  a filing by the Company of an  effective
registration  statement under the Securities Act, or the seventh  anniversary of
the date the participant is first hired as a full-time  employee of the Company.
All such  options  terminate  and expire under the Option Plan on the earlier of
ten  years  from the date of grant  or the  date the  participant  is no  longer
employed  by  the  Company  as  a  full-time  employee  and  such  participant's
employment  was not  terminated as a result of death or permanent  disability of
the participant,  or the Company's  termination of the  participant's  full-time
employment without cause.

     As of March 31, 1997, options to purchase an aggregate of 269,766 shares of
Common Stock have been granted to 32 persons with exercise  prices  ranging from
$0.30 to $1.85 per share.  Pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors,  no
further awards may be made under the Option Plan.

 1997 Performance Incentive Plan

     On August 1, 1997, the Board of Directors approved and recommended that the
stockholders  approve  the  Company's  1997  Performance   Incentive  Plan  (the
"Performance  Plan").  The  purpose of the  Performance  Plan is to support  the
Company's ongoing efforts to develop and retain qualified  directors,  employees
and  consultants  and to  provide  the  Company  with  the  ability  to  provide
incentives more directly linked to the  profitability of the Company's  business
and increases in stockholder  value.  The Company  anticipates its  stockholders
will approve the Performance Plan on August 15, 1997.

     The  Performance  Plan provides for the award to eligible  employees of the
Company of stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, and other
stock-based awards, as well as cash-based annual and long-term incentive awards.
The  Performance  Plan  reserves  750,000  shares of Common Stock for  issuance,
representing 10% of the shares of Common Stock outstanding  including the shares
offered hereby. The Company may grant options to acquire up to 480,000 shares of
Common Stock  without  triggering  the  antidilution  provisions of the warrants
issued to Signet Bank. The Performance  Plan will be administered by a committee
of the Board of  Directors.  This  committee  will select the  employees to whom
awards will be granted and will set the terms and conditions of such awards. The
shares of Common  Stock  subject  to any award  that  terminates,  expires or is
cashed out without  payment being made in the form of Common Stock will again be
available for distribution  under the Performance  Plan, as will shares that are
used by an employee  to pay  withholding  taxes or as payment  for the  exercise
price of an award.

     Awards under the Performance Plan are not transferable  except in the event
of the  employee's  death or unless  otherwise  required by law. Other terms and
conditions of each award will be set forth in award agreements.  The Performance
Plan constitutes an unfunded plan for incentive compensation.

INDEMNIFICATION AND LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

     The Company's Charter provides that the Company shall indemnify its current
and former  officers and directors  against any and all liabilities and expenses
incurred in  connection  with their  services in such  capacities to the maximum
extent  permitted  by Maryland  law, as from time to time  amended.  The Charter
further provides that the right to indemnification  shall also include the right
to be  paid  by the  Company  for  expenses  incurred  in  connection  with  any
proceeding arising out of such service in advance of its final disposition.  The
Charter  further  provides  that the  Company  may,  by  action  of its Board of
Directors,  provide  indemnification  to such of the employees and agents of the
Company  and such  other  persons  serving at the  request  of the  Company as a
director, officer, partner, trustee, employee or agent

                                       50


<PAGE>





of another corporation,  partnership,  joint venture, trust, or other enterprise
to such extent and to such effect as is  permitted by Maryland law and the Board
of  Directors  may  determine.  The  Company  expects to purchase  and  maintain
insurance on behalf of any person who is or was a director,  officer,  employee,
or agent of the Company, or is or was serving at the request of the Company as a
director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation,  partnership, joint
venture,  trust, or other  enterprise  against any expense,  liability,  or loss
incurred  by such  person in any such  capacity  or arising out of his status as
such,  whether or not the Company  would have the power to indemnify him against
such liability  under Maryland law. The Charter  provides that (i) the foregoing
rights  of  indemnification  and  advancement  of  expenses  shall not be deemed
exclusive of any other rights to which any officer, director,  employee or agent
of the Company  may be entitled  (ii)  neither the  amendment  nor repeal of the
Charter,  nor the  adoption of any  additional  or  amendment  provision  of the
Charter or the By-laws shall apply to or affect in any respect the applicability
of the  Charter's  provisions  with  respect to  indemnification  for any act or
failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.


                                       51


<PAGE>






                            PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS


     The  following  table sets  forth  information  as of July 31,  1997 and as
adjusted to reflect the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby concerning:  (i)
each  person or group known to the  Company to be the  beneficial  owner of more
than 5% of the Common Stock,  (ii) each  director of the Company,  (iii) each of
the Named Officers, and (iv) all directors and executive officers of the Company
as a group.  All  information  with  respect to  beneficial  ownership  has been
furnished to the Company by the respective stockholders.



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                SHARES BENEFICIALLY OWNED
                                                   ----------------------------------------------------
                                                                            PERCENT OF CLASS
                                                   NUMBER OF     --------------------------------------
             BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)                   SHARES(2)     BEFORE OFFERING     AFTER OFFERING(3)
- ------------------------------------------------   -----------   -----------------   ------------------
<S>                                                <C>           <C>                 <C>
Ram Mukunda(4)    ..............................   3,579,675            60.1%                45.5%
Blue Carol Enterprises Ltd(5) ..................     807,124            13.5%                10.3%
Vijay Srinivas(6)    ...........................     311,200             5.2%                 4.0%
Prabhav V. Maniyar   ...........................     107,616             1.8%                 1.4%
Signet Bank(7) .................................     269,900             4.5%                 3.4%
Nazir G. Dossani(8)  ...........................       5,000               *                    *
Richard K. Prins(9)  ...........................       5,000               *                    *
Gustavo Pereira   ..............................           0              --                   --
All Directors and Executive Officers as a Group
 ( 7 persons)    ...............................   4,015,991            67.4%                51.1%
</TABLE>
- ----------

*    Represents  beneficial  ownership of less than 1% of the outstanding shares
     of Common Stock.

(1)  Unless  otherwise  noted,  the address of all persons listed is c/o Startec
     Global  Communications  Corporation,  10411 Motor City Drive,  Bethesda, MD
     20817.

(2)  Beneficial  ownership is  determined  in  accordance  with the rules of the
     Commission.  Shares of Common Stock  subject to options,  warrants or other
     rights to  purchase  which are  currently  exercisable  or are  exercisable
     within 60 days of July 31, 1997 are deemed  outstanding  for  computing the
     percentage  ownership  of the persons  holding  such  options,  warrants or
     rights,  but  are not  deemed  outstanding  for  computing  the  percentage
     ownership of any other  person.  Unless  otherwise  indicated,  each person
     possesses  sole  voting and  investment  power  with  respect to the shares
     identified as beneficially owned.

(3)  Assumes no exercise of the Underwriters' over-allotment option.

(4)  Mr.  Mukunda has pledged all of his shares of Common  Stock as security for
     the Company's  obligations  under the Signet  Agreement.  In addition,  Mr.
     Mukunda and Mr. and Mrs.  Srinivas  have  entered  into a Voting  Agreement
     dated as of July 31, 1997  pursuant  to which Mr.  Mukunda has the power to
     vote all of the shares held by Mr. and Mrs.  Srinivas.  See "Description of
     Capital Stock -- Signet Agreement."

(5)  The  address of Blue Carol  Enterprises  Ltd. is 930 Ocean  Center  Harbour
     City,  Kowloon,  Hong Kong. Blue Carol Enterprises Ltd. is an subsidiary of
     Portugal Telcom International.

(6)  Such shares are held by Mr. Srinivas and his wife as joint tenants. Mr. and
     Mrs.  Srinivas have pledged all of their shares of Common Stock as security
     for the Company's obligations under the Signet Agreement.  See "Description
     of Capital Stock -- Signet Agreement." In addition, Mr. Mukunda and Mr. and
     Mrs. Srinivas has entered into a Voting Agreement dated as of July 31, 1997
     pursuant to which Mr.  Mukunda has the power to vote all of the shares held
     by Mr. and Mrs. Srinivas.

(7)  In connection with the Signet Agreement,  the Company issued to Signet Bank
     warrants to purchase 539,800 shares of Common Stock.  Warrants with respect
     to 269,900 shares are currently  vested.  The remaining 269,900 shares will
     not vest if the Company  completes the Offering prior to December 31, 1997.
     See  "Description  of Capital Stock -- Signet  Agreement."  The address for
     Signet Bank is 7799 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500, Falls Church, VA 22043.

(8)  Upon joining the  Company's  Board of Directors,  Mr.  Dossani will receive
     options to purchase 5,000 shares of the Company's Common Stock.

(9)  Upon  joining the  Company's  Board of  Directors,  Mr.  Prins will receive
     options  to  purchase  5,000  shares  of the  Company's  Common  Stock.  In
     addition,  Mr.  Prins is a Senior Vice  President  of Ferris,  Baker Watts,
     Incorporated, one of the Representatives of the Underwriters. Ferris, Baker
     Watts,  Incorporated will receive warrants to purchase up to 150,000 shares
     of the Company's  Common Stock upon the  completion  of the  Offering.  See
     "Underwriting." Mr. Prins expressly disclaims  beneficial ownership of such
     warrants and shares.


                                       52


<PAGE>






                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS

     The Company has an agreement with Companhia Portuguesa Radio Marconi,  S.A.
("Marconi"),  an affiliate of Blue Carol Enterprises Ltd. ("Blue Carol"),  which
currently  holds 15% of the Company's  Common Stock for the purchase and sale of
long distance  services.  Revenues  generated  from this  affiliate  amounted to
approximately  $625,000,  $1,035,000 and  $1,051,000,  or 12%, 10% and 5% of the
Company's  total revenues for the years ended December 31, 1994,  1995 and 1996,
respectively.  Services  provided to the Company by this  affiliate  amounted to
approximately  $134,000 and $663,000 of the Company's  costs of services for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. No services were purchased
from this affiliate in fiscal 1994. The Company also has a lease  agreement with
Marconi for rights to use undersea  fiber optic cable under which the Company is
obligated to pay Marconi $38,330 semi-annually for five years on a resale basis.

     Pursuant to the terms of a  Subscription  Agreement  and an  Agreement  for
Management Participation by and among Blue Carol Enterprises,  Limited, Startec,
Inc. and Ram Mukunda dated as of February 8, 1995,  the Company and Mr.  Mukunda
granted Blue Carol certain  management rights in the Company.  The agreement was
subsequently amended in June 1997 to remove certain  restrictions  applicable to
the Company.  This  agreement  terminates,  and all of Blue  Carol's  management
rights expire, upon the completion of this Offering.

     The Company  provided  long  distance  services to EAA,  Inc.  ("EAA"),  an
affiliate  owned by Ram Mukunda,  the Company's  President  and Chief  Executive
Officer.  Payments  received by the Company from EAA  amounted to  approximately
$396,000  and  $262,000  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  1995  and  1996,
respectively.  Accounts  receivable  from EAA were  $167,000 and $64,000 for the
years ended December 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. There were no transactions
with EAA in 1994.  The  Company  believes  that the  services  provided  were on
standard commercial terms.

     The  Company  was indebted to Vijay and Usha Srinivas and Mrs. B.V. Mukunda
under   certain   notes   payable  in  the  amounts  of  $46,000  and  $100,000,
respectively  as of March 31, 1997. Mr. and Mrs. Srinivas are the brother-in-law
and  sister,  and  Mrs. B.V. Mukunda is the mother of Ram Mukunda, the Company's
President  and Chief Executive Officer. The interest rates on these notes ranged
from 15% to 25%. These amounts were repaid in July 1997.

     In July 1997, the Company  offered to exchange  shares of its voting Common
Stock for all of the issued and outstanding  shares of its non-voting  stock, or
alternatively,  to  repurchase  such  shares of  non-voting  stock for cash.  In
connection  therewith,  Mr. Mukunda  exchanged 17,175 shares of non-voting stock
for an equal number of shares of voting Common Stock.

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<PAGE>






                         DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

GENERAL

     Upon the  completion  of this  offering,  the Company will be authorized to
issue  20,000,000  shares of Common Stock,  par value $.01 per share and 100,000
shares of Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share.

COMMON STOCK

     As  of  July  31,  1997,  there  were  5,397,999  shares  of  Common  Stock
outstanding held of record by 15 stockholders.  As of July 31, 1997,  options to
purchase an aggregate of 269,766  shares of Common  Stock were  outstanding,  of
which no options  were  exercisable,  warrants  and other  rights to purchase an
aggregate  of  563,800  shares of Common  Stock were also  outstanding  of which
options and warrants to purchase  269,900  shares were then  exercisable.  After
giving effect to the sale of 1,900,000  shares of Common Stock by the Company in
this  Offering,  there  will be  7,297,999  shares of Common  Stock  outstanding
(7,582,999  shares if the  Underwriters'  over-allotment  option is exercised in
full).

     The  holders  of  Common  Stock are  entitled  to one vote per share on all
matters to be voted on by  stockholders,  including with respect to the election
of  directors.  There  are  no  cumulative  voting  rights  in the  election  of
directors.  Subject to the prior rights of holders of Preferred  Stock,  if any,
the holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive such  dividends,  if any, as
may be declared  from time to time by the Board of Directors  in its  discretion
from funds legally  available  therefor.  Upon liquidation or dissolution of the
Company,  the remainder of the assets of the Company will be distributed ratably
among  the  holders  of  Common  Stock  after  payment  of  liabilities  and the
liquidation preferences of any outstanding shares of Preferred Stock. The Common
Stock has no preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no conversion
rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions with respect to such shares. All
of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares to be sold in this
offering will be, fully paid and nonassessable.

     Prior to the Offering,  the Company's  capital  structure  consisted of two
classes of common  stock,  one class with  voting  rights and one class  without
voting rights.  In July 1997, the Company  offered to exchange  shares of voting
Common Stock for all of its issued and outstanding  shares of non-voting  common
stock, or,  alternatively  to repurchase such shares of non-voting  common stock
for cash.  All of the  shares of  non-voting  common  stock  were  exchanged  or
repurchased  pursuant to the offer and the class of non-voting  common stock has
been eliminated.

PREFERRED STOCK

     The Board of Directors has the  authority to issue up to 100,000  shares of
Preferred Stock in one or more series and to fix the price, rights, preferences,
privileges and restrictions thereof,  including dividend rights, dividend rates,
conversion  rights,  voting  rights,  terms of  redemption,  redemption  prices,
liquidation  preferences  and the number of shares  constituting a series or the
designation of such series,  without any further vote or action by the Company's
stockholders.  The  issuance  of  Preferred  Stock,  while  providing  desirable
flexibility  in  connection  with  possible  acquisitions  and  other  corporate
purposes, could have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change in
control  of the  Company  without  further  action by the  stockholders  and may
adversely  affect the market  price of, and the voting and other  rights of, the
holders of Common Stock. There are no shares of Preferred Stock outstanding, and
the Company has no current plans to issue any shares of Preferred Stock.

SIGNET AGREEMENT

     In connection with the Signet Agreement,  the Company issued to Signet Bank
warrants  (the "Signet  Warrants") to purchase  539,800  shares of Common Stock,
representing  10% of the outstanding  Common Stock, on a fully-diluted  basis on
the date of issuance.  Warrants  with  respect to 269,900 of such shares  vested
fully on the date of issuance.  No additional  Signet  Warrants will vest if the
Company  consummates an initial public  offering prior to December 31, 1997. The
exercise price of the Signet

                                       54


<PAGE>






Warrants is $8.46 per share,  and the warrants  expire July 1, 2002. The holders
of the Signet  Warrants will have no voting or other  stockholder  rights unless
and until the  Signet  Warrants  are  exercised.  The number of shares of Common
Stock  issuable  and the  exercise  price of the Signet  Warrants are subject to
anti-dilution  adjustments in the event the Company issues  additional shares of
Common Stock or options to purchase  shares of Common Stock (except  pursuant to
certain  outstanding  warrants,  existing  employee  options,  and up to 750,000
shares that may be issued in connection with issuances of options under employee
incentive plans). The intent of the antidilution  provisions is to permit Signet
Bank to maintain its  percentage  ownership  after the  Offering,  which will be
3.4%, regardless of future sales or issuance by the Company of its Common Stock,
options,  warrants  or other  rights to purchase  Common  Stock,  or  securities
convertible into Common Stock (subject to the exceptions  outlined above) and to
give Signet Bank price  protection  such that the $8.46  purchase  price will be
adjusted downward in the event of future sales or issuances by the Company at an
effective price which is below that exercise price. The antidilution  provisions
will  survive  the  Offering  and may  affect  the  Company's  ability  to raise
additional  capital  through the sale or issuance of its Common Stock,  options,
warrants or other rights to purchase Common Stock or securities convertible into
Common Stock.

     In addition,  in connection  with the Signet  Agreement and the issuance of
the Signet  Warrants,  the  Company  agreed to provide the holders of the Signet
Warrants  with  certain  rights to request the Company to register the shares of
Common Stock  underlying the Signet  Warrants  under the Securities  Act. At any
time after 90 days following the date of this  Prospectus,  the warrant  holders
may twice demand that the Company register,  at the Company's expense,  at least
50% of the shares of Common Stock  underlying the Signet  Warrants.  Signet Bank
has  agreed to  refrain  from  selling  or  otherwise  transferring  any  shares
underlying  the Signet  Warrants for a period of 180 days  following the date of
this  Prospectus.  In addition to the demand  registration  rights,  the warrant
holders also have "piggy-back"  registration rights with respect to any offering
by the Company following this Offering.

     The Company's  repayment and other  obligations  under the Signet Agreement
are secured by, among other things,  a pledge of all of the capital stock of the
Company owned by Ram Mukunda,  the Company's  President,  Director and Principal
Shareholder, and Vijay Srinivas, a Company Director and his wife, Usha Srinivas.
Beginning on January 1, 1998 (and  extending to July 1, 1998 upon the occurrence
of defined  events),  should  Signet  Bank  determine  and  assert  based on its
reasonable  assessment that a material adverse change has occurred,  all amounts
outstanding would be due and payable. Under certain circumstances, if an event a
default occurs under the Signet Agreement which would permit Signet Bank to take
possession and control over the shares subject to the pledge,  Signet Bank would
acquire voting control of more than 50% of the Company's  issued and outstanding
shares of Common Stock.

WARRANTS AND REGISTRATION RIGHTS

     The Company has agreed to issue to the Representatives of the Underwriters,
for  consideration  of  $.01  per  warrant,   warrants  (the   "Representatives'
Warrants")  to purchase up to 150,000  shares of the Common Stock at an exercise
price  per  share  equal  to 110% of the  initial  public  offering  price.  The
Representatives'  Warrants are  exercisable for a period of five years beginning
one year from the date of this Prospectus.  The holders of the  Representatives'
Warrants  will have no voting or other  stockholder  rights unless and until the
Representatives' Warrants are exercised. See "Underwriting."

     In   connection   with  the   issuance  to  the   Representatives   of  the
Representatives'  Warrants, the Company will agree to provide the holders of the
Representatives' Warrants with certain rights to request the Company to register
the shares of Common Stock  underlying the  Representatives'  Warrants under the
Securities Act. The warrant holders also will be given "piggy-back" registration
rights with respect to certain offerings by the Company following this Offering.
See "Underwriting."

CERTAIN  PROVISIONS  OF  THE  COMPANY'S  ARTICLES  OF  INCORPORATION, BYLAWS AND
MARYLAND LAW

 Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

     The Company's Charter and Bylaws include certain  provisions which may have
the effect of delaying,  deterring or preventing a future  takeover or change in
control of the Company, by proxy contest,

                                       55


<PAGE>





tender offer, open-market purchases or otherwise, unless such takeover or change
in control is approved by the Company's Board of Directors.  Such provisions may
also make the removal of directors and management more difficult.

     In this regard, the Charter and Bylaws provide that the number of directors
shall be five but may not consist of fewer than three nor more than  twenty-five
members. The Charter divides the Board of Directors into three classes, with one
class having a term of one year,  one class having a term of two years,  and one
class  having a term of three  years.  Each  class is to be as  nearly  equal in
number as possible.  At each annual meeting of  stockholders,  directors will be
elected to succeed  those  directors  whose terms have  expired,  and each newly
elected director will serve for a three-year term. In addition,  the Charter and
Bylaws  provide  that  any  director  or the  entire  Board  may be  removed  by
stockholders  only for cause and with the  approval of the holders of 80% of the
total voting power of all outstanding securities of the Company then entitled to
vote generally in the election of directors,  voting together as a single class.
The  Charter  and  Bylaws  also  provide  that  all  vacancies  on the  Board of
Directors,  including  those  resulting  from  an  increase  in  the  number  of
directors, may be filled solely by a majority of the remaining directors even if
they do not constitute a quorum;  provided,  however, that if the vacancy occurs
as a result of the removal of a director, the stockholders may elect a successor
at the meeting at which such removal occurs.

     The  classification  of directors  and the  provisions  in the Charter that
limit the  ability  of  stockholders  to remove  directors  and that  permit the
remaining  directors to fill any vacancies on the Board, will have the effect of
making it more difficult for stockholders to change the composition of the Board
of Directors.  As a result, at least two annual meetings of stockholders will be
required,  in most  cases,  for the  stockholders  to change a  majority  of the
directors, whether or not a change in the Board of Directors would be beneficial
to the  Company  and its  stockholders  and  whether  or not a  majority  of the
Company's stockholders believes that such a change would be desirable.

     The Bylaws also contain provisions relating to the stockholders' ability to
call  meetings of  stockholders,  present  stockholder  proposals,  and nominate
candidates  for the  election of  directors.  The Bylaws  provide  that  special
meetings  of  stockholders  can be called  only by the  Chairman of the Board of
Directors,  the  President,  the Board of Directors,  or by the Secretary at the
request  of  holders  of at least 25% of all votes  entitled  to be cast.  These
provisions  may have the  effect  of  delaying  consideration  of a  stockholder
proposal until the next annual meeting  unless a special  meeting is called.  In
addition,  the Charter and Bylaws establish procedures requiring advanced notice
with regard to  stockholder  proposals  and the  nomination  of  candidates  for
election  as  directors  (other  than by or at the  direction  of the  Board  of
Directors  or a  committee  of  the  Board  of  Directors).  Pursuant  to  these
procedures, stockholders desiring to introduce proposals or make nominations for
the  election of directors  must  provide  written  notice,  containing  certain
specified information, to the Secretary of the Company not less than 60 nor more
than 90 days prior to the meeting.  If less than 30 days' notice or prior public
disclosure of the date of the meeting is given,  the required  notice  regarding
stockholder proposals or director nominations must be in writing and received by
the  Secretary of the Company no later than the tenth day  following  the day on
which  notice of the meeting was  mailed.  The Company may reject a  stockholder
proposal or nomination that is not made in accordance with such procedures.

     The Charter also includes  certain  "super-majority"  voting  requirements,
which  provide that the  affirmative  vote of the holders of at least 80% of the
aggregate combined voting power of all classes of capital stock entitled to vote
thereon,  voting as one class,  is required to amend  certain  provisions of the
Charter,  including those provisions relating to the number,  election,  term of
and  removal of  directors;  the  amendment  of the  Bylaws;  and the  provision
governing applicability of the Maryland Control Share Act (summarized below). In
addition,  the Charter  includes  provisions  which require the vote of a simple
majority of the Company's issued and outstanding Common Stock to approve certain
significant corporate  transactions,  including the sale of all or substantially
all of the  Company's  assets,  rather than the vote of two-thirds of the issued
and outstanding  Common Stock. The effect of these provisions will be to make it
more difficult to amend  provisions of the Charter,  even if such amendments are
favored by a majority of stockholders.

                                       56


<PAGE>







     The  description  of the Charter and Bylaw  provisions  set forth above are
intended to be summaries  only. The forms of Charter and Bylaws,  as amended and
restated,  are filed as exhibits to the  Registration  Statement  filed with the
Commission of which this  Prospectus  forms a part. This summary is qualified in
its  entirety by reference to such  documents.  See "Risk  Factors -- Control of
Company by Current  Stockholders"  and "-- Certain  Provisions  of the Company's
Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws and Maryland Law."


 Maryland Law

     Section  3-601,  et seq.  of the  Maryland  General  Corporation  Law  (the
"Business  Combination  Statute"),  and Section  3-701 et seq.  of the  Maryland
General  Corporation Law with respect to  acquisitions  of "control  shares" may
also have the effect of delaying,  deterring or preventing a future  takeover or
change in control of the Company,  by proxy contest,  tender offer,  open-market
purchases or otherwise.

     Under the Business  Combination  Statute,  certain "business  combinations"
(including mergers or similar  transactions  subject to a statutory  stockholder
vote and additional  transactions involving transfers of assets or securities in
specified  amounts)  between a  Maryland  corporation  subject  to the  Business
Combination Statute and an Interested  Stockholder,  or an affiliate thereof are
prohibited  for five years after the most  recent  date on which the  Interested
Stockholder  became an Interested  Stockholder unless an exemption is available.
Thereafter,  any such business  combination  must be recommended by the board of
directors of the corporation  and approved by the affirmative  vote of at least:
(i) 80% of the votes entitled to be cast by all holders of outstanding shares of
voting stock of the corporation; and (ii) two-thirds of the votes entitled to be
cast by holders of voting stock of the corporation  other than voting stock held
by the Interested Stockholder who will or whose affiliate will be a party to the
business  combination  voting  together  as a single  voting  group,  unless the
corporation's stockholders receive a minimum price (as described in the Business
Combination  Statute) for their stock and the  consideration is received in cash
or in the same form as previously  paid by the  Interested  Stockholder  for its
shares. The Business Combination Statute defines an "Interested  Stockholder" as
any person who is the beneficial owner,  directly or indirectly,  of 10% or more
of the outstanding  voting stock of the corporation  after the date on which the
corporation had 100 or more beneficial  owners of its stock; or any affiliate or
associate  of the  corporation  who,  at any time  within  the  two-year  period
immediately  prior to the date in question  was the  beneficial  owner of 10% or
more of the voting power of the then-outstanding stock of the corporation.

     These provisions of the Business  Combination  Statute do not apply, unless
the corporation's charter or Bylaws provide otherwise,  to a corporation that on
July 1,  1983  had an  existing  Interested  Stockholder,  unless,  at any  time
thereafter,  the Board of  Directors  elects  to be  subject  to the law.  These
provisions of the Business  Combination Statute also would not apply to business
combinations  that are  approved or exempted  by the Board of  Directors  of the
corporation prior to the time that any other Interested  Stockholder  becomes an
Interested  Stockholder.  A Maryland  corporation  may adopt an amendment to its
charter  electing not to be subject to the special  voting  requirements  of the
Business  Combination  Statute.  Any such amendment would have to be approved by
the  affirmative  vote of at least 80% of the votes  entitled  to be cast by all
holders of outstanding shares of voting stock of the corporation voting together
as a  single  voting  group,  and 66 2/3% of the  votes  entitled  to be cast by
persons  (if any) who are not  Interested  Stockholders  of the  corporation  or
affiliates or associates of Interested  Stockholders voting together as a single
voting group. The Company has not adopted such an amendment to its Charter.

     In addition to the Business Combination  Statute,  Section 3-701 et seq. of
the  Maryland  General  Corporation  Law  provides  that  "control  shares" of a
Maryland  corporation  acquired in a "control share  acquisition" have no voting
rights except to the extent approved by the stockholders at a special meeting by
the  affirmative  vote of two-thirds of all the votes entitled to be cast on the
matter,  excluding all interested shares.  "Control shares" are voting shares of
stock which, if aggregated with all other such shares previously acquired by the
acquiror,  or in respect of which the acquiror is able to exercise or direct the
exercise of voting power, would entitle the acquiror, directly or indirectly, to
exercise or direct the exercise of the voting power in electing directors within
any one of the following ranges of voting

                                       57


<PAGE>





power: (i) 20% or more but less than 33 1/3%; (ii) 33 1/3% or more but less than
a majority or (iii) a majority or more of all voting  power.  Control  shares do
not include  shares the acquiror is then  entitled to vote as a result of having
previously obtained  stockholder  approval.  A "control share acquisition" means
the acquisition,  directly or indirectly, by any person, of ownership of, or the
power to direct  the  exercise  of voting  power  with  respect  to,  issued and
outstanding control shares.

     A person who has made or proposes to make a control share acquisition, upon
satisfaction of certain conditions (including an undertaking to pay expenses and
delivery of an "acquiring person  statement"),  may compel a corporation's board
of directors to call a special meeting of stockholders to be held within 50 days
of a demand to consider the voting rights to be accorded the shares  acquired or
to be acquired in the control share acquisition.  If no request for a meeting is
made,  the  corporation  may itself  present the  question at any  stockholders'
meeting. Unless the charter or bylaws provide otherwise, if the acquiring person
does not  deliver an  acquiring  person  statement  within 10 days  following  a
control share acquisition then,  subject to certain  conditions and limitations,
the  corporation  may redeem any or all of the control  shares (except those for
which voting rights have  previously  been approved) for fair value  determined,
without  regard to the absence of voting rights for the control  shares,  at any
time  during  a  period  commencing  on the 11th day  after  the  control  share
acquisition and ending 60 days after a statement has been  delivered.  Moreover,
unless the charter or bylaws  provide  otherwise,  if voting  rights for control
shares are approved at a stockholders' meeting and the acquiror becomes entitled
to  exercise or direct the  exercise of a majority or more of all voting  power,
other  stockholders may exercise  appraisal rights. The fair value of the shares
as  determined  for purposes of such  appraisal  rights may not be less than the
highest price per share paid by the acquiror in the control  share  acquisition.
The control  share  acquisition  statute does not apply to shares  acquired in a
merger,  consolidation  or share  exchange if the  corporation is a party to the
transaction, or to acquisitions approved or exempted by the charter or bylaws of
the  corporation.  The shares of Common Stock held by Ram Mukunda and his family
are not subject to the restrictions imposed by the Maryland Control Share Act.


TRANSFER AGENT AND REGISTRAR

     The    Transfer   Agent   and   Registrar   for   the   Common   Stock   is
- -----------------.

LISTING

     The  Company  will apply for  quotation  of the Common  Stock on the Nasdaq
National Market under the symbol "STGC."


                                       58


<PAGE>






                        SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE


     Upon   completion  of  the  Offering,   the  Company  will  have  7,297,999
outstanding  shares of Common Stock,  and options,  warrants and other rights to
purchase up to an  additional  983,566  shares of Common Stock (of which 563,666
currently are exercisable) at prices ranging from $0.30 to $11.00 per share.

     Of the Common  Stock  outstanding  upon  completion  of the  Offering,  the
1,900,000  shares of Common Stock (excluding the  Underwriters'  over-allotment)
sold in the Offering will be freely  tradeable  without  restriction  or further
registration   under  the  Securities   Act,  except  for  any  shares  held  by
"affiliates"  of the  Company,  as that  term is  defined  in Rule 144 under the
Securities Act, and the regulations promulgated thereunder (an "Affiliate"),  or
persons  who have  been  Affiliates  within  the  preceding  three  months.  The
remaining  2,070,790  outstanding  shares of Common  Stock  will be  "restricted
securities"  as that term is  defined  in Rule 144 and may be sold in the public
market only if registered or if they qualify for an exemption from  registration
under Rule 144, as described below.


     In general,  under Rule 144 as  currently  in effect,  a person (or persons
whose shares are aggregated), including an Affiliate, who has beneficially owned
restricted  securities  for a period  of at least one year from the later of the
date such restricted securities were acquired from the Company and the date they
were  acquired from an Affiliate,  is entitled to sell,  within any  three-month
period,  a number of shares  that does not exceed the  greater of 1% of the then
outstanding  shares of Common Stock and the average weekly trading volume in the
Common Stock during the four calendar  weeks  preceding  such sale.  Sales under
Rule 144 are also  subject  to  certain  provisions  relating  to the manner and
notice of sale and the  availability  of current  public  information  about the
Company.  Further,  under  Rule  144(k),  if a period  of at least two years has
elapsed between the later of the date  restricted  securities were acquired from
the Company and the date they were acquired from an Affiliate of the Company,  a
holder of such restricted  securities who is not an Affiliate at the time of the
sale and has not been an  Affiliate  for at least three months prior to the sale
would be entitled to sell the shares  immediately  without  regard to the volume
and manner of sale limitations described above. In addition,  Rule 701 under the
Securities  Act also  permits  resales of shares  acquired  pursuant  to certain
compensation  plans and  arrangements.  Shares issued  pursuant to the Company's
option  plans  and  certain  other  compensation  arrangements  may be resold in
reliance  upon Rule 144,  but  without  compliance  with  certain  of Rule 144's
restrictions, including the holding period requirement.

     The Company and its executive  officers,  directors  and all  stockholders,
have agreed that for a period of 180 days  following the  Offering,  without the
prior  written  consent  of the  Representatives,  they  will not,  directly  or
indirectly,  offer or agree to sell,  sell,  hypothecate,  pledge  or  otherwise
dispose  of  any  shares  of  Common  Stock  (or  securities  convertible  into,
exchangeable  for or exercisable  for or evidencing the right to purchase shares
of Common Stock). In addition, Signet Bank has agreed to refrain from selling or
otherwise transferring any shares underlying the Signet Warrants for a period of
180 days following the Offering. As a result of these contractual  restrictions,
notwithstanding  possible  earlier  eligibility for sale under the provisions of
Rule 144 or Rule 701 under the Securities  Act, the terms of the Signet Warrants
or otherwise,  shares subject to lock-up  agreements  will not be saleable until
such agreements expire.

     In  addition,  the  Company  intends  to  register  on Form S-8  under  the
Securities  Act  approximately  269,766  shares of Common Stock  issuable  under
options subject to the Company's  Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan and its
1997  Performance  Incentive  Plan.  Shares issued under these plans (other than
shares issued to  affiliates)  generally may be sold  immediately  in the public
market, subject to vesting requirements and lock-up agreements.  The Company has
also agreed to provide  certain holders of warrants to purchase its Common Stock
with rights to request the  registration  of the shares  underlying the warrants
under the  Securities  Act. See  "Description  of Capital  Stock -- Warrants and
Registration Rights."

     Future sales of Common Stock in the public market  following  this Offering
by the current  stockholders  of the Company,  or the perception that such sales
could occur,  could adversely  affect the market price for the Common Stock. The
Company's principal stockholders hold a significant portion of the

                                       59


<PAGE>






Company's  outstanding  Common  Stock  and a  decision  by one or more of  these
stockholders  to sell shares  pursuant to Rule 144 under the  Securities  Act or
otherwise  could  materially  adversely  affect the  market  price of the Common
Stock.

                                  UNDERWRITING

     Subject  to  the  terms  and  conditions  set  forth  in  the  Underwriting
Agreement,  the  Company  has agreed to sell to each of the  underwriters  named
below (the  "Underwriters"),  for whom  Ferris,  Baker Watts,  Incorporated  and
Boenning   &   Scattergood,    Inc.   are   acting   as   representatives   (the
"Representatives"),  and  each  of the  Underwriters  has  severally  agreed  to
purchase from the Company,  the respective  number of shares of Common Stock set
forth opposite its name below:

                                                         NUMBER OF
                       UNDERWRITER                       SHARES
            ------------------------------------------   ----------
            Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated   ......
            Boenning & Scattergood, Inc   ............
               Total .................................   1,900,000
                                                         ==========

     The nature of the respective  obligations of the  Underwriters is such that
all of the shares of Common Stock must be purchased  if any are  purchased.  The
Underwriting  Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters to pay
for and accept  delivery  of the shares of Common  Stock are  subject to certain
conditions, including the approval of certain legal matters by counsel.

     The Company has been advised by the  Representatives  that the Underwriters
propose to offer the shares of Common  Stock  initially  at the public  offering
price set forth on the cover page of this  Prospectus  and to  certain  selected
dealers at such price less a concession  not to exceed $___ per share;  that the
Underwriters may allow,  and such selected dealers may reallow,  a concession to
certain  other  dealers  not to  exceed  $___  per  share;  and that  after  the
commencement of the Offering,  the public offering price and the concessions may
be changed.

     The  Company  has  granted  the  Underwriters  an option to purchase in the
aggregate  up to  285,000  additional  shares  of Common  Stock  solely to cover
over-allotments,  if any. The option may be exercised in whole or in part at any
time within 30 days after the date of this Prospectus.  To the extent the option
is exercised,  the Underwriters will be severally committed,  subject to certain
conditions,  to purchase the additional  shares of Common Stock in proportion to
their respective purchase commitments as indicated in the preceding table.

     The  Company  has agreed to  indemnify  the  Underwriters  against  certain
liabilities,  including  liabilities  under the Securities  Act, and, where such
indemnification is unavailable,  to contribute to payments that the Underwriters
may be required to make in respect of such liabilities.

     The  executive  officers,  directors and  stockholders  of the Company have
agreed  that they will not offer,  sell,  contract to sell or grant an option to
purchase  or  otherwise  dispose of any shares of the  Company's  Common  Stock,
options to acquire shares of Common Stock or any securities  exercisable for, or
convertible  into Common Stock owned by them,  for a period of 180 days from the
date  of  this   Prospectus,   without   the  prior   written   consent  of  the
Representatives.  The Company also has agreed not to offer,  sell,  or issue any
shares of Common  Stock,  options  to  acquire  Common  Stock or any  securities
exercisable for, or convertible into Common Stock, for a period of 180 days from
the  date  of  this  Prospectus,  without  the  prior  written  consent  of  the
Representatives,  except that the Company may issue  securities  pursuant to the
Company's  stock  option  and  incentive  plans  and  upon the  exercise  of any
outstanding options and warrants. In addition, Signet Bank has agreed to refrain
from selling or otherwise transferring any shares of Common Stock underlying the
Signet Warrants for a period of 180 days following the Offering.

     Prior to the  offering,  there has been no  public  market  for the  Common
Stock. The initial public offering price for the shares of Common Stock included
in this Offering will be  determined  by  negotiation  among the Company and the
Representatives. Among the factors to be considered in determining

                                       60


<PAGE>





such price will be the history of and prospects  for the Company's  business and
the industry in which it operates,  an assessment  of the Company's  management,
past and present revenues and earnings of the Company,  the prospects for growth
of the Company's  revenues and earnings and currently  prevailing  conditions in
the securities  markets,  including current market valuations of publicly traded
companies  which are  comparable  to the  Company.  There  can be no  assurance,
however,  that the prices at which the  shares of Common  Stock will sell in the
public  market after this  Offering will not be lower than the price at which it
is sold by the Underwriters.

     The  Representatives  have advised the Company that the Underwriters do not
intend to confirm  sales to any account over which they  exercise  discretionary
authority.

     Certain persons  participating  in the Offering may over allot or engage in
transactions  that stabilize,  maintain or otherwise  affect the market price of
the Common Stock,  including  entering  stabilizing  bids,  effecting  syndicate
covering  transactions  or imposing  penalty bids. A  stabilizing  bid means the
placing of any bid or effecting any purchase for the purpose of pegging,  fixing
or  maintaining  the  price of the  Common  Stock of the  Company.  A  syndicate
covering  transaction means the placing of any bid on behalf of the underwriting
syndicate or the effecting of any purchase to reduce a short position created in
connection  with the offering.  A penalty bid means an arrangement  that permits
the  Underwriters  to reclaim a selling  concession  from a syndicate  member in
connection  with the  offering  when the Common Stock of the Company sold by the
syndicate  member is purchased in syndicate  covering  transactions.  Any of the
transactions  described in this  paragraph may result in the  maintenance of the
price of the Common Stock at a level above that which might otherwise prevail in
the open market. Such stabilizing activities,  if commenced, may be discontinued
at any time.

     The Company has agreed to issue to the  Representatives,  for consideration
of $.01 per warrant,  warrants (the "Representatives'  Warrants") to purchase up
to 150,000  shares of the Common  Stock at an exercise  price per share equal to
110% of the initial public offering  price.  The  Representatives'  Warrants are
exercisable  for a period of five years beginning one year from the date of this
Prospectus.  The holders of the Representatives' Warrants will have no voting or
other  stockholder  rights  unless and until the  Representatives'  Warrants are
exercised.   In   addition,   the   Company  has  granted  the  holders  of  the
Representatives'  Warrants certain rights to register the shares of Common Stock
underlying the Representatives' Warrants under the Securities Act.

     The  Company has also agreed to pay the  Representative  a  non-accountable
expense  allowance  equal to 1.0% of the  gross  proceeds  of the  Offering  for
expenses incurred in connection therewith.

                                 LEGAL MATTERS

     The  validity of the shares of Common Stock  offered  hereby will be passed
upon for the Company by Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A., Rockville,
Maryland.  Certain legal matters in connection  with the Offering will be passed
upon for the Underwriters by Venable, Baetjer & Howard LLP, McLean, Virginia.

                                    EXPERTS

     The financial statements of the Company included in this Prospectus and the
financial  statement  schedule  included in the Registration  Statement of which
this  Prospectus  forms  a part  have  been  audited  by  Arthur  Andersen  LLP,
independent  public  accountants,  as  indicated  in their  reports with respect
thereto,  and are included herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm as
experts in giving said reports.

                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION

     The Company has filed with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1 under the Securities Act with
respect to the Common Stock offered hereby. This Prospectus does not contain all
of the information set forth in the Registration Statement

                                       61


<PAGE>





and the  exhibits  and  schedules  to the  Registration  Statement.  For further
information  with respect to the Company and such Common Stock  offered  hereby,
reference is made to the  Registration  Statement and the exhibits and schedules
filed as a part of the  Registration  Statement.  Statements  contained  in this
Prospectus  concerning  the  contents  of any  contract  or any  other  document
referred to are not necessarily  complete and in each instance reference is made
to the copy of such contract or document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement. Each such statement is qualified in all respects by such reference to
such  exhibit.  The  Registration  Statement,  including  exhibits and schedules
thereto,  as well as the reports and other information filed by the Company with
the Commission,  may be inspected without charge at the Public Reference Room of
the Commission's  principal  office at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street,  N.W.,
Washington,  D.C. 20549, and at the Commission's regional offices at Seven World
Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048, and 500 West Madison Street,
Suite  1400,  Chicago,  Illinois  60661.  Copies  of such  material  can also be
obtained at prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C. 20549.  Electronic
filings made through the Electronic Data Gathering Analysis and Retrieval System
are   also   publicly    available    through   the    Commission's   Web   Site
(http://www.sec.gov).

     The  Company  is not  currently  subject  to  the  periodic  reporting  and
informational  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
(the "Exchange Act"). As a result of the Offering,  the Company will be required
to file  reports  and other  information  with the  Commission  pursuant  to the
requirements  of the Exchange  Act.  Such reports and other  information  may be
obtained from the Commission's Public Reference Section and copied at the public
reference  facilities and regional offices of the Commission  referred to above.
The Company  intends to furnish  holders of the Common Stock with annual reports
containing financial statements audited by an independent public accounting firm
and with quarterly reports containing unaudited summary financial statements for
each of the first three quarters of each fiscal year.

                                       62


<PAGE>






                               GLOSSARY OF TERMS

     Access  Charges:  The  fees  paid  by  long  distance  carriers to LECs for
originating and terminating long distance calls on their local networks.

     Accounting  or  Settlement  Rate:  The per minute rate  negotiated  between
carriers in different  countries for termination of international  long distance
traffic in, and return traffic to, the carriers' respective countries.

     Call reorigination: a form of dial up access that allows a user to access a
telecommunications company's network by placing a telephone call and waiting for
an automated callback.  The callback then provides the user with dial tone which
enables the user to place a call.

     CLEC: Competitive Local Exchange Carrier.

     Correspondent  agreement:  Agreement  between  international  long distance
carriers that provides for the termination of traffic in, and return traffic to,
the carriers'  respective countries at a negotiated per minute rate and provides
for a method by which  revenues are  distributed  between the two carriers (also
known as an "operating agreement").

     Dedicated  access:  A means of  accessing  a network  through  the use of a
permanent  point-to-point  circuit  typically  leased  from  a  facilities-based
carrier.  The advantage of dedicated  access is simplified  premises-to-anywhere
calling,  faster call set-up times and potentially  lower access costs (provided
there is sufficient traffic over the circuit to generate economies of scale).

     Dial up access:  A form of service  whereby access to a network is obtained
by dialing a toll-free number or a paid local access number.

     Direct access:  A method of accessing a network  through the use of private
lines.

     EU  (European  Union): Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece,  Ireland,  Italy,  Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
and the United Kingdom.

     Facilities-based  carrier: A carrier which transmits a significant  portion
of its traffic over owned or leased transmission facilities.

     FCC: Federal Communications Commission.

     Fiber optic: A  transmission  medium  consisting of high-grade  glass fiber
through   which  light  beams  are   transmitted   carrying  a  high  volume  of
telecommunications traffic.

     International  gateway:  A switching  facility that  provides  connectivity
between international  carriers and performs any necessary signaling conversions
between countries.

     IRU  (Indefeasible  Rights of Use): The rights to use a  telecommunications
system,  usually  an  undersea  cable,  with most of the  rights  and  duties of
ownership,  but  without  the right to  control  or  manage  the  facility  and,
depending upon the particular agreement, without any right to salvage or duty to
dispose of the cable at the end of its useful life.

     ISDN  (Integrated  Services  Digital  Network):  A hybrid  digital  network
capable of  providing  transmission  speeds of up to 128 kilobits per second for
both voice and data.

     ISR (International  Simple Resale):  The use of international  leased lines
for the resale of switched telephony to the public, bypassing the current system
of accounting rates.

     ITO (Incumbent  Telecommunications  Operator): The dominant carrier in each
country,  often  government-owned  or  protected;  commonly  referred  to as the
Postal, Telephone and Telegraph Company, or PTT.

     ITU: The International Telecommunications Union.

     LEC (Local  Exchange  Carrier):  Companies from which the Company and other
long  distance  providers  must  purchase  "access  services" to  originate  and
terminate calls in the U.S.

                                      G-1


<PAGE>






     Local connectivity:  Physical circuits connecting the switching  facilities
of a telecommunications  services provider to the interexchange and transmission
facilities of a facilities-based carrier.

     Local exchange: A geographic area determined by the appropriate  regulatory
authority in which calls generally are  transmitted  without toll charges to the
calling or called party.

     Long distance  carriers:  Long distance  carriers  provide services between
local  exchanges on an interstate or intrastate  basis. A long distance  carrier
may offer services over its own or another carriers facilities.

     PBX  (Public  Branch  Exchange): Switching equipment that allows connection
of private extension telephones to the PSTN or to a private line.

     PSTN (Public  Switched  Telephone  Network):  A telephone  network which is
accessible by the public at large through  private lines,  wireless  systems and
pay phones.

     PTT: A foreign telecommunication carrier that has been dominant in its home
market and which may be wholly or partially government-owned,  often referred to
as Post Telephone and Telegraph or "PTT".

     Private line: A dedicated  telecommunications  connection  between end-user
locations.

     Proportional  return  traffic: Under the terms of the operating agreements,
the  foreign  partners  are required to deliver to the U.S. carriers the traffic
flowing  to  the  U.S.  in  the  same  proportion as the U.S. carriers delivered
U.S.-originated traffic to the foreign carriers.

     RBOC (Regional Bell Operating Company): The seven local telephone companies
established by the 1982 agreement between AT&T and the Department of Justice.

     Resale:  Resale  by  a  provider of telecommunications services of services
sold to it by other providers or carriers on a wholesale basis.

     Switched  minutes:  The number of minutes of telephone traffic carried on a
network using switched access.

     Switch:  Equipment that accepts instructions from a caller in the form of a
telephone  number.  Like an address on an envelope,  the numbers tell the switch
where to route the call.  The switch  opens or closes  circuits  or selects  the
paths or circuits to be used for  transmission  of  information.  Switching is a
process of  interconnecting  circuits to form a transmission path between users.
Switches allow telecommunications service providers to connect calls directly to
their destination,  while providing  advanced features and recording  connection
information for future billing.

     Voice telephony: A term used by the EU, defined as the commercial provision
for the public of the direct  transport  and  switching  of speech in  real-time
between public switched  network  termination  points,  enabling any user to use
equipment  connected to such a network termination point in order to communicate
with another termination point.

                                      G-2


<PAGE>






                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          PAGE
<S>                                                                                       <C>
Report of Independent Public Accountants  .............................................   F-2
Balance Sheets as of December 31, 1995 and 1996 and March 31, 1997   ..................   F-3
Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and
 the Three Months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 .......................................   F-4
Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Deficit for the years ended December 31, 1994,
 1995 and 1996 and the Three Months ended March 31, 1997 ..............................   F-5
Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 and
 the Three Months ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 .......................................   F-6
Notes to Financial Statements .........................................................   F-7
</TABLE>




                                      F-1


<PAGE>






                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

To Startec, Inc.:


     We have  audited  the  accompanying  balance  sheets of  Startec,  Inc.  (a
Maryland  corporation),  as of  December  31,  1995 and  1996,  and the  related
statements of operations,  changes in stockholders'  deficit, and cash flows for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996.  These  financial
statements   are  the   responsibility   of  the   Company's   management.   Our
responsibility  is to express an opinion on these financial  statements based on
our audits.

     We conducted  our audits in accordance  with  generally  accepted  auditing
standards.  Those standards  require that we plan and perform an audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the  accounting  principles  used and  significant  estimates  made by
management,  as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

     In our opinion,  the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all  material  respects,  the  financial  position  of Startec,  Inc.,  as of
December 31, 1995 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows
for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1996, in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles.

                               ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Washington, D.C.
August 1, 1997

                                      F-2


<PAGE>



                                 STARTEC, INC.

                                 BALANCE SHEETS
              AS OF DECEMBER 31, 1995 AND 1996 AND MARCH 31, 1997



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                      MARCH 31,
                                                                       1995            1996              1997
                                                                    -------------   --------------   ---------------
                                                                                                     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                 <C>             <C>              <C>
                            ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
 Cash and cash equivalents   ....................................    $   528,198      $    148,469     $    239,280
 Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
  of approximately $457,000, $1,079,000 and $1,307,000  .........      2,220,755         5,334,183        5,918,899
 Accounts receivable, related party   ...........................        319,040            78,347          378,203
 Other current assets  ..........................................        130,449           210,522          225,690
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
  Total current assets    .......................................      3,198,442         5,771,521        6,762,072
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT:
 Long distance communications equipment  ........................        906,568         1,773,137        1,856,669
 Computer and office equipment  .................................        215,685           392,238          420,765
 Less -- Accumulated depreciation and amortization   ............       (456,527)         (789,053)        (884,553)
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
  Total property and equipment, net   ...........................        665,726         1,376,322        1,392,881
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
Restricted cash  ................................................        180,000           180,000          180,000
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
  Total assets   ................................................    $ 4,044,168      $  7,327,843     $  8,334,953
                                                                     ============      ============     ============
                 LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
 Accounts payable   .............................................    $ 4,655,119      $  7,170,904     $  7,931,483
 Accrued expenses   .............................................      1,279,506         2,858,090        2,930,976
 Receivables based credit facility    ...........................        570,446         1,812,437        1,846,491
 Capital lease obligations   ....................................         79,100           226,464          241,163
 Notes payable to related parties  ..............................         58,160            53,160          103,160
 Notes payable to individuals and other  ........................        300,000           650,000          650,000
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
  Total current liabilities  ....................................      6,942,331        12,771,055       13,703,273
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
Capital lease obligations, net of current portion    ............        260,861           545,643          522,541
Notes payable to related parties, net of current portion   ......        100,000           100,000           50,000
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
  Total liabilities    ..........................................      7,303,192        13,416,698       14,275,814
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT (NOTES 5 AND 12):
 Voting common stock, $.01 par value; 10,000,000 shares au-
  thorized; 5,380,824 shares issued and outstanding .............         53,808            53,808           53,808
 Nonvoting common stock, $1.00 par value; 25,000 shares au-
  thorized; 22,526 shares issued and outstanding ................         22,526            22,526           22,526
 Additional paid-in capital  ....................................        932,276           932,276        1,063,283
 Unearned compensation    .......................................             --                --         (119,765)
 Accumulated deficit   ..........................................     (4,267,634)       (7,097,465)      (6,960,713)
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
  Total stockholders' deficit   .................................     (3,259,024)       (6,088,855)      (5,940,861)
                                                                     ------------      ------------     ------------
  Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit  ..................    $ 4,044,168      $  7,327,843     $  8,334,953
                                                                     ============      ============     ============
</TABLE>



        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.


                                      F-3


<PAGE>




                                 STARTEC, INC.

                           STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995, AND 1996
              AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1997


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                            MARCH 31,
                                                                                                   ----------------------------
                                                  1994             1995              1996             1996           1997
                                               -------------   ----------------   --------------   -------------   ------------
                                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                            <C>             <C>                <C>              <C>             <C>
Net revenues  ..............................     $ 5,108,709     $  10,507,450     $ 32,214,506      $ 4,722,032   $12,372,102
Cost of services    ........................       4,701,262         9,128,609       29,880,629        4,466,488    10,764,880
                                                  -----------     -------------    -------------      -----------  ------------
 Gross margin    ...........................         407,447         1,378,841        2,333,877          255,544     1,607,222
General and administrative expenses   ......       1,159,382         2,169,946        3,995,966          595,096     1,151,444
Selling and marketing expenses  ............          91,062           183,927          514,298           52,233       104,371
Depreciation and amortization   ............          90,069           137,019          332,526           51,804        95,500
                                                  -----------     -------------    -------------      -----------  ------------
 Income (loss) from operations  ............        (933,066)       (1,112,051)      (2,508,913)        (443,589)      255,907
Interest expense    ........................          70,015           115,713          336,887           58,315       117,369
Interest income  ...........................          24,244            21,750           15,969            4,816         1,056
                                                  -----------     -------------    -------------      -----------  ------------
 Income (loss) before
  income tax provision .....................        (978,837)       (1,206,014)      (2,829,831)        (497,088)      139,594
Income tax provision   .....................              --                --               --               --         2,842
                                                  -----------     -------------    -------------      -----------  ------------
Net (loss) income   ........................     $  (978,837)    $  (1,206,014)    $ (2,829,831)     $  (497,088)  $   136,752
                                                  ===========     =============    =============      ===========  ============
Net (loss) income per common and equiv-
 alent share ...............................     $     (0.20)    $       (0.22)    $      (0.50)     $     (0.09)  $      0.02
                                                  ===========     =============    =============      ===========  ============
Weighted average common and equivalent
 shares outstanding ........................       4,888,176         5,609,059        5,695,300        5,695,300     5,695,300
                                                  ===========     =============    =============      ===========  ============
Pro forma net (loss) income per common
 and equivalent share (unaudited)  .........                                       $      (0.43)     $     (0.07)  $      0.03
                                                                                   =============      ===========  ============
Pro forma weighted average common
 and equivalent shares outstanding
 (unaudited)  ..............................                                          5,980,073        5,980,073     5,980,073
                                                                                   =============      ===========  ============
</TABLE>



       The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.


                                      F-4


<PAGE>



                                 STARTEC, INC.

                 STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT
FOR  THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996 AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                MARCH 31, 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 VOTING             NONVOTING
                                                              COMMON STOCK         COMMON STOCK
                                                          --------------------- -------------------
                                                            SHARES     AMOUNT   SHARES    AMOUNT
                                                          ----------- --------- -------- ---------
<S>                                                       <C>         <C>       <C>      <C>
Balance, December 31, 1993    ...........................  4,573,700   $45,737   22,526   $22,526
 Net loss   .............................................         --        --       --        --
                                                           ----------  --------  -------  --------
Balance, December 31, 1994    ...........................  4,573,700    45,737   22,526    22,526
 Net loss   .............................................         --        --       --        --
 Issuance of common stock  ..............................    807,124     8,071       --        --
                                                           ----------  --------  -------  --------
Balance, December 31, 1995    ...........................  5,380,824    53,808   22,526    22,526
 Net loss   .............................................         --        --       --        --
                                                           ----------  --------  -------  --------
Balance, December 31, 1996    ...........................  5,380,824    53,808   22,526    22,526
 Net income (unaudited)    ..............................         --        --       --        --
 Unearned compensation pursuant to issuance of stock
 options (unaudited)  ...................................         --        --       --        --
 Amortization of unearned compensation (unaudited)  .....         --        --       --        --
                                                           ----------  --------  -------  --------
Balance, March 31, 1997 (unaudited)    ..................  5,380,824   $53,808   22,526   $22,526
                                                           ==========  ========  =======  ========

<CAPTION>
                                   ADDITIONAL
                                                            PAID-IN      UNEARNED      ACCUMULATED
                                                            CAPITAL    COMPENSATION      DEFICIT            TOTAL
                                                          ------------ -------------- -------------- -----------------
<S>                                                       <C>          <C>            <C>            <C>
Balance, December 31, 1993    ...........................  $  190,347    $        --   $ (2,082,783)   $  (1,824,173)
 Net loss   .............................................          --             --       (978,837)        (978,837)
                                                           -----------    -----------  -------------    -------------
Balance, December 31, 1994    ...........................     190,347             --     (3,061,620)      (2,803,010)
 Net loss   .............................................          --             --     (1,206,014)      (1,206,014)
 Issuance of common stock  ..............................     741,929             --             --          750,000
                                                           -----------    -----------  -------------    -------------
Balance, December 31, 1995    ...........................     932,276             --     (4,267,634)      (3,259,024)
 Net loss   .............................................          --             --     (2,829,831)      (2,829,831)
                                                           -----------    -----------  -------------    -------------
Balance, December 31, 1996    ...........................     932,276             --     (7,097,465)      (6,088,855)
 Net income (unaudited)    ..............................          --             --        136,752          136,752
 Unearned compensation pursuant to issuance of stock
 options (unaudited)  ...................................     131,007       (131,007)            --               --
 Amortization of unearned compensation (unaudited)  .....          --         11,242             --           11,242
                                                           -----------    -----------  -------------    -------------
Balance, March 31, 1997 (unaudited)    ..................  $1,063,283    $  (119,765)  $ (6,960,713)   $  (5,940,861)
                                                           ===========    ===========  =============    =============
</TABLE>




                                      F-5


<PAGE>



                                 STARTEC, INC.

                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1994, 1995, AND 1996
              AND THE THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1997

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                       THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                                                                           MARCH 31,
                                                                                                   --------------------------
                                                          1994           1995           1996           1996         1997
                                                     --------------- -------------- -------------- ------------- ------------
                                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)   (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                  <C>             <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
 Net income (loss)    ..............................   $   (978,837)  $  (1,206,014) $  (2,829,831) $  (497,088)   $  136,752
 Adjustments to net loss--
  Depreciation and amortization   ..................         90,069         137,019        332,526       51,804        95,500
  Compensation pursuant to stock options   .........             --              --             --           --        11,242
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
   Accounts receivable   ...........................       (417,055)     (1,342,047)    (3,113,428)    (636,774)     (584,716)
   Accounts receivable, related party   ............       (273,145)        (45,895)       240,693     (234,820)     (299,856)
   Other current assets  ...........................        (16,678)        (83,532)       (80,073)      (8,302)      (15,168)
   Accounts payable   ..............................      1,421,249       1,135,137      2,515,785      265,083       760,579
   Accrued expenses   ..............................         98,624         637,084      1,578,584    1,052,089        72,886
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------  ------------    ----------
     Net cash (used in) provided by operating
      activities   .................................        (75,773)       (768,248)    (1,355,744)      (8,008)      177,219
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------  ------------    ----------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
 Purchases of property and equipment    ............        (44,258)       (199,526)      (519,519)    (461,459)      (63,809)
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------  ------------    ----------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
 Net borrowings under receivable credit facility .               --         570,446      1,241,991      185,429        34,054
 Repayments under capital lease obligations   ......       (102,158)        (96,680)       (91,457)     (43,469)      (56,653)
 Borrowings under notes payable to related par-
  ties                                                       49,999              --             --           --            --
 Repayments under notes payable to related par-
  ties                                                           --              --         (5,000)      (5,000)           --
 Borrowings under notes payable to individuals
  and other  .......................................        235,000          50,000        475,000           --            --
 Repayments under notes payable to individuals
  and other  .......................................             --         (35,000)      (125,000)          --            --
 Proceeds from issuance of voting common stock                   --         750,000             --           --            --
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------  ------------    ----------
     Net cash provided by (used in) financing
      activities   .................................        182,841       1,238,766      1,495,534      136,960       (22,599)
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------  ------------    ----------
     Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash
      equivalents  .................................         62,810         270,992       (379,729)    (332,507)       90,811
     Cash and cash equivalents at the begin-
      ning of the period                                    194,396         257,206        528,198      528,198       148,469
                                                        ------------   ------------   ------------  ------------    ----------
     Cash and cash equivalents at the end of
      the period   .................................   $    257,206   $     528,198  $     148,469  $   195,691    $  239,280
                                                        ============   ============   ============  ============    ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
 Interest paid  ....................................   $     62,526   $      87,046  $     296,926  $    58,315    $   98,532
                                                        ============   ============   ============  ============    ==========
 Income taxes paid .................................   $         --   $          --  $          --  $        --    $       --
                                                        ============   ============   ============  ============    ==========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NONCASH ACTIVITIES:
 Equipment acquired under capital lease    .........   $     53,944   $     285,230  $     523,603  $   308,083    $   48,207
                                                        ============   ============   ============  ============    ==========
</TABLE>


        The accompanying notes are an integral part of these statements.

                                      F-6


<PAGE>




                                  STARTEC, INC.

                          NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

                  (INFORMATION AS OF MARCH 31, 1997 AND FOR THE
            THREE MONTHS ENDED MARCH 31, 1996 AND 1997 IS UNAUDITED)

1. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION:

ORGANIZATION

     Startec, Inc. (the "Company"), is a Maryland corporation founded in 1989 to
provide   long-distance   telephone  services.   The  Company  currently  offers
U.S.-originated  long-distance  service to  residential  and  carrier  customers
through  foreign  termination  arrangements.  The  Company's  marketing  targets
specific ethnic  residential  market segments in the United States that are most
likely to seek  low-cost  international  long-distance  service to specific  and
identifiable   country  markets.  The  Company  is  headquartered  in  Bethesda,
Maryland.

RISKS AND OTHER IMPORTANT FACTORS

     For each of the three years in the period  ending  December 31,  1996,  the
Company's  operations  have  generated a net loss and  negative  operating  cash
flows.  As of March 31,  1997,  the Company had a deficit in working  capital of
approximately  $6,941,000,  and  total  liabilities  exceeded  total  assets  by
approximately  $5,941,000.  As more fully described in Note 12, on July 1, 1997,
the Company  entered into a credit  facility  with a bank.  The credit  facility
provides for maximum  borrowings of up to $10 million through December 31, 1997,
and the lesser of $15 million or 85 percent of eligible accounts receivable,  as
defined,  thereafter  until  maturity in December 1999. The Company will require
significant  additional  capital to finance its expansion plans. There can be no
assurance that the Company will be successful in raising additional capital.

     The Company is subject to various risks in connection with the operation of
its  business.  These  risks  include,  but are not limited  to,  dependence  on
operating  agreements with foreign partners,  significant foreign and U.S.-based
customers and  suppliers,  availability  of  transmission  facilities,  U.S. and
foreign   regulations,   international   economic  and  political   instability,
dependence on effective billing and information systems, customer attrition, and
rapid technological  change. Many of the Company's competitors are significantly
larger  and have  substantially  greater  financial,  technical,  and  marketing
resources  than the Company;  employ  larger  networks and control  transmission
lines; offer a broader portfolio of services; have stronger name recognition and
loyalty;  and  have  long-standing   relationships  with  the  Company's  target
customers.  In addition,  many of the Company's  competitors  enjoy economies of
scale that can result in a lower cost  structure  for  transmission  and related
costs, which could cause significant  pricing pressures within the long-distance
telecommunications  industry.  If  the  Company's  competitors  were  to  devote
significant additional resources to the provision of international long-distance
services  to  the  Company's  target  customer  base,  the  Company's  business,
financial  condition,  and results of operations  could be materially  adversely
affected.

     In the United States,  the Federal  Communications  Commission  ("FCC") and
relevant  state  Public  Service  Commissions  have the  authority  to  regulate
interstate and intrastate  telephone service rates,  respectively,  ownership of
transmission facilities,  and the terms and conditions under which the Company's
services  are  provided.   Legislation  that  substantially   revised  the  U.S.
Communications  Act of 1934  was  signed  into law on  February  8,  1996.  This
legislation  has specific  guidelines  under which the Regional  Bell  Operating
Companies ("RBOCs") can provide  long-distance  services,  which will permit the
RBOCs to  compete  with the  Company in  providing  domestic  and  international
long-distance  services.  Further,  the legislation,  among other things,  opens
local service markets to competition  from any entity  (including  long-distance
carriers, such as AT&T, cable television companies and utilities).

                                      F-7


<PAGE>




                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

     Because  the  legislation   opens  the  Company's   markets  to  additional
competition,  particularly  from the RBOCs, the Company's ability to compete may
be  adversely  affected.   Moreover,  certain  Federal  and  other  governmental
regulations  may be amended or modified,  and any such amendment or modification
could have  material  adverse  effects  on the  Company's  business,  results of
operations, and financial condition.

2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES:

USE OF ESTIMATES IN PREPARATION OF FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

     The  preparation  of financial  statements  in  conformity  with  generally
accepted  accounting  principles  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and
assumptions  that  affect the  reported  amounts of assets and  liabilities  and
disclosure of  contingent  assets and  liabilities  at the date of the financial
statements  and the  reported  amounts  of  revenues  and  expenses  during  the
reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)

     The interim  financial  data as of March 31,  1997 and for the  three-month
periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1997 has been prepared by the Company,  without
audit,  pursuant to the rules and  regulations  of the  Securities  and Exchange
Commission ("SEC") and include,  in the opinion of management,  all adjustments,
consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of
interim  periods  results.  The results of operations for the three months ended
March 31, 1997 are not necessarily  indicative of the results to be expected for
the full year.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

     Revenues  for   telecommunication   services   provided  to  customers  are
recognized  as services are  rendered,  net of an allowance for revenue that the
Company  estimates will ultimately not be realized.  Revenues for return traffic
received according to the terms of the Company's  operating  agreements with its
foreign partners are recognized as revenue as the return traffic is received and
processed.

     The Company has entered into operating  agreements with  telecommunications
carriers in foreign countries under which international long-distance traffic is
both delivered and received.  Under these  agreements,  the foreign carriers are
contractually obligated to adhere to the policy of the FCC, whereby traffic from
the foreign country is routed to international carriers, such as the Company, in
the same  proportion  as traffic  carried into the country.  Mutually  exchanged
traffic  between the Company  and foreign  carriers is settled  through a formal
settlement  policy at agreed  upon rates  per-minute.  The  Company  records the
amount due to the  foreign  partner  as an expense in the period the  traffic is
terminated.  When the return  traffic is  received  in the  future  period,  the
Company generally  realizes a higher gross margin on the return traffic compared
to the lower margin (or  sometimes  negative  margin) on the  outbound  traffic.
Revenue recognized from return traffic was approximately  $174,000,  $1,959,000,
and $1,121,000 or 3 percent, 19 percent,  and 3 percent of net revenues in 1994,
1995,  and 1996, and $298,000 and $513,000 or 6 and 4 percent of net revenues in
the three-month periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,  respectively.  There can
be no assurance that traffic will be delivered back to the United States or what
impact changes in future settlement rates,  allocations among carriers or levels
of traffic will have on net payments made and revenues  received and recorded by
the Company.

COST OF SERVICES

     Cost of services  represents  direct  charges from vendors that the Company
incurs to  deliver  service to its  customers.  These  include  costs of leasing
capacity and rate-per-minute charges from carriers that originate, transmit, and
terminate traffic on behalf of the Company. See Note 4 for further discussion.

                                      F-8


<PAGE>




                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

     The Company considers all short-term  investments with original  maturities
of 90 days or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist primarily of
money market accounts that are available on demand. The carrying amount reported
in the accompanying balance sheets approximates fair value.

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

     The carrying amounts for current assets and current liabilities, other than
the current  portion of notes  payable to related  parties and  individuals  and
other,  approximate  their fair value due to their short maturity.  The carrying
value of the receivables based credit facility approximates fair value, since it
bears interest at a variable rate which reprices frequently.  The carrying value
of restricted cash approximates fair value plus accrued interest. The fair value
of notes payable to individuals  and other and notes payable to related  parties
cannot be reasonably and  practicably  estimated due to the unique nature of the
related underlying transactions and terms (Note 7). However, given the terms and
conditions  of these  instruments,  if these  financial  instruments  were  with
unrelated  parties,  interest  rates and payment  terms  could be  substantially
different  than the currently  stated rates and terms.  These notes were paid in
full subsequent to March 31, 1997 (Note 12).

LONG-LIVED ASSETS

     Long-lived assets and identifiable  assets to be held and used are reviewed
for impairment  whenever  events or changes in  circumstances  indicate that the
carrying  amount  should be  addressed.  Impairment is measured by comparing the
carrying  value to the  estimated  undiscounted  future  cash flows  expected to
result from the use of the assets and their eventual  dispositions.  The Company
considers  expected cash flows and estimated future operating  results,  trends,
and other available  information in assessing  whether the carrying value of the
assets is impaired.

     The  Company's  estimates of  anticipated  gross  revenues,  the  remaining
estimated  lives of tangible and intangible  assets,  or both,  could be reduced
significantly in the future due to changes in technology,  regulation, available
financing,  or  competitive  pressures  (see Note 1). As a result,  the carrying
amount of long-lived assets could be reduced materially in the future.

PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

     Property and  equipment  are stated at  historical  cost.  Depreciation  is
provided for financial  reporting  purposes  using the straight line method over
the following estimated useful lives:

      Long-distance communications equipment   ......        7 years
      Computer and office equipment   ...............   3 to 5 years

     Long-distance  communications  equipment  includes  assets  financed  under
capital lease obligations of approximately $763,000,  $1,287,000, and $1,335,000
at December  31, 1995 and 1996,  and March 31, 1997,  respectively.  Accumulated
depreciation  on these  assets as of December  31, 1995 and 1996,  and March 31,
1997, was approximately $403,000, $587,000, and $621,000, respectively.

     Maintenance  and  repairs  are  expensed  as  incurred.   Replacements  and
betterments are capitalized.  The cost and related  accumulated  depreciation of
assets sold or retired are removed  from the balance  sheet,  and any  resulting
gain or loss is reflected in the statement of operations.

CONCENTRATIONS OF RISK

     Financial   instruments   that   potentially   subject  the  Company  to  a
concentration  of credit  risk are  accounts  receivable.  Residential  accounts
receivable  consist  of  individually  small  amounts  due  from  geographically
dispersed  customers.  Carrier accounts  receivable  represent  amounts due from
second-tier

                                      F-9


<PAGE>


                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

long-distance  carriers.  The Company's allowance for doubtful accounts is based
on current  market  conditions.  The Company's  four largest  carrier  customers
represented  35 and 44 percent of gross  accounts  receivable as of December 31,
1996,  and  March  31,  1997,  respectively.  Revenues  from  several  customers
represented more than 10 percent of net revenues for the periods  presented (see
Note 10).  Including  charges in dispute (see Note 4),  purchases  from the five
largest suppliers  represented 67 and 53 percent of cost of services in the year
ended  December  31,  1996,  and the  three-month  period  ended March 31, 1997,
respectively. Services purchased from several suppliers represented more than 10
percent of cost of services in the periods presented (see Note 10). One of these
suppliers,  representing 25 and 14 percent of cost of services in the year ended
December  31,  1996,   and  the   three-month   period  ended  March  31,  1997,
respectively, is based in a foreign country.

INCOME TAXES

     The Company  accounts  for income  taxes in  accordance  with  Statement of
Financial  Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."
SFAS No. 109  requires  that  deferred  income  taxes  reflect the  expected tax
consequences on future years of differences  between the tax bases of assets and
liabilities  and  their  bases  for  financial  reporting  purposes.   Valuation
allowances are  established  when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the
estimated amount to be realized.

NET (LOSS) INCOME PER COMMON AND EQUIVALENT SHARE

     Net loss per common share for the years ended  December 31, 1994,  1995 and
1996,  and for the  three-month  period ended March 31, 1996,  is based upon the
weighted-average  number of common  shares  outstanding  during the period.  The
effect of  outstanding  options on net loss per common share is not included for
these periods because such options would be antidilutive.  Net income per common
share  for the  three-month  period  ended  March  31,  1997 is  based  upon the
weighted-average  number of common  and  common  equivalent  shares  outstanding
during the period,  using the treasury  stock  method.  Fully diluted net (loss)
income per share is not  presented  as it would not  materially  differ from the
amounts stated.

     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  and Exchange  Commission
under Staff  Accounting  Bulletin ("SAB") No. 83 , common stock and stock rights
issued by the Company during the 12 months immediately  preceding an anticipated
initial public offering (the  "Offering")  have been included in the calculation
of the shares used in  computing  net (loss)  income per common share as if such
shares had been outstanding the entire period for periods prior to the Offering.

     Pro forma net  income  (loss)  per share  gives  effect to the  anticipated
repayment of  $2,500,000  in debt with  proceeds  from the Offering and has been
computed  by  dividing  pro  forma  net  income  (loss),  after  adjustment  for
applicable  interest  expense,  by the pro forma weighted  average common shares
outstanding.  The pro forma weighted average common shares  outstanding has been
adjusted for the estimated number of shares that the Company would need to issue
to repay debt.

     In 1997, the Financial  Accounting  Standards Board released  Statement No.
128, "Earnings Per Share." Statement 128 requires dual presentation of basic and
diluted  earnings per share on the face of the income  statement for all periods
presented.  Basic  earnings  per share  excludes  dilution  and is  computed  by
dividing income available to common stockholders by the weighted-average  number
of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects
the potential  dilution  that could occur if  securities  or other  contracts to
issue common stock were  exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in
the  issuance of common  stock that then  shared in the  earnings of the entity.
Diluted  earnings per share is computed  similarly to fully diluted earnings per
share  pursuant to  Accounting  Principles  Bulletin  No. 15.  Statement  128 is
effective for fiscal  periods  ending after December 15, 1997, and when adopted,
it will require restatement of prior periods' earnings per share.

                                      F-10


<PAGE>

                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

     As discussed above, SAB 83 requires an entity involved in an initial public
offering to treat those potentially dilutive common shares as outstanding common
shares in the  computation of both basic and diluted net (loss) income per share
for all reported periods. Accordingly, management anticipates that Statement 128
will not have a material impact upon reported net (loss) income per share.

3. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE:

     Accounts receivable consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    DECEMBER 31,              MARCH 31,
                                           -------------------------------   ---------------
                                              1995             1996              1997
                                           -------------   ---------------   ---------------
                                                                             (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                        <C>             <C>               <C>
Residential  ...........................    $ 2,605,958      $  3,840,707      $  4,518,416
Carrier   ..............................         71,826         2,572,954         2,707,924
                                             -----------      ------------      ------------
                                              2,677,784         6,413,661         7,226,340
Allowance for doubtful accounts   ......       (457,029)       (1,079,478)       (1,307,441)
                                             -----------      ------------      ------------
                                            $ 2,220,755      $  5,334,183      $  5,918,899
                                             ===========      ============      ============
</TABLE>

     The Company has certain  service  providers  that are also  customers.  The
Company carries and settles  amounts  receivable and payable from and to certain
of these parties on a net basis.

     Approximately $1,195,000,  $3,428,000, and $4,109,000 of retail receivables
as of December 31, 1995 and 1996, and March 31, 1997, respectively, were pledged
as security under the receivable credit facility agreement discussed in Note 6.

4. ACCRUED EXPENSES:

     Accrued expenses consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                           DECEMBER 31,           MARCH 31,
                                                    ---------------------------   ------------
                                                      1995           1996           1997
                                                    ------------   ------------   ------------
                                                                                  (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                 <C>            <C>            <C>
Disputed vendor obligations    ..................   $  642,515     $2,056,957     $2,065,254
Accrued payroll and related taxes    ............      348,545        368,266        401,198
Accrued excise taxes and related charges   ......      197,993        182,286        182,439
Accrued interest   ..............................       47,960         87,921        116,581
Other  ..........................................       42,493        162,660        165,504
                                                    -----------    -----------    -----------
                                                    $1,279,506     $2,858,090     $2,930,976
                                                    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

     Disputed  vendor  obligations  represent  an  assertion  from  one  of  the
Company's  foreign  carriers  for  minutes  processed  that are in excess of the
Company's records. The Company has accrued approximately  $643,000,  $1,414,000,
and $8,000 in the years ended  December 31, 1995 and 1996,  and the  three-month
period ended March 31, 1997, respectively, related to disputed minutes for which
the  Company  has not  recognized  any  corresponding  revenue.  If the  Company
prevails in its dispute,  these amounts or portions thereof would be credited to
operations  in the period of  resolution.  Conversely,  if the Company  does not
prevail in its dispute, these amounts or portions thereof would be paid in cash.

     Other  accrued  expenses  includes an  obligation  which was converted to a
noninterest bearing, convertible note in June 1997. The note is convertible into
24,000  shares of voting  common  stock at any time  after the  completion  of a
public offering until maturity in December 1999.

5. STOCK AND STOCK RIGHTS:

     As of March 31, 1997,  the Company had  5,380,824  shares of voting  common
stock issued and outstanding and 22,526 shares of nonvoting  common stock issued
and  outstanding.  For 17,175 shares of outstanding  nonvoting common stock, the
Company has agreed to exchange one share of its authorized

                                      F-11

<PAGE>




                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

voting common stock for each  presently  outstanding  share of nonvoting  common
stock.  As of July 29, 1997,  the Company has agreed to purchase 5,351 shares of
outstanding  nonvoting  common  stock from a former  officer and director of the
Company for $45,269.

STOCK OPTION PLAN

     The  Company  has  elected  to  account  for  stock  and  stock  rights  in
accordance  with  Accounting  Principles  Board  Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for
Stock  Issued  to  Employees" ("APB No. 25") and its related interpretations. In
October 1995,  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board issued SFAS No. 123,
"Accounting  for  Stock-Based  Compensation,"  which  established an alternative
method  of  expense recognition for stock-based compensation awards to employees
based  on  fair  values.  The  Company has elected not to adopt SFAS No. 123 for
expense recognition purposes.

     The Company  maintains a stock option  plan,  reserving  270,000  shares of
voting common stock to be issued to officers and key  employees  under terms and
conditions to be set by the Company's Board of Directors.  Options granted under
this plan may be  exercised  only upon the  occurrence  of any of the  following
events:  (i) a sale of more than 50 percent of the issued and outstanding shares
of stock in one  transaction,  (ii) a dissolution or liquidation of the Company,
(iii) a merger  or  consolidation  in which  the  Company  is not the  surviving
corporation, (iv) a filing by the Company of an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,  or (v) the seventh anniversary of
the date of full-time employment.

     Pursuant to APB No. 25,  compensation  expense is recognized  for financial
reporting   purposes  when  it  becomes   probable  that  the  options  will  be
exercisable.  The amount of  compensation  expense  that will be  recognized  is
determined by the excess of the fair value of the common stock over the exercise
price of the related option at the measurement date.

     Pro forma information  regarding net income is required by SFAS No. 123 and
has been  determined  as if the Company had  accounted  for its  employee  stock
options  under the fair value method  prescribed by SFAS No. 123. The fair value
of options  granted in the year ended  December  31, 1995,  and the  three-month
period  ended  March  31,  1997,  was  estimated  at the date of  grant  using a
Black-Scholes   option   pricing  model  with  the  following   weighted-average
assumptions:  risk-free  interest  rates of 5.4  percent  and 6.17  percent;  no
dividend  yield;  weighted-average  expected lives of the options of five years,
and expected volatility of 50 percent. There were no options granted in 1996.

     The  Black-Scholes   option  valuation  model  was  developed  for  use  in
estimating  the fair value of traded  options that have no vesting  restrictions
and are fully  transferable.  In addition,  option  valuation models require the
input of highly  subjective  assumptions,  including  the  expected  stock price
characteristics  that are significantly  different from those of traded options.
Because changes in the subjective  input  assumptions can materially  affect the
fair  value  estimate,  in  management's  opinion,  the  existing  models do not
necessarily  provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee
stock options.

     The  weighted-average  fair value of options  granted during the year ended
December 31, 1995,  and the  three-month  period ended March 31, 1997, was $0.34
and $1.04,  respectively.  For purposes of pro forma disclosures,  the estimated
fair value of the options is  amortized to expense  over the  estimated  service
period. If the Company had used the fair value accounting provisions of SFAS No.
123,  the pro forma net loss for 1995 and 1996  would have been  $1,208,714  and
$2,832,531,  respectively,  or $0.22 and $0.50 per share, respectively,  and net
income for the three  months ended March 31, 1997 would have been  $127,352,  or
$0.02 per share.


                                      F-12


<PAGE>





                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

     A summary of the Company's stock option  activity and related  information,
is as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                              ------------------------------------------------------------------    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                       1994                  1995                  1996               MARCH 31, 1997
                              ---------------------- --------------------- --------------------- -------------------------
                                                                                                       (UNAUDITED)
                                         WEIGHTED-             WEIGHTED-             WEIGHTED-                 WEIGHTED-
                                          AVERAGE               AVERAGE               AVERAGE                   AVERAGE
                                          EXERCISE              EXERCISE              EXERCISE                 EXERCISE
                               OPTIONS     PRICE     OPTIONS     PRICE     OPTIONS     PRICE       OPTIONS       PRICE
                              ---------- ----------- --------- ----------- --------- ----------- ------------- ----------
<S>                           <C>        <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>       <C>         <C>           <C>
Options outstanding at
 beginning of period   ......     75,000      $0.30   103,200       $0.30   143,200       $0.38       138,300      $0.38
Granted    ..................     32,700       0.30    40,000        0.60        --          --       269,966       1.44
Exercised  ..................         --         --        --          --        --          --            --
Forfeited  ..................     (4,500)      0.30        --          --    (4,900)       0.36      (138,500)      0.38
                                --------      ------  --------      ------ --------       ------   ----------     ------
Options outstanding at end
 of period    ...............    103,200      $0.30   143,200       $0.38   138,300       $0.38       269,766      $1.44
                                ========      ======  ========      ====== ========       ======   ==========     ======
Options exercisable at end
 of period    ...............         --                   --                    --                        --
                                ========              ========             ========                ==========
</TABLE>

     Exercise  prices  for  options  outstanding  as of March 31,  1997,  are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                OPTIONS OUTSTANDING
                           -------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    WEIGHTED-AVERAGE
                                                       REMAINING          WEIGHTED-
      RANGE OF             NUMBER OUTSTANDING       CONTRACTUAL LIFE       AVERAGE
   EXERCISE PRICES         AS OF MARCH 31, 1997        IN YEARS          EXERCISE PRICE
- ------------------------   ----------------------   ------------------   ---------------
<S>                        <C>                      <C>                  <C>
         $0.30 -- 0.30               39,300              9.78                   $0.30
          0.60 -- 0.60               39,000              9.78                    0.60
          1.85 -- 1.85              191,466              9.78                    1.85
- -----------------------            --------              -----                ------
         $0.30 -- 1.85              269,766              9.78                   $1.44
=======================            ========              =====                ======
</TABLE>


     The Company amended its stock option plan as of January 20, 1997 to provide
that options may be exercised on or after the seventh anniversary of the date of
full  time  employment,   in  addition  to  other  events  discussed  above.  In
conjunction with this amendment,  all options  outstanding  were cancelled,  and
certain options were reissued at their original exercise prices. Pursuant to APB
No. 25, the Company recognizes  compensation  expense for the excess of the fair
market value of the common stock over the exercise  price of the related  option
at the date of grant. The Company recognized $11,242 in compensation expense for
the  three-month   period  ended  March  31,  1997,  and  expects  to  recognize
approximately  $119,765  over the  remaining  term of the  options,  subject  to
accelerated vesting in the event of a public offering or a change in control.


                                      F-13


<PAGE>






                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

SHAREHOLDER AND MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS

     In 1995,  the Company  issued  807,124  shares of voting  common  stock for
$750,000.   In  connection  with  this  transaction,   the  Company  executed  a
Subscription Agreement ("Shareholder  Agreement") and a Management Participation
Agreement  ("Management  Agreement").  Among other  provisions,  the Shareholder
Agreement provides the investor certain  antidilution  provisions and a right of
first refusal as to any shares offered for sale, at the offering price. Further,
with  certain  exceptions,  the  Company's  primary  shareholder  may not  sell,
transfer,  or assign any shares  unless they are first  offered to the investor;
and under certain circumstances, if the investor declines to purchase the shares
offered,  such shares may not be sold to any third party unless such third party
also offers to purchase all of the investor's shares at the same price.

     The  Management  Agreement  contains  several  covenants  that  provide the
investor protection with respect to dilution, nonroutine changes in the Articles
of Incorporation or Bylaws, and the declaration of dividends.

     The provisions of the  Shareholder  Agreement and the Management  Agreement
expire upon the earlier of a public  offering  under the Securities Act of 1933,
as  amended,  or the sale or other  transfer of 50 percent or more of the shares
owned by the investor.

6. BILLING ARRANGEMENT AND RECEIVABLES BASED CREDIT FACILITY:

     The Company has a billing and  information  management  services  agreement
with a third party,  which provides for its  residential  customers to be billed
directly by their local exchange carrier.  The third party receives  collections
from the local  exchange  carrier and submits these funds to the Company,  after
withholding  processing fees,  applicable  taxes, and provisions for credits and
uncollectible accounts.

     The Company has an advanced payment agreement with this third party,  which
allows the Company to take advances against 70 percent of all records  submitted
for billing.  Advances are secured by the receivables involved. The credit limit
under the advanced  payment  agreement was  $3,000,000 as of March 31, 1997. The
agreement  provides  for  interest  at the prime rate (8.5  percent at March 31,
1997) plus 4 percent.

7. NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES AND NOTES PAYABLE TO INDIVIDUAL AND OTHER:

NOTES PAYABLE TO RELATED PARTIES

     Notes payable to related parties consist of the following:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           DECEMBER 31,         MARCH 31,
                                                                      -----------------------   ------------
                                                                       1995         1996          1997
                                                                      ----------   ----------   ------------
                                                                                                (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                                                   <C>          <C>          <C>
Notes payable to parties related to the primary shareholder and
 president of the Company, bearing interest at rates ranging from
 15 to 25 percent  ................................................    $ 158,160    $ 153,160     $  153,160
Less -- Current portion  ..........................................      (58,160)     (53,160)      (103,160)
                                                                        ---------    ---------     ----------
                                                                       $ 100,000    $ 100,000     $   50,000
                                                                        =========    =========     ==========
</TABLE>



                                      F-14


<PAGE>




                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

NOTES PAYABLE TO INDIVIDUALS AND OTHER

     Notes payable to individuals and other represents notes which have interest
at rates ranging from 15 to 33.3 percent at December 31, 1995, and from 15 to 25
percent at December 31, 1996, and March 31, 1997, all due within one year.

     The  aggregate  maturities  of notes  payable to related  parties and notes
payable to individuals and other are as follows as of December 31, 1996:

          YEAR ENDING                RELATED                INDIVIDUALS
          DECEMBER 31,               PARTIES                AND OTHER
          --------------             ----------             ------------
             1997                    $ 53,160                   $650,000
             1998                      50,000                         --
             1999                      50,000                         --
                                     ---------                 ---------
                                     $153,160                   $650,000
                                     =========                 =========

8. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

LEASES

     The Company leases office space and equipment under noncancelable operating
leases.  Rent expense was approximately  $63,000,  $94,000,  and $97,000 for the
years ended  December 31, 1994,  1995, and 1996, and $26,000 and $29,000 for the
three-month  periods ended March 31, 1996 and 1997,  respectively.  The terms of
the office lease require the Company to pay a proportionate share of real estate
taxes and  operating  expenses.  As discussed in Note 2, the Company also leases
equipment under capital lease obligations.  The future minimum commitments under
lease obligations are as follows:

                                                       CAPITAL        OPERATING
            YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31,                    LEASES        LEASES
- ---------------------------------------------------   -------------   ----------
     1997   .......................................     $  318,913    $154,219
     1998   .......................................        305,443     165,025
     1999   .......................................        283,376     140,710
     2000   .......................................         59,225          --
     2001   .......................................         12,586          --
                                                         ----------   ---------
                                                           979,543    $459,954
                                                                      =========
     Less -- Amounts representing interest   ......       (207,436)
     Less -- Current portion  .....................       (226,464)
                                                         ----------
                                                        $  545,643
                                                         ==========

LEASE WITH RELATED PARTY

     The  Company  has  entered  into  an  agreement  with  an  affiliate  of  a
shareholder  to lease  capacity  in certain  undersea  fiber  optic  cable.  The
agreement  grants a perpetual right to use the cable and requires ten semiannual
payments of $38,330 beginning on June 30, 1996. The Company has recorded $38,330
in accounts  payable as of March 31,  1997,  related to this  agreement.  Unpaid
amounts bear interest at the 180-day LIBOR rate, plus one quarter percent.

     The  Company  is  required  to pay a  proportional  share  of the  cost  of
operating  and  maintaining  the cable.  The Company  can cancel this  agreement
without  further  obligation,  except for amounts  related to past usage, at any
time.

RESTRICTED CASH

     The  Company  was  required  to provide a bank  guarantee  of  $180,000  in
connection with one of its foreign  operating  agreements.  This guarantee is in
the form of a  certificate  of deposit  and is shown as  restricted  cash in the
accompanying balance sheets.

                                      F-15


<PAGE>






                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AND CONSULTING AGREEMENTS

     The Company has arrangements with its legal counsel and investment  bankers
to represent the Company in a proposed public  offering of the Company's  common
stock.  These  arrangements for professional  services and other expenses commit
the Company to costs of up to $300,000 in the event that such an offering is not
successful.

     The  Company  has agreed to issue  warrants  to acquire  150,000  shares of
common  stock  to its  investment  bankers  at the  close of the  Offering.  The
warrants will have a five-year  term, will vest after one year, and will have an
exercise price of 110 percent of the Offering  price.  The warrants will include
certain anti-dilution provisions.

     The Company has a consulting agreement with an individual who will serve as
an agent for the Company in a foreign country. Under the agreement,  the Company
will pay a total of $90,000 over a three-year period,  commencing March 1, 1997.
In addition,  the Company will pay other office  facilities and general expenses
approximating $12,000 per year.

LITIGATION

     Certain  claims  and  suits  have been  filed or are  pending  against  the
Company.  In management's  opinion,  resolution of these matters will not have a
material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations and
adequate  provision for any potential  losses has been made in the  accompanying
financial statements.

9. RELATED-PARTY TRANSACTIONS:

     The Company has an  agreement  with an affiliate  of a  shareholder  of the
Company that calls for the purchase and sale of long distance services. Revenues
generated from this affiliate  amounted to approximately  $625,000,  $1,035,000,
and $1,501,000,  or 12 percent, 10 percent,  and 5 percent of total revenues for
the years ended December 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996, and $295,000 and $524,000, or
6 and 4 percent of total revenues for the three-month periods ended December 31,
1996  and  1997,  respectively.  The  Company  was in a net  account  receivable
position with this affiliate of approximately $152,000, $14,000, and $314,000 as
of  December  31,  1995 and 1996,  and March 31,  1997,  respectively.  Services
provided  by this  affiliate  and  recognized  in cost of  services  amounted to
approximately  $134,000 and  $663,000 for the years ended  December 31, 1995 and
1996, and $42,000 and $213,000 for the three-month  periods ended March 31, 1996
and 1997, respectively.  There were no services purchased from this affiliate in
1994.

     The Company provided  long-distance  services to an affiliated entity owned
by the primary  shareholder  and  president  of the  Company.  In the opinion of
management,  these  services were  provided on standard  commercial  terms.  The
affiliate  provided  long-distance  services  to  customers  in certain  foreign
countries.  Payments  received by the Company  from this  affiliate  amounted to
approximately  $396,000 and  $262,000 for the years ended  December 31, 1995 and
1996,  respectively,  and the  affiliate  was  unable to  collect  approximately
$150,000 and $95,000 from its residential  customers in the years ended December
31,  1995 and 1996,  respectively.  There were no payments  received  during the
three-month  period  ended  March  31,  1997.   Accounts  receivable  from  this
affiliated  entity  were  $167,000  as of  December  31,  1995 and $64,000 as of
December  31,  1996,  and March 31,  1997,  respectively.  There was no activity
related to this entity for the year ended December 31, 1994.

     The  Company  has  notes  payable  from  parties  related  to  the  primary
shareholder  and  president  of the  Company  (see  Note 7) and a lease  with an
affiliate of a shareholder of the Company (see Note 8).

                                      F-16


<PAGE>



                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

10. SEGMENT DATA AND SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS AND SUPPLIERS:

SEGMENT DATA

     The  Company   classifies  its  operations   into  one  industry   segment,
telecommunications  services.  Substantially  all of the Company's  revenues for
each period  presented  were  derived from calls  terminated  outside the United
States.

     Net revenues terminated by geographic area were as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                              YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                       MARCH 31,
                                    --------------------------------------------   ----------------------------
                                      1994            1995            1996            1996           1997
                                    ------------   -------------   -------------   -------------   ------------
                                                                                   (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                 <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>
Asia/Pacific Rim  ...............   $4,187,799     $ 6,723,983     $13,823,875        $2,641,940   $ 5,699,604
Middle East/North Africa   ......      136,419         693,948       5,819,807           815,834     3,415,250
Sub-Saharan Africa   ............       18,521          34,400       2,712,395           428,018       720,652
Eastern Europe    ...............       25,562         316,470       1,753,491           194,452     1,153,406
Western Europe ..................      617,255       1,647,446       4,478,508           138,649       440,711
North America  ..................      110,643         493,811       1,827,565           299,881       601,379
Other ...........................       12,510         597,392       1,798,865           203,258       341,100
                                    -----------    ------------    ------------      -----------   ------------
                                    $5,108,709     $10,507,450     $32,214,506        $4,722,032   $12,372,102
                                    ===========    ============    ============      ===========   ============
</TABLE>

SIGNIFICANT CUSTOMERS

     A significant  portion of the Company's  revenues is derived from a limited
number of customers.  During 1996, the Company's five largest carrier  customers
accounted for approximately 40% of the Company's net revenues,  with one carrier
customer  accounting for  approximately 23% of net revenues during that year. In
addition, during the three month period ended March 31, 1997, the Company's five
largest carrier customers accounted for approximately 49% of net revenues,  with
one carrier customer  accounting for  approximately  34% during the period.  The
Company's  agreements and arrangements with its carrier customers  generally may
be terminated on short notice without penalty.  The following customers provided
10 percent or more of the Company's net revenues:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                             YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                    MARCH 31,
                                      --------------------------------------   ----------------------------
                                       1994         1995           1996           1996           1997
                                      ---------   ------------   -----------   -------------   ------------
                                                                               (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                   <C>         <C>            <C>           <C>             <C>
Customer A (foreign)   ............   $   *       $1,958,827    $     *          $    *          $    *
Customer B (related party)   ......   624,613          *              *               *               *
Customer C    .....................   564,345          *          7,383,218       1,068,595       4,203,923
</TABLE>

- ----------

* Revenue provided was less than 10 percent of total revenues for the period.

                                      F-17


<PAGE>






                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

SIGNIFICANT SUPPLIERS

     A significant portion of the Company's cost of services is purchased from a
limited number of suppliers. The following suppliers provided 10 percent or more
of the Company's cost of sales:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                  THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                         YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,                      MARCH 31,
                                ------------------------------------------   ----------------------------
                                  1994           1995           1996            1996           1997
                                ------------   ------------   ------------   -------------   ------------
                                                                             (UNAUDITED)     (UNAUDITED)
<S>                             <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>             <C>
Supplier A (foreign)   ......   $3,733,464     $7,154,552       $7,524,983     $1,268,748    $1,555,258
Supplier B    ...............        *              *            3,896,555      1,046,258         *
Supplier C    ...............        *              *            3,971,654          *         1,489,115
Supplier D    ...............        *              *                *              *         1,348,109
Supplier E    ...............        *              *                *            514,009         *
</TABLE>
- ----------
*   Cost of sales  provided  was less than 10 percent of total cost of sales for
    the period.

     The cost of services  attributable to Supplier A includes  charges that are
in dispute,  as discussed in Note 4. Supplier A is a  government-owned,  foreign
carrier that has a monopoly on telephone service in that country.

11. INCOME TAXES:

     The Company  has net  operating  loss  ("NOLS")  carryforwards  for Federal
income tax purposes OF approximately  $2,564,000 and $2,438,000,  as of December
31, 1996 and March 31, 1997,  respectively,  which may be applied against future
taxable  income and expire in years 2005 through  2011.  The Company  utilized a
portion  of these NOLs to  partially  offset  its  taxable  income for the three
months  ended March 31, 1997.  The use of the NOLs is subject to  statutory  and
regulatory  limitations  regarding  changes in ownership.  SFAS No. 109 requires
that the tax benefit of NOLs for financial  reporting purposes be recorded as an
asset to the extent that  management  assesses the  realization of such deferred
tax assets is "more likely than not." A valuation reserve is established for any
deferred tax assets that are not expected to be realized.

     As a result of  historical  operating  losses and the fact that the Company
has a limited operating history, a valuation allowance equal to the deferred tax
asset was recorded for all periods  presented,  which resulted in no tax benefit
being realized during any period.

     The tax effect of  significant  temporary  differences,  which comprise the
deferred tax assets and liabilities, are as follows:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       DECEMBER 31,
                                             ---------------------------------     MARCH 31,
                                                  1995              1996             1997
                                             ---------------   ---------------   ---------------
                                                                                 (UNAUDITED)
<S>                                          <C>               <C>               <C>
Deferred tax assets:
 Net operating loss carryforwards   ......     $    418,934      $  1,014,072      $    964,382
 Allowance for doubtful accounts    ......          149,273           336,127           426,351
 Contested liabilities  ..................          254,115           813,526           816,690
 Cash to accrual adjustment   ............        1,043,264           777,917           713,091
 Other   .................................               --            18,086            24,414
                                                ------------      ------------      ------------
  Total deferred tax assets   ............        1,865,586         2,959,728         2,944,928
                                                ============      ============      ============
Deferred tax liabilities:
 Depreciation  ...........................           34,794            66,434           (74,344)
 Other   .................................            2,628                --                --
                                                ------------      ------------      ------------
  Total deferred tax liabilities    ......           37,422            66,434           (74,344)
                                                ------------      ------------      ------------
  Net deferred tax assets  ...............        1,828,164         2,893,294         2,870,584
Valuation allowance  .....................       (1,828,164)       (2,893,294)       (2,870,584)
                                                ------------      ------------      ------------
                                               $         --      $         --      $         --
                                                ============      ============      ============
</TABLE>


                                      F-18


<PAGE>






                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)


     Pursuant  to Section  448 of the  Internal  Revenue  Code,  the  Company is
required to change from the cash to the accrual method of accounting. The effect
of this change will be amortized over four years for tax purposes.

     The Company  recorded no benefit or provision  for income taxes for each of
the three years in the period  ended  December  31, 1996 or for the  three-month
period ended March 31, 1996. A current provision for Federal alternative minimum
tax was recorded for the three-month period ended March 31, 1997. The components
of income tax expense  for the  three-month  period  ended March 31, 1997 are as
follows:


                                                          THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                            MARCH 31, 1997
                                                         -------------------
                                   (UNAUDITED)
        Current provision
          Federal   ....................................       $  70,410
          Federal alternative minimum tax   ............           2,842
          State  .......................................          15,142
        Deferred benefit
          Federal   ....................................         (18,689)
          State  .......................................          (4,019)
          Benefit of net operating loss carryforwards            (62,844)
                                                               ---------
                                                               $   2,842
                                                               =========


     The provision  for income taxes results in an effective  rate which differs
from the Federal statutory rate as follows:

                                                           THREE MONTHS ENDED
                                                            MARCH 31, 1997
                                                          -------------------
                                   (UNAUDITED)
         Statutory Federal income tax rate   ............           35.0%
         Impact of graduated rate   .....................           (1.0)
         State income taxes, net of Federal tax benefit              4.6
         Federal alternative minimum tax  ...............            2.0
         Benefit of net operating loss carryforwards  ...          (38.6)
                                                                 -------
         Effective rate .................................            2.0%
                                                                 =======

12. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS:

CREDIT FACILITY

     On July 1, 1997, the Company entered into a credit facility ("Loan") with a
bank ("Lender").  The Loan provides for maximum  borrowings of up to $10 million
through  December  31,  1997,  and the  lesser of $15  million  or 85 percent of
eligible accounts receivable, as defined,  thereafter until maturity in December
1999.  The Company  may elect to pay  quarterly  interest  payments at the prime
rate, plus 2 percent, or the adjusted LIBOR, plus 4 percent. The Loan required a
$150,000 commitment fee to be paid at closing, and a quarterly commitment fee of
one  quarter  percent  of  the  unborrowed  portion.  The  Loan  is  secured  by
substantially  all of the  Company's  assets and the common  stock  owned by the
majority  stockholder  and  another  stockholder.   The  Loan  contains  certain
financial and non-financial  covenants, as defined,  including,  but not limited
to, ratios of monthly net revenue to Loan balance,  interest coverage,  and cash
flow leverage,  minimum  subscribers,  and limitations on capital  expenditures,
additional   indebtedness,   acquisition  or  transfer  of  assets,  payment  of
dividends, new ventures or merg-

                                      F-19


<PAGE>






                                 STARTEC, INC.

                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - (Continued)

ers, and issuance of additional  equity (excluding shares issuable in connection
with the Offering).  Beginning on January 1, 1998 (and extending to July 1, 1998
upon the occurrence of defined  events),  should the Lender determine and assert
based on its reasonable  assessment that a material adverse change has occurred,
all amounts outstanding would be due and payable.

     The Loan  provides  that the Lender  receive  warrants  to  purchase  up to
539,800 shares of the Company's  voting common stock  representing 10 percent of
the  issued and  outstanding  shares of the  Company.  Warrants  representing  5
percent of the issued and outstanding  shares are immediately  exercisable.  The
exercise  price of these  warrants is $8.46.  Further,  beginning  in the fourth
calendar quarter of 1997, and continuing until the Company  completes an initial
public  offering,  the  Lender  will vest in an  additional  1 percent  for each
calendar  quarter.  The exercise  price of these warrants will be set at a price
which  values the  Company at 10 times  revenue  for the  immediately  preceding
month.  Until the Company is a public  registrant,  the Company is  obligated to
repurchase  the shares under warrant in certain  circumstances  at the then fair
value of the Company as determined by an independent  appraisal.  The Lender has
certain registration rights with respect to the shares under warrant.

     Prior to closing the above described credit facility,  the Company obtained
a $500,000  credit  facility  from the  Lender at prime plus 2 percent.  Amounts
outstanding under this facility were refinanced under the Loan.

     Proceeds from the loan were used to pay down the  receivables  based credit
facility  (Note  6),  to  retire  the  notes  payable  to  related  parties  and
individuals  and  other  (Note  7),  to  purchase  long-distance  communications
equipment, and for general working capital purposes.

1997 PERFORMANCE PLAN

     In August 1997, the Board of Directors  approved and  recommended  that the
stockholders  approve  the  Company's  1997  Performance   Incentive  Plan  (the
"Performance  Plan").  The  Performance  Plan  provides  for the  award of stock
options,  stock  appreciation  rights,  restricted  stock and other  stock-based
awards to eligible  employees of the Company,  as well as cash-based  annual and
long-term  incentive  awards.  The Performance Plan provides for the issuance of
options to acquire up to 750,000  shares of common stock.  The Company may grant
options to acquire up to 480,000  shares of common stock without  triggering the
antidilution privileges granted under the warrants issued in connection with the
Loan.

NAME CHANGE

     The Board of Directors has approved  management's  recommendation to change
the  Company's  name to Startec  Global  Communications  Corporation  subject to
stockholder approval.

CHANGE IN AUTHORIZED SHARES

     The Company  plans to increase  its  authorized  shares of common  stock to
20,000,000 and to create a preferred class of stock with 100,000 shares of $1.00
par value preferred stock authorized for issuance.

OTHER

     In April 1997,  the Company  issued  aggregate  notes  payable of $150,000,
requiring  quarterly payments of interest at a rate of 15 percent until maturity
in April 1998. These notes were repaid with proceeds from the Loan in July 1997.

     In May 1997,  the Company  entered into capital lease  agreements  totaling
approximately $188,000 in additional long-distance communications equipment.

     In July 1997, the Company paid off approximately $2,650,000 of its existing
debt as of March 31, 1997, using proceeds from the Loan.

                                      F-20


<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<S>                                                               <C>
============================================================      ============================================================

     NO DEALER,  SALES  REPRESENTATIVE  OR ANY OTHER PERSON
HAS BEEN  AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING OTHER THAN
THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS,  AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE,
SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATIONS MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON
AS HAVING  BEEN  AUTHORIZED  BY THE  COMPANY  OR ANY OF THE                            1,900,000 SHARES
UNDERWRITERS.  THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER
TO  SELL,  OR A  SOLICITATION  OF  AN  OFFER  TO  BUY,  ANY
SECURITIES  OTHER THAN THE SHARES OF COMMON  STOCK TO WHICH
IT RELATES OR AN OFFER TO, OR A SOLICITATION OF, ANY PERSON
IN ANY  JURISDICTION  WHERE  SUCH AN OFFER OR  SOLICITATION
WOULD BE UNLAWFUL.  NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES,
CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE  COMPANY  SINCE THE DATE  HEREOF OR THAT THE
INFORMATION  CONTAINED  HEREIN  IS  CORRECT  AS OF ANY TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF.

                      TABLE OF CONTENTS                                                   STARTEC
                                                                            THE STAR OF WORLDWIDE COMMUNICATIONS

                                                  PAGE                                  COMMON STOCK
                                                  -----
Prospectus Summary  ...........................       3
Risk Factors  .................................       6
Use of Proceeds  ..............................      17
Dividend Policy  ..............................      18
Dilution   ....................................      18
Capitalization   ..............................      19
Selected Financial Data   .....................      20                        -------------------------------
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Finan-                                           PROSPECTUS
  cial Condition and Results of Operations           21                        -------------------------------
Business   ....................................      29
Management ....................................      46
Principal Stockholders ........................      52
Certain Transactions   ........................      53
Description of Capital Stock ..................      54
Shares Eligible for Future Sale ...............      59
Underwriting  .................................      60                              FERRIS, BAKER WATTS
Legal Matters .................................      61                                 Incorporated
Experts .......................................      61
Available Information  ........................      61
Glossary of Terms   ...........................     G-1
Index to Financial Statements   ...............     F-1                         BOENNING & SCATTERGOOD, INC.

     UNTIL  _____,  1997  (25 DAYS  AFTER  THE DATE OF THIS
PROSPECTUS),  ALL  DEALERS  EFFECTING  TRANSACTIONS  IN THE
COMMON  STOCK,   WHETHER  OR  NOT   PARTICIPATING  IN  THIS
DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS. THIS                          _________________, 1997
DELIVERY  REQUIREMENT  IS IN ADDITION TO THE  OBLIGATION OF
DEALERS TO DELIVER A PROSPECTUS WHEN ACTING AS UNDERWRITERS
AND WITH RESPECT TO UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.


============================================================      ============================================================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>






                                     PART II
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

ITEM 13. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.

     The following table sets forth an estimate (except for the SEC registration
fee,  NASD filing fee and Nasdaq  National  Market  listing fee) of the fees and
expenses,  all of which will be borne by the Registrant,  in connection with the
sale  and  distribution  of the  securities  being  registered,  other  than the
underwriting discounts and commissions.


         SEC registration fee    .............................. $7,284
                                                                  -----
         NASD filing fee   ....................................      *
                                                                  -----
         Nasdaq National Market listing fee  ..................      *
                                                                  -----
         Legal fees and expenses    ...........................      *
         Accounting fees and expenses  ........................      *
         Blue Sky fees and expenses ...........................      *
         Printing and engraving expenses  .....................      *
         Transfer Agent and Registrar fees and expenses  ......      *
         Miscellaneous  .......................................      *
            Total ............................................. $    *
                                                                 =======


- ----------

* To be completed by amendment.

ITEM 14. INDEMNIFICATION OF OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS

     Section 2-418 of the Corporations and Associations Article of the Annotated
Code of  Maryland  permits a  corporation  to  indemnify  its present and former
officers and  directors,  among others,  against  judgments,  penalties,  fines,
settlements and reasonable expenses actually incurred by them in connection with
any  proceeding to which they may be made a party by reason of their services in
those or other capacities, unless it is established that (a) the act or omission
of the  director  or  officer  was  material  to the matter  giving  rise to the
proceeding  and (i) was  committed in bad faith or (ii) was the result of active
and deliberate  dishonesty;  or (b) the director or officer actually received an
improper personal benefit in money, property, or services; or (c) in the case of
any criminal proceeding, the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe
that the act or omission was  unlawful.  Maryland law permits a  corporation  to
indemnify a present and former officer to the same extent as a director,  and to
provide additional  indemnification to an officer who is not also a director. In
addition,  Section 2-418(f) of the Corporations and Associations  Article of the
Annotated Code of Maryland permits a corporation to pay or reimburse, in advance
of  the  final  disposition  of a  proceeding,  reasonable  expenses  (including
attorney's  fees)  incurred by a present or former  director  or officer  made a
party to the proceeding by reason of his service in that capacity, provided that
the corporation shall have received (a) a written affirmation by the director or
officer  of his  good  faith  belief  that he has met the  standard  of  conduct
necessary for indemnification by the corporation;  and (b) a written undertaking
by or on his behalf to repay the amount paid or reimbursed by the corporation if
it shall ultimately be determined that the standard of conduct was not met.

     The Registrant  has provided for  indemnification  of directors,  officers,
employees,  and agents in Article VIII of its charter.  This provision  reads as
follows:

       (a) To the maximum extent  permitted by the laws of the State of Maryland
   in effect from time to time,  any person who is or is threatened to be made a
   party to any  threatened,  pending or completed  action,  suit or proceeding,
   whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, by

                                      II-1


<PAGE>





   reason of the fact that such  person (i) is or was a  director  or officer of
   the Corporation or of a predecessor of the  Corporation,  or (ii) is or was a
   director or officer of the Corporation or of a predecessor of the Corporation
   and is or was  serving  at the  request  of the  Corporation  as a  director,
   officer,  partner,  trustee, employee or agent of another foreign or domestic
   corporation,  limited liability company,  partnership,  joint venture, trust,
   other  enterprise,  or employee  benefit plan,  shall be  indemnified  by the
   Corporation against judgments,  penalties,  fines, settlements and reasonable
   expenses  (including,  but not limited to  attorneys'  fees and court  costs)
   actually  incurred by such person in  connection  with such  action,  suit or
   proceeding,  or in  connection  with any  appeal  thereof  (which  reasonable
   expenses may be paid or  reimbursed  in advance of final  disposition  of any
   such suit, action or proceeding).

       (b) To the maximum extent  permitted by the laws of the State of Maryland
   in effect from time to time,  any person who is or is threatened to be made a
   party to any  threatened,  pending or completed  action,  suit or proceeding,
   whether civil,  criminal,  administrative or investigative,  by reason of the
   fact that such person (i) is or was an  employee or agent of the  Corporation
   or of a  predecessor  of the  Corporation,  or (ii) is or was an  employee or
   agent of the Corporation or of a predecessor of the Corporation and is or was
   serving at the request of the  Corporation as a director,  officer,  partner,
   trustee,  employee  or agent of  another  foreign  or  domestic  corporation,
   limited  liability  company,   partnership,   joint  venture,   trust,  other
   enterprise, or other employee benefit plan, may (but need not) be indemnified
   by the  Corporation  against  judgments,  penalties,  fines,  settlements and
   reasonable expenses (including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and court
   costs) actually incurred by such person in connection with such action,  suit
   or proceeding,  or in connection  with any appeal  thereof (which  reasonable
   expenses may be paid or  reimbursed  in advance of final  disposition  of any
   such suit, action or proceeding).

       (c) Neither the amendment nor repeal of this Article, nor the adoption or
   amendment of any other  provision of the charter or bylaws of the Corporation
   inconsistent  with this Article,  shall apply to or affect in any respect the
   applicability of this Article with respect to indemnification  for any act or
   failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

       (d) The foregoing  right of  indemnification  and advancement of expenses
   shall  not be deemed  exclusive  of any  other  rights of which any  officer,
   director, employee or agent of the Corporation may be entitled apart from the
   provisions of this Article.

     Under Maryland law, a corporation is permitted to limit by provision in its
charter the liability of directors and officers,  so that no director or officer
of the corporation  shall be liable to the corporation or to any stockholder for
money  damages  except to the extent that (i) the  director or officer  actually
received an improper benefit in money,  property, or services, for the amount of
the benefit or profit in money,  property or services actually received, or (ii)
a judgment or other  final  adjudication  adverse to the  director or officer is
entered in a proceeding based on a finding in the proceeding that the director's
or officer's  action, or failure to act, was the result or active and deliberate
dishonesty  and  was  material  to  the  cause  of  action  adjudicated  in  the
proceeding.  The  Registrant  has limited the  liability  of its  directors  and
officers  for money  damages in Article VII of its  charter,  as  amended.  This
provision reads as follows:

       No  director  or  officer  of the  Corporation  shall  be  liable  to the
   Corporation or to any stockholder for money damages except to the extent that
   (i) the director or officer actually received an improper personal benefit in
   money,  property,  or  services,  for the amount of the  benefit or profit in
   money,  property or services actually  received,  or (ii) a judgment or other
   final  adjudication  adverse  to the  director  or  officer  is  entered in a
   proceeding  based on a  finding  in the  proceeding  that the  director's  or
   officer's  action, or failure to act, was the result of active and deliberate
   dishonesty  and was  material  to the  cause  of  action  adjudicated  in the
   proceeding.  Neither  the  amendment  nor  repeal  of this  Article,  nor the
   adoption  or  amendment  of any  provision  of the  charter  or bylaws of the
   Corporation  inconsistent with this Article,  shall apply to or affect in any
   respect the  applicability of the preceding  sentence with respect to any act
   or failure to act which occurred prior to such amendment, repeal or adoption.

                                      II-2


<PAGE>






ITEM 15. RECENT SALES OF UNREGISTERED SECURITIES

     The following  sets forth  information  as of July 31, 1997,  regarding all
sales of unregistered  securities of the Registrant during the past three years.
All such shares were issued in reliance  upon an  exemption or  exemptions  from
registration  under  the  Securities  Act  by  reason  of  Section  4(2)  of the
Securities Act or Regulation D promulgated  thereunder,  or Rule 701 promulgated
under  Section  3(b) of the  Securities  Act, as  transactions  by an issuer not
involving a public  offering or transactions  pursuant to  compensatory  benefit
plans and  contracts  relating to  compensation  as provided  under Rule 701. In
connection  with  each of these  transactions,  the  securities  were  sold to a
limited  number of persons,  such persons were  provided  access to all relevant
information  regarding the Registrant and/or  represented to the Registrant that
they  were  "sophisticated"  investors,  and  such  persons  represented  to the
Registrant that the shares were purchased for investment  purposes only and with
no view toward distribution.

       (a) In February 1995, the Registrant  completed a private sale of 807,124
   shares of Common Stock to a foreign  corporation for an aggregate  investment
   of $750,000.  No  underwriters  were used in connection  with either  private
   transactions.

       (b) During the period,  the Registrant also granted  options  pursuant to
   its  Amended  and  Restated  Stock  Option  Plan to 32 persons to purchase an
   aggregate of up to 269,766 shares of Common Stock at exercise  prices ranging
   from $.30 to $1.85 per share.

       (c) On July 1, 1997,  the  Registrant  issued  warrants to purchase up to
   539,800  shares of its Common  Stock to Signet  Bank in  connection  with the
   provision by Signet of a revolving credit facility.

ITEM 16. EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

     (A) EXHIBITS




EXHIBIT
NUMBER                       DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------   --------------------------------------------------------------------
1.1         Form of Underwriting Agreement.
3.1*        Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.
3.2*        Amended and Restated Bylaws.
4.1*        Specimen of Common Stock Certificate.
4.2         Warrant  Agreement dated as of July 1, 1997 by and between  Startec,
            Inc. and Signet Bank.
4.3         Form of Underwriters' Warrant Agreement (including Form of Warrant).
4.4*        Voting  Agreement  dated  as of July  31,  1997 by and  between  Ram
            Mukunda and Vijay and Usha Srinivas.
5.1*        Opinion of Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A. with respect
            to the Registrant's Common Stock.
10.1        Secured Revolving Line of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of July
            1, 1997 by and between Startec, Inc. and Signet Bank.
10.2        Lease by and between Vaswani Place Limited  Partnership and Startec,
            Inc. dated as of September 1, 1994, as amended.
10.3        Agreement  by and between  World  Communications,  Inc. and Startec,
            Inc. dated as of April 25, 1990.
10.4*       Co-Location  and  Facilities  Management  Services  Agreement by and
            between Extranet  Telecommunications,  Inc. and  Startec, Inc. dated
            as of ___, 1997.
10.5        Employment  Agreement  dated  as of  July  1,  1997  by and  between
            Startec, Inc. and Ram Mukunda.



                                      II-3


<PAGE>






EXHIBIT
NUMBER                         DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT
- ---------   --------------------------------------------------------------------
10.6        Employment  Agreement  dated  as of  July  1,  1997  by and  between
            Startec, Inc. and Prabhav V. Maniyar.
10.7        Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan.
10.8        1997 Performance Incentive Plan.
10.9 *      Subscription Agreement by and among Blue Carol Enterprises, Limited,
            Startec, Inc. and Ram Mukunda dated as of February 8, 1995.
10.10*      Agreement  for  Management  Participation  by and among  Blue  Carol
            Enterprises,  Limited,  Startec,  Inc.  and Ram Mukunda  dated as of
            February 8, 1995, as amended as of June 16, 1997.
10.11*      Service Agreement by and between Companhia Portuguesa Radio Marconi,
            S.A. and Startec, Inc. as amended on February 8, 1995.
10.12*      Lease Agreement between Companhia Portuguesa Radio Marconi, S.A. and
            Startec, Inc. dated as of June 15, 1996.
10.13*      Indefeasible  Right of Use Agreement  between  Companhia  Portuguesa
            Radio Marconi, S.A. and Startec, Inc. dated as of January 1, 1996.
10.14*      International  Telecommunication  Services  Agreement between Videsh
            Sanchar Nigam Ltd. and Startec, Inc. dated as of November 12, 1992.
10.15*      Digital Service Agreement with  Communications  Transmission  Group,
            Inc. dated as of October 25, 1994.
10.16*      Lease Agreement by and between GPT Finance  Corporation and Startec,
            Inc. dated as of January 10, 1990.
10.17*      Carrier Services  Agreement by and between  Frontier  Communications
            Services, Inc. and Startec, Inc. dated as of February 26, 1997.
10.18*      Carrier Services  Agreement by and between MFS  International,  Inc.
            and Startec, Inc. dated as of July 3, 1996.
10.19*      International  Carrier  Voice  Service  Agreement by and between MFS
            International, Inc. and Startec, Inc. dated as of June 6, 1996.
10.20*      Carrier Service Agreement by and between Cherry Communications, Inc.
            and Startec, Inc. dated as of June 7, 1995.
11.1        Statement regarding computation of earnings per share.
23.1        Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.2 *      Consent of Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A. (included in
            Exhibit 5.1).
24.1        Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page).
27.1        Financial Data Schedule.
99.1        Consent of Nazir G. Dossani.
99.2        Consent of Richard K. Prins.

- ----------

*    To be filed by amendment

                                      II-4


<PAGE>




     (B) FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES.

     The following financial statement schedules are included in Part II of this
Registration Statement:

     Schedule II-Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

     All other  schedules are omitted  because they are  inapplicable or because
the  information  required  is  included in the  financial  statements  or notes
thereto.

ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS

     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may  be  permitted  to  directors,  officers  and  controlling  persons  of  the
Registrant  pursuant  to the  Company's  Charter or  Bylaws,  Maryland  law,  or
otherwise, the Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Commission
such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act
and is, therefore,  unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification
against such  liabilities  (other than the payment by the Registrant of expenses
incurred or paid by a director,  officer or controlling person of the Registrant
in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such
director,  officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being
registered, the Registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter
has been  settled by  controlling  precedent,  submit to a court of  appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such  indemnification  by it is against public
policy as  expressed  in the  Securities  Act and will be  governed by the final
adjudication of such issue.

     The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes to provide the Underwriters at
the  closing  specified  in the  Underwriting  Agreement  certificates  in  such
denomination  and  registered in such names as required by the  Underwriters  to
permit prompt delivery to each purchaser.

   The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes that:

       (1) For purposes of determining  any liability  under the Securities Act,
   the  information  omitted from the form of  prospectus  filed as part of this
   Registration  Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained in a form of
   prospectus  filed by the  Registrant  pursuant to Rule  424(b)(1)  or (4), or
   497(h)  under  the Act  shall  be  deemed  to be  part  of this  Registration
   Statement as of the time it was declared effective.

       (2) For the purposes of  determining  any liability  under the Securities
   Act, each  post-effective  amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
   be deemed  to be a new  Registration  Statement  relating  to the  securities
   offered  therein,  and the offering of such  securities at that time shall be
   deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

                                      II-5


<PAGE>




                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the  requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
has duly caused this  Registration  Statement  to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in Montgomery County, State of Maryland,
on the fourth day of August, 1997.

                                   STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION


                                   By: /s/ Ram Mukunda
                                      ------------------------------------
                                      Ram Mukunda
                                      President and Chief Executive Officer




                                POWER OF ATTORNEY

     KNOW ALL  PERSONS  BY THESE  PRESENTS,  that each  person  whose  signature
appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Ram Mukunda and Prabhav V. Maniyar
and each of them, as his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full
power of substitution and  resubstitution,  for him and in his name,  place, and
stead,  in any and all  capacities,  to sign any and all  amendments  (including
post-effective  amendments)  to  this  Registration  Statement,  or any  related
registration  statement  that is to be  effective  upon filing  pursuant to Rule
462(b)  under  the  Securities  Act,  and to file the  same,  with all  exhibits
thereto,  and other documents in connection  therewith,  with the Securities and
Exchange Commission,  granting unto said  attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each
of them, full power and authority to do and perform each and every act and thing
requisite  and  necessary to be done in  connection  therewith,  as fully to all
intents and  purposes as he might or could do in person,  hereby  ratifying  and
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them, or their,
or his substitute or substitutes,  may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue
hereof.

     Pursuant to the  requirements  of the  Securities  Act,  this  Registration
Statement has been signed by the following  persons in the capacities and on the
dates indicated.


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
       SIGNATURES                              TITLE                          DATE
- ----------------------------   ----------------------------------------   ----------------
<S>                            <C>                                        <C>
/s/  Ram Mukunda               President, Chief Executive Officer,        August 4, 1997
- -------------------------      Treasurer and Director (Principal
     Ram Mukunda               Executive Officer)

/s/  Prabhav V. Maniyar        Senior Vice President, Chief Financial     August 4, 1997
- -------------------------      Officer, Secretary and Director
     Prabhav V. Maniyar        (Principal Financial and Accounting
                               Officer)

/s/  Vijay Srinivas            Director                                   August 4, 1997
- -------------------------
     Vijay Srinivas


</TABLE>


                                      II-6

<PAGE>



                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


To Startec, Inc.:

     We have audited in accordance with generally  accepted auditing  standards,
the  financial  statements  of  Startec,  Inc.  included  in  this  registration
statement and have issued our report thereon dated August 1, 1997. Our audit was
made for the  purpose of forming  an opinion on the basic  financial  statements
taken as a whole.  The Schedule II -- Valuation And  Qualifying  Accounts is the
responsibility  of the  Company's  management  and is presented  for purposes of
complying with the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and is not part of
the basic financial statements. This schedule has been subjected to the auditing
procedures  applied in the audit of the basic  financial  statements and, in our
opinion,  fairly states in all material  respects the financial data required to
be set forth therein in relation to the basic  financial  statements  taken as a
whole.


                                        ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Washington, D.C.
August 1, 1997

                                      S-1



<PAGE>


                                 STARTEC, INC.
                SCHEDULE II -- VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                             (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   COLUMN A                       COLUMN B     COLUMN C         COLUMN D          COLUMN E      COLUMN F
- ------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------------- --------------- -----------
                                                                         ADDITIONS
                                                              --------------------------------
                                                 BALANCE AT   CHARGED TO       CHARGED TO                      BALANCE AT
                                                  BEGINNING    COSTS AND   OTHER ACCOUNTS --   DEDUCTIONS --     END OF
                  DESCRIPTION                     OF PERIOD    EXPENSES       DESCRIBE(A)       DESCRIBE(B)      PERIOD
- ------------------------------------------------ ------------ ------------ ------------------- --------------- -----------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>          <C>                 <C>             <C>
Reflected as reductions to the related assets:
 Provision for uncollectible accounts (deduc-
  tions from trade accounts receivable)
 Year ended December 31, 1994 ..................      $696        $  --             $120            $  (64)        $  752
 Year ended December 31, 1995 ..................       752          150              174              (619)           457
 Year ended December 31, 1996 ..................       457          783              464              (625)         1,079
</TABLE>

- ----------

(a) Represents   reduction   of  revenue  for  accrued  credits  on  residential
business.

(b) Represents amounts written off as uncollectible.


                                      S-2



<PAGE>

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        SEQUENTIAL
EXHIBIT                                                                                    PAGE
NUMBER                       DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                                       NUMBER
- ---------   --------------------------------------------------------------------       -------------
<S>         <C>
1.1         Form of Underwriting Agreement.
3.1*        Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation.
3.2*        Amended and Restated Bylaws.
4.1*        Specimen of Common Stock Certificate.
4.2         Warrant  Agreement dated as of July 1, 1997 by and between  Startec,
            Inc. and Signet Bank.
4.3         Form of Underwriters' Warrant Agreement (including Form of Warrant).
4.4*        Voting  Agreement  dated  as of July  31,  1997 by and  between  Ram
            Mukunda and Vijay and Usha Srinivas.
5.1*        Opinion of Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A. with respect
            to the Registrant's Common Stock.
10.1        Secured Revolving Line of Credit Facility Agreement dated as of July
            1, 1997 by and between Startec, Inc. and Signet Bank.
10.2        Lease by and between Vaswani Place Limited  Partnership and Startec,
            Inc. dated as of September 1, 1994, as amended.
10.3        Agreement  by and between  World  Communications,  Inc. and Startec,
            Inc. dated as of April 25, 1990.
10.4*       Co-Location  and  Facilities  Management  Services  Agreement by and
            between Extranet  Telecommunications,  Inc. and  Startec, Inc. dated
            as of ___, 1997.
10.5        Employment  Agreement  dated  as of  July  1,  1997  by and  between
            Startec, Inc. and Ram Mukunda.
10.6        Employment  Agreement  dated  as of  July  1,  1997  by and  between
            Startec, Inc. and Prabhav V. Maniyar.
10.7        Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan.
10.8        1997 Performance Incentive Plan.
10.9 *      Subscription Agreement by and among Blue Carol Enterprises, Limited,
            Startec, Inc. and Ram Mukunda dated as of February 8, 1995.
10.10*      Agreement  for  Management  Participation  by and among  Blue  Carol
            Enterprises,  Limited,  Startec,  Inc.  and Ram Mukunda  dated as of
            February 8, 1995, as amended as of June 16, 1997.
10.11*      Service Agreement by and between Companhia Portuguesa Radio Marconi,
            S.A. and Startec, Inc. as amended on February 8, 1995.
10.12*      Lease Agreement between Companhia Portuguesa Radio Marconi, S.A. and
            Startec, Inc. dated as of June 15, 1996.
10.13*      Indefeasible  Right of Use Agreement  between  Companhia  Portuguesa
            Radio Marconi, S.A. and Startec, Inc. dated as of January 1, 1996.
10.14*      International  Telecommunication  Services  Agreement between Videsh
            Sanchar Nigam Ltd. and Startec, Inc. dated as of November 12, 1992.
10.15*      Digital Service Agreement with  Communications  Transmission  Group,
            Inc. dated as of October 25, 1994.
10.16*      Lease Agreement by and between GPT Finance  Corporation and Startec,
            Inc. dated as of January 10, 1990.

                                      
<PAGE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        SEQUENTIAL
EXHIBIT                                                                                    PAGE
NUMBER                       DESCRIPTION OF EXHIBIT                                       NUMBER
- ---------   --------------------------------------------------------------------       -------------
<S>         <C>

10.17*      Carrier Services  Agreement by and between  Frontier  Communications
            Services, Inc. and Startec, Inc. dated as of February 26, 1997.
10.18*      Carrier Services  Agreement by and between MFS  International,  Inc.
            and Startec, Inc. dated as of July 3, 1996.
10.19*      International  Carrier  Voice  Service  Agreement by and between MFS
            International, Inc. and Startec, Inc. dated as of June 6, 1996.
10.20*      Carrier Service Agreement by and between Cherry Communications, Inc.
            and Startec, Inc. dated as of June 7, 1995.
11.1        Statement regarding computation of earnings per share.
23.1        Consent of Arthur Andersen LLP.
23.2 *      Consent of Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A. (included in
            Exhibit 5.1).
24.1        Power of Attorney (contained on the signature page).
27.1        Financial Data Schedule.
99.1        Consent of Nazir G. Dossani.
99.2        Consent of Richard K. Prins.

- ----------

*    To be filed by amendment

</TABLE>


                              1,900,000 Shares

                   STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                                  Common Stock
                          (Par Value $0.01 Per Share)

                             UNDERWRITING AGREEMENT


                               September __, 1997


FERRIS, BAKER WATTS, INCORPORATED
BOENNING & SCATTERGOOD, INC.
  As Representatives of the
  Several Underwriters Identified
  In Schedule I Hereto,
c/o Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated
1720 Eye Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C.  20006

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         SECTION 1. INTRODUCTION.  STARTEC Global Communications  Corporation, a
Maryland  corporation  (the  "Company"),  proposes,  subject  to the  terms  and
conditions  stated  herein,  to  issue  and  sell to the  Underwriters  named in
Schedule I hereto (the "Underwriters"),  for which Ferris, Baker Watts, Inc. and
Boenning   &   Scattergood,    Inc.   are   acting   as   Representatives   (the
"Representatives"), an aggregate of 1,900,000 shares and, at the election of the
Underwriters,  up to 285,000  additional shares of Common Stock, par value $0.01
per share  ("Stock"),  of the Company.  The  1,900,000  shares to be sold by the
Company are herein called the "Firm Shares" and the 285,000 additional shares to
be sold by the Company are herein called the "Optional  Shares." The Firm Shares
and the  Optional  Shares that the  Underwriters  elect to purchase  pursuant to
 hereof are herein collectively called the "Shares."

         SECTION 2.  REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE COMPANY.  The Company
represents and warrants to, and agrees with, each of the Underwriters that:

              (a) A  registration  statement  on Form S-1 (File No. 333- ) under
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"),  with respect to the Shares,
including a form of prospectus  subject to completion,  has been prepared by the
Company  in  conformity  with  the  requirements  of the Act and the  rules  and
regulations  of  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the  "Commission")
thereunder (the "Rules and Regulations").  Such registration  statement has been
filed  with the  Commission  under  the
<PAGE>

Act and one or more amendments to such registration statement may also have been
so filed. After the execution of this Agreement, the Company shall file with the
Commission a Prospectus (as hereinafter  defined) which shall have been provided
to, and approved by, the Representatives prior to the filing thereof. As used in
this  Agreement,  the term  "Registration  Statement"  means  such  registration
statement,  as amended and revised at the time when such registration  statement
becomes  effective,  including all financial  schedules and exhibits thereto and
any  information  omitted  therefrom  pursuant  to Rule  430A  under the Act and
included in the  Prospectus  (as  hereinafter  defined).  The term  "Preliminary
Prospectus"  means each  prospectus  subject  to  completion  contained  in such
registration   statement  or  any  amendment  thereto  before  the  Registration
Statement was or is declared effective, or such prospectus subject to completion
filed  pursuant  to Rule  424(a)  under  the Act  which  omits  the  information
permitted under Rule 430A. The term "Prospectus"  means a prospectus,  including
any amendments or supplements  thereto,  relating to the Registration  Statement
that  includes  all  the  information  contained  in  the  most  recently  filed
Preliminary  Prospectus  in  addition  to such  information  which may have been
omitted in any  Preliminary  Prospectus  pursuant to Rule 430A under the Act. To
the extent the  Company  relies on Rule  462(b)  under the Act to  increase  the
maximum aggregate offering price, the Company shall have made in a timely manner
any filing  required  under Rule 462(b) and such filing  shall be in  compliance
with such Rule. Copies of the Registration Statement,  any amendment thereto and
any Preliminary  Prospectus filed with the Commission have been delivered by the
Company to the  Representatives on behalf of the Underwriters.  The Registration
Statement any and post-effective amendments thereto have been declared effective
by the Commission.

              (b) The  Commission  has  not  issued  any  order  suspending  the
effectiveness  of  the  Registration  Statement,  any  post-effective  amendment
thereto  or Rule  462(b)  Registration  Statement,  if  any,  or  preventing  or
suspending  the  use  of  any  Preliminary  Prospectus,   the  Prospectus,   the
Registration  Statement or any amendment of supplement thereto or suspending the
registration of the Shares,  nor has the Commission  instituted or threatened to
institute  any  proceedings  with  respect  to such an order.  Each  Preliminary
Prospectus, at the time of filing thereof, conformed in all material respects to
the  requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations  thereunder,  and did
not contain an 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;
provided,  however, that this representation and warranty shall not apply to any
statements or omissions made in reliance upon and in conformity with information
furnished   in  writing  to  the   Company  by  an   Underwriter   through   the
Representatives expressly for use therein.

              (c) The Registration  Statement  conforms,  and the Prospectus (or
the  most  recent   Preliminary   Prospectus)  and  any  further  amendments  or
supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus will conform, in all
material  respects to the  requirements of the Act and the Rules and Regulations
thereunder. The Registration


                                        2
<PAGE>


Statement  and  any  post-effective  amendment  thereto,  as of  the  applicable
effective date or dates, and each Preliminary  Prospectus and Prospectus,  as of
the date each such  Preliminary  Prospectus  or  Prospectus  is filed and at all
times  subsequent  thereto up to and  including  the Closing Date (as defined in
Section 5 hereof) and the Option  Closing Date (as defined in Section 5 hereof),
and during such longer period during which the  Prospectus may be required to be
delivered in  connection  with sales to any dealer and during such longer period
until any  post-effective  amendment thereto shall become effective,  do not and
will not  contain  an 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 not misleading; provided, however, that this representation and warranty
shall not apply to any  statements  or  omissions  made in reliance  upon and in
conformity  with  information   furnished  in  writing  to  the  Company  by  an
Underwriter through the Representatives  expressly for use therein, and no event
will  have  occurred  which  should  have  been  set  forth in an  amendment  or
supplement to the  Registration  Statement or the Prospectus  which has not then
been set forth in such an amendment or supplement.

              (d) The Company has been duly incorporated and is validly existing
as a corporation in good standing under the laws of Maryland,  its  jurisdiction
of incorporation,  and has been duly qualified as a foreign  corporation for the
transaction  of business  and is in good  standing  under the laws of each other
jurisdiction  in which it owns or leases  properties or conducts any business so
as to require such  qualification,  except for those  jurisdictions in which the
failure to so qualify  has not had and will not have a Material  Adverse  Effect
(as hereinafter  defined),  and has all power and authority  necessary to own or
hold its  properties  and to conduct the  business in which it is engaged.  Each
subsidiary  of  the  Company  in  existence  as  of  the  date  hereof  (each  a
"Subsidiary" and together the  "Subsidiaries") has been duly incorporated and is
validly  existing  as a  corporation  in good  standing  under  the  laws of its
jurisdiction  of  incorporation  and each has been duly  qualified  as a foreign
corporation  for the  transaction  of business and is in good standing under the
laws of each  other  jurisdiction  in which  it owns or  leases  properties,  or
conducts  any  business so as to require  such  qualification  (except for those
jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify has not had and will not have a
Material  Adverse Effect (as  hereinafter  defined).  "Material  Adverse Effect"
means,  when used in connection  with the Company,  any  development,  change or
effect that is  materially  adverse to the  business,  properties,  assets,  net
worth,  condition  (financial or other),  results of operations or, prospects of
the Company and its Subsidiaries, taken as a whole.

              (e) The  Company  has the duly  authorized  capitalization  as set
forth in the Prospectus (or most recent  Preliminary  Prospectus)  and will have
the adjusted  capitalization set forth therein at the Closing Date, based on the
assumptions set forth therein. All of the shares of capital stock of the Company
issued and  outstanding  have been duly and validly  authorized and issued,  are
fully paid and  non-assessable,  without  personal  liability  attaching  to the
ownership thereof, and none of such shares have been issued or are owned or held
in  violation of any  preemptive  or other  rights of



                                       3
<PAGE>

securityholders or other persons to acquire securities of the Company. As of the
Closing Date, the securities of the Company including,  without limitation,  the
Stock, the Shares, the warrants (the  "Underwriters'  Warrants") to be issued to
the Representatives pursuant to the Underwriters' Warrant Agreement of even date
herewith  (the  "Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement")  conform to all  statements
relating thereto contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus. With
respect to each  Subsidiary  of the Company,  all of the issued and  outstanding
shares of capital  stock are fully  paid and  non-assessable,  without  personal
liability attaching to the ownership thereof,  and none of such shares have been
issued or are owned or held in  violation of any  preemptive  or other rights of
securityholders  or other  persons  to acquire  securities  of the  Company  and
(except as otherwise described in the Prospectus (or the most recent Preliminary
Prospectus))  are owned  directly by the  Company,  free and clear of all liens,
encumbrances,  equities or claims. Other than as disclosed in the Prospectus (or
the most recent Preliminary Prospectus),  there are no holders of the securities
of the Company having rights to  registration  thereof or pre-emptive  rights to
purchase capital stock of the Company.  Except as created hereby or described in
the  Prospectus  or most recently  filed  Preliminary  Prospectus,  there are no
commitments,  plans  or  arrangements  to  issue,  and no  outstanding  options,
warrants or other  rights,  calling for issuance of, any shares of capital stock
of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  or any security or other  instrument
which, by its terms, is convertible  into,  exercisable for, or exchangeable for
capital stock of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  Except as described in
the Prospectus or the most recently filed  Preliminary  Prospectus,  there is no
outstanding  security or other  instrument  which,  by its terms, is convertible
into,  exercisable  for, or exchangeable for capital stock of the Company or any
of its Subsidiaries.

              (f) The Shares and the  Underwriters'  Warrants have been duly and
validly  authorized.  When the Shares are issued and delivered  against  payment
therefor as provided herein, or when the  Underwriters'  Warrants are issued and
delivered in accordance with the terms hereof,  thereof and of the Underwriters'
Warrant Agreement, such Shares and such Underwriters' Warrants, will be duly and
validly issued and fully paid and  non-assessable,  will not have been issued in
violation of any preemptive or other rights of  securityholders or other persons
to acquire securities of the Company and will conform to all statements relating
thereto in the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus.  Good and marketable
title to the Shares and the Underwriters' Warrants will pass to the Underwriters
on the Closing Date free and clear of any lien, encumbrance,  security interest,
claim or other restriction whatsoever.  The shares to be issued upon exercise of
the Underwriters'  Warrants (the "Warrant Shares") have been duly authorized and
validly  reserved  for issuance  and,  when  issued,  paid for and  delivered in
accordance with the terms of the  Underwriters'  Warrants and the  Underwriters'
Warrant   Agreement  will  be  duly  and  validly  issued  and  fully  paid  and
non-assessable,  will not have been issued in  violation  of any  preemptive  or
other rights of  securityholders  or other persons to acquire  securities of the
Company and will conform to all statements  relating thereto in the Registration
Statement and the Prospectus (or most recent Preliminary  Prospectus).

                                       4
<PAGE>

Good and marketable  title,  free and clear of any lien,  encumbrance,  security
interest,  claim or other  restriction  whatsoever,  will pass to the holders of
Warrant Shares issued upon exercise of Underwriters' Warrants in accordance with
the terms thereof and of the Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement.  The Company has
received,  subject to notice of issuance,  approval to have the Shares listed on
The Nasdaq  National Market ("NNM") and the Company knows of no reason or set of
facts which is likely to adversely affect such approval.

              (g) The financial  statements  and the related notes and schedules
thereto  included in the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus or the most
recent Preliminary Prospectus fairly present the financial condition, results of
operations,  stockholders'  equity  and cash  flows,  and the other  information
purported  to be  shown  therein,  of the  Company  and its  Subsidiaries,  on a
consolidated  basis  at the  respective  dates  and for the  respective  periods
specified therein. Such financial statements and the related notes and schedules
thereto have been  prepared in accordance  with  generally  accepted  accounting
principles  consistently  applied  throughout  the periods  involved  (except as
otherwise  noted  therein  and have  been  properly  derived  from the books and
records of the Company and such  financial  statements  as are audited have been
examined by Arthur Andersen LLP, who are independent  public  accountants within
the  meaning of the Act and the Rules and  Regulations,  as  indicated  in their
reports filed therewith. The selected financial information and statistical data
set forth  under  the  captions  "Prospectus  SummaryuSummary  Financial  Data,"
"Capitalization,"   "Selected  Financial  Data,"  "Management's  Discussion  and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business" in the
Prospectus (or the most recent Preliminary  Prospectus)  fairly present,  on the
basis stated in the Prospectus or such Preliminary  Prospectus,  the information
included  therein and have been properly  derived from the financial  statements
and other  operating  records  of the  Company  and its  Subsidiaries.  No other
financial statements or financial information, except that which is contained in
the  Registration  Statement,  the  Prospectus  or the most  recent  Preliminary
Prospectus is required by Form S-1, the Rules and Regulations,  or otherwise, to
be included in the  Registration  Statement,  the Prospectus or such Preliminary
Prospectus.

              (h) Since the respective dates as of which information is given in
the  Prospectus  (or the most  recent  Preliminary  Prospectus),  and  except as
otherwise  may be  stated  therein  (i)  neither  the  Company,  nor  any of its
Subsidiaries  has entered  into any  transaction  or incurred  any  liability or
obligation,  contingent or  otherwise,  which is material to the Company and its
Subsidiaries,  taken as a whole,  (ii)  there  has not  been any  change  in the
outstanding  capital  stock of the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or any
issuance of options,  warrants  or rights to purchase  the capital  stock of the
Company or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or any material  increase in the long-term
debt of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or any material adverse change
in the business,  condition (financial or otherwise) or results of operations of
the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,  (iii) no loss or damage (whether or not
insured) to the  properties of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries
                                       5
<PAGE>

has been sustained which has resulted in a Material Adverse Effect, (iv) neither
the Company nor any of its  subsidiaries  has paid or declared  any  dividend or
other  distribution  with  respect to its stock,  and (v) there has not been any
change,  contingent  or  otherwise,  in the  direct or  indirect  control of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries nor, to the best knowledge of the Company, do
there exist any circumstances which would likely result in such a change.

              (i)  The  Company  and  each of its  Subsidiaries  has  filed  all
foreign,  federal,  state and local  income,  franchise  and other  material tax
returns required to be filed (or have obtained  extensions with respect thereto)
and has paid all taxes shown as due thereunder and all  assessments  received by
it to the extent that  payment has become due,  and the Company has no knowledge
of any tax deficiency  which might be assessed against the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries  which,  if so  assessed,  would be  reasonably  expected to have a
Material Adverse Effect.

              (j) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries  maintains  insurance
of the types and in amounts which the Company reasonably believes to be adequate
for its business in such amounts and with such  deductibles as are customary for
companies  in the same or similar  business,  all of which  insurance is in full
force and effect.

              (k) Other  than as set  forth in the  Prospectus  (or most  recent
Preliminary Prospectus),  there are no legal or governmental proceedings pending
to which  the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  is a party or to which  any
property of the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  is the  subject  which (i)
challenges the validity of the capital stock of the Company or this Agreement or
the Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement,  or of any action taken or to be taken by
the Company pursuant to or in connection herewith or therewith, (ii) is required
to be disclosed in the  Registration  Statement  or  Prospectus  (or most recent
Preliminary Prospectus),  or (iii) if determined adversely to the Company or any
of its  Subsidiaries,  could  reasonably  be  expected,  individually  or in the
aggregate,  to  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect,  and to  the  Company's  best
knowledge,  no such  proceedings  are threatened or contemplated by governmental
authorities or threatened by others.  Any such proceedings that are set forth in
the Prospectus (or most recent Preliminary Prospectus) are fairly and accurately
summarized therein.

              (l) The Company has full legal right, power and authority to enter
into this Agreement and the  Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement and to consummate
the transactions provided for and perform its obligations as provided herein and
therein. All necessary corporate proceedings of the Company have been duly taken
to authorize  the  execution,  delivery and  performance  by the Company of this
Agreement  and the  Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement.  This  Agreement  and the
Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement  have  been  duly  authorized,   executed  and
delivered by the Company  and,  assuming  each is a binding  agreement of yours,
constitutes  a legal,  valid and binding  agreement  of the Company  enforceable
against the Company in accordance with its terms 


                                       6
<PAGE>


(except  as  such  enforceability  may  be  limited  by  applicable  bankruptcy,
insolvency,  reorganization,  moratorium  or other laws of  general  application
relating  to  or  affecting  the  enforcement  of  creditors'   rights  and  the
application of equitable principles relating to the availability of remedies and
except as rights to indemnity or contribution may be limited by federal or state
securities laws and the public policy underlying such laws).

              (m) The Company's  execution and performance of this Agreement and
the Underwriters' Warrant Agreement, including, without limitation,  application
of the net proceeds of the offering,  if and when received,  as described in the
Prospectus  (or most recent  Preliminary  Prospectus)  under the caption "Use of
Proceeds,"  will not violate any provision of the Articles of  Incorporation  or
Bylaws  or any  similar  constitutive  documents  of the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries, or any law, rule or regulation applicable to the Company or any of
its  Subsidiaries  of any government,  court,  regulatory  body,  administrative
agency or other governmental body having jurisdiction over the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries or any of their respective  businesses or properties,  and will
not result in the breach, or be in contravention,  of any loan agreement, lease,
franchise,  license,  note,  bond,  other evidence of  indebtedness,  indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, voting trust agreement,  stockholders' agreement,  note
agreement or other  agreement or  instrument  to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries  is a party  or by which  their  respective  property  is or may be
subject, or any statute,  judgment, decree, order, rule or regulation applicable
to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries of any government,  arbitrator, court,
regulatory body or administrative  agency or other governmental  agency or body,
domestic  or  foreign,  having  jurisdiction  over  the  Company  or  any of its
Subsidiaries or any of their  respective  businesses,  activities or properties,
except  those,  if any,  that are  described in the  Prospectus  (or most recent
Preliminary  Prospectus)  or  those  which  would  not,  individually  or in the
aggregate, have a Material Adverse Effect.

              (n) All executed agreements or copies of executed agreements filed
as exhibits  to the  Registration  Statement  to which the Company or any of its
Subsidiaries  is a party or by which  any of them is or may be bound or to which
any of their  respective  assets,  properties or businesses is or may be subject
have been duly and validly authorized,  executed and delivered by the Company or
the relevant  Subsidiary or  Subsidiaries  and,  assuming that each is a binding
obligation of the other party or parties thereto,  constitutes the legal,  valid
and  binding  agreement  of the  Company  or such  Subsidiary  or  Subsidiaries,
enforceable  against  it or them in  accordance  with its terms  (except as such
enforceability   may  be   limited   by   applicable   bankruptcy,   insolvency,
reorganization  or other  similar laws  relating to  enforcement  of  creditors'
rights generally,  and general equitable principles relating to the availability
of remedies, and except as rights to indemnity or contribution may be limited by
federal or state  securities  laws and the public policy  underlying such laws).
The  descriptions in the Prospectus and Preliminary  Prospectus of contracts and
other documents are accurate and fairly present the  information  required to be
disclosed  with respect  thereto by the Act and the Rules and


                                       7
<PAGE>



Regulations, and there are no contracts or other documents which are required by
the Act or the Rules and  Regulations to be described in the Prospectus or filed
as exhibits to the  Registration  Statement  which are not described or filed as
required, and the exhibits which have been filed are complete and correct copies
of the documents of which they purport to be copies.

              (o)  The  Company  and  each  of its  Subsidiaries  has  good  and
marketable  title in fee simple to all real property and good title to all other
property and assets owned thereby as set forth in the Prospectus (or most recent
Preliminary  Prospectus),  in each case free and  clear of all  liens,  security
interests,  pledges,  charges,  mortgages  and other  defects and  encumbrances,
except such as are  described  in the  Prospectus  (or most  recent  Preliminary
Prospectus) or such as do not materially affect the value of such property,  and
do not  interfere  with the use made and proposed to be made of such property by
the Company or its  Subsidiaries;  and any real  properties  and buildings  held
under  lease by the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  are held under  valid,
subsisting and  enforceable  leases with such exceptions as are not material and
do not interfere  with the use made and proposed to be made of such property and
buildings by the Company and its Subsidiaries.  No real property owned,  leased,
licensed  or used by the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  is situated in an
area  which is, or to the best  knowledge  of the  Company,  will be  subject to
zoning, use, or building code restrictions which would prohibit (and no state of
facts  relating to the actions or inaction of another person or entity or his or
its  ownership,  leasing,  licensing,  or use of any real or  personal  property
exists or will exist which would  prevent) the  continued  effective  ownership,
leasing,  licensing, or use of such real property in the business of the Company
or its Subsidiaries as presently  conducted or as the Prospectus (or most recent
Preliminary  Prospectus)  indicates  any of  them  contemplate  conducting  such
business in the future,  except as disclosed in the  Prospectus  (or most recent
Preliminary Prospectus).

              (p)  No  consent,   authorization,   approval,   order,   license,
certificate,  declaration or permit of or from, or filing with, any governmental
or regulatory  authority,  agent,  board or other body is required for the issue
and sale of the Shares by the Company and the execution, delivery or performance
by the Company of this Agreement or the Underwriters' Warrant Agreement,  or the
issuance of the Warrant Shares in accordance with the terms of the Underwriters'
Warrants and the Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement,  except for the registration
under  the Act of the  Shares  and  the  registration  of the  Stock  under  the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), each of which
has  been  made or  obtained,  and  such  consents,  approvals,  authorizations,
registrations  or  qualifications  as may be required under state  securities or
Blue Sky laws in connection with the purchase and  distribution of the Shares by
the Underwriters,  and such approval as may be required from the NNM to have the
Shares  listed  thereon.  No  consent of any party to any  contract,  agreement,
instrument, lease, license, arrangement or understanding to which the Company or
any of its  Subsidiaries  are a party,  or to which any


                                       8
<PAGE>



of their  properties  or assets are  subject,  is  required  for the  execution,
delivery  or  performance  of  this  Agreement  or  the  Underwriters'   Warrant
Agreement.

              (q)  Neither  the  Company  nor  any  of  its  Subsidiaries  is in
violation of its Charter or Bylaws or similar  constitutive  documents;  neither
the  Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries  is (or, as a result of the passage of
time or based on its projected  plans of operations,  will be) in default in the
performance or observance of any  obligation,  agreement,  covenant or condition
contained in any indenture,  mortgage,  deed of trust, loan agreement,  lease or
other  agreement or  instrument  to which it is a party or by which it or any of
its properties  may be bound,  which default may reasonably be expected to have,
individually or in the aggregate,  a Material Adverse Effect,  or which could in
any way,  individually or in the aggregate,  impair or delay the consummation of
the transactions contemplated by this Agreement or the offering of the Shares in
the  manner  contemplated  herein  and in the  Registration  Statement  and  the
Prospectus  (or most recent  Preliminary  Prospectus)  and each such  indenture,
mortgage,  deed of trust,  loan agreement lease or other agreement or instrument
is in full force and effect and is a legal,  valid and binding obligation of the
Company or is  Subsidiary or  Subsidiaries,  as the case may be and, to the best
knowledge of the Company, of each other party thereto.

              (r) The  statements  set forth in the  Prospectus  (or most recent
Preliminary  Prospectus)  under the  caption  "Description  of  Capital  Stock,"
insofar as they purport to  constitute  a summary of the terms of the  Company's
securities,   and  under  the  captions   "Shares  Eligible  For  Future  Sale,"
"Business,"  "Management"  and  "Underwriting"  (except,  with  respect  to  the
statements  under the  caption  "Underwriting,"  for  information  furnished  in
writing to the Company by the Underwriters through the Representatives expressly
for use therein), insofar as they purport to describe the provisions of the laws
and the  provisions  of documents  referred to therein,  are accurate and fairly
summarize such provisions.

              (s) The Company is not and,  after  giving  effect to the offering
and sale of the Shares,  will not be an  "investment  company" or an "affiliated
person"  of  or  a  "promoter"  or  "principal  underwriter"  of  or  an  entity
"controlled"  by an  "investment  company,"  as such  terms are  defined  in the
Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "Investment Company Act").

              (t) The Company and each of its  Subsidiaries  owns or is licensed
or otherwise has sufficient right to use the proprietary knowledge,  inventions,
patents,  trademarks,  service  marks,  trade names,  logo marks and  copyrights
("Intellectual  Property")  currently  used in the  conduct of their  respective
businesses,  except for those patents,  trademarks,  service marks, trade names,
logo marks or  copyrights  with  respect to which the  failure to own or license
same would not have a Material  Adverse  Effect.  To the best  knowledge  of the
Company,  none  of  the  activities  engaged  in by  the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries  infringes upon or otherwise  conflicts with Intellectual  Property


                                       9
<PAGE>



rights of others,  except for any such  conflicts that would not have a Material
Adverse Effect,  and no claims have been asserted  against the Company or any of
its  Subsidiaries  by any person  with  respect to the use of any such rights or
challenging or questioning the validity or effectiveness of any such rights.

              (u) No labor  disturbance by, or labor dispute with, the employees
of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  exists or is  threatened or imminent
which may have a Material Adverse Effect.

              (v)  Since  its  inception,  the  Company  has  not  incurred  any
liability  arising under or as a result of the  application of the provisions of
the Act.

              (w) The Company and each of its  Subsidiaries (i) is in compliance
with all environmental,  safety, health or similar law or regulation relating to
the protection of human health and safety, the environment or hazardous or toxic
substances  or  wastes,   pollutants  or  contaminants   ("Environmental  Laws")
applicable  to its  business,  (ii) has received all permits,  licenses or other
approvals required under applicable  Environmental Laws to conduct its business,
and (iii) is in  compliance  with all terms and  conditions  of any such permit,
license or approval,  except where such  noncompliance,  failure to receive such
license  or  approval  or failure  to comply  would not have a Material  Adverse
Effect.

              (x) The Company and each of its Subsidiaries is in compliance with
all  federal or state  laws,  including  the rules and  regulations  promulgated
thereunder,  relating  to  discrimination  in the  hiring,  promotion  or pay of
employees,  nor any  applicable  federal or state  wages and hours law,  and the
provisions of the Employee  Retirement  Income Security Act of 1974, as amended,
applicable to its  business,  except where such  noncompliance  would not have a
Material Adverse Effect.

              (y) The Company and each of its  Subsidiaries  has full  corporate
power  and  authority  and  has  obtained  and  holds  all  necessary   consents
authorizations approvals, orders, certificates and permits of and from, and have
made all declarations  and filings with, all U.S. and foreign,  federal state or
provincial,  local  and  other  governmental  authorities,  all  self-regulatory
organizations and all courts and other tribunals, to own, lease, license and use
its properties and assets and to conduct its business in the manner described in
the Prospectus  (or most recent  Preliminary  Prospectus),  except to the extent
that the failure to obtain or file would not have Material  Adverse Effect,  and
except as otherwise  described  in the  Prospectus  (or most recent  Preliminary
Prospectus).  Neither the Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has received any
notice of proceedings  relating to, and does not have reason to believe that any
governmental body or agency is considering  limiting,  suspending,  modifying or
revoking,  any such consent,  authorization,  approval,  order,  certificate  or
permit which, individually or in the aggregate, if the subject of an unfavorable
decision, ruling or finding, would have a Material Adverse Effect.


                                       10
<PAGE>



              (z) The Company  and each of its  Subsidiaries  has all  necessary
applications, statements, reports, information, forms, consents, authorizations,
approvals,  orders, certificates and permits ("Licenses") of and from all United
States  federal  or state  authorities,  including  the  Federal  Communications
Commission  (the "FCC") and State Public  Utilities  Commissions to own,  lease,
license and use its  properties  and assets and to conduct  its  business in the
manner  described in the  Prospectus  (or most recent  Preliminary  Prospectus),
except  to the  extent  that the  failure  to  obtain  or file  would not have a
Material  Adverse  Effect,  and except as described in the  Prospectus  (or most
recent Preliminary Prospectus).

              (aa) The Licenses are in full force and effect without  conditions
that would have a Material  Adverse Effect , except for such conditions  imposed
generally by the FCC upon such licenses or conditions  stated on the face of the
Licenses,  (ii) all express conditions in the Licenses have been satisfied where
the failure to satisfy such conditions would have a Material Adverse Effect, and
(iii)  neither  the  Company  nor  any  of its  Subsidiaries  has  received  any
notification  that any revocation or limitation of the Licenses is threatened or
pending that would have a Material Adverse Effect.

              (bb) The Licenses are validly issued.  The Company and each of its
Subsidiaries  has  filed  with the FCC all  applications,  statements,  reports,
information,  forms, or any other document required under the Communications Act
of 1934,  as amended (the  "Communications  Act") and the rules and  regulations
thereunder,  except  where the  failure  to so file  would  not have a  Material
Adverse  Effect,  and  such  filings  or  submissions  were in  compliance  with
applicable laws or regulations when filed or submitted and no deficiencies  have
been  asserted by the FCC with  respect to such filings or  submissions,  except
where the  deficiency  is of such a nature that failure to cure would not have a
Material  Adverse  Effect,   the  information   contained  in  such  filings  or
submissions was, in all material respects,  accurate, complete and up-to-date at
the time the filings or submissions were made.

              (cc) With respect to matters  relating to the  regulation  of long
distance  telecommunications  carriers  administered by United States federal or
state  authorities,  including,  and not  limited  to, the FCC and State  Public
Utilities  Commissions,  the  execution  and delivery by the Company of, and the
performance  by the Company of its  obligations  under,  this  Agreement and the
Underwriters' Warrant Agreement will not contravene any provisions of applicable
law or any judgment,  order or decree of any governmental  body, agency or court
having jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, and no consent,
approval,  authorization  or order of, or  qualification  with, any governmental
body or agency is required for the performance by the Company of its obligations
hereunder or thereunder

              (dd)  There is no  proceeding,  formal or  informal  complaint  or
investigation  before the FCC against the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries or
any of the


                                       11
<PAGE>



Licenses or based on any violation or alleged violation by the Company or any of
its subsidiaries of the Communications Act, except for proceedings affecting the
industry generally to which neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is a
specific party.

              (ee)  Neither the  execution,  delivery  and  performance  of this
Agreement  by the  Company,  nor  the  issuance  and  sale  of the  Shares,  the
Underwriters'  Warrants or the Warrant Shares,  as described in the Registration
Statement and Prospectus (or most recent Preliminary Prospectus),  will conflict
with,  violate or require  any  authorization,  approval,  or consent  under the
Communications  Act or result in a breach  or  violation  of any of the terms or
provisions  of, or  constitute  a default  under,  or cause  any  forfeiture  or
impairment of, any of the Licenses.

              (ff) Neither the Company nor any other person  associated  with or
acting on behalf of the Company  including,  without  limitation,  any director,
officer,  agent, or employee of the Company has,  directly or indirectly,  while
acting  on behalf  of the  Company  (i) used any  corporate  funds for  unlawful
contributions,  gifts,  entertainment,  or other unlawful  expenses  relating to
political  activity,  (ii) made any unlawful  contribution  to any candidate for
foreign or domestic office, or to any foreign or domestic  government  officials
or employees or other person charged with similar public or quasi-public duties,
other than  payments  required or permitted by the laws of the United  States or
any  jurisdiction  thereof  or to  foreign  or  domestic  political  parties  or
campaigns from corporate  funds, or failed to disclose fully any contribution in
violation of law, (iii) violated any provision of the Foreign Corrupt  Practices
Act of 1977, as amended, or (iv) made any other unlawful payment.

              (gg) Neither the Company nor, to the Company's best knowledge, any
employee or agent of the Company has made any payment of funds of the Company or
received or retained any funds which  constitutes  a violation by the Company of
any law, rule or  regulation  or of a character  required to be disclosed in the
Prospectus (or most recent Preliminary Prospectus).

              (hh) With respect to state  certificates of public convenience and
necessity of other operating  authorizations  issued by state and public utility
commissions  or similar state  governmental  agencies  (collectively  "PUCs" and
individually a "PUC") (such PUC certificates and  authorizations are hereinafter
referred to collectively as the "State  Authorizations")  held by the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries,  such State Authorizations are in full force and effect
and are unimpaired by any act or omission of the Company or any of its employees
or  agents  or the  Company's  Subsidiaries,  in each  case  except  where  such
authorization  is not  required  or where the  failure to so hold any such State
Authorization would not have a Material Adverse Effect. The State Authorizations
are all of the licenses,  authorizations,  consents and approvals necessary from
the PUCs in order to allow the Company and each of its Subsidiaries to own their
respective  assets and carry on their  respective  businesses as currently being
conducted,


                                       12
<PAGE>



except  where the failure to so hold any State  Authorizations  would not have a
Material  Adverse  Effect.  To  the  Company's  best  knowledge,  there  are  no
proceedings of any kind, including but not limited to rulemaking  proceedings of
general  applicability  in the  industry  or  industries  in which  the  Company
operates,  by or before any PUC, now pending or threatened,  which, if adversely
determined,  would have a Material  Adverse  Effect.  Neither the  execution and
delivery of this  Agreement  or the  Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement,  nor the
consummation  of  the  transactions  contemplated  herein,  therein  and  in the
Registration Statement,  will conflict with or result in a breach of, or require
any  authorization,  approval or consent  under the  Communications  Act, or the
rules of the FCC or the communications  statutes of any state or the policies or
rules of any PUC. All  applications,  reports and other filings  required by the
FCC or any PUC to be filed as of the date hereof with respect to any FCC license
or the State  Authorizations,  as the case may be, have been duly and  currently
filed as of the date hereof,  except where the failure to so file would not have
a Material Adverse Effect.

              (ii) The Company and each of its  Subsidiaries  has filed with the
applicable foreign and domestic regulatory authorities each and every statement,
report, information or form required by any applicable law, regulation or order,
except  where the failure to so file would not have a Material  Adverse  Effect,
and all such filings or submissions were in compliance with applicable laws when
filed,  and no  deficiencies  have been asserted by any  regulatory  commission,
agency or authority  with respect to such filings or  submissions,  except where
the  failure to so file or cure would not have a Material  Adverse  Effect.  The
Company and each of its Subsidiaries has maintained in full force and effect all
licenses and permits necessary or proper for the conduct of its business, except
where the failure to do so would not have a Material Adverse Effect, and neither
the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries  has received any notification  that any
revocation or  limitation  thereof is threatened or pending that would have such
an Effect. Except as disclosed in the Registration  Statement and the Prospectus
(or most recent Preliminary  Prospectus),  there is not pending any change under
any law,  regulation,  license or permit  that  would  have a  Material  Adverse
Effect.  Neither the Company nor any or its Subsidiaries has received any notice
of, or, to the best knowledge of the Company,  been  threatened with or is under
investigation  with  respect  to, a  violation  or a possible  violation  of any
provision of any law,  regulation or order,  except such violation or violations
as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

              (jj) The books,  records  and  accounts  and  systems of  internal
accounting  controls of the Company  currently  comply with the  requirements of
Section 13(b)(2) of the Exchange Act.

              (kk)  Neither the Company nor any of its  officers,  directors  or
affiliates (within the meaning of the Rules and Regulations) has taken, directly
or indirectly,  any action  designed to stabilize or manipulate the price of any
security of the Company,  or which has  constituted or which might in the future
reasonably be expected to, cause or


                                       13
<PAGE>



result in,  stabilization  or  manipulation  of the price of any security of the
Company, to facilitate the sale or resale of the Shares or otherwise.

              (ll) The minute books of the Company and each of its  Subsidiaries
are current and contain a correct and complete  record of all  corporate  action
taken by the respective  Boards of Directors and stockholders of the Company and
the Subsidiaries and all signatures contained therein are true signatures of the
persons whose signatures they purport to be.

              (mm)  Except  as  described  in the  Prospectus  (or  most  recent
Preliminary  Prospectus),  to the best knowledge of the Company there is no loss
or threatened  loss of any key customer,  supplier,  or account which loss would
result in a Material Adverse Effect.

              (nn) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has incurred,
directly  or  indirectly,   any  liability  for  a  fee,   commission  or  other
compensation  on account of the  employment  of a broker or finder in connection
with the offering and sale of the Shares contemplated by this Agreement.

              (oo)  There  are  no  business   relationships  or  related  party
transactions of the nature  described in Item 404 of Regulation S-K of the Rules
and Regulations  involving the Company,  any of its  Subsidiaries and any person
referred to in Items 401 or 404 of such Regulation S-K, except as required to be
described,  and as so described,  in the Prospectus (or most recent  Preliminary
Prospectus).

         SECTION 3. PURCHASE OF SECURITIES BY THE UNDERWRITERS.  On the basis of
the representations,  warranties, covenants and agreements herein contained, and
subject to the terms and  conditions  herein set forth (i) the Company agrees to
sell to each of the Underwriters, and each of the Underwriters agrees, severally
and not jointly,  to purchase from the Company, at a purchase price per share of
$_______,  the  number  of Firm  Shares  set  forth  opposite  the  name of such
Underwriter  in  Schedule I hereto and (ii) in the event and to the extent  that
the  Underwriters  shall  exercise the election to purchase  Optional  Shares as
provided below, the Company agrees to sell to each of the Underwriters, and each
of the  Underwriters  agrees,  severally  and not jointly,  to purchase from the
Company, at the purchase price per share set forth in clause (i) of this Section
3, that portion of the number of Optional Shares as to which such election shall
have been exercised (to be adjusted by you so as to eliminate fractional shares)
determined by  multiplying  the aggregate  number of Firm Shares to be sold by a
fraction, the numerator of which is the number of Firm Shares to be purchased by
each of you as set forth opposite your respective names in Schedule I hereto and
the  denominator  of which is the aggregate  number of Option Shares as to which
such election has been exercised.




                                       14
<PAGE>



              The  Company  hereby  grants  to the  Underwriters  the  right  to
purchase at their election up to 285,000 Optional Shares,  at the purchase price
per share set forth in the  paragraph  above,  for the sole  purpose of covering
over-allotments,  if any, in the sale of the Firm Shares.  Each such election to
purchase  Optional  Shares  may be  exercised  only by written  notice  from the
Representatives  to the Company,  given within a period of thirty (30)  calendar
days after the date of this Agreement and setting forth the aggregate  number of
Optional  Shares to be purchased and the date on which such Optional  Shares are
to be  delivered,  as determined by you but in no event earlier than the Closing
Date or, unless you and the Company otherwise agree in writing,  no earlier than
two (2) nor later than ten (10) business days after the date of such notice.

         SECTION  4.  OFFERING  OF THE  SHARES  BY THE  UNDERWRITERS.  Upon  the
authorization  by the  Representatives  of the release of the Firm  Shares,  the
several  Underwriters  propose to offer the Firm  Shares for sale upon the terms
and conditions set forth in the Prospectus.

         SECTION 5. DELIVERY OF AND PAYMENT FOR THE SHARES.

              (a) The Firm Shares to be purchased by each Underwriter hereunder,
in definitive form, and in such authorized denominations and registered, in such
names as the  Representatives  may request upon at least forty-eight (48) hours'
prior notice to the Company shall be delivered by or on behalf of the Company to
the Representatives,  for the account of such Underwriter, against payment by or
on behalf of such  Underwriter  of the purchase  price therefor in Federal (same
day) funds. The Company will cause the certificates representing the Firm Shares
to be made available for checking and packaging at least  twenty-four (24) hours
prior to the Closing Date (as defined below) with respect  thereto at the office
of Ferris, Baker Watts,  Incorporated,  1720 Eye Street, N.W., Washington,  D.C.
20006 (the "Designated Office").  The time and date of such delivery and payment
shall be, with respect to the Firm Shares,  at ______ o'clock a.m.,  Washington,
DC  time,  on  ______________,   1997  or  such  other  time  and  date  as  the
Representatives  and the Company may agree.  Such time and date for  delivery of
the Firm Shares is herein called the "Closing Date."

              (b) Delivery any payment of any Optional Shares to be purchased by
each Underwriter pursuant hereto shall be made at the Designated Office at _____
o'clock a.m., Washington,  DC time, on the date specified by the Representatives
in the written  notice of the  Underwriters'  election to purchase such Optional
Shares, or such other time and date as the  Representatives  and the Company may
agree.  Such time and date for delivery of Optional  Shares,  if not the Closing
Date, is herein called the "Option Closing Date."

              (c) The  documents  to be  delivered  at the  Closing  Date or any
Option  Closing Date, as the case may be, by or on behalf of the parties  hereto
pursuant to


                                       15
<PAGE>



Section 8 hereof,  including the cross-receipt for the Shares and any additional
documents  requested  by the  Underwriters  will be  delivered at the offices of
Venable, Baetjer, Howard & Civiletti, LLP, 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Washington,
DC 20005 (the  "Closing  Location"),  and the Shares  will be  delivered  at the
Designated  Office,  on the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as the case
may be.

              (d) A meeting  will be held at the Closing  Location at 2:00 p.m.,
Washington,  D.C. time, on the business day next  preceding  Closing Date or any
Option  Closing  Date,  as the case may be, or at such other time as is mutually
agreed  upon by the parties  hereto,  at which  meeting the final  drafts of the
documents to be delivered  pursuant to the preceding  sentence will be available
for review by the parties hereto.

         SECTION 6. COVENANTS OF THE COMPANY.  The Company  covenants and agrees
with each of the Underwriters as follows:

              (a)  The  Company   will  use  its  best   efforts  to  cause  the
Registration  Statement,  if not  effective  at the  time of  execution  of this
Agreement,  and any  amendments  thereto,  to become  effective  as  promptly as
practicable.  If  required,  the  Company  will  file  the  Prospectus  and  any
amendments or  supplements  thereto with the Commission in the manner and within
the time  period  required  by Rule  424(b).  During any time when a  prospectus
relating to the Shares is required to be  delivered  under the Act,  the Company
will comply with all  requirements  imposed upon it by the Act and the Rules and
Regulations  to the extent  necessary to permit the  continuance  of sales of or
dealings  in the  Shares in  accordance  with the  provisions  hereof and of the
Prospectus,  as then amended or  supplemented.  With respect to any registration
statement, prospectus,  amendment, or supplement to be filed with the Commission
in  connection  with the Shares,  the Company  will  provide a copy of each such
document to each of the Representatives a reasonable time prior to the date such
document is proposed to be filed with the  Commission and will not file any such
document  without  the  consent of the  Representatives.  Any such  registration
statement, prospectus, amendment or supplement, when filed, will comply with the
Act. In the event that the  Registration  Statement  is effective at the time of
execution  of this  Agreement,  but the total  number of Shares  subject to this
Agreement  exceeds the number of Shares covered by the  Registration  Statement,
the  Company  will  promptly  file  with the  Commission  on the  date  hereof a
registration   statement   pursuant  to  Rule  462(b)  in  accordance  with  the
requirements  of such Rule and will make  payment of the filing fee  therefor in
accordance with the requirements of Rule 111(b) under the Act.

              (b) The Company will advise the Representatives  promptly (i) when
the  Registration  Statement,  as  amended,  has become  effective;  (ii) if the
provisions of Rule 430A promulgated  under the Act will be relied upon, when the
Prospectus  has been filed in  accordance  with said Rule  430A;  (iii) when any
post-effective  amendment to the Registration Statement becomes effective;  (iv)
of any request made by the  Commission


                                       16
<PAGE>



for amendments or supplements to the  Registration  Statement,  any  Preliminary
Prospectus or Prospectus or for additional  information;  (v) of the issuance by
the  Commission  of  any  stop  order   suspending  the   effectiveness  of  the
Registration  Statement  or any  post-effective  amendment  thereto or any order
preventing or suspending the use of any Preliminary  Prospectus or Prospectus or
any  amendment  or  supplement  thereto  or the  institution  or  threat  of any
investigation  or proceeding for that purpose,  and will use its best efforts to
prevent the  issuance  of any such order and,  if issued,  to obtain the lifting
thereof as soon as possible;  and (vi) of the receipt of any  comments  from the
Commission regarding the Registration  Statement,  any post-effective  amendment
thereto,  the  Preliminary  Prospectus,  the  Prospectus,  or any  amendment  or
supplement  thereto.  The  Company  will use its best  efforts  to  prevent  the
issuance of any stop order by the Commission,  and if at any time the Commission
shall issue any stop order,  the Company will use its best efforts to obtain the
withdrawal of such stop order at the earliest possible moment.

              (c) The  Company  will  cooperate  with  the  Representative,  its
counsel and the  Underwriters  in qualifying or registering the Shares for sale,
or  obtaining  an  exemption  therefrom,   under  the  Blue  Sky  laws  of  such
jurisdictions as the  Representatives  shall  designate,  and will continue such
qualifications  or  registrations  or exemptions in effect so long as reasonably
requested by the  Representatives  to effect the distribution of the Shares. The
Company shall not be required to qualify as a foreign  corporation  or to file a
general consent to service of process in any such  jurisdiction  where it is not
presently qualified.

              (d) The  Company  consents to the use of the  Prospectus  (and any
amendment or supplement thereto) by the Underwriters and all dealers to whom the
Shares may be sold,  in  connection  with the offering or sale of the Shares and
for such period of time  thereafter  as the  Prospectus is required by law to be
delivered in connection therewith. If, at any time when a prospectus relating to
the Shares is  required to be  delivered  under the Act,  any event  occurs as a
result of which the Prospectus,  as then amended or supplemented,  would include
any  untrue  statement  of a  material  fact or omit to  state a  material  fact
necessary  to make the  statements  therein  not  misleading,  or if it  becomes
necessary at any time to amend or supplement  the  Prospectus to comply with the
Act or the  Rules and  Regulations,  the  Company  promptly  will so notify  the
Representatives,  will prepare and file with the  Commission an amendment to the
Registration  Statement or an amendment or  supplement to the  Prospectus  which
will correct such  statement  or omission or effect such  compliance,  each such
amendment  or  supplement  to be  reasonably  satisfactory  to  counsel  to  the
Underwriters.

              (e) As  soon as  practicable,  but in any  event  not  later  than
forty-five (45) days after the end of the 12-month  period  beginning on the day
after the end of the fiscal  quarter of the Company  during which the  effective
date of the  Registration  Statement  occurs  (90 days in the  event  that  such
quarter is the Company's last fiscal


                                       17
<PAGE>



quarter),  the Company will make generally available to its security holders, in
the  manner  specified  in Rule  158(b) of the Rules and  Regulations,  and will
deliver to each of the  Representative,  an earnings  statement which will be in
the detail  required by, and will  otherwise  comply  with,  the  provisions  of
Section  11(a) of the Act and Rule  158(a) of the Rules and  Regulations,  which
statement  need not be  audited  unless  required  by the Act or the  Rules  and
Regulations,  covering a period of at least twelve (12) consecutive months after
the effective date of the Registration Statement.

              (f) During the period of five (5) years commencing with the date
hereof, the Company will deliver to the Representatives:

                   (i)  within  ninety  (90) days  after the end of each  fiscal
year,  financial  statements  for  the  Company,   certified  by  the  Company's
independent certified public accountants,  including a balance sheet,  statement
of operations,  statement of  stockholders'  equity and statement of cash flows,
with  supporting  schedules,  prepared in  accordance  with  generally  accepted
accounting principles, as at the end of such fiscal year and for the twelve (12)
months then ended, accompanied by a copy of the certificate or report thereon of
such  independent  certified public  accountants;  provided that if, during such
five-year period, the Company has active  subsidiaries,  the foregoing financial
statements  will be on a  consolidated  basis to the extent that the accounts of
the Company and its  subsidiaries are  consolidated,  and will be accompanied by
similar  financial  statements for any  significant  subsidiary  which is not so
consolidated;

                   (ii) as soon as practicable after filing with the Commission,
all such reports, forms or other documents as may be required from time to time,
under the Act,  the Rules and  Regulations,  the  Exchange Act and the rules and
regulations thereunder;

                   (iii)  as  soon  as  they  are   available,   copies  of  all
information (financial or other) mailed to stockholders;

                   (iv) as soon as they are available, copies of all reports and
financial  statements  furnished  to or filed with the National  Association  of
Securities Dealers, Inc. ("NASD") or any securities exchange or market;

                   (v) promptly  following  release by the Company,  every press
release and every  material  news item or article of  interest to the  financial
community  in  respect of the  Company  or its  affairs  which was  released  or
prepared by the  Company;  and

                   (vi) as soon as possible following receipt of a request,  any
additional information of a public nature concerning the Company or its business
which the Representatives may reasonably request.




                                       18
<PAGE>



              (g) The Company will  maintain a transfer  agent and, if necessary
under the jurisdiction of  incorporation of the Company,  a registrar (which may
be the same entity as the Transfer Agent) for its Stock.

              (h)  The   Company   will   furnish,   without   charge,   to  the
Representatives  or  on  the  Representatives'  order,  at  such  place  as  the
Representatives  may  designate,  copies  of  the  Preliminary  Prospectus,  the
Registration  Statement  and  any  pre-effective  or  post-effective  amendments
thereto,  and any registration  statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) of which
three (3) copies will be signed and will include all  financial  statements  and
exhibits) and the Prospectus, and all amendments and supplements thereto in each
case as soon as available  and in such  quantities  as the  Representatives  may
reasonably  request.  The  Company  will  provide or cause to be provided to the
Representatives  and upon request to each  Underwriter,  a copy of the report on
Form SR filed by the Company as required by Rule 463 under the Act.

              (i) Except  pursuant  to this  Agreement,  the  Company  will not,
directly   or   indirectly,   without   the  prior   written   consent   of  the
Representatives,  issue, offer, sell, offer to sell, contract to sell, grant any
option to  purchase,  pledge or otherwise  dispose (or  announce  any  issuance,
offer,  sale, offer of sale,  contract of sale, grant of any option to purchase,
pledge  or  other  disposition)  of  any  shares  of  Stock  or  any  securities
convertible  into, or  exchangeable  or exercisable  for,  shares of Stock for a
period of one hundred  eighty (180)  calendar days after the date hereof,  other
than  issuances  pursuant to the  exercise of stock  options  outstanding  on or
granted  subsequent  to the date  hereof,  pursuant  to a stock  option or other
employee benefit plan in existence on the date hereof.

              (j) The  Company  will  cause the Shares to be duly  approved  for
listing  on the NNM  prior to the  Closing  Date.  The  Company  shall  take all
necessary  and  appropriate  action  such that the  Shares  are  authorized  for
quotation  on the NNM as soon as  practicable  after  the  effectiveness  of the
Registration  Statement and the Shares shall remain so  authorized  for at least
thirty-six (36) months thereafter.

              (k) Neither the Company nor any of its officers or directors,  nor
affiliates of any of them (within the meaning of the Rules and Regulations) will
take,  directly or  indirectly,  any action  designed  to, or which might in the
future  reasonably be expected to, cause or result in, or which will constitute,
stabilization or manipulation of the price of any securities of the Company.

              (l) The  Company  will  apply  the net  proceeds  of the  offering
received  in the manner set forth  under the caption  "Use of  Proceeds"  in the
Prospectus and will file on a timely basis such reports with the Commission with
respect to the sale of the Shares and the application of the proceeds  therefrom
as may be required  pursuant to Rule 463 under the Act. The Company will operate
its business in such a manner and,  pending  application  of the net proceeds of
the offering for the purposes and in the manner set forth


                                       19
<PAGE>



under the caption  "Use of  Proceeds"  in the  Prospectus,  will invest such net
proceeds in such securities so as not to become an "investment  company" as such
term is defined under the Investment Company Act.

              (m) The Company will timely file all such reports,  forms or other
documents  as may be required  from time to time,  under the Act,  the Rules and
Regulations,  the Exchange Act and the rules and regulations thereunder, and all
such reports,  forms and documents so filed will comply as to form and substance
with the applicable  requirements under the Act, the Rules and Regulations,  the
Exchange  Act and the rules and  regulations  thereunder  which may from time to
time be  applicable  to the  Company.  Without  limiting the  generality  of the
foregoing,  the Company has filed a registration  statement on Form 8-A covering
the Shares  pursuant to Section  12(b) of the Exchange Act and will use its best
efforts  to  cause  said  registration  statement  to  become  effective  on the
Effective Date. The Company shall comply with the provisions of all undertakings
contained in the Registration Statement.

              (n) Except as described in the  Prospectus,  the Company will not,
until the  earlier to occur of (i) thirty (30) days  following  the date of this
Agreement or (ii) the Option Closing Date at which the  Underwriters  shall have
purchased  all of the Optional  Shares of  immediately  after which all Optional
Shares shall have been so purchased,  incur any liability or obligation,  direct
or  contingent,  or  enter  into any  material  transaction,  other  than in the
ordinary course of business.

              (o) For a period of thirty  (30) days  following  the date of this
Agreement  the  Company  will not acquire any of the  Company's  capital  stock,
declare or pay any  dividend  or make any other  distribution  upon its  capital
stock payable to its holders of record on a date prior to the expiration of such
30-day period.

              (p) The  Company  will  comply  or cause to be  complied  with the
conditions to the Underwriters' obligations set forth in Section 8 hereof.

              (q)  On  the  Closing  Date,  the  Company  will  enter  into  the
Underwriters'   Warrant  Agreement  and,  pursuant  thereto  will  sell  to  the
Representatives the Underwriters' Warrants to purchase in the aggregate, 150,000
shares of Stock at an aggregate price of $____________ .

              (r) During the period of thirty (30) calendar days commencing with
the date of this Agreement, the Company shall neither issue any press release or
other communication,  directly or indirectly, nor hold any press conference with
respect to the offering of the Shares,  the  Company,  its  subsidiaries  or its
business, results of operations,  condition (financial or otherwise),  property,
assets,  liabilities  or  prospects  of the Company or any of its  subsidiaries,
without the prior written  consent of the  Representatives,  which consent shall
not unreasonably be denied or delayed; provided, however, that if counsel to



                                       20
<PAGE>



the Company is of the  opinion  that the  issuance  of a press  release or other
communication  or a press  conference  is  required  to  comply  with or avoid a
violation of  applicable  law,  and having been so informed the  Representatives
decline to consent  thereto,  the Company shall be permitted to issue such press
release  or other  communication  or hold such  press  conference  in the manner
advised by its counsel.

              (s) Neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries will grant any
person or entity  registration  rights  with  respect to any of its  securities,
except such rights as are subordinate to the  registration  rights  contained in
the Underwriters'  Warrant Agreement and are exercisable no earlier than six (6)
months after the securities to be registered upon exercise of such  registration
rights contained in the  Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement have been offered for
sale  pursuant  to  an  effective  registration  statement  under  the  Act  and
registered  or qualified  for sale under the Blue Sky or state  securities  law,
rules or regulations  of the  jurisdictions  in which such  securities are to be
offered for sale.

         SECTION 7. EXPENSES.

              (a) If the  Underwriters  purchase the Firm Shares,  in accordance
with the terms of this Agreement, the Company will pay the Representatives,  out
of the  first  proceeds  of the  offering  contemplated  by  this  Agreement,  a
non-accountable  expense  allowance  of one percent  (1%) of the gross  proceeds
raised,  in order to  compensate  the  Representatives  for  their  expenses  in
connection with the transactions  contemplated  hereby The costs and expenses of
registration, filings and fees of all counsel in completing the applications and
in  clearing  the  offering  contemplated  by this  Agreement  through the state
securities  commissions or similar regulatory  authorities of the various states
or other jurisdictions shall be borne and paid by the Company in addition to the
non-accountable  expense  allowance  referred  to in the  immediately  preceding
sentence.

              (b) If the purchase of the Firm Shares as herein  contemplated  is
not consummated for any reason other than the  Underwriters'  default under this
Agreement or other than by reason of Section 11(a),  the Company shall reimburse
the several  Underwriters,  in an among not to exceed $100,000 in the aggregate,
for their out-of-pocket  expenses (including but not limited to counsel fees and
disbursements)  in  connection  with any  investigation  made by  them,  and any
preparation  made  by  them  in  respect  of  marketing  of  the  Shares  or  in
contemplation of the performance by them of their obligations hereunder.

         SECTION 8. CONDITIONS OF THE UNDERWRITERS' OBLIGATIONS. The obligations
of each  Underwriter  to purchase and pay for the Shares set forth  opposite the
name of such Underwriter in Schedule I are subject to the continuing accuracy of
the  representations  and warranties of the Company herein as of the date hereof
as of the Closing Date,  and as of each Option  Closing Date, if any, as if they
had been made on and as of the Closing


                                       21
<PAGE>



Date or Option  Closing  Date, as the case may be; the accuracy on and as of the
Closing  Date,  and each  Option  Closing  Date,  if any, of the  statements  of
officers of the Company made pursuant to the provisions  hereof; the performance
by the Company on and as of the Closing Date,  and each Option  Closing Date, as
the case may be, of their respective covenants and agreements hereunder; and the
following additional conditions:

              (a) The Registration Statement shall have been declared effective,
and the Prospectus  (containing the information omitted pursuant to Rule 430(A))
shall have been filed with the Commission not later than the Commission's  close
of business on the second  business day  following the date hereof or such later
time and date to which the Representatives  shall have consented.  No stop order
suspending  the  effectiveness  of the  Registration  Statement or any amendment
thereto shall have been issued,  and no proceedings  for that purpose shall have
been  instituted or threatened  or, to the best  knowledge of the Company or the
Representatives, shall be contemplated by the Commission. The Company shall have
complied with any request of the Commission for  additional  information  (to be
included in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or otherwise).

              (b) The  Representatives  shall not have  advised the Company that
the  Registration  Statement,  or any  amendment  thereto,  contains  an  untrue
statement of fact which, in the Representatives'  opinion, is material, or omits
to state a fact which,  in the  Representatives'  opinion,  is  material  and is
required to be stated therein or is necessary to make the statements therein not
misleading,  or that the  Prospectus,  or any  supplement  thereto,  contains an
untrue statement of fact which, in the Representatives' opinion, is material, or
omits to state a fact which, in the Representatives' opinion, is material and is
required to be stated thein or is necessary to make the statements  therein,  in
the light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading

              (c) On or prior to the Closing Date,  and any Option Closing Date,
as the case may be, the Representatives  shall have received from counsel to the
Underwriters,  such opinion or opinions with respect to the issuance and sale of
the Firm Shares,  the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus and such other
related matters as the  Representatives  reasonably may request and such counsel
shall have received  such  documents  and other  information  as they request to
enable them to pass upon such matters.

              (d) On the Closing Date, the Underwriters  shall have received the
opinion,  dated the Closing Date,  of Shulman,  Rogers,  Gandal,  Pordy & Ecker,
P.A.,  counsel to the Company (which  opinion may rely,  with respect to certain
regulatory matters,  upon the opinion,  dated the Closing Date, of Kelley Drye &
Warren LLP, regulatory counsel to the Company, copies of which shall be provided
to counsel for the  Underwriters and shall be attached to the opinion of counsel
of the Company and may be referred to therein), to the effect set forth below:




                                       22
<PAGE>



                   (i) The  Company  has been duly  incorporated  and is validly
existing as a  corporation  in good  standing  under the laws of  Maryland,  its
jurisdiction  of  incorporation,  and  has  been  duly  qualified  as a  foreign
corporation  for the  transaction  of business and is in good standing under the
laws of each  other  jurisdiction  in  which  it owns or  leases  properties  or
conducts  any business so as to require  such  qualification,  (except for those
jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify has not had and will not have a
Material  Adverse Effect).  Each of the Subsidiaries has been duly  incorporated
and is validly  existing as a corporation in good standing under the laws of its
jurisdiction  of  incorporation  and each has been duly  qualified  as a foreign
corporation  for the  transaction  of business and is in good standing under the
laws of each  other  jurisdiction  in which  it owns or  leases  properties,  or
conducts  any  business so as to require  such  qualification  (except for those
jurisdictions in which the failure to so qualify has not had and will not have a
Material Adverse Effect).

                   (ii) The Company has the duly  authorized  capitalization  as
set forth in the  Prospectus.  All of the shares of capital stock of the Company
issued  and  outstanding  immediately  prior to the  Closing  Date or an  Option
Closing  Date,  as the case may be,  have been duly and validly  authorized  and
issued, are fully paid and non-assessable,  without personal liability attaching
to the ownership thereof,  and none of such shares have been issued or are owned
or held in violation of any  preemptive  or other rights of  securityholders  or
other  persons to acquire  securities  of the  Company.  The  securities  of the
Company including,  without limitation, the Shares, the Stock, the Underwriters'
Warrants  and the Warrant  Shares  conform to all  statements  relating  thereto
contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus.  With respect to each
Subsidiary of the Company,  all of the issued and outstanding  shares of capital
stock are fully paid and non-assessable, without personal liability attaching to
the ownership thereof,  and none of such shares have been issued or are owned or
held in violation of any preemptive or other rights of  securityholders or other
persons to acquire securities of the Company and (except as otherwise  described
in the  Prospectus)  are owned  directly by the  Company,  free and clear of all
liens,  encumbrances,  equities  or  claims.  Other  than  as  disclosed  in the
Prospectus,  to the best knowledge of such counsel,  there are no holders of the
securities  of  the  Company  or  any  of  its  Subsidiaries  having  rights  to
registration  thereof or  pre-emptive  rights to purchase  capital  stock of the
Company or any such  Subsidiary.  Except as created  hereby or  described in the
Prospectus,  to the best  knowledge of such counsel,  there are no  commitments,
plans or arrangements to issue,  and no outstanding  options,  warrants or other
rights,  calling for issuance of, any shares of capital  stock of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries or any security or other instrument which, by its terms,
is convertible  into,  exercisable for, or exchangeable for capital stock of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries.

                   (iii) The Shares  AND THE  UNDERWRITERS'  WARRANTS  have been
duly and  validly  authorized  and,  when the Shares  are  issued and  delivered
against


                                       23
<PAGE>



payment therefor as provided  herein,  or when such  Underwriters'  Warrants are
issued  and  delivered  in  accordance   with  the  terms  thereof  and  of  the
Underwriters' Warrant Agreement,  will be duly and validly issued and fully paid
and non-assessable,  will not have been issued in violation of any preemptive or
other rights of  securityholders  or other persons to acquire  securities of the
Company and will conform to all statements  relating thereto in the Registration
Statement and the  Prospectus.  Good and marketable  title to the Shares and the
Underwriters'  Warrants will pass to the  Underwriters  on the Closing Date free
and  clear  of  any  lien,  encumbrance,   security  interest,  claim  or  other
restriction whatsoever. The Warrant Shares have been duly authorized and validly
reserved for issuance  and,  when issued,  paid for and  delivered in accordance
with the terms of the  Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement  and the  Underwriters'
Warrants,  the Warrant Shares will be duly and validly issued and fully paid and
non-assessable,  will not have been issued in  violation  of any  preemptive  or
other rights of  securityholders  or other persons to acquire  securities of the
Company and will conform to all statements  relating  thereto in the Prospectus.
Good and marketable  title,  free and clear of any lien,  encumbrance,  security
interest,  claim or any other  restriction  will pass to the  holders of Warrant
Shares issued upon  exercise of  Underwriters'  Warrants in accordance  with the
terms thereof and of this Agreement and the Underwriters' Warrant Agreement.

                   (iv) The Shares  have been duly  approved  for listing on the
NNM.

                   (v) The  Registration  Statement is effective  under the Act.
Any required filing of a registration statement pursuant to Rule 462(b) has been
made in the manner  and within the time  period  required  by Rule  462(b).  The
Prospectus  has been  filed  with the  Commission  pursuant  to the  appropriate
subparagraph  of Rule  424(b)  under the Act and no stop  order  suspending  the
effectiveness  of the Registration  Statement or any amendment  thereto has been
issued,  and no proceedings for that purpose have been instituted or are pending
or, to the best knowledge of such counsel,  are threatened or contemplated under
the Act.

                   (vi) The registration statement originally filed with respect
to the  Shares and each  amendment  thereto,  each  Preliminary  Prospectus  and
Prospectus  and, if any, each amendment and supplement  thereto  (except for the
financial statements, schedules and other financial data included therein, as to
which such  counsel  need not express any  opinion),  complies as to form in all
material   respects  with  the  requirements  of  the  Act  and  the  Rules  and
Regulations.

                   (vii)  The  descriptions  and  summaries   contained  in  the
Prospectus  of contracts,  agreements,  instruments  leases,  licenses and other
documents,  are accurate and fairly  represent  the  information  required to be
disclosed with respect thereto by the Act and the Rules and Regulations.  To the
best knowledge of such counsel, all contracts, agreements,  instruments, leases,
licenses  or other  documents  which


                                       24
<PAGE>



are  required by the Act or the Rules and  Regulations  to be  described  in the
Prospectus or to be filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement have been so
described or filed.

                   (viii) To the best  knowledge of such  counsel,  there is not
pending or threatened against the Company any action,  suit or proceeding by any
person or any action, suit,  proceeding or investigation before or by any court,
regulatory body, or administrative  agency or any other  governmental  agency or
body,  domestic or  foreign,  of a character  required  to be  disclosed  in the
Registration Statement or the Prospectus which is not so disclosed therein.

                   (ix) The  statements  set  forth  under  the  captions  "Risk
Factors,"  "Use of Proceeds,"  "Business,"  "Management,"  "Shares  Eligible for
Future Sale," and  "Description of Capital Stock" in the Prospectus,  insofar as
such  statements  constitute  summaries  of  the  legal  matters,  documents  or
proceedings  referred to therein,  fairly and  accurately  summarize  such legal
matters, documents and proceedings.

                   (x) The Company has full legal right, power, and authority to
enter  into  this  Agreement  and the  Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement  and to
consummate  the  transactions  provided  for herein and therein.  All  necessary
corporate proceedings of the Company have been taken to authorize the execution,
delivery  and   performance,   by  the  Company,   of  this  Agreement  and  the
Underwriters'  Warrant Agreement.  This Agreement and the Underwriters'  Warrant
Agreement have been duly authorized,  executed and delivered by the Company and,
assuming due authorization, execution and delivery by each other party hereto or
thereto, constitute the valid and binding agreements of the Company, enforceable
in  accordance  with their  respective  terms,  except as limited by  applicable
bankruptcy,  insolvency,  reorganization,   moratorium  or  other  laws  now  or
hereafter in effect relating to or affecting  creditors'  rights generally or by
general principles of equity relating to the availability of remedies and except
as rights to  indemnity  and  contribution  may be  limited  by federal or state
securities laws or the public policy underlying such laws.

                   (xi)  No  consent  of any  party  to any  material  contract,
agreement,  instrument, lease, license, or other document, or any arrangement or
understanding  to which the Company or any of its Subsidiaries is a party, or to
which any of the  property,  assets or  business  of the  Company  or any of its
Subsidiaries is subject, is required for the execution, delivery and performance
of this Agreement and the Underwriters Warrant Agreement.  None of the Company's
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Underwriters Warrant Agreement,
performance of its  obligations  hereunder and  thereunder,  consummation of the
transactions contemplated herein or therein, and application of the net proceeds
of the  offering in the manner set forth under the caption  "Use of Proceeds" in
the  Prospectus  will conflict with or results in any breach or violation of any
of the terms or  provisions  of, or constitute a default  under,  or entitle any
other party to terminate or call a default  under,  or result in the creation or
imposition of


                                       25
<PAGE>



any lien,  charge or  encumbrance  upon, any property or asset of the Company or
any of its  Subsidiaries  pursuant  to the terms of (i) the Charter or Bylaws of
the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries;  (ii)  the  terms  of any  indenture,
mortgage, deed of trust, voting trust agreement,  stockholders  agreement,  note
agreement  or  other  agreement  or  instrument  known  to  such  counsel  after
reasonable  investigation  to which the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries is a
party or by which the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  is or may be bound or
to  which  any of their  respective  properties,  assets  or  businesses  may be
subject;  (iii)  any  statute,  rule or  regulation  of any  regulatory  body or
administrative agency or other governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign,
having  jurisdiction over the Company or any of its Subsidiaries or any of their
respective businesses,  activities or properties; or (iv) any order or decree of
any government,  arbitrator,  court, regulatory body or administrative agency or
other   governmental   agency  or  body,   domestic  or  foreign,   having  such
jurisdiction.

                   (xii) All legally required proceedings in connection with the
authorization,  issue and sale of the Shares, the Underwriters' Warrants and the
Warrant  Shares  by the  Company  in  accordance  with  the  provisions  of this
Agreement  and the  Underwriters'  Warrant  Agreement  have  been  taken  and no
consent,  approval,  authorization,  order, license,  certificate declaration or
permit from or of any court,  regulatory body or administrative  agency or other
governmental agency or body, domestic or foreign has been or is required for the
Company's  performance of this Agreement and the Underwriters  Warrant Agreement
or the consummation of the transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby, except
such as may be required  under  federal or state  securities  laws in connection
with the purchase and distribution by the Underwriters of the Shares.

                   (xiii) To such counsel's best  knowledge,  the conduct of the
business of the Company and each of its  Subsidiaries is not in violation of any
federal, state or local statute,  administrative  regulation or other law, which
violation  could have a Material  Adverse  Effect.  The  Company and each of its
Subsidiaries possesses all licenses,  permits,  approvals and other governmental
authorizations  required  for the conduct of its  business,  as described in the
Prospectus; all such licenses, permits and other governmental authorizations are
in full force and effect and the Company and each of its  Subsidiaries is in all
material  respects in compliance  therewith.  To such counsel's best  knowledge,
there is no reason why the Company  would not  receive,  or would be unlikely to
receive such licenses,  permits,  approvals and other governmental authorization
as would be required for the conduct of the Company's  business as  contemplated
by the Prospectus.

                   (xiv) Neither the Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries  is in
violation or breach of its respective Charter or Bylaws or similar  constitutive
documents.  To such counsel's best, except as disclosed in the Prospectus,  none
of the Company, any of its Subsidiaries,  or any other party is now in violation
or breach of, or in  default  with


                                       26
<PAGE>



respect to complying  with, any material  provision of any indenture,  mortgage,
deed of trust,  debenture,  note or other  evidence of  indebtedness,  contract,
agreement,  instrument,  lease or license, or arrangement or understanding which
is material to the Company,  and each such indenture,  mortgage,  deed of trust,
debenture,  note  or  other  evidence  of  indebtedness,   contract,  agreement,
instrument,  lease or license  is in full and force and is the legal,  valid and
binding  obligation of the Company or its Subsidiary or Subsidiaries,  except to
the extent that the  enforceability of the rights and remedies of the Company or
any of its  Subsidiaries  under any such lease or other agreement may be limited
by bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or similar laws  generally  affecting the rights of
creditors and by equitable principles limiting the right to specific performance
or other equitable relief.

                   (xv) To such counsel's best  knowledge,  the Company and each
of its Subsidiaries  has good and marketable title except in fee simple,  to all
the real property  owned thereby as set forth in the  Prospectus,  subject to no
lien, mortgage,  pledge,  charge or encumbrance of any kind or nature whatsoever
except  those,  if any,  referred  to in the  Prospectus  (or  reflected  in the
financial  statements  included  therein) or which,  in the  aggregate,  are not
material to the Company and its business and do not materially  affect the value
of such property;  and the real  properties held or used by the Company and each
of its  Subsidiaries  under material leases or other material  agreements as set
forth in the Prospectus are held under valid,  subsisting and enforceable leases
or other  agreements  with  respect to which  neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries is in default,  except to the extent that the enforceability of the
rights and  remedies  of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  under any such
lease or other  agreement may be limited by bankruptcy,  insolvency,  or similar
laws  generally  affecting the rights of creditors  and by equitable  principles
limiting the right to specific performance or other equitable relief.

                   (xvi) The  Company  is not and,  after  giving  effect to the
offering  and sale of the Shares,  will not be an  "investment  company,"  or an
"affiliated  person" of or a  "promoter"  or  "principal  underwriter"  of or an
entity "controlled" by an "investment company," as such terms are defined in the
Investment Company Act.

                   (xvii)  Neither the Company nor any other  person  associated
with or acting  on behalf of the  Company  including,  without  limitation,  any
director,   officer,  agent,  or  employee  of  the  Company  has,  directly  or
indirectly,  while acting on behalf of the Company, (i) used any corporate funds
for unlawful  contributions,  gifts,  entertainment,  or other unlawful expenses
relating to  political  activity;  (ii) made any  unlawful  contribution  to any
candidate  for  foreign  or  domestic  office,  or to any  foreign  or  domestic
government officials or employees or other person charged with similar public or
quasi-public  duties,  other than payments  required or permitted by the laws of
the  United  States  or any  jurisdiction  thereof  or to  foreign  or  domestic
political parties or campaigns from corporate funds, or failed to disclose fully
any  contribution  in violation 


                                       27
<PAGE>



of law;  (iii)  violated any provision of the Foreign  Corrupt  Practices Act of
1977, as amended; or (iv) made any other unlawful payment.

                   (xviii)  To the best knowledge  of such  counsel,  since  the
effective date of the Registration  Statement or the later effective date of any
amendment thereto,  no event has occurred which should have been set forth in an
amendment or supplement to the  Registration  Statement or Prospectus  which has
not been so set forth.  (xix) Schedule 1 hereto  accurately and completely lists
all  of  the  licenses,   permits,   and   authorizations   issued  by  the  FCC
(collectively,  the  "Licenses")  necessary  for the  Company  to  carry  on its
business as described in the Registration  Statement and Prospectus.  Schedule 2
hereto  accurately and completely  lists all pending  applications  filed by the
Company with the FCC.

                   (xx) To the best knowledge of such counsel,  the Licenses are
validly  issued.  "Validly  issued" as used herein means that the Licenses  have
been issued  through the means of regular FCC  procedures  applied in conformity
with the  Communications  Act and prior FCC practice and there is no legal basis
under the  Communications  Act to conclude  that the Company  cannot hold one or
more of the  Licenses  as a  matter  of law.  To the best of  knowledge  of such
counsel (i) the Licenses are in full force and effect  without  conditions  that
would  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect , except  for such  conditions  imposed
generally by the FCC upon such licenses or conditions  stated on the face of the
Licenses,  (ii) all express conditions in the Licenses have been satisfied where
the failure to satisfy such conditions would have a Material Adverse Effect, and
(iii) the Company has not  received  any  notification  that any  revocation  or
limitation  of the Licenses is  threatened or pending that would have a Material
Adverse Effect.

                   (xxi) Except as  specified in Schedule 3 hereto,  the Company
has  filed  with the FCC all  applications,  statements,  reports,  information,
forms, or any other document required under the Communications Act, except where
the  failure to so file would not have a Material  Adverse  Effect,  and, to the
best knowledge of such counsel,  such filings or submissions  were in compliance
with applicable laws or regulations  when filed or submitted and no deficiencies
have been asserted by the FCC with respect to such filings or submissions except
where  the  deficiency  is of  such a  nature  that  failure  to cure  any  such
deficiency  would  not  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect,  and the  information
contained  in  such  filings  or  submissions  was,  in all  material  respects,
accurate,  complete and up-to-date at the time the filings or  submissions  were
made.

                   (xxii) The Company has filed with the applicable  foreign and
domestic regulatory authorities each and every statement, report, information or
form  required by any  applicable  law,  regulation  or order,  except where the
failure  to so file  would  not have a  Material  Adverse  Effect,  and all such
filings or submissions  were in


                                       28
<PAGE>



compliance  with  applicable  laws when  filed,  and no  deficiencies  have been
asserted by any regulatory commission,  agency or authority with respect to such
filings or  submissions,  except  where the  failure to so file or cure any such
deficiency would not have a Material Adverse Effect.  The Company has maintained
in full force and effect all  licenses  and permits  necessary or proper for the
conduct  of its  business,  except  where the  failure to do so would not have a
Material Adverse Effect,  and the Company has not received any notification that
any  revocation or  limitation  thereof is threatened or pending that would have
such an  effect.  Except as  disclosed  in the  Registration  Statement  and the
Prospectus,  there is not pending any change under any law, regulation,  license
or permit  that  would have a  Material  Adverse  Effect.  The  Company  has not
received  any  notice  of,  or,  to the best  knowledge  of such  counsel,  been
threatened  with or is under  investigation  with  respect to, a violation  or a
possible violation of any provision of any law, regulation or order, except such
violation or violations as would not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                   (xxiii)  With respect   to  state   certificates   of  public
convenience and necessity or other operating  authorizations issued by state and
public utility commissions or similar state governmental agencies  (collectively
"PUCs" and individually a "PUC") (such PUC certificates and  authorizations  are
hereinafter referred to collectively as the "State  Authorizations") held by the
Company,  such  State  Authorizations  are in  full  force  and  effect  and are
unimpaired  by any act or  omission of the  Company or any of its  employees  or
agents,  in each case except where such  authorization  is not required or where
the  failure to so hold any such State  Authorization  would not have a Material
Adverse   Effect..   The  State   Authorizations   are  all  of  the   licenses,
authorizations, consents and approvals necessary from the PUCs in order to allow
the  Company to own its  assets and carry on its  business  as  currently  being
conducted,  except where the failure to so hold any State  Authorizations  would
not have a Material Adverse Effect. To the best knowledge of such counsel, there
are no  proceedings  of any  kind,  including  but  not  limited  to  rulemaking
proceedings of general  applicability in the industry or industries in which the
Company  operates,  by or before any PUC, now pending or threatened,  which,  if
adversely  determined,  would  have  a  Material  Adverse  Effect.  Neither  the
execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Underwriters' Warrant Agreement
or the consummation of the transactions  contemplated  herein and therein and in
the  Registration  Statement  will  conflict  with or result in a breach  of, or
require any  authorization,  approval or consent under the Communications Act of
1934,  as  amended  (the  "Communications  Act"),  or the  rules of the  Federal
Communications  Commission  (the  "FCC") or the  communications  statutes of any
state or the policies or rules of any PUC.

                   (xxiv) To the best  knowledge  of such  counsel,  there is no
proceeding,  formal or informal complaint or investigation before the FCC or any
PUC against the Company or any of the Licenses identified in Schedule 1 or based
on any violation or alleged violation by the Company of the  Communications  Act
or any state law,  except for  proceedings  affecting the industry  generally to
which the Company is not a specific party.


                                       29
<PAGE>



              In addition,  such  counsel  shall state that in the course of the
preparation of the Registration  Statement and the Prospectus,  such counsel has
participated in conferences with officers and representatives of the Company and
its Subsidiaries,  with the Company's  independent public accountants,  and with
the  Representatives,  at which  conferences such counsel made inquiries of such
officers,  representatives  and  accountants  and  discussed the contents of the
Registration  Statement and the  Prospectus  and on the basis of the  foregoing,
nothing has come to such  counsel's  attention  that would lead such  counsel to
believe that either the Registration  Statement or any amendment thereto,  as of
the  date  the  Registration  Statement  or such  amendment  is or was  declared
effective,  and as of the Closing Date or any Option  Closing  Date, as the case
may be, or the  Prospectus  as of the date thereof and as of the Closing Date or
any Option  Closing Date,  as the case may be,  contained or contains any untrue
statement  of a  material  fact or  omitted  or omits 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 (it
being  understood  that such counsel need not express any belief with respect to
the financial statements,  and the notes and schedules related thereto and other
financial   information  or  statistical   data  included  in  the  Registration
Statement, any amendment thereto, or the Prospectus).

              In rendering any such  opinions,  such counsel may rely, (i) as to
matters of fact,  to the extent such counsel deems proper,  on  certificates  of
responsible   officers  of  the  Company   provided  that  copies  of  any  such
certificates shall be delivered to counsel for the Underwriters; and (ii) to the
extent such counsel deems proper,  upon written  statements or  certificates  of
public  officials,  provided that copies of any such  statements or certificates
shall be delivered to counsel for the Underwriters.

              References to the  Registration  Statement  and the  Prospectus in
this paragraph (d) shall include any amendment or supplement thereto at the date
of such opinion.

              (e) On or prior to the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as
the case may be,  counsel to the  Underwriters  shall have been  furnished  such
documents,  certificates and opinions as they may reasonably require in order to
evidence   the   accuracy,   completeness   or   satisfaction   of  any  of  the
representations or warranties of the Company or conditions herein contained.

              (f) At the time that this Agreement is executed by the Company the
Underwriters  shall have  received  from Arthur  Andersen LLP a letter as of the
date of this Agreement in form and substance satisfactory to the Representatives
(the "Original Letter"), and on the Closing Date and any Option Closing Date the
Underwriters  shall have received from such firm a letter dated the Closing Date
or such Option  Closing Date,  stating that, as of a specified  date not earlier
than five (5) calendar days prior to the


                                       30
<PAGE>



Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may be, nothing has come to the
attention  of such firm to  suggest  that the  statements  made in the  Original
Letter are not true and correct.

              (g)  On  the  Closing  Date  and  any  Option  Closing  Date,  the
Underwriters  shall have received a certificate,  dated the Closing Date or such
Option Closing Date, as the case may be, of the principal  executive officer and
the principal  financial or accounting officer of the Company to the effect that
each such person has  carefully  examined  the  Registration  Statement  and the
Prospectus  and any amendments or supplements  thereto and this  Agreement,  and
that:

                   (i) the representations and warranties of the Company in this
Agreement are true and correct,  as if made on and as of the Closing Date or the
Option  Closing  Date, as the case may be, and the Company has complied with all
agreements  and  covenants  and  satisfied  all  conditions  contained  in  this
Agreement  on its part to be  performed  or satisfied at or prior to the Closing
Date or such Option Closing Date;

                   (ii)  No  Stop  Order  suspending  the  effectiveness  of the
Registration Statement has been issued, and no proceedings for that purpose have
been  instituted  or are pending or, to the best  knowledge of each such person,
are contemplated or threatened under the Act and any and all filings required by
Rule 424, Rule 430A and Rule 462(b) have been timely made;

                   (iii) The Registration  Statement and Prospectus and, if any,
each  amendment  and  each  supplement  thereto,   contain  all  statements  and
information  required  by the Act or the Rules and  Regulations  to be  included
therein,  and neither  the  Registration  Statement  or the  Prospectus  nor any
amendment or supplement thereto includes any 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,  in light of the circumstances under which they
were made, not misleading; and

                   (iv)   Subsequent  to  the  respective   dates  as  of  which
information  is given in the  Registration  Statement and the  Prospectus or any
amendment or  supplement  thereto,  up to and  including the Closing Date or the
Option  Closing  Date,  as the case may be,  neither  the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries has incurred,  other than in the ordinary course of its business or
as described in the Prospectus or in an amended or supplemented Prospectus,  any
material liabilities or obligations,  direct or contingent;  the Company has not
purchased any of its outstanding capital stock or paid or declared any dividends
or other distributions on its capital stock;  neither the Company nor any of its
Subsidiaries  has entered into any  transactions  not in the ordinary  course of
business;  and there has not been any change in the capital  stock or  long-term
debt or any increase in the  short-term  borrowings  (other than any increase in
short-term  borrowings in the ordinary course of business) of the Company or any
material  adverse  change  to  the


                                       31
<PAGE>



business, properties, assets, net worth, condition (financial or other), results
of  operations  or prospects of the Company;  the Company has not  sustained any
material loss or damage to its property or assets, whether or not insured; there
is no  litigation  which is pending or  threatened  against the Company which is
required  under  the Act or the  Rules  and  Regulations  to be set  forth in an
amended or supplemented  Prospectus  which has not been set forth; and there has
not  occurred any event  required to be set forth in an amended or  supplemented
Prospectus which has not been set forth.

                   References to the  Registration  Statement and the Prospectus
in this paragraph (g) are to such documents as amended and  supplemented  at the
date of this certificate.

                   (h)   Subsequent  to  the   respective   dates  as  of  which
information is given in the Registration  Statement and the Prospectus up to and
including the Closing Date or any Option Closing Date, as the case may be, there
has not been (i) any  change or  decrease  specified  in the  letter or  letters
referred  to in  paragraph  (f) of this  Section  8 or (ii) any  change,  or any
development involving a prospective change, in the business or properties of the
Company  which  change  or  decrease  in the case of  clause  (i) or  change  or
development  in the case of clause (ii) makes it  impractical  or inadvisable in
the  Representatives'  judgment  to  proceed  with the  public  offering  or the
delivery of the Shares as contemplated by the Prospectus.

                   (i)  No  order  suspending  the  sale  of the  Shares  in any
jurisdiction  designated  by you pursuant to Section 6(c) hereof has been issued
on or prior to the Closing Date or any Option  Closing Date, as the case may be,
and no  proceedings  for that  purpose  have  been  instituted  or,  to the best
knowledge of such persons or that of the Company, have been or are contemplated.

                   (j) The Representatives  shall have received from each person
who is a director or officer of the Company,  each  stockholder,  and each other
person,  if any,  who has  the  right  to  acquire  more  than 5% or more of the
outstanding  shares of Stock,  assuming exercise of currently  exercisable stock
options on a fully  diluted  basis,  an agreement to the effect that such person
will not,  directly  or  indirectly,  without the prior  written  consent of the
Representatives,  on behalf of the  Underwriters,  offer,  sell,  offer to sell,
contract to sell, grant any option to purchase,  pledge or otherwise dispose (or
announce any offer, sale, offer of sale, contract of sale, grant of an option to
purchase,  pledge or other  disposition)  of any  shares of Common  Stock or any
securities  convertible  into, or  exchangeable  or exercisable  for,  shares of
Common Stock for a period of 180 days after the date of this Agreement.

                   (k) The Shares shall have been duly authorized for listing on
the NNM.

                                       32
<PAGE>



                   (l) The NASD, upon review of the terms of the public offering
of the Shares contemplated hereby, shall have indicated that it has no objection
to the  underwriting  arrangements  pertaining to the sale of the Shares and the
Underwriters' participation in the sale of the Shares as so contemplated.

                   (m) The Company shall have  furnished the  Underwriters  with
such further opinions, letters, certificates or documents as the Representatives
or counsel for the Underwriters may reasonably request.

         All  opinions,  certificates,  letters and documents to be furnished by
the Company will comply with the  provisions  hereof only if they are reasonably
satisfactory in all material respects to the Underwriters and to counsel for the
Underwriters. The Company shall furnish the Underwriters with manually signed or
conformed copies of such opinions,  certificates,  letters and documents in such
quantities as you reasonably  request.  The  certificates  delivered  under this
Section 8 shall  constitute  representations,  warranties  and agreements of the
Company as to all matters set forth therein as fully and  effectively as if such
matters had been set forth in Section 2 of this Agreement.

         If any  condition  to the  Underwriters'  obligations  hereunder  to be
satisfied  prior to or at either the Closing Date or any Option  Closing Date is
not so  satisfied,  this  Agreement,  at  the  Representatives'  election,  will
terminate upon  notification to the Company without liability on the part of any
Underwriter  (including  the  Representatives)  or the  Company,  except for the
expenses  to be paid by the  Company  pursuant to Section 7 hereof and except to
the extent provided in Section 9 hereof.


         SECTION 9. INDEMNIFICATION.

              (a) The  Company  agrees  to  indemnify  and  hold  harmless  each
Underwriter,  and its  officers,  directors,  partners,  employees,  agents  and
counsel,  and each  person,  if any, who controls  such  Underwriter  within the
meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the Exchange Act,  against any
and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses whatsoever (which shall
include,  for all purposes of this Section 9, but not be limited too,  attorneys
fees and any and all fees and  expenses  whatsoever  incurred in  investigating,
preparing or defending against any litigation,  commenced or threatened,  or any
claim  whatsoever and any and all amounts paid in settlement),  joint or several
(and actions in respect thereof), to which such Underwriter,  officer, director,
partner, employee, agent counsel or controlling person may become subject, under
the Act or other federal or state statutory law or regulation,  at common law or
otherwise,  insofar as such losses, claims,  damages,  liabilities,  expenses or
actions  arise out of or are based upon any untrue  statement or alleged  untrue
statement of any material fact  contained in the  Registration  Statement or the
Prospectus  or any  Preliminary  Prospectus,  or  any  amendment  or  supplement
thereto,  or any blue sky application or other document  executed by the Company
specifically for the purposes of qualifying,  or based upon


                                       33
<PAGE>


written information  furnished by the Company in any state or other jurisdiction
in order to qualify,  any or all of the Shares under the  securities or blue sky
laws thereof (any such  application,  document or information  being hereinafter
called a "Blue Sky Application"), or arise out of or are based upon the omission
or alleged  omission  to state  therein a material  fact  required  to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements  not misleading and will  reimburse,
as incurred, such Underwriter,  partner, employee, agent, counsel or controlling
person in connection with investigating, defending or appearing as a third party
witness in connection with any such loss, claim, damage,  liability,  expense or
action; provided,  however, that the Company will not be liable in any such case
to the extent that any such loss, claim,  damage,  liability,  expense or action
arises out of or is based upon any untrue  statement or alleged untrue statement
or omission or alleged  omission made in any of such  documents in reliance upon
and in conformity with information furnished in writing to the Company on behalf
of such Underwriter through the Representatives  expressly for use therein,  and
provided,   further,  that  such  indemnity  with  respect  to  any  Preliminary
Prospectus  shall not inure to the benefit of any Underwriter (or to the benefit
of any person  controlling such  Underwriter) from whom the person asserting any
such loss,  claim,  damage,  liability or action  purchased Shares which are the
subject thereof to the extent that any such loss,  claim,  damage,  liability or
action (i) results from the fact that such Underwriter  failed to send or give a
copy of the Prospectus (as amended or  supplemented)  to such person at or prior
to the  confirmation of the sale of such Shares to such person in any case where
such  delivery is required by the Act and (ii) arises out of or is based upon an
untrue  statement or omission of a material fact  contained in such  Preliminary
Prospectus  that was corrected in the Prospectus (as amended and  supplemented),
unless such failure  resulted  from  non-compliance  by the Company with Section
6(h) hereof. The indemnity  agreement in this paragraph (a) shall be in addition
to any liability which the Company may otherwise have.

              (b) Each of the Underwriters agrees severally, but not jointly, to
indemnify  and hold  harmless the Company,  each of its  directors,  each of its
officers who has signed the Registration  Statement and each person, if any, who
controls  the Company  within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20
of the Exchange Act against any and all losses, claims, damages,  liabilities or
expenses  whatsoever  (which shall include,  for all purposes of this Section 9,
but not be  limited  too,  attorneys  fees  and any and all  fees  and  expenses
whatsoever  incurred  in  investigating,  preparing  or  defending  against  any
litigation,  commenced or  threatened,  or any claim  whatsoever and any and all
amounts  paid in  settlement),  (and  actions in respect  thereof)  to which the
Company or any such director, officer, or controlling person may become subject,
under the Act or other federal or state  statutory law or regulation,  at common
law or otherwise, insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities, expenses
or actions arise out of or are based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue
statement of any material fact  contained in the  Registration  Statement or the
Prospectus or any Preliminary Prospectus, or any amendment or supplement thereto
or in any Blue Sky  Application,  or arise out of or are


                                       34
<PAGE>

based upon the omission or the alleged omission to state therein a material fact
required  to  be  stated  therein  or  necessary  to  make  the  statements  not
misleading, in each case to the extent, but only to the extent, that such untrue
statement or alleged untrue  statement or omission or alleged  omission was made
in reliance upon and in conformity with information furnished in writing by that
Underwriter  through  the  Representatives  to the  Company  expressly  for  use
therein. The Company acknowledges that the statements with respect to the public
offering  of the  Shares  set forth  under the  caption  "Underwriting"  and the
stabilization  legend the Prospectus have been furnished by the  Underwriters to
the  Company  expressly  for use  therein and  constitute  the only  information
furnished in writing by or on behalf of the  Underwriters  for  inclusion in the
Prospectus.  The indemnity agreement contained in this paragraph (b) shall be in
addition to any liability which the Underwriters may otherwise have.

              (c)  Promptly  after  receipt by an  indemnified  party under this
Section 8 of notice of the commencement of any action,  such  indemnified  party
will,  if a  claim  in  respect  thereof  it to be  made  against  one  or  more
indemnifying  parties  under this Section 8, notify such  indemnifying  party or
parties  of  the  commencement  thereof;  but  the  failure  so  to  notify  the
indemnifying  party shall not relieve it from any liability which it may have to
any indemnified  party otherwise than under paragraph (a) or (b) of this Section
8 to the extent that the indemnifying  party was not adversely  affected by such
omission. In case any such action is brought against an indemnified party and it
notifies  an  indemnifying  party or parties of the  commencement  thereof,  the
indemnifying  party  or  parties  against  which a claim  is to be made  will be
entitled to participate  therein and, to the extent that it or they may wish, to
assume  the  defense  thereof,  with  counsel  reasonably  satisfactory  to such
indemnified party, provided,  however, that if the defendants in any such action
include  both  the  indemnified  party  and  the  indemnifying   party  and  the
indemnified  party has  reasonably  concluded  that there may be legal  defenses
available to it and/or other  indemnified  parties which are  different  from or
additional to those available to the indemnifying  party, the indemnified  party
or parties shall have the right to select separate  counsel to assume such legal
defenses and otherwise to participate in the defense of such action on behalf of
such indemnified party or parties.  Upon receipt of notice from the indemnifying
party to such indemnified party of its election so to assume the defense of such
action and approval by the indemnified party of counsel,  the indemnifying party
will not be liable to such indemnified  party under this Section 8 for any legal
or  other  expenses   (other  than  the  reasonable   costs  of   investigation)
subsequently  incurred by such indemnified  party in connection with the defense
thereof unless (i) the indemnified party has employed such counsel in connection
with the assumption of such different or additional legal defenses in accordance
with the proviso to the immediately  preceding  sentence,  (ii) the indemnifying
party has not employed counsel reasonably  satisfactory to the indemnified party
to represent  the  indemnified  party  within a reasonable  time after notice of
commencement of the action,  or (iii) the  indemnifying  party has authorized in
writing the  employment of counsel for the  indemnified  party at the expense of
the indemnifying party.

                                       35
<PAGE>


              (d) If the  indemnification  provided  for in  this  Section  8 is
unavailable  or  insufficient  to  hold  harmless  an  indemnified  party  under
paragraph  (a)  or  (b)  above  in  respect  of  any  losses,  claims,  damages,
liabilities  or expenses  (or actions in respect  thereof)  referred to therein,
then each  indemnifying  party shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by
such indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages,  liabilities
or  expenses  (or  actions  in respect  thereof)  (i) in such  proportion  as is
appropriate  to  reflect  the  relative   benefits   received  by  each  of  the
contributing  parties, on the one hand, and the party to be indemnified,  on the
other hand,  from the offering of the Shares or (ii) if the allocation  provided
by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such proportion as is
appropriate to reflect not only the relative  benefits referred to in clause (i)
above but also the relative fault of each of the  contributing  parties,  on the
one hand, and the party to be indemnified,  on the other hand in connection with
the  statements or omissions  that resulted in such losses,  claims,  damages or
liabilities, as well as any other relevant equitable considerations. In any case
where  the  Company  is a  contributing  party  and  the  Underwriters  are  the
indemnified  party,  the  relative  benefits  received by the Company on the one
hand, and the Underwriters, on the other hand, shall be deemed to be in the same
proportion  as the total net proceeds  from the  offering of the Shares  (before
deducting  expenses) bear to the total  underwriting  discounts  received by the
Underwriters hereunder, in each case as set forth in the table on the cover page
of the  Prospectus.  Relative  fault shall be  determined by reference to, among
other things,  whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
or the  omission  or  alleged  omission  to state a  material  fact  relates  to
information  supplied  by the  Company  or the  Underwriters  and  the  parties'
relative intent, knowledge,  access to information and opportunity to correct or
prevent  such untrue  statement  or  omission.  The amount paid or payable by an
indemnified  party as a result of the losses,  claims,  damages,  liabilities or
expenses (or actions in respect thereof) referred to above in this paragraph (d)
shall be deemed to include any legal or other  expenses  reasonably  incurred by
such  indemnified  party in connection with  investigating or defending any such
action or claim.  Notwithstanding  the  provisions  of this  paragraph  (d), the
Underwriters  shall not be  required to  contribute  any amount in excess of the
underwriting  discount  applicable to the Shares  purchased by the  Underwriters
hereunder.  The  Underwriters'   obligations  to  contribute  pursuant  to  this
paragraph  (d) are  several  in  proportion  to  their  respective  underwriting
obligations,  and not joint.  No person guilty of fraudulent  misrepresentations
(within  the  meaning  of  Section  11(f)  of the  Act)  shall  be  entitled  to
contribution   from  any  person   who  was  not   guilty  of  such   fraudulent
misrepresentation.  For purposes of this paragraph (d), (i) each person, if any,
who  controls  an  Underwriter  within  the  meaning of Section 15 of the Act or
Section 20 of the  Exchange  Act shall have the same rights to  contribution  as
such  Underwriter  and (ii) each  director of the  Company,  each officer of the
Company who has signed the Registration Statement,  and each person, if any, who
controls  the Company  within the meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20
of the Exchange Act shall have the same rights to  contribution  as the Company.
Any party  entitled to  contribution  will,  promptly after receipt of notice of


                                       36
<PAGE>



commencement of any action,  suit or proceeding against such party in respect to
which claim for  contribution may be made against another party or parties under
this paragraph (d), notify such party or parties from whom  contribution  may be
sought,  but the  omission so to notify such party or parties  shall not relieve
the  party or  parties  from  whom  contribution  may be  sought  from any other
obligation  (x) it or they may have  hereunder  or  otherwise  than  under  this
paragraph (d) or (y) to the extent that such party or parties were not adversely
affected by such omission.  The contribution  agreement set forth above shall be
in addition to any liabilities which any indemnifying party may otherwise have.

        SECTION 10.  REPRESENTATIONS,  ETC. TO SURVIVE DELIVERY.  The respective
representations,  warranties,  agreements, covenants, indemnities and statements
of,  and on behalf  of,  the  Company  and its  officers  and the  Underwriters,
respectively,  set forth in or made  pursuant to this  Agreement  will remain in
full force and effect,  regardless of any investigation  made by or on behalf of
the Underwriters,  and will survive delivery of and payment for the Shares.  Any
successors to the Underwriters shall be entitled to the indemnity,  contribution
and reimbursement agreements contained in this Agreement.

         SECTION 11. EFFECTIVE DATE AND TERMINATION.

              (a)  This  Agreement   shall  become   effective  at  _____  a.m.,
Washington,  D.C. time, on the first business day following the date hereof,  or
at such earlier time after the Registration  Statement  becomes effective as the
Representatives, in their sole discretion, shall release the Shares for the sale
to the public, unless prior to such time the Representatives shall have received
written  notice from the Company  that it elects that this  Agreement  shall not
become effective,  or the Representatives shall have given written notice to the
Company that the  Representatives  on behalf of the Underwriters elect that this
Agreement shall not become effective;  provided, however, that the provisions of
this  Section  11 and of  Section 7 and  Section 9 hereof  shall at all times be
effective.  For  purposes  of this  Section  11(a),  the Shares to be  purchased
hereunder  shall  be  deemed  to have  been so  released  upon  the  earlier  of
notification by the  Representatives to securities dealers releasing such Shares
for offering or the release by the  Representatives for publication of the first
newspaper advertisement which is subsequently published relating to the Shares.

              (b) This Agreement  (except for the provisions of Sections 7 and 9
hereof) may be terminated by the Representatives by notice to the Company in the
event  that the  Company  has  failed to comply in any  respect  with any of the
provisions of this Agreement required on its part to be performed at or prior to
the Closing Date or any Option  Closing  Date,  as the case may be, or if any of
the representations or warranties of the Company are not accurate in any respect
or if the covenants,  agreements or conditions of, or applicable to, the Company
herein  contained have not been complied with in any


                                       37
<PAGE>

respect or satisfied within the time specified on the Closing Date or any Option
Closing  Date,  as the case may be, or if prior to the Closing  Date or any such
Option Closing Date:

                   (i) the Company shall have sustained a loss by strike,  fire,
flood, accident or other calamity of such a character as to interfere materially
with the conduct of the business and  operations  of the Company  regardless  of
whether or not such loss was insured;

                   (ii)  trading in the Stock shall have been  suspended  by the
Commission or the NNM or trading in  securities  generally on the New York Stock
Exchange or the NNM shall have been  suspended or a material  limitation on such
trading  shall have been  imposed or minimum or maximum  prices  shall have been
established on either such exchange or market;

                   (iii) a banking  moratorium  shall have been  declared by New
York or United States authorities;

                   (iv)  there  shall have been an  outbreak  or  escalation  of
hostilities  between the United  States and any foreign  power or an outbreak or
escalation  of any other  insurrection  or armed  conflict  involving the United
States;

                   (v) there  shall  have been  commenced  any  action,  suit or
proceeding at law or in equity against the Company, or by any federal,  state or
other  commission,  board or agency,  wherein  any  unfavorable  decision  would
materially  adversely affect the business,  properties or financial condition of
the Company;

                   (vi) there shall have  occurred any material  adverse  market
conditions, of which the Representatives shall be the sole judge;

                   (viii) Company's  independent  public  accountants shall have
imposed  qualifications  in  certifying  to, or its  attorneys in opining  upon,
material items including,  without  limitation,  information in the footnotes to
the  financial  statements  or matters  incident to the issuance and sale of the
Shares, corporate proceedings or other subjects; or

                   (vi) there shall have been a material  adverse  change in (i)
general  economic,  political  or  financial  conditions  or (ii) the present or
prospective  business or condition  (financial or other) of the Company that, in
each  case,  in  the   Representative's   judgment  makes  it  impracticable  or
inadvisable to make or consummate the public  offering,  sale or delivery of the
Company's  Shares on the terms and in the manner  contemplated in the Prospectus
and the Registration Statement.


                                       38
<PAGE>


              (c) Termination of this Agreement under this Section 11 or Section
12 after the Firm Shares have been purchased by the Underwriters hereunder shall
be applicable only to the Optional  Shares.  Termination of this Agreement shall
be without  liability  of any party to any other party other than as provided in
Sections 7 and 9 hereof.

         SECTION  12.  SUBSTITUTION  OF  UNDERWRITERS.  If  one or  more  of the
Underwriters  shall fail or refuse  (otherwise  than for a reason  sufficient to
justify the  termination of this Agreement  under the provisions of Section 8 or
11 hereof) to  purchase  and pay for (a) in the case of the  Closing  Date,  the
number of Firm Shares agreed to be purchased by such Underwriter or Underwriters
upon tender to the Representatives such Firm Shares in accordance with the terms
hereof or (b) in the case of any Option  Closing  Date,  the number of  Optional
Shares agreed to be purchased by such Underwriter or Underwriters upon tender to
the Representatives of such Optional Shares in accordance with the terms hereof,
and the  number  of such  Shares  shall  not  exceed  10% of the Firm  Shares or
Optional  Shares  required to be  purchased  on the Closing  Date or such Option
Closing Date, as the case may be, then, each of the non-defaulting  Underwriters
shall  purchase  and pay for (in  addition to the number of such Shares which it
has severally  agreed to purchase  hereunder)  that  proportion of the number of
Shares which the defaulting  Underwriter or Underwriters shall have so failed or
refused to purchase on such Closing Date or Option Closing Date, as the case may
be, which is the  percentage set forth next to each such  Underwriter's  name on
Schedule I. In such case, the  Representatives,  on behalf of the  Underwriters,
shall have the right to postpone the Closing Date or the Option Closing Date, as
the case may be, to a date not exceeding  seven (7) full business days after the
date  originally  fixed as such Closing Date or the Option  Closing Date, as the
case may be, pursuant to the terms hereof in order that any necessary changes in
the   Registration   Statement,   the  Prospectus  or  any  other  documents  or
arrangements may be made.

         If one or more of the Underwriters shall fail or refuse (otherwise than
for a reason  sufficient to justify the  termination of this Agreement under the
provisions of Section 8 or 11 hereof) to purchase and pay for (a) in the case of
the Closing  Date,  the number of Firm  Shares  agreed to be  purchased  by such
Underwriter or Underwriters upon tender to you of such Firm Shares in accordance
with the terms hereof or (b) in the case of the Option  Closing Date, the number
of Optional  Shares agreed to be purchased by such  Underwriter or  Underwriters
upon tender to you of such Optional  Shares in accordance with the terms hereof,
and the number of such  Shares  shall  exceed 10% of the Firm Shares or Optional
Shares  required to be purchased by all the  Underwriters on the Closing Date or
the Option  Closing  Date, as the case may be, then (unless  within  forty-eight
(48) hours after such default  arrangements to your satisfaction shall have been
made for the purchase of the defaulted Shares by an Underwriter or Underwriters)
and subject to the  provisions  of Section  11(b) hereof,  this  Agreement  will
terminate without liability on the part of any non-defaulting  Underwriter or on
the part of the Company except as otherwise provided in Sections 7 and 9 hereof.
As  used  in  this  Agreement,   the  term  "Underwriter"  includes


                                       39
<PAGE>


any person substituted for an Underwriter under this paragraph.  Nothing in this
Section  12,  and no  action  taken  hereunder,  shall  relieve  any  defaulting
Underwriter from liability in respect of any default of such  Underwriter  under
this Agreement.

         SECTION 13. NOTICES.  All communications  hereunder shall be in writing
and if sent to the  Representatives  shall be  mailed  or  delivered  or sent by
facsimile   transmission  and  confirmed  by  letter  to  Ferris,  Baker  Watts,
Incorporated  at 1720 Eye  Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C.  20006,  Attention:
Richard K. Prins (facsimile number:  (703) 761-9610) or, if sent to the Company,
shall be mailed or delivered or sent by facsimile  transmission and confirmed by
letter to the  Company at 10411  Motor City  Drive,  Bethesda,  Maryland  20817,
attention: Ram Mukunda (facsimile number: (301) 365-8969).

         SECTION 14.  SUCCESSORS.  This Agreement  shall inure to the benefit of
and be binding upon the Company and each  Underwriter and the Company's and each
Underwriter's  respective  successors  and legal  representatives,  and  nothing
expressed or  mentioned  in this  Agreement is intended or shall be construed to
give any other person any legal or equitable right,  remedy or claim under or in
respect of this Agreement,  or any provisions herein  contained,  this Agreement
and all conditions and provisions  hereof being intended to be and being for the
sole and  exclusive  benefit  of such  persons  and for the  benefit of no other
person,   except  that  the   representatives,   warranties,   indemnities   and
contribution agreements of the Company contained in this Agreement shall also be
for the benefit of the partners,  employees  agents of each  Underwriter and any
person or persons,  if any,  who control any  Underwriter  within the meaning of
Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the  Exchange  Act,  and except  that the
Underwriters'  indemnity  and  contribution  agreements  shall  also  be for the
benefit of the  directors of the  Company,  the officers of the Company who have
signed the Registration Statement and any person or persons, if any, who control
the  Company  within  the  meaning of Section 15 of the Act or Section 20 of the
Exchange  Act. No  purchaser  of Shares from the  Underwriters  will be deemed a
successor because of such purchase.

         SECTION 15.  APPLICABLE  LAW;  JURISDICTION.  This  Agreement  shall be
governed by and construed in accordance  with the laws of the State of Maryland,
without  giving  effect  to the  choice  of law or  conflict  of law  principles
thereof.  Each party hereto consents to the  jurisdiction of each court in which
any action is commenced seeking indemnity or contribution  pursuant to Section 9
above and  agrees to accept,  either  directly  or through an agent,  service of
process of each such court.

         SECTION 16. COUNTERPARTS.  This Agreement may be executed in any number
of  counterparts,  each of which shall be deemed to be an  original,  and all of
which together shall be deemed to be one and the same instrument.


                                       40
<PAGE>



         If the foregoing is in accordance with your understanding,  please sign
and return to us three (3) counterparts  hereof,  and upon the acceptance hereof
by you, on behalf of each of the  Underwriters,  this letter and such acceptance
hereof shall  constitute a binding  agreement among each of the Underwriters and
the Company.  It is understood  that your acceptance of this letter on behalf of
each of the  Underwriters  is pursuant to the  authority  set forth in a form of
Agreement  among  Underwriters,  the form of which  shall  be  submitted  to the
Company for examination,  upon request,  but without warranty on your part as to
the authority of the signers thereof.

                                Very truly yours,

                                STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.


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



Accepted as of the date hereof

FERRIS, BAKER WATTS, INCORPORATED
1720 EYE STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20006


BY:  FERRIS, BAKER WATTS, INCORPORATED
ON BEHALF OF EACH OF THE UNDERWRITERS

BY: 
       --------------------------------
NAME:
TITLE:



                                       41
<PAGE>



                                   SCHEDULE I

                             NUMBER OF SHARES TO BE
                         PURCHASED BY EACH UNDERWRITER






                                                                Number of Firm
                                                                --------------
                                                          Shares to be Purchased
                                                          ---------------------
    Name of Underwriter              Percentage               from the Company
    -------------------              ----------               ----------------





Ferris, Baker Watts, Incorporated................


Boenning & Scattergood...........................



                                       42




                                WARRANT AGREEMENT


                            dated as of July 1, 1997



                                 By and Between







                                  STARTEC, INC.

                             (As Issuer of Warrants)



                                       and



                                   SIGNET BANK


                           (As Purchaser of Warrants)




                     Warrants to Purchase 538,083 Shares of
                     Class A Voting Common Stock of Company
            (Representing 10% of the Issued and Outstanding Shares of
        Capital Stock (on a Fully Diluted Basis, but Subject to Vesting)



<PAGE>

                        TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE 1: GRANT OF WARRANTS

1.1.  Grant of Warrants
1.2.  Warrant Entitlement
1.3.  Warrants as Additional Compensation

ARTICLE 2: PURCHASER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS

ARTICLE 3: COMPANY'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

3.1.  Legal Existence and Power
3.2.  Authorization; Non-Contravention
3.3.  Execution, Delivery and Binding Effect
3.4.  Litigation
3.5.  Compliance with Laws and Other Requirements
3.6.  Broker and Finder Fees
3.7.  Offering of Securities
3.8.  Warrant Shares as a Percent of Capital Stock
3.9.  Reservation and Issuance of Warrant Shares

ARTICLE 4: THE WARRANTS AND WARRANT SHARES

4.1. Warrant Certificates
4.2. Exercise of Warrants
4.3. Transfers of Warrants and Warrant Shares
4.4. Registration and Related Rights
4.5. Rights Upon Occurrence of Dispositions and Non-Surviving Combinations
4.6. Repurchase Offer
4.7. Cumulative Rights
4.8. Exercise of Rights Conditioned Upon Closing of Transaction
     Involved
4.9. Payment of Taxes
4.10.Reservation and Issuance of Warrant Shares
4.11.Listing of Shares
4.12.Lists of Holders
4.13.Compliance with Approval Requirements

ARTICLE 5: ANTI-DILUTION PROVISIONS

5.1. Adjustments to Warrant Shares Purchasable and
     Exercise Price
5.2. Notice of Adjustment
5.3. Preservation of Purchase Rights upon Certain
     Transactions

ARTICLE 6: COMPANY'S COVENANTS

6.1. Information
6.2. Books and Records; Right of Inspection
6.3. Litigation; Defaults
6.4. No Amendments to Organic Documents
6.5. Reincorporation and Qualification
6.6. Existence and Good Standing
6.7. Conduct of Business
6.8. Broker and Finder Fees and Commissions

ARTICLE 7: DEFINITIONS

7.1. Definitions
7.2. General Construction

ARTICLE 8: MISCELLANEOUS

8.1. Compliance with FCC and State PUC Requirements
8.2. Compliance with Purchaser's Regulatory Requirements
8.3. Binding Effect and Governing Law
8.4. Survival
8.5. No Waiver; Delay
8.6. Modification
8.7. Headings
8.8. Notices
8.9. Time of Day
8.10.Prior Agreements Superseded
8.11.Severability
8.12.Counterparts
8.13.Waiver of Liability
8.14.Forum Selection; Consent to Jurisdiction
8.15.Waiver of Jury Trial

EXHIBIT A -- Articles of Incorporation

EXHIBIT B -- Authorizing Resolutions

EXHIBIT C -- Form of Warrant Certificate

EXHIBIT D -- Restrictive Legends

                                       2
<PAGE>

                                WARRANT AGREEMENT


     THIS  WARRANT  AGREEMENT  (as defined in Article 7 along with all the other
defined terms, this "Agreement") is made and effective as of July 1, 1997 by and
between STARTEC,  INC. (as more fully defined in Article 7, the "Company"),  and
SIGNET  BANK (as more  fully  defined  in  Article  7,  the  "Purchaser"  or the
"Lender").

                                 R E C I T A L S

     WHEREAS, Company has requested Lender (and Lender has agreed) to enter into
the Credit  Agreement  and various  related  Loan  Documents  (as defined in the
Credit  Agreement)  pursuant to which  Lender will  provide  Company with credit
facilities  initially  aggregating up to $15 million (subject to  availability);
and

     WHEREAS, to induce Lender to enter into the Credit Agreement and other Loan
Documents  and  as  additional  consideration  for  the  credit  to be  provided
thereunder,  Company has agreed to issue and deliver to  Purchaser  the Warrants
(evidenced  by Warrant  Certificates)  to purchase up to an aggregate of 538,083
shares  (subject to  adjustment  and Vesting) of Class A Voting  Common Stock of
Company (which, as of the effective date hereof, represent 10% of the issued and
outstanding  shares of Capital  Stock and voting  rights of Company,  on a fully
diluted basis);

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the  foregoing  and other  good and
valuable   consideration   (receipt   and   sufficiency   of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged),  and intending to be legally bound hereby,  Company and Purchaser
hereby agree as follows:

                          ARTICLE 1: GRANT OF WARRANTS

     1.1. Grant of Warrants.  Company  hereby grants to Purchaser  warrants (the
"Warrants")  to purchase up to an aggregate of 538,083  shares of Class A Voting
Common  Stock (as such  number  may be  adjusted  from time to time as  provided
herein).  Each  Warrant is  exercisable  as and when it Vests (as  described  in
Section 4.2).

     1.2.  Warrant  Entitlement.  Each  Warrant (as and when it Vests)  entitles
Purchaser  or any  subsequent  registered  Holder of such  Warrant  to  purchase
(during the Exercise  Period) one fully paid,  nonassessable  Warrant Share at a
price per share equal to the Exercise Price (as described in Section 4.2).

     1.3.  Warrants as  Additional  Compensation.  The  Warrants  (and the grant
thereof  hereunder) are additional  compensation for the cost,  expense and risk
incurred by Lender (and/or its Affiliates)  associated with the underwriting and
establishment  of the loan credit  facilities  to be provided  for in the Credit
Agreement,  but  neither the grant nor the  exercise of any  Warrants in any way
affects or relieves Company (or any Affiliate thereof) of any of its obligations
to  fully  and  timely  perform  and  to  fully  and  timely  repay  the  entire
indebtedness due under the Credit Agreement and related Loan Documents.




                                       3
<PAGE>

              ARTICLE 2: PURCHASER'S REPRESENTATIONS AND AGREEMENTS

     Purchaser  represents  and warrants  that it is acquiring  the Warrants (a)
solely for the purpose of investment and not with a view to any  distribution of
the Warrants or any Warrant Shares within the meaning of the Securities Act, and
(b) with no present intention of selling or otherwise transferring the Warrants,
the Warrant  Certificates  or the  Warrant  Shares  except as  provided  herein.
Purchaser further represents and warrants as follows:  (1) it has such knowledge
and experience in financial and business  matters as to be capable of evaluating
the merits and risks of its prospective  investment in the Warrants,  and (2) it
has the ability to bear the economic risks of its  prospective  investment,  and
(3) it is able (without  materially  impairing its financial  condition) to hold
the Warrants and Warrant Shares for an indefinite period of time and to suffer a
complete loss on its investment in such Warrants and Warrant  Shares.  Purchaser
agrees that it will not offer, sell,  pledge,  hypothecate or otherwise transfer
any Warrants,  Warrant  Certificates or Warrant Shares except in compliance with
this  Agreement,  any  restrictive  legends  listed  on such  documents  and the
Securities Act (and the regulations of the Commission thereunder), as well as in
compliance  with  any  applicable   laws,   regulations  and  orders  of  and/or
administered  by any  State  PUC (to  the  extent  failure  to so  comply  could
reasonably  be  expected  to have or  cause a  material  adverse  effect  on the
operations of Company or could otherwise reasonably be expected to result in the
imposition of a penalty in excess of $25,000) or the FCC.

       ARTICLE 3: COMPANY'S REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

     Company represents and warrants that:

     3.1.  Legal  Existence  and  Power.  Company  (a)  is  a  corporation  duly
organized,  validly existing and in good standing under the laws of the State of
Maryland,  and (b) has all requisite power to execute,  deliver and perform this
Agreement, and (c) has all requisite power to issue and deliver the Warrants, to
execute, deliver and perform the Warrant Certificates (evidencing the Warrants),
and to issue and  deliver  the  Warrant  Shares  (if and when any  Warrants  are
exercised).  The Articles of  Incorporation  of Company (as amended from time to
time prior to the effective date hereof) are attached as Exhibit A.

     3.2. Authorization:  Non-Contravention. Company has duly authorized each of
the following by all requisite actions thereof: (a) the execution,  delivery and
performance  of this  Agreement,  and  (b)  the  issuance  and  delivery  of the
Warrants,  and  (c) the  execution,  delivery  and  performance  of the  Warrant
Certificates,  and (d) the issuance and delivery of the Warrant  Shares Upon any
exercise  of the  Warrants.  None of the  actions or  activities  by Company the
authorization  of which is described in the first sentence of this Section (when
performed by Company) 



                                       4
<PAGE>

will violate,  breach or cause a default under (or will require any consent that
has not been  obtained  under)  any  applicable  law or  regulation  (including,
without limitation,  the laws,  regulations and orders of and/or administered by
the FCC or any State PUC), the Organic Documents of Company, any voting or other
equity-related  agreements,  any other material  agreements or instruments,  any
order,  injunction  or  decree of any court or  governmental  authority,  or any
permit,  authorization  or license that (with  respect to each of the  foregoing
items,  as  applicable)  Company  is a party to,  Company is bound by or Company
operates   pursuant  to.  The   resolutions  of  Company's  Board  of  Directors
authorizing  the actions  described  in the first  sentence of this  Section are
attached as Exhibit B and are in full force and effect as of the effective  date
hereof.

     3.3. Execution, Delivery and Binding Effect. This Agreement and the Warrant
Certificates  have been duly executed and delivered by Company.  This Agreement,
the  Warrant   Certificates  and  the  Warrants  constitute  valid  and  binding
obligations  of Company  enforceable  against  Company in accordance  with their
terms  except as (a) the  enforceability  hereof or  thereof  may be  limited by
applicable  bankruptcy,  insolvency or similar laws affecting  creditors' rights
generally  and (b) the  availability  of  equitable  remedies  may be limited by
equitable principles of general applicability.

     3.4.  Litigation.  There is no  action,  suit,  administrative  proceeding,
arbitration, investigation or other legal proceeding pending against, or (to the
knowledge of Company, after due inquiry) threatened against, affecting or likely
to be asserted  against,  Company before any court,  arbitrator or  governmental
body (a) that, if adversely  resolved,  could  reasonably be expected to have or
cause  a  materially  adverse  affect  on  the  business,  financial  condition,
operations,  properties  or  prospects  of  Company,  or (b) that in any  manner
challenges  (or questions  the validity of) this  Agreement,  the Warrants,  the
Warrant Certificates or the Warrant Shares.

     3.5. Compliance with Laws and Other Requirements.  Company is in compliance
in all material  respects  with all  applicable  material  laws and  regulations
(including,  without  limitation,  the laws,  regulations  and  orders of and/or
administered by the FCC or any State PUC). Company is not in violation or breach
of  or  in  default  under  its  Organic  Documents,  or  any  voting  or  other
equity-related  agreements,  or (to the knowledge of Company, after due inquiry)
any material  agreement or  instrument,  any order,  injunction or decree of any
court or  governmental  authority,  or any permit,  authorization  or license to
which Company is a party, by which Company is bound or pursuant to which Company
operates,  other than (in each instance) those the violation,  breach or default
of which cannot  reasonably  be expected to have or cause a 




                                       5
<PAGE>

materially adverse affect on (a) the business, financial condition,  operations,
properties or prospects of Company, or (b) the ability of Company to perform its
obligations  under this  Agreement,  its Organic  Documents,  the Warrants,  the
Warrant Certificates or the Warrant Shares.

     3.6. Broker and Finder Fees. Company has not dealt with any broker, finder,
investment bank or other advisor in connection with the issuance and sale of the
Warrants  or  Warrant  Shares,  and no  broker,  finder,  investment  banking or
advisory  fee or  commission  has been or will be  payable  (or  asserted  to be
payable) by Company  with  respect the  issuance and sale of the Warrants or the
Warrant Shares.

     3.7.  Offering of  Securities.  Company has not taken and will not take any
action  that would  cause the offer,  issuance  or sale of the  Warrants  or the
Warrant  Shares to violate the Securities Act  (including,  without  limitation,
Section  5  thereof)  or any  securities  or "Blue  Sky"  law of any  applicable
jurisdiction.

     3.8.  Warrant Shares as a Percent of Capital Stock.  The Warrant Shares (as
of the  effective  date  hereof,  but subject to Vesting)  represent  10% of the
issued  and  outstanding  shares of Capital  Stock and voting  rights on a fully
diluted basis.

     3.9. Reservation and Issuance of Warrant Shares. Company has reserved among
its currently  authorized but unissued shares of Common Stock the full number of
Warrant  Shares  deliverable  upon exercise of all of the Warrants.  The Warrant
Shares (when and if issued upon exercise of the Warrants in accordance  with the
terms  hereof)  will  be  duly  authorized,   validly  issued,  fully  paid  and
nonassessable.

                   ARTICLE 4: THE WARRANTS AND WARRANT SHARES

     4.1. Warrant Certificates.

          a. Form of  Certificate:  Registration  Among Company's  Records.  The
Warrants shall be evidenced by one or more Warrant  Certificates,  each of which
will be  substantially  in the  form of  Exhibit  C with the  applicable  legend
specified on Exhibit D (but shall  incorporate  such  changes  therein as may be
required from time to time to reflect any  adjustments  made pursuant to Article
5. Each  Warrant  Certificate  shall be uniquely  numbered,  shall  identify the
record  Holder  thereof,  and shall be  registered  on the books and  records of
Company in substantially the same manner as other equity interests of Company.

     b. Exchange and Transfer of  Certificates.  A Warrant  Certificate (and the
Warrants  evidenced thereby) may be exchanged or (subject to compliance with the
applicable  requirements 




                                       6
<PAGE>

hereof)  may be  transferred  from  time  to time at the  option  of the  Holder
thereof. Upon surrender of any such Warrant Certificate to Company, then Company
shall issue and deliver to (or in accordance with the written  instructions  of)
such Holder one or more new Warrant Certificates evidencing in the aggregate the
same number of Warrants.

     c. Missing and Mutilated Certificates.  If any Warrant Certificate is lost,
stolen,  mutilated or destroyed,  then Company  (upon request of the  registered
Holder  thereof)  shall issue and deliver to (or in accordance  with the written
instructions  of)  such  Holder  one or more  replacement  Warrant  Certificates
evidencing in the aggregate  the same number of Warrants.  Company's  obligation
under this Clause is  conditioned  upon its receipt of  reasonably  satisfactory
evidence of such loss, theft, mutilation or destruction.

     d.  Authorization  of Certificate  Signer.  Any Warrant  Certificate may be
signed on behalf of Company (and  delivered to the Holder  entitled  thereto) by
any person who, on the actual date of execution of such Warrant Certificate,  is
a proper officer of Company to sign such Warrant  Certificate even though (l) on
the date of  execution  of this  Agreement  such person was not such an officer,
and/or (2) on the date of delivery of such Warrant  Certificate  such person has
ceased to serve as such officer of Company.

     4.2. Exercise of Warrants.

     a. Exercise  Period.  The Warrants are exercisable  (once they Vest) at any
time and from time to time after the  effective  date  hereof and prior to 11:59
p.m.  (Eastern  Time) on July 1, 2002  ("Exercise  Period"),  at which  time any
unexercised Warrants shall expire.

     b.  Exercise  Price.  The  Exercise  Price  for a  Warrant  Share  will  be
determined  (as of the date of Vesting for such  Warrant)  by  dividing  (1) the
applicable "Revenue Factor" as of the applicable "Establishment Date" by (2) the
number of shares of Capital  Stock  issued and  outstanding  on a fully  diluted
basis (including  outstanding rights, options and warrants to purchase and other
securities   convertible  or  exchangeable   into  Capital  Stock)  as  of  such
Establishment  Date (as such amount may be adjusted from time to time thereafter
as provided  herein,  the "Exercise  Price").  For purposes of establishing  the
Exercise Price,  (i) the applicable  "Revenue Factor" will be an amount 10 times
Company's   monthly   revenue  for  the  month  ending  as  of  the   applicable
Establishment  Date,  and (ii) the applicable  "Establishment  Date" will be the
last  Business Day of the month in which a  particular  Warrant  becomes  Vested
(except  that,  with respect to the  Warrants  that Vest  immediately  as of the
effective  




                                       7
<PAGE>

date hereof, the applicable  Establishment Date will be the last Business Day of
April,  1997).  With respect to the Warrants that Vest as of the effective  date
hereof,  the  Exercise  Price  is  $8.46  per  share  (subject  to  adjustment).
Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the price per share received by Company in any
Public  Offering is less than the Exercise  Price then in effect with respect to
any Warrant, then the Exercise Price for each such Warrant will be automatically
adjusted to be the per share price  received by Company in connection  with such
Public Offering.

     c.  Vesting.  Vesting  occurs with respect to any Warrant when such Warrant
becomes immediately  exercisable.  As of the effective date hereof,  Warrants to
purchase up to an aggregate of 269,042 shares (subject to adjustment) of Class A
Voting  Common  Stock of Company  will Vest  (which,  as of the  effective  date
hereof, upon exercise, will represent 5% of the issued and outstanding shares of
Capital  Stock and voting  Rights of  Company,  on a fully  diluted  basis).  If
Company  consummates an Initial Public  Offering before 11:59:59 pm Eastern Time
("ET") on December 31, 1997,  then no  additional  Warrants will Vest. As of and
after  December 31, 1997,  Warrants will Vest in  accordance  with the following
schedule:

If an Initial Public               The Total Percentage Vested
Offering Does Not Occur            as of Such Date and Time Will
Before 11:59:59 pm ET              Be As Follows (exclusive of
on the Following Date    Then      anti-dilution protection)

December 31, 1997                  6%
March 31, 1998                     7%
June 30, 1998                      8%
September 30, 1998                 9%
December 31, 1998                  10%

     d.  Method  of  Exercise:  Cashless  Exercise.  A  Holder  of  any  Warrant
Certificate  (evidencing  any  Warrants  that have Vested) may exercise any such
Warrants from time to time during the Exercise Period to purchase Warrant Shares
upon (1) the surrender of such Warrant Certificate evidencing such Warrants, and
(2) the payment of the Exercise  Price in cash, by certified or cashier's  check
payable  to  the  order  of  Company  or by  wire  transfer  to  Company.  As an
alternative to paying such Exercise Price (or any portion thereof), a Holder may
instead elect to effect a cashless  exercise  pursuant to which such Holder will
receive in  exchange  for such  tendered  Warrants  an amount of Warrant  Shares
determined  by  multiplying  (a) the  number of Warrant  Shares  into which such
Holder  would  otherwise  be  entitled  as a result  of such  exercise  by (b) a
fraction (i) the numerator of which is the  difference  between the then Current
Market Price per Warrant Share and the Exercise Price then in effect and (b) the
denominator of which is the then Current  Market Price per Warrant  Share.  Such
surrender  and  payment  must  occur at an office of  Company  or at such  other




                                       8
<PAGE>

address as Company may specify in writing to the then registered  Holder of such
Warrant Certificate.

     e. Issuance of Warrant Shares Upon Exercise.  Upon surrender of any Warrant
Certificate and payment of the applicable  Exercise Price (as described above in
this  Section),  then  Company  shall  issue,  sell and  deliver  to or upon the
instructions of the Holder of such Warrant  Certificate  and/or its designee one
or more  certificates  evidencing in the aggregate the number of Warrant  Shares
represented by such Warrant  Certificate  that are then being purchased (each of
which  Warrant  Shares  shall be fully paid and  nonassessable).  Any persons so
designated to be named therein shall be deemed to have become a Holder of record
of such Warrant Shares as of the date of exercise of such Warrants. If less than
all of the Warrants evidenced by a Warrant Certificate are exercised at any time
prior to the last day of the Exercise  Period,  then Company shall issue to such
Holder (or its designee)  one or more new Warrant  Certificates  evidencing  the
remaining number of Warrants evidenced by such Warrant  Certificate that are not
then exercised by Holder.

     4.3.  Transfers  of  Warrants  and  Warrant  Shares.  Except  as  otherwise
expressly  provided  herein,  upon compliance  with any applicable  requirements
under  the  Securities  Act and the  laws,  regulations  and  orders  of  and/or
administered  by each  State  PUC (to the  extent  failure  to so  comply  could
reasonably  be  expected  to have or  cause a  material  adverse  effect  on the
operations of Company or could otherwise reasonably be expected to result in the
imposition of a penalty in excess of $25,000) or the FCC, then the Warrants, the
corresponding  Warrant Certificates and the Warrant Shares may be transferred by
Purchaser  (or any other  Holder  thereof  from time to time in whole or in part
upon giving  written  notice to Company (but without the  necessity of any prior
written consent of Company).  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  prior to receiving
notice of any such transfer  (either from such Holder or from such  transferee),
Company  shall be otherwise  entitled to treat such known Holder  thereof as the
Holder of record hereunder for purposes of giving and receiving  notices and for
purposes of exercising rights hereunder.

     4.4. Registration and Related Rights.

          a.  Incidental  Registration  in a Public  Offering.  Each  Holder  of
Warrant  Shares  and each  Holder of  Warrants  shall  have the right to require
Company  to  include  all or (at such  Holder's  election)  any  portion of such
Warrant  Shares and the Warrant  Shares  purchasable  upon  exercise of any such
Warrants that have then Vested in any Public Offering of Company's securities.

     Company  shall give  written  notice to each  Holder of  Warrants  and each
Holder of Warrant Shares (at each such Holder's last




                                       9
<PAGE>

known address as it appears on Company's  books and records)  promptly after the
occurrence of any of the following events:  (i) Company deciding to proceed with
any  registration  of  securities  that would  constitute  a Public  Offering if
declared effective,  or (ii) the initial filing of a registration statement with
the  Commission  pertaining  to any  Public  Offering,  or (iii) any  amendment,
supplement or modification to any  registration  statement for a Public Offering
by Company (other than  amendments,  supplements  and  modifications  that occur
automatically  through  incorporation  by reference as a result of  subsequently
prepared  publicly  available   materials),   or  (iv)  any  withdrawal  of  any
registration statement for a Public Offering by Company, or (v) any delay of any
such Public  Offering by Company  (which,  with respect to any Public  Offering,
Company may elect to do in its discretion for a period not to exceed 90 calendar
days).  Once  any such  registration  statement  is  declared  effective  by the
Commission,  then  Company may not amend or modify it in any manner that affects
any rights,  liabilities or benefits of Holders without providing each Holder of
Warrants and each Holder of Warrant  Shares with written notice thereof at least
5 Business  Days prior to filing any such  amendment  or  modification  with the
Commission.

          In connection with any such Public Offering,  Company shall enter into
an  underwriting  agreement  with one or more  underwriters  that shall provide,
among other things, that the underwriters shall offer to purchase at the closing
of such Public  Offering all of the Warrant  Shares and all of the Warrants that
have then Vested (or such lesser  portion  thereof as any Holder may request) at
the price  paid by the  underwriters  for the  Capital  Stock (or if a  security
convertible into or exchangeable for, or rights to purchase, Capital Stock, then
the conversion, exchange or purchase price for the Capital Stock provided for by
such security less the conversion,  exchange or exercise  premium on the date of
such  offering)  sold by Company  and/or any selling  shareholders  (less,  with
respect to Warrants,  the Exercise  Price then in effect).  Notwithstanding  the
forgoing,  if the  underwriters  shall advise  Company in writing that, in their
experience and professional opinion arrived at in good faith,  inclusion of such
number of Warrant Shares  (together  with the shares of Capital Stock  requested
for registration by any other selling  equityholders)  will adversely affect the
price or  distribution  of the securities to be offered in such Public  Offering
solely for the account of Company,  then (1) Company shall promptly furnish each
such Holder with a copy of such written advice by the underwriters, and (2) such
Holders shall then have the right to include only such number of Warrant  Shares
and Warrants that such advice by the  underwriters  indicates may be distributed
without  adversely  affecting  the  distribution  of the  securities  solely for
Company's  account.  As among Holders of Warrant  Shares and/or  Warrants,  such
availability for inclusion 




                                       10
<PAGE>

in the  registration  for such Public Offering shall be allocated pro rata based
upon the total number of Warrant Shares owned or purchasable by such Holder.  As
between such Holders and any other  holders of Capital  Stock  requesting  to be
included in such Public  Offering,  60% of any required  reduction in the number
shares  includible  in the  registration  for  such  Public  Offering  shall  be
allocated  pro rata  among such  other  holders of Capital  Stock and 40% of any
required  reduction in the number shares includible in the registration for such
Public Offering shall be allocated pro rata among Holders.

     In  connection  with an Initial  Public  Offering,  provided that all other
holders of at least 2% of the issued and outstanding equity interests of Company
are subject to  identical  (or more  restrictive)  restrictions  with respect to
their equity interests,  then each Holder of Warrants and each Holder of Warrant
Shares shall agree to refrain from selling or otherwise transferring (other than
to a  Purchaser-Affiliated  Transferee)  any Warrant Shares not included in such
Initial  Public  Offering for a period of time (not to exceed 180 calendar  days
after the effective date of the  registration  statement for such Initial Public
Offering) as may be appropriate under the circumstances and reasonably requested
by Company and the underwriters for such offering.

     b. Demand  Registration  Following an Initial Public  Offering or Surviving
Public  Combination.  In addition to any other registration  rights to which any
Holder  is  entitled,  at any time and from  time to time  after  closing  of an
Initial Public Offering or a Surviving  Public  Combination,  Company (upon each
request of  Holders of at least 50% of the  Warrant  Shares  and  Warrants  then
Vested) shall  prepare,  shall file with the  Commission  and shall use its best
efforts  to cause to become  effective  as  promptly  as  reasonably  possible a
registration  statement  covering  such number of Warrant  Shares  owned or then
purchasable  as is  requested by such  Holders.  Notwithstanding  the  forgoing,
Company  shall not be  required  to so prepare  and file upon the demand of such
Holders  either  (a) more  than two (2) such  registration  statements  that are
declared  effective by the Commission and maintained in effect by Company for at
least 90  consecutive  calendar days and are not on a Form S-3 (or any successor
form), or (b) any such registration  statement within the first 90 calendar days
after the closing of an Initial Public  Offering,  or (c) any such  registration
statement  within  the first 180  calendar  days  after the  closing of a Public
Offering  that was effective  for at least 90  consecutive  calendar days and in
which 50% or more of the Warrant Shares and Warrants then Vested were included.

          In  connection  with any such demand  registration,  such  Holders may
engage one or more  underwriters  to  purchase  the  Warrant  Shares,  and if so
requested by such Holders, then Company will use commercially reasonable efforts
to assist and  cooperate 




                                       11
<PAGE>

with such Holders in  identifying  and  engaging  such  underwriters.  Moreover,
Company shall also use commercially  reasonable  efforts to assist and cooperate
with such underwriters once engaged by such Holders. The registration  statement
shall also provide that sales of the Warrant  Shares may be made by dealers,  on
an exchange if listed,  directly to purchasers  or in any other manner.  No such
registration  statement  filed  pursuant to this demand  registration  provision
(without the consent of Holders of at least 50% of the total Warrant  Shares and
Warrants  that have then  Vested)  may relate to any  securities  other than the
Warrant  Shares,  and no other  securities may be sold  incidentally to any such
underwritten public offering of Warrant Shares so registered.

          In connection  with any such demand  registration,  Company shall keep
effective  and maintain  the  registration,  qualification,  approval or listing
covering  the Warrant  Shares for a period of at least 90  consecutive  calendar
days.  Company from time to time shall amend or supplement  the  prospectus  and
registration  statement  used in connection  with any such  registration  to the
extent necessary to comply with applicable law (including,  without  limitation,
to reflect  additional  information  relating to the plan of distribution),  and
shall  immediately  advise each Holder if any such  prospectus  or  registration
statement does not so comply and/or if any stop order or similar order is issued
or  threatened  or any request for  amendment or supplement is received from any
regulatory  agency.  Company shall make every  reasonable  effort to prevent the
issuance  of any stop  order and,  if any stop  order is  issued,  to obtain the
lifting thereof at the earliest  possible moment.  Company shall comply with all
other applicable laws in connection with any offering of Warrant Shares and will
promptly make available an earnings  statement in accordance  with Section 11(a)
of the Securities Act and the regulations promulgated thereunder.

          c. Other  Registration  Rights.  If Company has  otherwise  granted or
hereafter grants to any Person any other or additional  registration rights with
respect to any  securities of Company (or similar  registration  rights with any
more favorable or less  restrictive  terms),  then Company will promptly  notify
each Holder of Warrants and each Holder of Warrant Shares, and such registration
rights (or the more favorable or less restrictive  terms thereof) will be deemed
automatically to be incorporated into this Agreement as additional  registration
rights that each Holder is entitled to exercise.

          d. Sales Through  Underwriters  and Dealers.  Company shall effect the
registration or qualification of the Warrant Shares registered  pursuant to this
Section  governing  registration  rights and such notification to or approval of
any  governmental  authority under any federal or state law, or listing with any




                                       12
<PAGE>

securities  exchange on which the Common Stock is listed, as may be necessary to
permit the sale of Warrant  Shares through  underwriters,  and, in the case of a
demand registration hereunder, also through dealers, on an exchange, directly to
purchasers or in any other manner.

          e.  Expenses  of  Registration.   Any   registration,   qualification,
notification,  approval or listing  made or  withdrawn  pursuant to this Section
shall be at the sole  expense of Company  (excepting  underwriter's  or broker's
discounts and commissions).  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  in connection with
any such  transaction,  Company shall be obligated to pay the costs and expenses
of only  one finn  serving  as  legal  counsel  representing  such  Holders.  In
connection with any demand registration by Holders, if such Holders withdraw the
registration prior to consummation (other than for reasons, in whole or in part,
based upon  actions or inactions  of Company or other third  parties,  operating
performance  of Company,  disclosure  of material  events by Company,  or issues
raised by the Commission, the PCC or any State PUC), then such Holders (at their
election)  either (1) will not be entitled  to  reimbursement  from  Company for
their expenses associated with such withdrawn  registration or (2) will lose the
right to such  demand  registration  (but  not the  right  to any  other  demand
registrations to which such Holders may be entitled hereunder).

          f. Certain Additional Agreements in Connection with Registrations.  In
connection with any Public Offering,  Company (1) shall enter into,  execute and
deliver all agreements and other instruments and documents  (including,  without
limitation,  opinions of counsel,  comfort letters and underwriting  agreements)
that are customary and  appropriate  with such public  offerings,  and (2) shall
cooperate with any underwriters to facilitate sales of the Warrant Shares to the
same extent as if such Warrant  Shares were being  offered  directly by Company,
and (3) shall  furnish  each  Holder  such  numbers  of  copies of  registration
statements and  prospectuses  (and amendments and  supplements  thereto) as such
Holder may reasonably request,  and (4) shall take all such other actions as are
necessary or advisable to facilitate the  registration  and sale of such Warrant
Shares.  In  connection  with any  Public  Offering  as to which  any  Holder is
requesting  registration of Warrant  Shares,  each such Holder (i) shall provide
Company with such  information  regarding  itself,  himself or herself as may be
reasonably required by Company, and (ii) shall reasonably cooperate with Company
in the preparation of the  registration  statement,  and (iii) shall enter into,
execute and deliver all agreements and other  instruments and documents that are
customary and  appropriate  for selling  equityholders  to execute in connection
with a secondary public offering.




                                       13
<PAGE>

          g.  Indemnification  by Company.  In  connection  with any offering of
Warrant  Shares  pursuant to the  provisions  of this  Section,  Company  hereby
indemnifies  and holds  harmless  each  Holder of  Warrants  and each  Holder of
Warrant Shares (and the directors, officers and controlling Persons of each such
Holder),  each other  Person (if any) who acts on behalf of or at the request of
any such Holder, each underwriter, and each other Person who participates in the
offering of Warrant  Shares  (collectively,  for  purposes of this  Clause,  the
"Indemnified Parties") against any losses, claims, damages or liabilities, joint
or  several,  to which  such  Indemnified  Party may  become  subject  under the
Securities  Act or any other  statute or at common law,  insofar as such losses,
claims,  damages or liabilities  (or actions in respect  thereof arise out of or
are based upon either of the following:

               (i) any untrue  statement  or  alleged  untrue  statement  of any
material  fact  contained (on the  effective  date thereof) in any  registration
statement  (or any  amendment  thereto)  under  which such  Warrant  Shares were
registered  under the  Securities  Act,  or the  omission  or  alleged  omission
therefrom of a material fact required to be stated  therein or necessary to make
the  statements  therein,  in light of the  circumstances  under which they were
made, not misleading, or

               (ii) any  untrue  statement  or  alleged  untrue  statement  of a
material fact  contained in any  preliminary  prospectus  or prospectus  (or any
amendment or supplement  thereto) or the omission or alleged omission  therefrom
of a material fact  necessary to make the  statements  therein,  in light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading.

Company shall also  reimburse each such  Indemnified  Party for any legal or any
other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending
any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. Notwithstanding the forgoing,
Company  shall  not be liable  to an  Indemnified  Party in any such case to the
extent that any such loss, claim,  damage or liability arises out of or is based
upon any untrue or alleged untrue statement or omission or alleged omission made
in such registration statement, preliminary prospectus, prospectus, or amendment
or  supplement  in reliance  upon and in  conformity  with  written  information
furnished to Company  through an instrument  duly  executed by such  Indemnified
Party specifically stating that it is expressly for use therein.  Such indemnity
shall  remain in full force and effect and shall  survive  the  transfer of such
Warrants or Warrant Shares by any such Holder.

          h.  Indemnification  by Holders.  Each Holder whose Warrant Shares are
sold under any registration  statement pursuant to this Section (by inclusion of
such Warrant Shares  thereunder)




                                       14
<PAGE>

shall  indemnify  and  hold  harmless  Company  (the  officers,   direction  and
controlling  Persons  thereof),  each other  Holder of  Warrants  and each other
Holder of Warrant Shares (and the directors, officers and controlling Persons of
each such  Holder),  each other  Person (if any) who acts on behalf of or at the
request of Company or such other Holder, each underwriter, and each other Person
who participates in the offering of Warrant Shares  (collectively,  for purposes
of this Clause, the "Indemnified  Parties") against any losses,  claims, damages
or liabilities,  joint or several,  to which such  Indemnified  Party may become
subject under the Securities Act or any other statute or at common law,  insofar
as such losses,  claims,  damages or liabilities (or actions in respect thereof)
arise out of or are based upon either of the following:

               (i) any untrue  statement  or  alleged  untrue  statement  of any
material  fact  contained  (on the  effective  date thereof in any  registration
statement  (or any  amendment  thereto)  under  which such  Warrant  Shares were
registered  under the  Securities  Act at the  request  of such  Holder,  or the
omission or alleged omission  therefrom of a material fact required to be stated
therein  or  necessary  to  make  the  statements   therein,  in  light  of  the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading, or

               (ii) any  untrue  statement  or  alleged  untrue  statement  of a
material fact  contained in any  preliminary  prospectus  or prospectus  (or any
amendment or supplement  thereto) or the omission or alleged omission  therefrom
of a material fact necessary to make the statements therein, in the light of the
circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;

but only to the extent  (with  respect to either of the forgoing  Clauses)  that
such  untrue  statement  or alleged  untrue  statement  or  omission  or alleged
omission  was  made  in such  registration  statement,  preliminary  prospectus,
prospectus,  amendment or supplement  in reliance  upon and in  conformity  with
written information  furnished to Company through an instrument duly executed by
such Holder specifically stating that it is expressly for use therein. Each such
Holder shall also  reimburse  each such  Indemnified  Party for any legal or any
other expenses reasonably incurred in connection with investigating or defending
any such loss, claim, damage, liability or action. Notwithstanding the forgoing,
no such Holder shall be liable to any Indemnified  Party in any such instance to
the extent  (a) such  loss,  claim,  damage or  liability  relates to any untrue
statement or omission,  or any alleged untrue  statement or omission,  made in a
preliminary prospectus but eliminated or remedied in a final prospectus, and (b)
a copy of the final  prospectus  was not  delivered to the Person  asserting the
claim at or prior to the time required by the  Securities Act in an instance for
which delivery thereof 




                                       15
<PAGE>

would have constituted a defense to the claim asserted by such Person.

          i. Certain  Notices and Other Rights  Relating to  Indemnification.  A
party from whom  indemnity  may be sought  pursuant  to the  provisions  of this
Section shall not be liable for such  indemnity  with respect to any claim as to
which  indemnity is sought  unless the party seeking such  indemnity  shall have
notified such indemnifying party in writing of the nature of such claim promptly
after  such   indemnified   party  becomes  aware  of  the  assertion   thereof.
Notwithstanding  the forgoing,  the failure to so notify such indemnifying party
shall  not  relieve  such  party  from any  liability  which it may have to such
indemnified party otherwise than on account of the provisions of this Section or
if the failure to give such notice  promptly shall not have been  prejudicial to
such  indemnifying  party.  No  indemnifying  party  shall  be  liable  for  any
compromise  or settlement of any such action  effected  without its consent.  No
indemnifying  party (in the  defense  of any such  claim or suit),  without  the
consent of each indemnified party, shall consent to any compromise or settlement
that  does not  include  as an  unconditional  term  thereof  the  giving by the
claimant to such  indemnified  party of a complete release from all liability in
respect of such claim or suit.

     j. Contribution. In order to provide for just and equitable contribution in
circumstances in which the indemnification  provided for in this Section for any
reason is held to be  unenforceable  although  applicable in accordance with its
terms,  Company and the Holders, as amongst themselves,  shall contribute to the
losses,  claims,  damages,  liabilities  and expenses  described  herein in such
proportions  so  that  the  portion  thereof  for  which  any  Holder  shall  be
responsible shall be limited to the portion determined by a court or the parties
to any  settlement  to be  directly  attributable  to an untrue  statement  of a
material  fact or an  omission  to  state  a  material  fact  in a  registration
statement, preliminary prospectus, prospectus or amendment or supplement thereto
in specific reliance upon and in conformity with written  information  furnished
to Company  through an  instrument  duly  executed by such  Holder  specifically
stating that it is expressly for use therein,  and Company shall be  responsible
for the balance.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the liability of each Holder
shall be limited to the initial  offering price of the Warrant Shares sold by it
thereunder.  Company  and the  Holders  agree  that  it  would  not be just  and
equitable if there respective obligations to contribute were to be determined by
pro rata  allocation,  by reference  to the proceeds  realized by them or in any
manner which does not take into account the equitable  considerations  set forth
in this Clause.




                                       16
<PAGE>

     4.5  Rights Upon Occurrence of Dispositions and Non-surviving Combinations.

          a.  Offer to  Purchase.  In  connection  with any  Disposition  or any
Non-surviving  Combination,  Company  or  the  acquiror  in any  Disposition  or
Non-Surviving  Combination  shall also offer to  purchase on the terms set forth
below all of the  Warrant  Shares  and all of the  Warrants  then  Vested.  If a
Disposition is of less than all of the Capital Stock then outstanding,  then the
number of Warrants  and Warrant  Shares  subject to purchase  under this Section
shall be reduced proportionately (to the nearest whole number), and such reduced
number will be available pro rata among all Holders  desiring to tender  Warrant
Shares or Warrants in connection with such transaction.

          b. Notice of Proposed  Transaction.  Company shall give written notice
to each  Holder of  Warrants  and each  Holder of  Warrant  Shares (at each such
Holder's  last  known  address as it appears  on  Company's  books and  records)
promptly  after an  agreement  in  principle  is  reached  with  respect  to any
Disposition or any  Non-Surviving  Combination  (but, in any event,  at least 30
calendar days prior to the closing of any such transaction).

          c. Purchase  Price.  As a condition to consummation of any Disposition
or any Non-surviving Combination, either Company or such acquiror shall purchase
(either before or concurrently  with the  consummation of such  transaction) all
Warrants  and Warrant  Shares  tendered by a Holder  thereof at a cash price per
Warrant and Warrant Share equal to the greater of the following:

          (i)  the Target Valuation per Warrant Share, or

          (ii) the result of the following formula:

               (A) the product of (1) the  aggregate  consideration  received by
          all sellers and  transferors  in connection  with such  transaction or
          series of related  transactions  (including  the  consideration  to be
          received  by the holders of Warrants  and Warrant  Shares  pursuant to
          this  provision)  and (2) a  fraction  the  numerator  of which is the
          number of  Warrants  and  Warrant  Shares  tendered  for  purchase  in
          connection with such transaction or series of related transactions and
          the  denominator of which is the sum of the number of shares of Common
          Stock  outstanding  immediately prior to such transaction or series of
          related  transactions  plus the number of Warrants and Warrant  Shares
          tendered for  purchase  (which  result is the amount of  consideration
          available for all Warrants and Warrant  Shares  tendered in connection
          with such transaction), divided by




                                       17
<PAGE>

               (B) the  number of  Warrants  and  Warrant  Shares  tendered  for
          purchase in  connection  with such  transaction  (which  result is the
          amount of  consideration  available for each Warrant and Warrant Share
          tendered in connection with such transaction), minus

               (C) the  Exercise  Price then in effect (but only with respect to
          Warrants and not Warrant Shares).

          d. Payment of Purchase  Price.  Company (either before or concurrently
with the consummation of such  transactions)  shall distribute to the respective
Holders of Warrants  and Warrant  Shares (or to such other Person as such Holder
may direct Company in writing) the  applicable  purchase price for each tendered
Warrant  Share and Warrant in cash,  by certified or  cashier's  check,  by wire
transfer or by any other means acceptable to such Holder.  In addition,  Company
shall also  deliver to each such  Holder  (as and to the  extent  applicable)  a
return or reissuance of Warrants and Warrant  Shares not purchased in connection
with any such transaction.

          e.  Determination  of  "Aggregate  Consideration".  Unless  the entire
consideration in such transaction consists of cash or unless otherwise agreed by
Holders of Warrants and Warrant  Shares,  then the fair value of the  "aggregate
consideration"  to be received by all sellers and transferors in connection with
a Disposition or Non-Surviving Combination shall be determined by an Independent
Appraiser  selected by Holders of a majority of the Warrants and Warrant  Shares
and  approved by Company  (which  approval may not be  unreasonably  withheld or
delayed).  Such  Independent  Appraiser shall use one or more valuation  methods
that the Independent Appraiser (in its best professional judgment) determines to
be most appropriate  under the  circumstances;  provided,that (i) such valuation
methods shall take into account any related  agreements  that result in personal
gain to any  director,  officer  or  equityholder  of  Company,  and  (ii)  such
valuation  methods  shall not give  effect to (1) any  discount  for any lack of
liquidity  of the Capital  Stock,  or (2) the  minority  status of any holder of
Capital  Stock,  or (3) the fact  that  Company  may  have no  class  of  equity
securities registered under the Securities Act. Such Independent  Appraiser,  as
promptly as is reasonably  possible,  will prepare and deliver to Company and to
each  Holder  of  a  Warrant  or  Warrant  Share  a  written   valuation  report
indicating(a) the methods of valuation  considered or used, and (b) the value of
the  "aggregate  consideration"  paid by the  acquiror  in  connection  with the
particular Disposition or Non-Surviving Combination or otherwise received by the
sellers and transferors in connection therewith, and (c) the nature and scope of
the examination or investigation upon which the determination of value was made.
Unless the 




                                       18
<PAGE>

valuation report is revised by the Independent  Appraiser within 5 Business Days
after delivery thereof or unless Company and Holders  otherwise  mutually agree,
then  the   valuation   report  shall  be  deemed  final  at  the  end  of  such
5-Business-Day  period.  Company shall pay the fees and expenses associated with
the Independent Appraiser.

     4.6. Repurchase Offer.

          a.  Offer  to  Repurchase.  Within  30  calendar  days  following  the
occurrence  of any  Repurchase  Condition,  Company  shall make a written  offer
(each, a "Repurchase  Offer") to repurchase at the Repurchase Price up to all of
the Warrant Shares and Warrants then Vested.  Each such Repurchase  Offer (among
other things) shall  indicate the date of occurrence of the relevant  Repurchase
Condition and shall provide a  calculation  of the Target  Valuation per Warrant
Share (together with a copy of documentation supporting such calculation).  Each
such Repurchase Offer shall be delivered by Company to each such Holder entitled
thereto  by  first-class  mail to the last known  address of such  Holder on the
books and records of Company.

          b. "Repurchase Condition".  A "Repurchase Condition" will be deemed to
occur (1) on March 1, 2002,  which is  approximately  120 calendar days prior to
the Maturity Date under the Credit Agreement (unless an Initial Public Offering,
Surviving Public Combination,  Non-Surviving Combination or complete Disposition
shall have been consummated after the effective  date.hereof and prior thereto),
and (2) upon the  occurrence of any Event of Default under and as defined in the
Credit Agreement.

          c.  "Repurchase  Price".  The "Repurchase  Price" for each Warrant and
Warrant Share in connection with any such  Repurchase  Offer (unless Company and
Holders  otherwise  mutually  agree) will be the fair market value of a share of
Common  Stock as of the  date of  occurrence  of such  Repurchase  Condition  as
determined by an Independent Appraiser,  less in either instance with respect to
Warrants  (but not  Warrant  Shares)  the  Exercise  Price then in effect.  Such
Independent  Appraiser will be selected by Holders of a majority of the Warrants
and  Warrant  Shares  and  approved  by  Company  (which  approval  may  not  be
unreasonably  withheld or delayed).  Such Independent Appraiser shall use one or
more valuation methods that the Independent  Appraiser (in its best professional
judgment)  determines to be most appropriate under the circumstances;  provided,
that such  valuation  methods  shall not give effect to (1) any discount for any
lack of liquidity of the Capital Stock, or (2) the minority status of any holder
of Common  Stock,  or (3) to the fact that  Company  may have no class of equity
securities registered under the Securities Act. Such Independent  Appraiser,  as
promptly as is reasonably  possible, 




                                       19
<PAGE>

will  prepare  and deliver to Company and to each Holder of a Warrant or Warrant
Share a  written  valuation  report  indicating  (a) the  methods  of  valuation
considered or used,  and (b) the value of a share of Common  Stock,  and (c) the
nature  and  scope  of  the   examination  or   investigation   upon  which  the
determination  of value was made.  Unless the valuation report is revised by the
Independent  Appraiser  within 5 Business Days after delivery  thereof or unless
Company and Holders otherwise mutually agree, then the valuation report shall be
deemed final at the end of such  5-Business-Day  period.  Company  shall pay the
fees and expenses associated with the Independent Appraiser.

          d. Acceptance of Repurchase  Offer;  Payment of Purchase Price. At any
time within 60 calendar days after a Holder receives the final written valuation
report of the Independent Appraiser,  each such Holder may tender for repurchase
by Company all or any portion of such Holder's  Warrant Shares and Warrants that
have vested.  Within 30 calendar  days of  receiving  any such tender of Warrant
Shares or Warrants,  Company  shall  distribute  to each such Holder (or to such
other  Person as such  Holder may  direct  Company in  writing)  the  applicable
Repurchase  Price for each such  tendered  Warrant Share and Warrant in cash, by
certified or cashier's  check, by wire transfer or by any other means acceptable
to such Holder. In addition,  Company shall also deliver to each such Holder (as
and to the extent  applicable) a return or  re-issuance  of Warrants and Warrant
Shares not tendered for repurchased.

     4.7. Cumulative Rights. The rights of Holders upon the occurrence of events
set forth in this Article 4 are  cumulative.  If more than one such event occurs
simultaneously  (or the time period for  exercising  any such rights  overlaps),
then each  Holder  can elect  which  rights (if any) to  exercise  and any prior
inclusion  or  surrender  of  Warrants  or  Warrant  Shares  with  respect  to a
transaction  that has not yet closed may be rescinded by such Holder during such
overlapping  period in order to exercise  rights arising under any  concurrently
occurring event.

     4.8 Exercise of Rights  conditioned  Upon Closing of Transaction  Involved.
The rights of Holders to have  Warrants or Warrant  Shares  included and sold in
any Public Offering or purchased in any Disposition or Non-Surviving Combination
pursuant to this Article 4 are conditioned upon the consummation of the proposed
transaction.  Neither Company nor any equityholder involved in any such proposed
transaction shall have any obligation to Holders to consummate any such proposed
transaction  once an  agreement in principle or decision to proceed with respect
thereto is reached, except as expressly provided in this Article 4.




                                       20
<PAGE>

     4.9.  Payment of Taxes.  Company will pay all  expenses,  taxes and charges
attributable  to the  issuance,  transfer or  repurchase  of the  Warrants,  the
Warrant Certificates and the Warrant Shares.

     4.10.  Reservation  and  Issuance of Warrant  Shares.  Company at all times
shall reserve (and keep free from  preemptive  rights) among its  authorized but
unissued  shares of Capital Stock the full number of Warrant Shares  deliverable
upon exercise of all of the Warrants.  Company covenants that all Warrant Shares
(when and if issued upon exercise of the Warrants in  accordance  with the terms
hereof) will be duly authorized,  validly issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable
(and will be free from all taxes,  liens,  charges and security  interests  with
respect to the issuance  thereof).  Before taking any action that could cause an
adjustment  pursuant to Article 5, Company will take any  corporate  action that
(in the opinion of its counsel) may be  necessary or  appropriate  in order that
company  may validly and  legally  issue  fully paid and  nonassessable  Warrant
Shares at the Exercise Price as so adjusted.

     4.11. Listing of Shares. If Company lists any shares of Common Stock on any
national  securities  exchange,  then Company (at its expense) will use its best
efforts to cause the  Warrant  Shares to be  approved  for  listing,  subject to
notice of issuance,  and will provide prompt notice to each such exchange of the
issuance thereof from time to time.

     4.12. Lists of Holders.  Company (from time to time upon the request of any
Holder) will provide such Holder with a list of the registered Holders and their
respective addresses.

     4.13.  Compliance  with Approval  Requirements.  If any Warrants or Warrant
Shares require  registration  or approval of the FCC, any State PUC or any other
governmental  authority (or the taking of any other action under the laws of the
United  States of America or any  political  subdivision  thereof)  before  such
securities may be validly issued, then Company will use commercially  reasonable
efforts to secure and  maintain  such  registration  or approval or to take such
other action as and when necessary.



                       ARTICLE 5: ANTI-DILUTION PROVISIONS

     5.1. Adjustments to Warrant Shares Purchasable and Exercise Price.

          a. General Intent Regarding Anti-Dilution. It is the intent of Company
and Purchaser that the Warrant Shares  purchasable upon exercise of the Warrants
(subject to Vesting)




                                       21
<PAGE>

will  represent  at least 10% of the  issued and  outstanding  shares of Capital
Stock and voting rights from time to time on a fully  diluted basis  (exclusive,
however, of up to 750,000 shares of Excludible Shares). It is also the intent of
Company  and  Purchaser  that  the  aggregate  purchase  price  to  acquire  the
percentage interest represented by the Warrant Shares (on a fully diluted basis)
not  exceed  the  aggregate  Exercise  Price  for all  Warrant  Shares as of the
effective date hereof.

          b. Equity Dividends, Restructuring and Reclassification. If Company at
any time (1)  declares or pays a dividend  on its  outstanding  Common  Stock in
shares of Common Stock or other  securities of Company,  or (2)  subdivides  its
outstanding  shares of Common Stock, or (3) combines its  outstanding  shares of
Common Stock into a smaller number of shares, or (4) issues by  reclassification
of  the  Common  Stock  other   securities  of  Company   (including   any  such
reclassification  in connection with a merger,  consolidation  or other business
combination in which Company is the surviving entity),  then the number and kind
of Warrant Shares purchasable upon exercise of each Warrant shall be adjusted so
that each Holder of a Warrant upon exercise of such Warrant shall be entitled to
receive the aggregate  number and kind of Warrant Shares or other  securities of
Company that such Holder would have owned or would have been entitled to receive
after  the  occurrence  of any such  Event of  Dilution  had such  Warrant  been
exercised immediately prior to the occurrence of such event (or, if earlier, any
record date with respect  thereto).  Any adjustment  required by this Clause (a)
shall become effective on the date of such Event of Dilution  retroactive to the
record date with respect  thereto (if any),  and (b) shall be made  successively
whenever any such event occurs.

          c. Rights to Purchase Below Current Market Price. If Company issues to
all  holders of its  outstanding  Common  Stock  rights,  options or warrants to
subscribe  for  or  purchase   Common  Stock  (or   securities   convertible  or
exchangeable  into Common Stock) at a price per share (or having a conversion or
exchange  price per share) less than the then Current  Market Price per share of
Common  Stock (as  defined  below) or without  consideration,  then the  current
Exercise  Price to be in effect after such issuance  shall be reduced to a price
determined as follows:

     multiply  (1) the  Exercise  Price  in  effect  immediately  prior  to such
     issuance  by (2) a  fraction  (i) the  numerator  of which is the number of
     shares of Common Stock  outstanding  on the date of such  issuance plus the
     number of shares of Common Stock which the aggregate  offering price of the
     total number of shares of Common  Stock so to be offered (or the  aggregate
     initial  conversion or exchange price of the  convertible  or  exchangeable
     securities so to be offered)




                                       22
<PAGE>

     would  purchase at the Current  Market  Price and (ii) the  denominator  of
     which is the number of shares of Common  Stock  outstanding  on the date of
     such issuance  plus the number of  additional  shares of Common Stock to be
     offered for  subscription  or purchase  (or into which the  convertible  or
     exchangeable securities so to be offered are initially convertible).

The  provisions  of this  Clause,  however,  will not apply to any  issuance  of
Warrants or to any issuance of Warrant Shares upon exercise of any Warrants.  If
such subscription price may be paid in a consideration any of which is in a form
other  than  cash,  then the value of such  consideration  (unless  Company  and
Holders  otherwise  mutually  agree) shall be as  determined  by an  Independent
Appraiser,  and the Board of Directors of Company shall cause the related shares
to be fully  paid.  Any  adjustment  required  by this  clause (a) shall  become
effective on the date of issuance retroactive to the record date for determining
equityholders  entitled  to  receive  such  issuance,  and  (b)  shall  be  made
successively whenever any such event occurs.

          d.  Distributions  of Indebtedness,  Assets or Securities.  If Company
distributes to all holders of Common Stock  (including any such  distribution in
connection  with a merger or  consolidation  in which Company is the  continuing
entity)  evidences of indebtedness of Company,  assets or securities  other than
Common Stock  (excluding  dividends  or  distributions  otherwise  appropriately
covered  under other  Clauses of this Section  5.1),  then the current  Exercise
Price to be in  effect  after  such  distribution  shall be  reduced  to a price
determined as follows:

     multiply (1) the Exercise Price in effect  immediately prior to such record
     date by (2) a fraction  (i) the  numerator  of which is the current  Market
     Price per share of Common  Stock on such  record  date minus the fair value
     (as  determined by an  Independent  Appraiser,  unless  otherwise  mutually
     agreed by Company and  Holders) of the portion of the assets,  evidences of
     indebtedness  or other  securities so to be  distributed  applicable to one
     share of Common  Stock  and (ii) the  denominator  of which is the  current
     Market Price per share of Common Stock.

Any adjustment required by this Clause (a) shall become effective on the date of
issuance retroactive to the record date for determining  equityholders  entitled
to receive such  distribution,  and (b) shall be made successively  whenever any
such event occurs.

          e. Other  Issuances  Below Current Market Price.  If Company issues or
sells any shares of Common Stock (or rights, 




                                       23
<PAGE>

options,  warrants or convertible or exchangeable  securities containing a right
to subscribe for or purchase shares of Common Stock) (excluding (i) issuances or
sales with respect to transactions  otherwise  appropriately covered under other
Clauses of this Section 5.1 and (ii) any Warrant  Shares),  at a price per share
(determined  for  rights,  options,  warrants  or  convertible  or  exchangeable
securities,  by dividing (A) the total amount  received or receivable by Company
in consideration of such issuance or sale plus the total  consideration  payable
to Company upon exercise, conversion or exchange thereof by (B) the total number
of  shares  of  Common  Stock  covered  by such  rights,  options,  warrants  or
convertible or exchangeable  securities) less than the then Current Market Price
per share of Common Stock in effect  immediately prior to such sale or issuance,
then the number of Warrant Shares  thereafter  purchasable  upon the exercise of
each Warrant shall be determined as follows:

     multiply (1) the number of Warrant Shares theretofore  purchasable upon the
     exercise of each Warrant by (2) a fraction (i) the numerator of which shall
     be the total number of shares of Common Stock outstanding immediately after
     such issuance or sale and (ii) the  denominator of which shall be an amount
     equal  to the sum of (A)  the  total  number  of  shares  of  Common  Stock
     outstanding  immediately prior to such issuance or sale plus (B) the number
     of shares of Common  Stock that the  aggregate  consideration  received (as
     determined  below) for such  issuance  or sale would  purchase  at the then
     Current Market Price per share of Common Stock in effect  immediately prior
     to such sale and issuance.

For purposes of such adjustments,  the shares of Common Stock that the holder of
any such rights, options,  warrants or convertible or exchangeable securities is
entitled  to  subscribe  for or  purchase  shall  be  deemed  to be  issued  and
outstanding  as of the date of such  issuance  or sale,  and the  "consideration
received"  by Company  shall be deemed to be (a) the  consideration  received by
Company for such  rights,  options,  warrants  or  convertible  or  exchangeable
securities  plus  (b) the  consideration  or  premiums  stated  in such  rights,
options,  warrants or convertible or exchangeable  securities to be paid for the
shares of Common  Stock  purchasable  thereby.  If  Company  (i) issues or sells
shares for  consideration  that  includes any  property  other than cash or (ii)
issues or sells shares  together with other  securities as a part of a unit at a
price per unit, then the "price per share" and the  "consideration  received" by
Company  for  purposes  of this Clause  (unless  Company  and Holders  otherwise
mutually agree) will be determined by an Independent  Appraiser.  Any adjustment
required by this Clause (a) shall become  effective  retroactive  to the date of
issuance  or sale of any  such  rights,  options,  warrants  or 




                                       24
<PAGE>

convertible  or  exchangeable  securities,  and (b)  shall be made  successively
whenever any such event occurs.

     f.  Dilution of Voting  Rights.  If Company  otherwise  issues or sells any
shares  of  Capital  Stock (or  rights,  options,  warrants  or  convertible  or
exchangeable securities containing the right to subscribe for or purchase shares
of Common Stock) (excluding issuances or sales with respect to an Initial Public
Offering or with respect to transactions  otherwise  appropriately covered under
other  Clauses  of this  Section  5.1) that have or may have any  voting  rights
associated therewith,  then the number of Warrant Shares thereafter  purchasable
upon the exercise of each Warrant shall be determined as follows:

     multiply (1) the number of Warrant Shares theretofore  purchasable upon the
     exercise of each Warrant by (2) a fraction (i) the numerator of which shall
     be the  total  amount  of  voting  rights  associated  with  Capital  Stock
     outstanding   immediately   after  such  issuance  or  sale  and  (ii)  the
     denominator of which shall be the total amount of voting rights  associated
     with Capital Stock outstanding immediately prior to such issuance or sale.

For purposes of such adjustments, the shares of Capital Stock that the holder of
any such rights,  options,  warrants or convertible or  exchangeable  securities
shall be entitled to subscribe for or purchase  shall be deemed to be issued and
outstanding  as of the date of such  issuance  or sale.  To the extent  that any
Holder prior to such date has exercised Warrants to acquire Warrant Shares, then
such  Holder  shall be entitled to acquire (at the lesser of the price paid such
acquiror of Capital  Stock or the Current  Market  Price  therefor) an amount of
additional  shares of Capital  Stock with voting  rights that would entitle such
Holder to have the same aggregate percentage of voting rights as such Holder had
immediately  prior to such transaction.  Any adjustment  required by this Clause
(a) shall become  effective  retroactive  to the date of issuance or sale of any
such rights, options,  warrants or convertible or exchangeable  securities,  and
(b) shall be made successively whenever any such event occurs.

          g.  Exchange  of  Class B  Common  Stock  for  Class A  Common  Stock.
Notwithstanding  the forgoing  Clauses of this  Section,  if Company at any time
consummates  a  transaction  by which the 22,526  shares of  non-voting  Class B
Common Stock issued and  outstanding  as of the effective date of this Agreement
are exchanged for 22,526 (or less) shares of Common Stock, then such event shall
constitute an Event of Dilution.  Upon the occurrence of such Event of Dilution,
the  number of  Vested  and  un-Vested  Warrants  and  Warrant  Shares  shall be
appropriately increased, but the Exercise Price shall not be adjusted.




                                       25
<PAGE>

          h. Catchall Anti-Dilution  Protection. If Company otherwise engages in
any  transaction  an effect of which is to dilute the  economic  value or voting
rights of any Holder's  Warrants or Warrant  Shares in a manner  contrary to the
general intent expressed under Clause "a" of this Section, then Company and such
Holder will negotiate in good faith to implement an equitable adjustment to such
Holder's  interest  in  Company  in order to  account  for the  effects  of such
transaction.  Any adjustment  required by this Clause shall be made successively
whenever any such event occurs.

          i. "Current Market Price".  For the purposes of any computation  under
this Section 5.1,  the "Current  Market  Price" per share of Common Stock or any
other security at the date herein specified shall be as follows:  (i) if Company
does not then have such securities  registered  under the Exchange Act, then the
Current  Market  Price per share of such  security  will be the  greater  of the
Exercise  Price per Warrant  Share then in effect and the Target  Valuation  per
Warrant Share, or  alternatively  (ii) if Company does then have such securities
registered  under the Exchange Act,  then the Current  Market Price per share of
such security  will be the greater of the Exercise  Price per Warrant Share then
in effect and the average of the daily  market  prices of such  security  for 20
consecutive  Business Days during the period  commencing 30 Business Days before
such date (or, if Company has had a class of such  securities  registered  under
the Exchange Act for less than 30  consecutive  Business  Days before such date,
then the average of the daily market  prices for all of the Business Days before
such date for which daily  market  prices are  available).  The market price for
each  such  Business  Day  shall be as  follows:  (A) for a  security  listed or
admitted to trading on any securities exchange,  then the closing price (regular
way) on such day (or if no sale takes place on such day, then the average of the
closing  bid and asked  prices on such  day),  and (B) for a  security  not then
listed or admitted to trading on any securities exchange, then the last reported
sale price on such day (or if no sale takes place on such day,  then the average
of the  closing  bid and asked  prices on such day,  as  reported by a reputable
quotation source designated by Company),  and (C) for a security not then listed
or  admitted  to  trading  on any  securities  exchange  and as to which no such
reported sale price or bid and asked prices are  available,  then the average of
the  reported  high bid and low  asked  prices  on such day,  as  reported  by a
reputable  quotation service, or a newspaper of general circulation in Manhattan
Borough (New York, NY) customarily published on each business day, designated by
Company (or if there is no bid and asked prices on such day, then the average of
the high bid and low asked prices,  as so reported,  on the most recent day (not
more than 30 calendar  days prior to the date in question) for which prices have
been so reported),  and (D) if there are no bid and asked prices reported during
the 30 calendar  days prior to




                                       26
<PAGE>

the date in  question,  then the Current  Market Price per share of the security
shall be  determined  as if  Company  did not  have a class  of such  securities
registered under the Exchange Act.

          j. Rights Applicable to Shares Other than Common Stock. If at any time
(as a result  of an  adjustment  made  pursuant  to this  Section  5.1) a Holder
becomes  entitled to receive  any shares of Company  other than shares of Common
Stock,  then  thereafter  the number of such  other  shares so  receivable  upon
exercise of any Warrant  shall be subject to  adjustment  from time to time in a
manner and on terms as nearly  equivalent as practicable to the provisions  with
respect to the Warrant Shares  contained in this Section 5.1, and the provisions
of Article 4 with  respect to the  Warrant  Shares  shall apply on like terms to
such other shares.

          k.  Expiration of Rights  Previously  Subject to Adjustment.  Upon the
expiration  of any rights,  options or  warrants  that  resulted in  adjustments
pursuant to this Section 5.1 that were not  exercised,  then the Exercise  Price
and the number of Warrant Shares  purchasable shall be readjusted and thereafter
shall be such as it would have been had it been originally  adjusted (or had the
original adjustment not been required,  as applicable) as if (A) the only shares
of Common Stock  purchasable  upon exercise of such rights,  options or warrants
were the  shares  of  Common  Stock  (if any)  actually  issued or sold upon the
exercise of such rights, options or warrants and (B) such shares of Common Stock
so issued or sold (if any) were issuable for the consideration actually received
by  Company  for the  issuance,  sale or grant of all such  rights,  options  or
warrants whether or not exercised;  provided that no such  readjustment may have
the effect of increasing  the Exercise Price or decreasing the number of Warrant
Shares  purchasable upon the exercise of a Warrant by an amount in excess of the
amount of the  adjustment  initially  made in respect to the  issuance,  sale or
grant of such rights, options or warrants.

          l. Election to Adjust Warrants Rather than Exercise Price.  Any Holder
may elect on or after the date of any adjustment to the Exercise Price to adjust
the number of Warrants (and Warrant Shares purchasable)  instead of the Exercise
Price.  Upon any such  election,  the number of  Warrants  (and  Warrant  Shares
purchasable)  will be  determined  by  multiplying  the number of  Warrants  and
Warrant Shares  purchasable by a fraction the numerator of which is the Exercise
Price in effect as a result of such  adjustment and the  denominator of which is
the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such adjustment.

     5.2. Notice of Adjustment.  Upon any adjustment required under this Article
5,  Company (at its  expense)  shall mail  (within 10  Business  Days after such
adjustment) by first class mail, postage prepaid, to each Holder of Warrants and
each Holder of 




                                       27
<PAGE>

Warrant  Shares a notice of such  adjustment.  Such  notice  shall  include  the
following  (each  in  reasonable  detail):  (i) the  number  of  Warrant  Shares
purchasable  upon the exercise of each  Warrant and the  Exercise  Price of such
Warrant after such adjustment, and (ii) a brief statement of the facts requiring
such adjustment, and (iii) the computation by which such adjustment was made.

     5.3.  Preservation  of  Purchase  Rights  upon  Certain  Transactions.   In
connection with any merger, consolidation or combination of Company with or into
another Person  (whether or not Company is the surviving  entity),  or any sale,
transfer or lease to another Person of all or substantially  all the property of
Company,  then Company (or such successor or purchasing Person) shall execute an
agreement  in favor of each  Holder of  Warrants  giving  such  Holder the right
thereafter  upon payment of the Exercise  Price in effect  immediately  prior to
such action to  purchase  upon  exercise of each  Warrant the kind and amount of
securities,  cash and  property  that such Holder would have owned or would have
been  entitled to receive  after the  happening of such  merger,  consolidation,
combination, sale, transfer or lease had such Warrant been exercised immediately
prior to such  action.  If any such  successor  or  purchasing  Person  is not a
corporation, then such Person shall also provide appropriate tax indemnification
with  respect to such shares and other  securities  and  property so that,  upon
exercise of the Warrants,  each Holder  thereof will have the same benefits such
Holder  otherwise  would have had if such successor or purchasing  Person were a
corporation.  Such  agreement  shall  provide for  adjustments  that shall be as
nearly equivalent as may be practicable to the adjustments  provided for in this
Article 5. The  provisions of this Section shall  similarly  apply to successive
mergers, consolidations, combinations, sales, transfers or leases.

                         ARTICLE 6: COMPANY'S COVENANTS

     6.1. Information.

          a. So long as  Company  does  not have a class  of  equity  securities
registered   under  the  Exchange  Act,  Company  will  prepare  (or  cause  the
preparation  of) the  following  financial  reports:  (i) on a  quarterly  basis
(including  the  fourth  fiscal  quarter  of  each  year),  unaudited  financial
statements  including  (without  limitation)  a balance sheet and a statement of
income, together with all appropriate notes and schedules thereto (collectively,
the  "Quarterly  Reports"),  and  (ii) on an  annual  basis,  audited  financial
statements  including  (without  limitation)  a balance  sheet,  a statement  of
income,  a cash  flow  statement,  a  statement  of  income  and  equityholders'
accounts,  and a statement of changes in financial  position,  together with all
appropriate  notes  and  schedules  (collectively,  the  "Annual  Reports").  In
addition,  each  financial  statement  shall be 




                                       28
<PAGE>

accompanied by a description of material  transactions that have occurred in the
appropriate period covered by such financial statement. All financial statements
will be prepared in accordance  with generally  accepted  accounting  principles
consistently applied. At any time while Company has a class of equity securities
registered under the Exchange Act, then the terms "Quarterly Report" and "Annual
Report" will refer to the quarterly  reports and annual  reports  required to be
prepared in accordance with the Exchange Act.

          b. Company (i) will cause a copy of each Quarterly Report to be mailed
to each  Holder  within  45  calendar  days  after  the last day of each  fiscal
quarter,  and (ii) will cause a copy of each Annual Report (together with a copy
of any  management  letters  prepared by the  accountants)  to be mailed to each
Holder within 90 calendar days after the close of each fiscal year. Such reports
will be mailed to such Holder's last known address  appearing on Company's books
and records.

          c. Whether or not Company has a class of equity securities  registered
under the  Exchange  Act,  Company  will  provide each Holder with a copy of all
information  (including,  without limitation,  financial  information) and other
communications  that are sent by or on  behalf  of  Company  (i) to any class of
Company's equityholders,  or (ii) to the Commission.  Company shall provide such
information and communications to Holders concurrently with providing it to such
third parties.

          d.  Company  will also  provide  each  Holder  written  notice of (and
describing in reasonable detail) the occurrence of any of the following events:

          1. Company  offers or issues to any Person any shares of Capital Stock
     or securities  convertible  into or  exchangeable  for Capital Stock or any
     right to subscribe for or purchase any thereof; or

          2. A dissolution,  liquidation or winding up of Company (other than in
     connection with a consolidation,  merger, sale, transfer or lease of all or
     substantially all of its property, assets and business as an entirety); or

          3. Company  declares or makes  (directly or indirectly) any payment or
     distribution  (in  cash or  otherwise)  with  respect  to,  or  incurs  any
     liability for the purchase,  acquisition,  redemption or retirement of, any
     Capital  Stock or as a  dividend,  return of  capital  or other  payment or
     distribution of any kind to any equityholder.

Each such  notice  shall be mailed by Company to each  Holder (at such  Holder's
last known  address on the books and  records of 




                                       29
<PAGE>

Company) at least 20 Business Days prior to the  applicable  record date of such
transaction.

     6.2.  Books  and  Records:  Right of  Inspection.  Company  and each of its
Subsidiaries will keep and maintain  satisfactory and adequate books and records
of account in accordance with generally accepted accounting  principles.  At any
time and from time to time during normal business hours (upon  reasonable  prior
written notice)  Company will permit any Holder (or any agent or  representative
thereof,  but at such Holder's  cost and expense) (i) to visit,  (ii) to examine
and make copies of and  abstracts  from the books and records of Company and its
Subsidiaries,  and (iii) to discuss  the  affairs,  finances,  and  accounts  of
Company and its Subsidiaries  with any of their respective  officers,  directors
and independent accountants.

     6.3.  Litigation:   Defaults.   Company  will  notify  Holders  in  writing
immediately upon (i) the institution of any litigation,  legal or administrative
proceeding,  or labor  controversy  that could  materially  adversely affect the
business, financial condition,  operations,  properties or prospects of Company,
or (ii) the  happening of any event or the assertion or threat of any claim that
could materially adversely affect the business, financial condition, operations,
properties  or prospects  of Company,  or (iii) the  occurrence  of any material
default in respect of any material indebtedness of Company or its Subsidiaries.

     6.4. No Amendments to Organic Documents.  Without the prior written consent
of Holders  representing  a majority of Warrant  Shares and Warrants then Vested
(which consent may not be  unreasonably  withheld),  Company will not permit any
amendments to its Organic  Documents that could adversely  affect the rights and
interest of Holders.

     6.5.  Reincorporation  and  Qualification.  Company  will  not at any  time
reincorporate  in any  jurisdiction  or  qualify  to do  business  as a  foreign
corporation in any  jurisdiction  unless (in each such  instance)  Company shall
have  received  a  favorable   opinion  of  counsel  to  the  effect  that  such
reincorporation or qualification shall impose no direct or contingent  liability
on  Holders  under the laws of such  jurisdiction.  A copy of each such  opinion
shall be provided to each Holder.

     6.6. Existence and Good Standing. Company and each of its Subsidiaries will
preserve  and maintain its  existence  as a  organization  under the laws of its
jurisdiction of incorporation,  its good standing in all jurisdictions  where it
conducts  business,  and the  validity of all its  authorizations  and  licenses
required in the conduct of its businesses.




                                       30
<PAGE>

     6.7.  Conduct of  Business.  Without the prior  written  consent of Holders
representing  a majority  of Warrant  Shares and  Warrants  then  Vested  (which
consent may not be unreasonably  withheld),  Company (i) will continue to engage
in  business  of the same  general  type as now  conducted  by it, and (ii) will
maintain and cause each Subsidiary to maintain,  insurance with such financially
sound  and  reputable  insurance  companies  or  associations  in such  amounts,
covering  such risks and  providing  such  deductabilities  from coverage as are
usually  carried  by  companies  engaged in the same or a similar  business  and
similarly situated,  and (iii) will comply, and cause each Subsidiary to comply,
in all material  respects with all applicable  material laws,  regulations,  and
orders,  and (iv) will not sell,  lease,  transfer or  otherwise  dispose of any
material  part  or  amount  of its  assets  (real  or  personal)  other  than in
transactions  in the normal  and  ordinary  course of  business  with  unrelated
parties for value received (or as otherwise contemplated by this Agreement).

     6.8.  Broker and Finder Fees and  Commissions.  Company agrees that any and
all broker, finder, investment banking, advisory or similar fees and commissions
with respect the issuance and sale of the Warrants or the Warrant  Shares or any
other transaction  contemplated  hereby or thereby will be paid by Company,  and
Company  will hold  Purchaser  (and each Holder of  Warrants or Warrant  Shares)
harmless from any claim,  demand or liability  for any such fees or  commissions
incurred  (or  alleged  to have  been  incurred)  in  connection  with  any such
transaction.

                             ARTICLE 7: DEFINITIONS

     7.1.  Definitions.  As used herein,  the following terms have the following
respective meanings:

          7. 1.1.  "Affiliate" of any Person means any other Person  directly or
indirectly controlling, controlled by or under direct or indirect common control
with such Person.  A Person shall be deemed to "control"  another Person if such
first Person  possesses  directly or indirectly the power to direct (or to cause
the direction of or to materially  influence) the management and policies of the
second Person,  whether through the ownership of voting securities,  by contract
or otherwise.

          7. 1.2. "Agreement" means this Warrant Agreement, as amended, modified
and supplemented from time to time.

          7.1.3. "Business Day" means any day except a Saturday, Sunday or other
day on which  commercial  banks in Richmond,  Virginia are  authorized by law to
close.

          7.1.4.  "Capital Stock" means the Common Stock,  and all other classes
of common stock (whether voting or  non-voting),  and 




                                       31
<PAGE>

all  other  forms of  capital  stock or  securities  of  Company  (preferred  or
otherwise) that have any voting rights.

          7.1.5.  "Commission"  means the Securities and Exchange  Commission or
any entity or agency  that  succeeds  to any or all of its  functions  under the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act.

          7.1.6. "Common Stock" means the Class A voting common stock of Company
(which has a par value of $0.01 per share),  other than up to 750,000  shares of
Excludible Shares.

          7.1.7. "Company" means STARTEC, Inc., a Maryland corporation,  and its
successors and permitted assigns.

          7.1.8. "Credit Agreement" means the Credit Facility Agreement dated as
of July 1, 1997 by and between  Company and Lender,  as the same may be amended,
modified  or  otherwise  supplemented  from  time  to time  (including,  without
limitation, any renewals, refinancings or extensions thereof or increases in the
credit extended thereunder).

          7.1.9.  "Current  Market  Price"  has the meaning set forth in Section
5.1.

          7.1.10. "Disposition" means the sale, transfer or other disposition of
Capital Stock (or securities  convertible  into, or  exchangeable  for,  Capital
Stock or rights to  acquire  Capital  Stock or such  securities)  to one or more
Persons through any transaction or series of related transactions (other than as
a result of a Public  Offering)  if, after such sale,  transfer or  disposition,
either (a) the Primary  Shareholder no longer  beneficially own in the aggregate
more than 50% of the Capital  Stock and voting rights on a  fully-diluted  basis
(without  giving effect to any Warrant  Shares  purchased or  purchasable)  then
outstanding or (b) the Initial  Shareholders no longer  beneficially  own in the
aggregate   more  than  75%  of  the  Capital  Stock  and  voting  rights  on  a
fully-diluted  basis (without  giving effect to any Warrant Shares  purchased or
purchasable) then outstanding.  For purposes of this definition, any transfer of
Capital Stock (or securities  convertible  into, or  exchangeable  for,  Capital
Stock or rights to acquire Capital Stock or such securities) by a shareholder to
any member of his or her immediately  family or to any trust for which he or she
is  the  trustee  shall  not  constitute  a  "Disposition"  provided  that  such
shareholder  retains control over the voting rights associated with such Capital
Stock.

          7.1.11.  "Event of  Dilution"  means any of the  events  described  in
Section 5.1 as to which anti-dilution rights are granted pursuant to Article 5.




                                       32
<PAGE>

          7.1.12.  "Exchange Act" means the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
as amended,  or any similar Federal statute, as implemented by the Commission or
any court of competent jurisdiction.

          7.1.13.  "Excludible Shares" means the pool of up to 750,000 shares of
Class A voting  common  stock of  Company,  with a par value of $0.01 per share,
that  Company  may issue  from time to time as  incentive  compensation  for its
employees and  directors,  provided such  issuances are reasonable in amount and
otherwise in accordance  with normal and  customary  business  practices  within
Company's  industry.  Such issuances may be pursuant to option plans that either
have been  established as of the effective  date hereof or that are  established
after the effective date hereof.

          7.1.14. "Exercise Period" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

          7.1.15. "Exercise Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

          7.1.16. "FCC" means the Federal Communications Commission or any other
entity or agency that succeeds to its responsibilities and powers.

          7.1.17.  "Holder"  means  any  owner or  holder  of any  Warrant  (and
corresponding  Warrant  Certificate) or any Warrant Share,  and (with respect to
each) any successor, trustee, estate, heir, executor, administrator, or personal
representative thereof.

          7.1.18.  "Independent  Appraiser"  means  a  Person  who (a) is with a
nationally recognized investment banking or appraisal firm, and (b) is qualified
in the valuation of businesses,  transactions and securities of the general type
being  analyzed,  and (c) does not have a material  direct or material  indirect
financial interest in Company or any Holder.

          7.1.19.  "Initial  Public  Offering"  means the first time  (after the
effective date of this  Agreement)  that Company issues or otherwise  offers for
sale any Capital Stock (or securities  convertible  into, or  exchangeable  for,
Capital Stock or rights to acquire Capital Stock or such securities) pursuant to
a registration statement filed with the Commission under the Securities Act.

          7.1.20.  "Initial  Shareholders" means,  collectively,  the holders of
Capital Stock of Company as of the effective date of this Agreement.




                                       33
<PAGE>


          7.1.21.  "Lender" means SIGNET BANK, a  Virginia-chartered,  federally
insured commercial bank, and its successors, assigns and transferees.

          7.1.22.  "Non-Surviving  Combination"  means  either  (a) any  merger,
consolidation or other business  combination by Company with one or more Persons
in  which  the  other  Person  effectively  is the  survivor  or (b) any sale or
transfer of all or  substantially  all of the assets (or the  economic  benefits
thereof of  Company to one or more other  Persons  through  any  transaction  or
series of related transactions.

          7.1.23.   "Organic  Document"  means,  relative  to  any  entity,  its
certificate  and  articles of  incorporation,  organization  or  formation,  its
by-laws  or  operating  agreements,  and  all  equityholder  agreements,  voting
agreements and similar  arrangements  applicable to any of its authorized shares
of capital stock,  its partnership  interests or its equity  interests,  and any
other  arrangements  relating  to the control or  management  of any such entity
(whether existing as a corporation, a partnership, an LLC or otherwise).

          7.1.24. "Person" means an individual, an association, a partnership, a
corporation,  a trust or an  unincorporated  organization or any other entity or
organization.

          7.1.25. "Primary Shareholder" means Ram Mukunda.

          7.1.26.  "Public Offering" means any issuance or other sale by Company
of any Capital  Stock (or  securities  convertible  into, or  exchangeable  for,
Capital Stock or rights to acquire Capital Stock or such securities) pursuant to
a registration statement filed with the Commission under the Securities Act.

          7.1.27.  "Purchaser"  means Lender,  and its  successors,  assigns and
transferees  with respect to the Warrants,  corresponding  Warrant  Certificates
and/or Warrant Shares.

          7.1.28.  "Purchaser-Affiliated  Transferee"  means  any  Affiliate  of
Purchaser  and/or  any  current  or  former  director,   officer,   employee  or
successor-in-interest of Purchaser's Media Communications Group.

          7.1.29.  "Registration  Rights" means the rights of the Holders of the
Warrant  Certificates  to have the Warrant  Shares  registered for sale under an
effective registration statement under the Securities Act.




                                       34
<PAGE>

          7.1.30.  "Repurchase  Condition"  has the meaning set forth in Section
4.6.

          7.1.31. "Repurchase Offer" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.

          7.1.32. "Repurchase Price" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.6.

          7.1.33. "Securities Act" means the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or any similar Federal statute, as implemented by the Commission or any court of
competent jurisdiction.

          7.1.34.  "State  Communications  Acts"  means the laws of any state in
which Company does business that govern the provision of communications services
offered or performed by Company within such state and are applicable to Company,
as amended from time to time, and as implemented by the rules, regulations,  and
orders of the applicable State PUC or any court of competent jurisdiction.

          7.1.35.  "State  PUC" means the  public  utility  commission  or other
regulatory  agency of any state in which  Company does  business  that is vested
with  jurisdiction  over  Company  and  over  State  Communications  Acts or the
provision of communication services within such state.

          7.1.36.  "Subsidiary"  of any Person  means (a) any other Person as to
which the first Person  directly or  indirectly  owns or controls 50% or more of
the equity,  voting rights or  enterprise  value thereof or (b) any other Person
the  accounts of which would be  consolidated  with those of the first Person in
its  consolidated  or  combined  financial  statements  according  to  generally
accepted accounting principles.

          7.1.37. "Surviving Public Combination" means any merger, consolidation
or other  business  combination  by  Company  with one or more  Persons in which
Company is the  survivor  (or a purchase  of assets by Company  from one or more
other Persons) if Company is thereafter required to file reports with respect to
any of its Capital Stock with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act.

          7.1.38. "Target Valuation per Warrant Share" means, as of any relevant
date, an amount equal to the quotient of (a) the product of (1) 15 multiplied by
(2) the monthly  gross  revenues of Company for the calendar  month  immediately
preceding the relevant  valuation  date divided by (b) the  aggregate  number of
shares of Common Stock then outstanding.




                                       35
<PAGE>

          7.1.39. "Vest" or "Vesting" has the meaning set forth in Section 4.2.

          7.1.40.  "Warrant  Certificate" means a certificate  (substantially in
the form of Exhibit C evidencing one or more Warrants.

          7.1.41.  "Warrant"  means  the  irrevocable  and  unconditional  right
(subject to the terms hereof) to acquire a fully paid and nonassessable  Warrant
Share at a purchase  price per share equal to the Exercise  Price (and any other
right or warrant issued upon any exchange or transfer of any such Warrant or any
adjustment relating thereto).

          7.1.42.  "Warrant  Share" means a share of Common Stock  issuable upon
exercise of a Warrant (until such share is registered by Company and sold by the
Holder thereof to a third party in a public transaction).

     7.2. General Construction. Unless otherwise expressly stated or the context
clearly   indicates  a  different   intention,   all   references  to  sections,
subsections,  paragraphs,  clauses,  schedules  and  exhibits  contained in this
Agreement  are  to  be  interpreted  as  references  to  sections,  subsections,
paragraphs,  clauses,  schedules  and  exhibits  of and to  this  Agreement.  In
addition, the words "herein", "hereof", "hereunder,  "hereto" and other words of
similar  import refer to this  Agreement as a whole),  and not to any particular
section, subsection,  paragraph or clause contained in this Agreement.  Wherever
from the context it appears appropriate, each term stated either in the singular
or plural shall include the singular and the plural,  and pronouns stated in the
masculine,  feminine or neuter gender shall include the masculine,  the feminine
and the neuter.

                            ARTICLE 8: MISCELLANEOUS

     8.1. Compliance with FCC and State PUC Requirements.  Company and Purchaser
each  hereby  acknowledge  its intent that this  Agreement,  the  Warrants,  the
Warrant  Certificates  and the Warrant Shares (as well as the exercise of rights
hereunder)  each comply with all of the laws,  regulations  and orders of and/or
administered  by the FCC or any State PUC  relating  to  Purchaser's  ownership,
exercise and/or other  realization of rights in connection  herewith.  If at any
time the terms and conditions of any such  ownership,  exercise or other ability
to realize  upon rights  violates,  is in conflict  with or requires any consent
under any such legal requirements, then Company and Purchaser (or any subsequent
Holder)  will  cooperate  and  negotiate  in good faith to amend the  underlying
documents (or the relevant  rights  therein) and/or to file and prosecute (or to
cause others to file and prosecute)  applications  for any such consent in order
to 






                                       36
<PAGE>

enable  Company and  Purchaser (or such  subsequent  Holder) to be in compliance
with such legal requirements.

     8.2.  Compliance  with  Purchaser's  Regulatory  Requirements.  Company and
Purchaser each hereby acknowledge its intent that this Agreement,  the Warrants,
the  Warrant  Certificates  and the Warrant  Shares (as well as the  exercise of
rights  hereunder)  each  comply  with  all  of  the  statutory  and  regulatory
requirements  applicable to Purchaser (or any subsequent Holder) relating to its
ownership,  exercise and/or other realization of rights in connection  herewith.
If at any time the terms and conditions of any such ownership, exercise or other
ability  to  realize  upon  rights  violates  or is in  conflict  with  any such
regulatory  requirements  applicable to Purchaser (or such  subsequent  Holder),
then  Company and  Purchaser  (or such  subsequent  Holder) will  cooperate  and
negotiate  in good  faith to amend the  underlying  documents  (or the  relevant
rights therein) in order to enable  Purchaser (or such subsequent  Holder) to be
in compliance with such statutory and regulatory requirements.

     8.3.  Binding  Effect and Governing  Law. This Agreement (and the Warrants,
the Warrant Certificates and other documents in connection herewith) are binding
upon and  inure to the  benefit  of the  parties  hereto  and  their  respective
successors  and  assigns (to the extent  authorized).  This  Agreement  (and the
Warrants,  the Warrant  Certificates and other documents in connection herewith)
are governed as to their validity,  interpretation,  construction  and effect by
the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia (without giving effect to the conflicts
of law  rules of  Virginia)  or,  to the  extent  that the  particular  issue in
controversy  involves  Company's  legal  power or  authorization  in  connection
herewith or matters of corporate  law,  then  resolution  of such issue shall be
governed by the corporate laws of the State of Maryland.

     8.4. Survival. All agreements, representations, warranties and covenants of
Company contained herein or in any documentation required hereunder will survive
the execution and delivery of this Agreement and will continue in full force and
effect so long as this Agreement otherwise remains effective.

     8.5. No Waiver:  Delay.  To be effective,  any waiver by Purchaser  must be
expressed in a writing  executed by  Purchaser.  If Purchaser  waives any power,
right or remedy arising  hereunder or under any applicable law, then such waiver
will not be deemed to be a waiver upon the later occurrence or recurrence of any
events  giving rise to the earlier  waiver.  No failure or delay by Purchaser to
insist upon the strict performance of any term, condition, covenant or agreement
hereunder, or to exercise any right, power or remedy hereunder,  will constitute
a waiver of compliance with any such term, condition,  covenant or agreement, or
preclude Purchaser from exercising any such right, power, or




                                       37
<PAGE>


remedy at any later time or times.  The remedies  provided herein are cumulative
and not exclusive of each other and the remedies provided by law.

     8.6.   Modification.   Except  as  otherwise  expressly  provided  in  this
Agreement,  no modification or amendment hereof will be effective unless made in
a writing signed by appropriate officers of the parties hereto.

     8.7.  Headings.  The various  headings in this  Agreement  are inserted for
convenience  only and shall not affect the  meaning  or  interpretation  of this
Agreement or any provision hereof.

     8.8.  Notices.  Unless  otherwise  provided in this Agreement,  any notice,
request,  consent,  waiver or other communication required or permitted under or
in connection with this Agreement will be deemed  satisfactorily  given if it is
in writing and is delivered either  personally to the addressee  thereof,  or by
prepaid  registered or certified U.S. mail (return receipt  requested),  or by a
nationally  recognized commercial courier service with next-day delivery charges
prepaid,  or by telegraph,  or by facsimile (voice  confirmed),  or by any other
reasonable  means of  personal  delivery  to the party  entitled  thereto at its
respective address set forth below:

If to Company       [Party Entitled to Notice]
or its Affiliates:  c/o STARTEC, Inc.
                    10411 Motor City Drive
                    Bethesda, MD 20817
                    Attention: President
                    Facsimile: (301) 365-8787

          With a copy to the following  listed  counsel or such other counsel as
          may be designated by Company from time to time (and which notice shall
          not constitute notice to Company and failure to give such notice shall
          not affect the effectiveness of notice to Company):

                    Shulman, Rogers, Gandal, Pordy & Ecker, P.A.
                    11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 500
                    Rockville, MD 20853
                    Attention: Karl L. Ecker, Esquire
                    Facsimile: (301) 230-2891

If to Purchaser:    Signet Bank
                    7799 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500
                    Falls Church, VA 22043
                    Attention: Vincent P. Griffin, Vice President
                    Facsimile: (703) 506-9712




                                       38
<PAGE>


          With a copy to the following  listed  counsel or such other counsel as
          may be  designated  by  Purchaser  from time to time (and which notice
          shall not  constitute  notice to  Purchaser  and  failure to give such
          notice shall not affect the effectiveness of notice to Purchaser):

                    Samuel G. Rubenstein, Esquire
                    Bryan Cave LLP
                    700 13th Street, N.W., Suite 700
                    Washington, D.C. 20005
                    Facsimile: (202) 508-6200

Any party to this  Agreement  may change its  address  or  facsimile  number for
notice  purposes by giving notice  thereof to the other in accordance  with this
Section,  provided that such change shall not be effective until 2 calendar days
after notice of such change. All such notices and other  communications  will be
deemed  given and  effective  (a) if by mail,  then  upon  actual  receipt  or 5
calendar days after mailing as provided above (whichever is earlier),  or (b) if
by  facsimile,  then upon  successful  transmittal  to such  party's  designated
number,  or (c) if by  telegraph,  then upon actual  receipt or 2 Business  Days
after  delivery to the telegraph  company  (whichever is earlier),  or (d) if by
nationally  recognized commercial courier service, then upon actual receipt or 2
Business Days after delivery to the courier service  (whichever is earlier),  or
(e) if otherwise delivered, then upon actual receipt.


     8.9.  Time of Day.  All time of day  restrictions  imposed  herein shall be
calculated using Eastern Time.

     8.10.  Prior  Agreements  Superseded.  This Agreement  completely and fully
supersedes all oral agreements and all other and prior written agreements by and
between  Company  and  Purchaser  concerning  the terms and  conditions  of this
Agreement.

     8.11.  Severability.  If fulfillment of any provision of or any transaction
related to this Agreement or the Credit Agreement,  the time performance of such
provision or transaction is due shall involve transcending the limit of validity
prescribed by law,  then ipso facto,  the  obligation  to be fulfilled  shall be
reduced  to the  limit of such  validity.  If any  clause or  provision  of this
Agreement operates or would  prospectively  operate to invalidate this Agreement
in whole or in part, then such clause or provision only shall be void, as though
not contained herein, and the remainder of this Agreement shall remain operative
and in full force and effect.




                                       39
<PAGE>


     8.12.  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in any  number  of
counterparts  with the same effect as if all the signatures on such counterparts
appeared on one document. Each such counterpart will be deemed to be an original
but all counterparts together will constitute one and the same instrument.

     8.13.  Waiver of  Liability.  Company  (a) agrees that  Purchaser  (and its
directors,  officers,  employees  and agents) shall have no liability to Company
(whether  sounding in tort,  contract or otherwise) for losses or costs suffered
or  incurred  by  Company  in  connection  with  or in any  way  related  to the
transactions  contemplated or the relationship established by this Agreement, or
any  act,  omission  or event  occurring  in  connection  herewith,  except  for
foreseeable  actual losses  resulting  directly and exclusively from Purchaser's
own willful  misconduct or fraud and (b) waives,  releases and agrees not to sue
upon any claim  against  Purchaser  (or its  directors,  officers,  employees or
agents) whether sounding in tort,  contract or otherwise,  except for claims for
foreseeable  actual losses  resulting  directly and exclusively from Purchaser's
own willful misconduct or fraud.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  Purchaser (and
its  directors,  officers,  employees and agents)  shall have no liability  with
respect to (and Company hereby  waives,  releases and agrees not to sue upon any
claim for) any special,  indirect,  consequential,  punitive or  non-foreseeable
damages  suffered  by Company in  connection  with or in any way  related to the
transactions  contemplated or the relationship established by this Agreement, or
any act, omission or event occurring in connection herewith.

          8.14.  Forum  Selection:  Consent to  Jurisdiction.  Any litigation in
connection  with or in any way  related  to this  Agreement,  or any  course  of
conduct, course of dealing,  statements (whether verbal or written),  actions or
inactions of Purchaser or Company will be brought and maintained  exclusively in
the courts of the  Commonwealth  of  Virginia or in the United  States  District
Court for the Eastern  District of Virginia;  provided,  however,  that any suit
seeking  enforcement against Company may also be brought (at Purchaser's option)
in the courts of any other jurisdiction where the collateral security of Company
committed  to Lender  pursuant  to the Credit  Agreement  or other  property  of
Company  may  be  found  or  where  Purchaser  may  otherwise   obtain  personal
jurisdiction over Company.  Company hereby expressly and irrevocably  submits to
the jurisdiction of the courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia and of the United
States  District  Court for the Eastern  District of Virginia for the purpose of
any such litigation as set forth above and irrevocably agrees to be bound by any
final and  non-appealable  judgment  rendered  thereby in  connection  with such
litigation.  Company further  irrevocably  consents to the service of process by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid,  or by personal 




                                       40
<PAGE>






service within or outside the Commonwealth of Virginia. Company hereby expressly
and irrevocably  waives,  to the fullest extent  permitted by law, any objection
which  it may have or  hereafter  may  have to the  laying  of venue of any such
litigation  brought in any such court  referred  to above and any claim that any
such  litigation has been brought in an  inconvenient  forum. To the extent that
Company has or hereafter may acquire any immunity from jurisdiction of any court
or from any legal process (whether  through service or notice,  attachment prior
to judgment, attachment in aid of execution or otherwise) with respect to itself
or its property, then Company hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect
of its obligations under this Agreement.

     8.15.  Waiver of Jury Trial.  Purchaser and Company each hereby  knowingly,
voluntarily and  intentionally  waives any rights it may have to a trial by jury
in respect  of any  litigation  (whether  as claim,  counter-claim,  affirmative
defense  or  otherwise)  in  connection  with  or in any  way  related  to  this
Agreement,  or any course of  conduct,  course of dealing,  statements  (whether
verbal or  written),  actions or  inactions  of  Purchaser  or Company.  Company
acknowledges   and  agrees  (a)  that  it  has  received  full  and   sufficient
consideration  for this  provision,  and (b) that it has been  advised  by legal
counsel  in  connection  herewith,  and (c) that this  provision  is a  material
inducement for Purchaser entering into this Agreement.

                      [BALANCE OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK]




                                       41
<PAGE>





IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed,
as an  instrument  under  seal  (whether  or not any such  seals are  physically
attached hereto) as of the date and year first above written.

ATTEST:                                   STARTEC, INC. (Company)            
                                                                             
                                                                             
By: /s/ Prabhav V. Maniyar                By: /s/ Ram Mukunda                
    -----------------------------             ---------------------------    
     Name: Prabhav V. Maniyar             Name:Ram Mukunda                   
     Title: Secretary                     Title: President                   
                                                                             
[CORPORATE SEAL]                          Address:  10411 Motor City         
Drive                                                                        
                                                    Bethesda, MD 20817       
                                                                             
Facsimile: (301) 365-8787                 



WITNESS:                                  SIGNET BANK (Purchaser)              
                                                                               
    /s/                                   By: /s/ Vincent P. Griffin           
                                              --------------------------       
                                              Vincent P. Griffin, President    
                                              Address:  7799 Leesburg Pike     
                                                        Suite 500              
                                                        Falls Church, VA 22043 
                                              Facsimile: (703) 506-9712        




                                       42
<PAGE>



                                       

                       EXHIBIT A Articles of Incorporation




                                       43
<PAGE>





                      EXHIBIT B -- Authorizing Resolutions




                                       44
<PAGE>





                    EXHIBIT C -- Form of Warrant Certificate





                                       45
<PAGE>




                        EXHIBIT D -- Restrictive Legends

              FORM OF RESTRICTIVE LEGENDS FOR WARRANT CERTIFICATES


"The Warrants  evidenced by this  certificate have not been registered under the
Securities  Act of 1933 or the securities  laws of any state.  Such Warrants may
not be sold, transferred, pledged or hypothecated in the absence of an effective
registration  statement for such Warrants  under the  Securities Act of 1933 and
applicable  state  securities  laws or an  opinion of  counsel  satisfactory  to
STARTEC,  Inc. prior to the proposed  transaction that such  registration is not
required. "


                  FORM OF RESTRICTIVE LEGEND FOR WARRANT SHARES


"The shares  evidenced by this certificate have been issued upon the exercise of
warrants  issued  pursuant to a Warrant  Agreement  dated as of June , 1997 (the
"Warrant  Agreement") and have not been  registered  under the Securities Act of
1933  or the  securities  laws  of any  state.  Such  shares  may  not be  sold,
transferred, pledged or hypothecated in the absence of an effective registration
statement for such shares under the Securities Act of 1933 and applicable  state
securities laws or an opinion of counsel satisfactory to STARTEC,  Inc. prior to
the proposed transaction that such registration is not required.




                                       46


                   STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                        UNDERWRITERS' WARRANT AGREEMENT

          UNDERWRITERS'  WARRANT AGREEMENT dated as of ___________,  1996 by and
between STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS  CORPORATION,  a Maryland Corporation (the
"Company"),  and FERRIS,  BAKER WATTS  INCORPORATED  ("FERRIS")  and  BOENNING &
SCATTERGOOD,  INC. ("BOENNING") (Ferris and Boenning sometimes being referred to
collectively herein as the "Underwriters").

                              W I T N E S S E T H:

          WHEREAS,  the Company  proposes to issue warrants to the  Underwriters
(the  Warrants")  to purchase up to 150,000  shares of common  stock,  par value
$0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Stock"),  of which 110,000 Warrants are to
be  issued to  Ferris  and the  remaining  40,000  Warrants  are to be issued to
Boenning; and

          WHEREAS,  the  Underwriters  have agreed,  pursuant to an underwriting
agreement (the  "Underwriting  Agreement")  dated _________,  1997, to which the
Underwriters and the Company are parties, to act as the co-lead  underwriters in
connection with the Company's  public offering of up to 1,900,000  shares of its
Stock at a public  offering  price of $_____ per share (the "Public  Offering");
and

          WHEREAS,  the Warrants to be issued pursuant to this Agreement will be
issued  on the  Closing  Date  (as  such  term is  defined  in the  Underwriting
Agreement)  by the Company to the  Underwriters  in the amounts set forth in the
first  recital  above  written,  in  consideration  for,  and as part  of  their
compensation  in  connection  with  acting  as  underwriters   pursuant  to  the
Underwriting Agreement;

          NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the foregoing promises,  which are
incorporated into the terms hereof, of the payment by Ferris and Boenning to the
Company of $110.00 and $40.00,  respectively  for the  Warrants  purchased to be
purchased thereby hereunder,  the agreements herein set forth and other good and
valuable  consideration,  the  receipt  and  sufficiency  of  which  are  hereby
acknowledged, the parties hereto agree as follows:

            1.    GRANT. The holders of the Warrants issued hereunder are hereby
granted the right to purchase, at any time from _______________, 1998 (the first
anniversary  of the  effective  date  of the  Company's  Registration  Statement
relating  to the  Public  Offering  (the  "Effective  Date"))  until  5:00 p.m.,
Washington,  DC time, on _________, 2003 (the sixth anniversary of the Effective
Date),  up to an aggregate of 150,000 shares of the Stock of the Company,  at an
initial exercise price (subject to



<PAGE>

adjustment  as  provided  in Section 8 hereof)  of $____ per Share  (110% of the
initial public offering price per share in the Public Offering),  subject to the
terms and conditions of this Agreement. The shares issuable upon exercise of the
Warrants are referred to herein as the "Warrant Shares".

            2.    WARRANT  CERTIFICATES.  The warrant certificates (the "Warrant
Certificates") delivered and to be delivered pursuant to this Agreement shall be
in the form set forth in Exhibit A, attached hereto and made a part hereof, with
such appropriate insertions,  omissions,  substitutions, and other variations as
required or permitted by this Agreement.

            3.    EXERCISE OF WARRANTS.  The Warrants are exercisable during the
term set forth in Section 1 hereof at the  Exercise  Price  (defined  below) per
Share set forth in Section 6 hereof,  payable by certified or cashier's check or
money order payable in lawful money of the United States,  subject to adjustment
as  provided  in Article 8 hereof;  provided,  however,  that if the fair market
value  of one  Stock  is  greater  than  the  Exercise  Price  (at  the  date of
calculation  as set forth below),  in lieu of exercising  this Warrant for cash,
the Holder may elect to receive shares equal to the value (as determined  below)
of this  Warrant (or the portion  thereof  being  canceled)  by surrender of the
Warrant  Certificate  at the principal  office of the Company  together with the
properly endorsed Notice of Exercise in the form attached as Exhibit A, in which
event the Company shall issue to the Holder a number of Warrant Shares  computed
using the following formula:

      Where:   X = the number of Warrant Shares to be issued to the Holder;

               Y = the number of  shares of Common Stock purchasable pursuant to
                   the Warrant Certificate surrendered, or, if only a portion of
                   the Warrant  represented by such Warrant Certificate is being
                   exercised,  the portion of the Warrant being canceled (at the
                   date of such calculation);
 
               A = the fair market value  of  one share of the  Company's  Stock
                   (at the date of such calculation); and

               B = Exercise Price (as adjusted to the date of such calculation).

For purposes of the above  calculation,  fair market value of one share of Stock
shall be determined by the Company's Board of Directors in good faith; provided,
however,  that where there  exists a public  market for the Stock at the time of
such exercise,  the fair market value per share shall be equal to the average of
the closing  bid and asked  prices of the Stock  quoted in the  Over-The-Counter
Market Summary or the last reported sale price of the Stock or the closing price
quoted on the Nasdaq  National  Market or on any  exchange on which the Stock is
listed, whichever is applicable, as published in The Wall





                                       2
<PAGE>


Street Journal for the five (5) trading days prior to the date of  determination
of fair market value. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event the Warrant is
exercised in connection with a pubic offering by the Company (including, without
limitation, the Public Offering), the fair market value per share shall be equal
to the per  share  offering  price to the  public  of the  Stock in such  public
offering..  Upon  surrender  of a Warrant  Certificate  with the annexed Form of
Election to Purchase duly executed,  together with payment of the Exercise Price
(as hereinafter defined) for the Warrant Shares (and such other amounts, if any,
arising  pursuant to Section 4 hereof) at the Company's  principal  office,  the
registered holder of a Warrant Certificate (each, a "Holder" and,  collectively,
the "Holders")  shall be entitled to receive a certificate or  certificates  for
the Warrant Shares so purchased. (References herein to a "Holder" or "Holders of
Warrant  Shares  shall  mean the  registered  holder or  holders  thereof).  The
purchase rights represented by each Warrant Certificate are exercisable,  at the
option of the Holder  thereof,  in whole or in part,  (but not as to  fractional
Warrant  Shares).  The  Warrants may be exercised to purchase all or part of the
Warrant Shares represented thereby. In the case of the purchase of less than all
the Warrant Shares purchasable on the exercise of the Warrants  represented by a
Warrant   Certificate,   the  Company  shall  cancel  the  Warrant   Certificate
represented  thereby upon the surrender  thereof and shall execute and deliver a
new Warrant  Certificate  of like tenor for the  balance of the  Warrant  Shares
purchasable thereunder.

            4.    ISSUANCE OF  CERTIFICATES.  Upon the  exercise of the Warrants
and payment of the Exercise Price therefor, the issuance of certificates for the
Warrant Shares  underlying  such Warrants  shall be made forthwith  (and, in any
event,  within three (3) business days thereafter) without further charge to the
Holder  thereof,  and such  certificates  shall  (subject to the  provisions  of
Sections  5 and 7 hereof)  be issued in the name of, or in such  names as may be
directed by, the Holder  effecting such exercise;  provided,  however,  that the
Company  shall not be required to pay any tax which may be payable in respect of
any transfer involved in the issuance and delivery of any such certificates in a
name other than that of such  Holder,  and the Company  shall not be required to
issue or  deliver  such  certificates  unless  or until the  person  or  persons
requesting  the  issuance  thereof  shall have paid to the Company the amount of
such tax or shall have  established to the satisfaction of the Company that such
tax has been paid. The Warrant  Certificates and the  certificates  representing
the Warrant Shares shall be executed on behalf of the Company by the persons and
in the manner  prescribed  by the Bylaws of the Company and by  applicable  law.
Warrant  Certificates  shall be dated the date of  execution by the Company upon
initial issuance, division, exchange, substitution or transfer.

            5.    RESTRICTIONS ON TRANSFER OF WARRANTS.  The Holder of a Warrant
Certificate (and its Permitted Transferee,  as defined below), by its acceptance
thereof,  covenants  and  agrees  that the  Warrants  are being  acquired  as an
investment and not with a view to the  distribution  thereof;  that the Warrants
may be sold,  transferred,  assigned, 





                                       3
<PAGE>


hypothecated  or otherwise  disposed  of, in whole or in part,  to any person (a
"Permitted Transferee"),  provided such transfer,  assignment,  hypothecation or
other deposition is made in accordance with the provisions of the Securities Act
of 1933,  as  amended  (the  "1933  Act");  and  provided,  further,  that until
__________,  1998 (one year  after the  Effective  Date)  only  officers  of the
Underwriters,  or any selling group member or its officers or partners, shall be
Permitted Transferees.

            6.    EXERCISE PRICE

                  a.    INITIAL AND ADJUSTED EXERCISE PRICE. Except as otherwise
provided in Section 8 hereof,  the  initial  exercise  price of each  Warrant to
purchase  Warrant Shares shall be $____ per Share.  The adjusted  exercise price
shall  be the  price  which  shall  result  from  time to time  from any and all
adjustments of the initial  exercise price in accordance  with the provisions of
Section 8 hereof.

                  b.    EXERCISE PRICE.  The term "Exercise  Price" herein shall
mean the initial exercise price or the adjusted  exercise price,  depending upon
the context.

            7.    REGISTRATION RIGHTS.

                  a.    WARRANT LEGEND. The Warrant  Certificates shall bear the
following legends:


            THE  SECURITIES  ISSUABLE  UPON  EXERCISE  OF THE  WARRANT
            REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE OFFERED OR SOLD
            EXCEPT PURSUANT TO (I) AN EFFECTIVE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
            UNDER THE  SECURITIES  ACT OF 1933,  AS AMENDED (THE "1933
            ACT"), (II) TO THE EXTENT APPLICABLE,  RULE 144 UNDER SUCH
            ACT (OR ANY  SIMILAR  RULE UNDER SUCH ACT  RELATING TO THE
            DISPOSITION  OF  SECURITIES),   OR  (III)  AN  OPINION  OF
            COUNSEL, IF SUCH OPINION SHALL BE REASONABLY  SATISFACTORY
            TO  COUNSEL  FOR  THE  ISSUER,   THAT  AN  EXEMPTION  FROM
            REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT IS AVAILABLE.

            THE SECURITIES  REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE MAY NOT BE
            OFFERED  FOR  SALE  OR  SOLD  EXCEPT  PURSUANT  TO  (I) AN
            EFFECTIVE  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  UNDER THE 1933 ACT, OR
            (II) AN  OPINION  OF  COUNSEL,  IF SUCH  OPINION  SHALL BE
            REASONABLY  SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL TO THE ISSUER, THAT AN
            EXEMPTION  FROM  REGISTRATION   UNDER  SUCH  1933  ACT  IS
            AVAILABLE.




                                       4
<PAGE>



            THE  TRANSFER OR EXCHANGE  OF THE WARRANT  REPRESENTED  BY
            THIS  CERTIFICATE  IS RESTRICTED  IN  ACCORDANCE  WITH THE
            WARRANT AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.

            b.    DEMAND REGISTRATION. On any one (1) occasion commencing at any
time one (1) year after the Effective  Date and expiring six (6) years after the
Effective Date, the Holders of the Warrants and the Warrant Shares  representing
at least a Majority (as hereinafter  defined) of such securities  shall have the
right, exercisable by written notice to the Company, to have the Company prepare
and file with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  (the  "Commission")  a
registration  statement on Form S-1, SB-2 (or other appropriate form, including,
without  limitation,  a post-effective  amendment to the Company's  Registration
Statement) and such other documents, including a prospectus, as may be necessary
in the opinion of both counsel for the Company and counsel for the  Holders,  in
order to comply  with the  provisions  of the 1933 Act, so as to permit a public
offering  and sale,  for a period of not less than  twelve (12)  months,  of the
Warrants and the Warrant  Shares by such  Holders,  and any other Holders of the
Warrants  and/or  Warrant Shares who shall notify the Company within thirty (30)
business days after receipt of the notice described in the succeeding  sentence.
The Company  covenants  and agrees to give  written  notice of any  registration
request under this Section 7(b) by any Holder(s) of Warrants or Warrants  Shares
to all other  Holders of the  Warrants  and the Warrant  Shares  within ten (10)
calendar days from the date of the receipt of any such registration request. For
purposes of this  Agreement,  the term "Majority" in reference to the Holders of
the Warrants and/or Warrant Shares, shall mean the Holders of Warrant Shares and
Warrants representing, in the aggregate, in excess of fifty percent (50%) of the
then outstanding Warrant Shares and Warrant into which then-outstanding Warrants
are then exercisable excluding all Warrant Shares and Warrants that (i) are held
by the Company, an affiliate,  officer,  director,  employee or agent thereof or
any of their respective  affiliates,  members of their family, persons acting as
nominees  or in  conjunction  therewith,  or (ii) have been resold to the public
pursuant to a registration  statement  filed with the Commission  under the 1933
Act.  The Holders of Warrants may demand  registration  without  exercising  the
Warrants,  and shall never be required to  exercise  same.  For the  purposes of
subsection (i) above, the Underwriters and their respective officers, directors,
employees and agents shall not be deemed to be affiliates,  officers, directors,
employees or agents of the Company.

            c.    PIGGYBACK REGISTRATION. If, at any time within eight (8) years
after the Effective Date, the Company should file a registration  statement with
the  Commission  under the 1933 Act (other than in  connection  with a merger or
pursuant to Form S-8) it will give written  notice by registered  mail, at least
forty-five  (45)  calendar  days prior to the  filing of each such  registration
statement,  to each of the  Underwriters  (if then a  Holder)  and to all  other
Holders of the Warrants  and/or the Warrant Shares of its 






                                       5
<PAGE>


intention to do so. If the  Underwriters or other Holders of the Warrants and/or
the Warrant  Shares  notify the Company  within  thirty (30) calendar days after
receipt of any such  notice of its or their  desire to include  any  Warrants or
Warrant Shares in such proposed registration statement, the Company shall afford
such  Underwriters  and  Holders  of the  Warrants  and/or  Warrant  Shares  the
opportunity  to have any such Warrants or Warrant Shares  registered  under such
registration statement. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 7(c), the
Company  shall  have the right at any time  after it shall  have  given  written
notice pursuant to this Section 7(c)  (irrespective of whether a written request
for inclusion of any such securities  shall have been made) to elect not to file
any such  proposed  registration  statement,  or to withdraw  the same after the
filing but prior to the effective date thereof.

      If the  underwriter  of an  offering to which the above  piggyback  rights
apply objects to such rights,  such  objection  shall  preclude such  inclusion.
However, in such event, the Company will, within six (6) months of completion of
such subsequent underwriting, file at its sole expense, a registration statement
relating to such excluded  Warrants  and/or  Warrant  Shares,  which shall be in
addition to any registration  statement required to be filed pursuant to Section
7(b),  unless such Holders had refused an opportunity  provided with the consent
of  the  underwriter,  to be  included  in  the  registration  statement  on the
condition  that they agree not to offer the  securities  for sale  (without  the
prior  written  consent  of the  underwriter)  for a period not  exceeding  (60)
calendar days from the effective date of such registration statement.

      If the underwriter in such underwritten  offering shall advise the Company
that it declines to include a portion or all of the  Warrants or Warrant  Shares
requested by the Underwriters and the Holders to be included in the registration
statement,  then (i) registration of all of the Warrant Shares shall be excluded
from such  registration  statement on the  condition  that all  securities to be
registered by other selling security holders, if any, are also excluded and (ii)
registration  of a portion of such Warrants and Warrant Shares  allocated  among
the  Underwriters  and the  Holders  and any other  selling  securityholders  in
proportion  to the  respective  numbers of  securities  to be  registered by the
Underwriters  and each such Holder and other  selling  securityholder  (provided
that, for purposes of such allocation, Warrants shall be treated as representing
the  number of  Warrant  Shares  then  represented  thereby).  In such event the
Company shall give the  Underwriters and the Holders prompt notice of the number
of Warrants and Warrant Shares excluded.

            d.    COVENANTS  OF  THE  COMPANY  IN   RESPECT  OF    REGISTRATION.
In connection with any  registrations  under Sections 7(b) and 7(c) hereof,  the
Company covenants and agrees as follows:

            (1)   The Company shall use its best efforts to file a  registration
                  statement  within  sixty  (60) calendar days of receipt of any




                                       6
<PAGE>


                  demand therefor; provided, however, that the Company shall not
                  be  required  to  produce   audited  or  unaudited   financial
                  statements  for any  period  prior to the date such  financial
                  statements  are  required to be filed in a report on Form 10-K
                  or Form 10-Q (or Form 10-KSB or Form 10-QSB),  as the case may
                  be.  The  Company  shall  use its  best  efforts  to have  any
                  registration  statement  declared  effective  at the  earliest
                  possible time, and shall furnish each Holder  desiring to sell
                  Shares  such number of  prospectuses  as shall  reasonably  be
                  requested.

            (2)   The Company shall pay all costs  (excluding  any  underwriting
                  discounts or  commissions),  fees and  expenses in  connection
                  with any  registration  statement  filed  pursuant to Sections
                  7(b) or 7(c) hereof including,  without limitation, the actual
                  and reasonable costs and expenses of one firm serving as legal
                  counsel to the Holders,  the  Company's  legal and  accounting
                  fees,  printing expenses,  and any blue sky fees and expenses.
                  If the  Company  shall fail to comply with the  provisions  of
                  Section  7(d)(1),  the Company shall, in addition to any other
                  equitable  or other  relief  available  to the  Holder(s),  be
                  liable for any or all  incidental,  special and  consequential
                  damages  and damages  due to loss of profit  sustained  by the
                  Holder(s) requesting registration of their Warrant Shares.

            (3)   The Company will take all necessary and reasonable steps which
                  may be  required  to  qualify or  register  the  Warrants  and
                  Warrant  Shares  included  in  a  registration  statement  for
                  offering  and sale  under the  securities  or blue sky laws of
                  such states as  reasonably  are  requested  by the  Holder(s),
                  provided that the Company shall not be obligated to execute or
                  file any  general  consent to service of process or to qualify
                  as a foreign  corporation to do business under the laws of any
                  such jurisdiction.

            (4)   The Company shall  indemnify the Holder(s) of the Warrants and
                  Warrant  Shares  to  be  sold  pursuant  to  any  registration
                  statement,  each,  director,  officer,  partner,  employee and
                  agent  of each  such  Holder  and  each  person,  if any,  who
                  controls  such Holder  within the meaning of Section 15 of the
                  1933 Act or Section  20(a) of the  Securities  Exchange Act of
                  1934,  as amended (the  





                                       7
<PAGE>


                  "Exchange Act"), against all losses, claims, damages, expenses
                  or  liability  (including,  without  limitation,  all expenses
                  reasonably  incurred in investigating,  preparing or defending
                  against any claim  whatsoever) to which any of them may become
                  subject  under the 1933 Act, the  Exchange  Act or  otherwise,
                  arising from such registration statement, but only to the same
                  extent and with the same effect as the provisions  pursuant to
                  which the Company  has agreed to  indemnify  the  Underwriters
                  contained in Section 9 of the Underwriting Agreement.

            (5)   The Holder(s) of the Warrants and/or Warrant Shares to be sold
                  pursuant to a registration statement, and their successors and
                  assigns,  shall  severally,  and not  jointly,  indemnify  the
                  Company,  its officers and directors and each persons, if any,
                  who controls  the Company  within the meaning of Section 15 of
                  the 1933 Act or Section 20(a) of the Exchange Act, against all
                  losses, claims, damages,  expenses or liability (including all
                  expenses  reasonably  incurred in investigating,  preparing or
                  defending  against  any claim  whatsoever)  to which  they may
                  become  subject  under  the  1933  Act,  the  Exchange  Act or
                  otherwise,  arising from information furnished by or on behalf
                  of such Holders, or their successors or assigns,  for specific
                  inclusion  in such  registration  statement to the same extent
                  and  with the  same  effect  as the  provisions  contained  in
                  Section 9 of the Underwriting  Agreement pursuant to which the
                  Underwriters have agreed to indemnify the Company.

            (6)   Nothing  contained  in this  Agreement  shall be  construed as
                  requiring the Holder(s) to exercise  their  Warrants  prior to
                  the  initial  filing  of  any  registration  statement  or the
                  effectiveness thereof.

            (7)   If the manner of  distribution  proposed by the holders of the
                  Warrants  and  the  Warrant  Shares  is an  underwriting,  the
                  Company  shall  furnish to each  Holder  participating  in the
                  offering and to each  underwriter of such  offering,  a signed
                  counterpart, addressed to such Holder or underwriter of (i) an
                  opinion of counsel to the Company, dated the effective date of
                  such   registration   statement  (and,  if  such  registration
                  includes an underwritten public offering, an 






                                       8
<PAGE>


                  opinion dated the date of the closing  under the  underwriting
                  agreement),  and  (ii)  a  "cold  comfort"  letter  dated  the
                  effective date of such  registration  statement  (and, if such
                  registration  includes  an  underwritten  public  offering,  a
                  letter  dated the date of the closing  under the  underwriting
                  agreement)  signed by the independent  public  accountants who
                  have issued a report (or reports) on the  Company's  financial
                  statements included in such registration  statements,  in each
                  case covering  substantially  the same matters with respect to
                  such  registration  statement  (and  the  prospectus  included
                  therein) and, in the case of such  accountants'  letter,  with
                  respect  to events  subsequent  to the date of such  financial
                  statements, as are customarily covered in opinions of issuer's
                  counsel and in  accountants'  letter,  with  respect to events
                  subsequent to the date of such  financial  statements,  as are
                  customarily   covered  in  opinions  of  issuer's  counsel  in
                  accountants' letters delivered to underwriters in underwritten
                  public offerings of securities.

            (8)   The Company shall as soon as  practicable  after the effective
                  date of the  registration  statement,  and in any event within
                  the first full four fiscal  quarters  following  the effective
                  date,  make  "generally  available  to its  security  holders"
                  (within  the  meaning  of Rule  158  under  the  1933  Act) an
                  earnings  statement (which need not be audited) complying with
                  Section 11(a) of the 1933 Act.

            (9)   The  Company   shall  deliver   promptly  to  one   designated
                  representative  for each Holder  participating in the offering
                  requesting the correspondence described below and any managing
                  underwriter,   copies  of  all   correspondence   between  the
                  Commission  and the  Company,  its  counsel or  auditors  with
                  respect to the  registration  statement and permit each Holder
                  and  underwriter  to do such  investigation,  upon  reasonable
                  advance  notice,  with respect to information  contained in or
                  omitted from the registration statement as it deems reasonably
                  necessary to comply with  applicable  securities laws or rules
                  of the National  Association of Securities Dealers,  Inc. (the
                  "NASD").  Such  investigation  shall include  access to books,
                  records  and  properties  and  opportunities  to  discuss  the
                  business  of the Company  with its  officers  and  independent
                  auditors, all




                                       9
<PAGE>


                  to such reasonable  extent and at such reasonable times and as
                  often as any such Holder shall reasonably request.

            (10)  In  connection  with an offering  for which the  Holders  have
                  demand  rights,  the Company shall enter into an  underwriting
                  agreement  with the  managing  underwriter  selected  for such
                  underwriting by Holders holding a Majority of the Warrants and
                  Warrant Shares requested to be included in such  underwriting.
                  In  connection  with an offering  for which the  Holders  have
                  piggyback  rights,  the  Company  shall have the sole right to
                  select the managing underwriter.  Such underwriting  agreement
                  shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the Company,  a
                  Majority of such Holders and such  managing  underwriter,  and
                  shall contain such  representations,  warranties and covenants
                  by the  Company  and  such  other  terms  as  are  customarily
                  contained  in  agreements  of that type  used by the  managing
                  underwriter.  The Holders shall be parties to any underwriting
                  agreement  relating to an underwritten  sale of their Warrants
                  and/or Warrant  Shares and may, at their option,  require that
                  any or all the  representations,  warranties  and covenants of
                  the  Company to or for the benefit of such  underwriter  shall
                  also be made to and for  the  benefit  of such  Holders.  Such
                  Holders shall not be required to make any  representations  or
                  warranties   to  or   agreements   with  the  Company  or  the
                  underwriter  except as they may relate to such Holders,  their
                  ownership   of   Warrants   or  Warrant   Shares   subject  to
                  registration, and their intended methods of distribution.

          8.   ADJUSTMENTS TO EXERCISE PRICE AND NUMBER OF SECURITIES.

                  a.  ADJUSTMENT  OF  EXERCISE  PRICE.  Except  as   hereinafter
provided, in the event the Company shall, at any time or from time to time after
the date hereof, issue any shares of Stock as a stock dividend to the holders of
Stock, or subdivide or combine the outstanding shares of Stock into a greater or
lesser number of shares (any such issuance,  subdivision  or  combination  being
herein called a "Change of Shares"),  then, and  thereafter  upon each Change of
Shares,  the Exercise  Price for the Warrants  (whether or not the same shall be
issued and  outstanding)  in effect  immediately  prior to such Change of Shares
shall be changed to a price (including any applicable  fraction of a cent to the
nearest  cent)  determined  by dividing  (i) the sum of (a) the total  number of
shares  of  Stock  outstanding  immediately  prior  to such  Change  of  Shares,
multiplied by the Exercise Price in effect  immediately  prior to such Change of
Shares, and (b) the






                                       10
<PAGE>


consideration,  if any, received by the Company upon such issuance,  subdivision
or  combination  by (ii)  the  total  number  of  shares  of  Stock  outstanding
immediately  after such Change of Shares;  provided,  however,  that in no event
shall the Exercise Price be adjusted  pursuant to this  computation to an amount
in excess of the Exercise Price in effect immediately prior to such computation,
except in the case of a combination of outstanding shares of Stock.

          For the purposes of any adjustment to be made in accordance  with this
Section 8(a) the following provisions shall be applicable:

                  (1)   Shares  or  equivalents  of  Stock  issuable  by way of
                        dividend  or  other  distribution  on any  stock  of the
                        Company shall be deemed to have been issued  immediately
                        after the opening of business on the day  following  the
                        record  date  for  the   determination  of  stockholders
                        entitled to receive such dividend or other  distribution
                        and  shall  be  deemed  to  have  been  issued   without
                        consideration.

                  (2)   The reclassification of  securities of the Company other
                        than shares of Stock into securities including shares of
                        Stock  shall be deemed to involve  the  issuance of such
                        shares  of Stock  for a  consideration  other  than cash
                        immediately  prior to the close of  business on the date
                        fixed for the determination of security holders entitled
                        to   receive   such   shares,   and  the  value  of  the
                        consideration allocable to such shares of Stock shall be
                        determined  in good faith by the Board of  Directors  of
                        the  Company  on the  basis of a  record  of  values  of
                        similar property or services.

                  (3)   The   number   of  shares  of  Stock  at  any  one  time
                        outstanding  shall be deemed to  include  the  aggregate
                        maximum   number  of   shares   issuable   (subject   to
                        readjustment  upon the actual issuance thereof) upon the
                        exercise  of options,  rights or  warrants  and upon the
                        conversion or exchange of  convertible  or  exchangeable
                        securities.

                  b.    ADJUSTMENT OF NUMBER OF WARRANTS.  Upon  each adjustment
of the Exercise  Price pursuant to Section 8.a.  above,  the number of shares of
Stock  purchasable upon the exercise of each Warrant shall be the number derived
by multiplying the number of shares of Stock  purchasable  immediately  prior to
such  adjustment by the Exercise  Price in effect prior to such  adjustment  and
dividing the product so obtained by the applicable adjusted Exercise Price.





                                       11
<PAGE>


                  c.   ACTION UPON RECLASSIFICATION, MERGER, ETC.   The  Company
will not merge,  reorganize  or take any other action which would  terminate the
Warrants  without first making  adequate  provision for the Warrants as provided
for herein. In case of any  reclassification or change of the outstanding shares
of Stock  (other  than a change  in par value to no par  value,  or from nor par
value to par value, or as a result of a subdivision or combination),  or in case
of any  consolidation  of the Company  with,  or merger of the Company  with, or
merger of the Company into,  another  corporation (other than a consolidation or
merger in which the  Company is the  continuing  corporation  and which does not
result  in any  reclassification  or change of the  outstanding  Stock  except a
change as a result of a subdivision or combination of such shares or a change in
par value,  as  aforesaid),  or in the case of a sale or  conveyance  to another
corporation  or other entity of the property of the Company as an entirety,  the
Holder of each  Warrant then  outstanding  or to be  outstanding  shall have the
right  thereafter  (until the  expiration  of such  Warrant) to  purchase,  upon
exercise  of such  Warrant,  the kind and  number  of  shares of stock and other
securities  and  property   receivable  upon  such   reclassification,   change,
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance as if the Holder were the owner of the
shares of Stock underlying such Warrants immediately prior to any such events at
a price equal to the product of (x) the number of shares  issuable upon exercise
of the Warrants and (y) the Exercise Prices in effect  immediately  prior to the
record date for such reclassification,  change,  consolidation,  merger, sale or
conveyance,  as if such Holder has  exercised  the  Warrants.  In the event of a
consolidation, merger, sale or conveyance of property, the corporation formed by
such  consolidation  or merger,  or acquiring such  property,  shall execute and
deliver to the Holders a  supplemental  warrant  agreement to such effect.  Such
supplemental  warrant  agreement  shall provide for  adjustments  which shall be
identical to the  adjustment to those  provided in Section 8. The  provisions of
this  Section  8.c.  shall  similarly  apply  to  successive  reclassifications,
changes, consolidations, mergers, sales or conveyances.

                  d.   EFFECT OF ADJUSTMENTS ON WARRANT CERTIFICATES.  Irrespec-
tive of any adjustments or changes in the Exercise Price or the number of shares
of Stock  purchasable  upon exercise of the Warrants,  the Warrant  Certificates
theretofore and thereafter  issued shall,  unless the Company shall exercise its
option to issue new Warrant Certificates, continue to express the Exercise Price
per share and the number of shares purchasable  thereunder as the Exercise Price
per share and the number of shares purchasable  thereunder were expressed in the
Warrant Certificates when the same were originally issued.

                  e.   NOTIFICATION TO  HOLDERS.  After each  adjustment  of the
Exercise Price  pursuant to this Section 8, the Company will promptly  prepare a
certificate  signed by the  Chairman or  President,  and by the  Treasurer or an
Assistant Treasurer or the Secretary or an Assistant  Secretary,  of the Company
setting forth: (i) the Exercise Price as so adjusted;  (ii) the number of shares
of Stock purchasable upon exercise of each Warrant,  after such adjustment;  and
(iii) a brief statement of the facts accounting for such 





                                       12
<PAGE>


adjustment.  The Company will promptly  cause a copy of such  certificate  to be
sent by first class mail to each Holder at his last  address as it shall  appear
on the  registry  books of the  Company.  No failure to mail such notice nor any
defect  therein or in the mailing  thereof  shall  affect the  validity  thereof
except as to the  Holder to whom the  Company  failed  to mail such  notice,  or
except as to the  Holder  whose  notice  was  defective.  The  affidavit  of the
Secretary  or an  Assistant  Secretary  of the Company that such notice has been
mailed  shall,  in the absence of fraud,  be prima  facie  evidence of the facts
stated therein.

                  f.   EVENTS NOT TRIGGERING  ADJUSTMENT.  No adjustment  of the
Exercise  Price shall be made upon the  issuance or sale of: (i) the Warrants or
the Warrant Shares; (ii) the shares of Stock pursuant to the Public Offering; or
(iii) the shares of Stock  issuable upon the exercise of the options or warrants
outstanding  or shares  reserved for issuance  pursuant to stock option plans in
effect on the date hereof as described in the prospectus  relating to the Public
Offering.  In addition, no adjustment of the Exercise Price shall be made if the
amount of said  adjustments  shall be less than five cents  ($.05)  per  Warrant
Share, provided,  however, that in such case any adjustment that would otherwise
be  required  then to be made shall be carried  forward and shall be made at the
time of and together with the next subsequent  adjustment  which,  together with
any  adjustment so carried  forward,  shall amount to at least five cents ($.05)
per Warrant Share.

                  g.   SECURITIES INCLUDED IN THE DEFINITION OF "STOCK". For the
purpose of this  Agreement,  the term "Stock"  shall mean (i) the class of stock
designated as Common Stock in the Charter of the Company as it may be amended as
of the date hereof,  or (ii) any other class of stock  resulting from successive
changes or  reclassification  of such Stock consisting  solely of changes in par
value,  or from par value to no par value, or from no par value to par value. In
the event that the Company shall,  after the date hereof issue  securities  with
greater or superior voting rights than those of the shares of Stock  outstanding
as of the date hereof,  each Holder, at its option, may receive upon exercise of
any  Warrant  either  shares of Stock or a like number of such  securities  with
greater or superior voting rights.

                  h.   NONCASH  DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS.  In the event
that the Company  shall at any time prior to the exercise or  expiration  of all
the  Warrants  declare a dividend  (other than a dividend  consisting  solely of
shares  of  Stock) or  otherwise  distribute  to its  stockholders  any  assets,
property,  rights,  evidences of indebtedness,  securities (other than shares of
Stock),  whether  issued by the  Company or by  another,  or any other  thing of
value, the Holders of the unexercised Warrants shall thereafter be entitled,  in
addition to the shares of Stock or other securities and property receivable upon
the exercise thereof, to receive,  upon the exercise of such Warrants,  the same
property,  assets,  rights,  evidences of indebtedness,  securities or any other
thing of value that they would have been entitled to receive at the time of such
dividend or distribution as if the Warrants had been exercised immediately prior
to  such  dividend  or  






                                       13
<PAGE>

distribution.  At the time of any such  dividend  or  distribution,  the Company
shall  make  appropriate  reserves  to  ensure  the  timely  performance  of the
provisions of this Section 8h.

                  i.   SUBSCRIPTION   RIGHTS  FOR  SHARES  OF  STOCK  AND  OTHER
SECURITIES.  In the event that the Company or an affiliate of the Company  shall
at any time after the date hereof and prior to the exercise or expiration of all
the  Warrants  issue any  rights to  subscribe  for shares of Stock or any other
securities of the Company or of such  affiliate to all the  stockholders  of the
Company,  the Holders of the unexercised  Warrants shall be entitled to receive,
in addition to the Warrant Shares  receivable upon the exercise of the Warrants,
such rights at the time such rights are distributed to the other stockholders of
the Company.

            9.    EXCHANGE AND REPLACEMENT OF WARRANT CERTIFICATES. Each Warrant
Certificate is exchangeable,  without expense, upon the surrender thereof by the
Holder at the  principal  executive  office of the  Company,  for a new  Warrant
Certificate  of like tenor and date  representing  in the aggregate the right to
purchase  the same number of Warrant  Shares in such  denominations  as shall be
designated by the Holder thereof at the time of such surrender.  Upon receipt by
the  Company  of  evidence  reasonably  satisfactory  to it of the loss,  theft,
destruction  or  mutilation  of any Warrant  Certificate,  and, in case of loss,
theft or destruction,  of indemnity or security  reasonably  satisfactory to it,
and reimbursement to the Company of all reasonable  expenses incidental thereto,
and upon surrender and cancellation of the Warrants,  if mutilated,  the Company
will make and deliver a new Warrant Certificate of like tenor, in lieu thereof.

            10.   ELIMINATION OF FRACTIONAL INTERESTS.  The Company shall not be
required to issue certificates representing fractions of Warrant Shares upon the
exercise of the Warrants, nor shall it be required to issue scrip or pay cash in
lieu of fractional interests;  provided, however, that if a Holder exercises all
Warrants  held of  record  by such  Holder  the  fractional  interests  shall be
eliminated by rounding any fraction up to the nearest whole number of Shares.

            11.   RESERVATION AND LISTING OF SECURITIES.  The  Company  shall at
all times  reserve and keep  available  out of its  authorized  shares of Stock,
solely for the  purpose of issuance  upon the  exercise  of the  Warrants,  such
number  of shares  of Stock as shall be  issuable  as  Warrant  Shares  upon the
exercise on conversion  thereof.  The Company  covenants  and agrees that,  upon
exercise of the  Warrants and payment of the Exercise  Price  therefor,  all the
Warrant  Shares  issuable upon such exercise  shall be duly and validly  issued,
fully  paid,  nonassessable  and not  subject  to the  preemptive  rights of any
stockholder. As long as the Warrants shall be outstanding, the Company shall use
its best efforts to cause the Stock to be listed and quoted (subject to official
notice of issuance) on all securities exchanges on which the Stock issued to the
public in connection herewith may then be listed or quoted.





                                       14
<PAGE>

            12.   LIMITATIONS  ON RIGHTS OF,  AND  CERTAIN  NOTICES  TO  WARRANT
HOLDERS.  Nothing  contained in this Agreement  shall be construed as conferring
upon the  Holders  of  Warrants,  prior to the  exercise  thereof,  the right to
receive  cash  dividends  to  vote  or to  consent  or to  receive  notice  as a
stockholder  in respect of any  meetings  of  stockholders  for the  election of
directors  or  any  other  matter,  or as  having  any  rights  whatsoever  as a
stockholder of the Company.  If, however, at any time prior to the expiration of
the Warrants or their earlier exercise, any of the following events shall occur:

                  (1)   the  Company  shall  take a record of  the  holders  of 
                        its shares of Stock for the purpose of entitling them to
                        receive a dividend  or  distribution  payable  otherwise
                        than in cash, or a cash dividend or distribution payable
                        otherwise than out of current or retained  earnings,  as
                        indicated by the  accounting  treatment of such dividend
                        or distribution on the books of the Company; or

                  (2)   the Company  shall offer to all the holders of its Stock
                        any additional shares of capital stock of the Company or
                        securities  convertible  into or exchangeable for shares
                        of Stock or such other capital stock of the Company,  or
                        any option, right or warrant to subscribe therefor; or

                  (3)   a dissolution, liquidation  or winding up of the Company
                        (other  than  in  connection  with  a  consolidation  or
                        merger)  or a sale  of all or  substantially  all of its
                        property,  assets and  business as an entirety  shall be
                        proposed;

then, in any one or more of said events,  the Company shall give written  notice
of such event at least  thirty (30)  calendar  days prior to the date fixed as a
record date or the date of closing the transfer books for the  determination  of
the  stockholders  entitled  to  such  dividend,  distribution,  convertible  or
exchangeable  securities  or  subscription  rights,  or entitled to vote on such
proposed dissolution, liquidation, winding up or sale. Such notice shall specify
such record date or the date of closing the transfer  books, as the case may be.
Failure to give such notice or any defect  therein shall not affect the validity
of any action taken in connection  with the  declaration  or payment of any such
dividend,  or the issuance of any  convertible or  exchangeable  securities,  or
subscription  rights,   options  or  warrants,   or  any  proposed  dissolution,
liquidation, winding up or sale.

            13.    NOTICES.   All   notices,   requests,   consents  and   other
communications  hereunder  shall be in writing  and shall be deemed to have been
duly made when (i)  personally  delivered,  (ii) three (3)  business  days after
having been 






                                       15
<PAGE>

properly  addressed,  enclosed in a properly sealed envelope or wrapper and sent
postage-paid by first class mail, (iii)  transmitted by facsimile  transmission,
if  acknowledged  by such  facsimile  equipment  as  received,  or (iv)  one (1)
business day after being sent, at the expense of the sender, by Federal Express,
Airborne, U.S. Express Mail or similar overnight carrier (i) if to the Holder of
the Warrants, to the address of such Holder as shown on the books of the Company
or (ii) if to the Company,  at its principal  office or to such other address as
the Company may designate by notice to the Holders.

            14.    SUPPLEMENTS  AND AMENDMENTS. The Company and the Underwriters
may, from time to time,  supplement or amend this Agreement without the approval
of any Holders of Warrants  (other than the  Underwriters)  in order to cure any
ambiguity,  to correct or supplement any provision contained herein which may be
defective  or  inconsistent  with any  provisions  herein,  or to make any other
provisions in regard to matters or questions arising hereunder which the Company
and the  Underwriters  may deem necessary or desirable and which the Company and
the Underwriters deem shall not adversely affect the interests of the Holders of
Warrants.

            15.    SUCCESSORS.  All the covenants and  provisions of this Agree-
ment  shall  be  binding  upon and  inure to the  benefit  of the  Company,  the
Underwriters, the Holders and their respective successors and assigns hereunder.

            16.    TERMINATION.  This Agreement shall  terminate at the close of
business on __________,  2006 (the eighth  anniversary  of the Effective  Date).
Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the registration  provisions and indemnification
provisions  of  Section  7 shall  survive  such  termination  until the close of
business on the later of the expiration of any applicable  statue of limitations
or ________, 2008.

            17.   GOVERNING LAW; SUBMISSION TO JURISDICTION.  This Agreement and
each Warrant  Certificate issued hereunder shall be deemed to be a contract made
under the laws of the State of Maryland and for all purposes  shall be construed
in accordance  with the laws of said State without giving effect to the rules of
said  State  governing  the  conflicts  of  laws.  The  Company,   each  of  the
Underwriters  and each and any  Holders  each  hereby  agrees  that any  action,
proceeding  or claim  against it arising out of, or relating in any way to, this
Agreement,  the  Warrants  or the  Warrant  Certificates  shall be  brought  and
enforced  in the  courts of the State of  Maryland  or of the  United  States of
America  for  the  District  of  Maryland,   and  irrevocably  submits  to  such
jurisdiction,  which jurisdiction shall be exclusive.  The Company,  each of the
Underwriters  and  each and any  Holders  each  hereby  irrevocably  waives  any
objection to such exclusive jurisdiction or inconvenient forum. Any such process
or  summons  to be served  upon any of the  Company,  the  Underwriters  and the
Holders (at the option of the party  bringing such action,  proceeding or claim)
may be served by  transmitting a copy thereof,  by registered or certified mail,
return receipt  requested,  postage prepaid,  addressed to it at the address set
forth in Section 13 hereof.  Such mailing shall be





                                       16
<PAGE>

deemed personal  service and shall be legal and binding upon the party so served
in any action, proceeding or claim.

            18.   ENTIRE AGREEMENT; Modification. This Agreement  (including the
Underwriting  Agreement to the extent  portions  thereof are referred to herein)
contains the entire understanding between the parties hereto with respect to the
subject matter hereof. Subject to Section 14, this Agreement may not be modified
except  upon the express  agreement  of the Company and a Majority of the of the
Warrants and the Warrant Shares.

            19.   SEVERABILITY.  If any provision of  this  Agreement  shall  be
held to be invalid or unenforceable,  such invalidity or unenforceability  shall
not affect any other provision of this Agreement.

            20.   CAPTIONS. The caption headings  of the Sections of this Agree-
ment are for convenience of reference only and are not intended, nor should they
be  construed  as, a part of this  Agreement  and shall be given no  substantive
effect.

            21.   BENEFITS OF THIS AGREEMENT. Nothing in this Agreement shall be
construed to give to any person or  corporation,  other than the Company and the
Underwriters  and any other  Holder(s)  of the Warrants or Warrant  Shares,  any
legal or  equitable  right,  remedy  or claim  under  this  Agreement;  and this
Agreement  shall be for the sole and  exclusive  benefit of the  Company and the
Underwriters and any other Holder(s) of the Warrants or Warrant Shares.

            22.   COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in any number of
counterparts,  each of such counterparts  shall for all purposes be deemed to be
an original,  and all such counterparts  together shall together  constitute but
one and the same instrument.

            23.   BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure
to the benefit of the Company, each of the Underwriters and their successors and
assigns and the Holders from time to time of the Warrant(s) or any of them.






                                       17
<PAGE>

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

                                     STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS
                                     CORPORATION

                                     By:----------------------------------------

                                     Print Name:--------------------------------

                                     Title:-------------------------------------


                                     FERRIS, BAKER WATTS, INCORPORATED

                                     By-----------------------------------------

                                     Print Name:--------------------------------

                                     Title:-------------------------------------


                                     BOENNING & SCATTERGOOD, INC.

                                     By:----------------------------------------

                                     Print Name:--------------------------------

                                     Title:-------------------------------------






                                       18
<PAGE>



EXHIBIT A
                    STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

                               WARRANT CERTIFICATE




THE  SECURITIES  ISSUABLE  UPON  EXERCISE  OF THE  WARRANT  REPRESENTED  BY THIS
CERTIFICATE  MAY NOT BE  OFFERED OR SOLD  EXCEPT  PURSUANT  TO (I) AN  EFFECTIVE
REGISTRATION  STATEMENT  UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED (THE "1933
ACT"),  (II) TO THE EXTENT  APPLICABLE,  RULE 144 UNDER SUCH ACT (OR ANY SIMILAR
RULE UNDER SUCH ACT  RELATING TO THE  DISPOSITION  OF  SECURITIES),  OR (III) AN
OPINION OF COUNSEL, IF SUCH OPINION SHALL BE REASONABLY  SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL
FOR THE ISSUER, THAT AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER SUCH ACT IS AVAILABLE.

THE SECURITIES  REPRESENTED BY THIS  CERTIFICATE  MAY NOT BE OFFERED FOR SALE OR
SOLD EXCEPT PURSUANT TO (I) AN EFFECTIVE  REGISTRATION  STATEMENT UNDER THE 1933
ACT,  OR (II) AN  OPINION  OF  COUNSEL,  IF SUCH  OPINION  SHALL  BE  REASONABLY
SATISFACTORY TO COUNSEL TO THE ISSUER, THAT AN EXEMPTION FROM REGISTRATION UNDER
SUCH 1933 ACT IS AVAILABLE.

THE  TRANSFER  OR EXCHANGE OF THE WARRANT  REPRESENTED  BY THIS  CERTIFICATE  IS
RESTRICTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WARRANT AGREEMENT REFERRED TO HEREIN.

EXERCISABLE  COMMENCING ________,  1998 THROUGH 5:00 P.M.,  WASHINGTON,  DC TIME
________, 2003



NO. WC- ___                                             --------- WARRANTS


            This   Warrant    Certificate    certifies    that    ______________
_______________  or registered  assigns,  is the registered  holder of _________
warrants (the "Warrants") to purchase initially, at any time from _______, 1998,
until 5:00 p.m.,  Washington,  DC time on _______, 2003 (the "Expiration Date"),
up to _____________ fully paid and non-assessable shares (the "Shares"),  of the
Common  Stock,  par value  $0.01 per share  (the  "Stock"),  of  STARTEC  Global
Communications  Corporation,  a  Maryland  corporation






                                       19
<PAGE>


(the "Company") at the exercise price of $____ per Share (the "Exercise Price"),
upon the surrender of this Warrant Certificate and payment of the Exercise Price
at an office or agency of the Company,  but subject to the  conditions set forth
herein and in the warrant agreement dated as of ____________________,  1997 (the
"Warrant  Agreement")  by and  between the  Company  and  Ferris,  Baker  Watts,
Incorporated  and Boenning &  Scattergood,  Inc.  Payment of the Exercise  Price
shall be made as provided in Section 3 of the Warrant Agreement.

          No Warrant may be exercised  after 5:00 P.M,  Washington,  DC time, on
the  Expiration  Date,  at which  time all  Warrants  evidenced  hereby,  unless
exercised prior thereto, shall thereafter be void.

          The Warrants evidenced by this Warrant  Certificate are part of a duly
authorized  issue of Warrants  issued pursuant to the Warrant  Agreement,  which
Warrant Agreement is hereby incorporated by reference in and made a part of this
instrument and is hereby referred to for a description of the rights, limitation
of rights,  obligations duties and immunities  thereunder of the Company and the
holders  (the words  "holders"  or "holder"  meaning the  registered  holders or
registered holder) of the Warrants.

          The Warrant  Agreement  provides  that upon the  occurrence of certain
events the Exercise Price and the type and/or number of the Company's securities
issuable  thereupon may,  subject to certain  conditions,  be adjusted.  In such
event,  the Company  will,  at the  request of the  holder,  issue a new Warrant
Certificate  evidencing  the  adjustment  in the  Exercise  Price and the number
and/or type of securities issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants;  provided,
however,  that the failure of the Company to issue such new Warrant Certificates
shall not in any way  change,  alter,  or  otherwise  impair,  the rights of the
holder as set forth in the Warrant Agreement.

          Upon due  presentment  for  registration  of transfer of this  Warrant
Certificate at an office or agency of the Company, a new Warrant  Certificate or
Warrant Certificates of like tenor and evidencing in the aggregate a like number
of Warrants shall be issued to the transferee(s) in exchange as provided herein,
without any charge except for any tax or other  governmental  charge  imposed in
connection with such transfer.

          Upon the exercise of less than all of the  Warrants  evidenced by this
Certificate,  the  Company  shall  forthwith  issue to the  holder  hereof a new
Warrant Certificate representing such number of unexercised Warrants.

          The Company may deem and treat the registered  holder(s) hereof as the
absolute owner(s) of this Warrant Certificate  (notwithstanding  any notation of
ownership  or other  writing  hereon  made by  anyone),  for the  purpose of any
exercise hereof,  and of any distribution to the holder(s)  hereof,  and for all
other  purposes,  and the  Company  shall not be  affected  by any notice to the
contrary.





                                       20
<PAGE>

     All terms used in this Warrant Certificate which are defined in the Warrant
Agreement shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Warrant Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this certificate this __th
day of _______, 1997.

                                    STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION

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


[SEAL]

ATTEST:

By:----------------------------








                                       21
<PAGE>


                               FORM OF ASSIGNMENT


(To be executed by the registered  holder if such holder desires to transfer the
Warrant Certificate.)

FOR VALUE RECEIVED ___________________________________ hereby sells, assigns and
transfers unto __________________________________ (Please print name and address
of  transferee)  this Warrant  Certificate,  together with all right,  title and
interest   therein,   and  does  hereby   irrevocably   constitute  and  appoint
____________________________________ Attorney,  to transfer  the within  Warrant
Certificate on the books of STARTEC Global Communications Corporation, with full
power of substitution.


Dated:                                  Signature:

- ----------------------------            ----------------------------------------
                                        (Signature  must conform in all respects
                                        to the name of  holder as  specified  on
                                        the face of the Warrant Certificate.)


                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (Insert Social Security or Other
                                        Indemnifying Number of Holder)







                                       22
<PAGE>


                          FORM OF ELECTION TO PURCHASE

         The  undersigned  hereby  irrevocably  elects to  exercise  the  right,
represented by this Warrant Certificate, to purchase:

_______ Shares


and herewith tenders in payment for such securities the amount of $____________,
in  accordance  with the terms of this  Warrant  Certificate  and of the Warrant
Agreement.  The  undersigned  requests that a certificate for such securities be
registered in the name of _______________________________________, whose address
is ____________________________________________________________________________,
and that such Certificate be delivered to _____________________________________,
whose address is _______________________________________________________________
____________________________________________.


Dated:                                  Signature:

- -------------------------               ----------------------------------------
                                        (Signature  must conform in all respects
                                        to the name  of holder  as  specified on
                                        the face of the Warrant Certificate.)


                                        ----------------------------------------
                                        (Insert Social Security or Other
                                        Indemnifying Number of Holder)



                                       23





                            CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENT



                                 BY AND BETWEEN



                              S T A R T E C, I N C.


                                       AND


                                   SIGNET BANK







                           Executed as of July 1, 1997





<PAGE>




                        TABLE OF CONTENTS


ARTICLE 1: THE CREDIT FACILITIES   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1.      Line of Credit Facility  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.1.    Establishment of Credit Facility   . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.2.    Facility Maturity  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.3.    Use of Proceeds  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.4.    Line of Credit Note  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.1.5.    Interest   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.5.1. Establishment of Portions   . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.5.2. Interest Rate Determination   . . . . . . . .
          1.1.5.3. Selection of Rate Index   . . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.5.4. Applicable Rate Margins   . . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.5.5. Calculation of Interest   . . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.5.6. Special LIBO Rate Provisions  . . . . . . . .

1.1.6.    Repayment and Prepayment   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          1.1.6.1. Periodic Interest Payments  . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.6.2. Principal Payments -- Commitment
                   Reduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.6.3. Principal Payments -- Periodic Sweep of Excess
                   Cash Flow
          1.1.6.4. At Maturity or Termination  . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.6.5. Prepayments   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.6.6. Principal Repayment -- Automatic  . . . . . .
          1.1.6.7. Default Interest Payment  . . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.6.8. Application of Payments   . . . . . . . . . .
          1.1.6.9. Availability For Reborrowing  . . . . . . . .

1.2.      Term Loan Facility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.3.      Determination of Commitment Amounts  . . . . . . . . .

          1.3.1. Initial Commitment  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.3.2. Determination of Borrowing Base   . . . . . . .
          1.3.3. Voluntary Reduction of Commitment . . . . . . .

1.4.      Advances   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          1.4.1. Requesting Advances   . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.4.2. Funding Advances  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.4.3. Automatic Line of Credit Advances   . . . . . .
          1.4.4. Obligation to Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.4.5. Indemnification for Revocation or Failure
                 to Satisfy Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.5.      Payments in General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          1.5.1. Manner and Place  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.5.2. Special Payment Timing Issues . . . . . . . . .
          1.5.3. Application of Payments   . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.5.4. Debiting Accounts   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.5.5. Default Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.5.6. Usury Savings Provision   . . . . . . . . . . .

1.6.      Release of Security  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1.7.      Fees and Other Compensation  . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          1.7.1. Commitment Fee  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.7.2. Periodic Facility Fee   . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.7.3. Issuance of Warrants  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          1.7.4. Other Fees  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.8.      Issuance of Letters of Credit.   . . . . . . . . . . .


ARTICLE 2: CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1.      Closing Conditions   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          2.1.1.    Compliance   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                    2.1.1.1.    Fees and Expenses  . . . . . . .
                    2.1.1.2.    Representations  . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.1.3.    No Default   . . . . . . . . . .

          2.1.2.    Documents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                    2.1.2.1     Credit Agreement   . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.2     Promissory Note  . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.3.    Scurity Agreement and Related
                                Documents  . . . . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.4.    Intellectual Property Security
                                Agreements . . . . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.5.    Estoppels and Consent Agreements
                    2.1.2.6.    Owners' Pledge and Security
                                Agreement  . . . . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2 7.    Warrants   . . . . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.8.    Insurance  . . . . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.9.    Solvency Certificates  . . . . .
                    2.1.2.10.   Compliance Certificates  . . . .
                    2.1.2.11.   Opinions of Counsel  . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.12    Payoff Instructions for Prior
                                Indebtedness . . . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.13.   Authorization Documents --
                                Borrower   . . . . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.14.   Authorization Documents -- Other
                                Than Borrower  . . . . . . . . .
                    2.1.2.15.   Officer's Certificates   . . . .
                    2.1.2.16.   Other Documents  . . . . . . . .

 2.2.     Line of Credit Advances  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

           2.2.1.   Advance Request  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
           2.2.2.   Cash Flow Leverage   . . . . . . . . . . . .
           2.2.3.   Other Documents  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
           2.2.4.   Compliance   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

                    2.2.4.1.    Fees and Expenses  . . . . . . .
                    2.2.4.2.    Representations  . . . . . . . .
                    2.2.4.3.    No Default   . . . . . . . . . .

ARTICLE 3: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES  . . . . . . . . . . .

3.1.      Organization and Good Standing   . . . . . . . . . . .
3.2.      Power and Authority  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.3.      Validity and Legal Effect  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.4.      No Violation of Laws or Agreements   . . . . . . . . .
3.5.      Title to Assets; Existing Encumbrances;
          Intellectual and Real Property   . . . . . . . . . . .
3.6.      Capital Structure and Equity Ownership   . . . . . . .
3.7.      Subsidiaries, Affiliates and Investments . . . . . . .
3.8.      Material Contracts   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.9.      Licenses and Authorizations  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.10.     Taxes and Assessments  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.11.     Litigation and Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . .
3.12.     Accuracy of Financial Information  . . . . . . . . . .
3.13.     Accuracy of Other Information  . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.14.     Compliance with Laws Generally   . . . . . . . . . . .
3.15.     ERISA Compliance   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.16.     Environmental Compliance   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.17.     Margin Rule Compliance   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.18.     Fees and Commissions   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.19.     Solvency   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3.20.     FCC and State PUC-Related Representations  . . . . . .

          3.20.1.   No Unresolved Application, Complaint
                    or Proceeding  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          3.20.2.   Status and Renewal of Licenses   . . . . . .


ARTICLE 4: AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.1.      Financial Covenants and Ratios   . . . . . . . . . . .

          4.1.1.    Monthly Net Revenue to Senior Funded Debt  .
          4.1.2.    Minimum Subscribers.   . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.1.3.    Interest Coverage Ratio  . . . . . . . . . .
          4.1.4.    Cash Flow Leverage Ratio . . . . . . . . . .

4.2.      Periodic Financial Statements  . . . . . . . . . . . .

          4.2.1.    Monthly Reporting  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.2.2.    Quarterly Financial Statements . . . . . . .
          4.2.3.    Annual Financial Statements  . . . . . . . .

4.3.      Other Financial and Specialized Reports  . . . . . . .
4.4       Fiscal Year  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.5.      Books and Records; Maintenance of Properties   . . . .
4.6.      Existence and Good Standing  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.7.      Deposit Accounts   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.8.      Insurance; Disaster Contingency  . . . . . . . . . . .

          4.8.1.    General Insurance Provisions   . . . . . . .
          4.8.2.    Disaster Recovery and Contingency Program  .

4.9.      Loan Purpose   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.10.     Taxes  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.11.     Management Changes   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.12.     Litigation and Administrative Proceedings  . . . . . .
4.13.     Monitoring Compliance with Loan Documents; Occurrence
          of Defaults and Material Adverse Effects   . . . . . .
4.14.     Compliance with Laws   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          4.14.1.   General  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.14.2.   ERISA  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.14.3.   Environmental  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.14.4.   Communications   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.15.     Further Actions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          4.15.1.   Additional Collateral  . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.15.2.   Further Assurances   . . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.15.3.   Estoppel Certificate   . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.15.4.   Waivers and Consents   . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.15.5.   Additional Material Contracts, Licenses
                    Land Authorizations  . . . . . . . . . . . .
          4.15.6.   Access and Audits  . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.16.     Costs and Expenses   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.17.     Other Information  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.18.     Payment by Account Debtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4.19.     FCC and State PUC-Related Affirmative Covenants  . . .

          4.19.1.   Service Interruption  30
          4.19.2.   FCC and State PUC Correspondence, Orders and
                    Filings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.20.     Post-Closing Items   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          4.20.1.   Restructuring of Borrower and Release of
                    Equity Pledge  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
          4.20.2.   Foreign Qualifications   . . . . . . . . . .
          4.20.3.   State PUC Authorizations and Approvals   . .
          4.20.4.   Primary Estoppels and Consents   . . . . . .
          4.20.5.   Secondary Estoppels and Consents   . . . . .
          4.20.6.   Payoff Letters and Termination Statements. .


ARTICLE 5: NEGATIVE COVENANTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.1.      Capital Expenditures   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.2.      Additional Indebtedness  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.3.      Guaranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.4.      Loans  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.5.      Liens and Encumbrances; Negative Pledge  . . . . . . .
5.6.      Transfer of Assets   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.7.      Acquisitions and Investments   . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.8.      New Ventures; Mergers  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.9.      Transactions with Affiliates   . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.10.     Distributions or Dividends   . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.11.     Payment of Subordinated Indebtedness   . . . . . . . .
5.12.     Payment of Management Fees   . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.13.     Issuance of Additional Equity  . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.14.     Removal of Assets  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5.15.     Modifications to Organic Documents   . . . . . . . . .
5.16.     Modifications to Material Relationships  . . . . . . .
5.17.     Margin Stock Restrictions; Other Federal Statutes  . .


ARTICLE 6: ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL AND RIGHT OF SET OFF  . . . . .

6.1.      Additional Collateral  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.2.      Right of Set-Off   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.3.      Additional Rights  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

ARTICLE 7: DEFAULT AND REMEDIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7.1.      Events of Default  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.1.    Payment Obligations  . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.2.    Representations and Warranties   . . . . . .
          7.1.3.    Financial Covenants  . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.4.    Other Covenants in Loan Documents  . . . . .
          7.1.5.    Default Under Other Agreements with Lender .
          7.1.6.    Default Under Material Agreements with Other
                    Parties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.7.    Security Interest  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.8.    Change of Control  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.9.    Government Action  . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.10.   Insolvency   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.11.   Additional Liabilities   . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.12.   Business Interruption  . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.1.13.   FCC and Other Regulatory-Action Defaults   .
          7.1.14.   Material Adverse Change  . . . . . . . . . .

 7.2.     Remedies   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

          7.2.1.    General; Acceleration  . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.2.2.    Other  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          7.2.3.    Special FCC and State PUC-Related Remedies


ARTICLE 8: DEFINITIONS   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8.1.      Definitions  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.2.      Rules of Interpretation and Construction   . . . . . .

          8.2.1.    Plural; Gender   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
          8.2.2.    Financial and Accounting Terms   . . . . . .
          8.2.3.    Independence of Covenants and Defaults   . .


ARTICLE 9: Miscellaneous   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

9.1.      Indemnification, Reliance and Assumption of Risk
          Provisions   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.2.      Assignments and Participations   . . . . . . . . . . .
9.3.      No Waiver; Delay   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.4.      Modification and Amendment   . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.5.      Disclosure of Information to Third Parties   . . . . .
9.6.      Binding Effect and Governing Law   . . . . . . . . . .
9.7.      Notices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.8.      Headings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.9.      Time of Day  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.10.     Relationship with Prior Agreements   . . . . . . . . .
9.11.     Severability   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.12.     Termination and Survival   . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.13.     Reinstatement  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.14.     Counterparts   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.15.     Conflict Provision   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.16      Waiver of Suretyship Defenses  . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.17.     Waiver of Liability  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9.18.     Forum Selection; Consent to Jurisdiction   . . . . . .
9.19.     Waiver of Jury Trial   . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .






                                       2
<PAGE>







SCHEDULES AND EXHIBITS:

Schedules:

 Schedule 1.1.3   Indebtedness Satisfied with Proceeds
 Schedule 1.4.2   Funding Instructions
 Schedule 3.1     Good Standing / Foreign Qualification
                  Jurisdictions
 Schedule 3.2     Missing Consents
 Schedule 3.4     Existing Violations
 Schedule 3.5     Existing Encumbrances
 Schedule 3.5A    Intellectual Property
 Schedule 3.5B    Real Property Interests
 Schedule 3.5C    Operating Names / Trade Names
 Schedule 3.6     Capital Structure / Equity Ownership
 Schedule 3.7     Subsidiaries, Affiliates & Investments
 Schedule 3.8     Material Contracts
 Schedule 3.9     Licenses and Authorizations
 Schedule 3.10    Taxes and Assessments
 Schedule 3.11    Material Litigation
 Schedule 3.18    Fees and Commissions
 Schedule 3.20    Pending FCC Matters
 Schedule 4.7     Existing Deposit Accounts
 Schedule 5.2     Permitted Additional Indebtedness
 Schedule 5.5     Permitted Additional Liens


Exhibits:

 Exhibit 1.4.1    Form of Advance Request
 Exhibit 4.2      Form of Periodic Compliance Certificate
 Exhibit 4.2.1(a) Form of Monthly Financial Statements
 Exhibit 4.2.1(b) Form of Monthly Borrowing Base Certificate
 Exhibit 4.2.3    Form of Debt Compliance Letter






                                       3
<PAGE>



                            CREDIT FACILITY AGREEMENT

          THE CREDIT FACILITY  AGREEMENT (as defined in Article 8 hereof,  along
with all other defined terms, this "Agreement") is made and effective as of July
1, 1997,  by and  between  STARTEC,  INC.  (as more  fully  defined in Article 8
hereof,  "Borrower") and SIGNET BANK (as more fully defined in Article 8 hereof,
"Lender").

                                 R E C I T A L S

          WHEREAS,  Borrower  desires  and has  applied  to Lender  for a credit
facility consisting of a line of credit arrangement  pursuant to which up to $15
million  (subject to adjustment  pursuant to Section 1.3 hereof) can be borrowed
from time to time on a senior secured basis; and

          WHEREAS,  Lender is willing to accommodate the request for credit upon
and subject to the terms, conditions and provisions of the Loan Documents;

          NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration  of the covenants  and  agreements
contained  in the Loan  Documents,  and other good and  valuable  consideration,
receipt and  sufficiency of which are hereby  acknowledged,  and intending to be
legally bound hereby, Borrower and Lender hereby agree as follows:

                        ARTICLE 1: THE CREDIT FACILlTIES

     1.1.      Line of Credit Facility.

               1.1.1. Establishment of Credit Facility. Subject to the terms and
conditions of and in reliance upon the representations and warranties  contained
in the Loan  Documents,  Lender will lend funds to Borrower on a senior  secured
basis from time to time prior to the Line of Credit Maturity Date (as determined
in  accordance  with Section  1.1.2  hereof) in an aggregate  amount at any time
outstanding  not to exceed  the  Available  Credit  Portion  (as  determined  in
accordance with Section 1.3 hereof).

               1.1.2. Facility Maturity. The Line of Credit Facility will mature
on December 31, 1999 (as may be extended  from time to time in Lender's sole and
absolute discretion, "Line of Credit Maturity Date").

               1.1.3.  Use of Proceeds.  The funds  advanced  under this Line of
Credit Facility may be used exclusively as follows:

               a.   For  general   working   capital  and  other  allowable  and
                    legitimate  corporate   expenditures   (including,   without
                    limitation,  for costs  associated with (i) marketing to and
                    retaining of new customers,  and (ii) the growth of accounts
                    receivable,  and  (iii) the  expansion  of  domestic  switch
                    capacity,  overseas gateways,  and fiber lines, and (iv) the
                    support of monthly accounts payable for line charges); and

               b.   To satisfy the subordinated indebtedness owed by Borrower to
                    the various Persons listed on Schedule 1.1.3 hereto; and

               c.   To renew,  continue,  restructure and refinance the $500,000
                    (plus accrued  interest) of indebtedness owed by Borrower to
                    Lender under the Business  Loan  Agreement  dated as of June
                    11, 1997, and

               d.   The balance of the Available  Credit Portion (if any) to pay
                    (i) for closing costs and fees associated with  consummating
                    and  documenting  the  transactions   contemplated  by  this
                    Agreement,  and (ii) for such other purposes as specifically
                    authorized  hereunder  or in  writing by Lender (in its sole
                    and 


                                       4
<PAGE>




                    absolute discretion).

               1.1.4.  Line of Credit Note. The  indebtedness  under the Line of
Credit  Facility and the  corresponding  obligation  of Borrower to repay Lender
with  interest  in  accordance  with the terms  hereof will be  evidenced  by an
Amended  and  Restated  Line of Credit  Note (as  amended,  restated,  replaced,
supplemented,  extended or renewed hereafter,  "Line of Credit Note") payable to
the order of Lender.  The Line of Credit Note will be due and payable in full on
the Line of Credit  Maturity  Date. The stated  principal  amount of the Line of
Credit Note will be the Line of Credit Commitment  established as of the Closing
Date  pursuant  to Section  1.3  hereof;  provided,  however,  that the  maximum
liability  under  such Line of Credit  Note will be  limited at all times to the
actual amount of indebtedness (including principal, interest, fees and expenses)
then outstanding under the Line of Credit Facility. Lender is authorized to note
or endorse the date and amount of each  Advance  and  payment  under the Line of
Credit Facility on a schedule  annexed to and constituting a part of the Line of
Credit Note. Such notations or  endorsements,  if made,  will  constitute  prima
facie evidence of the  information  noted or endorsed on such schedule,  but the
absence of any such notation or endorsement  will not limit or otherwise  affect
the obligations and liabilities of Borrower thereunder or hereunder.

               1.1.5. Interest.  Interest under the Line of Credit Facility (and
with respect to any other amounts advanced to or on behalf of Borrower under the
Loan  Documents) will be determined and imposed in accordance with the following
provisions (and, as applicable, Section 1.5.5 hereof and Section 1.5.6 hereof):

                      1.1.5.1.     Establishment of Portions. For
purposes of  determining  interest,  Borrower may  designate  and  subdivide the
aggregate  outstanding  balance under the Line of Credit Facility (including any
other  amounts  advanced to or on behalf of Borrower  under the Loan  Documents)
into a maximum  of three (3)  Portions.  No  Portion  may be less than  $100,000
(unless it is designated as $0.00 or the aggregate outstanding balance under the
Line of Credit  Facility  is less than  $100,000  or such  Portion  is  accruing
interest based upon the Prime Rate),  and all Portions  collectively  must total
the aggregate outstanding balance under the Line of Credit Facility. If there is
less than $200,000 outstanding under the Line of Credit Facility,  then only one
Portion will be permitted.

                      1.1.5.2.   Interest  Rate  Determination.   The  aggregate
outstanding  principal  balance under each Portion will bear interest  (computed
daily until paid, whether prior to



                                       5
<PAGE>



or after the Line of Credit  Maturity  Date) at the  applicable  Rate  Index (as
determined in accordance  with Section  1.1.5.3 hereof) plus the applicable Rate
Margin (as determined in accordance with Section 1.1.5.4  hereof).  If the Prime
Rate is the applicable Rate Index for a Portion,  then the interest rate on such
Portion will change when and as the Prime Rate or Rate Margin changes; and if an
Adjusted LIBO Rate is the applicable Rate Index for a Portion, then the interest
rate on such  Portion  will be  established  on the first  day of each  Interest
Period for such Portion and will not change during such Interest Period,  except
as  otherwise  permitted  under  Section  1.1.5.6  hereof.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing, the applicable interest rate for the entire outstanding balance under
the Line of Credit  Facility from the Closing Date until the first date on which
the Rate Index may be  changed  under  Section  1.1.5.3  hereof  will be 9.8086%
(i.e.,  the Adjusted LIBO Rate applicable for a 3-month period as of the Closing
Date plus Rate Margin of 4% per annum).

                      1.1.5.3.  Selection  of Rate Index.  The  applicable  Rate
Index for each Portion  will be either the Prime Rate or an Adjusted  LIBO Rate.
The  applicable  Rate Index for each  Portion may be changed (at the election of
Borrower) as of the first calendar day after the end of the applicable  Interest
Period for such Portion.  At least three (3) Business Days but not more than ten
(10)  Business  Days  before  any day on which the Rate  Index  may be  changed,
Borrower  (through an  Authorized  Officer) must notify Lender in writing of (a)
the dollar amount of each Portion (if more than one exists) and (b) the selected
Rate Index for each Portion during the  subsequent  rate period  (including,  if
applicable,  the selected  length of the Interest  Period for balances  accruing
interest at the  Adjusted  LIBO Rate).  If Lender does not timely  receive  such
written  notification  as to any  Portion,  then  the  Prime  Rate  will  be the
applicable  Rate Index for the entire  outstanding  balance of such  unspecified
Portion during the subsequent  Interest Period.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,
with respect to the proceeds of each Advance under the Line of Credit  Facility,
unless  Borrower  otherwise  requests the Adjusted LIBO Rate at the time of such
Advance (and an otherwise  unallocated Portion then exists), then the Prime Rate
will be the applicable  Rate Index from the  corresponding  Settlement  Date for
such  Advance  until  the next  date on  which  the Rate  Index  may be  changed
hereunder.

                      1.1.5.4.   Applicable   Rate  Margins.   The  Rate  Margin
applicable to the Line of Credit Facility will be 4.0% for each Portion accruing
interest at the Adjusted LIBO Rate and 2.0% for each Portion  accruing  interest
at the Prime Rate.

                      1.1.5.5.  Calculation of Interest. Interest under the Line
of Credit Facility will be calculated,


                                       6
<PAGE>



accrued,  imposed  and  payable  on the basis of a 360-day  year for the  actual
number  of days  elapsed.  Interest  will  begin to  accrue  on the  outstanding
principal  amount  of the Line of  Credit  Facility  (and on any  other  amounts
advanced to or on behalf of Borrower under the Loan  Documents) on and as of the
date such funds are advanced.

                      1.1.5.6.  Special  LIBO  Rate  Provisions.  The  following
provisions  will apply with respect to the Adjusted  LIBO Rate,  notwithstanding
any other provision hereof:

                                   a. Change in Adjusted LIBO Rate. The Adjusted
LIBO  Rate  may be  automatically  adjusted  by  Lender  from  time to time on a
prospective basis to account for any additional or increased cost of maintaining
any necessary reserves for Eurodollar deposits  (including,  without limitation,
any increase in the Reserve Percentage) or increased costs due to changes in the
applicable law occurring  subsequent to the commencement of the  then-applicable
Adjusted LIBO Rate Interest Period. Lender will give Borrower notice of any such
determination and adjustment within a reasonable period of time thereafter,  and
(upon written  request) Lender will furnish a statement  setting forth the basis
for adjusting such Adjusted LIBO Rate and the method for  determining the amount
of such  adjustment.  A  determination  by Lender  hereunder  will be conclusive
absent manifest  error.  If Lender provides any such notice of adjustment  under
this  Subsection,  then  Borrower may elect to change the  then-applicable  Rate
Index  (using the same Rate Margin  category)  to the Prime Rate for any Portion
then subject to an Adjusted  LIBO Rate.  Such  election to change the Rate Index
may be made by providing  Lender  written  notice thereof at any time within the
first 10 Business  Days after  receipt of the notice of  adjustment  from Lender
(notwithstanding  the restriction  hereunder limiting such Rate Index changes to
certain  dates,  but subject to the  requirement to pay actual costs incurred by
Lender as described in Section 1.1.6.5.e hereof).  Upon Lender's receipt of such
a written  election,  the  identified  Portion  will  thereupon  begin to accrue
interest  at the Prime  Rate plus the Rate  Margin (as  applicable  for the same
Leverage  Ratio level as was  previously  applicable for the Adjusted LIBO Rate)
for the remainder of the then-current Interest Period for such Portion.

                                   b.  Unavailability  of Eurodollar  Funds.  An
Adjusted  LIBO Rate will not be  available  for the Line of Credit  Facility  if
Lender  at any time  determines  or  reasonably  believes  that  (1)  Eurodollar
deposits equal to the amount of principal  under the Line of Credit Facility for
the applicable  Interest  Period are  unavailable,  or (2) an Adjusted LIBO Rate
will not adequately  and fairly  reflect the cost of


                                       7
<PAGE>




maintaining  balances  under  the Line of Credit  Facility,  or (3) by reason of
circumstances affecting Eurodollar markets, adequate and reasonable means do not
then exist for  ascertaining  an Adjusted  LIBO Rate.  Lender will give Borrower
notice of any such event within a reasonable time thereafter,  and (upon written
request)  Lender  will  furnish  a  statement  setting  forth the basis for such
determination  or  reasonable  belief.  A  determination  or  belief  by  Lender
hereunder will be conclusive absent manifest error.

                                   c.  Illegality.  An  Adjusted  LIBO Rate will
also not be  available  for the Line of  Credit  Facility  if Lender at any time
determines or  reasonably  believes that it is unlawful or impossible to fund or
maintain sufficient Eurodollar liabilities for the Line of Credit Facility under
an Adjusted LIBO Rate. Lender will give Borrower notice of any such event within
a reasonable time  thereafter,  and (upon written request) Lender will furnish a
statement setting forth the basis for such determination or reasonable belief. A
determination or belief by Lender  hereunder will be conclusive  absent manifest
error.

                                   d. Alternative Rate. During the occurrence of
an event  contemplated  by either Clause "b" of this Subsection or Clause "c" of
this  Subsection,  Lender's  obligation  hereunder to fund or maintain  balances
under an  Adjusted  LIBO Rate will be  suspended,  and during such  period,  the
outstanding  balance under the Line of Credit Facility will bear interest at the
Prime Rate plus the  appropriate  Rate Margin  (determined  in  accordance  with
Section 1.1.5.4 hereof).

               1.1.6. Repayment and Prepayment.  Borrower hereby promises to pay
Lender the aggregate  indebtedness  under the Line of Credit Facility (and other
Loan Documents) in accordance with the following provisions:

                      1.1.6.1.  Periodic  Interest  Payments.  Interest  accrued
under the Line of Credit  Facility will be due and payable  quarterly in arrears
on the first calendar day following the end of each such quarter and also on the
first  calendar day following  the end of each  Interest  Period for any Portion
accruing  interest at an Adjusted  LIBO Rate,  commencing on the first such date
after the Closing Date.

                      1.1.6.2.   Principal  Payments  --  Commitment  Reduction.
Intentionally Blank.

                      1.1.6.3.  Principal  Payments -- Periodic  Sweep of Excess
Cash Flow. Intentionally Blank


                                       8
<PAGE>



                      1.1.6.4. At Maturity or Termination.  The entire aggregate
outstanding indebtedness under the Line of Credit Facility (including principal,
interest,  fees and expenses) is due and payable in its entirety in  immediately
available  funds  on the  Line of  Credit  Maturity  Date.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  the  entire  aggregate  outstanding  indebtedness  under the Line of
Credit Facility (including all principal,  interest,  fees and expenses) will be
due and payable in its entirety in immediately  available funds upon any earlier
termination of either the Line of Credit Commitment, the Line of Credit Facility
or this Agreement.

                      1.1.6.5. Prepayments.

                                    a. Voluntary  Prepayments.  The  outstanding
principal  balance under the Line of Credit  Facility may be prepaid in whole or
in part at any time without premium or penalty, except as provided in Clause "e"
of this Subsection.

                                    b.   Mandatory   Prepayments   --  Excessive
Balance.  If the  aggregate  outstanding  indebtedness  under the Line of Credit
Facility at any time exceeds the  Available  Credit  Portion (as  determined  in
accordance with Section 1.3 hereof), then such excess amount outstanding must be
prepaid  immediately  (without necessity of notice or demand by Lender).  If any
funds are  advanced or costs are  incurred  by Lender on behalf of Borrower  (as
protective  advances or otherwise)  pursuant to any Loan  Documents,  other than
Advances  pursuant to Section 1.4 hereof,  then such advances or costs must also
be repaid to Lender immediately (without necessity of notice or demand).

                                    c. Mandatory  Prepayments -- Asset Sales. If
Borrower  sells,  transfers  or  otherwise  disposes  of any assets  (other than
inventory  or other  assets sold in the  ordinary  course of  business  with the
proceeds  thereof  promptly  reinvested in similar assets at similar  locations)
exceeding  an  aggregate  fair  market  value of  $150,000  in any  twelve  (12)
consecutive  calendar  months,  then (unless Lender  otherwise  consents,  which
consent  may not be  unreasonably  withheld  while no  Default is  occurring)  a
prepayment must be immediately  made on the outstanding  indebtedness  under the
Line of Credit Facility. The amount of any such mandatory prepayment will be the
higher of the cash  proceeds or the cash  equivalent of the fair market value of
any such asset  dispositions  net of (1)  reasonable  commissions  and  expenses
actually   incurred  to  unrelated   third  parties  in  connection   with  such
transactions and (2) taxes actually due as a direct result of such  transactions
(as such taxes are estimated and certified to Lender by an acceptable  certified
public


                                       9
<PAGE>



accountant or the chief financial officer).

                                    d. In General. Any prepayment under the Line
of Credit  Facility must include all accrued but unpaid  interest under the Line
of Credit  Facility  allocable  to the amount  prepaid  through the date of such
prepayment.

                                    e.  Adjusted  LIBO  Rate   Prepayments.   In
connection with any prepayment of all or any portion of the outstanding  balance
under the Line of  Credit  Facility  upon  which an  Adjusted  LIBO Rate is then
applicable  on any day other than the last day of an Interest  Period -- whether
such prepayment is voluntary, mandatory, by demand, acceleration or otherwise --
Borrower  must pay Lender all costs,  losses  and  expenses  (including  funding
costs) that may arise or be incurred as a result of or in  connection  with such
prepayment, as such costs, losses and expenses may be calculated by Lender. Upon
written  request,  Lender will furnish a statement  setting  forth the basis for
such  calculation.  A determination  or calculation by Lender  hereunder will be
conclusive absent manifest error.

                      1.1.6.6. Principal Repayment -- Automatic. Notwithstanding
the foregoing,  if Cash Management  Agreements have been executed and are at the
time effective,  then principal amounts  outstanding from time to time under the
Line of Credit Facility will also be repaid from time to time in accordance with
such Cash Management Agreements.

                      1.1.6.7.  Default Interest Payment.  Any payment hereunder
or under the Line of Credit Note during the  existence  of a Default or an Event
of Default  hereunder  must  include  the payment of any  default  interest  due
pursuant to Section 1.5.5 hereof.

                      1.1.6.8.   Application  of  Payments.  Payments  hereunder
(including prepayments) will be applied in accordance with Section 1.5.3 hereof.
Notwithstanding the foregoing,  payments and prepayments  allocable to principal
under the Line of Credit  Facility  will be applied to repay  Portions  accruing
interest at the Prime Rate first and then to repay Portions accruing interest at
the Adjusted LIBO Rate (applying  first to Portions  having the Interest  Period
with the longest remaining time to maturity).

                      1.1.6.9.  Availability For Reborrowing.  Principal amounts
repaid or prepaid under the Line of Credit  Facility prior to the Line of Credit
Maturity  Date will be available for  reborrowing  pursuant to and in accordance
with the terms hereof up to the Available Credit Portion.


                                       10
<PAGE>



     1.2.      Term Loan Facility.  Intentionally Blank.

     1.3.      Determination of Commitment Amounts.

               1.3.1.  Initial Commitment.  Upon the execution of this Agreement
and  satisfaction  of the conditions  precedent set forth in Section 2.1 hereof,
the Line of Credit Commitment established hereunder will be $10.0 million ("Line
of Credit Commitment").

               1.3.2.  Determination  of Borrowing  Base.  From the Closing Date
through  December 31, 1997,  the Current Line of Credit  Commitment  will be $10
million.  After  December  31,  1997,  the  Current  Line of  Credit  Commitment
hereunder  will be the  lesser  of (a)  $15.0  million  or (b)  85% of  Eligible
Accounts.

Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  the maximum  amount of credit  available at any
time under the Line of Credit Facility may not exceed the amount  resulting from
the following formula:

               a.   The Current Line of Credit Commitment,

               b.   Minus the then-aggregate  amount of all prepayments relating
                    to asset sales  required  to have been paid to Lender  since
                    the Closing Date under Section 1.1.6.5.c hereof, and

               c.   Minus  the  aggregate  amount  of all  voluntary  commitment
                    reductions requested under Section 1.3.3 hereof, and

               d.   Minus the  aggregate  outstanding  amount (at face value) of
                    all  letters of credit  issued by Lender  (or any  Affiliate
                    thereof)  on behalf or for the  account  of  Borrower  under
                    Section 1.8 hereof or otherwise.

(Collectively,  the amount  resulting  from the equation  under  categories  "a"
through  "d" above is  sometimes  referred  to herein as the  "Available  Credit
Portion".)  On the  effective  date  of any  such  reduction  in the  amount  of
available credit, a prepayment must be made to the extent required under Section
1.1.6.5.b hereof.

               1.3.3.  Voluntary  Reduction of  Commitment.  Upon giving  Lender
prior written  notice of at least ten (10) Business  Days,  Borrower at any time
and from  time to time may  reduce  the  Current  Line of Credit  Commitment  in
multiples of $100,000. On the effective date of any such reduction, a prepayment
must be made to the extent  required under Section  1.1.6.5.b  hereof.  Any




                                       11
<PAGE>



such  reduction in the Line of Credit  Commitment  will be  permanent,  and such
Commitment cannot thereafter be increased without the written consent of Lender.

     1.4.      Advances.

               1.4.1.  Requesting  Advances.  To request an Advance (except with
respect to the initial Advances on the Closing Date or as otherwise  provided in
Section 1.4.3 hereof), Borrower (through an Authorized Officer) must give Lender
written  notice  (or  verbal  notice  by  telephone   with   immediate   written
confirmation  to  follow) at least two (2)  Business  Days but not more than ten
(10) Business Days prior to the requested Settlement Date for such Advance (such
notice,  an "Advance  Request").  Each Advance  Request,  together  with certain
certifications,  must be  substantially  in the form of Exhibit  1.4.1 hereto or
such other form as Lender from time to time may reasonably request. Each Advance
under the Line of Credit  Facility  pursuant to an Advance Request must be in an
amount of at least $10,000 or in a multiple of $10,000 in excess thereof and not
greater  than the  un-borrowed  balance  of the  Available  Credit  Portion  (as
determined under Section 1.3 hereof). Unless Lender otherwise consents, Borrower
may only request up to ten (10) Advances per month.

               1.4.2.  Funding  Advances.  Subject  to the  satisfaction  of and
compliance with the terms and conditions hereof (including,  as applicable,  the
conditions  precedent  specified in Section 2.2  hereof),  Lender will make each
requested  Advance available by crediting such amount to the Account with Lender
(or by such  other  means as Lender may  consider  reasonable).  At the  written
request and expense of Borrower, Lender will wire transfer all or any portion of
an Advance in accordance with such written instructions  therefor.  By executing
this  Agreement,  Borrower  hereby  requests Lender to make and fund the initial
Advances in accordance with the funding instructions  attached as Schedule 1.4.2
hereto.

               1.4.3.  Automatic  Line of Credit  Advances.  If Cash  Management
Agreements  have  been  executed  and  are  effective,   then  the  request  and
disbursement of Advances under the Line of Credit Facility may also be processed
automatically in accordance with such Cash Management Agreements.

               1.4.4.  Obligation  to Advance.  Lender will not be  obligated to
make any Advance under the following  circumstances  (other than with respect to
an Advance by Lender automatically occurring pursuant to Section 1 8 hereof upon
a draw under a letter of credit):  (a) if the  principal  amount of such Advance
plus the aggregate  amount  outstanding  under the Line of Credit


                                       12
<PAGE>




Facility would exceed the Available Credit Portion,  or (b) during the existence
of a Default  or an Event of Default  hereunder,  or (c) if such  Advance  would
cause a Default or Event of Default  hereunder,  or (d) after the Line of Credit
Maturity Date.

               1.4.5.  Indemnification  for  Revocation  or  Failure  to Satisfy
Conditions.  Borrower will indemnify  Lender  against any loss,  cost or expense
incurred by Lender as a result of any revocation of any requested Advance or any
failure to fulfill the  applicable  conditions  precedent  to such Advance on or
before the  requested  Settlement  Date  specified in an Advance  Request.  Such
indemnification  will include,  without  limitation,  any loss,  cost or expense
incurred  by reason of the  liquidation  or  reemployment  of funds  required by
Lender to fund the Advance when such Advance,  as a result of such  failure,  is
not made on the requested  Settlement Date. Lender's calculation of such losses,
costs and expenses will be conclusive absent manifest error.

     1.5.      Payments in General.

               1.5.1.  Manner and Place.  All payments of  principal,  interest,
fees and other amounts due under the Loan  Documents  must be received by Lender
in  immediately  available  funds in U.S.  dollars (and  without any  deduction,
offset,  netting or  counterclaim)  on or before  Twelve  O'Clock  (12:00)  noon
Eastern Time ("ET") on the due date therefor at the  principal  office of Lender
set  forth in  Notice  Section  hereof  or at such  other  place as  Lender  may
designate from time to time.

               1.5.2. Special Payment Timing Issues.  Whenever any payment to be
made under any Loan  Document is due on a day that is not a Business  Day,  such
payment may be made on the next  succeeding  Business Day, and such extension of
time will be included in the  computation  of interest under such Loan Document.
Any funds received by Lender after 12:00 noon ET on any day will be deemed to be
received on the next succeeding Business Day.

               1.5.3.  Application  of  Payments.  All  payments and other funds
received by Lender  hereunder will be applied by Lender in the following  order:
(a) first to the payment of any fees and  charges due under the Loan  Documents,
and (b) then to any  obligations  for the payment of expenses due under the Loan
Documents,  and (c) then to the payment of interest due and owing hereunder, and
(d) then to the principal  indebtedness  due under the Line of Credit  Facility,
and (e) then to any other interest accrued hereunder,  and (f) then to any other
indebtedness of Borrower or other Obligor to Lender.

               1.5.4.  Debiting  Accounts.  Borrower hereby authorizes Lender to
charge any  account of  Borrower  maintained  at


                                       13
<PAGE>




Lender  or at any  Affiliate  of  Lender  (including,  without  limitation,  the
Account) for all or any part of any payment of principal,  interest, fees and/or
expenses due under the Loan Documents or otherwise due to Lender (including,  if
applicable, as due under and in accordance with the Cash Management Agreements).

               1.5.5.  Default  Interest.  During the  existence  of an Event of
Default hereunder,  Borrower hereby agrees (to the maximum extent not prohibited
by  applicable  law) to pay to Lender (upon  Lender's  request)  interest on any
indebtedness  outstanding  hereunder at the rate of Three Percent (3%) per annum
in  excess  of  the  rate  then  otherwise   applicable  to  such  indebtedness.
Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if the relevant Default is under Section 7.1.10
hereof,  then such rate  increase  (to the  maximum  extent  not  prohibited  by
applicable law) will occur automatically without any request by Lender.

               1.5.6. Usury Savings Provision.  Notwithstanding any provision of
any Loan Document to the  contrary,  Borrower is not and will not be required to
pay interest at a rate or any fee in an amount  prohibited by applicable law. If
interest  or any fee  payable  to  Lender on any date  would be in a  prohibited
amount,  then such interest or fee will be automatically  reduced to the maximum
amount that is not  prohibited,  and any interest or fee for subsequent  periods
(to the  extent not  prohibited)  will be  increased  accordingly  until  Lender
receives  payment of the full amount of each such reduction.  To the extent that
any prohibited amount is actually  received by Lender,  then such amount will be
automatically  deemed  to  constitute  a  repayment  of  principal  indebtedness
hereunder.

     1.6.   Release  of  Security.   Upon  (a)   repayment  to  Lender  in  full
(unconditionally  and indefeasibly) of the entire indebtedness  hereunder and of
all other amounts then due or owing to Lender under the Loan Documents,  and (b)
the termination of the Loan Documents (and all Facilities  thereunder),  and (c)
return and cancellation of any effective  letters of credit issued by Lender (or
any Affiliate thereof) for the account of Borrower,  then Lender (at the written
request and expense of Borrower)  (i) will release the Obligors and the property
serving  as  Collateral  hereunder  from all the Loan  Documents,  and (ii) will
execute such UCC termination  statements and mortgage and deed of trust releases
and such other documentation (all in form and substance reasonably acceptable to
Lender and without representation,  warranty, recourse or indemnification of any
kind) as may be  reasonably  requested  and  provided  to Lender to effect  such
release and  termination.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  at Lender's sole and
absolute  option,  such  release  may  be  reasonably  delayed,   qualified  and
conditioned,  including,  without 


                                       14
<PAGE>




limitation,  until the expiration of any period during which a trustee, receiver
or other party could avoid,  set aside,  rescind or seek  repayment or return of
any funds or property received by Lender from any ObLigor hereunder.

     1.7.      Fees and Other Compensation.

               1.7.1.  Commitment Fee. On the Closing Date,  Lender must receive
in  immediately  available  funds  a  Credit  Commitment  Fee in the  amount  of
$150,000.

               1.7.2.  Periodic  Facility Fee.  Borrower will also pay Lender in
immediately  available funds a Periodic  Facility Fee at the rate of ONE QUARTER
OF ONE PERCENT (0.25%) per annum on the average daily unborrowed  portion of the
Current Line of Credit  Commitment.  Such fee will be  calculated  by Lender and
will be due and payable in immediately  available  funds quarterly in arrears on
the  first  calendar  day of  each  fiscal  quarter.  To  the  extent  any  such
calculations of the unborrowed  portion  includes the face amount of one or more
letters of credit issued by Lender for the account of Borrower,  then the amount
of any issuance fee actually  imposed and collected by Lender in connection with
any such letter of credit will be deducted by Lender in  calculating  subsequent
installments  of the  Periodic  Facility  Fee  applicable  to such amount of the
unborrowed  portion until  Borrower has received a full credit for the amount of
such issuance fees.

               1.7.3. Issuance of Warrants.  As additional  compensation for the
cost,  expense and risk incurred by Lender (or its  Affiliates)  associated with
the underwriting and establishment of the Facilities (but in no way affecting or
relieving  Borrower of any of its obligations to fully and timely perform and to
repay the entire indebtedness due under the Loan Documents), Borrower will issue
and grant to Lender (or its  designated  Affiliate)  warrants  exercisable  into
shares of voting  common stock of Borrower  sufficient  to represent  10% of its
issued and  outstanding  shares of voting common stock, on a fully diluted basis
("Warrants").  All  of the  Warrants  exercisable  into  5% of  the  issued  and
outstanding  shares of voting common stock will vest and will be fully earned by
Lender (or its Affiliate) as of the Closing Date. Thereafter, Warrants will vest
in accordance  with the terms of a separate  Warrant  Agreement  executed by and
between  Borrower and Lender.  Subject to being adjusted in accordance  with the
terms of the Warrant Agreement,  the Warrants earned as of the Closing Date will
be exercisable  at price that values  Borrower at a multiple of 10 times monthly
revenue for April 1997 and the  Warrants  earned  after the Closing Date will be
exercisable  at a price that values  Borrower at a multiple of 10 times  monthly
revenue for the month immediately 


                                       15
<PAGE>




preceding  each  such  vesting.  The  Warrants,  and all of  Lender's  rights in
connection  therewith,  are freely  assignable and  transferable  at any time by
Lender (or its  Affiliate  and  assignees)  to any other  Person,  provided that
Lender complies with any applicable terms thereof and restrictions  therein (and
obtains  any  necessary  approvals  in  connection  therewith)  required  by any
applicable  State PUC (to the extent  non-compliance  therewith  by Lender could
have or cause a  Material  Adverse  Effect  or  could  otherwise  reasonably  be
expected to result in the  imposition  of a penalty in excess of  $25,000),  the
FCC, the SEC or the Warrant Agreement itself.

               1.7.4.  Other  Fees.  Other  fees and  charges  may be imposed by
Lender  hereunder  for  services  rendered  under and in  accordance  with other
agreements  with Lender,  including,  without  limitation,  any deposit  account
agreements,  any agreement to issue wire transfers or letters of credit, and any
Cash Management Agreements.

     1.8.  Issuance of Letters of Credit. If Lender (or any Affiliate of Lender)
issues  one or more  letters  of  credit  on  behalf  of or for the  account  of
Borrower,  then the obligations of Borrower (or its Affiliate) to such letter of
credit issuer relating thereto will be deemed  Obligations  under this Agreement
secured by the Collateral  herefor  pursuant to the terms of the Loan Documents.
So long as any such  letter of credit is  effective  and  outstanding,  the face
amount  thereof will be deducted  from the Current Line of Credit  Commitment in
determining the Available  Credit Portion (under Section 1 3 hereof) at any time
and will be  included  within  the  definition  of Funded  Debt.  Such  amounts,
however,  will be  considered  "unborrowed"  for  preposes  of  calculating  the
Facility Fee under  Section  1.7.2  hereof.  If the  beneficiary  under any such
letter of credit  makes a draw  thereunder,  then the amount  thereof (as of the
date of such draw) will be treated as an Advance to  Borrower  under the Line of
Credit Facility

                         ARTICLE 2: CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

     2.1.  Closing  Conditions.  The obligation of Lender to execute and perform
the Loan Documents,  and to establish the Line of Credit  Facility,  and to fund
the  Advances  listed on  Schedule  1.4.2  hereto are  subject to the  following
conditions precedent (unless and except to the extent expressly waived by Lender
in its sole and absolute discretion):

               2.1.1. Compliance.

                      2.1.1.1.  Fees and  Expenses.  Borrower must have paid (or
made acceptable  arrangements with Lender to 


                                       16
<PAGE>




pay) all fees, costs,  expenses and taxes due and payable hereunder,  including,
without limitation,  any fees due and payable pursuant to Section 1.7 hereof and
the reasonable  fees,  costs and expenses of Lender's  attorneys with respect to
the preparation, negotiation and execution of the Loan Documents.

                      2.1.1.2.  Representations.  Each, and all, representations
and warranties contained in this Agreement (including those in Article 3 hereof)
and in each other Loan  Document,  certificate  or other  writing  delivered  to
Lender  pursuant hereto or thereto on or prior to the Closing Date must be true,
correct and  complete in all  material  respects on and as of the Closing  Date,
except for such deviations disclosed in writing and acceptable to Lender.

                      2.1.1.3.  No  Default.  There  must not be any  Default or
Event of Default  hereunder or any default  under any other Loan Document on the
Closing  Date,  and  there  must not be any  such  Default  or Event of  Default
occurring as a result of executing or advancing  funds under the Loan Documents,
except for such defaults disclosed in writing and acceptable to Lender.

               2.1.2.  Documents.   Lender  must  have  received  the  following
documents, agreements and certificates (together with all exhibits and schedules
thereto),  each duly executed,  in form,  substance and amount  satisfactory  to
Lender and, when applicable, recorded or filed in the appropriate public office:

                      2.1.2.1. Credit Agreement. This Agreement.

                      2.1.2.2.  Promissory  Note. The Line of Credit Note (i.e.,
as amended and restated) as described in Section 1.1.4 hereof.

                      2.1.2.3.  Security  Agreement  and Related  Documents.  An
amended and restated security  agreement by Borrower in favor of Lender granting
(and/or reconfirming in favor of) Lender a security interest in all of grantor's
tangible and intangible personal property assets and fixtures (whether now owned
or hereafter  acquired)  and the proceeds and products  thereof,  as  collateral
security for the  indebtedness  and  obligations  hereunder,  together  with all
necessary  financing  statements  and  termination  statements  (each as filed),
waivers  and  consents,  and  evidence  of any other  recordations  required  by
applicable law or by Lender to perfect such first lien security interests.

                      2.1.2.4. Intellectual Property Security Agreements. One or
more separate  intellectual property security 


                                       17
<PAGE>



agreements by Borrower in favor of Lender covering all of grantor's  copyrights,
patents,  trade  names,  trademarks,  service  names,  service  marks  and other
intellectual   property   (including  any  and  all  applications  and  licenses
therefor),  all as now owned or hereafter acquired and the proceeds and goodwill
thereof,  together with all  appropriate  financing  statements and  termination
statements  (each as filed),  waivers and consents,  and any other  documents or
recordations required by applicable law or by Lender to perfect such interests.

                      2.1.2.5.  Estoppels  and Consent  Agreements.  One or more
estoppels  and  consent  agreements  in favor of Lender by each  party to a real
property  lease,  Capital  Lease on any  switch  used by  Borrower  or any other
Material Contract with Borrower consenting to Borrower's encumbrance of the real
property lease,  Capital Lease or Material Contract (as applicable) and granting
to Lender certain other rights pursuant thereto.

                      2.1.2.6.  Owners' Pledge and Security Agreement. An equity
pledge and  security  agreement  executed  by each  holder of any voting  equity
interest  of  Borrower  (other  than up to a 15%  interest  owned by Blue  Carol
Enterprises  Ltd. and other than holders of less than 3.5% of shares of any such
class of  voting  securities)  in  favor of  Lender  pledging  a first  priority
interest  in (among  other  things)  all of such  pledgor's  outstanding  equity
interests  and rights of such issuer  (whether  existing as common or  preferred
stock, or limited or general partnership interests, or LLC membership interests,
or any warrants,  options or convertible rights therefor) as collateral security
for the indebtedness and obligations  hereunder,  together with the certificates
therefor  (if any),  powers  executed  in  blank,  and all  necessary  financing
statements and evidence of registration.

                      2.1.2.7. Warrants. One or more separate warrant agreements
by Borrower  issuing and granting to Lender (or its  designated  Affiliate)  the
Warrants,  together with all  underlying  warrant  certificates  and evidence of
necessary  and  appropriate  actions by  Borrower  to  authorize  and issue such
warrants and related warrant shares.

                      2.1.2.8.  Insurance.  Current  proof of insurance  with an
indication of loss payee and additional insured  endorsements in favor of Lender
with  respect to all of the  insurance  coverages  required  under  Section  4.8
hereof.  Such  proof of  insurance  must be  indicated  pursuant  to one or more
certificates  on (a) an  ACORD 27 form  (3/93)  for  property-related  insurance
coverages  and (b) a modified  version of an ACORD 25-S form  (3/93)  permitting
Lender reliance and requiring  cancellation  


                                       18
<PAGE>




notification for general liability and all other types of insurance coverages.

                      2.1.2.9.  Solvency  Certificates.  A certificate  from the
chief  financial  officer of Borrower to Lender dated as of the Closing Date and
certifying  (in form and  substance  acceptable to Lender) as to the solvency of
Borrower.

                      2.1.2.10.  Compliance Certificates.  A certificate from an
Authorized  Officer  of  Borrower  to Lender  dated as of the  Closing  Date and
certifying  as to  compliance  with the matters  described  under  Section 2.1.1
hereof (with specific reconciled calculations  demonstrating compliance with the
financial covenants under Section 4.1 hereof as of the Closing Date).

                      2.1.2.11.   Opinions  of  Counsel.  One  or  more  written
opinions from legal counsel to Borrower  addressed to Lender and its counsel and
dated as of the Closing Date opining as to such matters as Lender may request.

                      2.1.2.12.  Payoff Instructions for Prior  Indebtedness.  A
letter from  Borrower to Lender,  consistent  with the  requirements  of Section
1.1.3 hereof,  Section 1.4 hereof and Section 2.1.1 hereof,  instructing  Lender
how to disburse the proceeds of the initial Advance.

                      2.1.2.13.   Authorization   Documents   --   Borrower.   A
certificate of an Authorized Officer of Borrower  delivering true,  accurate and
complete  versions  of (a) its  Articles  of  Incorporation  and all  amendments
thereto,  and (b) its Bylaws and all amendments thereto, and (c) the resolutions
authorizing its execution,  delivery and full  performance of the Loan Documents
and all other  documents,  certificates  and actions  required  hereunder  or in
connection  herewith,  and  (d) an  incumbency  certificate  setting  forth  its
officers (together with the corresponding signatures),  and (e) a long-form good
standing and  qualification  certificate  (issued within 15 calendar days of the
Closing Date) with respect to each  jurisdiction  listed on Schedule 3.1 hereto,
and (f) a copy of each License (or renewal  thereof) issued to it by the Federal
Communications Commission and any State PUC).

                      2.1.2.14.  Authorization Documents -- Other Than Borrower.
A certificate  of an Authorized  Officer of each Obligor  (other than  Borrower)
that is not a natural person delivering true,  accurate and complete versions of
(a) the resolutions authorizing its execution,  delivery and full performance of
the Loan Documents to which it is a party and all other documents,  certificates
and actions  required of it 


                                       19
<PAGE>




hereunder or in connection herewith,  and (b) an incumbency  certificate setting
forth its officers (together with the corresponding signatures).

                      2.1.2.15. Officer's Certificates. One or more certificates
of an  Authorized  Officer of Borrower  delivering  true,  accurate and complete
copies of the following documents and agreements  (together with all amendments,
exhibits and schedules thereto):

          a.   Lien Searches -- Searches  (conducted  within 15 calendar days of
               the  Closing  Date)   satisfactory  to  Lender  with  respect  to
               consensual  liens, tax liens,  judgments and bankruptcy,  listing
               respectively (a) all effective UCC financing statements that name
               Borrower  (including any predecessor thereto and any operating or
               tradenames  thereof) as "debtor"  that are filed in the States of
               Maryland,  New York or  California or the District of Columbia or
               any  other  U.S.  jurisdiction  in which  such  debtor  currently
               operates  or has had assets at any time  within  the  immediately
               preceding  12  calendar  months  (together  with  copies  of such
               financing statements),  and (b) all tax liens against any Obligor
               (or  the  assets  thereof),  and (c)  all  outstanding  judgments
               against any Obligor (or the assets thereof),  and (d) whether any
               Obligor has filed bankruptcy within the preceding 5 years.

          b.   Financial  Statements  -- A set  of  (a)  the  monthly  financial
               statements  of Borrower for calendar  months  ending April 30 and
               May 31, 1997 (as otherwise  consistent  with the  requirements of
               Section 4.2 hereof),  and (b) the quarterly financial  statements
               of  Borrower  for  fiscal  quarter  ending  March  31,  1997  (as
               otherwise   consistent  with  the  requirements  of  Section  4.2
               hereof),  and (c) the audited  financial  statements  of Borrower
               (with  consolidating  schedules thereto,  if any) for fiscal year
               ending  December  31,  1996  (as  otherwise  consistent  with the
               requirements of Section 4.2 hereof).

          c.   Equityholder  Agreements -- Each  shareholder  agreement,  member
               agreement,   partner   agreement,   voting  agreement,   buy-sell
               agreement,  option,  warrant,  put, call, right of first refusal,
               and 


                                       20
<PAGE>




               any other agreement or;  instrument  with conversion  rights into
               equity of Borrower either (a) between  Borrower and any holder or
               prospective holder of any equity interest of Borrower  (including
               interests  convertible into such equity) or (b) otherwise between
               any two or more such holders of equity interests.

          d.   Employment  and   Non-Compete   Agreements  --  Each   employment
               agreement, consulting agreement and non-compete agreement between
               Borrower and any director,  officer,  employee or former owner of
               Borrower.

          e.   Inter-Affiliate  Agreements  -- Each  written  agreement  between
               Borrower and any Affiliate of Borrower.

          f.   Disaster Recovery and Contingency Program -- A description of the
               currently  effective disaster recovery and contingency program of
               Borrower, as required to be delivered under Section 4.8 hereof.

          g.   Leases as Lessee -- Each lease between  Borrower and any owner or
               landlord of real or personal  property  used in  connection  with
               Borrower's business for which it has an annual rent obligation in
               excess of $36,000.

          h.   Leases as Lessor -- Each lease between Borrower and any lessee of
               real or personal  property owned or leased by Borrower,  but only
               to the extent the lessee thereunder has an annual rent obligation
               in excess of $12,000.

                      2.1.2.16.  Other Documents.  Lender must have received any
additional  agreements,  documents and certificates as Lender or its counsel may
reasonably request.

     2.2. Line of Credit Advances.  The obligation of Lender to fund any request
for an Advance  under the Line of Credit  Facility  is subject to the  following
conditions precedent (unless and except to the extent expressly waived by Lender
in its sole and absolute discretion):

               2.2.1.  Advance  Request.  Lender  must have  received an Advance
Request under and in accordance with Section 1.4.1 hereof.


                                       21
<PAGE>



               2.2.2.  Cash Flow Leverage.  As of the  Settlement  Date for such
Advance (and in addition to any other  requirements  and  covenants  hereunder),
Borrower must be in compliance with the Leverage Ratio requirement under Section
4.1 hereof  using an amount for Funded Debt that is as of such  Settlement  Date
and inclusive of the proposed Advance.

               2.2.3. Other Documents.  Lender must have received any additional
documents,  certificates  and  opinions as Lender or its counsel may  reasonably
request,  including  without  limitation,  UCC-1 financing  statements,  fixture
filings and  leasehold  mortgages  regarding  new  locations for other assets of
Borrower.

               2.2.4. Compliance.

                      2.2.4.1.  Fees and  Expenses.  Borrower must have paid (or
made acceptable  arrangements with Lender to pay) all fees, costs,  expenses and
taxes due and payable hereunder,  including,  without limitation, all reasonable
costs and expenses  incurred in connection  with or as a result of reviewing and
funding such Advance Request.

                      2.2.4.2.  Representations.  Each, and all, representations
and  warranties  contained in the Loan Documents  (including  those in Article 3
hereof)  and in each other  certificate  or other  writing  delivered  to Lender
pursuant  hereto or  thereto  on or prior to the  Settlement  Date must be true,
correct and complete in all material  respects on and as of the Settlement Date,
except for such deviations  disclosed in writing and acceptable to Lender (which
disclosure will not constitute Lender's waiver or acceptance thereof).

                      2.2.4.3.  No  Default.  There  must not be any  Default or
Event of Default  hereunder or any default  under any other Loan Document on the
Settlement  Date,  and there  must not be any such  Default  or Event of Default
occurring  as a result  of  funding  such  Advance,  except  for  such  defaults
disclosed  in  writing  and  acceptable  to Lender  (which  disclosure  will not
constitute Lender's waiver or acceptance thereof).

                    ARTICLE 3: REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

          Borrower,  as of the  Closing  Date and the  Settlement  Date for each
Advance hereunder, hereby represents and warrants as follows:

     3.1.  Organization  and  Good  Standing.  Borrower  (a) is duly  organized,
validly  existing and in good  standing  under the laws of its  jurisdiction  of
organization, and (b) has all 


                                       22
<PAGE>




requisite corporate power and authority to own its properties and to conduct its
business as now conducted and as currently proposed to be conducted,  and (c) is
duly qualified to conduct business as a foreign organization and is currently in
good  standing in each state and  jurisdiction  in which it  conducts  business,
except where failure to be duly  qualified and in good standing could not have a
Material  Adverse  Effect.  Each state and  jurisdiction  in which  Borrower  is
organized or is (or should be) qualified to conduct  business  under  applicable
law is listed on Schedule 3.1 hereto.

     3.2.  Power and Authority.  Borrower has all requisite  power and authority
under  applicable  law and  under  its  Organic  Documents,  Authorizations  and
Licenses  to  execute,  deliver  and  perform  the  obligations  under  the Loan
Documents  to which it is a party.  Except as  disclosed on Schedule 3.2 hereto,
all  actions,  waivers  and  consents  (corporate,   regulatory  and  otherwise)
necessary or appropriate  for Borrower to execute,  deliver and perform the Loan
Documents to which it is a party have been taken and/or received.

     3.3. Validity and Legal Effect. This Agreement  constitutes,  and the other
Loan Documents to which Borrower is a party  constitute (or will constitute when
executed and delivered),  the legal,  valid and binding  obligations of Borrower
enforceable against it in accordance with the terms thereof.

     3.4. No  Violation of Laws or  Agreements.  Except as disclosed on Schedule
3.4, the execution,  delivery and performance of the Loan Documents (a) will not
violate  or  contravene  any  material  provision  of any  material  law,  rule,
regulation,  administrative order or judicial decree (federal,  state or local),
and (b) will not violate or contravene any provision of the Organic Documents of
Borrower,  and (c) will not result in any  material  breach or  violation of (or
constitute a material  default  under) any material  agreement or  instrument by
which  Borrower or any of its property may be bound,  and (d) will not result in
or require the creation of any Lien (other than pursuant to the Loan  Documents)
upon or with respect to any properties of Borrower,  whether such properties are
now owned or hereafter acquired.

     3.5.  Title  to  Assets:  Existing  Encumbrances:   Intellectual  and  Real
Property.  Borrower has good and  marketable  title to all of its owned real and
personal  property  assets and the right to possess and use all of its leased or
licensed real and personal property assets. All such property interests are free
and clear of any Liens,  except for  Permitted  Liens (as defined in Section 5.5
hereof) and Liens  described on Schedule 3.5 hereto.  Schedule 3.5A hereto lists
each  trademark,   service  


                                       23
<PAGE>




mark, copyright,  patent, database,  customized application software and systems
integration  software,  trade  secret  and other  intellectual  property  owned,
licensed, leased, controlled or applied for by Borrower,  together with relevant
identifying  information with respect to such intellectual  property  describing
(among other  things) the date of  creation,  the method of  protection  against
adverse claims and the registration number. Schedule 3.5B hereto lists each real
property  interest  owned,  leased or otherwise used by Borrower,  together with
relevant  identifying  information  describing (among other things) the location
and use of each such real property  interest,  whether such interest is owned or
leased (and, if leased, the lessor and record owner thereof),  and the estimated
appraised  value  thereof.  Each such  property  and asset is in good  order and
repair  (ordinary  wear and tear excepted) and is fully covered by the insurance
required  under  Section  4.8  hereof.  Each such  property  and asset  owned by
Borrower is titled in the current  legal name of Borrower.  Schedule 3.5C hereto
identifies  each  legal,  operating  and trade name that  Borrower  has used (or
permitted the filing of a UCC financing  statement under) at any time during the
twelve (12) consecutive calendar years immediately preceding the Closing Date.

     3.6. Capital Structure and Equity Ownership. Schedule 3.6 hereto accurately
and  completely  discloses  (a) the  number  of  shares  and  classes  of equity
ownership   rights  and  interests  of  Borrower  that  are  authorized   and/or
outstanding (whether existing as common or preferred stock or warrants,  options
or other  instruments  convertible  into  such  equity),  and (b) the  ownership
thereof. Schedule 3.6 also accurately and completely discloses (i) the number of
shares and classes of equity  ownership rights and interests of any organization
that owns or controls at least 50% of any class of equity  interests of Borrower
authorized  and/or  outstanding  (whether existing as common or preferred stock,
general  or limited  partnership  interests,  or LLC  membership  interests,  or
warrants,  options or other instruments  convertible into such equity), and (ii)
the ownership thereof. All such shares and interests are validly existing, fully
paid and non-assessable.

     3.7.  Subsidiaries.   Affiliates  and  Investments.   Schedule  3.7  hereto
accurately  and  completely  discloses  (a) each  Subsidiary  and  Affiliate  of
Borrower  (other than its officers and directors) and (b) each  investment in or
loan to any other Person by Borrower.

     3.8. Material Contracts.  Schedule 3.8 hereto (a) accurately and completely
discloses each Material  Contract (as defined  below) of Borrower,  and (b) also
indicates the following information with respect to each such contract:  (1) the
contract  


                                       24
<PAGE>




parties  thereunder,  and (2) the  contract  term and any  options  or  renewals
thereto,  and  (3)  the  monthly  payment  required  thereunder,   and  (4)  any
restrictions on  assignments,  and (5) the existence of any breaches or defaults
thereunder.  Borrower has not committed any unwaived breach or default under any
material contract (whether or not listed on Schedule 3.8 hereto),  and after due
inquiry and  investigation,  Borrower  does not have any  knowledge or reason to
believe  that any other  party to any such  material  contract  (whether  or not
listed on Schedule 3.8 hereto) has or might have  committed any unwaived  breach
or default  thereof.  For  purposes  of this  Section  3.8  hereof,  a "Material
Contract"  of Borrower  includes  the  following  types of  agreements  to which
Borrower  is  a  party:  (1)  any  contract  either  with  annual  compensation,
consideration or payments in excess of $100,000 or with aggregate  compensation,
consideration  or  payments  in  excess of  $200,000,  and (2) any lease of real
estate or office  space  from  which  Borrower  conducts  its  primary  business
operations,  and (3) any  lease of real  estate or space at which  Borrower  has
located any switch  operations,  and (4) any contract,  agreement or lease under
the terms of which  Borrower  obtains the right to use or operate a switch,  and
(5) any  operating  agreement  with a foreign  country,  and (6) any leased line
agreement,  and (7) any other  agreement or contract the loss or breach of which
could reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material Adverse Effect.

     3.9.  Licenses and  Authorizations.  Except as  disclosed on Schedule  3.9,
Borrower possesses all Licenses and other  Authorizations  necessary or required
in the conduct of its businesses  and/or the operation of its  properties.  Each
material  Authorization  is valid,  binding and  enforceable  on, against and by
Borrower.  Each  material  Authorization  is  subsisting  without  any  defaults
thereunder or enforceable adverse limitations  thereon,  and no Authorization is
subject  to any  proceedings  or  claims  opposing  the  issuance,  continuance,
renewal,  development  or use thereof or contesting  the validity or seeking the
revocation  thereof.  Schedule 3.9 hereto  accurately and completely  lists each
material  Authorization  of  Borrower  (including,   whether  or  not  otherwise
"material",  each  License  and other  Authorization  issued by the FCC and each
State  PUC,  and  further  including  all  pending   applications  and  renewals
therefor),  together  with  relevant  identifying  information  describing  such
Authorizations.  With  respect to each FCC  License  and each State PUC  License
listed on Schedule 3.9 hereto, the description includes, if applicable, the call
sign, frequency,  class, location,  file number, issuance date (original or most
recent  renewal),  and expiration date. For purposes of this Section 3.9 hereof,
all Licenses and ether Authorizations issued by the FCC or any State PUC will be
deemed to be "material".


                                       25
<PAGE>



     3.10. Taxes and  Assessments.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.10 hereto,
Borrower has timely filed all required tax returns and reports  (federal,  state
and local) or has properly and timely filed for  extensions  of the time for the
filing thereof.  Borrower does not have knowledge of any deficiency,  penalty or
additional  assessment due or appropriate in connection with any such taxes. All
taxes (federal, state and local) imposed upon Borrower or any of its properties,
operations  or income have been paid and  discharged  prior to the date when any
interest or penalty would accrue for the  nonpayment  thereof,  except for those
taxes  being  contested  in good  faith by  appropriate  proceedings  diligently
prosecuted and with adequate reserves  reflected on the financial  statements in
accordance with GAAP (all as also disclosed on Schedule 3.10 hereto).

     3.11.  Litigation  and Legal  Proceedings.  Except as disclosed on Schedule
3.11  hereto,  there  is no  litigation,  claim,  investigation,  administrative
proceeding,  labor controversy or similar action that is pending or (to the best
of Borrower's  knowledge and information after due inquiry)  threatened  against
Borrower or its  properties  that, if adversely  resolved,  could  reasonably be
expected to have or cause a Material Adverse Effect

     3.12.  Accuracy  of  Financial   Information.   All  financial   statements
previously furnished to Lender concerning the financial condition and operations
of Borrower (a) have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied,
and (b) fairly  present the  financial  condition  of the  organization  covered
thereby as of the dates and for the periods  covered  thereby (but, with respect
to interim periodic financial  statements,  subject to normal and customary year
end audit adjustments),  and (c) disclose all material  liabilities  (contingent
and  otherwise) of Borrower.  In addition,  all written  information  previously
furnished  to Lender  concerning  the  financial  condition  and  operations  of
Borrower are true, accurate and complete in all material respects.

     3.13. Accuracy of Other Information.  All written information  contained in
any application,  schedule, report, certificate, or any other document furnished
to Lender by Borrower or any other Person (on behalf of Borrower) in  connection
with the Loan Documents is in all material respects true, accurate and complete,
and no such Person (including  Borrower) has omitted to state therein (or failed
to include in any such document) any material fact or any fact necessary to make
such information not misleading.  All written projections furnished to Lender by
Borrower or any other  Person on behalf of Borrower  have been  prepared  with a
reasonable  basis  and in good  faith,  making  use of such  information  as was
available at the date such projection was made.


                                       26
<PAGE>



     3.14.  Compliance  with Laws  Generally.  Borrower is in  compliance in all
material  respects with all material laws,  rules,  regulations,  administrative
orders (including the policies and procedures of the FCC and each State PUC) and
judicial decrees  (federal,  state,  local and otherwise)  applicable to it, its
operations and its properties.

     3.15. ERISA Compliance.  Borrower is in compliance in all material respects
with all applicable provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of
1974, as amended ("ERISA"),  and all rules,  regulations and orders implementing
ERISA.

               3.15.1.   Neither  Borrower  nor  any  ERISA  Affiliate   thereof
maintains  or  contributes  to  (or  has  maintained  or  contributed   to)  any
multiemployer plan (as defined in Section 4001 of ERISA) under which Borrower or
any ERISA Affiliate  thereof could reasonably be expected to have any withdrawal
liability.

                3.15.2.   Neither  Borrower  nor  any  ERISA  Affiliate  thereof
sponsors or maintains any defined  benefit  pension plan under which there is an
accumulated  funding  deficiency  within the meaning of Section 412 of the Code,
whether or not waived.

                3.15.3.  The liability for accrued  benefits  under each defined
benefit  pension plan that will be sponsored  or  maintained  by Borrower or any
ERISA Affiliate  thereof  (determined on the basis of the actuarial  assumptions
utilized by the PBGC) does not exceed the  aggregate  fair  market  value of the
assets under each such defined benefit pension plan.

                3.15.4.  The  aggregate  liability  of  Borrower  and each ERISA
Affiliate  thereof  arising  out of or  relating  to a failure  of any  employee
benefit  plan  within  the  meaning  of  Section  3(2) of ERISA to  comply  with
provisions of ERISA or the Code will not have a Material Adverse Effect.

                3.15.5. There does not exist any unfunded liability  (determined
on the basis of  actuarial  assumptions  utilized by the actuary for the plan in
preparing  the most recent  annual  report) of  Borrower or any ERISA  Affiliate
thereof under any plan, program or arrangement providing  post-retirement,  life
or health benefits.

                3.15.6.  No Reportable  Event and no Prohibited  Transaction (as
defined in ERISA) has  occurred or is  occurring  with  respect to any plan with
which Borrower is associated.


                                       27
<PAGE>



     3.16.     Environmental Compliance.

                3.16.1.   Borrower  has  received  all  permits  and  filed  all
notifications  necessary  under and is otherwise in  compliance  in all material
respects  with  all  federal,  state  and  local  laws,  rules,  ordinances  and
regulations  governing the control,  removal,  storage,  transportation,  spill,
release or  discharge of hazardous or toxic  wastes,  substances  and  petroleum
products,  including,  without limitation,  as provided in the provisions of (a)
the  Comprehensive  Environmental  Response,  Compensation  and Liability Act of
1980, as amended by the Superfund Amendment and Reauthorization Act of 1986, and
(b) the Solid Waste Disposal Act, and (c) the Clean Water Act, and (d) the Clean
Air  Act,  and (e)  the  Hazardous  Materials  Transportation  Act,  and (f) the
Resource  Conservation  and  Recovery  Act of 1976,  and (g) the  Federal  Water
Pollution  Control Act  Amendments of 1972, and (h) the rules,  regulations  and
ordinances of the Environmental Protection Agency, and any departments of health
services,  regional water quality control boards,  state water resources control
boards,  and/or cities in which any of Borrower's assets are located (all of the
foregoing  enumerated  and  nonenumerated  statutes,   regulations,   rules  and
ordinances,  all as amended from time to time, collectively,  the "Environmental
Control Statutes").

                3.16.2. Borrower has not given any written or oral notice to the
Environmental Protection Agency ("EPA") or any state or local agency with regard
to any actual or imminently threatened removal, storage, transportation,  spill,
release or  discharge  of hazardous  or toxic  wastes,  substances  or petroleum
products  either (a) on properties  owned or leased by Borrower or (b) otherwise
in connection with the conduct of its business and operations.

                3.16.3.  Borrower has not received notice that it is potentially
responsible for costs of clean-up of any actual or imminently  threatened spill,
release or discharge of  hazardous  or toxic wastes or  substances  or petroleum
products pursuant to any Environmental Control Statute.


     3.17.  Margin Rule  Compliance.  Borrower  does not own or have any present
intention of acquiring  any "Margin  Stock"  within the meaning of the following
Margin Regulations of the FRB: Regulation G at 12 C.F.R. Pt. 207, and Regulation
T at 12 C.F.R.  Pt. 220, and Regulation U at 12 C.F.R. Pt. 221, and Regulation X
at 12 C.F.R.  Pt.  224.  The  credit  extended  under  this  Agreement  does not
constitute "Purpose Credit" within the meaning of the FRB's Margin Regulations.

     3.18. Fees and Commissions.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.18 hereto or
as required by Section 1.7 hereof, 


                                       28
<PAGE>




Borrower does not owe any fees or  commissions  of any kind in  connection  with
this Agreement or the transactions  contemplated  hereby,  and Borrower does not
know of any claim (or any basis for any  claim) for any fees or  commissions  in
connection with this Agreement or the transactions contemplated hereby.

     3.19.     Solvency.

               3.19.1.  Through June 1998.  Upon the execution of this Agreement
and the funding of each Advance  hereunder  through the earlier of June 30, 1998
or consummation of an initial Public  Offering,  Borrower is and will be solvent
such that it will be able to  realize  upon its  assets,  will be able to obtain
Advances  hereunder and will have sufficient cash flow from operations to enable
it to pay its debts  and other  liabilities,  contingent  obligations  and other
commitments  as they  mature in the  normal  and  ordinary  course of  business.
Borrower does not intend to (or believe that it will) incur debts or liabilities
beyond  its  ability to pay such debts and  liabilities  as they  become due and
mature.  Borrower has not incurred any obligations  under the Loan Documents and
has not made any conveyance  pursuant hereto or in connection  herewith with the
actual intent to hinder,  delay or defraud present or future  creditors of it or
any of its Affiliates.

               3.19.2.  After  June  1998.  Immediately  prior  to and  upon the
funding  of each  Advance  hereunder  after  the  earlier  of June  30,  1998 or
consummation of an initial Public Offering, Borrower was, is and will be solvent
such that:

               a.   The fair saleable  value of its assets  (including,  without
                    limitation,  the fair  saleable  value of its  goodwill  and
                    other intangible  property) is greater than the total amount
                    of  its  liabilities,   including  without  limitation,  all
                    contingent liabilities; and

               b.   The present fair  saleable  value of its assets  (including,
                    without limitation,  the fair saleable value of its goodwill
                    and other  intangible  property) is not less than the amount
                    that will be required to pay the  probable  liability on its
                    debts as they become absolute and matured; and

               c.   It will be able to  realize  upon its  assets  and will have
                    sufficient cash flow from operations to enable it to pay its
                    debts  and other  liabilities,  contingent  obligations  and


                                       29
<PAGE>



                    other  commitments as they mature in the normal and ordinary
                    course of business; and

               d.   The sum of its debts is not greater than all of its property
                    at a fair valuation.

Borrower does not intend to (or believe that it will) incur debts or liabilities
beyond  its  ability to pay such debts and  liabilities  as they  become due and
mature. Borrower is not engaged in a business or transaction, or about to engage
in  a  business  or  transaction,   for  which  its  property  would  constitute
unreasonably  small  capital or assets  after  giving due  consideration  to the
prevailing  practice  and  industry  in which it is  engaged.  Borrower  has not
incurred  any  obligations  under  the  Loan  Documents  and  has not  made  any
conveyance  pursuant hereto or in connection  herewith with the actual intent to
hinder,  delay  or  defraud  present  or  future  creditors  of it or any of its
Affiliates.  For  purposes  of this  Subsection,  in  computing  the  amount  of
contingent liabilities at any time, it is intended that such liabilities will be
computed  at the  amount  which,  in light of all the  facts  and  circumstances
existing at such time,  represents the amount that can reasonably be expected to
become an actual mature liability.

     3.20.  FCC and State  PUC-Related  Representations.  Without  limiting  the
generality of the foregoing  representations  and warranties,  Borrower  further
represents and warrants as follows:

               3.20.1.  No  Unresolved  Application,  Complaint  or  Proceeding.
Except  as  described  on  Schedule  3.20  hereto,  there is no  outstanding  or
unresolved (a)  application  by Borrower for any FCC or State PUC  Authorization
(including any renewal of any License),  or (b) material complaint to the FCC or
any State PUC  regarding  Borrower or any of its  Licenses  or  Tariffs,  or (c)
litigation, investigation or other inquiry by or before the FCC or any State PUC
involving  Borrower or any of its  Licenses or Tariffs,  or (d) FCC or State PUC
enforcement  proceeding  against  Borrower  or any of its  Licenses  or Tariffs,
including without  limitation,  any notice of violation,  any notice of apparent
liability for forfeiture, or any forfeiture.

                3.20.2. Status and Renewal of Licenses.  The Licenses identified
on Schedule 3.9 hereto  constitute  all of the Licenses  required by the Federal
Communications Act or any State Act for the operation of Borrower's  business as
it is currently  being  operated.  Each such License is validly  outstanding and
effective  and has been  renewed  (as  applicable)  by the FCC or any  State PUC
without condition for a full term in accordance with the Federal  Communications
Act or any State Act.  There are no


                                       30
<PAGE>




modifications,  amendments  or  revocations  (pending  or,  to the  best  of the
knowledge of Borrower after due inquiry, threatened) that could adversely affect
the operations or financial condition of Borrower.  After due inquiry,  Borrower
does not know of any reason why the FCC or any State PUC (as  applicable)  would
not routinely grant, for a full term and without  condition,  the application by
Borrower  for the renewal of each such  License over which the FCC or such State
PUC has jurisdiction,  when and as such application shall become due to be filed
with the FCC or such State PUC.


                        ARTICLE 4: AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS

          Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that, so long as any indebtedness
remains  outstanding   hereunder,   Borrower  will  comply  with  the  following
affirmative covenants:

     4.1.  Financial  Covenants and Ratios. As of the end of each fiscal quarter
or calendar month (as  applicable),  Borrower will satisfy each of the following
financial  ratios and  characteristics,  each of which will be determined  using
GAAP consistently applied, except as otherwise expressly provided:

               4.1.1.  Monthly Net  Revenue to Senior  Funded  Debt.  A ratio of
Monthly Net Revenue to Senior  Funded Debt  (measured  monthly) of not less than
the following:

               a.   40%, from the Closing Date through August 30, 1997; and

               b.   50%, from August 31, 1997 through October 31, 1997; and

               c.   75%, from November 1, 1997 through November
                    30, 1997; and

               d.   90%, from December 1, 1997 through March 30, 1998.

               4.1.2.  Minimum  Subscribers.  A minimum  number  of  Subscribers
(measured monthly) of not less than the following:

               a.   30,300, from the Closing Date through July 30, 1997; and

               b.   31,450, from July 31, 1997 through August 30, 1997; and

               c.   37,000, from August 31, 1997 through 


                                       31
<PAGE>



                    September 29, 1997; and

               d.   43,570,  from  September 30, 1997 through  October 30, 1997;
                    and

               e.   54,450, from October 31, 1997 through November 29, 1997; and

               f.   68,100,  from  November 30, 1997 through  December 30, 1997;
                    and

               g.   85,100, from December 31, 1997 through January 30, 1998; and

               h.   106,400, from January 31, 1998 through March 30, 1998.

               4.1.3. Interest Coverage Ratio. As of and after March 31, 1998, a
ratio  of OCF  to  Interest  Expense  (measured  quarterly)  of  not  less  than
2.5-to-1.0.

               4.1.4.  Cash Flow Leverage  Ratio.  A ratio of Funded Debt to OCF
(measured quarterly) of not more than the following:

               a.   3.75-to-1.0, on March 31, 1998; and

               b.   2.0-to-1.0, after March 31, 1998.

     4.2.      Periodic Financial Statements.

               4.2.1. Monthly Reporting.

               a.   Financial  Statements.  Within forty-five (45) calendar days
                    after the end of each  calendar  month  (including,  without
                    limitation,  the last calendar month of each year), Borrower
                    must  prepare  and  deliver  to  Lender  a  complete  set of
                    unaudited    internal    monthly    financial     statements
                    substantially  similar in form and content  with the form of
                    monthly  financial  statements  attached as Exhibit 4.2.1(a)
                    hereto.  Such  financial  statements  must include,  without
                    limitation,  a balance sheet and an income  statement  (with
                    appropriate notes and schedules).  Such financial statements
                    must  be  prepared  in  accordance  with  GAAP  consistently
                    applied  (except  as  approved  by  Lender  in its  sole and
                    absolute  discretion).  Together with the monthly


                                       32
<PAGE>



                    financial statements, Lender must also receive a certificate
                    executed  by Ram  Mukunda or  Prabhav  Maniyar or such other
                    senior  executive  officer of Borrower as is  acceptable  to
                    Lender (a)  stating  that the  financial  statements  fairly
                    present the  financial  condition of Borrower as of the date
                    thereof  and  for  the  periods  covered  thereby,  and  (b)
                    providing a reconciled calculation  demonstrating compliance
                    with each financial covenant and ratio that is measured on a
                    monthly  basis  under  Section  4.1  hereof  (using the form
                    attached as Exhibit 4.2 hereto), and (c) calculating,  as of
                    the end of such monthly period, the then-current amounts for
                    the  Current  Line of Credit  Commitment  and the  Available
                    Credit  Portion  (using the form  attached  as  Exhibit  4.2
                    hereto),  and (d) providing an aging of accounts receivable,
                    and (e) certifying  that as of the date of such  certificate
                    there is not any existing Default or Event of Default.

               b.   Calculation of Borrowing  Base.  Within thirty (30) calendar
                    days  after  the  end of  each  calendar  month  (including,
                    without  limitation,  the last calendar month of each year),
                    Borrower also must prepare and deliver to Lender a borrowing
                    base certificate  substantially  similar in form and content
                    with the form of  borrowing  base  certificate  attached  as
                    Exhibit 4.2.1(b) hereto.

               4.2.2.  Quarterly  Financial  Statements.  Within forty-five (45)
calendar  days  after  the  end  of  each  fiscal  quarter  (including,  without
limitation,  the fourth fiscal quarter of each year),  Borrower must prepare and
deliver  to  Lender  unaudited  quarterly  financial  statements,  in  form  and
substance as required by and  acceptable to Lender.  Such  financial  statements
must include,  without limitation, a balance sheet and an income statement (with
appropriate notes and schedules).  Such financial statements must be prepared in
accordance with GAAP  consistently  applied (except as approved by Lender in its
sole and absolute discretion). Together with the quarterly financial statements,
Lender  must also  receive a  certificate  executed  by Ram  Mukunda  or Prabhav
Maniyar or such other senior  executive  officer of Borrower as is acceptable to
Lender (a) stating that the financial  statements  fairly  present the financial
condition  of  Borrower  as of the  date  thereof  and for the  periods  covered
thereby,  and (b) providing a reconciled  calculation  demonstrating


                                       33
<PAGE>




compliance with each applicable  financial  covenant and ratio under Section 4.1
hereof (using the form attached as Exhibit 4.2 hereto), and (c) calculating,  as
of the end of such fiscal period, the then-current  amounts for the Current Line
of Credit  Commitment and the Available  Credit Portion (using the form attached
as  Exhibit  4.2  hereto),  and  (d)  certifying  that  as of the  date  of such
certificate there is not any existing Default or Event of Default.

               4.2.3. Annual Financial  Statements.  Within ninety (90) calendar
days after the close of each fiscal year,  Borrower  must prepare and deliver to
Lender a complete set of audited annual financial  statements (with accompanying
notes and consolidating  schedules).  Such financial statements (a) must include
the types of financial  statements and information required on a quarterly basis
under  this  Section  4.2  hereof  as  well  as a  cash  flow  statement  and  a
reconciliation of consolidated net worth, and (b) must be prepared in accordance
with GAAP consistently  applied, and (c) must be certified without qualification
by an independent  certified  public  accounting  firm  satisfactory  to Lender.
Together with the annual financial statements,  Lender must also receive (i) all
related  management  letters  prepared  by  such  accountants,  and  (ii) a debt
compliance  letter  (substantially  similar  in form and  substance  to the form
attached as Exhibit  4.2.3 and  otherwise  acceptable  to  Lender),  and (iii) a
certificate  signed by such accountants,  stating that the financial  statements
fairly  present the  financial  condition of Borrower as of the date thereof and
for the periods covered thereby.

     4.3.      Other Financial and Specialized Reports.

               4.3.1.  Financial  Forecasts.   Within  15  Business  Days  after
receiving,  preparing,  materially revising or otherwise assembling any periodic
budgets or financial forecasts, Borrower must deliver a complete copy thereof to
Lender.

               4.3.2.  SEC Filings and Press  Releases.  Within 15 Business Days
after the date that Borrower or any organization  that owns or controls at least
50% of any class of equity  interests  of  Borrower  makes any  filing  with the
Securities  Exchange  Commission  (whether on Form 8-K, Form 10-K, Form 10-Q, or
otherwise)  or issues any press  release,  Borrower must deliver a complete copy
thereof to Lender.

     4.4. Fiscal Year.  Borrower will maintain a fiscal year that has a December
31st year end.

     4.5. Books and Records:  Maintenance of Properties.  Borrower will keep and
maintain  satisfactory  and adequate  books 


                                       34
<PAGE>



and  records of  account  in  accordance  with  GAAP.  Borrower  will also keep,
maintain  and  preserve  all of its property and assets in good order and repair
(ordinary wear and tear excepted).

     4.6.  Existence and Good Standing.  Borrower will preserve and maintain (a)
its  existence  as  a  corporation   under  the  laws  of  its  jurisdiction  of
organization,  and (b) its good standing in all jurisdictions  where it conducts
business,  and (c) the validity of all its  Authorizations and Licenses required
or otherwise appropriate in the conduct of its businesses.

     4.7.  Deposit  Accounts.  Borrower  will  maintain all of its operating and
deposit  accounts  with Lender or an  Affiliate  of Lender,  except as otherwise
provided   in  this   Section  or  as   consented   to  in  writing  by  Lender.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may maintain commercial deposit accounts
at  institutions  other than Lender (or its  Affiliates)  provided that (1) each
such institution is a federally  insured  depository  institution rated as "well
capitalized" by its primary federal regulator,  and (2) the aggregate collective
amount of collected  balances in all such  accounts  does not at any time exceed
$25,000 for any ten (10)  consecutive  calendar days, and (3) within twenty (20)
calendar days after opening or acquiring  any such  account,  Borrower  provides
Lender  with  written  notice of the  institution's  name and  location  and the
account name and number with  respect to each such  account.  The  institution's
name and  location  and the  account  name and  number  for  each  such  account
currently in existence,  as well as an  approximate  current  balance  (i.e.,  a
current balance at any time within the preceding thirty (30) calendar days), are
listed on Schedule 4.7 hereto.

     4.8.      Insurance; Disaster Contingency.

               4.8.1 General Insurance Provisions. Borrower will keep all of its
property and assets fully covered by insurance  with  reputable and  financially
sound insurance companies (reasonably acceptable to Lender).  Borrower must also
maintain such protection against such hazards and liability (including,  without
limitation, casualty, liability, fire, flood, business interruption, earthquake,
workmen's compensation,  and other material risks to its property and business),
in such  amounts  and with such  deductibles  as is  customary  in the  relevant
industry  and  appropriate  under  the  relevant  circumstances  (and,  in  each
instance,  as is reasonably  acceptable to Lender). If Borrower fails or refuses
to obtain or maintain any such insurance coverage, then Lender (at its election)
may (but is not  obligated to) obtain and maintain  such  insurance  coverage on
behalf of  Borrower,  and the  premiums  and  other  costs  thereof  (a) will be
included in the indebtedness hereunder secured by the Collateral and (b) will be
due and payable by Borrower to Lender


                                       35
<PAGE>




immediately upon demand.  Each such policy must name Lender as loss payee and as
additional  insured.  Each such policy must also  require the insurer to furnish
Lender with written notice at least 25 calendar days prior to any termination of
coverage and must provide Lender with the right (but not the obligation) to cure
any non-payment of premium. Upon Lender's request,  Borrower will furnish Lender
with proof of such  insurance (in form and  substance  acceptable to Lender) and
will cause Lender to be  reflected  thereon as  additional  insured and the loss
payee thereof.  Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may receive and keep all
proceeds and  payments of less than $50,000 in respect of property  insurance if
and to the  extent  that (a) no  Default  exists at the time of  receiving  such
proceeds or payment and (b) such  proceeds or payment is promptly  reinvested by
Borrower to repair or replace the affected property.

               4.8.2.  Disaster Recovery and Contingency Program.  Borrower will
maintain (and at least annually review the  sufficiency of) a disaster  recovery
and contingency plan that addresses  Borrower's plans for continuing  operations
upon the  occurrence  of a natural  disaster  or other  event that  destroys  or
prevents  the  use  of  or  access  to  Borrower's   primary  computer  systems,
information databases,  software  applications,  business records and operations
facility  and/or  Borrower's  switch  sites.  Such  contingency  plan  will also
specifically  address exposure within Borrower's  computer systems,  information
databases  and  software   applications   to  processing  the  year  2000.  Such
contingency  plan  at  all  times  must  be in  form  and  substance  reasonably
acceptable to Lender. Upon request,  Borrower will provide Lender with a current
copy of such plan.

     4.9. Loan Purpose. Borrower will use the proceeds of each Advance under the
Facility exclusively as set forth in Section 1.1.3 hereof.

     4.10.  Taxes.  Borrower will pay and discharge  all taxes,  assessments  or
other  governmental  charges or levies  imposed on it or any of its  property or
assets prior to the date upon which any penalty for  non-payment or late payment
is  incurred,  unless  (a) the same are then  being  contested  in good faith by
appropriate  proceedings  diligently  prosecuted,   and  (b)  adequate  reserves
therefor  acceptable  to Lender have been  established,  and (c) Lender has been
notified  thereof in writing,  and (d) the  consequences of such non-payment (in
Lender's reasonable judgment) will not have a Material Adverse Effect.

     4.11.  Management  Changes.  Borrower will notify Lender in writing  within
thirty (30) calendar days after any change (including,  without limitation,  any
dismissal  or change in title or status) in the senior  management  personnel of
Borrower.


                                       36
<PAGE>



     4.12.  Litigation  and  Administrative  Proceedings.  Borrower  will notify
Lender in  writing  immediately  upon the  institution  or  commencement  of any
litigation,  legal or administrative proceeding, or labor controversy that could
reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material Adverse Effect.

     4.13. Monitoring Compliance with Loan Documents: Occurrence of Defaults and
Material Adverse Effects.  Borrower at all times will maintain (and comply with)
commercially  reasonable  procedures and systems designed to monitor  compliance
and detect  instances of  noncompliance  with the Loan Documents.  Borrower will
notify Lender in writing  immediately  upon (a) the occurrence of any Default or
Event of Default hereunder, or (b) the occurrence of any default under any other
Loan  Document,  or (c) the happening of any event or the assertion or threat of
any claim that could  reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material Adverse
Effect.

     4.14.     Compliance with Laws.

               4.14.1.  General.  Borrower will comply in all material  respects
(a) with all material laws, rules, regulations and orders (federal, state, local
and  otherwise)  applicable to its  business,  and (b) with the  provisions  and
requirements of all  Authorizations.  Borrower will notify Lender immediately in
detail of any actual or alleged  material failure to comply with or violation of
any such laws,  rules,  regulations or orders, or under the terms of any of such
Authorizations,  or of the occurrence or existence of any facts or circumstances
that with the passage of time,  the giving of notice or  otherwise  could create
such a  failure  to comply or  violation  or could  reasonably  be  expected  to
occasion the termination of any of such Authorization.

               4.14.2.  ERISA.  Borrower  will comply in all  respects  with the
provisions of ERISA to the extent applicable to any Plan maintained by it or for
the benefit of any of its employees, except to the extent that the failure to be
in such compliance  could not reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material
Adverse  Effect.  Borrower will not (a) incur any material  accumulated  funding
deficiency (within the meaning of ERISA and the regulations thereunder),  or any
material liability to the PBGC established by ERISA or (b) permit any reportable
event (as defined in ERISA) or other event to occur which may indicate  that its
Plans are not  sound or which  may be the  basis  for PBGC to assert a  material
liability  against  it or which may  result in the  imposition  of a Lien on its
properties or assets.  Borrower will notify Lender in writing promptly after any
assertion  or  threat  of  any of  the  following:  (i)  the  occurrence


                                       37
<PAGE>




of any reportable event,  (ii) the existence of any reportable  threat, or (iii)
the occurrence of any other event which may indicate that a Plan is not sound or
may be the basis for PBGC to assert a material  liability against it or impose a
Lien on any of its properties or assets.

               4.14.3. Environmental.  Borrower will comply in all respects with
the Environmental Control Statutes,  except to the extent that the failure to be
in such compliance  could not reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material
Adverse Effect. Borrower (a) will notify Lender when the EPA, any state or local
agency or any other  Person  provides  oral or written  notification  to it with
regard  to an  actual  or  imminently  threatened  removal,  spill,  release  or
discharge of hazardous or toxic wastes,  substances or petroleum  products,  and
(b) will  notify  Lender  in detail  immediately  upon the  receipt  by it of an
assertion of liability under the Environmental  Control Statutes,  or any actual
or alleged failure to comply with or perform, breach, violation or default under
any such laws or regulations.

               4.14.4.  Communications.  Borrower  will  comply in all  material
respects  with (a) the  provisions  of the Federal  Communications  Act and each
State Act and the rules, regulations, policies, procedures and orders of the FCC
and each  State  PUC and (b) the  terms,  conditions  and  restrictions  of each
material License, Tariff and other Authorization.

     4.15.     Further Actions.

               4.15.1. Additional Collateral. Borrower will execute, deliver and
record (or, as appropriate,  cause the execution,  delivery and  recordation) at
any time upon Lender's request and in form and substance reasonably satisfactory
to Lender,  any of the  following  instruments  in favor of Lender as additional
Collateral hereunder: (a) mortgages,  deeds of trust and/or assignments on or of
any  real  or  personal  property  owned,  leased  or  licensed  by it,  and (b)
certificates of title encumbrances  against any of its titled vehicles,  and (c)
any other  like  assignments  or  agreements  specifically  covering  any of its
properties or assets (including, without limitation, assignments of any patents,
trademarks, copyrights, databases, trade secrets and other forms of intellectual
property), and (d) any financing or continuation statements requested by Lender.

               4.15.2.  Further  Assurances.  From time to time,  Borrower  will
execute  and  deliver  (or  will  cause  to  be  executed  and  delivered)  such
supplements,  amendments,  modifications  to  and/or  replacements  of the  Loan
Documents  and  such  further  instruments  as may  be  reasonably  required  to
effectuate  the  intention  of the parties to (or to  otherwise  facilitate 


                                       38
<PAGE>



the performance of) the Loan Documents.

               4.15.3.  Estoppel  Certificate.  Upon Lender's request,  Borrower
will execute, acknowledge and deliver (or, as appropriate,  cause the execution,
acknowledgement  and  delivery) to such Person as Lender may request a statement
in  writing  certifying  as  follows  (to the best of its  knowledge,  after due
inquiry): (a) that the Loan Documents (as amended, if applicable) are unmodified
and in full force and effect, and (b) that the payments under the Loan Documents
required  to be paid by  Borrower  have  been  paid,  and  (c) the  then  unpaid
principal balance of Facilities hereunder, and (d) whether or not any Default is
then occurring under any of the Loan Documents and, if so,  specifying each such
Default  of which the  signer  may have  knowledge.  Unless  Borrower  otherwise
consents  (which  consent  will  not  be  unreasonably   withheld,   delayed  or
conditioned),  Lender  must give  Borrower  at least ten (10)  Business  Days to
complete and deliver any such certificate.  Borrower understands and agrees that
any such  certificate  delivered  pursuant to this Section may be relied upon by
Lender and, if different, by the recipient thereof.

               4.15.4.  Waivers and Consents. At any time upon Lender's request,
Borrower will use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain and deliver (in form
and  substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to  Lender) a waiver or consent to the
assignment to Lender of any contract, lease, Authorization or other agreement to
which it is a party.

               4.15.5.    Additional    Material    Contracts    Licenses    and
Authorizations.  Borrower (a) will notify  Lender in writing  within 90 calendar
days after  executing or becoming bound by any contract,  agreement,  License or
other  Authorization  that  should have been  listed on  Schedule  3.5A  hereto,
Schedule  3.8 hereto or Schedule  3.9 hereto if it had existed as of the Closing
Date, and (b) will concurrently update Schedule 3.5A hereto, Schedule 3.8 hereto
or Schedule 3,9 hereto (as appropriate).

               4.15.6.  Access  and  Audits.  Lender  (from  time to time at its
discretion)  may conduct  audits of the Collateral  and of the  performance  and
operations of Borrower.  Borrower (upon Lender's request from time to time) will
use commercially  reasonable efforts to provide Lender (and its  representatives
and agents) with reasonable access to Borrower's management personnel, books and
records, property and operations (including,  without limitation,  its financial
records),  whether such  property,  books and records are in the  possession  of
Borrower  or  are  in  the  possession  of a  third  party  (including,  without
limitation,  the  possession of  Borrower's  affiliates,  accountants  and legal
counsel).  In  connection  with any such  audit,  Lender may also make notes and
copies of (and extracts from) relevant records.


                                       39
<PAGE>



     4.16.  Costs and Expenses.  Borrower  will pay or reimburse  Lender for all
fees and out-of-pocket costs and expenses  (including,  without limitation,  all
reasonable  attorneys'  fees  and  disbursements  and the  reasonable  fees  and
disbursements of in-house counsel and  documentation  personnel) that Lender may
pay or incur in connection with (a) the  preparation,  negotiation and review of
the Loan Documents, any waivers,  consents and amendments in connection herewith
or therewith and all other documentation  related hereto or thereto, and (b) the
funding of the  indebtedness or any Advance  hereunder,  and (c) the initial and
continuing  perfection  or  protection  of  Lender's  interest  in  any  of  the
Collateral,  and (d) the collection or enforcement of any of the Loan Documents,
and (e) the periodic  examination of the Collateral and the books and records of
Borrower,  and (f)  Lender's  release  of its  interests  in the  Collateral  in
accordance with the terms of the Loan  Documents.  Borrower will pay any and all
recordation taxes or other fees due upon the filing of the financing  statements
or documents of similar  effect  required to be filed under the Loan  Documents,
and will provide Lender with a copy of any receipt or other evidence  reflecting
such payments.  All  obligations  provided for in this Section shall survive the
termination of this Agreement and/or the repayment of indebtedness hereunder.

     4.17.  Other  Information.  Borrower  will  provide  Lender  with any other
documents  and  information  (financial or  otherwise)  reasonably  requested by
Lender or its counsel from time to time.

     4.18.     Payment by Account Debtors.

               a. Borrower (1) will ensure that all rights to payment in respect
of  services   rendered  by  Borrower  (in  connection  with   direct-dialed  or
operator-assisted  telephone  calls or otherwise) are billed to the user of such
services either by Borrower or by a LEC; and (2) will perform all processing and
take all other actions  (either itself or through one or more Billing Agents) as
are legal and necessary to directly  bill each ultimate  customer or to transmit
such records and other billing  information  to each LEC in a format  compatible
with each LEC's internal billing systems; and (3) will take such actions (either
itself or through one or more Billing Agents) as are necessary to cause each LEC
to purchase,  in accordance with its usual and customary practices generally and
consistent  with its past practice,  from Borrower all records and other billing
information related to all services rendered by Borrower to any Person that such
LEC is  authorized  to bill;  and (4) will  directly  remit or will  cause  each
Billing  Agent to remit or will cause each LEC to whom billing  information  has
been  submitted  on behalf 


                                       40
<PAGE>




of  Borrower  to remit all  payments  in  respect  of such  billing  information
directly  to BIC or, if BIC is not acting as a Billing  Agent,  to Lender or its
designee via direct wire transfer in accordance  with the  provisions of Section
1.6 of the Security Agreement.

               b. In addition,  but not in  limitation  of clause "a",  Borrower
will not sell,  transfer,  assign,  dispose  of, or  otherwise  permit any other
Person to acquire any interest in any records or billing information  evidencing
Borrower's  right to receive  payment for services  rendered in connection  with
direct-dialed or operator-assisted telephone calls directly billable by Borrower
or billable by any LEC to any Person, except that Borrower may sell such records
and billing  information  to one or more LECs  provided  that  payment  therefor
(after deduction of reasonable and customary  processing and bill rendering fees
due to the  purchasing  LEC) is  remitted  to BIC or Lender or its  designee  as
provided in clause "a" of this Subsection.

               c.  Borrower  shall cause BIC (1)  promptly  upon receipt of each
payment by any LEC or other Person,  to notify Borrower and Lender of the amount
of such payment allocable to billing information  submitted to such LEC or other
Person on  behalf  of  Borrower  and (2) to  transfer  that  amount  (less  such
reasonable fees, charges,  charge backs, credits and adjustments as are withheld
in accordance with the BIC Billing Agreement) via direct wire transfer to Lender
or its designee in accordance with the provisions of Section 1.6 of the Security
Agreement.

               d. Except with prior  written  consent of Lender  (which  consent
shall not be unreasonably withheld while no Default is occurring), Borrower will
not enter into any  agreement  (other than the BIC Billing  Agreement)  with any
Person  (other than BIC) whereby such Person  agrees to act as a Billing  Agent.
The BIC Billing Agreement is a Material Contract.

               e.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing (or the  provisions of Section
1.6 of the Security  Agreement) so long as no Default of the types  described in
Sections 7.1.1 through  7.1.13 hereof exists,  then any funds received by Lender
pursuant  to this  Section or Section  1.6 of the  Security  Agreement  that are
considered by Lender to be "collected funds" may be withdrawn by Borrower at any
time (to satisfy  indebtedness  under the Loan Documents or for other  allowable
and legitimate corporate expenditures).

     4.19. FCC and State PUC-Related Affirmative Covenants. Without limiting the
generality of the foregoing  affirmative  covenants,  Borrower further covenants
and agrees as follows:


                                       41
<PAGE>



               4.19.1.  Service  Interruption.  Borrower  will notify  Lender in
writing  within 36 hours after any period during which the  transmission  at any
switch site is  interrupted  or  curtailed  for an aggregate of 24 hours or more
(whether or not consecutive) during any period of 48 consecutive hours. Borrower
will make every effort to restore such  transmission  as soon as possible to the
level that was obtained prior to such interruption or curtailment.

               4.19.2.  FCC and State PUC  Correspondence.  Orders and  Filings.
Within 5 Business Days after mailing or receipt (as  applicable),  Borrower will
provide  Lender  with a copy of each  significant  or  material  correspondence,
application  or  filing  with,  to or from the FCC or any  State  PUC.  Within 5
Business  Days  after the  release  of any order of the FCC or any State PUC (a)
designating or proposing to designate an application by Borrower to the FCC or a
State PUC for an evidentiary  hearing,  or designating or proposing to designate
for an evidentiary hearing the possible non-renewal,  revocation or modification
of any License or  Authorization  issued to it by the FCC or a State PUC, or (b)
imposing  or  proposing  to  impose a fine,  penalty  or other  forfeiture  upon
Borrower, or (c) initiating any other enforcement action against Borrower, or as
soon as Borrower ascertains that any such order will be forthcoming from the FCC
or a State PUC,  then  Borrower  must notify Lender of the same and, if any such
order has been  issued by the FCC or a State  PUC,  must  provide a copy of such
order to Lender.

     4.20.     Post-Closing Items.

               4.20.1.  Restructuring  of Borrower and Release of Equity Pledge.
Borrower will use commercially  reasonable  efforts to promptly  restructure its
ownership (in a manner reasonably acceptable to Lender,  written confirmation of
which  Lender  will  not  unreasonably  withhold)  so that  Borrower  becomes  a
wholly-owned operating Subsidiary of a holding company that owns no assets other
than the equity of Borrower (the "Corporate  Restructuring").  Concurrently with
the consummation of any such Corporate  Restructuring,  (a) such holding company
will  execute in favor of Lender an  unconditional  guaranty of payment (in form
and substance  acceptable to Lender) with respect to the indebtedness  under the
Loan Documents,  and (b) such holding company will execute in favor of Lender an
equity pledge (in form and substance  acceptable to Lender)  pledging all of its
ownership  of equity  interests of Borrower as  Collateral,  and (c) Lender will
release from each then-existing  equity pledge each other Person who has pledged
equity of Borrower as Collateral,  and (d) the Warrant Agreement will be amended
and  restated  (in a manner  acceptable  to  Lender)  so that it  grants  Lender
substantially 


                                       42
<PAGE>



similar  rights and  interests  with  respect to the  ownership  of such holding
company, and (e) the various other Loan Documents will be amended (as reasonably
requested by Lender) to appropriately reflect the restructuring of the ownership
of Borrower, and (f) Borrower will obtain for the benefit of Borrower and Lender
a  legal  opinion  as to  the  effectiveness  and  validity  of  such  Corporate
Restructuring  and issuance of shares in connection  therewith.  If prior to any
such Corporate  Restructuring Borrower issues shares of its stock pursuant to an
effective  registration statement filed with the SEC under the Securities Act (a
"Public Offering"),  then concurrently with the closing of the first such Public
Offering,  (a) Lender will release from each  then-existing  equity  pledge each
Person who has pledged equity of Borrower as Collateral,  and (b) each member of
senior  management  of  Borrower  (and any  relative  thereof)  who owns  equity
interests  of Borrower  will execute in favor of Lender an option and escrow (in
form and  substance  acceptable to Lender) by which Lender (at any time while an
Event of Default  exists) may  purchase  from such Persons (at the lesser of the
par value per share or a total of $100) equity of Borrower that  collectively in
the aggregate (a) represents at least 50% of the issued and  outstanding  voting
rights of Borrower (On a fully diluted basis) and (b) has a fair market value of
at least  200% of the  Current  Line of Credit  Commitment  (as such  commitment
amount may be adjusted from time to time).  In  connection  with any such Public
Offering,  any legal opinions issued regarding the validity and effectiveness of
such transaction,  the issuance of shares in connection  therewith or the status
of regulatory Authorizations shall also be issued for the benefit of Lender.

               4.20.2.  Foreign  Qualifications.  On or before July 15, 1997 and
before any Advance  hereunder  other than the  Advances  identified  on Schedule
1.4.2,  Borrower  must  file  to  qualify  to  conduct  business  as  a  foreign
corporation  (and must deliver  evidence  thereof to Lender) with respect to the
following jurisdictions: (a) District of Columbia, and (b) New York, and (c) New
Jersey.

               4.20.3.  State PUC  Authorizations  and Approvals.  Borrower will
diligently prosecute and pursue the obtaining of all consents and approvals from
the  following  State  PUCs  whose  consents  and  approvals  are  necessary  or
appropriate for Borrower to obtain and to perform its obligations under the Loan
Documents (and must deliver evidence  thereof to Lender):  (a) Tennessee and (b)
Washington.

               4.20.4.  Primary  Estoppels and  Consents.  On or before July 10,
1997 and before any Advance  hereunder  other than the  Advances  identified  on
Schedule 1.4.2,  Borrower must obtain  estoppel and consent  agreements (in form
and  substance  reasonably


                                       43
<PAGE>




acceptable to Lender) from each of the following  Persons with whom Borrower has
entered into a Material Contract or other significant relationship: (a) BIC, and
(b) Vaswani Place Limited Partnership, and (c) Telecommunications Finance Group.

               4.20.5.  Secondary Estoppels and Consents.  On or before July 30,
1997,  Borrower  must  obtain  estoppel  and  consent  agreements  (in  form and
substance  reasonably  acceptable to Lender) from each of the following  Persons
with whom  Borrower  has entered into a Material  Contract or other  significant
relationship:  (a)  Communications  Transmission Group ("IXC") and (b) Companhia
Portuguesa Radio Marconi, S.A. ("Marconi").

               4.20.6. Payoff Letters and Termination  Statements.  On or before
July 15,  1997  and  before  any  Advance  hereunder  other  than  the  Advances
identified on Schedule  1.4.2,  Borrower  must payoff all existing  indebtedness
owed to (and must provide  evidence  thereof to Lender)  from  General  Electric
Capital Corporation  ("GECC") and AT&T Commercial Finance Corporation  ("AT&T").
On or before July 30, 1997, Borrower must obtain and file termination statements
and such other  release  documents  as are  appropriate  (in form and  substance
reasonably acceptable to Lender) from GECC and AT&T.


                          ARTICLE 5: NEGATIVE COVENANTS

          Borrower hereby covenants and agrees that, so long as any indebtedness
remains outstanding hereunder,  Borrower will comply with the following negative
covenants (unless Lender otherwise  consents in writing,  which consent will not
be unreasonably withheld while no Default is occurring):

     5.1. Capital Expenditures.  Borrower will not incur Capital Expenditures in
any fiscal year in excess of $4,000,000.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  to the
extent that the permitted  Capital  Expenditures  (referenced  above) exceed the
actual Capital  Expenditures for any fiscal year, then the excess may be carried
over and used  during  the  immediately  succeeding  fiscal  year as  additional
permitted amounts of Capital Expenditures in such subsequent fiscal year applied
after first  exhausting  the  otherwise  permitted  amount of scheduled  Capital
Expenditures),  provided  that in no event may the  aggregate  amount of Capital
Expenditures  in  any  fiscal  year  exceed  $6,000,000.   Notwithstanding   the
foregoing,  Borrower may not make any such Capital Expenditure to acquire all or
any substantial portion of the assets or equity of another business enterprise.

     5.2.  Additional  Indebtedness.  Borrower  will not  borrow  any  monies or
create, incur or assume any additional 


                                       44
<PAGE>




indebtedness,   obligations  or  liabilities  (including,   without  limitation,
monetary  obligations under non-compete and consulting  arrangements)  except as
follows (collectively, the "Permitted Indebtedness"):

               a.   Borrowings from Lender hereunder; and

               b. Trade indebtedness, if and to the extent (i) such indebtedness
is incurred in the normal and ordinary course of business for value received and
(ii) such  indebtedness  (to the extent it exceeds $10,000 to any single vendor)
is paid on a current basis or is less than 120 calendar days past due; and

               c.  Indebtedness  and  obligations  incurred to purchase fixed or
capital  assets,  consistent  with the  restrictions  in Section  5.1 hereof and
Section 5.5 hereof,  provided,  however,  that (1) the aggregate  amount of such
asset  acquisition  indebtedness  outstanding  at any  time  (together  with the
aggregate  amount of Capital Lease  indebtedness  outstanding  under  Subsection
5.2.d  hereof)  may not exceed  $2,500,000,  and (2) such  indebtedness  must be
immediately  included in the  calculation  of Funded Debt, and (3) such fixed or
capital assets being  purchased may not  constitute  (a) customized  application
software  or  systems  integration  software,  or  (b)  equity  interests  in or
substantially  all of the assets of  another  enterprise  other  than  Permitted
Investments,  or (c) any  other  asset  the loss of which  could  reasonably  be
expected to have or cause a Material Adverse Effect; and

               d.  Indebtedness  and obligations  incurred under Capital Leases,
consistent  with the  restrictions in Section 5.1 hereof and Section 5.5 hereof,
provided,  however,  that  (1)  the  aggregate  amount  of  such  Capital  Lease
indebtedness  outstanding  at any time  (together  with the aggregate  amount of
asset  acquisition  indebtedness  outstanding under Subsection 5.2.c hereof) may
not exceed $2,500,000, and (2) such indebtedness must be immediately included in
the  calculation  of Funded  Debt,  and (3) such fixed or capital  assets  being
leased  may not  constitute  (a)  customized  application  software  or  systems
integration  software,  or (b) any asset the loss of which could  reasonably  be
expected to have or cause a Material Adverse Effect; and

               e. Subordinated Indebtedness if and to the extent permitted under
Section 5.11 hereof; and

               f. Such indebtedness listed on Schedule 5.2 hereto with the prior
written  consent of Lender (which consent will not be  unreasonably  withheld by
Lender  while no  Default  is  occurring).  Unless  Lender  otherwise  expressly
consents in writing (or unless otherwise specified on Schedule 5.2 hereto), 


                                       45
<PAGE>




all  indebtedness  listed  on  Schedule  5.2  hereto  must  be  included  in the
calculation of Funded Debt.

     5.3. Guaranties.  Borrower will not guarantee, assume or otherwise agree to
become liable in any way,  either  directly or  indirectly,  for any  additional
indebtedness or liability of any other Person, except as follows  (collectively,
the "Permitted  Guaranties"):  (a) in favor of Lender, or (b) to endorse checks,
drafts and  negotiable  instruments  for  collection  in the ordinary  course of
business, or (c) to the extent that Lender otherwise consents in writing.

     5.4.  Loans.  Borrower  will not make any  loans or  advances  to any other
Person,  except as  follows  (collectively,  the  "Permitted  Loans"):  loans to
employees that do not exceed $2,500 to any individual employee and do not at any
time in the  aggregate  outstanding  exceed  $10,000 among all such loans to all
such employees.

     5.5. Liens and  Encumbrances:  Negative  Pledge.  Borrower will not create,
permit or suffer the  creation or  existence of any Liens on any of its property
or  assets  (real or  personal,  tangible  or  intangible),  except  as  follows
(collectively, the "Permitted Liens"):

               a. Liens in favor of Lender as security for the Obligations under
the Loan Documents; and

               b. Liens arising in favor of sellers or lessors for  indebtedness
and  obligations  incurred  to  purchase  or lease  fixed or  capital  assets as
permitted under Subsection  5.2.c hereof or Subsection  5.2.d hereof,  provided,
that  (1) such  Liens  secure  only the  indebtedness  and  obligations  created
thereunder  (but not any related  monetary  obligations  under  non-compete  and
consulting  arrangements)  and are  limited  to the assets  purchased  or leased
pursuant  thereto,  and (2) such fixed or capital  assets do not  constitute (a)
customized  application software or systems integration  software, or (b) equity
interests in or substantially  all of the assets of another  enterprise,  or (c)
any other asset the loss of which could  reasonably be expected to have or cause
a Material Adverse Effect; and

               c. Liens for taxes,  assessments  or other  governmental  charges
(federal,  state or local)  that are not yet  delinquent  or that are then being
currently  contested  in  good  faith  by  appropriate   proceedings  diligently
prosecuted,  provided,  however,  that  (1)  the  existence  of such  Liens  and
challenge  of such charges  must have been fully  disclosed  to Lender,  and (2)
adequate  reserves  therefor in accordance with GAAP must have been established,
and (3) such Liens (in Lender's  reasonable  opinion)


                                       46
<PAGE>




could not reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material Adverse Effect; and

               d.  Deposits  in  the  ordinary  course  of  business  to  secure
obligations  under  workmen's  compensation,  unemployment  insurance  or social
security laws or similar legislation; and

               e.  Deposits  to  secure  performance  or  payment  bonds,  bids,
tenders,  contracts,  leases,  franchises  or public and  statutory  obligations
required in the ordinary course of business; and

               f. Deposits to secure surety,  appeal or custom bonds required in
the ordinary course of business; and

               g. Liens of carriers,  warehousemen,  mechanics,  materialmen and
landlords  incurred in the ordinary  course of business for sums not past due or
for sums being  currently  contested  in good faith by  appropriate  proceedings
diligently prosecuted,  provided,  however, that (1) the existence of such Liens
and  challenge  of such sums  allegedly  due must have been fully  disclosed  to
Lender,  and (2) adequate  reserves  therefor in accordance  with GAAP must have
been established,  and (3) such Liens (in Lender's reasonable opinion) could not
reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material Adverse Effect; and

               h.  Easements,  rights-of-way,  restrictions  and  other  similar
encumbrances  on  real  property  of  Borrower  that,  independently  and in the
aggregate, do not (1) materially interfere with the occupation, use or enjoyment
by Borrower of the property or assets encumbered thereby in the normal course of
business or (2) materially impair the value of the property subject thereto; and

               i. Liens listed on Schedule 5.5 hereof with the consent of Lender
(which consent will not be  unreasonably  withheld by Lender while no Default is
occurring).

Borrower will not similarly  covenant to or in favor of any other Person that it
will not create,  permit or suffer the creation or existence of any Liens on any
of its property or assets. In addition,  Borrower will not purchase or otherwise
acquire any additional  assets  (including,  without  limitation,  any leasehold
interest  therefor)  unless  Lender's  interest in such  property  either (a) is
already  covered  and  perfected  pursuant to an existing  and  effective  UCC-1
financing  statement,  fixture filing,  mortgage and/or  leasehold  mortgage (as
appropriate)  in favor of Lender or (b)  otherwise  becomes  properly  perfected
within 5 calendar days after any such  acquisition by Borrower's  filing (at its
expense) all necessary UCC-1 financing  statements,  fixture 


                                       47
<PAGE>




filings,  mortgages and/or leasehold mortgages (as appropriate,  and in form and
substance  reasonably  acceptable  to  Lender).  Moreover,   Borrower  will  not
establish   or  maintain  any   "securities   account"   with  any   "securities
intermediary"  (as such terms are  defined  in  Article 8 of the UCC)  except as
permitted under Section 5.7 hereof.

     5.6.  Transfer  of  Assets.  Borrower  will not sell,  lease,  transfer  or
otherwise  dispose  of all or  substantially  all of its  assets.  In  addition,
Borrower  will not sell,  lease,  transfer  or  otherwise  dispose of any of its
assets other than (a) pursuant to a transaction with an unrelated third party in
the normal and ordinary  course of business for value  received and otherwise in
accordance  with the  terms  hereof,  (including,  without  limitation,  Section
1.1.6.5 c hereof) or (b) pursuant to a transaction  not  satisfying the standard
under Clause "(a)" if the  aggregate  collective  fair market value of the asset
being transferred  together with all other such transfers during the immediately
preceding  12  calendar  months  does  not  exceed  $50,000  (collectively,  the
"Permitted Transfers").

     5.7. Acquisitions and Investments.  Borrower will not purchase or otherwise
acquire (including,  without  limitation,  by way of share exchange) any part or
amount of the equity  ownership  or assets of, or make any  investments  in, any
other  corporation,  partnership,  limited liability company or other venture or
enterprise. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower may acquire or invest in the
following (collectively, the "Permitted Investments"):

               a. Government and agency  securities backed by the full faith and
credit of the U.S. federal government; and

               b. Commercial  paper of a U.S.  domestic issuer rated A-1+ or A-1
by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or P-1 by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. and
maturing not more than 90 calendar  days from the date of  acquisition  thereof;
and

               c.  Certificates of deposit  (maturing  within 12 calendar months
after  the  date of  issuance),  time  deposits,  other  deposits  and  bankers'
acceptances  issued by or established  with U.S.  federally  insured  commercial
banks rated as "well  capitalized"  by their  primary  federal  regulators,  and
having unimpaired capital and unimpaired surplus (collectively) of at least $250
million,  and whose  commercial  paper (or commercial paper that is supported by
such bank's  letter of credit or  commitment to lend) is rated as A-1+ or A-1 by
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or P-1 by Moody's Investor Services, Inc.; and

               d. Assets  acquired  pursuant  to  transactions


                                       48
<PAGE>




permitted under Section 5.1 hereof or Section 5.2 hereof; and

               e. Other  investments  that  collectively in the aggregate of any
time do not exceed $50,000.

Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  unless and to the extent such  investments  are
certificated and separately collaterally assigned to Lender, then the amounts of
investments  permitted under Clauses "a", "b" and "c" of this Section may not at
any time exceed  $50,000.  In addition,  Borrower will not establish or maintain
any "securities  account" with any "securities  intermediary" (as such terms are
defined in Article 8 of the UCC), unless a control agreement  acceptable in form
and  substance  to Lender is first  executed by such  "securities  intermediary"
securing  Lender's first  priority  interest and rights in and to all "financial
assets" and "security entitlements" associated with such "securities account".

     5.8.  New  Ventures:  Mergers.  Borrower  will not (a)  enter  into any new
business activities or ventures not directly related to its current business, or
(b)  merge or  consolidate  with or into  any  other  corporation,  partnership,
limited  liability company or other  organization,  or (c) create or acquire (or
cause or permit the  creation or  acquisition  of) any  Subsidiary  or Affiliate
(except the hiring of officers and  directors).  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,
Borrower may create or acquire (or cause or permit the  creation or  acquisition
of) one or more wholly-owned Subsidiaries provided that (1) each such Subsidiary
(at Lender's sole discretion) becomes a "Borrower," "Guarantor" and/or "Obligor"
under the Loan Documents,  and (2) a first priority security interest and pledge
of 100% of the assets and equity of each such  Subsidiary  is perfected in favor
of Lender as additional Collateral under the Loan Documents (except as otherwise
permitted under Section 5.5).

     5.9.  Transactions  with  Affiliates.  Borrower  will  not  enter  into any
transaction  or  agreement  with any  Subsidiary,  Affiliate  or  other  related
enterprise  except  as  follows:  (a)  reasonable  and  customary   compensation
arrangements in the ordinary course of business with its officers and directors,
and (b) guaranties (if any) to the extent  permitted by Section 5.3 hereof,  and
(c) employee  loans (if any) to the extent  permitted  under Section 5.4 hereof,
and (d) reasonable and customary asset transfers among Borrowers (if any) to the
extent  permitted  under Section 5.6 hereof,  and (e)  reasonable  dividends and
distributions  (if any) to the extent permitted by Section 5.10 hereof,  and (f)
reasonable and customary  management fees (if any) to the extent permitted under
Section 5.12 hereof.

     5.10.  Distributions  or  Dividends.  Borrower  will  not 


                                       49
<PAGE>



declare or make  (directly  or  indirectly)  any  payment or  distribution  with
respect to, or incur any liability for the purchase, acquisition,  redemption or
retirement of, any of its equity interests (including warrants therefor) or as a
dividend,  return of capital or other payment or distribution of any kind to any
holder of any such equity interest. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Borrower will
make all payments and  distributions  to Lender  required under or in connection
with the Warrant Agreement, the Warrants and/or any related warrant shares.

     5.11. Payment of Subordinated Indebtedness. Borrower will not incur or make
any payments on Subordinated Indebtedness except as permitted by this Section or
by a separate  subordination  agreement executed between such other creditor and
Lender.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if any  Subordinated  Indebtedness  is
subsequently  authorized  by Lender  and if any  Default  occurs  under the Loan
Documents,  then Borrower will not make any further  payments in connection with
its Subordinated  Indebtedness  unless and until such Default has been waived or
cured to Lender's satisfaction.

     5.12.  Payment  of  Management  Fees.  Borrower  will not pay any  funds or
otherwise incur or accrue any liabilities for any management or related services
except (a) reasonable and customary compensation to bona fide full-time resident
employees  of  Borrower,  and  (b)  reasonable  and  customary  compensation  to
consultant management employees, and (c) as otherwise permitted by this Section.

     5.13. Issuance of Additional Equity.  Borrower will not permit the issuance
(or  reissuance)  of  any  equity  interests  (common  stock,  preferred  stock,
partnership interests,  member interests or otherwise) or any options, warrants,
convertible  securities  or other rights to purchase  such  beneficial or equity
interest.  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  Borrower may issue additional equity
interests  provided  that:  (a) Borrower has provided  written notice thereof to
Lender at least 10 Business  Days prior to such  issuance  (which notice must at
least  describe the type and amount of equity  interests  being  purchased,  the
consideration to be received by Borrower in exchange for such issuance,  and the
identity of the purchaser),  and (b) such equity interests are pledged to Lender
(with a first lien priority) as additional  Collateral  hereunder at the time of
issuance thereof using  documentation  that is in form and substance  reasonably
acceptable  to Lender,  and (c) no Default or Event of Default then exists under
the Loan  Documents or would  otherwise  result from the issuance of such equity
interest (including,  without limitation,  a Default under the change in control
restrictions  set forth in Section 7.1.8 hereof).  Further  notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  (a) the negative covenant under this Section 


                                       50
<PAGE>




restricting  additional  issuances of equity of Borrower  will be  automatically
deleted herefrom and will be of no further force or effect  immediately prior to
(but conditioned upon) consummation of a Public Offering by Borrower (as defined
in and in  accordance  with Section 4.20  hereof),  and (b) prior to a Corporate
Restructuring,  Borrower  may issue  shares of common stock upon the exercise of
warrants or options  outstanding  as of the Closing  Date  (without  such equity
being pledged as  Collateral if the owner thereof has not otherwise  executed an
equity  pledge  in  favor  of  Lender),  and  (c) as of and  after  a  Corporate
Restructuring, Borrower only may issue additional equity to its corporate parent
that owns 100% of its equity.

     5.14. Removal of Assets.  Borrower will not remove or permit the removal of
any asset or group of assets  (with a  collective  fair market  value  exceeding
$10,000) to a jurisdiction  or a county in which no financing  statement on Form
UCC-1 has been  filed  naming  Lender as  secured  party"  with  respect to such
assets.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  Borrower may remove the following types
of assets under the following conditions: (a) temporary removal of equipment for
repair or  replacement  provided that Lender has received  prior written  notice
thereof indicating the type of equipment, its approximate fair market value, the
destination  location and an estimate of the length of time that such  equipment
will be  removed  from the  relevant  jurisdiction,  and (b)  booths,  displays,
marketing  materials and related  accompanying  equipment of Borrower being used
temporarily in connection with marketing  Borrower's  business at trade shows or
otherwise (provided that the aggregate fair market value thereof does not exceed
$50,000),  and (c) portable  computer and related  accompanying  equipment being
used by the officers,  employees and independent  representatives of Borrower in
connection with accomplishing  Borrower's business activities at home offices or
otherwise (provided that the aggregate fair market value thereof does not exceed
$50,000).  Moreover,  Borrower will not move the location of its chief executive
office (or change its official mailing  address)  without  providing Lender with
prior written notice thereof.

     5.15.  Modifications to Organic  Documents.  Borrower will not (a) amend or
otherwise modify any of its Organic Documents,  or (b) change its official name,
its operating names or the names under which it executes  contracts and conducts
business.

     5.16. Modifications to Material Relationships.  Borrower will not (and will
not permit any other party to) cancel,  terminate,  amend,  modify or  otherwise
alter (a) any  Subordinated  Indebtedness,  or (b) any  agreement  regarding the
provision  of  management  services to Borrower,  or (c) any  Material  Contract
listed (or contract that should be listed) on Schedule 3.8 hereto.


                                       51
<PAGE>



     5.17. Margin Stock Restrictions;  Other Federal Statutes. Borrower will not
use any of the proceeds hereunder, directly or indirectly, to purchase or carry,
or to reduce or retire any indebtedness that was originally incurred to purchase
or carry,  any Margin Stock or for any other purpose that might  constitute  the
transactions contemplated hereby as a "Purpose Credit" within the meaning of the
FRB's Margin Regulations. In addition, Borrower will not engage as its principal
business in the  extension of credit for  purchasing  or carrying  Margin Stock.
Borrower  will not  cause or  permit  any Loan  Document  to  violate  any other
regulation of the FRB or the SEC or any provision of the Securities Act of 1933,
the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the Investment  Company Act of 1940 or the
Small  Business  Investment  Act of  1958,  each as  amended,  or any  rules  or
regulations promulgated under any of such statutes.


              ARTICLE 6: ADDITIONAL COLLATERAL AND RIGHT OF SET OFF

     6.1. Additional Collateral. As additional collateral for the payment of any
and all  indebtedness  and obligations of Borrower to Lender (whether matured or
unmatured,  and whether now existing or hereafter  incurred or created hereunder
or otherwise),  Borrower hereby grants Lender a security  interest in and a lien
upon all funds, balances and other property of any kind of Borrower, or in which
Borrower has any interest (limited to the interest of Borrower therein),  now or
hereafter in the  possession,  custody or control of Lender or any  Affiliate of
Lender.

     6.2.  Right of Set-Off.  Lender is hereby  authorized  at any time and from
time to time  during  the  existence  of an Event of Default  hereunder  (unless
expressly  prohibited  by  applicable  law) to  set-off  and  apply  any and all
deposits  (general or special,  time or demand,  provisional or final) and other
indebtedness  at any time held or owing by Lender (or any of its  Affiliates) to
or for  the  credit  or the  account  of  Borrower  against  any  and all of the
indebtedness  and monetary  obligations  of Borrower  now or hereafter  existing
under the Loan  Documents  or any other  evidence  of  indebtedness  originated,
acquired or otherwise held by Lender,  irrespective of whether Lender shall have
made any demand under the Loan Documents or other indebtedness and although such
obligations  may be unmatured.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Lender may not
exercise such right of set-off if the only Event of Default existing at the time
is under  Section  7.1.14  hereof.  Lender  agrees to notify  Borrower  within a
commercially  reasonable  time after any such  set-off and  application  made by
Lender; provided, however, that the failure 


                                       52
<PAGE>



to give such notice shall not in any way affect the validity of such set-off and
application.

     6.3.  Additional  Rights.  The rights of Lender under this Article 6 are in
addition to the other rights and remedies (including,  without limitation, other
rights of set-off) that Lender may have by contract, at law, or otherwise.


                         ARTICLE 7: DEFAULT AND REMEDIES

     7.1. Events of Default. Each of the following events separately constitutes
an independent Event of Default hereunder (each of which may be waived by Lender
in its sole and absolute discretion):

               7.1.1. Payment Obligations. If any payment of principal, interest
or other sum payable to Lender under any Loan Document  (including  any Note) is
not  received  by Lender on the date such  payment is due and  payable  and such
failure to receive  payment  continues  for a period of five (5)  Business  Days
after the due date therefor.

               7.1.2.  Representations and Warranties.  If any  representations,
warranty or other statement made in any Loan Document, or in any written report,
schedule,  exhibit,  certificate,  agreement,  or other  document given by or on
behalf of Borrower or any other  Obligor (or  otherwise  furnished in connection
herewith) when made was misleading or incorrect in any material respect.

               7.1.3.  Financial Covenants.  If Borrower defaults in or fails to
observe at any time any of the covenants set forth in Section 4.1 hereof.

               7.1.4.  Other  Covenants  in Loan  Documents.  If Borrower or any
other Obligor defaults in the full and timely  performance when due of any other
covenant or agreement  contained in any Loan Document (or in any other  document
or agreement now or hereafter executed or delivered in connection herewith), and
such default  remains  uncured for a period of ten (10)  Business Days after the
earlier  of the date that  Lender  notifies  Borrower  thereof  or the date that
Borrower otherwise acquires knowledge or should have acquired knowledge thereof.
Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  if such  covenant  Default  is not  reasonably
subject to cure within such 10 Business  Day period,  then such Default will not
be an Event of Default  hereunder  if and so long as (1) Lender was  notified of
the  occurrence  of such Default in writing  within such 10 Business Day period,
and (2) Borrower or such other  Obligor  commenced  cure within such 10 Business
Day period,  and 


                                       53
<PAGE>




(3)  Borrower  or  such  other  Obligor  continues  to  diligently  pursue  cure
thereafter,  and (4) such default is ultimately  cured to Lender's  satisfaction
(or waived by Lender) within a reasonable  period of time after such 10 Business
Day period (but in any event  within 90 calendar  days after the  occurrence  of
such Default).

               7.1.5.  Default Under Other Agreements with Lender.  If any event
of default (as described or defined therein, which term shall include any notice
and cure periods provided  therein) occurs or exists under the provisions of any
other credit agreement, security agreement,  mortgage, deed of trust, indenture,
debenture,  cash  management  or  account  agreement,  contract,  lease or other
agreement between  Borrower,  any Affiliate of Borrower or any other Obligor and
Lender (or any Affiliate of Lender),  unless such default is waived by Lender or
cured to Lender's satisfaction.

               7.1.6.  Default Under Material  Agreements with Other Parties. If
Borrower  fails or refuses to make any one or more  required  payments  (whether
principal,  interest or otherwise) aggregating in excess of $25,000 with respect
to any Funded Debt (or with respect to any guaranty or reimbursement  obligation
of any such indebtedness) prior to the expiration of any applicable grace period
with respect to such payment,  or if any such indebtedness for borrowed money in
excess of $25,000 is  accelerated  prior to its express  maturity as a result of
any  default  thereunder,  or if any event of default (as  described  or defined
therein,  which term shall include any notice and cure periods provided therein)
occurs or  exists  under  the  provisions  of any  Material  Contract  listed on
Schedule 3.8 hereto (or a contract  that should be listed on Schedule 3.8 hereto
under the terms hereof).  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the occurrence of such
an event of default thereunder will not constitute an Event of Default hereunder
if and so long as either:

               (a)  (l) lender was notified of the occurrence of such default in
                    writing   within  10  Business  Days  after  the  occurrence
                    thereof,  and (2) the other Person to such agreement has not
                    formally  declared an event of default  thereunder,  has not
                    accelerated   any   related   indebtedness   in   connection
                    therewith,  and is not then otherwise  pursuing any remedies
                    thereunder,  and (3) Borrower continues to diligently pursue
                    resolving such dispute with such Person,  and (4) such event
                    of  default  is  ultimately  cured  (without  incurring  any
                    material  liability)  to  Lender's   satisfaction  within  a
                    reasonable  period of time after such


                                       54
<PAGE>




                    10 Business  Day period (but in any event within 90 calendar
                    days after the occurrence of such default), or

               (b)  Within 30 calendar  days after the  occurrence of such event
                    of default,  the  services or products  provided  under such
                    Material    Contract   are   replaced   by   Borrower   with
                    substantially  comparable  services or products  under a new
                    contract with another Person (without incurring any material
                    liability)  that  is in form  and  substance  acceptable  to
                    Lender.

               7.1.7. Security Interest. If the security interest or lien in any
of the Collateral  (with a fair market value  exceeding  collectively  $15,000),
other than Collateral  consisting of equity ownership interest in Borrower or in
subsidiaries or other  securities of Borrower (for which there is no permissible
threshold for  non-compliance),  at any time does not constitute a legal,  valid
and enforceable security interest or lien in favor of Lender.

               7.1.8. Change of Control.

               a. Prior to the occurrence of a Corporate Restructuring:

                    (i) If Ram Mukunda ceases to own and control at least 65% of
each class of voting  securities of Borrower prior to the occurrence of a Public
Offering of  Borrower's  common  stock or ceases to own and control at least 40%
(and, in any event, the largest single block) of each class of voting securities
of Borrower  after the  occurrence  of a public  Offering of  Borrower's  common
stock.

                    (ii) If Ram Mukunda or Prabhav Maniyar or Anthony Das ceases
to hold a senior management  position with active  involvement in the management
and  operations  of  Borrower,  unless (1) such event is by reason of his or her
death or disability and (2) replacement management arrangements  satisfactory to
Lender (in its sole and absolute  discretion)  are made within 60 calendar  days
after such  death or within 120  calendar  days after the  commencement  of such
period of disability.

               b. As of and after the occurrence of a Corporate Restructuring:

                    (i) If the corporate  holding  company of 


                                       55
<PAGE>




Borrower  ceases to own and control 100% of each class of equity  securities  of
Borrower.

                    (ii) If Ram Mukunda or Prabhav Maniyar or Anthony Das ceases
to hold a senior Management  position with active  involvement in the management
and  operations  of  Borrower,  unless (1) such event is by reason of his or her
death or disability and (2) replacement management arrangements  satisfactory to
Lender (in its sole and absolute  discretion)  are made within 60 calendar  days
after such  death or within 120  calendar  days after the  commencement  of such
period of disability.

               7.1.9. Government Action.

                      a. If custody or  control of any  substantial  part of the
property  of  Borrower  is  assumed by any  governmental  agency or any court of
competent jurisdiction at the instance of any governmental agency.

                      b. If any  governmental  regulatory  authority or judicial
body  makes  any  other  final  nonappealable  determination  that (in  Lender's
reasonable  judgment)  could  reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material
Adverse Effect.

               7.1.10. Insolvency. If Borrower or any other Obligor that pledges
Collateral  or that is  directly or  indirectly  liable to Lender for all or any
part of the  indebtedness  under  the  Loan  Documents  (a)  becomes  insolvent,
bankrupt or  generally  fails to pay its,  his or her debts as such debts become
due; or (b) is  adjudicated  insolvent  or bankrupt  in any  proceeding;  or (c)
admits in writing an inability to pay its, his or her debts;  or (d) comes under
the  authority  of a  custodian,  receiver or trustee (or one is  appointed  for
substantially  all of its, his or her property);  or (e) makes an assignment for
the  benefit  of  creditors;  or (f) has  commenced  against  it, him or her any
proceedings  under  any law  related  to  bankruptcy,  insolvency,  liquidation,
dissolution or the  reorganization,  readjustment  or release of debtors that is
either not  contested or if contested is not  dismissed or stayed  within ninety
(90)  calendar  days  after  the  commencement  thereof;  or  (g)  commences  or
institutes  any  proceedings  under any law related to  bankruptcy,  insolvency,
liquidation,  dissolution  or the  reorganization,  readjustment  or  release of
debtors;  or (h)  calls  a  meeting  of  creditors  with a view to  arranging  a
composition  or  adjustment  of debt;  or (i) by any act or  failure to act that
indicates consent to, approval of or acquiescence in any of the foregoing.

               7.1.11.  Additional Liabilities.  If any 


                                       56
<PAGE>




judgment,  writ, warrant,  attachment or execution or similar process that calls
for payment or presents  liability in excess of $100,000 is rendered,  issued or
levied against Borrower or any of its properties or assets and such liability is
not paid,  waived,  stayed,  vacated,  discharged,  settled,  satisfied or fully
bonded within thirty (30) calendar days after it is rendered, issued or levied.

               7.1.12. Business Interruption. If the operations of any switch or
switch  facility  owned,  controlled  or  used by  Borrower  is  interrupted  or
curtailed  at any time for a  period  in  excess  of 24  hours  (whether  or not
consecutive) during any period of 7 consecutive calendar days.

               7.1.13. FCC and Other Regulatory-Action  Defaults. In addition to
the  events  described  in  Section  7.1.9  hereof,  (a)  if any  Official  Body
(including the FCC)  designates for an evidentiary  hearing any  applications of
Borrower (or any  Affiliate  thereof)  requesting  any  Authorization  from such
Official Body, any Tariff of Borrower,  or any complaint,  petition or motion of
any third party affecting any of Borrower's requested or then-existing  Licenses
or other Authorizations,  and Lender reasonably believes that the result thereof
could be the termination,  revocation,  suspension, non-renewal or material (and
adverse)  modification of any material  License,  Tariff or other  Authorization
held by Borrower,  or (b) if any Official Body  (including the FCC)  terminates,
revokes or substantially and adversely modifies any material License,  Tariff or
other  Authorization  of  Borrower  (or any  Affiliate  thereof),  or (c) if any
Official Body (including the FCC) commences an action or proceeding  seeking the
termination,  suspension,  revocation,  non-renewal or  substantial  and adverse
modification of any material License,  Tariff or other Authorization,  or (d) if
any material License,  Tariff or other Authorization expires by its terms and is
not renewed in a timely manner, or any material  agreement which is necessary to
the  operation  of any switch  expires or is  revoked or  terminated  and is not
replaced by a comparable  substitute  or a substitute  reasonably  acceptable to
Lender.  For purposes of this  Section  7.1.13,  a  "material"  License or other
Authorization is (1) any License or Authorization issued by the FCC or any State
PUC, and (2) any other License or  Authorization  (alone or in conjunction  with
other  Licenses  and  Authorizations  then  subject to any of the  circumstances
described in this Section) the loss of which (in Lender's  reasonable  judgment)
could reasonably be expected to have or cause a Material Adverse Effect.

               7.1.14.  Material  Adverse Change.  If Lender  determines in good
faith that a Material  Adverse Change has occurred with respect to Borrower from
the condition set forth in 


                                       57
<PAGE>




the  financial  statements  furnished  to  Lender  for  the  fiscal  year  ended
immediately  prior to the Closing  Date,  or from the condition of Borrower most
recently  disclosed to Lender in any annual  financial  statements  furnished to
Lender  pursuant to Section 4.2.3 hereof.  If (with respect either to any fiscal
year or to any interim period in connection with a Public  Offering)  Borrower's
auditors deliver to Lender a set of final draft audited financial  statements or
(if  applicable)  a set of  final  interim  financial  statements  for a  Public
Offering,  then Lender will notify Borrower  (within 10 Business Days thereof if
possible using commercially  reasonable efforts) whether Lender believes in good
faith that such financial  statements (if finalized without  modification)  will
evidence,  for purposes of this Section 7.1.14, a Material Adverse Change in the
financial  condition  from the condition of Borrower  disclosed to Lender in the
audited  annual  financial  statements  for the preceding  fiscal year (but such
notice from Lender will not otherwise indicate whether such financial statements
demonstrate  compliance with the Loan Documents,  including without  limitation,
the financial  covenants under Section 4.1.  Moreover,  to the extent that after
the Closing Date the financial  condition or  performance  of Borrower as of the
Closing  Date  deteriorates  during  the  balance  of  fiscal  year  1997 but in
accordance  with the  projections  and business plan provided to Lender prior to
the Closing Date, then such  deterioration  in and of itself will not constitute
an Event of Default for purposes of this  Section  7.1.14.  Notwithstanding  the
foregoing,  this Section 7.1.14 will not be effective until January 1, 1998, and
if Borrower  consummates an initial Public  Offering prior to November 30, 1997,
then this Section 7.1.14 will not be effective until July 1, 1998.

     7.2.      Remedies.

               7.2.1. General; Acceleration. At any time during the existence of
any Event of  Default,  at the  election  of Lender but with  notice  thereof to
Borrower  (unless an Event of Default  described  in Section  7.1.10  hereof has
occurred,  in which case acceleration will occur  automatically  with respect to
the entire indebtedness and without any notice),  then Lender may accelerate the
Line  of  Credit  Maturity  Date  and  may  declare  all or any  portion  of the
indebtedness  of Borrower to Lender  (hereunder or otherwise,  but including the
unpaid balance of principal,  interest and fees hereunder) to be immediately due
and payable.  At any time during the  existence of any Event of Default,  Lender
will also have the  immediate  right to enforce and realize upon any  collateral
security granted hereunder or in connection herewith in any manner or order that
Lender deems expedient without regard to any equitable principles of marshalling
or otherwise.


                                       58
<PAGE>



               7.2.2.  Other. In addition to any rights granted  hereunder or in
any other Loan Document,  Lender will have all other legal and equitable  rights
and remedies  granted by or available  under any  applicable  law (including the
rights of a secured party under the Uniform Commercial Code), and all rights and
remedies will be cumulative in nature.

               7.2.3. Special FCC and State PUC-Related Remedies.

                      a.  Borrower and Lender  hereby  acknowledge  their intent
that,  during  the  existence  of an Event of  Default,  to the  fullest  extent
permitted  by  applicable  law  and  governmental  policy  (including,   without
limitation,  the rules,  regulations and policies of the FCC and any State PUC),
Lender will have all rights  necessary or  desirable to obtain,  use and/or sell
the assets and operations of Borrower and the other Collateral,  and to exercise
all  remedies  available  to  Lender  under  the  Loan  Documents,  the  Uniform
Commercial Code or other  applicable  law. The parties  further  acknowledge and
agree that, in the event of changes in  applicable  law or  governmental  policy
occurring  subsequent  to the date  hereof  that  affect in any manner  Lender's
rights of access to, or use or sale of,  Borrower's  assets or other  Collateral
(including, without limitation,  Licenses and other Authorizations issued by the
FCC and any State PUC) or the  procedures  necessary to enable  Lender to obtain
such  rights of  access,  use or sale  during an Event of  Default,  Lender  and
Borrower  will amend the Loan  Documents,  in such  manner as Lender  reasonably
requests,  in order to provide  Lender with such rights to the  greatest  extent
possible consistent with then-applicable law and governmental policy.

                    b.  Borrower  hereby  agrees  (during  the  existence  of  a
Default) to take any  actions  that  Lender may  reasonably  request in order to
enable  Lender to receive the full rights and benefits  granted to Lender by the
Loan Documents.  Without  limiting the generality of the foregoing,  at any time
during  the  existence  of an Event of  Default,  at the  cost  and  expense  of
Borrower,  Borrower  will use  commercially  reasonable  efforts  to assist  and
cooperate in obtaining all approvals  (including,  without  limitation,  all FCC
approvals)  which are then  required by  applicable  law or  contract  for or in
connection with any action or transaction  contemplated by the Loan Documents or
the Uniform Commercial Code.  Borrower further agrees, upon Lender's request and
at the  expense of  Borrower,  at any time during the  existence  of an Event of
Default,  to prepare,  sign, file and diligently  prosecute (and to use its best
efforts to cause the preparation,  execution, filing and diligent prosecution by
others) with the FCC or any State PUC the assignor's or transferor's  portion of
any  applications  for the FCC's or any


                                       59
<PAGE>



State PUC's consent to the assignment of Licenses or transfer of control thereof
necessary or  appropriate  under the FCC's or any State PUC's rules for approval
of any sale or transfer of any  Collateral  pursuant to the exercise of Lender's
remedies under the Loan  Documents.  Borrower  further  agrees that,  during the
existence of a Default, Borrower will assist and cooperate with Lender (and will
use its best  efforts to cause  others to assist and  cooperate  with Lender) to
ensure that Borrower  continues (a) to operate in the normal course of business,
and (b) to fulfill all of its legal,  regulatory and contractual obligations and
(c) to otherwise be properly and professionally managed. At Lender's request and
the  expense  of  Borrower,  at any time  during  the  existence  of an Event of
Default,  such assistance and cooperation may include  (without  limitation) the
employment  of  (and,  to the  maximum  extent  not  prohibited  by  the  rules,
regulations  and orders of the FCC or any State PUC,  delegation of  appropriate
management  authority to) one or more qualified and independent  consultants and
professional  managers  acceptable to Lender to assist in the interim operations
of Borrower;  all of which  Borrower  hereby agrees not to  challenge.  Borrower
further consents to (and agrees that it will not challenge),  at any time during
the  existence of an Event of Default,  the transfer of control or assignment of
Licenses,  Tariffs,  Authorizations  and other  assets to a  receiver,  trustee,
transferee,  or similar official or to any purchaser of the Collateral  pursuant
to any public or private sale,  judicial sale,  foreclosure or exercise of other
remedies available to Lender as permitted by applicable law.

                      c.  Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained in
any Loan Document,  neither Lender nor Borrower will take any action pursuant to
the Loan Documents  that would  constitute or result in any assignment of an FCC
or State PUC  License,  Tariff or  Authorization  or any  transfer of control of
Borrower if such assignment of License,  Tariff or  Authorization or transfer of
control would require under then existing law  (including  the written rules and
regulations  promulgated  by the FCC) the prior  approval  of the FCC or a State
PUC, unless such approval has been obtained (as applicable)  from such State PUC
(to the extent  failure to obtain such  approval by Lender could  reasonably  be
expected  to  have  or  cause a  Material  Adverse  Effect  or  could  otherwise
reasonably  be  expected to result in the  imposition  of a penalty in excess of
$25,000) or from the FCC.  Without  limiting the  generality  of the  foregoing,
Lender  specifically  agrees that (a) voting  rights with respect to the pledged
shares of stock of Borrower  will remain with the holders of such voting  rights
during the existence of an Event of Default  unless and until any required prior
approvals  to the transfer of such voting  rights  shall have been  obtained (as
applicable) from any State PUC (to the extent failure to obtain


                                       60
<PAGE>




such approval by Lender could have or cause a Material  Adverse  Effect or could
otherwise  reasonably  be expected to result in the  imposition  of a penalty in
excess of $25,000) or from the FCC, and (b) during the existence of any Event of
Default and  foreclosure  upon the Collateral by Lender,  there will be either a
private or public sale of the Collateral that complies with applicable rules and
policies  of any State PUC (to the extent  failure to comply with such rules and
policies  could  have or cause a  Material  Adverse  Effect  or could  otherwise
reasonably  be  expected to result in the  imposition  of a penalty in excess of
$25,000)  and the FCC,  and (c) prior to the  exercise  of voting  rights by the
purchaser  at any such sale,  any  consent of any State PUC or the FCC  required
pursuant to any State Act (to the extent  failure to obtain such  consent  could
have or cause a  Material  Adverse  Effect  or  could  otherwise  reasonably  be
expected to result in the  imposition  of a penalty in excess of $25,000) or the
Federal Communications Act (respectively) will be obtained.


                             ARTICLE 8: DEFINITIONS

     8.1.  Definitions.  When used in this Agreement,  the following terms shall
have the respective meanings set forth below:

               8.1.1.  "Account"  means, at any relevant time, the designated or
principal  deposit  account of  Borrower  at Lender for  purposes  of  effecting
transactions   hereunder   (and,  if  applicable,   under  the  Cash  Management
Agreements).

               8.1.2.  "Adjusted  LIBO Rate"  means the rate per annum  (rounded
upwards, if necessary,  to the next l/100th of 1%) determined by Lender pursuant
to the following formula:

          Adjusted LIBO Rate =              LIBO Rate
                                        ----------------------
                                        1 - Reserve Percentage

For purposes of this calculation, "LIBO Rate" means the London Interbank Offered
Rate per annum  (determined  by Lender) on the first day of any Interest  Period
for which the Adjusted  LIBO Rate is applicable as published by Bloomberg or Dow
Jones-Telerate  and  displayed  on page 3750 as the BBA LIBOR  (or,  if  neither
Bloomberg nor Dow Jones-Telerate is then available, then as published by Reuters
Monitor  Money Rates  Service and displayed on the LIBO page as the "Libo Rate")
(or, in any such  instance,  as published by such other  service or displayed on
such  other  page as may  replace  such  service  or page  for  the  purpose  of
displaying  rates or prices  comparable to the designated rate) for the offering
of dollar deposits by leading banks in the London  interbank market for a period
of  approximately  3 months  and an  amount 


                                       61
<PAGE>




approximately equal to the amount outstanding  hereunder to which such LIBO Rate
will be applicable.  If more than one such rate is displayed on such page or its
replacement,  then the LIBO Rate will be the  arithmetic  mean of such displayed
rates. If the first day of the applicable Interest Period is not a Business Day,
then the  applicable  LIBO Rate  will be the rate in  effect on the  immediately
preceding Business Day. For purposes of this calculation,  "Reserve  Percentage"
means that  percentage  (expressed  as a decimal)  prescribed by the FRB (or any
other  governmental  or  administrative  agency to which  Lender is subject) for
determining the reserve requirements (including,  without limitation, any basic,
supplemental,  marginal or  emergency  reserves)  for (a)  Lender's  negotiable,
non-personal  time  deposits  in U.S.  Dollars  with  maturities  of  comparable
duration,  or (b)  deposits of U.S.  DoLlars in a non-U.S.  or an  international
banking office of Lender used to fund loans.

               8.1.3. "Advance" means any advance of funds under any Facility.

               8.1.4.  "Advance  Request"  has the  meaning set forth in Section
1.4.1 hereof.

               8.1.5.  "Affiliate"  of any Person or entity means (a) any Person
directly  or  indirectly  owning,  controlling  or  holding  5% or  more  of the
outstanding  beneficial  interest in such person or entity, or (b) any Person as
to which such other Person or entity  directly or indirectly  owns,  controls or
holds  5% or more of the  outstanding  beneficial  interest,  or (c) any  Person
directly or indirectly controlling,  controlled by, or under common control with
such other person or entity, or (d) any officer,  director, partner or member of
such Person, but such term with respect to Borrower does not include Lender.

               8.1.6.  "Agreement" means this Credit Facility  Agreement and all
the exhibits and schedules hereto,  all as may be amended and otherwise modified
from time to time hereafter.

               8.1.7.  "Authorized  Officer"  means  any  officer,  employee  or
representative  of such  organization who is expressly  designated as such or is
otherwise authorized to borrow funds hereunder or, as appropriate,  to sign loan
documents and/or deliver certificates on behalf of such organization pursuant to
the  provisions  of such  organization's  most  recent  resolution  on file with
Lender.

               8.1.8.  "Authorization"  means any License or other  governmental
permit,  certificate  and/or  approval  issued by or any  Tariff  filed  with an
Official Body.


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<PAGE>



               8.1.9.  "Available  Credit  Portion"  means  that  portion of the
Current Line of Credit  Commitment  that is generally  available in the ordinary
course  for  borrowing  at any time under the Line of Credit  Facility,  as such
amount is determined in accordance with Section 1.3 hereof.

               8.1.10.   "BIC" means Billing Concepts, Inc.

               8.1.11. "BIC Billing Agreement" means the Billing and Information
Management  Service  Agreement  between  BIC and  Borrower  (as the  same may be
amended, supplemented,  modified or replaced from time to time and including any
similar  agreement entered into between BIC and Borrower during the term of this
Agreement)  pursuant  to  which  BIC  will,  upon  submission  to it of  billing
information for Borrower rated calls and in exchange for certain  processing and
other fees  therein  specified,  process  such  billing  information  and act as
Borrower's agent to collect accounts receivable due to Borrower from one or more
LECs.

               8.1.12.  "Billing  Agent" means any Person (whether or not acting
pursuant  to  an  agreement)  who,  directly  or  indirectly,   submits  billing
information with respect to Borrower rated calls to any LEC or any other Person.

               8.1.13. "Billing Concepts" means Billing Concepts, Inc. (formerly
known as U.S. Billings, Inc.), or any successor or permitted assignee thereof.

               8.1.14.  "Borrower"  means,  individually and  collectively,  the
following:

                         a.   STARTEC, Inc., a Maryland corporation,  having its
                              principal  and  chief  executive   office  at  the
                              address  specified  in Section 9.7 hereof,  or any
                              successor or authorized assignee thereof, and

                         b.   Any other  entity  subsequently  added hereto as a
                              Borrower hereunder, or any successor or authorized
                              assignee thereof.

               8.1.15.  "Business  Day" means any day that is not a Saturday,  a
Sunday or a day on which  banks under the laws of the  Commonwealth  of Virginia
(or,  with respect to certain LIBO Rate matters,  banks in London,  England) are
authorized or required to be closed.

               8.1.16.  "Capital  Expenditures"  means


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<PAGE>




expenditures   (a)  for  any  fixed   assets  or   improvements,   replacements,
substitutions or additions  thereto that have a useful life of more than one (1)
year,  including  direct or indirect  acquisition  of such assets or (b) for any
Capital Leases.

               8.1.17.  "Capital  Leases" means capital  leases and subleases as
defined in the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  Statement  of Financial
Accounting  Standards  No. 13 dated  November  1976 (as amended and updated from
time to time).

               8.1.18.  "Cash Management  Agreements"  means the cash management
agreements  (as amended  from time to time)  executed and  delivered  hereunder,
including, as appropriate,  without limitation,  (a) a target balance management
agreement,  and (b) a target  balance  management  loan rider,  and (c) a master
repurchase agreement, and (d) an information reporting agreement, and (e) a cash
concentration service agreement, and (f) a wholesale lockbox agreement.

               8.1.19.  "Closing  Date"  means the date on which all  conditions
precedent to the  effectiveness  of this Agreement under Section 2.1 hereof have
been satisfied or waived by Lender.

               8.1.20.  "Code"  means  the  Internal  Revenue  Code of 1986,  as
amended.

               8.1.21.  "Collateral" means the collateral  security committed to
Lender under the Collateral Security Documents executed by Borrower or any other
Obligor in favor of Lender  pursuant to this  Agreement from time to time and/or
pursuant to all similar or related  documents and agreements  from time to time,
all as amended from time to time.

               8.1.22.  "Collateral Security Documents" means,  individually and
collectively,  (a) the Security  Agreements and the financing  statements  filed
pursuant  thereto,  and (b) the  Pledge  and  Security  Agreements,  and (c) any
additional  documents   guaranteeing   indebtedness,   assuring  performance  of
obligations,  subordinating indebtedness,  or granting security or Collateral to
Lender hereunder, all as amended from time to time.

               8.1.23.  "Commitment" means any commitment for credit pursuant to
a Facility established hereunder.

               8.1.24.  "Corporate  Restructuring"  has the meaning set forth in
Section 4.20.1 hereof.

               8.1.25.  "Current Line of Credit  Commitment"  means the absolute
maximum  amount of credit that is available  for 


                                       64
<PAGE>



borrowing  at any time  under the Line of  Credit  Facility,  as such  amount is
determined in accordance with Section 1.3 hereof.

               8.1.26.  "Default" means any event or circumstance  that with the
giving of notice or the passage of time would constitute an Event of Default.

               8.1.27.   "Dollar" or "$" means U.S. dollars.

               8.1.28. "EBITDA" means, at the time of any determination, the sum
of the following items for Borrower during the relevant four consecutive  fiscal
quarter period:

                         a.   Net income from continuing  operations during such
                              period -- i.e., excluding  extraordinary gains and
                              income   items  and  the   cumulative   effect  of
                              accounting  changes --  determined  in  accordance
                              with GAAP, and

                         b.   Plus  Interest  Expense  during such  period,  but
                              subtract   interest  income  accrued  during  such
                              period, and

                         c.   Plus  federal  and  state  income  taxes  paid and
                              accrued  in  accordance   with  GAAP  during  such
                              period, and

                         d.   Plus depreciation permitted under GAAP during such
                              period, and

                         e.   Plus  amortization  expense  permitted  under GAAP
                              during such period.

For purposes of this calculation,  interest shall include interest accrued under
Capital Leases, determined in accordance with GAAP.

          8.1.29.  "Eligible  Accounts"  means, at any date, all billed accounts
receivable then properly due to Borrower from all directly-billed  customers and
all LECs, other than the following: (a) accounts more than 90 calendar days past
the date on which the customer was  originally  directly  billed by Borrower for
such  calls or past  the  date on which  the  related  billing  information  for
Borrower  rated calls is transmitted to such LEC, and (b) accounts the liability
for which has been disputed by the customer or the LEC or for which the customer
or the LEC has claimed set off rights or other defenses,  and (c) accounts owing
from any  customer  or LEC that  shall  take or be the  subject of any 


                                       65
<PAGE>




action or proceeding of the type  described in Section  7.1.10  hereof,  and (d)
accounts as to which  Borrower  does not have all  necessary  Authorizations  in
order to be entitled to bill and collect such  amounts,  and (e)  accounts,  the
full and timely collection of which Lender, in its good faith judgment, believes
to be doubtful.

               8.1.30.  "Environmental  Control  Statutes"  has the  meaning set
forth in Section 3.16 hereof.

               8.1.31.  "EPA" means the United States  Environmental  Protection
Agency or any other entity that succeeds to its responsibilities and powers.

               8.1.32. "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended, and as implemented and interpreted.

               8.1.33.  "ERISA  Affiliate"  means any  company,  whether  or not
incorporated,  which is considered a single  employer with Borrower under Titles
I, II and IV of ERISA.

               8.1.34.  "Event of Default" means each of the events described in
Section 7.1 hereof.

               8.1.35.  "Facility" means any credit facility  established  under
Article 1 hereof.

               8.1.36. "FCC" means the Federal Communications  Commission or any
other entity or agency that succeeds to its responsibilities and powers.

               8.1.37. "Federal Communications Act" means the Communications Act
of 1934, as amended, and as implemented by the FCC and interpreted by the FCC or
any court of competent jurisdiction.

               8.1.38. "FRB" means the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve
System or any other entity or agency that succeeds to its  responsibilities  and
powers.

               8.1.39.  "Funded Debt" means,  at the time of any  determination,
the aggregate principal amount of indebtedness of Borrower for the following:

                         a.   Borrowed money (including the  indebtedness  under
                              the  Loan  Documents,   but  not  including  trade
                              indebtedness   permitted   under   Section   5.2.b
                              hereof), and


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<PAGE>



                         b.   Installment   purchases   of  real   or   personal
                              property, and

                         c.   Capital Leases, and

                         d.   Deferred   purchase   price  in  connection   with
                              acquisitions, and

                         e.   Reimbursement obligations under letters of credit,
                              and,

                         f.   Any indebtedness or contractual payment obligation
                              that is not paid within 120  calendar  days of the
                              due date therefor, and

                         g.   Guaranties of indebtedness  and  obligations  that
                              would  constitute  Funded  Debt  hereunder  if the
                              primary obligor thereof were Borrower, and

                         h.   Indebtedness  otherwise required to be included as
                              part of "Funded Debt" under Section 5.2 hereof.

Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the term "Funded Debt" includes the Subordinated
Indebtedness.

               8.1.40.  "GAAP" means generally  accepted  accounting  principles
applied  on a  consistent  basis set  forth in the  Opinions  of the  Accounting
Principles  Board of the  American  Institute of  Certified  Public  Accountants
and/or in statements of the Financial  Accounting Standards Board and/or in such
other  statements by such other entity as Lender may reasonably  approve,  which
are  applicable  in the  circumstances  as of the  date  in  question,  and  the
requirement  that such  principles  be applied on a consistent  basis shall mean
that the  accounting  principles  observed in a current period are comparable in
all material respects to those applied in a preceding period.

               8.1.41.  "Hazardous Materials" includes (a) any "hazardous waste"
as defined by the  Resource  Conservation  and  Recovery  Act of 1976 (42 U.S.C.
Section 6901 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and regulations promulgated
thereunder;  or (b) any  "hazardous  substance" as defined by the  Comprehensive
Environmental  Response,  Compensation  and  Liability  Act of 1980  (42  U.S.C.
Section 9601 et seq.), as amended from time to time, and regulations promulgated
thereunder;  or (c) any other  substance  the use or  presence  of which on, in,
under or above any real 


                                       67
<PAGE>




property ever owned,  controlled  or used by Borrower is similarly  regulated or
prohibited by any federal,  state or local law, rule,  ordinance,  regulation or
decree of any court or governmental authority as a hazardous material.

               8.1.42.  "Interest  Coverage Ratio" means, at any time such ratio
is being computed, the ratio of "OCF" (for the immediately preceding four fiscal
quarters) to  "Interest  Expense"  (for the  immediately  preceding  four fiscal
quarters).

               8.1.43.   "Interest   Expense"   means,   at  the   time  of  any
determination,  the amount of  interest  and other  finance  charges of Borrower
required  to be charged  as an expense  under  GAAP  during  the  relevant  four
consecutive fiscal quarter period (including, without limitation, the fees under
Section 1.7 hereof and any other such charges with respect to any Funded  Debt).
For purposes of this  calculation,  interest  includes  interest  accrued  under
Capital Leases.

               8.1.44.  "Interest  Period"  means (a) with  respect to the Prime
Rate,  a period of one (1)  Business  Day,  and (b) with respect to the Adjusted
LIBO Rate, a period of 3 months duration commencing initially on the date of the
relevant Advance and ending 3 months thereafter and (after such initial Interest
Period)  commencing  on  the  day  immediately  following  the  last  day of the
preceding  Interest  Period  and  ending  on  the  corresponding  day  3  months
thereafter.

               8.1.45.   "LEC" means a local exchange carrier.

               8.1.46.  "Lender" means Signet Bank, or any successor thereof, or
any assignee, participant or other transferee of Lender hereunder.

               8.1.47.  "Leverage  Ratio" means, at any time such ratio is being
computed,  the ratio of "Funded Debt" to "OCF (i.e.,  Operating Cash Flow)" (for
the immediately preceding four fiscal quarters).

               8.1.48.  "LIBO Rate" has the meaning set forth in the  definition
of "Adjusted LIBO Rate".

               8.1.49. "License" means any authorization,  construction or other
permit, consent, franchise, ordinance, registration,  certificate, license, call
sign,  frequency  designation,  agreement or other right filed with, granted by,
issued by or entered into with any Official Body.

               8.1.50.  "Lien" means any security  interest,  mortgage,  pledge,
hypothecation,  assignment, deposit arrangement, 


                                       68
<PAGE>




encumbrance,   lien  (statutory  or  otherwise),   reversionary  or  reclamation
interest,  charge against or interest in property to secure payment of a debt or
performance  of an obligation or other priority or  preferential  arrangement of
any kind or nature whatsoever.

               8.1.51.   "Line  of  Credit   Commitment"  means  the  Commitment
established pursuant to Section 1.1 hereof and Section 1.3 hereof.

               8.1.52.  "Line of  Credit  Facility"  means  the  line of  credit
Facility as described in Article 1 hereof.

               8.1.53.  "Line of Credit Maturity Date" has the meaning set forth
in Section 1.1.2  hereof,  as may be extended from time to time in Lender's sole
and absolute discretion.

               8.1.54.  "Line of Credit Note" means that certain Note payable to
the order of Lender prepared in accordance with Section 1.1.4 hereof,  as may be
amended, modified,  restated, replaced,  supplemented,  extended or renewed from
time to time hereafter.

               8.1.55.   "LLC" means a limited liability company.

               8.1.56.  "Loan"  means  any loan or  Advance  of funds  under any
Facility as well as any other credit  extended by Lender to Borrower  under this
Agreement.

               8.1.57.  "Loan  Documents"  means this Agreement,  any Notes, the
Collateral   Security   Documents  and  any  other  documents,   agreements  and
certificates  entered into or delivered in  connection  herewith or therewith or
pursuant  hereto or thereto,  all as may be amended,  modified and  supplemented
from time to time.

               8.1.58. "Local Authorities" means, individually and collectively,
the state and local  governmental  authorities  that  govern the  activities  of
Borrower.

               8.1.59.  "Margin Regulation" has the meaning set forth in Section
3.17 hereof.

               8.1.60.  "Margin Stock" has the meaning set forth in Section 3.17
hereof.

               8.1.61.  "Material  Adverse  Change" means any change that has or
causes or could  reasonably  be  expected  to have or cause a  Material  Adverse
Effect.


                                       69
<PAGE>



               8.1.62.   "Material  Adverse  Effect"  means,   relative  to  any
occurrence  of  whatever  nature  (including,  without  limitation,  any adverse
determination in any litigation,  arbitration,  or governmental investigation or
proceeding),  a material adverse change to, or, as the case may be, a materially
adverse effect on:

                         a.   The   business,   assets,   revenues,    financial
                              condition, operations,  Collateral or prospects of
                              Borrower or other Obligor; or

                         b.   The  ability of  Borrower  to  perform  any of its
                              payment  obligations  when due or to  perform  any
                              other   material   obligations   under   any  Loan
                              Document; or

                         c.   Any right,  remedy or benefit of Lender  under any
                              Loan Document.

               8.1.63.  "Material Contract" has the meaning set forth in Section
3.8 hereof.

               8.1.64.  "Monthly Net Revenue"  means, as of the time of any such
determination, the net revenue for the particular month calculated in accordance
with GAAP.

               8.1.65.  "Notes"  means,  individually  and  collectively,   each
promissory note delivered to Lender pursuant to any Loan Document and evidencing
any  indebtedness  to Lender under the Loan  Documents  (each as may be amended,
modified,  supplemented,  restated,  extended,  renewed or replaced from time to
time).

               8.1.66.   "Obligations"   means  all  of  the   indebtedness  and
obligations  (monetary or otherwise)  of Borrower and any other Obligor  arising
under or in connection  with any Loan Document as well as all  indebtedness  and
obligations  (monetary  or  otherwise)  of any  Affiliate  of  Borrower or other
Obligor  arising  under or in  connection  with any  agreement  between any such
Affiliate and Lender (or any Affiliate of Lender).

               8.1.67.  "Obligor" means Borrower or any other Person (other than
Lender) obligated under any Loan Document.

               8.1.68.  "OCF" (or "Operating  Cash Flow") means,  at the time of
any  determination,  the sum of the  following  items for  Borrower  during  the
relevant four consecutive fiscal quarter period:


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<PAGE>



                         a.   EBITDA during such period, and

                         b.   Plus reasonable non-recurring acquisition expenses
                              acceptable  to or approved  by Lender  during such
                              period, and

                         c.   With  respect  to   liabilities   under   Deferred
                              Compensation  Plans and  Agreements:  add  accrued
                              liabilities  reflected on the financial statements
                              in  accordance  with GAAP during such period,  and
                              subtract payments made on such liabilities  during
                              such period, and otherwise adjust (as appropriate)
                              to reflect changes required under GAAP during such
                              period in the amounts of such accrued  liabilities
                              with  respect to  accruals  made during a previous
                              reporting period, and

                         d.   With  respect  to other  non-cash  items:  add the
                              total amount of other non-cash expenses recognized
                              during  such  period (to the  extent  not  already
                              accounted for in one of the above categories), but
                              subtract  the  total  amount  of  other   non-cash
                              revenue  recognized  during  such  period  (to the
                              extent  not  already  accounted  for in one of the
                              above categories).

For purposes of this calculation,  interest shall include interest accrued under
Capital Leases, determined in accordance with GAAP.

               8.1.69. "Official Body" means any federal, state, local, or other
government or political subdivision (and any agency, authority,  bureau, central
bank, commission, department or instrumentality of either, including the FCC and
each State PUC) and any court, tribunal, grand jury or arbitrator,  in each case
whether foreign or domestic.

               8.1.70.  "Organic  Document" means,  relative to any entity,  its
certificate  and  articles  of  incorporation  or  organization,  its by-laws or
operating  agreements,  and all equityholder  agreements,  voting agreements and
similar  arrangements  applicable  to any of its  authorized  shares of  capital
stock,  its  partnership  interests  or its  member  interests,


                                       71
<PAGE>




and any other  arrangements  relating to the control or  management  of any such
entity (whether existing as a corporation, a partnership, an LLC or otherwise).

               8.1.71. "PBGC" means the Pension Benefits Guaranty Corporation or
any other entity that succeeds to its responsibilities and powers under ERISA.

               8.1.72.  "Permitted  Guaranties"  has the  meaning  set  forth in
Section 5.3 hereof.

               8.1.73.  "Permitted  Indebtedness"  has the  meaning set forth in
Section 5.2 hereof.

               8.1.74.  "Permitted  Investments"  has the  meaning  set forth in
Section 5.7 hereof.

               8.1.75.  "Permitted  Liens" has the  meaning set forth in Section
5.5 hereof.

               8.1.76.  "Permitted  Loans" has the  meaning set forth in Section
5.4 hereof.

               8.1.77.  "Permitted  Transfers"  has the  meaning  set  forth  in
Section 5.6 hereof.

               8.1.78.  "Person"  means any natural  person,  corporation,  LLC,
partnership,  firm, association,  trust, government,  governmental agency or any
other entity, whether acting in an individual, fiduciary or other capacity.

               8.1.79.  "Plan" means any pension benefit or welfare benefit plan
as defined in Sections 3(1), (2) or (3) of ERISA covering  employees of Borrower
or any ERISA Affiliate of Borrower.

               8.1.80. "Pledge and Security Agreements" means,  individually and
collectively,  each  pledge and  security  agreement  relating to a pledge of an
equity  interest  in  an  enterprise  (all  as  may  be  amended,  modified  and
supplemented  from time to time)  required to be executed and delivered in favor
of Lender pursuant to the Loan Documents.

               8.1.81.  "Portion" means a designated portion of the indebtedness
hereunder as to which a specified Rate Index (and a  corresponding  Rate Margin)
has been selected or deemed to be applicable.

               8.1.82.  "Prime  Rate"  means  the  rate of  interest  per  annum
publicly  announced by Lender from time to time as its


                                       72
<PAGE>



prime rate of interest on direct,  short-term  borrowings to its large  business
customers with high credit standings;  such term, however,  does not necessarily
mean Lender's best or lowest rate available.

               8.1.83.  "Public  Offering"  has the meaning set forth in Section
4.20.1 hereof.

               8.1.84.  "Rate Index" has the meaning set forth in Section  1.1.5
hereof.

               8.1.85.  "Rate Margin" has the meaning set forth in Section 1.1.5
hereof.

               8.1.86.  "Reserve  Percentage"  has the  meaning set forth in the
definition of "Adjusted LIBO Rate".

               8.1.87. "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission or any
other entity that succeeds to its responsibilities and powers.

               8.1.88. "Securities Acts" means, collectively, the Securities Act
of 1933  and the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  each as  amended,  and as
implemented  by the SEC and  interpreted  by the SEC or any  court of  competent
jurisdiction.

               8.1.89. "Security Agreements" means, collectively,  each security
agreement  (as may be  amended,  modified  and  supplemented  from time to time)
required to be executed and  delivered in favor of Lender  pursuant to Article 2
hereof,  and any other  security  agreement  required or delivered in connection
with  the  Loan  Documents,  including,  without  limitation,  any  intellectual
property assignments or security agreements required to be delivered pursuant to
Article 2 hereof.

               8.1.90.   "Senior  Funded  Debt"  means,   at  the  time  of  any
determination,  the  aggregate  principal  amount of  indebtedness  of  Borrower
outstanding under the Loan Documents.

               8.1.91.  "Settlement  Date"  means,  with  respect to any Advance
hereunder, the date on which funds are advanced by Lender.

               8.1.92.  "Signet  Bank" means Signet Bank, a  Virginia-chartered,
federally insured commercial bank, or any successor thereof, having an office at
the address  specified in Section 9.7 hereof,  and which is Lender  hereunder at
the time of execution hereof.

               8.1.93.  "State Act" means the law of any state


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<PAGE>




in which Borrower does business that governs the provision of telecommunications
services within such state that are applicable to Borrower, as amended from time
to  time,  and as  implemented  by the  applicable  State  PUC or any  court  of
competent jurisdiction.

               8.1.94.  "State PUC" means the public utilities commission of any
state or any  other  regulatory  agency  of any  state in  which  Borrower  does
business that is vested with  jurisdiction  over Borrower and over the provision
of telecommunication services within such state.

               8.1.95.  "Subordinated  Indebtedness"  means all indebtedness and
monetary  obligations of Borrower (other than indebtedness in favor of Lender or
indebtedness and obligations expressly excluded therefrom by Lender), including,
without  limitation,  all  indebtedness  treated  or  defined  as  "Subordinated
Indebtedness" under any separate Subordination  Agreement by and among Borrower,
Lender and another Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the term "Subordinated
Indebtedness"  (unless Lender otherwise requires) does not include  indebtedness
permitted  under  Section 5.2(a or b) hereof or (to the extent  consistent  with
Section 5.5.b hereof) under Section 5.2(c or d) hereof.

               8.1.96.  "Subscriber"  means  any  Person  who is a  customer  of
Borrower's   residential   telecommunications   services   (including,   without
limitation, long distance services).

               8.1.97.  "Subsidiary" of any Person or entity means any Person as
to which such other Person or entity (a) directly or indirectly  owns,  controls
or holds 25% or more of the outstanding  beneficial interest or (b) is otherwise
required in  accordance  with GAAP to be  considered  as part of a  consolidated
organization.

               8.1.98.  "Tariff"  means any  tariff,  rate  schedule  or similar
document that is either (a) required by law or applicable regulation to be filed
with the FCC or a State PUC or (b) permitted by law or applicable  regulation so
to be filed and actually filed by Borrower.

               8.1.99.  "UCC" means the Uniform  Commercial Code as in effect in
the applicable jurisdiction.

               8.1.100.  "Warrants"  has the  meaning  set forth in Section  1.7
hereof.

     8.2.      Rules of Interpretation and Construction.

               8.2.1.  Plural:  Gender.  Whenever  used  herein,  (a) a singular
number includes the plural,  and the plural  includes


                                       74
<PAGE>



the  singular,  and (b) the use of the  masculine,  feminine  or  neuter  gender
includes all genders.

               8.2.2.  Financial  and  Accounting  Terms.  Except  as  otherwise
specifically  provided  herein,  financial  and  accounting  terms  used  in the
foregoing  definitions or elsewhere in the Loan  Documents  shall be defined and
determined in accordance with GAAP.

               8.2.3.  Independence of Covenants and Defaults. All covenants and
defaults contained in the Loan Documents shall be given independent effect. If a
particular  action or  condition  is not  permitted  by any covenant in the Loan
Documents,  then the fact that such action or condition would be permitted by an
exception to (or would otherwise be within the limitations of) another  covenant
in the Loan  Documents  shall not avoid the occurrence or existence of a Default
if such action is taken or if such condition exists.


                            ARTICLE 9: MISCELLANEOUS

     9.1. Indemnification.  Reliance and Assumption of Risk Provisions.  Without
limiting any other indemnification in any Loan Document,  Borrower hereby agrees
to defend Lender (and its directors,  officers,  employees, agents, counsels and
Affiliates)  from, and hold each of them harmless  against,  any and all losses,
liabilities,   claims,  damages,   interests,   judgments,  costs,  or  expenses
(including  without  limitation,  fees and disbursements of counsel) incurred by
any of them  arising  out of or in any way  connected  with any  Loan  Document,
except for losses  resulting  directly and  exclusively  from such  Person's own
gross  negligence,  willful  misconduct  or fraud.  In addition,  Borrower  will
reimburse and indemnify Lender for all costs, expenses and losses resulting from
the  following:  (1) any failure or refusal by Borrower or by any  Affiliate  of
Borrower to provide any requested  assistance or cooperation in connection  with
any attempt by Lender to liquidate  any  Collateral in the event of any Event of
Default and/or any attempt by Lender to otherwise exercise its rights hereunder,
and (2) any misrepresentation,  gross negligence, fraud or willful misconduct by
Borrower (or any of its  employees or  officers),  or any other person or entity
pledging Collateral hereunder.  Moreover, with respect to any Advance Request or
other communication  between Borrower and Lender hereunder and all other matters
and transactions in connection therewith, Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes
Lender to  accept,  rely upon,  act upon and  comply  with any verbal or written
instructions,  requests,  confirmations and orders of any Authorized  Officer of
Borrower.  Borrower acknowledges that the transmissions of any such instruction,
request, confirmation, 


                                       75
<PAGE>




order or other  communication  involves the  possibility  of errors,  omissions,
mistakes and discrepancies,  and Borrower agrees to adopt such internal measures
and operational procedures to protect its interest. By reason thereof,  Borrower
hereby assumes all risk of loss and  responsibility  for -- and hereby  releases
and discharges Lender from any and all risk of loss and responsibility  for, and
agrees to  indemnify,  reimburse on demand and hold Lender  harmless from -- any
and all claims, actions, damages, losses, liability and expenses by reason of or
in any way related to (a) Lender's accepting, relying and acting upon, complying
with or observing any such instructions,  requests, confirmations or orders from
or on behalf of any such Authorized Officer, and (b) any such errors, omissions,
mistakes and  discrepancies  by (or otherwise  resulting from or attributable to
the actions or  inactions  of) any  Authorized  Officer or  Borrower;  provided,
however, Borrower does not assume hereby the risk of any foreseeable actual loss
resulting   directly  and  exclusively   from  Lender's  own  fraud  or  willful
misconduct. Borrower's obligations provided for in this Section will survive any
termination of this  Agreement,  and the repayment of the  outstanding  balances
hereunder.

     9.2.  Assignments and Participations.  No Loan Document may be assigned (in
whole or in part) by  Borrower  without  the prior  written  consent  of Lender.
Notwithstanding any other provision of any Loan Document,  without receiving any
consent  of  Borrower,  Lender at any time and from time to time may  syndicate,
participate or otherwise transfer or assign its rights and obligations under the
Loan Documents (or the indebtedness evidenced thereby) as follows: (a) up to 49%
of its rights and  obligations  under any of the Loan  Documents  (or any of the
indebtedness evidenced thereby) to any Person, and (b) all (or any proportionate
part of) its rights and  obligations  under any of the Loan Documents (or any of
the  indebtedness   evidenced  thereby)  to  any  Affiliate  of  Lender  or  any
successor-in-interest  to Lender's Media  Communications  Group, and (c) all (or
any  proportionate  part of) its  rights and  obligations  under any of the Loan
Documents (or any of the  indebtedness  evidenced  thereby) to any Person during
the  existence of any Event of Default  under the Loan  Documents.  In addition,
Borrower will not unreasonably  withhold its consent to any request by Lender to
syndicate, participate or otherwise transfer or assign all or any portion of its
interest  in  excess  of 49%.  Lender  will make  reasonable  efforts  to notify
Borrower of any such  participation,  transfer or assignment  within twenty (20)
Business Days thereafter;  however, a failure to so notify will in no way impair
any rights of Lender or any participant,  transferee or assignee. Upon execution
and  delivery  of  an  appropriate  instrument  between  any  such  participant,
transferee or assignee and Lender,  then (at Lender's request) such participant,
transferee  or assignee  will become a 


                                       76
<PAGE>



Lender party to this Agreement and will have all the rights and obligations of a
Lender as set forth in such  instrument.  At  Lender's  request,  Borrower  will
execute  (or  re-execute)  and  deliver  (or  otherwise  obtain)  any  documents
necessary to reflect or implement any such participation, transfer or assignment
(including,  without limitation,  replacement promissory notes and any requested
letters authorizing such participant, transferee or assignee to rely on existing
certificates  and  opinions)  and will  otherwise  fully  cooperate  in any such
syndication process.

     9.3.  No Waiver:  Delay.  To be  effective,  any  waiver by Lender  must be
expressed in a writing executed by Lender.  Once a Default occurs under the Loan
Documents, then such Default will continue to exist until it either is cured (to
the extent  specifically  permitted) in accordance with the Loan Documents or is
otherwise  expressly  waived by Lender (in its sole and absolute  discretion) in
writing; and once an Event of Default occurs under the Loan Documents, then such
Event of Default will  continue to exist until it is expressly  waived by Lender
(in its sole and absolute  discretion)  in writing.  If Lender waives any power,
right or remedy arising  hereunder or under any applicable law, then such waiver
will not be deemed to be a waiver (a) upon the later occurrence or recurrence of
any events giving rise to the earlier waiver or (b) as to any other Obligor.  No
failure or delay by Lender to insist  upon the strict  performance  of any term,
condition,  covenant or agreement of any of the Loan  Documents,  or to exercise
any right,  power or remedy  hereunder,  will  constitute a waiver of compliance
with any such term,  condition,  covenant or agreement,  or preclude Lender from
exercising  any such  right,  power,  or remedy at any later  time or times.  By
accepting  payment after the due date of any amount payable under this Agreement
or any other Loan Document,  Lender will not be deemed to waive the right either
to require  prompt  payment  when due of all other  amounts  payable  under this
Agreement  or any other Loan  Document  or to  declare  an Event of Default  for
failure to effect such prompt  payment of any such other  amount.  The  remedies
provided  herein are  cumulative  and not exclusive of each other,  the remedies
provided by law, and the remedies provided by the other Loan Documents.

     9.4. Modification and Amendment.  Except as otherwise expressly provided in
this Agreement,  no modification  or amendment  hereof will be effective  unless
made in a writing signed by appropriate officers of the parties hereto.

     9.5.Disclosure  of  Information  to  Third  Parties.   Lender  will  employ
reasonable   procedures  to  treat  as  confidential  all  written,   non-public
information  delivered  to Lender  pursuant  to this  Agreement  concerning  the
performance,  operations,  assets, structure and business plans of Borrower that
is conspicuously 


                                       77
<PAGE>




designated  by Borrower as  confidential  information.  While other or different
confidentiality  procedures  may be  employed by Lender,  the actual  procedures
employed by Lender for this purpose will be conclusively deemed to be reasonable
if they  are at  least  as  protective  of such  information  as the  procedures
generally  employed by Lender to safeguard the  confidentiality  of Lender's own
information that Lender generally considers to be confidential.  Notwithstanding
the  foregoing,  Lender may  disclose  any  information  concerning  Borrower in
Lender's   possession   from  time  to  time  (a)  to  permitted   participants,
transferees,   assignees  and  investors  (including  prospective  participants,
transferees,   assignees   and   investors),   but   subject  to  a   reasonable
confidentiality  agreement  regarding  any  nonpublic  confidential  information
thereby  disclosed,  and (b) in response  to credit  inquiries  consistent  with
general banking practices,  and (c) to any federal or state regulator of Lender,
and  (d)  to  Lender's  Affiliates,   employees,   legal  counsel,   appraisers,
accountants,  agents and investors, and (e) to any Person pursuant to compulsory
judicial  process,  and (f) to any judicial or  arbitration  forum in connection
with  enforcing  the Loan  Documents or defending any action based upon the Loan
Documents or the relationship between Lender and Borrower,  and (g) to any other
Person  with  respect to the  public or  non-confidential  portions  of any such
information. Lender may also include operational and performance information and
data relating to Borrower in  compilations,  reports and data bases assembled by
Lender (or its Affiliates) and used to conduct,  support, assist in and validate
portfolio,  industry and credit analysis; provided, however, that Lender may not
thereby  disclose  to other  Persons any  information  relating to Borrower in a
manner that is  attributable to Borrower unless (1) such disclosure is permitted
under the  standards  outlined  above in this Section or (2) Borrower  otherwise
separately consent thereto (which consent may not be unreasonably withheld).

     9.6.Binding  Effect and Governing  Law.  This  Agreement and the other Loan
Documents  have been  delivered by Borrower and the other Obligors and have been
received by Lender in the  Commonwealth  of  Virginia.  This  Agreement  and all
documents  executed  hereunder  are binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto and their respective  successors and assigns.  This Agreement and
all  documents   executed   hereunder   are  governed  as  to  their   validity,
interpretation,  construction  and  effect  by the laws of the  Commonwealth  of
Virginia (without giving effect to the conflicts of law rules of Virginia).

     9.7. Notices. Any notice,  request,  consent, waiver or other communication
required or permitted  under or in connection  with the Loan  Documents  will be
deemed  satisfactorily  given  if it is  in  writing  and  is  delivered  either
personally to the addressee 


                                       78
<PAGE>



thereof,  or by prepaid  registered  or  certified  U.S.  mail  (return  receipt
requested),  or by a  nationally  recognized  commercial  courier  service  with
next-day  delivery  charges  prepaid,  or by telegraph,  or by facsimile  (voice
confirmed),  or by any other reasonable means of personal  delivery to the party
entitled thereto at its respective address set forth below:

     If to Borrower      [Party Entitled to Notice]
     or its Affiliates:       c/o STARTEC, Inc.
                              10411 Motor City Drive
                              Bethesda, MD 20817
                              Attention: Chief Financial Officer
                              Facsimile: (301) 365-8787

                              With a copy to the  following  Listed  counsel  or
                              such  other   counsel  as  may  be  designated  by
                              Borrower from time to time (and which notice shall
                              not  constitute  notice to Borrower and failure to
                              give   such   notice    shall   not   affect   the
                              effectiveness of notice to Borrower):

                              Shulman, Rogers, Gandal,
                              Pordy & Ecker, P.A.
                              11921 Rockville Pike
                              Suite 300
                              Rockville, MD 20853
                              Attention: Karl L. Ecker, Esquire
                              Facsimile: (301) 230-2891

     If to Lender:            Signet Bank
                              7799 Leesburg Pike, Suite 500
                              Falls Church, VA 22043
                              Attention: Vincent P. Griffen,
                              Vice President
                              Facsimile: (703) 506-9712

                              With a copy to the  following  listed  counsel  or
                              such other  counsel as may be designated by Lender
                              from  time to time  (and  which  notice  shall not
                              constitute  notice to Lender  and  failure to give
                              such notice shaLl not affect the  effectiveness of
                              notice to Lender):


                                       79
<PAGE>



                              Samuel G. Rubenstein, Esquire
                              Bryan Cave LLP
                              700 13th Street, N.W., Suite 700
                              Washington, D.C. 20005
                              Facsimile: (202) 508-6200

Any party to a Loan  Document  may change its  address or  facsimile  number for
notice  purposes  by giving  notice  thereof  to the other  parties to such Loan
Document in accordance with this Section, provided that such change shall not be
effective  until 2 calendar  days after notice of such change.  All such notices
and other communications will be deemed given and effective (a) if by mail, then
upon  actual  receipt  or 5  calendar  days  after  mailing  as  provided  above
(whichever is earLier), or (b) if by facsimile, then upon successful transmittal
to such party's  designated  number,  or (c) if by  telegraph,  then upon actual
receipt or 2 Business Days after delivery to the telegraph company (whichever is
earlier),  _ (d) if by nationally  recognized  commercial courier service,  then
upon actual  receipt or 2 Business  Days after  delivery to the courier  service
(whichever is earlier), or (e) if otherwise delivered, then upon actual receipt.
For  any  and  all  purposes  related  to  giving  and  receiving   notices  and
communications  between  Borrower and Lender under any Loan  Document,  Borrower
hereby  irrevocably  appoints its President and Chief  Financial  Officer as its
agents to whom Lender may give and from whom Lender may receive all such notices
and communications.

     9.8.  Headings.  The various  headings in this  Agreement  are inserted for
convenience  only and shall not affect the  meaning  or  interpretation  of this
Agreement or any provision hereof.

     9.9.  Time of Day.  All time of day  restrictions  imposed  herein shall be
calculated using Eastern Time.

     9.10.  Relationship  with Prior Agreements.  This Agreement  completely and
fully supersedes all oral agreements and all other and prior written  agreements
by and between  Borrower and Lender  concerning the terms and conditions of this
credit  arrangement.  This  Agreement  renews,  restructures  and  continues the
Business Loan  Agreement  between  Borrower and Lender dated as of June 11, 1997
without any  novation,  discharge,  release or  satisfaction  of the  underlying
obligations or indebtedness (or any guaranty or collateral  security  therefor),
all of which obligations, indebtedness and security remain outstanding under the
Credit Agreement and the amended and restated Note.

     9.11.  Severability.  If fulfillment of any provision of or any transaction
related  to  any  Loan  Document  at  the  time   performance  is  due  involves
transcending  the limit of validity  prescribed  by  applicable  law,  then ipso
facto,  the  obligation  to be  fulfilled  shall be reduced to the limit of such
validity.  If


                                       80
<PAGE>



any  clause or  provision  of this  Agreement  operates  or would  prospectively
operate to invalidate  this  Agreement or any other Loan Document in whole or in
part,  then such clause or provision only shall be void (as though not contained
herein or  therein),  and the  remainder  of this  Agreement  or such other Loan
Document shall remain operative and in full force and effect; provided, however,
if any such clause or provision  pertains to the  repayment of any  indebtedness
hereunder,  then the  occurrence  of any such  invalidity  shall  constitute  an
immediate Event of Default hereunder.

     9.12. Termination and Survival. All agreements, representations, warranties
and  covenants of Borrower  contained  herein or in any  documentation  required
hereunder  will survive the  execution  and delivery of this  Agreement  and the
other Loan Documents and the funding of the Advances hereunder and will continue
in full force and effect  until  terminated  in  accordance  with this  Section.
Except as  otherwise  provided in Section  4.16  hereof,  Section  9.16  hereof,
Section 9.13 hereof and the other  indemnifications  and waivers  under the Loan
Documents,  this  Agreement  will  terminate  upon  satisfaction  of each of the
following  events:   (i)  payment  to  Lender  in  full   (unconditionally   and
indefeasibly) of the entire indebtedness and monetary  obligations due hereunder
and under the other Loan  Documents,  and (ii) the termination of the Facilities
hereunder,  and (iii) return and cancellation of any effective letters of credit
issued by Lender for the account of Borrower.

     9.13.  Reinstatement.  To the maximum  extent not  prohibited by applicable
law, this Agreement and the other Loan Documents (and the indebtedness hereunder
and Collateral therefor) will be reinstated and the indebtedness correspondingly
increased  (as  though  such  payment(s)  had not been  made) if at any time any
amount  received by Lender in respect of any Loan  Document is rescinded or must
otherwise be  restored,  refunded or returned by Lender to Borrower or any other
Person  (a)  upon or as a result  of the  insolvency,  bankruptcy,  dissolution,
liquidation or reorganization of Borrower or any other Person, or (b) upon or as
a result of the appointment of any receiver, intervenor, conservator, trustee or
similar official for Borrower or any other Person or for any substantial part of
the assets of Borrower or any other Person, or (c) for any other reason.

     9.14.  Counterparts.  This  Agreement  may be  executed  in any  number  of
counterparts  with the same effect as if all the signatures on such counterparts
appeared on one document. Each such counterpart will be deemed to be an original
but all counterparts together will constitute one and the same instrument.


                                       81
<PAGE>



     9.15.  Conflict  Provision.  In the  event  of an  irreconcilable  conflict
between the terms and  conditions of this Agreement and the terms and conditions
of any other Loan Document  (other than a Note or any warrant issued to Lender),
the terms and conditions of this Agreement shall govern.

     9.16.  Waiver of Suretyship  Defenses.  Borrower  hereby waives any and all
defenses  and  rights of  discharge  based  upon  suretyship  or  impairment  of
collateral (including, without limitation, lack of attachment or perfection with
respect  thereto) that it may now have or may hereafter  acquire with respect to
Lender or any of its obligations hereunder, under any Loan Document or under any
other agreement that it may have or may hereafter enter into with Lender.

     9.17.  Waiver of  Liability.  Borrower  (a)  agrees  that  Lender  (and its
directors,  officers,  employees and agents) shall have no liability to Borrower
(whether  sounding in tort,  contract or otherwise) for losses or costs suffered
or  incurred  by  Borrower  in  connection  with  or in any way  related  to the
transactions  contemplated or the relationship established by any Loan Document,
or any act,  omission or event  occurring in  connection  herewith or therewith,
except for foreseeable  actual losses  resulting  directly and exclusively  from
Lender's  own gross  negligence,  willful  misconduct  or fraud and (b)  waives,
releases and agrees not to sue upon any claim against  Lender (or its directors,
officers,  employees or agents) whether sounding in tort, contract or otherwise,
except for claims for foreseeable actual losses resulting directly and exclusive
from Lender's own gross negligence, willful misconduct or fraud. Notwithstanding
the foregoing,  under no circumstances will Lender (or its directors,  officers,
employees or agents) be liable to Borrower for any loss, cost or damage suffered
or incurred  as a result of any action or inaction by Lender (or its  directors,
officers,  employees or agents) during the existence of a Default or an Event of
Default, except for foreseeable actual losses resulting directly and exclusively
from  Lender's  own fraud or criminal  activity.  Moreover,  whether or not such
damages are related to a claim that is subject to the waiver  effected above and
whether or not such  waiver is  effective,  Lender (and its  directors,  owners,
employees  and agents)  shall have no liability  with  respect to (and  Borrower
hereby  waives,  releases and agrees not to sue upon any claim for) any special,
indirect,  consequential,   punitive  or  non-foreseeable  damages  suffered  by
Borrower  in  connection  with  or  in  any  way  related  to  the  transactions
contemplated or the relationship  established by any Loan Document,  or any act,
omission or event occurring in connection herewith or therewith.

     9.18.  Forum  Selection:   Consent  to  Jurisdiction.   Any  litigation  in
connection  with or in any way  related to any Loan


                                       82
<PAGE>




Document,  or any course of  conduct,  course of  dealing,  statements  (whether
verbal or written),  actions or inactions of Lender or Borrower  will be brought
and maintained  exclusively in the courts of the  Commonwealth of Virginia or in
the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia; provided,
however,  that any suit seeking enforcement against Borrower,  any Collateral or
any other property may also be brought (at Lender's option) in the courts of any
other jurisdiction where such Collateral or other property may be found or where
Lender may otherwise obtain personal jurisdiction over Borrower. Borrower hereby
expressly  and  irrevocably  submits  to the  jurisdiction  of the courts of the
Commonwealth of Virginia and of the United States District Court for the Eastern
District of Virginia for the purpose of any such  litigation  as set forth above
and  irrevocably  agrees to be bound by any final  and  non-applicable  judgment
rendered   thereby  in  connection  with  such   litigation.   Borrower  further
irrevocably  consents to the service of process by registered or certified mail,
postage  prepaid,  or by personal  service within or outside the Commonwealth of
Virginia.  Borrower  hereby  expressly and  irrevocably  waives,  to the fullest
extent  permitted by law, any objection  which it may have or hereafter may have
to the laying of venue of any such litigation brought in any such court referred
to above  and any  claim  that  any  such  litigation  has  been  brought  in an
inconvenient forum. To the extent that Borrower has or hereafter may acquire any
immunity  from  jurisdiction  of any  court or from any legal  process  (whether
through service or notice,  attachment  prior to judgment,  attachment in aid of
execution or otherwise)  with respect to itself or its  property,  then Borrower
hereby irrevocably waives such immunity in respect of its obligations under this
Agreement.

     9.19.  Waiver of Jury Trial.  Lender and  Borrower  each hereby  knowingly,
voluntarily and  intentionally  waives any rights it may have to a trial by Jury
in respect  of any  litigation  (whether  as claim,  counter-claim,  affirmative
defense or  otherwise)  in  connection  with or in any way related to any of the
Loan Documents, or any course of conduct, course of dealing, statements (whether
verbal or  written),  actions  or  inactions  of Lender  or  Borrower.  Borrower
acknowledges   and  agrees  (a)  that  it  has  received  full  and   sufficient
consideration  for this provision  (and each other  provision of each other Loan
Document  to which it is a  party),  and (b) that it has been  advised  by legal
counsel  in  connection  herewith,  and (c) that this  provision  is a  material
inducement  for Lender  entering into the Loan  Documents  and funding  Advances
thereunder.

                     [BALANCE OF PAGE INTENTIONALLY BLANK]


                                       83
<PAGE>



IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned,  by there duly authorized  officers,  have
executed this Credit Facility Agreement, as an instrument under seal (whether or
not any such seals are physically attached hereto), as of the day and year first
above written.

ATTEST:                                      STARTEC, INC.                    
                                                                              
By:                                          By:                          
     -----------------------------              -------------------------------
     Pravhav Maniya                             Ram Mukunda                    
     Chief Financial Officer                    President                   
                                                                              
                                                                              
[CORPORATE SEAL]                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
WITNESS:                                     SIGNET BANK                      
                                                                              
                                                                              
                                                                              
By:                                          By:                          
     -----------------------------              -------------------------------
                                                Vincent P. Griffin,         
                                                Vice President              


                                       84
                                             



THE VASWANIPLACE CORPORATION
LEASE with STARTEC, INC.

<PAGE>
                        TABLE OF CONTENTS


 1.  DEMISED PREMISES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 2.  TERM  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 3.  USE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 4.  MINIMUM RENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 5.  TAXES AND OPERATING EXPENSES: ADDITIONAL RENT . . . . . . .

 6.  RENTAL ESCALATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 7.  SECURITY DEPOSIT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 8.  COMPLETION OF PREMISES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 9.  RULES AND REGULATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

10.  SERVICES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11.  INDEMNIFICATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

12.  PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

13.  FIRE OR OTHER CASUALTY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

14.  EMINENT DOMAIN  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15.  ALTERATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

16.  MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

17.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18.  MECHANIC'S LIENS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19.  SIGNS: ADVERTISEMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

20.  WEIGHTS: SAFES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

21.  ENTRY FOR REPAIRS AND INSPECTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . .

22.  PARKING AND COMMON AREAS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23.  LIEN FOR RENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

24.  OTHER COVENANTS OF TENANT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     A. Use  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     B. Care of Premises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     C. Trash and Odors  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     D. Assignment or Sublease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

25. OTHER MUTUAL COVENANTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     A. Waiver of Subrogation  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     B. LiabilitY for Damage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     C. Notices  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     D. Waiver . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     E. Memorandum of Lease  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     F. Time of Essence  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
     G. Late Charges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

26.  DEFAULTS: REMEDIES  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

27.  SUBORDINATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

28.  LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO CURE TENANT'S DEFAULT . . . . . . . . .

29.  ESTOPPEL STATEMENT  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

30.  HOLDING OVER  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31.  MISCELLANEOUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

32.  PRIOR AGREEMENTS: AMENDMENTS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

33.  CAPTIONS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

34.  BENEFIT AND BURDEN  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

35.  SEVERABILITY  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36.  GOVERNING LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

37.  NO PARTNERSHIP  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38.  OPTIONS TO EXTEND TERM  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

39.  ELECTRONIC SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

40.  OTHER RIGHTS OF LANDLORD  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

41.  RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 EXHIBIT A          Demised Premises Floor Plan
 EXHIBIT B          Tenant Improvements
 EXHIBIT C          Rules & Regulations
 EXHIBIT D          Tenant's Corporate Resolution
 EXHIBIT E          Cleaning Schedule



                                       2
<PAGE>

                              LEASE

     THIS LEASE made and entered into as of this 1 day of September, 1994 by and
between  The  Vaswani  Place  Corporation,  owner of the real  property  and the
Building situated thereon located at 10411 Motor City Drive, Bethesda, Maryland,
20817, called "LANDLORD" and Startec, Inc., hereinafter called "TENANT".

     WITNESSETH THAT, for in consideration of the rents and mutual covenants and
agreements hereinafter stipulated and intending to be legally bound, the parties
do hereby mutually agree as follows:

     1.   DEMISED PREMISES:

          Landlord  does  hereby  lease and  demise to Tenant,  and Tenant  does
hereby hire and take from Landlord, upon and subject to the terms and conditions
of this Lease, a portion of the Building known as The Vaswani Place, 10411 Motor
City Drive, Bethesda,  Maryland,  20817 (the "Building") in Montgomery Mall Auto
Park,  Montgomery County,  Maryland,  consisting of approximately 5,396 rentable
square  feet on the third  (3rd)  floor as shown on the floor  plan(s)  attached
hereto as "Exhibit "A" which shall be supplied in advance by Tenant and attached
to the Lease and forming a part hereof (hereinafter  referred to as the "Demised
Premises").

     2.   TERM:

     A. The term of this Lease shall commence on November 1, 1994, and shall end
on the last day of the calendar  month in which occurs the day preceding the 5th
anniversary of the Term Commencement Date (the "Term").  The "Term  Commencement
Date" shall mean the earlier of (a) 5 business  days after the Tenant's  receipt
of notice from Landlord that the Demised  Premises are ready for  occupancy,  or
(b) the date Tenant or anyone  claiming  under or through  Tenant first occupies
the Demised Premises or any portion thereof excluding  Tenant's  installation of
cabling or minor  maintenance  work. Said commencement date to be not later 


                                       3
<PAGE>

than sixty (60) days after full lease execution.

     B. Subject to Section 2C below,  the Demised Premises shall be deemed ready
for occupancy when the work in the Demised  Premises in accordance  with Exhibit
"B" attached hereto and made a part thereof,  (the "Tenant  Improvements") shall
be substantially  completed as certified by an architect or engineer retained by
Landlord,  notwithstanding that minor or insubstantial  details of construction,
mechanical adjustments or decorations remain to be performed, the non-completion
of which does not  materially  interfere  with Tenant's use and occupancy of the
Demised Premises

     C. If the completion of the Tenant  Improvements shall be delayed caused by
Tenant, or changes,  alterations or additions  required or made by Tenant in the
plans and/or  specifications of the Tenant  Improvements as set forth in Exhibit
"B" or otherwise,  then the Demised Premises shall be deemed ready for occupancy
by Tenant  when the Tenant  improvements,  less any  additional  work,  changes,
alterations,  or  additions  requested  by the Tenant  are,  or would have been,
substantially completed.

     3.   USE

          Tenant  will use and occupy the  Demised  Premises  solely for general
office  purposes.  Tenant agrees not to use the Demised Premises for any purpose
which  interferes  with the use and  enjoyment of the Building by other  Tenants
occupying  space  therein or which would  increase the  premiums  for  insurance
coverage  payable by Landlord in respect of the  Building.  Landlord  represents
that  Tenant's  use as sa  forth  above  does not  violate  the  certificate  of
occupancy for the Building.

     4.   MINIMUM RENT

          A. Tenant  shall pay as minimum  annual rent for the Demised  Premises
the sum of eighty nine thousand, thirty-four and 00/100ths Dollars ($89,034.00),
which  amount shall be the product of $16.50  multiplied  by the total number of
square feet in the Demised Premises.  Such sum shall be payable during the Term,
in advance,  in equal  monthly  installments  of seven  thousand,  four  hundred
nineteen and 50/100ths Dollars ($7,419.50). Subject to the Provisions of Section
25 (G) of this lease,  each such monthly  installment shall be paid on the first
day of each  month of the Term  hereof  commencing  with the first  month of the
Term.

          B. If the Term  begins on a day other than the first day of the month,
minimum  rent  from  the Term  Commencement  Date to the  first  day of the full
calendar month following shall be prorated at the rate of  one-thirtieth  (1/30)
of the fixed  monthly  rental for each day and shall be payable on the execution
of this Lease.  Any overage for the 1st months rent, which is due and payable at
lease  execution shall be applied to the 2nd months rent at a rate of one day of
rent credit for each one day of 


                                       4
<PAGE>

overage payment.

          C. All rent and other sums due to  Landlord  hereunder  (collectively,
the  "Rent")  shall be payable at the office  address of  Landlord  first  above
given,  or to such  other  party  or at  such  other  address  as  Landlord  may
designate,  from time to time, by written  notice to Tenant,  without demand and
without deduction, set-off or counterclaim.

     5.   TAXES AND OPERATING EXPENSES: ADDITIONAL RENT

     A.   As used in this Section 5, the following terms shall
have the following meanings:

          (1)  "Taxes"  shall  mean  all  real  estate  taxes,  impositions  and
assessments,  general  or  special,  ordinary  or  extraordinary,   foreseen  or
unforeseen,  imposed upon the Property or with respect to the ownership thereof.
If, due to a future  change in the method of taxation,  any  franchise,  income,
profit  or other  tax,  however,  designated,  shall be  levied  or  imposed  in
substitution,  in  whole or in part,  for (or in lieu  of) any tax  which  would
otherwise be included  within the  definition of Taxes,  such other tax shall be
deemed to be included within "Taxes" as defined herein.

          (2) "Base Year" for real estate taxes and operating  expenses shall be
1994. Landlord represents that the Building has been fully assessed for the Base
Year.

          (3)  "Tenant's  Proportionate  Share"  shall  be five  and six  tenths
percent  (5.6%),  which  Landlord and Tenant agree is the  percentage  which the
square  footage  of the  Demised  Premises  bears to the  square  footage of the
Building.

          (4)  "Operating   Expenses"   shall  mean  all  expenses,   costs  and
disbursements  of every  kind and  nature  which  Landlord  shall  pay or become
obligated to pay in respect of the operation, maintenance, repair and management
of the Property and shall  include,  without  limitation  (a) wages and salaries
(and taxes imposed upon  employers  with respect to such wages and salaries) and
fringe  benefits  paid to persons  employed by Landlord or  Landlord's  managing
agent, if any, for rendering  service in the normal  operation,  maintenance and
repair  of  the  Building  and  Property,  (b)  contract  costs  of  independent
contractors hired for the operation,  maintenance and repair of the Building and
Property;  (c)  costs of  electricity,  steam,  water,  sewer,  fuel  and  other
utilities  chargeable  to the  operation  and  maintenance  of the  Building and
Property;  (d) costs of insurance for the Building and Property,  including fire
and extended coverage, elevator, boiler, sprinkler leakage, water damage, public
liability and property damage,  plate glass, and rent protection,  but excluding
any charge for increased premiums due to acts or omissions of other occupants of
the  Building  because of extra risk which are  reimbursed  to  Landlord by such
other  occupants;  



                                       5
<PAGE>

(e) costs of supplies,  tools,  materials  necessary  for the normal  operation,
maintenance  and repair of the Building,  Property and equipment;  (f) interest,
depreciation  or  amortization  and  rents  paid or  incurred  by  Landlord  for
machinery,  equipment or other capital  improvements  used or useful only in the
maintenance  or  operation  of the  Building;  and  (g) any  and  all  sums  for
landscaping,  ground maintenance,  sanitation control, cleaning,  lighting, snow
removal,  parking area and driveway resurfacing,  when reasonably required, fire
protection,  policing, security and other expenses,  reasonably required for the
upkeep,  maintenance  and  operation of the Property by virtue of the  ownership
thereof,  including,  without limitation,  reasonable management fees payable to
any managing agent employed or engaged by Landlord.

          B. In addition to the minimum annual rent, commencing on the first day
of the first calendar month following receipt of Landlord's statement therefore,
Tenant  shall pay in monthly  installments  or in a lump sum if in  arrears,  as
additional rent hereunder,  Tenant's  Proportionate Share of the amount by which
all Taxes (as defined in article 5A(1) above)  imposed upon The Property for and
with respect to each year and any renewals or  extensions  thereof,  exceeds the
Taxes  assessed or imposed upon the Property  for the Base Year.  Said  Expenses
shall be  passed  through  to Tenant  in Year Two of the  Lease  Term,  and each
anniversary of the lease term thereafter.

          C. (i)  Tenant  hereby  agrees  to pay as  additional  rent,  Tenant's
Proportionate  Share of the amount by which Operating  Expenses Grossed up as if
the Building was ninety-five  percent (95%) occupied incurred by Landlord in the
Base Year  Increase for and with respect to each calendar year of the Term after
the Base Year, and any renewals or extensions  thereof.  Operating Expenses will
be  appropriately  prorated for the portion of any calendar year.  Said expenses
shall be  passed  through  to Tenant  in Year Two of the  lease  term,  and each
anniversary of the lease term thereafter.

               (ii) If the Expiration  Date of this Lease does not coincide with
the last day of the real estate tax fiscal year,  the portion of the increase in
Real Estate Taxes payable by Tenant hereunder for the real estate fiscal year in
which the Expiration Date occurs shall be  appropriately  adjusted and pro-rated
between  Landlord  and Tenant based upon the  respective  number of days in such
real estate tax fiscal year prior to and after the Expiration Date.

               (iii) As an example of estimated  increases in Operating Expenses
based on a Calendar Year (which is equal to the  building's  fiscal year) assume
total building expense  increases are $100,000 between January 1 and December 31
and the Tenant's  proportionate  share is twenty  percent  (20%) Tenant would be
responsible  for an increase in operating rent of $20,000 in 12) or $l,666.67 in
additional rent. thly installments ($20,000\12) or $1,666.67 in additional rent.


                                       6
<PAGE>

          (D) If Tenant's usage of Building electricity substantially exceeds by
reasonable  comparison,   on  a  square  foot  basis,  other  building  tenants'
electricity usage, then Landlord, at Tenant's expense,  shall have the option to
separately  meter Tenant's space for electrical  usage and charge Tenant for the
additional amount of electricity used.

     6. RENTAL ESCALATION

     In addition to the  adjustment  to the monthly  rent for  increases in Real
Estate Taxes and Operating Expenses, Tenant's Base Year Rental will be increased
in the beginning of year two of the lease term, and each anniversary  thereafter
at three percent (3%) per annum.

     7. SECURITY DEPOSIT

     As additional security for the full and prompt performance by Tenant of the
terms and covenants of this Lease, Tenant has deposited with Landlord the sum of
seven  thousand  four  hundred  nineteen  and  50/100ths   Dollars   ($7,419.50)
representing  one month's rent as Security  Deposit,  which shall not constitute
rent for any month unless so applied by Landlord on account of Tenant's default.
Tenant shall, upon demand, restore any portion of the Security Deposit which may
be applied by Landlord to cure any  default by Tenant  hereunder.  To the extent
that Landlord has not applied the Security Deposit on account of a default,  the
Security Deposit shall be returned to Tenant promptly after  termination of this
Lease. In the event Tenant fails to take  possession of the Demised  Premises on
the Term  Commencement  Date or vacates or abandons the Demised  Premises during
the Term, the Security Deposit shall not be deemed to be liquidated damages, and
such  application  of the  Security  Deposit  shall not preclude  Landlord  from
recovering from Tenant all additional  damages  incurred by Landlord.  If Tenant
fails at any time to perform its  obligations,  Landlord may at its option apply
said deposit, or so much thereof as is required,  to cure Tenant's default,  but
if prior to the  termination  of this lease  Landlord  depletes  said deposit in
whole or in  part,  Tenant  shall  immediately  restore  the  amount  so used by
Landlord.  Following  termination of this lease and  satisfaction  of all Tenant
obligations hereunder, Landlord shall return to Tenant any unused portion of the
Security Deposit plus any interest due.

     8.   COMPLETION OF PREMISES
     Promptly  after the  execution  of this lease by the  parties  hereto,  the
Landlord shall cause the leased  premises to be completed in accordance with the
work  described on said  Exhibit "B" up to $13.50 per square foot.  In the event
that the cost of the total work exceeds  $13.50 per square foot and  substantial
completion  of the premises has  occurred,  Tenant hereby agrees to promptly pay
and  reimburse  Landlord for the full cost of such work to the extent it is over
$13.50 per square foot upon the substantial  completion thereof.  Landlord shall
have the right to


                                       7
<PAGE>

provide  Tenant  with  Turnkey  construction  of the  Premises  in  lieu  of the
allowance  provided  above,  subject  to a  mutually  acceptable  space plan and
schedule of finishes.  Following  substantial  completion of said work, Landlord
shall  deliver  the  premises to Tenant who shall  accept the same and  promptly
furnish the premises for its business  purposes and use.  Landlord has the right
to reasonably  approve all tenant  improvements as required by Tenant.  All such
costs including but not limited to design services,  construction drawings to be
provided by Landlord,  general contractor's profit and overhead and construction
management are included in the tenant improvement allowance.  In order to ensure
timely  completion of  construction of  improvements,  Landlord and Tenant shall
agree to an estimated  timetable (said estimated timetable shall be submitted to
Tenant  within five (5)  business  days of receipt of the final  approved  space
plan)  whereby each party shall make best  efforts to meet certain  dates in the
design and  construction  process.  Tenant  shall be permitted to enter and have
prior  access to the  Premises  along with its agent,  contractors,  architects,
etc., for the purpose of installing  telephone,  computer  equipment and cabling
during the last fifteen (15) days of construction  (provided such work by Tenant
or Tenant's agent, contractors, architects, etc. does not unreasonably interfere
with  Landlord's  construction  work)  without  liability  for rent  during such
period,  but subject to all other terms,  covenants and conditions of the lease.
Tenant's  allowance  shall not include the cost of the  preliminary  spare plan,
which shall be paid by the  landlord.  Tenant  shall have the right to submit to
Landlord  two (2)  construction  bids  from  licensed  general  contractors  for
consideration  to perform  tenant's  buildout.  The demised  premises as well as
Common  areas on the third floor shall be in broom clean  condition,  consistent
with other  floors in the  building,  prior to tenant  occupancy  of the demised
premises.

     9.   RULES AND REGULATIONS

          The "Rules and  Regulations" in regard to the Building and the Tenants
occupying  offices  therein,  attached  hereto  as  Exhibit  "C" and made a part
hereof, and such reasonable  alterations,  additions or modifications thereof as
may from time to time be made by Landlord, shall be deemed a part of this Lease,
with the same effect as though  written  herein,  and Tenant  covenants that the
Rules and regulations shall be faithfully observed by Tenant, Tenant's employees
and all persons  visiting the Demised  Premises or claiming  under  Tenant,  the
right being hereby  expressly  reserved by Landlord to add to, alter or rescind,
from time to time, such Rules and  Regulations,  which changes shall take effect
immediately  after notice thereof in writing shall have been served on Tenant by
delivering  the same to Tenant  by  certified  mail  return  receipt  requested.
Landlord shall not be  responsible  for any violation or disregard of any of the
Rules and regulations or any rules and  regulations  hereafter  adopted,  by any
other Tenant,  occupant or person in the Building of which the Demised  Premises
are a part;  and  nothing  herein  shall  impose any  obligation  on Landlord to
enforce  the Rules and 


                                       8
<PAGE>

Regulations or any of them against any other Tenant, occupant or person, but the
same are to be Rules and Regulations to be abided by and complied with by Tenant
hereunder.  In the event of a conflict  between the rules and regulations as set
forth in Exhibit C and the Terms of this  Lease,  the terms of this lease  shall
prevail.

     10.  SERVICES

          Landlord  agrees to maintain  the  building  to the  standard of other
similar  class "A" buildings in the North  Bethesda  Office  Market.  As long as
Tenant is not in default  after  expiration  of all  applicable  notice and cure
periods and the elapse of all  opportunities to cure under any of the provisions
of this lease,  Landlord shall provide the following  facilities and services to
Tenant without additional charge (except as elsewhere provided herein). Landlord
agrees to provide;

          (A) Heat and air  conditioning  necessary,  in  Landlord's  reasonable
judgment,  for  comfortable  occupancy of the Demised  Premises,  Monday through
Friday  from  8:00 AM to 6:00  PM,  and on  Saturdays  from  8:00 AM to 1:00 PM,
holidays noted below excepted.  Heat and air conditioning  required by Tenant at
other times shall be supplied upon reasonable  notice,  and shall be paid for by
Tenant, promptly upon billing,

          (B)  Passenger  elevator  service to the Demised  Premises  during all
working days  (Saturday  other than 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM,  Sunday and the holidays
noted below excepted) from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with one elevator subject to call
at all other times. Tenant and its employees and agents shall have access to the
Demised Premises at all times, subject to compliance with such security measures
as shall be in effect for the  Building.  The  Building  will be accessed  after
hours by key cards.  Landlord will provide Tenant with 11 card keys.  Additional
card keys are available at $8.50 each.

          (C) The  holidays  referred  to in  Section  10A and 10B above are New
Year's Day, Martin Luther King Day, Washington's Birthday,  Memorial Day, Fourth
of July, Labor Day, Columbus Day,  Veteran's Day,  Thanksgiving  Day,  Christmas
Day, and those days designated by the federal government, and any other national
holiday promulgated by a Presidential Executive Order or Congressional Act.

          (D) Janitorial  service to Demised Premises  customary for first class
office  buildings in  Montgomery  County,  Maryland.  Any and all  additional or
specialized  janitorial  service  desired by Tenant shall be  contracted  for by
Tenant  directly  with  Landlord's  janitorial  agent  and the cost and  payment
thereof  shall be and  remain  the sole  responsibility  of  Tenant.  Exhibit  E
specifies existing building Cleaning standards and procedures.

          (E) All  structural  repairs to the Building and all


                                       9
<PAGE>

repairs  which may be needed to the  mechanical,  electrical,  air-conditioning,
heating and plumbing systems in the Demised  Premises,  excluding repairs to any
non-Building standard fixtures or other improvements  installed or made by or at
the request of Tenant (other than the Tenant  Improvements)  and requiring usual
or special  maintenance.  In the event that any repair is  required by reason of
the negligence or abuse of Tenant or its agents,  employees,  invitees or of any
other  person  using the Demised  Premises  with  Tenant's  consent,  express or
implied,  Landlord  may make such  repair and add the cost  thereof to the first
installment of rent which will thereafter become due, unless Landlord shall have
actually recovered such cost through insurance proceeds.

          (F) Water for  drinking,  lavatory and toilet  purposes  drawn through
fixtures installed by Landlord; and

          (G) Electric  current to the Demised  Premises for lighting and normal
office use and for heating  and air  conditioning.  Tenant  shall not install or
operate  in  Demised  Premises  any  computers  or other  electrically  operated
equipment or other  machinery,  other than modern day office  equipment  such as
computers,  copiers,  fax  machines,   typewriters,  word  processing  machines,
micro-computers,  radios, televisions, tape recorders, dictaphones, photocopying
equipment,  and adding machines normally employed for general office use, or any
plumbing  fixtures,  without first  obtaining  the prior written  consent of the
Landlord.  Landlord  may  condition  such  consent upon the payment by Tenant of
additional rent as compensation for any risks,  services,  or utilities Landlord
deems necessary.

          (H) It is  understood  that  Landlord does not warrant that any of the
services  referred  to in this  Section 10 will be free from  interruption  from
causes beyond the reasonable  control of Landlord.  However,  in such event, the
Landlord will use his best efforts to effect the  restoration of same.  Landlord
shall not be liable to Tenant, its employees,  agents, invitees or licensees for
any damages or injury to person or property  arising from the bursting,  leaking
or overflowing of water, sewer, or steam pipes,  heating or plumbing fixture, or
electrical  wires or fixture  unless due to  Landlord's,  gross  negligence.  No
interruption of service shall ever be deemed an eviction or disturbance  thereof
or render Landlord liable to Tenant for damage by abatement of Rent or otherwise
or relieve Tenant from performance of Tenant's obligations under this Lease.

     11.  INDEMNIFICATION

          Landlord  and  Tenant  mutually  agree to  indemnify,  defend and hold
harmless  each other and the manager of the Property  and/or  Building and their
officers,  employees  and agents from and against all suits,  actions,  damages,
liability and expense (including  reasonable attorneys' fees) in connection with
loss of life,  bodily or personal injury or property damage arising 




                                       10
<PAGE>

directly  or  indirectly  from  any  cause  whatsoever  in  connection  with the
occupancy, conduct, operation,  ownership or maintenance of the Demised Premises
or the building  from any work or thing  whatever  done or which was not done in
and on the Demised Premises,  or the building arising from any breach or default
on the part of the  Landlord  or Tenant in the  performance  of any  covenant or
agreement on the part of Landlord or Tenant to be  performed,  or under the law,
or arising from any act, omission or negligence of Landlord or Tenant, or any of
their agents, contractors,  servants,  employees,  licensees or invitees, and in
case any action or proceeding be brought  against the other,  each  covenants at
Landlord  or  Tenant's  cost and  expense  to resist or  defend  such  action or
proceeding or to cause it to be resisted or defended by an insurer,  the cost of
which shall be offset by any insurance proceeds obtained.

     12.  PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE

          (A) Tenant, at its own cost and expense,  shall obtain and maintain in
full  force  and  effect  during  the  Term,  and any  extensions  or  renewals,
comprehensive  general public  liability  insurance with a combined single limit
coverage of not less than  $1,000,000on  account of bodily injuries and/or death
and property damage.

          (B) All such policies of insurance shall name Landlord and if required
mortgagee of Landlord as  additional  insureds.  All such  policies of insurance
shall be issued by a financially  responsible company or companies authorized to
issue such  policy or  policies,  and  licensed  to do  business in the State of
Maryland,  and shall  contain  provisions  to the  effect  that no  cancellation
thereof shall be effective  without  thirty (30) days' prior  written  notice to
Landlord and any mortgagee. Tenant shall lodge with Landlord duplicate originals
or  certificates  of such insurance at or prior to the Term  Commencement  Date,
together  with  evidence  of paid-up  premiums,  and shall  lodge with  Landlord
renewals  thereof at least  thirty  (30) days' prior to  expiration  of any such
policies.

     13.  FIRE OR OTHER CASUALTY

          In case of damage to the Demised  Premises or damages to the  Building
specifically  caused by the  Tenant or its agents or  invitees  by fire or other
casualty, Tenant shall give immediate notice thereof to Landlord. Subject to the
rights of any  mortgagee  of  Landlord's  estate,  Landlord  may,  at its option
thereupon  undertake the repair and  restoration of the Demised  Premises or the
Building to  substantially  the same condition as existed prior to the casualty,
at the expense of the Tenant, subject to the delays which may arise by reason of
adjustment of loss under insurance policies and for delays beyond the reasonable
control  of  Landlord.  In the event  the  damage  shall be such  that  Landlord
reasonably  determines  that it cannot be repaired  within ninety (90) days from
the date of such damage, Landlord may at its option either (a) by written notice
to Tenant 


                                       11
<PAGE>

given  within  sixty (60) days  after  Landlord  is  notified  of the  casualty,
terminate  this Lease as of a date  specified in such notice (which shall not be
more than  ninety  (90) days after the  occurrence  as  aforesaid)  and the Rent
(taking into account any abatement)  shall be adjusted to the  termination  date
and Tenant shall thereupon promptly vacate the Demised Premises,  or (b) restore
the Building and/or Demised  Premises with reasonable  promptness in which event
Rent shall equitably abate.

          Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  Tenant  may  cancel  this  Lease  by
delivering  written notice to Landlord in the event that the Landlord  elects to
repair the Demised  Premises  and such  repairs are not  substantially  complete
within 110 days of the occurrence of the damage.

          Landlord shall pursue all claims it has with insurance  companies as a
result of any loss by fire or other  casualty in such a manner as Landlord deems
appropriate.

     14.  EMINENT DOMAIN

          (A) If the whole of the Property,  Building or Demised  Premises shall
be taken or condemned for a public or  quasi-public  use under any statute or by
right of eminent  domain or private  purchase in lieu  thereof by any  competent
authority,  Tenant shall have no claim  against  Landlord and shall not have any
claim or right to any  portion of the  amount  that may be awarded as damages or
paid as a result of any such  condemnation  or  purchase;  and all rights of the
Tenant to damages  therefore  are hereby  assigned  by Tenant to  Landlord.  The
foregoing  shall not,  however,  deprive Tenant of any separate award for moving
expenses  or for any other  award  which  would not reduce the award  payable to
Landlord.  Upon the date the right to  possession  shall vest in the  condemning
authority,  this Lease shall cease and terminate with Rent adjusted to such date
and Tenant shall have no claim against  Landlord for value of any unexpired term
of this Lease.

          (B) If part of the Demised  Premises shall be acquired or condemned as
aforesaid,  and such  partial  acquisition  or  condemnation  shall  render  the
remaining  portion  unsuitable  for the  business  of Tenant (in the  reasonable
opinion  of  Landlord),  the term of the  Lease  shall  cease and  terminate  as
provided in Section 14A hereof, provided, however, that diminution of floor area
shall  not in and of itself be  conclusive  as to  whether  the  portion  of the
Demised  Premises  remaining  after such  acquisition is unsuitable for Tenant's
business.  If such partial taking is not extensive  enough to render the Demised
Premises  unsuitable for the business of Tenant,  then this Lease shall continue
in effect  except that the minimum rent shall be reduced in the same  proportion
that the floor area of the Demised  Premises  taken bears to the original  floor
area  demised.  Subject to the rights of any  mortgagee  of  Landlord's  estate,
Landlord may, at its option, upon receipt of the net award in condemnation, make
all necessary repairs or alterations to the Building so as to render 


                                       12
<PAGE>

the  portion  of the  Building  not taken a  complete  architectural  unit,  but
Landlord  shall in no event be obligated to pay to Tenant any portion of the net
amount  received by Landlord as damages for the part of the Demised  Premises so
taken. "Net amount received by Landlord" shall mean that portion of the award in
condemnation which is free and clear to Landlord of any sums required to be paid
by Landlord to the holder of any mortgage on the  property so condemned  for the
value of the diminished  fee, as well as all expenses and legal fees incurred by
Landlord in connection with the condemnation proceeding.

          (C) If part of the Building,  but no part of the Demised Premises,  is
taken or condemned as  aforesaid,  and, in the  reasonable  opinion of Landlord,
such partial  acquisition  or  condemnation  shall  render the Demised  Premises
unsuitable  for the  business  of Tenant,  the term of the Lease shall cease and
terminate as provided in Section 14A hereof,  by Landlord sending written notice
to such effect to Tenant,  whereupon Tenant shall immediately vacate the Demised
Premises.

     15.  ALTERATIONS

          Other  than the  Initial  Tenant  Improvements,  Tenant  shall make no
alterations,  installations,  additions  or  improvements  (herein  collectively
called "Alterations") in or to the Demised Premises or the Building,  structural
or otherwise, without Landlord's prior written consent. Tenant, at its sole cost
and expense,  must provide Landlord with a copy of the full floor mechanical and
electrical  plans for the floor or floors of the  Demised  Premises on which the
Alterations  are being made,  revised by the Building  architect and  engineers,
showing the Alterations proposed by Tenant for Landlord's approval.  If any such
Alterations are made without the prior written consent of Landlord, Landlord may
correct or remove the same,  and Tenant shall be liable for any and all expenses
incurred by Landlord in the performance of such work. All  Alterations  shall be
at  Tenant's  sole  expense,  shall  comply  with all laws,  rules,  orders  and
regulations of governmental authorities having jurisdiction thereof and shall be
made  at  such  time  and  in  such  manner  as  Landlord  determines  will  not
unreasonably  interfere  with the use of the Building by other Tenants and their
respective  premises.  All Alterations shall be made only by such contractors or
mechanics  as are approved in writing by Landlord.  Such  approval  shall not be
unreasonably  withheld  or delayed.  Approval of  contractors  or  mechanics  by
Landlord  shall be based  upon  the  contractors  or  mechanics  being  properly
licensed, their financial posture,  experience and past job performance.  Tenant
shall pay prevailing wages to all contractors and mechanics.

          All Alterations to the Demised  Premises,  whether made by Landlord or
Tenant,  and whether at Landlord's or Tenant's expense,  or the joint expense of
Landlord and Tenant,  shall be and remain the property of Landlord,  hereinafter
unless otherwise agreed to by Landlord and Tenant.


                                       13
<PAGE>

          Landlord,  at the  expiration  of the Term or any renewal or extension
thereof,  may  elect  to  require  Tenant  to  remove  all  or any  part  of the
Alterations made by the Tenant, subsequent to the Term Commencement Date, unless
Landlord  agrees in writing not to require the removal of an  Alteration  at the
time  Landlord  consents to the  Alteration.  Removal of Tenant's  Property  and
Alteration  shall be at Tenant's cost and expense and Tenant shall,  at its cost
and expense, repair any damage to the Demised Premises or the Building caused by
such  removal.  In the event  Landlord  does not so elect,  and Tenant  does not
remove Tenant's  Property,  it shall become  property of Landlord.  In the event
Tenant  fails to remove  Tenant's  property or the  Alterations  requested to be
removed by Landlord on or before the  expiration of the Term or any extension or
renewal  thereof,  then and in such  event,  the  Landlord  may remove  Tenant's
Property and Alteration  from the Demised  Premises at Tenant's  expense and the
Tenant  hereby  agrees to  reimburse  the  Landlord for the cost of such removal
together  with any and all damages  which the Landlord may suffer and sustain by
reason of the failure of Tenant to remove the same.

          Tenant  further  acknowledges  that  any  violation  of the  foregoing
requirement by Tenant will jeopardize Landlord's bond financing for the Building
project of which the leased  premises is a part and could likely cause  Landlord
to suffer and incur substantial  monetary damage or injury to which Tenant would
be liable.

     16.  MAINTENANCE

          (A) Demised  Premises:  Tenant shall keep the Demised Premises and the
fixtures and equipment therein in good order and condition, will suffer no waste
or injury  thereto,  and shall at the  expiration or sooner  termination of this
Lease,  surrender  and deliver up the  Demised  Premises to Landlord in the same
good order and broom clean condition as existed on the Term  Commencement  Date,
ordinary  wear and tear and  damage by fire,  the  elements  and other  casualty
excepted.  If repairs are required due to the negligent acts of the Tenant,  its
agents,  employees or invitees, the Landlord (upon written notice from Tenant of
the need for same) will make the same  forthwith.  Tenant  shall be  required to
give Landlord immediate notice of the need for any repair which, if not promptly
repaired,  will  constitute an unsafe  condition  which might cause injury.  The
Landlord shall, at reasonable times and on prior reasonable notice to Tenant, be
permitted to enter upon the demised  premises to examine the  condition  thereof
and to make the repairs as are required by the  provisions of this  paragraph at
Tenant's expense.

          (B) Common Areas:  Landlord shall maintain and repair the common areas
and facilities of the Building at all times. For the purposes of this Lease, the
Term "Common Areas" shall mean all areas,  facilities and improvements provided,
from time to 


                                       14
<PAGE>

time, in the Building or for the mutual  convenience and use of tenants or other
occupants of the Building, their respective agents,  employees, and invitees and
shall  include,  if  provided,  but shall not be  limited  to, the  Lobbies  and
hallways,  access  roads,  driveways,   retaining  walls,  sidewalks,  walkways,
landscaped areas, and exterior lighting facilities.

          (C)  Landlord  shall,  as between  Landlord  and Tenant,  at all times
during the Term of the Lease, have the sole and exclusive  control,  management,
and  direction of the Common  Areas,  and may, at any time and from time to time
during the Term  exclude  and  restrain  any person  from the use and  occupancy
thereof,  excepting  however,  Tenant and other tenants of the Landlord and bona
fide  invitees  who make use of said  areas in  accordance  with the  rules  and
regulations  established by Landlord from time to time with respect thereto. The
rights of the Tenant in and to the Common Areas shall at all times be subject to
the rights of others to use same in common with Tenant, and it shall be the duty
of Tenant  to keep all  areas  free and  clear of any  obstructions  created  or
permitted by Tenant or resulting  from Tenant 's operation.  Landlord may at any
time and from time to time close all or any of the Common  Areas to make repairs
or  alterations  with  advance  notice  to  Tenant,  or to the  extent  as maybe
necessary it the opinion of Landlord,  to prevent the dedication  thereof or the
accrual  of any  rights  to  any  person  or to the  public  therein,  to  close
temporarily  any or all  portions of the said areas to  discourage  non-customer
parking,  and to do and to  perform  such other acts in and to said areas as, in
the exercise of good business judgment, Landlord shall determine to be advisable
with a view to the  improvement of the  convenience  and use thereof by tenants,
their employees, agents, and invitees.

     17.  COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS

          Tenant agrees, on behalf of itself, its employees and agents,  that it
shall  comply  at all times  with any and all  Federal,  state  and local  laws,
statutes,  regulations,   ordinances  and  other  requirements  of  any  of  the
constituted public authorities  relating to its use and occupancy of the Demised
Premise.  Tenant shall be  responsible  for  obtaining  and  maintaining  proper
occupancy permits.

     18.  MECHANIC'S LIENS

          Tenant  shall not create or permit to be  created  or to  remain,  and
shall  discharge  and have  removed  or obtain  security  in the form of legally
recordable  bonds for any lien,  encumbrance  or charge levied on account of any
mechanic's  laborer's  or  materialmen's  lien upon the Demised  Premises or the
Property. If 


                                       15
<PAGE>

any  mechanic's  laborer's  or  materialmen's  lien  shall  at any time be filed
against the Demised  Premises or the Property for work claimed to have been done
for or  materials  claimed to have been  furnished  to Tenant  (except  for work
contracted for by Landlord),  Tenant, within ten business (10) days after notice
of the  filing  thereof,  at its  sole  cost  and  expense  will  cause it to be
discharged of record by payment,  deposit,  bond,  order of a court of competent
jurisdiction  or  otherwise.  If Tenant shall fail to  discharge  any such lien,
Landlord  may, at it's option,  discharge the same and treat the cost thereof as
additional  rent payable with the monthly rent next  becoming  due.  Tenant will
indemnify,  defend  and hold  harmless  Landlord  from and  against  any and all
expenses,  liens,  claims or  damages to person or  property  which may or might
arise by reason of Tenant making any  Alterations,  additions or improvements to
the Demised Premises or the Property.

     19.  SIGNS: ADVERTISEMENTS

          Without the prior written  consent of Landlord which consent shall not
be unreasonably withheld and except for mutually agreed to designs and locations
of sign(s) which are planned to be standard building directory signage and suite
entry signage,  No sign,  advertisement  or notice shall be inscribed,  painted,
affixed or displayed on any part of the outside or the inside of the Building or
the Demised Premises,  including,  without limitation, the doors of offices, and
if any such sign, advertisement or notice is exhibited,  Landlord shall have the
right to remove  the same and Tenant  shall be liable  for any and all  expenses
incurred by Landlord by said removal.  Any such  permitted  sign,  advertisement
and/or  notice,  shall be at the sole  expense and cost of the Tenant.  Landlord
shall  have the right to  prohibit  any  advertisement  of  Tenant  which in its
opinion tends to impair the reputation of the Building or its  desirability as a
high-quality  office  Building and, upon written  notice from  Landlord,  Tenant
shall immediately refrain from and discontinue any such advertisement.

          Landlord will provide Building  standard signage to identify Tenant on
one  entrance  door to  demised  premises  and on a  Building  directory  in the
Building lobby.

     20.  WEIGHTS: SAFES

          Landlord  shall have the right to reasonably  prescribe the weight and
position of safes and other heavy  equipment  or fixtures to be located upon the
Demised  Premises.  Any and all damage or injury to the Demised  Premises or the
Building  caused by moving the  property of Tenant  into,  or out of the Demised
Premises,  or due to the same being  located on the Demised  Premises,  shall be
repaired by and at the sole cost of Tenant.  No 


                                       16
<PAGE>

furniture,  equipment or other bulky matter of any description  will be received
into the  Building  or  carried in the  (cent)levators  except in the manner and
during the times  approved in advance by Landlord in the exercise of  reasonable
discretion.  All moving of furniture,  equipment and other bulky material within
public areas of the Property  shall be under the direct  reasonable  control and
supervision of Landlord who shall not be responsible for any damage to or charge
for  moving  the same.  Tenant  agrees  promptly  to remove  from the  sidewalks
adjacent to the  Building  any of the  Tenant's  furniture,  equipment  or other
material there delivered or positioned.

     21.  ENTRY FOR REPAIRS AND INSPECTIONS

          Tenant will permit Landlord,  or its agent,  employees or contractors,
with reasonable  notice to Tenant when possible,  to enter the Demised premises,
without charge  therefore to Landlord or without  diminution of the Rent payable
by Tenant,  to examine,  inspect and protect the Demised  Premises,  and to make
such repairs as in the judgment of Landlord may be deemed  necessary to maintain
or protect  the  Demised  Premises  or the  Building,  or to exhibit the same to
prospective  Tenants  during the last one hundred twenty (120) days of the Term.
Landlord  shall use  reasonable  efforts to  minimize  interference  to Tenant's
business when making repairs,  but Landlord shall not be required to perform the
repairs at a time other than during normal working hours.

          In the event of an emergency,  Landlord may enter the Demised Premises
without  notice and make  whatever  repairs are necessary to protect the Demised
Premises or Building.

     22.  PARKING AND COMMON AREAS

          Landlord will provide  Eleven (11) parking  spaces to Tenant (Four (4)
of the Eleven (11) spaces are to be reserved in the covered parking area for the
Term of the Lease), at a location  determined from time to time by Landlord,  at
no cost to Tenant.  Landlord shall be entitled to reasonably relocate or reduce,
on a  temporary  basis,  the  parking  spaces at any time in order to  construct
alterations  or  additions to the  Building.  Additional  parking  needs will be
considered upon request.

     23.  LIEN FOR RENT

          In  consideration  of the mutual benefits  arising  hereunder,  Tenant
hereby  grants to  Landlord a lien on all  property  of Tenant  except for prior
liens which already exist now or hereafter  placed in or on the Demised Premises
(except  such


                                       17
<PAGE>

part of any property as may be exchanged,  replaced or sold from time to time in
the ordinary  course of business  operation or trade) and such property shall be
and remain  subject to such lien of  Landlord  for payment of all Rent and other
sums agreed to be paid by Tenant  herein.  Said lien shall be in addition to and
cumulative with any other rights or remedies of Landlord under this Lease by law
or at equity.

     24.  OTHER COVENANTS OF TENANT

          A.  Use - Under  no  circumstances  shall  Tenant  permit  the  leased
premises to be used or occupied  by (i) any state or Federal  branch,  agency or
entity,  the source of whose lease  payments or other  payments for the lease or
occupancy  of such space are derived from moneys  raised by  taxation;  (ii) any
individual or entity for the purpose of engaging in  non-commercial  activity or
whose activities would contravene public policy.

          Tenant understands that any violation of the restrictions hereinbefore
set forth shall adversely affect the exemption from Federal taxation of interest
paid on the bond issue used to finance the project of which the leased  premises
is a part, which would result in a serious monetary loss and damages to Landlord
for which Tenant would be liable.

          B. Care of Premises - Tenant shall not permit the demised  premises to
be overloaded,  damaged or defaced; not place a load upon the premises exceeding
65 pounds of live load per  square  foot of floor  area;  and not move any safe,
vault or other heavy equipment in, about or out of the premises,  except in such
manner, and at such time as Landlord shall in each instance authorize.  Tenant's
business  machines and mechanical  equipment which cause vibration or noise that
may be  transmitted  to the  Building  structure  or to any  other  space in the
Building  shall be so installed,  maintained  and used by Tenant as to eliminate
such  vibration or noise;  no nuisance will be permitted on or about the demised
premises  which  shall  be  contrary  to  any  law,  ordinance,   regulation  or
requirement of any public  authority having  jurisdiction;  the Tenant will keep
the demised premises  reasonably  clean; the Tenant will not litter or place any
obstruction in any portion of the common facilities; the Tenant will not do, nor
suffer  to be done,  nor keep or  suffer  to be  kept,  anything  in or upon the
demised  premises  or the  Building  which  may  prevent  the  obtaining  of any
insurance  (including fire, extended coverage and public liability insurance) on
the demised  premises or the Building or on any property  therein,  or which may
make void any such  insurance,  or which may create any extra  premiums  for, or
increase the rate of any such insurance.  If any actions of Tenant do create any
increase  in  premiums  or  additions


                                       18
<PAGE>

premiums,  then  the  Tenant  shall  pay the  increased  cost of the same to the
Landlord upon demand.

          C. Trash and Odors - Tenant shall keep all trash, rubbish, garbage and
other refuse in proper  containers  within the  interior of the leased  premises
until called for to be removed by Landlord's  janitorial service,  and not cause
or permit  objectionable  odors to emanate  or be  dispelled  from said  Demised
Premises.

          D.   Assignment   or   Sublease  -  Tenant   shall  not   voluntarily,
involuntarily  or by operation of law assign or encumber this lease, in whole or
in part, or sublet the whole or any part of the demised premises,  or permit any
other  persons to occupy same without the prior express  written  consent of the
Landlord which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld,  references elsewhere
in this lease to assignees,  subtenants or other  persons  notwithstanding.  Any
assignment or subletting,  even with the consent of Landlord,  shall not relieve
Tenant from liability for payment of rent or other sums herein  provided or from
the  obligation to keep and be bound by the terms,  conditions  and covenants of
this lease.  The acceptance of rent from any other person shall not be deemed to
be a waiver of any of the  provisions  of this  lease or to be a consent  to the
assignment of this lease or subletting of the demised  premises.  The referenced
assignment or sublease  provision shall remain in effect should the Tenant renew
the Lease.  Tenant shall have the right without  Landlord's consent to sublet at
no profit, to any venture owned 50% or more by Tenant.

          If Tenant is a  corporation  other than a  corporation  whose stock is
listed on a national stock exchange, then any transfer of this lease from Tenant
by merger, consolidation or liquidation,  shall constitute an assignment for the
purpose  of this  lease.  An  assignment  for the  benefit  of  creditors  or by
operation  of law shall not be  effective to transfer any rights to the assignee
without the prior express written consent of the Landlord having been obtained.

          Notwithstanding any provision above to the contrary, before Tenant may
assign this lease or sublet said premises, Tenant must first offer to relinquish
its lease of said premises,  and to surrender same, to the Landlord;  and Tenant
agrees  that if  Landlord  accepts  said  offer  within ten (10) days of receipt
thereof,  this  lease  shall  terminate  and  become  null and void  upon a date
designated by Landlord,  not less than thirty (30) nor more than  sixty(60) days
after the date of Landlord's  acceptance.  Upon such acceptance and termination,
all  account  and  interests  of the  parties  shall be  settled  to the date of
termination.  Any profits net of reasonable  subleasing  expenses shall be split
50/50 with 


                                       19
<PAGE>

the Landlord.

          E.  Corporate  Authority - Tenant  represents  and  warrants  that the
person  executing this Lease is authorized by Startec,  Inc. to execute and bind
the corporation to this Lease.

     25.  OTHER MUTUAL COVENANTS

          In addition to the foregoing  covenants and conditions  with which the
parties hereto have agreed to comply,  the Landlord and Tenant do hereby further
mutually agree that:

          A. Waiver of  Subrogation - Landlord and Tenant hereby waive all right
of recovery in causes of action  which either party has or may have or which may
rise hereafter against the other, whether caused by negligence or otherwise, for
any damage to the  premises or contents  therein or to the  Building or any part
thereof caused by any of the perils which are covered under policies of fire and
extended coverage,  Building and contents and business interruption insurance or
for which  either  party may be  reimbursed  as a result of  insurance  coverage
affecting  any loss  suffered by it; and  further  provided  that the  foregoing
waivers do not invalidate any policy of insurance of the parties hereto,  now or
hereafter  issued,  it being  stipulated by the parties  hereto that the waivers
shall not apply in any case in which the application thereof would result in the
invalidation of any such policy of insurance.

          B. Liability for Damage - Except for Landlord's negligence,  Landlord,
shall  not be liable  for any  damage to any  property  of the  Tenant or anyone
claiming through the Tenant done or occasioned by or from the electrical system,
the heating or air conditioning system, the sprinkler system or the plumbing and
sewer  systems  (including  damage caused by the freezing or bursting of pipes),
in, upon or about the  premises or the Building of which the premises is a part,
nor for damages  occasioned by water,  snow or ice being upon or coming  through
the roof, walls,  windows,  doors or otherwise,  nor for any damage arising from
acts of negligence of Co-Tenants or other occupants of the Building of which the
premises  may be a part,  or the acts of any owners or occupants of adjoining or
contiguous property.

          C. Notices - Whenever  any notice is required or permitted  hereunder,
the same shall be given in  writing,  sent by  registered  or  certified  United
States mail, postage prepaid,  return receipt requested,  and shall be addressed
to the address as either party may hereafter and from time to time  designate in
writing to the other. If either party's address shall be changed during the term
hereof  and  written  notice  of such  change  is  given to the  other  party as
hereinbefore prescribed, any notice and the contents thereof, if properly mailed
as stated to the last known


                                       20
<PAGE>


address of the party whose address has been changed,  shall be valid and binding
upon said party for all intents and purposes. All notices hereunder, if given as
herein  directed,  shall be deemed to be effective  upon the date such notice is
postmarked. Tenant shall be required to notify Landlord of ownership changes.

          D.  Waiver - The  waiver  of any  covenants  or  conditions  or of the
performance of and compliance with same, or the acquiesced breach thereof, shall
not constitute a waiver of any subsequent  non-performance and non-compliance or
of any subsequent  breach of such covenants or conditions,  nor will such waiver
justify or  authorize  the  non-observance  of any other  covenant or  condition
hereof.

          E. Memorandum of Lease - In the event, either  simultaneously with the
execution  of this  lease  or at any time  thereafter  during  the term  hereof,
Landlord shall request that a Memorandum of this lease  ("Memorandum  of Lease")
be executed  and recorded in the public  records of  Montgomery  County,  Tenant
hereby agrees to cooperate with Landlord and to execute said Memorandum of Lease
for such purposes.  When  prepared,  such document shall set forth the names and
addresses of both Landlord and Tenant, a description of said leased premises and
said  Building,  the  duration  of  the  term  of  lease  (including  the  exact
commencement  and ending  dates of each  term) and a  reference  to any  special
clause  contained in this lease which might be of  particular  significance  for
recording  purposes.  Such Memorandum of Lease shall not set forth the amount of
any rents or other sums or charges  provided  for under this lease.  The parties
further  agree that this lease  instrument  shall not at any time be recorded or
made public.

          F.  Time of  Essence  - Time is of the  essence  with  respect  to the
compliance  with and  performance of each of the covenants and agreements  under
this lease.

          G. Late Charges- In the event that payment of any rent or other sum of
money due under this lease  shall  become  overdue  for ten (10)  calendar  days
beyond the date on which said sums of money are due and  payable,  a late charge
of 1.5% of payment  per month or  portion  thereof,  accruing  from the date the
payment was originally due. On the sums so overdue, shall become immediately due
and  payable by Tenant to  Landlord as and for  liquidated  damage for  Tenant's
failure to make prompt payment of said sums, and the full amount of late charges
shall be payable by Tenant on demand.  In the event of the  non-payment  for any
reason of any such late charges or any part  thereof,  Landlord,  in addition to
all other rights and remedies  which it may have,  shall have all the rights and
remedies  provided for herein and by 


                                       21
<PAGE>

law as in the case of non-payment of rent. No failure by Landlord to insist upon
the strict performance by Tenant of Tenant's  obligations  hereunder to pay late
charges  shall  constitute  a waiver by  Landlord  of its right to  enforce  the
provisions  of this  subparagraph  G and  shall not be  construed  in any way to
extend the notice  periods for default as provided for in this lease.  By way of
example  only,  the amount of a late charge due and payable on a monthly  rental
payment of $1,500.00  which was paid after ten (10) days beyond the due date for
such rental  payment  would be  computed  as follows:  $1,500.00 x .015 = $22.50
(late payment).

     26.  DEFAULTS; REMEDIES

          In the event Tenant shall at any time a default in the payment of Rent
herein  reserved,  or of any other sum  required to be paid by Tenant under this
lease  when due and such  failure or refusal  shall  continue  for ten (10) days
following receipt of written notice from Landlord of such failure or refusal, or
in the performance of or compliance with any of the terms, covenants, conditions
or  provisions  of this lease and shall not cure such failure or refusal  within
thirty (30) days after written  notice  thereof from  Landlord to Tenant,  or if
Tenant  shall be  adjudicated  a bankrupt  or shall make an  assignment  for the
benefit  of  creditors  or shall  file a bill in  equity or  otherwise  initiate
proceedings for the appointment of a receiver of Tenant's assets,  or shall file
any proceedings in bankruptcy or for  reorganization or an arrangement under any
federal or state law, or if any proceedings in bankruptcy or for the appointment
of a receiver  shall be  instituted by any creditor of Tenant under any state or
federal law, or if Tenant is levied upon or sold by sheriff's or  marshall's  or
constable's  sale or other legal  process,  or if Tenant  attempts to remove its
property  from  the  Demised  Premises  other  than in the  ordinary  course  of
business, the occurrence of any such event to constitute an event of default and
a breach  under this  Lease,  and after  having  provided  Tenant  with ten days
written  notice,  then and in addition to any other rights or remedies  Landlord
may have  under this  Lease and at law and in  equity,  Landlord  shall have the
following rights:

          A. To  accelerate  the  whole or any  part of the Rent for the  entire
unexpired balance of the Term as well as all other charges,  payments, costs and
expenses  herein  agreed  to be paid by  Tenant.  Any  Rent  or  other  charges,
payments,  costs and expenses if so accelerated  shall be deemed due and payable
as if they were on that date payable in advance; and/or

          B. To enter the Demised  Premises without further demand or notice and
proceed to the sale of the goods, chattels and personal property there found, to
levy the Rent and/or  charges  herein  payable as Rent, and Tenant shall pay all
costs


                                       22
<PAGE>

and officers'  commissions,  including  watchmen's  wages and sums chargeable to
Landlord,  and in such case all costs,  officers'  commissions and other charges
shall immediately  attach and become part of the claim of Landlord for Rent, and
any tender of Rent without said costs,  commissions and charges made,  after the
issuance of a warrant of distress,  shall not be sufficient to satisfy the claim
of Landlord; and/or

          C. To re-enter the Demised  Premises and remove all persons and all or
any  property  therefrom,  either by summary  dispossess  proceedings  or by any
suitable  action or proceeding  at law, or by force or otherwise,  without being
liable to indictment,  prosecution or damages therefore, and repossess and enjoy
the Demised Premises, together with all additions, alterations and improvements.
Upon recovering possession of the Demised Premises by reason of or based upon or
arising  out of a default on the part of Tenant,  Landlord  may,  at  Landlord's
option,  either terminate this Lease or make such alterations and repairs as may
be  necessary  in order to  relet  the  Demised  Premises  and rent the  Demised
Premises or any part or parts thereof,  either in Landlord's  name or otherwise,
for a term or terms which may at Landlord's discretion seem best; upon each such
reletting all rents received by Landlord from such  reletting  shall be applied;
first,  to the payment of any  indebtedness  other than Rent due hereunder  from
Tenant to Landlord;  second, to the payment of any reasonable costs and expenses
of such reletting, including reasonable brokerage fees and reasonable attorney's
fees and all reasonable  costs of such  alterations  and repairs;  third, to the
payment of Rent due and unpaid hereunder; and the residue, if any, shall be held
by  Landlord  and  applied in  payment  of future  rent as it may become due and
payable hereunder. If such rentals received from such reletting during any month
shall  be  less  than  that to be paid  during  that  month  to  Landlord,  such
deficiency  shall be  calculated  and paid  monthly.  No such re-entry or taking
possession  of  the  Demised  Premises  or  the  making  of  alterations  and/or
improvements  thereto or the reletting thereof shall be construed as an election
on the part of Landlord to terminate  this Lease unless  written  notice of such
intention be given to Tenant.

          D. To  terminate  this Lease and the Term hereby  created  without any
right on the part of Tenant to waive the forfeiture by payment of any sum due or
by other  performance  of any  condition,  term or  covenant  broken,  whereupon
Landlord  shall be  entitled  to  recover,  in  addition to any and all sums and
damages for  violation  of Tenant's  default in an amount equal to the amount of
the Rent  reserved  for the balance of the Term,  as well as all other  charges,
payments,  costs and expenses therein agreed to be paid by Tenant,  all of which
amount shall be immediately due and payable from Tenant to Landlord.


                                       23
<PAGE>

          No right or remedy  herein  conferred  upon or reserved to Landlord is
intended to be exclusive of any other right or remedy  herein or by law provided
but each shall be  cumulative  and in  addition  to every  other right or remedy
given herein or now or hereafter existing at law or in equity.

          No  waiver by  Landlord  of any  breach  by Tenant of any of  Tenant's
obligations,  agreements or covenants herein shall be a waiver of any subsequent
breach or of any obligation, agreement or covenant, nor shall any forbearance by
Landlord  to seek a remedy for any breach by Tenant be a waiver by  Landlord  of
any rights and remedies with respect to such or any subsequent breach.  Landlord
represents that if tenant is making reasonable  efforts to cure defaults in good
faith and stated deadlines  expire,  Landlord will grant reasonable  leniency in
meeting deadlines, not to exceed thirty (30) days.

          E. In consideration of the benefits accruing under this Lease,  Tenant
hereby  covenants and agrees that in the event of any actual or alleged failure,
breach, or default hereunder by Landlord:

          (a) the sole and exclusive remedy shall be against the
          interest of the Landlord in the Building;

          (b) neither the  Landlord  nor any  shareholder  of Landlord  shall be
          personally  liable with respect to any claim arising out of or related
          to this Lease;

          (c) no shareholder of the Landlord shall be sued or
          named as a party in any suit or action;

          (d) no service of process shall be made against any
          shareholder of Landlord;

          (e) any judgment granted against any shareholder of
          Landlord may be vacated and set aside at any time as if
          such judgment had never been granted;

          (f) both Landlord and any shareholder may invoke and
          enforce these covenants and agreements.

      27. SUBORDINATION

          This Lease shall be subject and subordinate to any mortgage and/or any
deed of trust  which  may now or  hereafter  be  secured  upon the  Property  of
Building, and to all renewals, modifications,  consolidations,  replacements and
extensions  thereof.   This  clause  shall  be  self-operative  and  no  further
instrument  of  subordination  shall  be  required  by  any  mortgagee,  but  in
confirmation of such subordination,  Tenant shall execute,


                                       24
<PAGE>

within five (5) days after request, any certificate that Landlord may reasonably
require acknowledging such subordination. Tenant hereby constitutes and appoints
Landlord as Tenant's  attorney-in-fact  to execute any such  certificate  within
said five (5) day period.  Notwithstanding the foregoing,  the party holding the
instrument  to which this  Lease  shall be  subordinate  shall have the right to
recognize  and  preserve  this  Lease in the  event of any  foreclosure  sale or
possessory  action, and in such case this Lease shall continue in full force and
effect at the option of the party  holding the  superior  lien and Tenant  shall
attorn to such party and shall execute,  acknowledge and deliver any instrument,
demanded by Landlord  or such other  party,  that has for its purpose and effect
the confirmation of such attornment.  Such superior lien holder or any purchaser
at a foreclosure or other judicial sale may, at or prior to the time of any such
sale or within sixty (60) days thereafter, notify Tenant to vacate and surrender
the Demised Premises within ninety (90) days of the date of such sale and in the
event such notice is given,  this Lease shall  terminate  and expire one hundred
twenty (120) days after such sale.

          This section is subject to any of the rights of the Tenant pursuant to
any non-disturbance agreement delivered and subject to section 25D.

     28.  LANDLORD'S RIGHT TO CURE TENANT'S DEFAULT

          If Tenant shall after the expiration of all applicable notice and cure
periods be in default in the  performance of any of its  obligations  under this
Lease, Landlord may but shall not be obligated,  in addition to any other rights
it may have in law or equity,  cure on behalf of Tenant any default hereunder by
Tenant,  and Tenant shall reimburse Landlord for any sums paid or costs incurred
by Landlord  in curing such  default,  including  but not limited to  reasonable
attorney's fees incurred,  and also including interest at the rate of Prime Plus
(as  published in the Wall Street  Journal)  three percent (3%) per annum on all
sums  advanced by  Landlord as  aforesaid,  which sums and costs  together  with
interest thereon shall be deemed additional rent payable on demand.

     29.  ESTOPPEL STATEMENT

          Tenant shall from time to time,  within ten (10)  business  days after
request by Landlord,  execute,  acknowledge  and deliver to Landlord a statement
certifying  that this Lease is unmodified  and in full force and effect (or that
the same is in full force and effect as  modified,  listing any  instruments  of
modification),  the dates to which Rent and other  charges  have been paid,  and
whether or not,  Landlord  is in  default  hereunder  or whether  Tenant has any
claims or demands  against  Landlord  (and,  if so, the default,  claim,  and/or
demand  shall be 


                                       25
<PAGE>

specified)  and such  estoppel  statement  may be  delivered  by Landlord to any
prospective purchaser or ground lessor mortgagee of the Property of Building and
may be relied upon by such prospective purchaser, ground lessor or mortgagee.

     30.  HOLDING OVER

         Should  Tenant  continue  to  occupy  the  Demised  Premises  after the
expiration  of the Term and without  Landlord's  prior written  consent,  or any
renewal  thereof,  or after a forfeiture  incurred,  such tenancy shall (without
limitation  on any of  Landlord's  right or remedies  therefor)  be a tenancy at
will,at a minimum daily rent equal to  one-thirtieth of 150% of the rent payable
for the previous month of the Term, plus all additional rent payable hereunder.

     31.  MISCELLANEOUS

          A.  Landlord and Tenant each  represent and warrant to the other that,
except for Barnes,  Morris,  Pardoe & Foster,  Inc.,  and Karnpa & Brown Company
neither of them has employed any broker in carrying on the negotiations relative
to this Lease.  Landlord and Tenant shall each  indemnify  and hold harmless the
other from and against  any claim or claims for  brokerage  or other  commission
arising  from or out of breach of the  foregoing  representation  and  warranty.
Landlord recognizes that the Aforementioned Broker is entitled to the payment of
a commission  for services  rendered in the  negotiation  and  obtaining of this
Lease,  and Landlord has agreed to pay such  commissions  pursuant to a separate
agreement.

          B. The word  "Tenant" as used in this Lease shall be construed to mean
Tenants in all cases  where  there is more than one  Tenant,  and the  necessary
grammatical   changes   required  to  make  the   provisions   hereof  apply  to
corporations,  partnerships, or individuals, men or women, shall in all cases be
assumed as though in each case fully  expressed.  Each  provision  hereof  shall
extend to and shall,  as the case may require,  bind and inure to the benefit of
Tenant ant its heirs,  legal  representative,  successors and assigns,  provided
that  without in any way  limiting  the right  afforded  to Tenant  pursuant  to
Section  24(D) of this  lease.  This Lease shall not inure to the benefit of any
assignee,  heir, legal representative,  transferee or successor of Tenant except
upon the express written consent or election of Landlord.

          C. The term  "Landlord" as used in this Lease shall mean the fee owner
of the entire  Property or, if different,  the party holding and  exercising the
right,  as against all other (except space Tenants of Building) to possession of
the entire Property.  In the event of voluntary or involuntary  transfer of such
ownership  or right to a successor in interest of  Landlord,  


                                       26
<PAGE>

Landlord shall be freed and relieved of all liability and  obligation  hereunder
(and, as to any unapplied portion of Tenant's  security deposit,  Landlord shall
be relieved  of all  liability  therefor  upon  transfer of such  portion to its
successor  in  interest)  and Tenant  shall  look  solely to such  successor  in
interest for the  performance  of the covenants and  obligations of the Landlord
hereunder which shall thereafter accrue.

     32.  PRIOR AGREEMENTS

          Neither party hereto has made any representation or promises except as
contained  herein.  No agreement  hereinafter made shall be effective to change,
modify,  discharge or effect an abandonment of this Lease,  in whole or in part,
unless  committed  to a written  agreement  signed by both the  Landlord and the
Tenant.

     33.  CAPTIONS

          The  captions of the  Sections in this Lease are inserted and included
solely  for  convenience  and shall  not be  considered  or given any  effect in
construing the provisions hereof.

     34.  BENEFIT AND BURDEN

          The  provisions of this Lease shall be binding upon and shall inure to
the benefit of the parties  hereto and each of their  permitted  successors  and
assigns.

     35.  SEVERABILITY

          If any term,  covenant,  or condition of this Lease or the application
thereof  to any  person or  circumstance  shall,  to any  extent,  be invalid or
unenforceable,  the  remainder  of this Lease or the  application  of such term,
covenant or condition to persons or  circumstances  other than those as to which
it is held  invalid or  unenforceable,  shall not be  affected  thereby and each
term,  covenant  and  condition of this Lease shall be valid and enforced to the
fullest extent permitted by law.

     36.  GOVERNING LAW

          This Lease shall be governed by the laws of the State of Maryland.

     37.  NO PARTNERSHIP

          Nothing  in this  Lease  shalt be  deemed  or  construed  to  create a
partnership or joint venture of or between  Landlord and Tenant or to create any
other  relationship  between the parties  hereto other than that of Landlord and
Tenant.

     38.  OPTIONS TO EXTEND TERM

          Provided  that  Tenant  is  still  in  occupancy,  and has not


                                       27
<PAGE>

been in default of the Lease,  Tenant  shall have the option to renew this lease
for one (1)  additional  five (5) year term  ("Renewal  Term") at the end of the
fifth (5th) Lease Year with eight (8) months prior written notice at one hundred
percent (100%) of fair market value.

     39.  ELECTRONIC SECURITY

          Landlord  warrants that the Building  contains an electronic  security
system of which the Tenant  will be granted  access and that the  Building  will
maintain this or an equivalent or better security system  throughout the term of
the lease and any renewal periods.

     40.  OTHER RIGHTS OF LANDLORD

          (A) to  decorate,  remodel,  alter or  otherwise  prepare  the Demised
Premises for reoccupancy during the last ninety (90) days of the Term, if during
or prior to that time Tenant vacates the Demised Premises; and

          (B) To show the  Demised  Premises to  prospective  tenants or brokers
during  the last one  hundred  and eighty  (180)  days of the Term;  to show the
Demised Premises to prospective  purchasers at all reasonable dues provided that
prior notice is given to Tenant in each case and that Tenant's use and occupancy
of the Demised Premises shalt not be materially  inconvenienced by any action of
Landlord;  and to place and maintain  FOR RENT  signage on the Demised  Premises
during the last one hundred eighty (180) days of the Lease Term.

     41.  RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL

          Subject to the terms and  conditions  herein set forth,  Tenant  shalt
have a right of first  refusal to expand  into those  premises  (the  "Expansion
Premises") adjacent to Tenant's current Premises at the escalated rent Tenant is
paying for its original lease. Landlord and Tenant shall attempt to negotiate in
good faith the other items  contained in an  amendment  and subject to the terms
below.

          Provided Tenant is not in default of its lease  obligations,  Landlord
shall,  by written  notice (the "Offer  Notice"),  offer to lease the  Expansion
Premises to Tenant.  In order to  effectively  exercise the  foregoing  right of
first refusal,  Tenant must notify Landlord in writing,  within ten (10) days of
Tenant's  receipt of the Offer  Notice,  of Tenant's  unequivocal  acceptance of
Landlord's offer. In the event that Tenant (i) rejects Landlord's offer, or (ii)
fails to respond in writing to the Offer Notice within such ten (10) day period,
then the above-described right of first refusal shall be null and void 


                                       28
<PAGE>


and of no further force or effect, and Landlord shall at all times thereafter be
free to offer and lease the space to any party whatsoever,  or to hold the space
vacant,  at Landlord's sole discretion;  Landlord shall not be required to offer
the  Expansion  Premises  to Tenant  more than once  during the Term of Tenant's
lease. Upon Tenant's effective exercise of the foregoing right of first refusal,
Landlord  shall  prepare and Landlord  and Tenant shall  execute an amendment to
Tenant's lease reflecting the addition of the Expansion Premises to the Premises
theretofore held by Tenant under the lease.

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

Witness:                                      LANDLORD:                        
                                                                               
                                              Vaswani Place Limited            
                                              Partnership                      
                                                                               
                                                                               
By:                                          By:                               
   -----------------------------                -----------------------------  
                                                                               
[SEAL]                                                                         
                                                                               
                                                                               
Witness:                                      TENANT:                          
                                              Startec, Inc.                    
                                                                               
                                                                               
By:                                          By:                               
   -----------------------------                -----------------------------  
                                                                               
                                                                               


                                       29
<PAGE>
                                       

February 23, 1996



Mr. Suhail Nathane, Esq.
Startec, Inc.
10411 Motor City Drive
Bethesda, Maryland  20817

Dear Mr. Nathane:

     In accordance with our discussion, the Vaswani Place will lease to Startec,
Inc. an adjoining  (Ex. A) space.  The new space consists of  approximately  575
rentable square feet on the third (3rd) floor adjoining your current office.

     The term of your new space shall  commence 1 March 1996 and run  concurrent
with the existing  lease.  All terms and  conditions of your existing lease will
apply. You have agreed to accept the new space without improvements. there shall
be a five (5) month rent abatement with payment starting 1 August 1996.

     In addition and separate from above,  one additional  parking space will be
made available at the outside parking perimeter next to your current space.

IN AGREEMENT WITH:

Landlord:                               Tenant:


Vaswani Place Limited Partnership       Startec, Inc.

By:                                          By:                               
   -----------------------------                -----------------------------  
                                                  Suhail Nathani, Esq.
                                                  General Counsel


                                       30




                                    AGREEMENT

     This Agreement, dated as of April 25, 1990, is made and entered into by and
between World  Communications,  Inc., a New York corporation  ("WorldCom"),  and
Startec, Inc., a Maryland corporation ("Customer").

                                    Recitals

     A.  WorldCom is in the  business of providing  domestic  and  international
telecommunications services.

     B.  Customer   desires  that   WorldCom   provide   certain   private  line
communications  circuits  ("Circuits") and floor space in WorldCom's  offices in
Washington,   D.C.  for  Customer's  Stromberg  Carlson  DC0-CS  carrier  switch
described more fully in Exhibit A to this Agreement (the "Equipment").  Customer
also desires to route certain telecommunications  originating outside the United
States  which have  destinations  within the United  States  ("Return  Traffic")
through WorldCom's telecommunications switching equipment in New York, New York.

     C.  WorldCom  desires to provide  these  Circuits  and floor  space for the
Equipment,  and to have Return  Traffic  routed  through its  telecommunications
switching equipment in New York, on the terms set forth in this Agreement.

                                      Terms

     For good and valuable  consideration,  the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties agree as follows.

     1.   Circuits.

          (a) Provision of Initial  Circuits.  At Customer's  request,  Worldcom
shall provide for Customer up to six (6) international  voice-grade  analog half
Circuits from Washington,  D.C. to New Delhi and/or Bombay,  India (the "Initial
Circuits").  The initial term for each Initial  Circuit shall be for a period of
two (2) years beginning on the date that WorldCom  notifies  Customer in writing
that such  Initial  Circuit is ready for service  (the  "Initial  Circuit  Start
Date").  Following the
<PAGE>


expiration of the initial term for an Initial  Circuit,  WorldCom shall continue
to provide such Initial  Circuit for additional  one-year  terms,  unless either
party notifies the other party in writing,  at least forty-five (45) days before
the  beginning  of the  applicable  renewal  term,  of its  desire to  terminate
WorldCom's  provision of such Initial Circuit. The initial and renewal terms for
an Initial Circuit are referred to herein  collectively as the "Initial  Circuit
Term."

          (b) Deposit. Upon execution of this Agreement,  Customer shall deposit
the sum of nine thousand  dollars ($9,000) with WorldCom as security for payment
by Customer of all charges under this Agreement (including,  without limitation,
charges relating to the Circuits,  Equipment and Return Traffic). WorldCom shall
return the deposit to Customer on the first day of the thirteenth  full calendar
month  following the Initial  Circuit  Start Date of the first  Initial  Circuit
placed  in  service,  provided  Customer  is not  then  in  default  under  this
Agreement; otherwise, the deposit shall be returned to Customer upon termination
of this  Agreement.  The deposit  shall  accrue  interest at the rate of six and
one-half percent (6.5%) per annum. Accrued interest shall be payable upon return
of the deposit.

          (c) Charges For Initial  Circuits.  Customer shall pay to WorldCom for
each Initial  Circuit a monthly  charge of three thousand  dollars  ($3,000) for
each month during the Initial Circuit Term for such Initial  Circuit;  provided,
however,  that one-half of these monthly  charges with respect to the first four
(4) Initial  Circuits  placed in service  may be deferred by Customer  until the
first day of the seventh full calendar month following the Initial Circuit Start
Date for the first  Initial  Circuit  placed in service,  at which time Customer
shall commence  payment of all such deferred  charges in twelve (12) consecutive
equal monthly installments plus interest on such deferred charges at the rate of
ten percent (10%) per annum from the date such deferred  charges would have been
due but for  Customer's  right to  defer  them.  With  respect  to each  Initial
Circuit,  the monthly  charges  for the first and last months of the  applicable
Initial  Circuit  Term shall be prorated  based on the number of days during the
first or last month,  as applicable,  which fall within the Initial Circuit Term
for such Initial Circuit.  The first monthly charge for an Initial Circuit shall
be payable on the  applicable  Initial  Circuit  Start Date and  thereafter  the
monthly  charges  for such  Initial  Circuit  shall be payable in advance on the
first day of each calendar month.

          (d) Conversion to Digital Circuits.  At Customer's  request,  WorldCom
shall  convert  the Initial  Circuits  from  analog  Circuits  to their  digital
equivalent.  Upon conversion, the monthly charges for the Initial Circuits shall
be adjusted to



                                       2
<PAGE>

reflect  WorldCom's then current  monthly charges for the digital  equivalent of
the analog  Initial  Circuits  reduced by a discount  comparable to the discount
provided to  Customer  on the analog  Initial  Circuits.  In all other  respects
payment of the monthly charges for the Initial Circuits shall be as set forth in
paragraph  (c) above  (except  that there  shall be no  additional  deferral  of
charges as a result of the  conversion  from analog  Circuits  to their  digital
equivalents).

          (e) Termination of Initial Circuits. Customer may terminate WorldCom's
provision  of an  Initial  Circuit  at any time  during  the first two (2) years
following  the  Initial  Circuit  Start  Date  for  such  Initial  Circuit  upon
forty-five (45) days' advance written notice to WorldCom, provided that Customer
pays to WorldCom on or before the  effective  date of  termination a termination
charge  equal to  forty-five  (45) days' of  monthly  charges  for such  Initial
Circuit  at the  then  effective  rate,  which  termination  charge  shall be in
addition to the forty-five  (45) days' of monthly  charges payable under Section
2(c) for the period between the date of Customer's notice of termination and the
effective date of  termination.  Customer  shall not incur a termination  charge
solely as a result of  converting an Initial  Circuit from an analog  Circuit to
its digital equivalent.

          (f) Additional Circuits. At Customer's request, WorldCom shall provide
additional Circuits (analog or digital) to Customer ("Additional  Circuits").  A
description of each Additional  Circuit,  together with the targeted start date,
the term and the applicable installation, monthly and termination charges, shall
be  set  forth  on  a  Schedule  to  be  signed  by  WorldCom  and  Customer  in
substantially the form attached as Exhibit B to this Agreement.

          (g)  Adjustments to Monthly  Charges.  WorldCom  reserves the right to
increase  the  monthly  charges for any Initial  Circuit or  Additional  Circuit
effective at any time beginning  after the expiration of the initial term during
which WorldCom has agreed to provide such Initial Circuit or Additional Circuit,
as applicable,  upon at least  forty-five  (45) days' advance  written notice to
Customer.  Notwithstanding  anything  to the  contrary  in  this  Agreement,  if
Customer  objects to any such price  increase,  Customer shall have the right to
terminate  WorldCom's provision of the Initial Circuit or Additional Circuit, as
applicable,  by so notifying WorldCom in writing on or before the date the price
increase is to become effective.

          (h) Third Party Charges.  Except as set forth below, Customer shall be
responsible  for paying all charges of PTTs and other third parties  relating to
the  installation  or  use  of  Initial  Circuits  and/or  Additional  Circuits,
including,  without 


                                       3
<PAGE>

limitation,   charges  for  local  access  lines,   interexchange  circuits  and
equipment.  In the  event  that  WorldCom  pays any such  charges  on  behalf of
Customer,  Customer shall  reimburse  WorldCom within thirty (30) days after the
date of any WorldCom invoice for such charges.  WorldCom agrees to provide local
access from 1220 L Street,  N.W.,  Washington,  D.C. to its technical  operating
center at 1828 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. free of charge.

     2.   Equipment.

          (a) Provision of Floor Space.  WorldCom  shall provide floor space for
the  Equipment  at its  technical  operating  center  at  1828 L  Street,  N.W.,
Washington, D.C. (the "Site") for an initial term of five (5) years beginning on
the date  WorldCom  notifies  Customer  in  writing  that it has  completed  the
necessary Site preparation  work (the "Equipment Start Date").  The parties have
set a target date for the completion of Site  preparation  work of May 15, 1990.
Following the expiration of the initial term, WorldCom shall continue to provide
floor space for the Equipment for additional one-year terms, unless either party
notifies the other party in writing,  at least  forty-five  (45) days before the
beginning of the applicable renewal term, of its desire to terminate  WorldCom's
provision of floor space for the  Equipment.  The initial and renewal  terms for
the  provision  of floor  space at the Site for the  Equipment  are  referred to
herein collectively as the "Equipment Term."

          (b) WorldCom  Responsibilities.  In  connection  with its provision of
floor space at the Site for the  Equipment,  WorldCom  shall do the following at
its own expense:

               (i)  WorldCom  shall  prepare  the Site for  installation  of the
          Equipment in accordance with a floor plan layout to be mutually agreed
          to with Customer.  WorldCom  shall use reasonable  efforts to complete
          Site  preparation  work by May 15,  1990,  but  shall not be liable to
          Customer for failure to meet this target date.

               (ii) WorldCom  shall furnish  power,  air  conditioning  and fire
          protection  for the  Equipment to the same  standards as it applies to
          its own equipment at the Site.

               (iii)  WorldCom   shall  furnish   cleaning  and  security  (i.e.
          controlling access to WorldCom  facilities and the Equipment) services
          at the Site.

               (iv) WorldCom shall provide up to two (2) hours of maintenance on
          the Equipment per month, such 


                                       4
<PAGE>

          maintenance  to be limited,  however,  to  reporting  to Customer  any
          irregularity  in the Equipment  observed by WorldCom.  WorldCom  shall
          have the right,  but not the  obligation,  to inspect the Equipment to
          detect  irregularities  and shall not be liable to  Startec  under any
          circumstance  for  failure to observe  any  irregularity.  At its sole
          discretion,  WorldCom  may  take any  reasonable  measures  if  either
          WorldCom  property or personnel is  endangered  or  threatened  by the
          Equipment.

               (v)  WorldCom  shall permit  designated  employees of Customer to
          have access to the Equipment  twenty-four (24) hours per day every day
          of the year for the purpose of operating the Equipment.

               (vi) WorldCom shall permit authorized maintenance contractors and
          Customer  personnel  access to the Equipment  during  normal  business
          hours for the purpose of  installing,  maintaining  and  repairing the
          Equipment, provided these visits, except in cases of an emergency, are
          scheduled in advance with WorldCom.

               (vii) In the event any employee, agent, contractor, subcontractor
          or other  representative  of Startec  fails to adhere to a standard of
          conduct  that  WorldCom  imposes  on its own  personnel  at the  Site,
          WorldCom may so notify  Customer and Customer  shall cause such person
          to be replaced.

     (c) Customer  Responsibilities.  In connection with WorldCom's provision of
floor space at the Site for the  Equipment,  Customer  shall do the following at
its own expense:

               (i) Customer  shall  arrange for the shipping and delivery to the
          Site, rigging into place, unpacking, installing, testing, cutting over
          and subsequent operation of the Equipment.

               (ii) Customer  shall arrange for all  preventive  and  corrective
          maintenance of the Equipment.

               (iii)  Customer   shall  provide   WorldCom  with  a  listing  of
          authorized maintenance  contractors and Customer personnel who will be
          visiting  the Site to install the  Equipment  and perform  maintenance
          services.  Customer shall update this list as required.  Except as may
          be required due to an emergency, Customer shall schedule all visits in
          advance with WorldCom.


                                       5
<PAGE>

               (iv)  Customer  shall  install only  Equipment  which will,  at a
          minimum,   meet  the  type-approval   standards  set  by  Underwriters
          Laboratories and will not create  objectionable  conducted or radiated
          radio  frequency  interference  or  safety  hazards  of any  kind.  By
          executing  this   Agreement,   WorldCom   indicates  its  approval  of
          installation of the Equipment listed in Exhibit A.

               (v) Customer  shall notify  WorldCom in writing in advance of any
          exchange,  removal or delivery of new or  additional  Equipment to the
          Site. Such  notification  must include  detailed space,  power and air
          conditioning  requirements of the Equipment to be installed.  Customer
          must obtain  WorldCom's prior written approval for installation of new
          or additional  Equipment.  In the event new or additional Equipment is
          to be installed,  the monthly charges set forth in paragraph (d) below
          may be adjusted by WorldCom to reflect any additional space,  power or
          air  conditioning   requirements.   WorldCom  shall  not  unreasonably
          withhold  approval of the installation of new or additional  Equipment
          at the Site.

               (vi)  Customer  shall  provide or arrange  for the removal of all
          Equipment,  and reimburse  WorldCom for reasonable  costs of restoring
          the  Site  to  the  condition  it  was  in  immediately  prior  to the
          installation of the Equipment,  reasonable wear and tear excepted,  at
          the  expiration  or  termination  of the Equipment  Term.  The monthly
          charges  set forth in  paragraph  (d) below shall  continue  until all
          Equipment is removed from the Site.

               (vii) Customer shall ensure that its officers, employees, agents,
          contractors,   subcontractors   licensees  and  other  representatives
          (collectively,  "Representatives") install, test, maintain and operate
          the Equipment in a manner which will not adversely  affect  WorldCom's
          ability  to  provide  its  other   customers  with  the  services  and
          assistance they are usually accorded.

               (viii)  With  respect  to  all  work  performed  by  any  of  its
          Representatives,  Customer  shall  ensure  that these  Representatives
          comply  with  all  applicable  laws  and  regulations  of the  Federal
          government  and of the  jurisdictions  in  which  such  work is  being
          performed  (including,  without  limitation,  Workmen's  Compensation,
          Social Security Act and unemployment insurance).


                                       6
<PAGE>

               (ix) Customer shall ensure that its  Representatives  comply with
          all WorldCom security and safety regulations when on the Site.

               (x)  Customer  shall  obtain and  maintain  any and all  permits,
          licenses  and  regulatory  approvals  required  for the  installation,
          maintenance, repair and operation of the Equipment at the Site.

     (d) Monthly Charges. Customer shall pay to WorldCom a monthly charge of one
thousand two hundred fifty dollars  ($1,250) for each month during the Equipment
Term; provided,  however, that these monthly charges may be deferred by Customer
until the first day of the seventh full calendar  month  following the Equipment
Start Date, at which time Customer shall  commence  payment of all such deferred
charges in twelve (12) consecutive  equal monthly  installments plus interest on
such  deferred  charges at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date
such  deferred  charges  would have been due but for  Customer's  right to defer
them.  The monthly  charges for the first and last months of the Equipment  Term
shall be prorated based on the number of days during the first or last month, as
applicable, which fall within the Equipment Term. The first monthly charge shall
be payable on the Equipment  Start Date and thereafter  monthly charges shall be
payable in advance on the first day of each calendar month.

     (e)  WorldCom  Lease.  Customer  acknowledges  that  its use of the Site is
subject to the terms and conditions of the 1828 L Street Office Lease Agreement,
dated  as of  May  15,  1984,  as  amended  (the  "Lease"),  between  ITT  World
Communications,  Inc. and 1828 L Street  Associates,  Inc. (the "Landlord"),  as
assigned to WorldCom by Assignment of Lease dated April 24, 1989. Customer shall
abide by,  and shall  ensure  that its  Representatives  abide by, the terms and
conditions of the Lease relating to the use and occupancy of the Site.  Customer
shall not take,  and shall  ensure  that its  Representatives  do not take,  any
action that would  result in a default by WorldCom  under the Lease.  WorldCom's
obligations under this Section 2 are subject to WorldCom obtaining any necessary
consents from the Landlord to the arrangements contemplated herein. In addition,
the Lease is scheduled to expire April 30, 1994. If for any reason WorldCom does
not obtain an extension of the Lease, or the Lease otherwise  terminates  during
the Equipment  Term,  WorldCom shall have the right to terminate its obligations
under this Section 2,  effective as of the date the Lease  expires or terminates
and without  liability to Customer,  by giving  written notice of termination to
Customer.  If  practicable,  WorldCom  shall give  Customer at least thirty (30)
days' advance written notice of termination.


                                       7
<PAGE>

     3.   Return Traffic.

          At all times  during the term of this  Agreement  in which  WorldCom's
charges are competitive with its Major Competitors (as defined below),  Customer
shall  route  all  Return  Traffic  which  Customer  handles  or for which it is
entitled to receive  compensation  to  WorldCom's  telecommunications  switching
equipment in New York, New York. WorldCom shall then route the Return Traffic to
its ultimate  destination within the United States.  Customer shall pay WorldCom
for routing the Return  Traffic to the  ultimate  destination  within the United
States at WorldCom's  then current rates.  WorldCom  shall invoice  Customer for
these charges on a monthly  basis.  Payment shall be due within thirty (30) days
of the date of any WorldCom invoice. As used in this Agreement,  the term "Major
Competitors"  refers to MCI,  U.S.  Sprint,  AT&T and other U.S.  communications
common carriers.

     4.   Right of First Refusal.

          Customer  grants to WorldCom a right of first  refusal for a period of
two (2) years from the date of this Agreement to provide to Customer any and all
international  private  line  traffic  and Return  Traffic  (including  domestic
delivery of Return Traffic) (collectively,  "Telecommunications Services") which
Customer  proposes to have a third party  provide to  Customer.  Customer  shall
notify  WorldCom  in writing of the name and  address of the third party and the
terms on which the third  party is  willing to  provide  the  Telecommunications
Services  requested  by  Customer.  WorldCom  shall have  thirty  (30) days from
receipt of this notice in which to notify Customer in writing of its election to
provide  the same or  substantially  equivalent  Telecommunications  Services on
terms not less favorable than those set forth in Customer's  notice. If WorldCom
fails to make this  election,  the right of first  refusal  granted to  WorldCom
shall lapse with  respect to the proposed  transaction  (but not as to any other
transactions), and Customer shall be free to enter into the proposed transaction
with the third  party on terms not more  favorable  to the third  party than the
terms set forth in  Customer's  notice.  If Customer  and the third party do not
execute a final  written  agreement  covering  the proposed  transaction  within
ninety (90) days after the  expiration of the period within which  WorldCom must
make its election,  Customer may not enter into the proposed transaction without
again offering WorldCom, in the manner set forth above, the right to provide the
proposed Telecommunications Services.

     5.   Term.

          The term of this  Agreement  shall  commence  on the date first  above
written and,  unless sooner  terminated  pursuant to


                                       8
<PAGE>


Section  10,  shall  expire  on the  latest  to  occur  of (a) the date on which
WorldCom no longer  provides any Circuits  for  Customer,  (b) the date on which
WorldCom no longer  provides  floor space for the Equipment and all Equipment is
removed from the Site, or (c) two (2) years after the date of this Agreement.

     6.   Warranties and Liability Limitations.

          WORLDCOM  WARRANTS  THAT IT WILL  PERFORM ITS  OBLIGATIONS  UNDER THIS
AGREEMENT IN A PROFESSIONAL AND WORKMANLIKE MANNER. THE FOREGOING WARRANTY IS IN
LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES  EXPRESS OR IMPLIED  RELATING TO THE CIRCUITS,  THE
SITE,  THE  HANDLING OF RETURN  TRAFFIC OR ANY OTHER  PRODUCTS OR SERVICES TO BE
PROVIDED BY WORLDCOM UNDER THIS AGREEMENT,  INCLUDING,  WITHOUT LIMITATION,  THE
WARRANTY  OF  MERCHANTABILITY  AND THE  WARRANTY  OF  FITNESS  FOR A  PARTICULAR
PURPOSE.  ANY  LIABILITY  OF WORLDCOM  ARISING OUT OF THIS  AGREEMENT  SHALL NOT
EXCEED THE TOTAL AMOUNT PAID BY CUSTOMER UNDER THIS AGREEMENT DURING THE SIX (6)
MONTH PERIOD IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE ACT OR EVENT GIVING RISE TO THE LIABILITY.
IN NO EVENT SHALL WORLDCOM BE LIABLE TO CUSTOMER OR ANY THIRD PARTY FOR SPECIAL,
INDIRECT,  INCIDENTAL OR  CONSEQUENTIAL  DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION
WITH THIS  AGREEMENT,  WHETHER IN  CONTRACT OR TORT,  EVEN IF WORLDCOM  HAS BEEN
ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

     7.   Indemnification, Insurance and Risk of Loss.

          (a)  Indemnification.  Customer  shall  protect,  indemnify  and  save
WorldCom  harmless from and against all costs and expenses  (including,  without
limitation,  interest and  reasonable  attorneys'  fees),  liabilities,  losses,
damages,  injunctions,  suits, actions, fines, penalties,  claims and demands of
every kind and nature whatsoever (collectively,  "Liabilities"), by or on behalf
of any person, party, governmental authority or other entity (including, without
limitation,  all persons  claiming by,  through or under  Customer),  in any way
arising   out  of  (i)  the  use  of  the  Site  by   Customer  or  any  of  its
Representatives,  (ii) any failure by Customer or any of its  Representatives to
perform or observe any of the agreements, terms, covenants or conditions of this
Agreement to be performed or observed by Customer,  or (iii) the use,  operation
or handling of any Circuits,  Equipment or Return Traffic unless the Liabilities
arise  solely out of the willful act or gross  negligence  of  WorldCom.  If any
claim is made,  or any action or  proceeding  is brought  against  WorldCom,  by
reason of any of the matters described above, Customer,  upon request, shall, at
Customer's  sole cost and  expense,  resist and  defend  such  claim,  action or
proceeding, or cause the same to be resisted and defended, by counsel designated
by Customer and approved by WorldCom in its reasonable judgment. Customer or its
counsel 


                                       9
<PAGE>


shall keep  WorldCom  fully  apprised at all times of the status of such defense
and shall not settle same without the written consent of WorldCom.

          (b) Insurance.  Customer shall name WorldCom as an additional  insured
on its public liability  insurance policy affecting the Site effective as of the
date Customer  moves any  Equipment to the Site.  Customer  shall  maintain such
public  liability  insurance  policy  with  respect to the Site in amounts of at
least $3,000,000 for injury or death for each occurrence, and property damage of
at least  $1,000,000,  and keep such  policy in effect  until all  Equipment  is
removed from the Site.  The  insurance  policy (i) shall include a waiver of the
insurer's  right of  subrogation  against  WorldCom,  and (ii) shall contain the
agreement of the insurer that the policy will not be cancelled  without at least
thirty  (30)  days'  prior  written  notice  to  WorldCom  and  that the acts or
omissions  of one  insured  will  not  invalidate  the  policy  as to the  other
insureds. At WorldCom's request,  Customer shall deliver certificates evidencing
such insurance to WorldCom. In addition, the Equipment shall be added as a rider
to WorldCom's  casualty  insurance.  Customer  shall pay to WorldCom two hundred
fifty dollars ($250) per month from the Equipment Start Date until the Equipment
is removed from the Site to have the Equipment so added as a rider to WorldCom's
policy. The monthly charges for the first and last months shall be prorated. The
first monthly charge shall be payable on the Equipment Start Date and thereafter
monthly  charges  shall be payable in advance on the first day of each  calendar
month.

          (c) Risk of Loss.  Customer  shall  bear all risk of loss,  damage  or
destruction with respect to the Equipment except to the extent such loss, damage
or  destruction  is caused  solely by the  willful  act or gross  negligence  of
WorldCom.

     8.   Dispute Resolution.

          All disputes between WorldCom and Customer  relating to this Agreement
which cannot be resolved through direct  negotiations  between the parties shall
be settled by  arbitration  in  Washington,  D.C.  pursuant to any rules then in
effect of the American  Arbitration  Association.  Any award  rendered  shall be
final and conclusive upon both parties and a judgment thereon may be enforced in
any court having  jurisdiction.  All costs and  expenses,  including  reasonable
attorneys'  fees,  which each party incurs in settling a dispute by  arbitration
shall be borne by whoever is determined to be liable in respect of such dispute.
Except where clearly prevented by the subject matter of the dispute,  each party
shall continue performing its respective  obligations under this Agreement while
the dispute is being resolved.


                                       10
<PAGE>


     9.   Authorized Representatives.

          Except  for  duly  appointed  officers,  the  following  are the  only
representatives  authorized to sign contractual  documents and orders pertaining
to this  Agreement.  Either party hereto may add or substitute  others for those
named below by written notice.

          STARTEC, INC.:                Hari Pani
                                        President
                                        6509 Green Tree Road
                                        Bethesda, MD 20817

          WORLD COMMUNICATIONS, INC.:   George Frylinck
                                        V.P. Marketing & Sales
                                        67 Broad Street
                                        New York, NY 10004

     10.  Termination.

          Either party may terminate  this Agreement by giving written notice of
termination  to the other party within sixty (60) days after the  occurrence  of
any of the following events:

          (a) the other  party fails to perform or observe  any  material  term,
condition or  agreement to be performed or observed by it hereunder  (including,
without limitation,  the payment of amounts owed under this Agreement) and fails
to cure the same within ten (10) days after notice  thereof,  provided  that the
other party  shall be  permitted  to cure any  particular  type of default  only
twice;

          (b) the other party ceases doing business as a going concern, makes an
assignment for the benefit of creditors,  admits in writing its inability to pay
its debts as they become  due,  files a voluntary  petition  in  bankruptcy,  is
adjudicated a bankrupt or an insolvent,  files a petition seeking for itself any
reorganization, arrangement, composition, readjustment, liquidation, dissolution
or similar arrangement under any present or future statute, law or regulation or
files an answer  admitting the material  allegations of a petition filed against
it in any such  proceeding,  consents to or acquiesces in the  appointment  of a
trustee,  receiver, or liquidator of it or of all or any substantial part of its
assets or properties, or if it or its shareholders shall take any action looking
to its dissolution or liquidation; or

          (c) within  sixty (60) days after the  appointment  without  the other
party's consent or acquiescence of any trustee,  receiver or liquidator of it or
of all or any substantial  part of its assets and properties,  such  appointment
shall not be vacated.


                                       11
<PAGE>

          (d) immediately upon termination of this Agreement, Customer shall pay
to WorldCom any amounts owed to WorldCom through the termination date and remove
any Equipment then at the Site in accordance with Section 2(c)(vi), and WorldCom
shall cease providing the Circuits and handling any Return Traffic.

     11.  General Provisions.

          (a)  Independent  Contractors.  The  parties  to  this  Agreement  are
independent  contractors.  Neither  party is an agent or  representative  of the
other  party.  Neither  party shall have any right,  power or authority to enter
into any agreement for or on behalf of, or incur any obligation or liability of,
or to otherwise  bind, the other party.  This Agreement shall not be interpreted
or construed to create an association,  joint venture or partnership between the
parties or to impose any partnership  obligation or liability upon either party.
Notwithstanding  anything to the contrary in this  paragraph,  Customer shall be
responsible for paying all charges of PTTs and other third parties in accordance
with Section l(g)  irrespective of whether Customer or WorldCom arranges for the
services giving rise to such charges.

          (b) Notices. Any notice, approval, request,  authorization,  direction
or other  communication under this Agreement shall be given in writing and shall
be deemed to have been  delivered and given for all purposes (i) on the delivery
date if delivered personally to the party to whom the same is directed,  (ii) on
the date  received if sent by  facsimile  or express  courier,  or (iii) two (2)
business days after the mailing date, whether or not actually received,  if sent
by registered or certified mail, return receipt  requested,  postage and charges
prepaid, addressed as follows:

          If to Customer:          Startec, Inc.
                                   6509 Green Tree Road
                                   Bethesda, MD 20817
                                   Attn:  Mr. Hari Pani

          If to WorldCom:          World Communications, Inc.
                                   67 Broad Street
                                   New York, NY 10004
                                   Attn:  Mr. George Frylinck

Either  party may change its address  specified  above by giving the other party
notice of such change in accordance with this paragraph.

          (c)  Nonwaiver.  The failure of either party to insist upon or enforce
strict  performance  by the other party of any 


                                       12
<PAGE>


provision of this Agreement or to exercise any right under this Agreement  shall
not be  construed  as a waiver or  relinquishment  to any extent of such party's
right to assert or rely  upon any such  provision  or right in that or any other
instance; rather, the same shall be and remain in full force and effect.

          (d) Survival. All provisions of this Agreement which may reasonably be
interpreted or construed as surviving the completion, expiration, termination or
cancellation  of this  Agreement,  shall  survive  the  completion,  expiration,
termination or cancellation of this Agreement.

          (e) Entire Agreement.  This Agreement sets forth the entire agreement,
and supersedes any and all prior agreements,  of the parties with respect to the
transactions  set forth herein.  Neither party shall be bound by, and each party
specifically  objects  to,  any  term,  condition  or other  provision  which is
different from or in addition to the  provisions of this  Agreement  (whether or
not it would  materially  alter this  Agreement)  and which is  proffered by the
other  party in any  correspondence  or other  document,  unless the party to be
bound thereby specifically agrees to such provision in writing.

          (f) Amendment.  No change,  amendment or modification of any provision
of this Agreement shall be valid unless set forth in a written instrument signed
by the party to be bound thereby.

          (g) Payments.  All payments under this Agreement shall be made in U.S.
dollars.  Any payments  not received by the due date shall bear  interest at the
annual rate of eighteen  percent  (18%) or the maximum  rate  permitted  by law,
whichever is less, from the due date until paid in full.

          (h) Taxes. Customer shall assume responsibility for, and hold WorldCom
harmless  from,  all  taxes,  duties  and  similar  liabilities  related  to the
Equipment  and the  Circuits  under any  present or future tax laws,  except for
taxes based on WorldCom's net income.

          (i) Implementation.  Each party shall take such action (including, but
not limited to, the execution,  acknowledgment and delivery of documents) as may
reasonably be requested by any other party for the  implementation or continuing
performance of this Agreement.

          (j) Successors and Assigns.  Neither party shall assign  (voluntarily,
by  operation of law or  otherwise)  this  Agreement  or any right,  interest or
benefit  under this  Agreement  without the prior  written  consent of the other
party,  except that 


                                       13
<PAGE>


WorldCom may assign or transfer this  Agreement,  in whole or in part, to any of
its affiliates or to any successor or to that part of its business to which this
Agreement  relates.  Subject to the  foregoing,  this  Agreement  shall be fully
binding upon,  inure to the benefit of and be  enforceable by the parties hereto
and their respective successors and assigns.

          (k)  Severability.  In the event that any provision of this  Agreement
conflicts  with the law under which this  Agreement is to be construed or if any
such provision is held invalid by a court with  jurisdiction over the parties to
this  Agreement,  such  provision  shall be deemed to be  restated to reflect as
nearly as possible the original  intentions  of the parties in  accordance  with
applicable  law, and the remainder of this Agreement  shall remain in full force
and effect.

          (l) Applicable Law. This Agreement shall be interpreted, construed and
enforced  in all  respects  in  accordance  with  the  laws of the  District  of
Columbia.

          (m) Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall  constitute
one and the same document.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date
first above written.

CUSTOMER:                                 STARTEC, INC.                 
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                          By: /s/                
                                                                        
                                          Title: _____________________  
                                                                        
WORLDCOM:                                 WORLD COMMUNICATIONS, INC.    
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                          By: /s/                 
                                                                        
                                          Title: _____________________  
                                                                        

                                       14
                                          


                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     AGREEMENT,  dated as of July 1, 1997,  between  STARTEC,  INC.,  a Maryland
corporation ("Employer"), and Ram Mukunda (the "Executive").

                                 R E C I T A L S

     WHEREAS,  the Employer and the  Executive  are desirous of entering into an
Employment  Agreement  setting  forth  the terms and  conditions  of  Employee's
employment  with  Employer  for a three  (3) year  period  with  two (2)  annual
extensions.

     ACCORDINGLY,  in  consideration  of the  mutual  covenants  and  agreements
contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

     1. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES.  Employer hereby employs  Executive and Executive
hereby accepts employment as President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer of
Employer and, if Employer so elects,  as an executive officer or director of any
of the  direct  or  indirect  subsidiaries  of  Employer  (the  "Subsidiaries").
Executive agrees to serve without additional remuneration in such capacities for
the Subsidiaries of Employer,  with responsibilities and authority  commensurate
with the nature of Executive's responsibility and authority with Employer as the
Board of Directors of Employer (the "Board of Directors")  may from time to time
request,  subject to appropriate  authorization by the Subsidiaries involved and
any limitations  under  applicable law.  Executive shall perform such duties and
have such  powers  and  authority  as the Board of  Directors  shall  determine,
commensurate with Executive's position as an executive officer of Employer.  The
Executive  also  agrees  to serve  as a  member  and  Chairman  of the  Board of
Directors  until  his  successor  shall  be  duly  elected  and  qualified.  The
Executive's  failure to  discharge  an order or perform a function  because  the
Executive  reasonably  and in good faith  believes  such would  violate a law or
regulation  or be  dishonest  shall  not  be  deemed  a  breach  by  him  of his
obligations or duties hereunder.

     2.   SERVICES AND EXCLUSIVITY OF SERVICES.

          2.1 So long as this  Agreement  shall  continue  in effect,  Executive
shall  devote his full  business  time and energy
<PAGE>


to the  business,  affairs and  interests of Employer and its  Subsidiaries  and
matters related thereto and shall faithfully and diligently  endeavor to promote
such business, affairs and interests.

          2.2 Executive may serve as a director or in any other  capacity of any
business  enterprise,  including an enterprise  whose  activities may involve or
relate to the business of the Employer and its Subsidiaries,  provided that such
service  is  expressly  approved  by the  Board of  Directors  of the  Employer.
Executive  may make and  manage  personal  business  investments  of his  choice
(provided such  investments are in businesses which do not directly compete with
Employer and its  Subsidiaries  or such  investments  satisfy the  standards set
forth in the proviso to Section  6.1.1.  and, in either case, do not require any
services on the part of Executive in the affairs of the  companies in which such
investments are made) and may serve in any capacity with any civic,  educational
or charitable  organization,  or any governmental  entity or trade  association,
without  seeking or  obtaining  approval by the Board of  Directors of Employer,
provided such  activities  and service do not  materially  interfere or conflict
with the performance of his duties hereunder.

     3.   COMPENSATION, EXPENSES AND OTHER BENEFITS.

          3.1 BASE  SALARY.  During the Term (as  defined in Section  4.1),  the
Executive shall receive for the services to be rendered  hereunder a base salary
at an annual rate of  $250,000  per annum (the "Base  Salary").  The Base Salary
shall be paid in substantially equal installments consistent with the Employer's
normal payroll schedule, but in no event less frequently than bi-weekly, subject
to applicable  withholding and other taxes. The Executive's Base Salary shall be
reviewed at least  annually and may be increased  but may not be  decreased.  If
Base Salary is so  increased,  the amount of such increase  shall  thereafter be
included in Base Salary.

          3.2 BONUS. In addition to the Base Salary, the Executive shall also be
eligible  to receive  an annual  bonus  (the  "Bonus")  of up to 40% of the Base
Salary. The amount of the Bonus shall be determined by the Board of Directors of
Employer  and  shall be based on the  financial  and  operating  performance  of
Employer. The Board of Directors may, in its sole and absolute discretion, award
additional  bonuses to Executive on any other basis as it deems appropriate from
time to time.

          3.3 STOCK  OPTIONS.  Executive  shall be entitled to receive grants of
stock  options or other  awards,  which options or awards will be subject to the
terms and conditions of Employer's


                                       2
<PAGE>


1997  Performance  Incentive  Plan (the  "Plan"),  when,  as and if adopted,  in
amounts  determined  by the Board of Directors  (or a committee  thereof) in its
sole and absolute discretion.

          3.4 EXPENSES.  Employer  shall  promptly  reimburse  Executive for all
reasonable  expenses  incurred by him in connection  with the performance of his
services under this Agreement upon presentation of appropriate  documentation in
accordance  with  Employer's  and its  Subsidiaries'  customary  procedures  and
policies applicable to its and their senior executives.

          3.5 DISABILITY  INSURANCE.  Employer shall obtain a disability  policy
covering the  Executive in the event he becomes  disabled,  in a monthly  amount
equal to at least 60% of Executive's then-current monthly Base Salary.

          3.6 OTHER BENEFITS.  Executive shall be eligible to participate in any
accident, health, medical,  disability,  pension, savings and any other employee
benefit plans (other than any stock option or similar  plans) that may from time
to time be provided by the Employer to its executive personnel.

          3.7  VACATION.  Executive  shall be entitled to  reasonable  vacations
during each year of the Term (as defined in Section 4.1 hereof),  the timing and
duration thereof to be determined by mutual agreement  between Executive and the
Employer.

     4.   TERM AND TERMINATION.

          4.1 TERM.  The term of Employee's  employment  hereunder  (the "Term")
shall begin on the date of this Agreement (the "Effective Date"), shall continue
through the third  anniversary  of the Effective  Date (the "Initial  Term") and
shall  automatically  extend  each  year  until  the  fifth  anniversary  of the
Effective Date,  unless notice of termination is given by either party hereto at
least  ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or the first annual
extension.

          4.2  TERMINATION.

          4.2.1  Employer  may, at its  election,  subject to the  provisions of
Section 4.3 hereof, terminate Executive's employment hereunder as follows:

               (i) for "Cause" upon notice of such termination to Executive;


                                       3
<PAGE>


               (ii) upon the death of Executive; or

               (iii) upon 10 days'  notice to  Executive  if  Executive  becomes
"Disabled".

               4.2.2 As used in this  Agreement,  the following terms shall have
the meanings ascribed to them below:

                    (i) "Cause" shall mean (A) Executive's final conviction of a
felony involving a crime of moral turpitude, (B) acts of Executive which, in the
reasonable  judgment  of the  Board,  constitute  willful  fraud  on the part of
Executive in connection with his duties under this Agreement,  including but not
limited to  misappropriation  or embezzlement in the performance of duties as an
employee of the Company,  or willfully engaging in conduct materially  injurious
to the Company and in violation of the covenants contained in this Agreement, or
(C) gross  misconduct,  including  but not  limited  to the  willful  failure of
Executive either to (1) continue to obey lawful written instruction of the Board
after thirty (30) days notice in writing of Executive's failure to do so and the
Board's  intention to terminate  Executive if such failure is not corrected,  or
(2) correct any conduct of Executive which constitutes a material breach of this
Agreement after thirty (30) days notice in writing of Executive's  failure to do
so and the Board's  intention  to  terminate  Executive  if such  failure is not
corrected.

                    (ii)  "Disabled"  or  "Disability"   shall  mean  a  written
determination  by a physician  mutually  agreeable to the Company and  Executive
(or,  in  the  event  of  Executive's  total  physical  or  mental   disability,
Executive's  legal  representative)  that  Executive is  physically  or mentally
unable to perform his duties of Chief Executive Officer under this Agreement and
that such  disability can reasonably be expected to continue for a period of six
(6) consecutive months or for shorter periods aggregating one hundred and eighty
(180) days in any twelve-(12)-month period.

                    (iii) "Termination Without Cause" shall mean any termination
of employment of Executive (A) by the Employer for reasons other than (a) as set
forth in  Section  4.2.1(i)  through  (iii)  and (b) by the  Executive  for Good
Reason,  or (B) by the Executive  following  the willful and material  breach by
Employer of its obligations  under Section 1 of this Agreement,  which breach is
not cured within 30 days of notice of such breach to the Board of Directors.

                    (iv)  "Good  Reason"  shall  mean  the  occurrence,  without
Executive's  express  written  consent,  of any of the 


                                       4
<PAGE>


following  circumstances following a Change in Control unless such circumstances
are  fully  corrected  prior  to  the  date  of  termination  specified  in  the
termination  notice given in respect  thereof (A) the failure of Executive to be
retained as an employee in a senior executive  position;  (B) a reduction by the
Employer in Executive's  salary payable pursuant to Section 3.1 hereof; or (C) a
relocation of Executive's  office to a location more than twenty (20) miles from
the current executive office of the Employer and (i) a failure to make Executive
whole for all  losses  and costs  reasonably  incurred  in  connection  with the
relocation including, but not limited to, moving expenses, forfeited bonds, fees
or  escrows  to  clubs  or  other  organizations  and  losses  from  the sale of
Executive's  personal  residence  and (ii) the failure of Executive to obtain an
agreement in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory  to Executive from any
successor  to  provide  employment  to  Executive  in the  capacity  of a senior
executive,  at his then current Base Salary,  for a period of at least two years
from the date of the Change in Control.

                    (v) "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(A) any  "person",  as such term is used in Sections  13(d) and  14(d)(2) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (other than the
Employer,  any trustee or other fiduciary holding  securities under any employee
benefit plan of the Employer or any company owned,  directly or  indirectly,  by
the shareholders of the Employer in substantially  the same proportions as their
ownership of the Employer's  voting common stock,  $.01 par value per share (the
"Common Stock"),  becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under
the  Exchange  Act),   directly  or   indirectly,   of  securities  of  Employer
representing  30% or more of the  combined  voting  power of all  classes of the
Employer's  then  outstanding  voting  securities;  (B) during any period of two
consecutive  calendar  years  individuals  who at the  beginning  of such period
constitute the Board of Directors, cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority  thereof,  unless the  election or  nomination  for the election by the
Employer's  shareholders of each new director was approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors
at the  beginning of the two-year  period or whose  election or  nomination  for
election  was  previously  so  approved;  (C) the  shareholders  of the Employer
approve a merger or consolidation of the Employer with any other  corporation or
legal  entity,  other than a merger or  consolidation  that would  result in the
voting  securities  of  the  Employer  outstanding   immediately  prior  thereto
continuing to represent  (either by remaining  outstanding or by being converted
into voting  securities of the  surviving  entity) more than 50% of the combined
voting power of the voting  securities of the Employer or such surviving  entity


                                       5
<PAGE>


outstanding immediately after such merger or consolidation;  provided,  however,
that a merger or consolidation  effected to implement a recapitalization  of the
Employer (or similar  transaction)  in which no person acquires more than 30% of
the combined voting power of the Employer's then  outstanding  securities  shall
not constitute a Change in Control of the Employer;  or (D) the  shareholders of
the  Employer  approve a plan of  complete  liquidation  of the  Employer  or an
agreement for the sale or  disposition  by the Employer of all or  substantially
all of the Employer's assets.

          4.3  RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION.

               4.3.1 Upon any termination of this Agreement for Cause,  Employer
shall not have any other or  further  obligations  to the  Executive  under this
Agreement  (except  (i) as may be  provided  in  accordance  with  the  terms of
retirement  and other  benefit  plans  pursuant  to  Section  3, (ii) as to that
portion of any unpaid Base Salary and other  benefits  accrued and earned  under
this Agreement  through the date of such termination,  (iii) as to benefits,  if
any, provided by any insurance policies in accordance with their terms, and (iv)
for reasonable  business  expenses  incurred  prior to the date of  termination,
subject to the provisions of Section 3.4. hereof).

               4.3.2 Upon termination of this Agreement  because of the death or
Disability of Executive,  Employer shall pay to Executive or Executive's estate,
any  unpaid  Base  Salary  and Bonus  accrued  through  the date of  termination
specified in the  termination  notice,  plus an  additional  amount equal to the
Severance Payment (as defined in Section 4.3.3),  and shall reimburse  Executive
(or his estate) for reasonable  business  expenses incurred prior to the date of
termination,  subject to the provisions of Section 3.4.  hereof.  Employer shall
pay such amounts within 10 days following such termination,  provided,  that, at
Employer's  option,  the Severance  Payment (as defined in Section 4.3.3) may be
made in equal monthly  installments  over the 12-month period  subsequent to the
date of termination specified in the termination notice.

               4.3.3 Upon a Termination  Without Cause,  the Executive  shall be
entitled to receive (i) severance compensation equal to what would have been his
Base Salary under  Section  3.1,  payable at such times as his Base Salary would
have been paid if his  employment  hereunder  had not been  terminated,  for the
longer of twelve (12) months or the  remainder of what would have been the Term,
as well as a pro rata portion of the Bonus  applicable  to the calendar  year in
which such  termination  occurs,  payable  when and as such Bonus is  determined
under Section 3.2,  (ii) Base


                                       6
<PAGE>


Salary and other benefits, payable within sixty (60) days after the date of such
termination,  accrued  by him  hereunder  up to and  including  the date of such
termination,  and (iii) the  benefits  set forth in Sections 3.5 and 3.6 for the
longer of twelve (12) months or the  remainder  of what would have been the Term
(and subsequent to which Executive will be entitled to any COBRA  benefits).  In
addition,  Employer shall reimburse  Executive for reasonable  business expenses
incurred prior to the date of termination,  subject to the provisions of Section
3.4. hereof.

               4.3.4 Upon  termination  of this  Agreement by Executive for Good
Reason, Employer shall pay to Executive any unpaid Base Salary and Bonus accrued
through the date of termination  specified in the  termination  notice,  plus an
additional  payment  equal to the unpaid Base Salary for the balance of the Term
and shall reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to
the date of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 3.4 hereof.

               4.3.5 Upon any termination  provided for in this  Agreement,  any
outstanding  options or other awards  granted to Executive by the Employer shall
be treated in the manner  set forth in the 1997  Performance  Incentive  Plan or
similar or subsequent incentive plan, and any applicable stock option agreements
associated with such options or awards.

               4.3.6 Except as provided  herein,  Employer shall have no further
liability to Executive  under this  Agreement in respect of any  termination  of
this Agreement.

     5. CONFIDENTIALITY.  Executive agrees that he will not make use of, divulge
or  otherwise  disclose,  directly  or  indirectly,  any  trade  secret or other
confidential  information  concerning the business,  operations,  practices,  or
financial  condition  of  Employer  or any of  its  Subsidiaries  ("Confidential
Information"),  which he may have learned as a result of his  employment  by the
Employer during the Term or as a shareholder, officer or director of Employer or
any of its  Subsidiaries,  except to the extent  such use or  disclosure  is (a)
necessary to the  performance  of this  Agreement and in furtherance of the best
interests of Employer and its Subsidiaries,  (b) required by applicable law, (c)
authorized by Employer or its Subsidiaries, or (d) is of information which is in
the  public  domain  through  no  unlawful  act of the  Executive  or which  the
Executive lawfully acquires subsequent to termination of his employment with the
Employer  from any person not  subject to a  confidentiality  obligation  to the
Employer or its Subsidiaries. The Executive acknowledges and recognizes that the
Confidential  Information  is essential to the unique  nature of the  Employer's
business and for that reason,  all


                                       7
<PAGE>


such materials and information shall at all times remain the exclusive  property
of the Employer.  Upon the termination of this Agreement,  all such Confidential
Information  furnished  and supplied to the  Executive  during the Term shall be
returned  by the  Executive  to the  Employer.  Executive,  in the event of such
termination,  will not at any time impart to anyone or use any such Confidential
Information.  The  provisions of Sections 5 and 6 shall survive the  expiration,
suspension  or  termination,  for  any  reason,  of  this  Agreement.  Executive
acknowledges  that the  Executive's  obligations  under  Sections  5 and 6 shall
survive  regardless  of whether the  Executive's  employment  by the Employer is
terminated,  voluntarily or involuntarily by the Employer or the Executive, with
Cause or without Cause.

     6.   RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.

          6.1  NON-COMPETITION.

               6.1.1 The  Executive  agrees  that he shall not,  until the first
anniversary of the date this Agreement is terminated,  without the prior written
consent of the Employer,  directly or indirectly  (whether as a sole proprietor,
partner,  venturer,  shareholder,  director,  officer, employee, or in any other
capacity as principal or agent or through any person, corporation,  partnership,
entity or  employee  acting as  nominee  or  agent)  conduct  or engage in or be
interested  in or  associated  with any person,  firm,  association,  syndicate,
partnership,  company, corporation, or other entity which conducts or engages in
the international  telecommunications  business in any geographic areas in which
Employer or any  Subsidiary is then so engaged in business or proposes to engage
in  business in  accordance  with its  then-current  strategic  plan,  nor shall
Executive  interfere  with,  disrupt or attempt  to  disrupt  the  relationship,
contractual or otherwise,  between Employer or any of its  Subsidiaries,  on the
one hand, and any customer, supplier, lessor, lessee or employee of the Employer
or any of its  Subsidiaries,  on the other hand;  provided,  however,  that this
Section 6.1.1.  shall not prohibit the Executive from owning  beneficially or of
record more than 5% of the  outstanding  equity  securities  of any entity whose
equity  securities are registered  under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or are listed for trading on any United States or foreign stock exchange.

               6.1.2  It is the  desire  and  intent  of the  parties  that  the
provisions  of this  Section 6 shall be enforced to the full extent  permissible
under  the  laws and  public  policies  applied  in each  jurisdiction  in which
enforcement is sought.  Accordingly, if any particular portion of this Section 6
shall be  adjudicated  to be invalid or  unenforceable,  this Section 6 shall be
deemed amended to delete therefrom the portion thus adjudicated to be invalid or
unenforceable, such deletion to apply only with respect to the operation of this
paragraph in the particular jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made.

     7.  INJUNCTIVE  RELIEF.  If there is a breach or  threatened  breach of the
provisions of Sections 5 or 6 of this Agreement,  the Employer shall be entitled
to an injunction  restraining  the Executive  from such breach.  Nothing  herein
shall be construed as prohibiting  the Employer from pursuing any other remedies
for such breach or threatened breach.


                                       8
<PAGE>


     8. INSURANCE. The Employer may, at its election and for its benefit, insure
the Employee against accidental loss or death, and the Executive shall submit to
such  physical  examination  and supply such  information  as may be  reasonably
required in connection therewith.

     9. MISCELLANEOUS.  This Agreement:  (a) constitutes the entire agreement of
the parties  with  respect to its subject  matter and  supersedes  all  previous
agreements or understandings, whether oral or written; (b) may not be amended or
modified  except  by a written  instrument  signed  by all the  parties;  (c) is
binding  upon and will inure to the benefit of the parties and their  respective
successors,  transferees,  personal  representatives,  heirs,  beneficiaries and
permitted  assigns;  (d) may not be  assigned  or the  obligations  of any party
delegated  except with the prior written consent of all the parties;  (e) may be
executed in duplicate originals; and (f) shall be governed by and interpreted in
accordance  with  the laws of the  State  of  Maryland,  without  regard  to its
conflict of laws rules.

     10.  NOTICES.  Any notice  required  or  permitted  to be given  under this
Agreement  shall be in  writing  and  shall be  delivered  by hand  delivery  by
independent  courier service or by registered or certified mail,  return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, in either case addressed as follows:

          If to the Executive:     Mr. Ram Mukunda
                         8909 Tuckerman Lane
                         Potomac, Maryland 20854

          If to the Employer: STARTEC, INC.
                         10411 Motor City Drive
                         Bethesda, Maryland 20817
                         Attention: Secretary

or to such  other  address  as either  party  hereto  may from time to time give
notice of to the other in the  aforesaid  manner.  Any notice  delivered  in the
manner  set forth in this  Section  10 shall be  deemed  given as of the date of
delivery.

     11. INDEMNIFICATION;  D&O INSURANCE. Employer shall indemnify Executive, in
his  capacity  as an  executive  officer or  director  of Employer or any of its
Subsidiaries,  to the full  extent  permissible  under  the laws of the State of
Maryland,  or of the state of  incorporation  of the relevant  Subsidiary as the
case may be.  Employer  shall  purchase  and  maintain  directors  and  officers
insurance  coverage  in such  amounts  and on such  terms as are  customary  for
companies within the Employer's industry.

     12. WAIVER.  The failure of any party to exercise any right or remedy under
this Agreement  shall not  constitute a waiver of 


                                       9
<PAGE>


such  right or  remedy,  and the  waiver  of any  violation  or  breach  of this
Agreement by a party shall not  constitute  a waiver of any prior or  subsequent
violation  or breach.  No waiver under this  Agreement  shall be valid unless in
writing and executed by the waiving party.

     13.  SEVERABILITY.  If any  provision of this  Agreement is determined by a
court or other governmental  authority to be invalid,  illegal or unenforceable,
such invalidity,  illegality or unenforceability  shall not affect the validity,
legality or  enforceability  of any other provision of this Agreement.  Further,
the provision that is determined to be invalid,  illegal or unenforceable  shall
be reformed  and  construed  to the extent  permitted  by law so that it will be
valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent possible.

     14.  HEADINGS.  The headings  used in this  Agreement  are included for the
convenience of the parties for reference purposes only and are not to be used in
construing or interpreting this Agreement.

     15. NO THIRD PARTY  BENEFICIARIES.  This  Agreement  shall not be deemed to
confer in favor of any third  parties  any rights  whatsoever  as a  third-party
beneficiary.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.

                              EMPLOYER:

                              STARTEC, INC.



                              By:
                                  ----------------------------------------------

                              Title: 
                                     -------------------------------------------


                              EXECUTIVE:



                              -----------------------------------
                              Ram Mukunda

                                       10




                              EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT


     AGREEMENT,  dated as of July 1, 1997,  between  STARTEC,  INC.,  a Maryland
corporation ("Employer"), and Prabhav Maniyar (the "Executive").

                                 R E C I T A L S

     WHEREAS,  the Employer and the  Executive  are desirous of entering into an
Employment  Agreement  setting  forth  the terms and  conditions  of  Employee's
employment  with  Employer  for a three  (3) year  period  with  two (2)  annual
extensions.

     ACCORDINGLY,  in  consideration  of the  mutual  covenants  and  agreements
contained in this Agreement, the parties agree as follows:

     1. EMPLOYMENT AND DUTIES.  Employer hereby employs  Executive and Executive
hereby  accepts  employment  as Vice  President,  Chief  Financial  Officer  and
Secretary of Employer  and, if Employer so elects,  as an  executive  officer or
director  of any  of the  direct  or  indirect  subsidiaries  of  Employer  (the
"Subsidiaries").  Executive agrees to serve without  additional  remuneration in
such capacities for the  Subsidiaries  of Employer,  with  responsibilities  and
authority  commensurate  with  the  nature  of  Executive's  responsibility  and
authority  with  Employer as the Board of Directors  of Employer  (the "Board of
Directors") may from time to time request, subject to appropriate  authorization
by the Subsidiaries involved and any limitations under applicable law. Executive
shall  perform  such duties and have such powers and  authority  as the Board of
Directors  shall  determine,   commensurate  with  Executive's  position  as  an
executive officer of Employer. The Executive also agrees to serve as a member of
the Board of Directors  until his successor shall be duly elected and qualified.
The Executive's  failure to discharge an order or perform a function because the
Executive  reasonably  and in good faith  believes  such would  violate a law or
regulation  or be  dishonest  shall  not  be  deemed  a  breach  by  him  of his
obligations or duties hereunder.
<PAGE>

     2.   SERVICES AND EXCLUSIVITY OF SERVICES.

          2.1 So long as this  Agreement  shall  continue  in effect,  Executive
shall  devote his full  business  time and energy to the  business,  affairs and
interests of Employer and its Subsidiaries and matters related thereto and shall
faithfully  and  diligently  endeavor  to promote  such  business,  affairs  and
interests.

          2.2 Executive may serve as a director or in any other  capacity of any
business  enterprise,  including an enterprise  whose  activities may involve or
relate to the business of the Employer and its Subsidiaries,  provided that such
service  is  expressly  approved  by the  Board of  Directors  of the  Employer.
Executive  may make and  manage  personal  business  investments  of his  choice
(provided such  investments are in businesses which do not directly compete with
Employer and its  Subsidiaries  or such  investments  satisfy the  standards set
forth in the proviso to Section  6.1.1.  and, in either case, do not require any
services on the part of Executive in the affairs of the  companies in which such
investments are made) and may serve in any capacity with any civic,  educational
or charitable  organization,  or any governmental  entity or trade  association,
without  seeking or  obtaining  approval by the Board of  Directors of Employer,
provided such  activities  and service do not  materially  interfere or conflict
with the performance of his duties hereunder.

     3.   COMPENSATION, EXPENSES AND OTHER BENEFITS.

          3.1 BASE  SALARY.  During the Term (as  defined in Section  4.1),  the
Executive shall receive for the services to be rendered  hereunder a base salary
at an annual rate of  $175,000  per annum (the "Base  Salary").  The Base Salary
shall be paid in substantially equal installments consistent with the Employer's
normal payroll schedule, but in no event less frequently than bi-weekly, subject
to applicable  withholding and other taxes. The Executive's Base Salary shall be
reviewed at least  annually and may be increased  but may not be  decreased.  If
Base Salary is so  increased,  the amount of such increase  shall  thereafter be
included in Base Salary.

          3.2 BONUS. In addition to the Base Salary, the Executive shall also be
eligible  to receive  an annual  bonus  (the  "Bonus")  of up to 40% of the Base
Salary. The amount of the Bonus shall be determined by the Board of Directors of
Employer  and  shall be based on the  financial  and  operating  performance  of
Employer. The Board of Directors may, in its sole and absolute discretion, award
additional  bonuses to Executive on any other basis as it deems appropriate from
time to time.


                                       2
<PAGE>

          3.3 STOCK  OPTIONS.  Executive  shall be entitled to receive grants of
stock  options or other  awards,  which options or awards will be subject to the
terms and conditions of Employer's 1997 Performance Incentive Plan (the "Plan"),
when, as and if adopted,  in amounts  determined by the Board of Directors (or a
committee thereof) in its sole and absolute discretion.

          3.4 EXPENSES.  Employer  shall  promptly  reimburse  Executive for all
reasonable  expenses  incurred by him in connection  with the performance of his
services under this Agreement upon presentation of appropriate  documentation in
accordance  with  Employer's  and its  Subsidiaries'  customary  procedures  and
policies applicable to its and their senior executives.

          3.5 DISABILITY  INSURANCE.  Employer shall obtain a disability  policy
covering the  Executive in the event he becomes  disabled,  in a monthly  amount
equal to at least 60% of Executive's then-current monthly Base Salary.

          3.6 OTHER BENEFITS.  Executive shall be eligible to participate in any
accident, health, medical,  disability,  pension, savings and any other employee
benefit plans (other than any stock option or similar  plans) that may from time
to time be provided by the Employer to its executive personnel.

          3.7  VACATION.  Executive  shall be entitled to  reasonable  vacations
during each year of the Term (as defined in Section 4.1 hereof),  the timing and
duration thereof to be determined by mutual agreement  between Executive and the
Employer.

     4.   TERM AND TERMINATION.

          4.1 TERM.  The term of Employee's  employment  hereunder  (the "Term")
shall begin on the date of this Agreement (the "Effective Date"), shall continue
through the third  anniversary  of the Effective  Date (the "Initial  Term") and
shall  automatically  extend  each  year  until  the  fifth  anniversary  of the
Effective Date,  unless notice of termination is given by either party hereto at
least  ninety (90) days prior to the end of the Initial Term or the first annual
extension.

          4.2  TERMINATION.

          4.2.1  Employer  may, at its  election,  subject to the  provisions of
Section 4.3 hereof, terminate Executive's employment hereunder as follows:


                                       3
<PAGE>

                    (i)  for  "Cause"  upon  notice  of  such   termination   to
Executive;

                    (ii) upon the death of Executive; or

                    (iii) upon 10 days' notice to Executive if Executive becomes
"Disabled".

          4.2.2 As used in this  Agreement,  the following  terms shall have the
meanings ascribed to them below:

                    (i) "Cause" shall mean (A) Executive's final conviction of a
felony involving a crime of moral turpitude, (B) acts of Executive which, in the
reasonable  judgment  of the  Board,  constitute  willful  fraud  on the part of
Executive in connection with his duties under this Agreement,  including but not
limited to  misappropriation  or embezzlement in the performance of duties as an
employee of the Company,  or willfully engaging in conduct materially  injurious
to the Company and in violation of the covenants contained in this Agreement, or
(C) gross  misconduct,  including  but not  limited  to the  willful  failure of
Executive either to (1) continue to obey lawful written instruction of the Board
after thirty (30) days notice in writing of Executive's failure to do so and the
Board's  intention to terminate  Executive if such failure is not corrected,  or
(2) correct any conduct of Executive which constitutes a material breach of this
Agreement after thirty (30) days notice in writing of Executive's  failure to do
so and the Board's  intention  to  terminate  Executive  if such  failure is not
corrected.

                    (ii)  "Disabled"  or  "Disability"   shall  mean  a  written
determination  by a physician  mutually  agreeable to the Company and  Executive
(or,  in  the  event  of  Executive's  total  physical  or  mental   disability,
Executive's  legal  representative)  that  Executive is  physically  or mentally
unable to perform his duties of Chief Executive Officer under this Agreement and
that such  disability can reasonably be expected to continue for a period of six
(6) consecutive months or for shorter periods aggregating one hundred and eighty
(180) days in any twelve-(12)-month period.

                    (iii) "Termination Without Cause" shall mean any termination
of employment of Executive (A) by the Employer for reasons other than (a) as set
forth in  Section  4.2.1(i)  through  (iii)  and (b) by the  Executive  for Good
Reason,  or (B) by the Executive  following  the willful and material  breach by
Employer of its obligations  under Section 1 of this Agreement,  which breach is
not cured within 30 days of notice of such breach to the Board of Directors.


                                       4
<PAGE>


                    (iv)  "Good  Reason"  shall  mean  the  occurrence,  without
Executive's  express  written  consent,  of any of the  following  circumstances
following a Change in Control  unless  such  circumstances  are fully  corrected
prior to the date of termination  specified in the  termination  notice given in
respect  thereof (A) the failure of Executive to be retained as an employee in a
senior executive position; (B) a reduction by the Employer in Executive's salary
payable  pursuant to Section  3.1 hereof;  or (C) a  relocation  of  Executive's
office to a location  more than  twenty  (20) miles from the  current  executive
office of the Employer and (i) a failure to make Executive  whole for all losses
and costs reasonably incurred in connection with the relocation  including,  but
not limited to, moving expenses,  forfeited  bonds,  fees or escrows to clubs or
other  organizations and losses from the sale of Executive's  personal residence
and (ii) the failure of Executive  to obtain an agreement in form and  substance
reasonably satisfactory to Executive from any successor to provide employment to
Executive  in the  capacity  of a senior  executive,  at his then  current  Base
Salary,  for a period  of at least  two  years  from the date of the  Change  in
Control.

                    (v) "Change in Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if:
(A) any  "person",  as such term is used in Sections  13(d) and  14(d)(2) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") (other than the
Employer,  any trustee or other fiduciary holding  securities under any employee
benefit plan of the Employer or any company owned,  directly or  indirectly,  by
the shareholders of the Employer in substantially  the same proportions as their
ownership of the Employer's  voting common stock,  $.01 par value per share (the
"Common Stock"),  becomes the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rule 13d-3 under
the  Exchange  Act),   directly  or   indirectly,   of  securities  of  Employer
representing  30% or more of the  combined  voting  power of all  classes of the
Employer's  then  outstanding  voting  securities;  (B) during any period of two
consecutive  calendar  years  individuals  who at the  beginning  of such period
constitute the Board of Directors, cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority  thereof,  unless the  election or  nomination  for the election by the
Employer's  shareholders of each new director was approved by a vote of at least
two-thirds (2/3) of the directors then still in office who either were directors
at the  beginning of the two-year  period or whose  election or  nomination  for
election  was  previously  so  approved;  (C) the  shareholders  of the Employer
approve a merger or consolidation of the Employer with any other  corporation or
legal  entity,  other than a merger or  consolidation  that would  result in the
voting  securities  of  the  Employer  outstanding   immediately  prior  thereto
continuing to represent  (either by remaining 


                                       5
<PAGE>


outstanding  or by being  converted  into  voting  securities  of the  surviving
entity) more than 50% of the combined  voting power of the voting  securities of
the Employer or such surviving entity outstanding  immediately after such merger
or consolidation;  provided, however, that a merger or consolidation effected to
implement a recapitalization  of the Employer (or similar  transaction) in which
no person  acquires more than 30% of the combined voting power of the Employer's
then  outstanding  securities  shall not  constitute  a Change in Control of the
Employer;  or (D) the  shareholders  of the Employer  approve a plan of complete
liquidation  of the Employer or an agreement for the sale or  disposition by the
Employer of all or substantially all of the Employer's assets.

          4.3  RIGHTS UPON TERMINATION.

               4.3.1 Upon any termination of this Agreement for Cause,  Employer
shall not have any other or  further  obligations  to the  Executive  under this
Agreement  (except  (i) as may be  provided  in  accordance  with  the  terms of
retirement  and other  benefit  plans  pursuant  to  Section  3, (ii) as to that
portion of any unpaid Base Salary and other  benefits  accrued and earned  under
this Agreement  through the date of such termination,  (iii) as to benefits,  if
any, provided by any insurance policies in accordance with their terms, and (iv)
for reasonable  business  expenses  incurred  prior to the date of  termination,
subject to the provisions of Section 3.4. hereof).

               4.3.2 Upon termination of this Agreement  because of the death or
Disability of Executive,  Employer shall pay to Executive or Executive's estate,
any  unpaid  Base  Salary  and Bonus  accrued  through  the date of  termination
specified in the  termination  notice,  plus an  additional  amount equal to the
Severance Payment (as defined in Section 4.3.3),  and shall reimburse  Executive
(or his estate) for reasonable  business  expenses incurred prior to the date of
termination,  subject to the provisions of Section 3.4.  hereof.  Employer shall
pay such amounts within 10 days following such termination,  provided,  that, at
Employer's  option,  the Severance  Payment (as defined in Section 4.3.3) may be
made in equal monthly  installments  over the 12-month period  subsequent to the
date of termination specified in the termination notice.

               4.3.3 Upon a Termination  Without Cause,  the Executive  shall be
entitled to receive (i) severance compensation equal to what would have been his
Base Salary under  Section  3.1,  payable at such times as his Base Salary would
have been paid if his  employment  hereunder  had not been  terminated,  for the
longer of twelve (12) months or the  remainder of what would have been 


                                       6
<PAGE>


the Term, as well as a pro rata portion of the Bonus  applicable to the calendar
year in  which  such  termination  occurs,  payable  when  and as such  Bonus is
determined  under  Section  3.2,  (ii) Base Salary and other  benefits,  payable
within  sixty  (60) days  after  the date of such  termination,  accrued  by him
hereunder  up to and  including  the date of such  termination,  and  (iii)  the
benefits  set forth in Sections 3.5 and 3.6 for the longer of twelve (12) months
or the  remainder  of what  would  have been the Term (and  subsequent  to which
Executive will be entitled to any COBRA benefits).  In addition,  Employer shall
reimburse  Executive for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to the date
of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 3.4. hereof.

               4.3.4 Upon  termination  of this  Agreement by Executive for Good
Reason, Employer shall pay to Executive any unpaid Base Salary and Bonus accrued
through the date of termination  specified in the  termination  notice,  plus an
additional  payment  equal to the unpaid Base Salary for the balance of the Term
and shall reimburse Executive for reasonable business expenses incurred prior to
the date of termination, subject to the provisions of Section 3.4 hereof.

               4.3.5 Upon any termination  provided for in this  Agreement,  any
outstanding  options or other awards  granted to Executive by the Employer shall
be treated in the manner  set forth in the 1997  Performance  Incentive  Plan or
similar or subsequent incentive plan, and any applicable stock option agreements
associated with such options or awards.

               4.3.6 Except as provided  herein,  Employer shall have no further
liability to Executive  under this  Agreement in respect of any  termination  of
this Agreement.

     5. CONFIDENTIALITY.  Executive agrees that he will not make use of, divulge
or  otherwise  disclose,  directly  or  indirectly,  any  trade  secret or other
confidential  information  concerning the business,  operations,  practices,  or
financial  condition  of  Employer  or any of  its  Subsidiaries  ("Confidential
Information"),  which he may have learned as a result of his  employment  by the
Employer during the Term or as a shareholder, officer or director of Employer or
any of its  Subsidiaries,  except to the extent  such use or  disclosure  is (a)
necessary to the  performance  of this  Agreement and in furtherance of the best
interests of Employer and its Subsidiaries,  (b) required by applicable law, (c)
authorized by Employer or its Subsidiaries, or (d) is of information which is in
the  public  domain  through  no  unlawful  act of the  Executive  or which  the
Executive lawfully acquires subsequent to termination of his employment with the
Employer  from any person not  subject to a  confidentiality 


                                       7
<PAGE>


obligation to the Employer or its Subsidiaries.  The Executive  acknowledges and
recognizes that the  Confidential  Information is essential to the unique nature
of the  Employer's  business  and  for  that  reason,  all  such  materials  and
information  shall at all times remain the  exclusive  property of the Employer.
Upon  the  termination  of this  Agreement,  all such  Confidential  Information
furnished and supplied to the Executive during the Term shall be returned by the
Executive to the Employer. Executive, in the event of such termination, will not
at any time  impart  to  anyone or use any such  Confidential  Information.  The
provisions  of Sections 5 and 6 shall  survive  the  expiration,  suspension  or
termination, for any reason, of this Agreement.  Executive acknowledges that the
Executive's  obligations  under  Sections 5 and 6 shall  survive  regardless  of
whether the Executive's employment by the Employer is terminated, voluntarily or
involuntarily by the Employer or the Executive, with Cause or without Cause.

     6.   RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS.

          6.1  NON-COMPETITION.

               6.1.1 The  Executive  agrees  that he shall not,  until the first
anniversary of the date this Agreement is terminated,  without the prior written
consent of the Employer,  directly or indirectly  (whether as a sole proprietor,
partner,  venturer,  shareholder,  director,  officer, employee, or in any other
capacity as principal or agent or through any person, corporation,  partnership,
entity or  employee  acting as  nominee  or  agent)  conduct  or engage in or be
interested  in or  associated  with any person,  firm,  association,  syndicate,
partnership,  company, corporation, or other entity which conducts or engages in
the international  telecommunications  business in any geographic areas in which
Employer or any  Subsidiary is then so engaged in business or proposes to engage
in  business in  accordance  with its  then-current  strategic  plan,  nor shall
Executive  interfere  with,  disrupt or attempt  to  disrupt  the  relationship,
contractual or otherwise,  between Employer or any of its  Subsidiaries,  on the
one hand, and any customer, supplier, lessor, lessee or employee of the Employer
or any of its  Subsidiaries,  on the other hand;  provided,  however,  that this
Section 6.1.1.  shall not prohibit the Executive from owning  beneficially or of
record more than 5% of the  outstanding  equity  securities  of any entity whose
equity  securities are registered  under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended,
or are listed for trading on any United States or foreign stock exchange.

               6.1.2  It is the  desire  and  intent  of the  parties  that  the
provisions  of this  Section 6 shall be enforced to the full extent  permissible
under  the  laws and  public  policies  applied  in each  jurisdiction  in which
enforcement is sought.  Accordingly, if any particular portion of this Section 6
shall be  adjudicated  to be invalid or  unenforceable,  this Section 6 shall be
deemed amended to delete therefrom the portion thus adjudicated to be invalid or
unenforceable, such deletion to apply only with respect to the operation of this
paragraph in the particular jurisdiction in which such adjudication is made.

     7.  INJUNCTIVE  RELIEF.  If there is a breach or  threatened  breach of the
provisions of Sections 5 or 6 of this Agreement,  the Employer shall be entitled
to an injunction  restraining  the Executive  from such breach.  Nothing  herein
shall be construed as prohibiting  the Employer from pursuing any other remedies
for such breach or threatened breach.


                                       8
<PAGE>


     8. INSURANCE. The Employer may, at its election and for its benefit, insure
the Employee against accidental loss or death, and the Executive shall submit to
such  physical  examination  and supply such  information  as may be  reasonably
required in connection therewith.

     9. MISCELLANEOUS.  This Agreement:  (a) constitutes the entire agreement of
the parties  with  respect to its subject  matter and  supersedes  all  previous
agreements or understandings, whether oral or written; (b) may not be amended or
modified  except  by a written  instrument  signed  by all the  parties;  (c) is
binding  upon and will inure to the benefit of the parties and their  respective
successors,  transferees,  personal  representatives,  heirs,  beneficiaries and
permitted  assigns;  (d) may not be  assigned  or the  obligations  of any party
delegated  except with the prior written consent of all the parties;  (e) may be
executed in duplicate originals; and (f) shall be governed by and interpreted in
accordance  with  the laws of the  State  of  Maryland,  without  regard  to its
conflict of laws rules.

     10.  NOTICES.  Any notice  required  or  permitted  to be given  under this
Agreement  shall be in  writing  and  shall be  delivered  by hand  delivery  by
independent  courier service or by registered or certified mail,  return receipt
requested, postage prepaid, in either case addressed as follows:

          If to the Executive:     Mr. Prabhav Maniyar
                         c/o STARTEC, INC.
                         10411 Motor City Drive
                         Bethesda, Maryland 20817

          If to the Employer: STARTEC, INC.
                         10411 Motor City Drive
                         Bethesda, Maryland 20817
                         Attention: Secretary

or to such  other  address  as either  party  hereto  may from time to time give
notice of to the other in the  aforesaid  manner.  Any notice  delivered  in the
manner  set forth in this  Section  10 shall be  deemed  given as of the date of
delivery.

     11. INDEMNIFICATION;  D&O INSURANCE. Employer shall indemnify Executive, in
his  capacity  as an  executive  officer or  director  of Employer or any of its
Subsidiaries,  to the full  extent  permissible  under  the laws of the State of
Maryland,  or of the state of  incorporation  of the relevant  Subsidiary as the
case may be.  Employer  shall  purchase  and  maintain  directors  and  officers
insurance  coverage  in such  amounts  and on such  terms as are  customary  for
companies within the Employer's industry.


                                       9
<PAGE>


     12. WAIVER.  The failure of any party to exercise any right or remedy under
this Agreement  shall not  constitute a waiver of such right or remedy,  and the
waiver  of any  violation  or  breach  of this  Agreement  by a party  shall not
constitute a waiver of any prior or  subsequent  violation or breach.  No waiver
under this  Agreement  shall be valid  unless in  writing  and  executed  by the
waiving party.

     13.  SEVERABILITY.  If any  provision of this  Agreement is determined by a
court or other governmental  authority to be invalid,  illegal or unenforceable,
such invalidity,  illegality or unenforceability  shall not affect the validity,
legality or  enforceability  of any other provision of this Agreement.  Further,
the provision that is determined to be invalid,  illegal or unenforceable  shall
be reformed  and  construed  to the extent  permitted  by law so that it will be
valid, legal and enforceable to the maximum extent possible.

     14.  HEADINGS.  The headings  used in this  Agreement  are included for the
convenience of the parties for reference purposes only and are not to be used in
construing or interpreting this Agreement.

     15. NO THIRD PARTY  BENEFICIARIES.  This  Agreement  shall not be deemed to
confer in favor of any third  parties  any rights  whatsoever  as a  third-party
beneficiary.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  the undersigned have executed this Agreement as of the
date first above written.


                              EMPLOYER:

                              STARTEC, INC.



                              By:
                                  ----------------------------------------------

                              Title: 
                                     -------------------------------------------


                              EXECUTIVE:



                              -----------------------------------
                              Prabhav Maniyar

                                       10



                          STARTEC, INC.

              AMENDED AND RESTATED STOCK OPTION PLAN

A.   Purpose and Scope.

     This Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan completely  amends and restates
the Stock Option Plan adopted by the Company on April 10, 1993 by STARTEC,  Inc.
(herein called the "Company").  The purposes of this Plan are to encourage stock
ownership by  management  employees of the Company,  to provide an incentive for
such  employees to expand and improve the profits and prosperity of the Company,
and to assist the Company in attracting and retaining key personnel  through the
grant of Options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock.

B.   Definitions.

     Unless otherwise required by the context:

     1. "Board" shall mean the Board of Directors of the Company.

     2.  "Committee"  shall  mean the  Stock  Option  Plan  Committee,  which is
appointed  by the Board,  and which shall be  composed  of three  members of the
Board.

     3.  "Company" shall mean STARTEC, Inc.

     4. "Option" shall mean a right to purchase Stock,  granted  pursuant to the
Plan.

     5. "Option  Price" shall mean the purchase price for Stock under an Option,
as determined in Section P below.

     6. "Option Exercise Event" shall have the meaning ascribed to it in Section
G.1(a).

     7. "Participant"  shall mean a full-time employee of the Company to whom an
Option is granted under the Plan.

     8. "Plan" shall mean this STARTEC,  Inc.  Amended and Restated Stock Option
Plan.


<PAGE>


     9. "Stock" shall mean the common stock of the Company, par value $.01.

C.   Stock to be Optioned.

     Subject to the  provisions of Section J of the Plan,  the maximum number of
shares of Stock that may be optioned  or sold under the Plan is 270,000  shares.
Such shares may be treasury, or authorized, but unissued, shares of Stock.

D.   Administration.

     The  Plan  shall be  administered  by the  Committee.  Two  members  of the
Committee  shall  constitute  a quorum  for the  transaction  of  business.  The
Committee  shall be  responsible to the Board for the operation of the Plan, and
shall make  recommendations  to the Board with respect to  participation  in the
Plan by  employees  of the  Company,  and with  respect  to the  extent  of that
participation.  The interpretation and construction of any provision of the Plan
by the Committee shall be final,  unless  otherwise  determined by the Board. No
member  of the  Board  or the  Committee  shall  be  liable  for any  action  or
determination made by him in good faith.

E.   Eligibility.

     The Board, upon  recommendation of the Committee,  may grant Options to any
key management  employee (including an employee who is a director or an officer)
of the Company. Options may be awarded by the Board at any time and from time to
time to new Participants, or to existing Participants, or to a greater or lesser
number of Participants, and may include or exclude previous Participants, as the
Board, upon recommendation by the Committee, shall determine. Options granted at
different times need not contain similar provisions.

F.   Option Price.

     The purchase  price for Stock under each option shall be  determined by the
Board at the time the option is granted, but in no event less than the par value
of the Stock.

G.   Terms and Conditions of Options.

     1.   Time That Option May Be Exercised.

          (a) An  Option  granted  hereunder  may be  exercised  only  upon  the
occurrence of any of the following events (each an




                                       2
<PAGE>

"Option  Exercise  Event"):  (i) a sale of more than fifty  percent (50%) of the
issued and outstanding shares of Stock in one transaction, (ii) a dissolution or
liquidation of the Company,  (iii) a merger or  consolidation  of the Company in
which the Company is not the surviving corporation, (iv) a filing by the Company
of an effective  registration  statement  under the  Securities  Act of 1933, as
amended,  or (v) the seventh  anniversary  of the date that the  Participant  is
first hired as a full-time employee by the Company.

          (b) All Options  granted  hereunder that have not been exercised shall
terminate  and  expire on the  earlier  of (i) ten (10)  years from the date the
Option is granted, or (ii) the date the Participant is no longer employed by the
Company as a  full-time  employee,  and such  Participant's  employment  was not
terminated  as a  result  of  any of  the  following:  the  death  or  permanent
disability of the Participant prior to termination, or the Company's termination
of the Participant's full-time employment without cause.

     2. Time and Method of Payment. An Option that is exercisable  hereunder may
be exercised by delivery to the Company on any  business  day, at its  principal
office,  addressed to the  attention  of the  Chairman of the Board,  of written
notice of exercise, which notice shall specify the number of shares with respect
to which the Option is being  exercised,  and shall be accompanied by payment in
full of the Option Price of the shares for which the Option is being  exercised,
except as provided below.  The minimum number of shares of Stock with respect to
which an Option may be exercised,  in whole or in part, at any time shall be the
lesser of 100 shares or the  maximum  number of shares  available  for  purchase
under the Option at the time of  exercise.  Payment of the Option  Price for the
shares of Stock  purchased  pursuant to the  exercise of an Option shall be made
(i) in cash or in cash equivalents; (ii) through the tender to Company of shares
of Stock,  which shares shall be valued,  for purposes of determining the extent
to which the Option  Price has been paid  thereby,  at their fair  market  value
(determined by the Board in such manner as it shall reasonably determine) on the
date of  exercise;  (iii) by  delivering  a written  direction to Board that the
Option be exercised pursuant to a "cashless"  exercise/sale  procedure (pursuant
to which funds to pay for exercise of the Option are delivered to the Company by
a broker  upon  receipt of stock  certificates  from the  Company) or a cashless
exercise/loan  procedure  (pursuant to which the optionees would obtain a margin
loan from a broker to fund the  certificates  for the  shares of Stock for which
the Option is  exercised  will be  delivered to such broker as the agent for the
individual 




                                       3
<PAGE>

exercising  the Option and the broker will  deliver to the Company cash (or cash
equivalents  acceptable to the Company) equal to the Option Price for the shares
of Stock  purchased  pursuant to the  exercise of the Option plus the amount (if
any) of federal  and other taxes that the  Company,  may,  in its  judgment,  be
required to withhold  with respect to the  exercise of the Option;  or (iv) by a
combination of the methods described in (i), (ii) and (iii).  Payment in full of
the Option Price need not accompany the written notice of exercise if the Option
is exercised pursuant to the cashless  exercise/sale  procedure described above.
An Attempt to  exercise  any Option  granted  hereunder  other than as set forth
above shall be invalid and of no force and effect.  Promptly  after the exercise
of an Option,  the  individual  exercising  the Option  shall be entitled to the
issuance of a Stock certificate or certificates evidencing his ownership of such
shares.  An  individual  holding or  exercising an Option shall have none of the
rights of a shareholder until the shares of Stock covered thereby are fully paid
and issued to him, and no adjustment  will be made for dividends or other rights
for which the record date is prior to the date such stock certificate is issued.

     3. Number of Shares.  Each Option shall state the total number of shares of
Stock to which it pertains.

     4.   Termination of Employment and Death and Disability.

     (a)  Upon  the  termination  of  the  employment  or  other  service  of  a
Participant  with  the  Company,  other  than  by  reason  of  death,  permanent
disability,  or retirement of such  Participant or for cause, any Option granted
pursuant  to the  Plan  shall  terminate  three  months  after  the date of such
termination  of employment  or service  (subject to the general  limitations  on
exercises  set  forth   elsewhere  in  this  Section  G),  and  thereafter  such
Participant  shall have no further right to purchase shares of Stock pursuant to
such  Option.  Whether a leave of absence  or leave on  military  or  government
service shall  constitute a termination of employment or service for purposes of
the Plan shall be determined by the Board,  which  determination  shall be final
and conclusive.

     (b) If a  Participant  dies while in the employ or service of the  Company,
the  executors  or   administrators   or  legatees  or   distributees   of  such
Participant's estate shall have the right (subject to the general limitations on
exercises  set forth  elsewhere  in this Section G), at any time within one year
after the date of such  Participant's  death to exercise any Option held by such
Participant at the date of such Participant's death.




                                       4
<PAGE>

     (c) If a Participant  terminates  employment or service with the Company by
reason of the permanent disability or retirement of such Participant,  then such
Participant  shall  have  the  right  (subject  to the  general  limitations  on
exercises  set forth  elsewhere in this  Section  G),at any time within one year
after such  termination of employment or service and prior to termination of the
Option pursuant hereto,  to exercise,  in whole or part, any Option held by such
Participant at the date of such termination of employment or service.  Whether a
termination  of employment or service is to be considered by reason of permanent
disability  for  purposes of the Plan shall be  determined  by the Board,  which
determination shall be final and conclusive.

     (d) If a Participant's  employment or service is terminated for cause,  his
or her rights to exercise any Option shall immediately  terminate without regard
to the  exercisability  of the Option.  Whether a  termination  of employment or
service  is to be  considered  for  cause  for  purposes  of the  Plan  shall be
determined by the Board, which determination shall be final and conclusive.

H.   No Obligations to Exercise Option.

     The granting of an Option shall impose no obligation  upon the  Participant
to exercise such Option.

I.   Nonassignability.

     Options  shall  not be  transferable  other  than by will or by the laws of
descent  and  distribution,   and  during  a  Participant's  lifetime  shall  be
exercisable only by such Participant.

J.   Effect of Change in Stock Subject to the Plan.

     The  aggregate  number of shares of Stock  available  for Options under the
Plan,  the shares  subject to any  Option,  and the price per share shall all be
proportionately  adjusted  for any  increase or decrease in the number of issued
shares of Stock  subsequent to the effective date of the Plan resulting from (1)
a subdivision or  consolidation of shares or any other capital  adjustment,  (2)
the  payment of a stock  dividend,  or (3) other  increase  or  decrease in such
shares effected without receipt of consideration by the Company.  If the Company
shall be the surviving  corporation in any merger or  consolidation,  any Option
shall  pertain,  apply,  and relate to the  securities  to which a holder of the
number of shares of Stock subject to the Option would have been  entitled  after
the merger or consolidation.




                                       5
<PAGE>

K.   Amendment and Termination.

     The Board,  by resolution,  may terminate,  amend,  or revise the Plan with
respect to any shares as to which  Options  have not been  granted.  Neither the
Board nor the  Committee  may,  without  the consent of the holder of an Option,
alter or  impair  any  Option  previously  granted  under  the  Plan,  except as
authorized herein. Unless sooner terminated, the Plan shall remain in effect for
a period  of ten  years  from  the date of the  Plan's  adoption  by the  Board.
Termination of the Plan shall not affect any Option previously granted.

L.   Agreement and Representation of Employees.

     As a condition  to the  exercise  of any  portion of an Option,  the person
exercising  such Option shall represent and warrant at the time of such exercise
that any  shares of Stock  acquired  at  exercise  are being  acquired  only for
investment and without any present  intention to sell or distribute such shares,
if, in the opinion of counsel for the Company, such a representation is required
under  the  Securities  Act of 1933 as  amended,  or any other  applicable  law,
regulation, or rule of any governmental agency.

M.   Reservation of Shares of Stock.

     The Company,  during the term of this Plan,  will at all times  reserve and
keep  available  and  will  seek or  obtain  from  any  regulatory  body  having
jurisdiction any requisite  authority necessary to issue and to sell, the number
of shares of Stock that shall be sufficient to satisfy the  requirements of this
Plan.  The  inability of the Company to obtain from any  regulatory  body having
jurisdiction  the authority  deemed necessary by counsel for the Company for the
lawful issuance and sale of its Stock hereunder shall relieve the Company of any
liability  in  respect  of the  failure  to issue or sell  Stock as to which the
requisite authority has not been obtained.

N.   Effective Date of Plan.

     The Plan shall be effective from April 10, 1993, the date that the Plan was
originally approved by the Board.


                                       6




                    STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                         1997 PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE PLAN


SECTION 1 --  PURPOSE; DEFINITIONS.

     The name of the Plan is the Startec Global Communications  Corporation 1997
Performance Incentive Plan (the "Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to encourage
and enable the officers,  directors,  advisers,  consultants  and key persons of
Startec Global  Communications  Corporation (the "Company") and its subsidiaries
upon whose judgment,  initiative and efforts the Company largely depends for the
successful  conduct of its  business  to acquire a  proprietary  interest in the
Company.
     For  purposes  of the Plan,  the  following  terms are defined as set forth
below:

     a.  "Annual  Incentive  Award" means an  Incentive  Award made  pursuant to
Section 5(a)(v) with a Performance Cycle of one year or less.

     b. "Awards" mean grants under this Plan of Incentive Awards, Stock Options,
Stock Appreciation Rights, Restricted Stock or Other Stock-Based Awards.

     c.  "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.
     
     d. "Code" means the Internal  Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to
time, and any successor thereto.

     e.  "Commission" means the Securities and Exchange
Commission or any successor agency.

     f.  "Committee"  means  the  Compensation  Committee  of  the  Board  or  a
subcommittee   thereof,  any  successor  thereto  or  such  other  committee  or
subcommittee as may be designated by the Board to administer the Plan.

     g. "Common  Stock" or "Stock"  means the Common  Stock,  par value $.01 per
share, of the Company.

     h.  "Company" means Startec Global Communications
Corporation, a corporation organized under the laws of the State of Maryland, or
any successor thereto.
<PAGE>

     i.  "Exercise  Period"  means the 60-day  period from and after a Change in
Control.

     j.  "Exchange  Act" means the  Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, as amended
from time to time, and any successor thereto.

     k. "Fair Market Value" of the Stock on any given date means the fair market
value of the Stock determined in good faith by the Committee; provided, however,
that (i) if the Stock is admitted to quotation on the  National  Association  of
Securities Dealers Automated Quotation System ("NASDAQ"),  the Fair Market Value
on any given date  shall be not less than the  average  of the  highest  bid and
lowest asked prices of the Stock  reported for such date or, if no bid and asked
prices were  reported for such date,  for the last day  preceding  such date for
which such prices were reported,  or (ii) if the Stock is admitted to trading on
a national  securities  exchange or the NASDAQ National Market,  the Fair Market
Value on any date  shall be not less than the  closing  price  reported  for the
Stock on such exchange or system for such date or, if no sales were reported for
such date, for the last date preceding the date for such a sale was reported.

     l.  "Incentive  Award"  means any Award that is either an Annual  Incentive
Award or a Long-Term Incentive Award.

     m.  "Incentive  Stock  Option"  means any Stock Option that  complies  with
Section 422 of the Code.

     n.  "Long-Term  Incentive  Award" means an Incentive Award made pursuant to
Section 5(a)(v) with a Performance Cycle of more than one year.

     o. "Non-Employee Advisor" means any consultant or independent contractor or
principal of a consultant or  independent  contractor  who is not an employee of
the  Company  or  any  affiliate  but is in a  position  to  make a  significant
contribution to the management,  growth, or profitability of the business of the
Company or any affiliate, as determined by the Board.

     p.  "Nonqualified  Stock  Option"  means  any Stock  Option  that is not an
Incentive Stock Option.

     q.  "Other  Stock-Based  Award"  means an Award  made  pursuant  to Section
5(a)(iv).

     r.  "Performance  Cycle" means the period selected by the Committee  during
which the  performance  of the  Company  or any  subsidiary,  affiliate  or unit
thereof or any individual is measured for the purpose of determining  the extent
to which an Award subject to Performance Goals has been earned.
<PAGE>

     s.  "Performance  Goals"  mean  the  objectives  for  the  Company  or  any
subsidiary  or  affiliate  or any unit  thereof  or any  individual  that may be
established  by the  Committee  for a  Performance  Cycle  with  respect  to any
performance-based  Awards  contingently  awarded under the Plan. The Performance
Goals  for  Awards   that  are   intended  to   constitute   "performance-based"
compensation  within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Code shall be based on
one or more of the following  criteria:  earnings per share,  total  shareholder
return, operating income, net income, cash flow, return on equity, and return on
capital.

     t. "Plan" means this 1997 Performance  Incentive Plan, as amended from time
to time.

     u.  "Restricted  Period"  means the period during which an Award may not be
sold, assigned, transferred, pledged or otherwise encumbered.

     v. "Restricted  Stock" means an Award of shares of Common Stock pursuant to
Section 5(a)(iii).

     w. "Spread Value" means, with respect to a share of Common Stock subject to
an Award,  an amount equal to the excess of the Fair Market  Value,  on the date
such value is determined, over the Award's exercise or grant price, if any.

     x. "Stock  Appreciation  Right" or "SAR" means a right granted  pursuant to
Section 5(a)(ii).

     y.  "Stock Option" means an option granted pursuant to Section 5(a)(i).

     z. "Ten Percent  Stockholder"  means a person owning Stock  possessing more
than ten  percent  (10%) of the total  combined  voting  power of all classes of
Stock as defined in Section 422 of the Code.

     In addition, the terms "Business Combination," "Change in Control," "Change
in Control Price," "Incumbent Board,"  "Outstanding Company Stock," "Outstanding
Company Voting  Securities"  and "Person" have the meanings set forth in Section
6.

SECTION 2 -- ADMINISTRATION.

     The Plan shall be administered by the Committee, which shall have the power
to interpret  the Plan and to adopt such rules and  guidelines  for carrying out
the Plan as it may deem  appropriate.  The Committee shall have the authority to
adopt such modifications, procedures and subplans and to waive any conditions or
other  restrictions  as may be  necessary  or desirable to comply with the laws,
regulations,  compensation  practices and tax and  accounting  principles of the
countries in which the  Company,  a  subsidiary  or an affiliate  may operate to
assure the viability of the benefits of Awards made to  individuals  employed in
such countries and to meet the objectives of the Plan.
<PAGE>

     Subject to the terms of the Plan, the Committee shall have the authority to
determine  those employees  eligible to receive Awards and the amount,  type and
terms of each  Award and to  establish  and  administer  any  Performance  Goals
applicable to such Awards.

     The Committee may delegate its authority and power under the Plan to one or
more officers of the Company,  subject to guidelines prescribed by the Committee
and approved by the Board,  with respect to participants  who are not subject to
Section 16 of the Exchange Act.

     Any determination made by the Committee or pursuant to delegated  authority
in accordance with the provisions of the Plan with respect to any Award shall be
made in the sole discretion of the Committee or such delegate, and all decisions
made by the Committee or any  appropriately  designated  officer pursuant to the
provisions of the Plan shall be final and binding on all persons,  including the
Company and Plan participants.

SECTION 3 -- ELIGIBILITY.

     Participants  in the  Plan  will  be such  officers  and  other  employees,
advisors,  consultants  and key persons of the  Company,  its  subsidiaries  and
affiliates who are responsible  for or contribute to the management,  growth and
profitability of the business of the Company, its subsidiaries or its affiliates
as are  selected  from time to time by the  Committee,  in its sole  discretion.
Independent Directors are also eligible to participate in the Plan.

SECTION 4 -- COMMON STOCK SUBJECT TO PLAN.

     The total  number of shares of Common  Stock  reserved  and  available  for
distribution pursuant to the Plan shall be [750,000] shares, all of which may be
issued  pursuant to the exercise of Stock Options awarded under the Plan. If any
Award is exercised,  cashed out or terminates or expires without a payment being
made to the participant in the form of Common Stock,  the shares subject to such
Award,  if any,  shall again be available for  distribution  in connection  with
Awards under the Plan. Any shares of Common Stock that are used by a participant
as full or partial  payment of  withholding or other taxes or as payment for the
exercise or conversion  price of an Award shall be available for distribution in
connection with Awards under the Plan.

     In   the   event   of   any    merger,    reorganization,    consolidation,
recapitalization,  stock  dividend,  stock  split,  split-up or other  change in
corporate structure affecting the Common Stock after adoption of the Plan by the
Board,  the Board is  authorized to make  substitutions  or  adjustments  in the
aggregate number and kind of shares reserved for issuance under the Plan, in the
number,  kind and price of shares subject to outstanding Awards and in the Award
limits set forth in Section 5; provided, however, that any such substitutions or
adjustments shall be, to the extent deemed appropriate by the Board,  consistent
with the  treatment of shares of Common Stock not subject to the Plan,  and that
the number of shares subject to any Award shall always be a whole number.
<PAGE>

SECTION 5 -- AWARDS.

     (a) General. The types of Awards that may be granted under the Plan are set
forth below.  Awards may be granted  singly,  in  combination  or in tandem with
other Awards.

          (i) STOCK OPTIONS.  A Stock Option  represents the right to purchase a
share of Stock at a predetermined  grant price. Stock Options granted under this
Plan  may be in the  form of  Incentive  Stock  Options  or  Nonqualified  Stock
Options,  as  specified  in the Award  agreement.  The term of each Stock Option
shall be set forth in the Award  agreement,  but no Incentive Stock Option shall
be  exercisable  more than ten years after the grant  date.  The grant price per
share of Common  Stock  purchasable  under a Stock Option shall not be less than
100% of the Fair Market  Value on the date of grant.  Subject to the  applicable
Award agreement,  Stock Options may be exercised, in whole or in part, by giving
written notice of exercise to the Company  specifying the number of shares to be
purchased.  Such notice shall be  accompanied by payment in full of the purchase
price by  certified  or bank check or such other  instrument  as the Company may
accept  (including a copy of  instructions to a broker or bank acceptable to the
Company to deliver  promptly to the  Company an amount of sale or loan  proceeds
sufficient to pay the purchase price).  As determined by the Committee,  payment
in full or in part may also be made in the form of Common Stock already owned by
the  optionee  valued at the Fair Market  Value on the date the Stock  Option is
exercised;  provided,  however,  that  such  Common  Stock  shall  not have been
acquired  within the preceding six months upon the exercise of a Stock Option or
stock unit or similar Award granted under the Plan or any other plan  maintained
at any time by the Company or any subsidiary.

          (ii) STOCK APPRECIATION RIGHTS. An SAR represents the right to receive
a  payment,  in cash,  shares  of  Common  Stock or both (as  determined  by the
Committee),  equal to the  Spread  Value on the date the SAR is  exercised.  The
grant price of an SAR shall be set forth in the applicable  Award  agreement and
shall  not be less  than  100% of the Fair  Market  Value on the date of  grant.
Subject  to the  terms  of the  applicable  Award  agreement,  an SAR  shall  be
exercisable,  in whole or in part, by giving  written  notice of exercise to the
Company.

          (iii)  RESTRICTED  STOCK.  Shares of  Restricted  Stock are  shares of
Common Stock that are awarded to a  participant  and that during the  Restricted
Period may be  forfeitable  to the Company  upon such  conditions  as may be set
forth in the  applicable  Award  agreement.  Restricted  Stock  may not be sold,
assigned,  transferred,  pledged or otherwise  encumbered  during the Restricted
Period. The Restricted Period shall be no less than one year. Except as provided
in this subsection (iii) and in the applicable  Award  Agreement,  a participant
shall have all the rights of a holder of Common  Stock,  including the rights to
receive  dividends  and to vote during the  Restricted  Period.  Dividends  with
respect to  Restricted  Stock that are payable in Common  Stock shall be paid in
the form of Restricted Stock.
<PAGE>

          (iv) OTHER STOCK-BASED  AWARDS.  Other Stock-Based  Awards are Awards,
other than Stock Options,  SARs or Restricted  Stock,  that are  denominated in,
valued in whole or in part by reference to, or otherwise based on or related to,
Common  Stock.  The  purchase,   exercise,   exchange  or  conversion  of  Other
Stock-Based Awards granted under this subsection (iv) shall be on such terms and
conditions and by such methods as shall be specified by the Committee. Where the
value of an Other  Stock-Based  Award is based on the  Spread  Value,  the grant
price for such an Award will not be less than 100% of the Fair  Market  Value on
the date of grant.

          (v) INCENTIVE AWARDS.  Incentive Awards are  performance-based  Awards
that are  expressed in U.S.  currency.  Incentive  Awards shall either be Annual
Incentive Awards or Long-Term Incentive Awards.

     (b) Maximum  Awards.  The total  number of shares of  Restricted  Stock and
other shares of Common Stock subject to or underlying  Stock  Options,  SARs and
Other Stock-Based Awards awarded to any participant during the term of this Plan
shall not exceed 10% of the shares of Common  Stock  reserved  for  distribution
pursuant  to the Plan.  An Annual  Incentive  Award paid to a  participant  with
respect  to any  Performance  Cycle  shall not  exceed  $[00,000].  A  Long-Term
Incentive  Award paid to a  participant  with respect to any  Performance  Cycle
shall not exceed  $[00,000] times the number of years in the Performance  Cycle.
An amount  not in excess of 30% of the  shares  of  Common  Stock  reserved  for
distribution  pursuant to the Plan may be issued  pursuant to  Restricted  Stock
Awards and Other Stock-Based  Awards,  except that Other Stock-Based Awards with
values based on Spread Values shall not be included in this limitation.

     (c)  Incentive  Stock  Option  Restrictions.  To the  extent  required  for
"incentive stock option"  treatment under Section 422 of the Code, the aggregate
Fair Market  Value  (determined  as of the time of grant) of the shares of Stock
with respect to which  Incentive  Stock  Options  granted under the Plan and any
other plan of the Company become  exercisable  for the first time by an optionee
during any calendar year shall not exceed $100,000. If an Incentive Stock Option
is granted to a Ten Percent Stockholder,  the exercise price per share shall not
be less  than  110% of the Fair  Market  Value of a share on the date of  grant.
Incentive  Stock  Options may be granted only to employees of the Company or any
subsidiary  that is a  "subsidiary  corporation"  within the  meaning of Section
424(f)  of the  Code.  To  the  extent  that  any  Stock  Option  exceeds  these
restrictions, it shall constitute a Non-Qualified Stock Option.

     (d)  Performance-Based  Awards. Any Awards granted pursuant to the Plan may
be  in  the  form  of  performance-based   Awards  through  the  application  of
Performance Goals and Performance Cycles.
<PAGE>

SECTION. 6 -- CHANGE IN CONTROL PROVISIONS.

     (a) Impact of Event. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Plan to the
contrary, in the event of a Change in Control:

          (i) All Stock Options and Stock Appreciation  Rights outstanding as of
the  date  such  Change  in  Control   occurs  shall  become  fully  vested  and
exercisable.

          (ii)  The  restrictions   and  other  conditions   applicable  to  any
Restricted Stock or Other Stock-Based  Awards,  including vesting  requirements,
shall lapse,  and such Awards shall  become free of all  restrictions  and fully
vested.

          (iii) The value of all outstanding Stock Options,  Stock  Appreciation
Rights,  Restricted Stock and Other Stock-Based  Awards shall,  unless otherwise
determined by the Committee at or after grant, be cashed out on the basis of the
Change in  "Control  Price," as defined  in  Section  6(c),  as of the date such
Change in Control occurs or such other date as the Committee may determine prior
to the Change in Control.

          (iv) Any Incentive Awards relating to Performance  Cycles prior to the
Performance  Cycle in which the Change in Control  occurs  that have been earned
but not paid  shall  become  immediately  payable  in cash.  In  addition,  each
participant  who has been  awarded an  Incentive  Award  shall be deemed to have
earned a pro rata Incentive Award equal to the product of (y) such participant's
maximum award  opportunity for such Performance  Cycle, and (z) a fraction,  the
numerator  of which is the number of full or partial  months  that have  elapsed
since the beginning of such Performance Cycle to the date on which the Change in
Control  occurs,  and the  denominator of which is the total number of months in
such Performance Cycle.

     (b)  Definition  of Change in  Control.  A "Change  in  Control"  means the
happening of any of the following events:

          (i) The  acquisition  by any  individual,  entity or group (within the
meaning of Section  13(d)(3) or 14(d)(2) of the  Exchange Act (a  "Person"))  of
beneficial  ownership  (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3  promulgated  under the
Exchange Act) of 20% or more of either (A) the then outstanding shares of Common
Stock (the "Outstanding  Company Common Stock") or (B) the combined voting power
of the then  outstanding  voting  securities  of the  Company  entitled  to vote
generally  in  the  election  of  directors  (the  "Outstanding  Company  Voting
Securities");  provided,  however,  that the  following  acquisitions  shall not
constitute a Change in Control:  (1) any acquisition  directly from the Company,
(2) any acquisition by the Company,  (3) any acquisition by any employee benefit
plan  (or  related  trust)  sponsored  or  maintained  by  the  Company  or  any
corporation  controlled by the Company or (4) any acquisition by any corporation
pursuant to a  transaction  described  in clauses  (A), (B) and (C) of paragraph
(iii) of this Section 6(b); or
<PAGE>

          (ii) Individuals who, as of the effective date of the Plan, constitute
the Board (the "Incumbent  Board") cease for any reason to constitute at least a
majority  of the  Board;  provided,  however,  that any  individual  becoming  a
director  subsequent to such  effective date whose  election,  or nomination for
election by the stockholders of the Company,  was approved by a vote of at least
a majority  of the  directors  then  comprising  the  Incumbent  Board  shall be
considered as though such individual were a member of the Incumbent  Board,  but
excluding,  for this purpose,  any such individual  whose initial  assumption of
office  occurs  as a result of an actual or  threatened  election  contest  with
respect to the election or removal of  directors  or other actual or  threatened
solicitation  of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a Person  other than the
Board; or

          (iii) Approval by the stockholders of the Company of a reorganization,
merger, share exchange or consolidation (a "Business  Combination"),  unless, in
each case following such Business  Combination,  (A) all or substantially all of
the individuals and entities who were the beneficial  owners,  respectively,  of
the Outstanding  Company Common Stock and Outstanding  Company Voting Securities
immediately  prior to such Business  Combination  beneficially  own, directly or
indirectly,  more  than 80% of,  respectively,  the then  outstanding  shares of
common  stock  and the  combined  voting  power of the then  outstanding  voting
securities entitled to vote generally in the election of directors,  as the case
may be, of the corporation resulting from such Business Combination  (including,
without limitation,  a corporation that as a result of such transaction owns the
Company through one or more  subsidiaries) in substantially the same proportions
as their  ownership,  immediately  prior  to such  Business  Combination  of the
Outstanding Company Common Stock and Outstanding  Company Voting Securities,  as
the case may be, (B) no Person  (excluding any employee benefit plan (or related
trust)  of  the  Company  or  such  corporation  resulting  from  such  Business
Combination)  beneficially  owns,  directly  or  indirectly,  20%  or  more  of,
respectively,  the then  outstanding  shares of common stock of the  corporation
resulting  from such Business  Combination  or the combined  voting power of the
then outstanding voting securities of such corporation except to the extent that
such  Person  owned  20% or more of the  Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock  or
Outstanding Company Voting Securities prior to the Business  Combination and (C)
at least a majority of the members of the board of directors of the  corporation
resulting from such Business  Combination were members of the Incumbent Board at
the time of the  execution  of the  initial  agreement,  or of the action of the
Board, providing for such Business Combination; or

          (iv)  Approval  by the  stockholders  of the Company of (A) a complete
liquidation or  dissolution of the Company or (B) the sale or other  disposition
of all or  substantially  all of the  assets  of the  Company,  other  than to a
corporation with respect to which, following such sale or other disposition, (1)
more than
<PAGE>
80% of,  respectively,  the then  outstanding  shares  of  common  stock of such
corporation  and the  combined  voting  power  of the  then  outstanding  voting
securities  of such  corporation  entitled to vote  generally in the election of
directors  is  then  beneficially  owned,  directly  or  indirectly,  by  all or
substantially  all of the  individuals  and  entities  who were  the  beneficial
owners,  respectively,  of the Outstanding  Company Common Stock and Outstanding
Company Voting Securities immediately prior to such sale or other disposition in
substantially the same proportion as their ownership,  immediately prior to such
sale  or  other  disposition,  of  the  Outstanding  Company  Common  Stock  and
Outstanding Company Voting Securities, as the case may be, (2) less than 20% of,
respectively,  the then  outstanding  shares of common stock of such corporation
and the combined voting power of the then outstanding  voting securities of such
corporation  entitled to vote  generally  in the  election of  directors is then
beneficially  owned,  directly  or  indirectly,  by any  Person  (excluding  any
employee  benefit plan (or related  trust) of the Company or such  corporation),
except to the  extent  that  such  Person  owned 20% or more of the  Outstanding
Company Common Stock or Outstanding  Company Voting Securities prior to the sale
or  disposition  and (3) at least a  majority  of the  members  of the  board of
directors of such corporation were members of the Incumbent Board at the time of
the execution of the initial agreement, or of the action of the Board, providing
for such sale or other  disposition  of assets of the  Company or were  elected,
appointed  or nominated by the Board.  (c) Change in Control  Price.  "Change in
Control  Price"  means  the  highest  price per  share  paid in any  transaction
reported on the national  securities  exchange or quotation  system on which the
Common Stock is admitted for trading or  quotation,  as the case may be, or paid
or offered in any bona fide transaction  related to a potential or actual change
in control of the  Company at any time  during the  preceding  60-day  period as
determined  by the  Committee,  except  that,  in the  case of  Incentive  Stock
Options, such price shall be based only on transactions reported for the date on
which such Incentive Stock Options are cashed out.

     (d)  Notwithstanding  any other  provision  of this Plan,  upon a Change in
Control,  unless the  Committee  shall  determine  otherwise at grant,  an Award
recipient  shall  have the right,  by giving  notice to the  Company  within the
Exercise Period,  to elect to surrender all or part of the Stock Option,  SAR or
Other Stock-Based Award to the Company and to receive in cash, within 30 days of
such notice,  an amount equal to the amount by which the Change in Control Price
on the date of such notice  shall  exceed the exercise or grant price under such
Award, multiplied by the number of shares of Stock as to which the right granted
under this Section 6 shall have been exercised.

     (e)  Notwithstanding  the foregoing,  if any right granted pursuant to this
Section 6 would make a Change in Control  transaction  ineligible for pooling of
interests accounting under generally accepted accounting principles that but for
this Section 6 would  otherwise be eligible for such accounting  treatment,  the
Committee shall have the ability to substitute the cash payable pursuant to this
Section 6 with  Common  Stock with a Fair  Market  Value  equal to the cash that
would otherwise be payable hereunder.
<PAGE>

SECTION 7 -- PLAN AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.

     The Board may amend or  terminate  the Plan at any time,  provided  that no
such amendment  shall be made without  stockholder  approval if such approval is
required  under  applicable  law, or if such amendment  would:  (i) decrease the
grant or exercise price of any Stock Option,  SAR or Other  Stock-Based Award to
less than the Fair Market Value on the date of grant; or (ii) increase the total
number of shares of Common Stock that may be distributed under the Plan.

     Except as set forth in any Award agreement,  no amendment or termination of
the Plan may materially  and adversely  affect any  outstanding  Award under the
Plan without the Award recipient's consent.

SECTION 8 -- PAYMENTS AND PAYMENT DEFERRALS.

     Payment  of  Awards  may be in the form of cash,  Stock,  other  Awards  or
combinations   thereof  as  the  Committee  shall   determine,   and  with  such
restrictions as it may impose. The Committee,  either at the time of grant or by
subsequent  amendment,  may require or permit  deferral of the payment of Awards
under such rules and  procedures as it may  establish.  It also may provide that
deferred  settlements  include  the  payment or  crediting  of interest or other
earnings  on the  deferred  amounts,  or the  payment or  crediting  of dividend
equivalents   where  the  deferred  amounts  are  denominated  in  Common  Stock
equivalents.

SECTION 9 -- DIVIDENDS AND DIVIDEND EQUIVALENTS.

     The Committee may provide that any Awards under the Plan earn  dividends or
dividend  equivalents.  Such  dividends  or  dividend  equivalents  may be  paid
currently or may be credited to a participant's  Plan account.  Any crediting of
dividends  or  dividend  equivalents  may be  subject to such  restrictions  and
conditions as the Committee may establish,  including reinvestment in additional
shares  of  Common   Stock  or  Common   Stock   equivalents.   

SECTION 10 -- TRANSFERABILITY.

     Unless  otherwise  required by law,  Awards  shall not be  transferable  or
assignable other than by will or the laws of descent and distribution.

SECTION 11 --  AWARD AGREEMENTS.

     Each Award under the Plan shall be evidenced by a written  agreement (which
need not be signed by the recipient unless otherwise specified by the Committee)
that sets forth the terms, conditions and limitations for each Award. Such terms
may  include,  but are not  limited  to,  the 

<PAGE>

term of the  Award,  vesting  and  forfeiture  provisions,  and  the  provisions
applicable in the event the recipient's employment terminates. The Committee may
amend an Award  agreement,  provided that no such  amendment may  materially and
adversely  affect  an  Award  without  the  Award  recipient's  consent.   Award
agreements need not be identical. 

SECTION 12 -- UNFUNDED STATUS OF PLAN.

     It is presently  intended that the Plan  constitute an "unfunded"  plan for
incentive and deferred compensation. The Committee may authorize the creation of
trusts or other  arrangements to meet the obligations  created under the Plan to
deliver  Common Stock or make  payments;  provided,  however,  that,  unless the
Committee  otherwise   determines,   the  existence  of  such  trusts  or  other
arrangements is consistent with the "unfunded" status of the Plan.

SECTION 13 -- GENERAL PROVISIONS.

     (a) The Committee may require each person  acquiring shares of Common Stock
pursuant to an Award to  represent to and agree with the Company in writing that
such person is acquiring the shares without a view to the distribution  thereof.
The certificates for such shares may include any legend that the Committee deems
appropriate to reflect any restrictions on transfer.

     All certificates  for shares of Common Stock or other securities  delivered
under  the Plan  shall be  subject  to such  stock  transfer  orders  and  other
restrictions  as the Committee may deem advisable  under the rules,  regulations
and other requirements of the Commission, any stock exchange or quotation system
upon which the Common  Stock is then  listed or quoted,  as the case may be, and
any applicable  Federal,  state or foreign securities law, and the Committee may
cause a legend or legends to be put on any such certificates to make appropriate
reference to such restrictions.

     (b) Nothing contained in this Plan shall prevent the Company,  a subsidiary
or an affiliate from adopting other or additional compensation  arrangements for
its employees.

     (c) The  adoption of the Plan shall not confer upon any  employee any right
to continued  employment nor shall it interfere in any way with the right of the
Company,  a  subsidiary  or an  affiliate to  terminate  the  employment  of any
employee at any time.

     (d) No  employee,  participant  or other  person shall have any right to be
granted an Award. The grant of an Award to a director shall not confer any right
on such  director to continue as a director of the Company,  and the grant of an
Award to a Non-Employee  Adviser shall not confer any right on such Non-Employee
Advisor or a business entity of which such  Non-Employee  Advisor is a principal
to continue as a Non-Employee Advisor.
<PAGE>

     (e) No later than the date as of which an amount first  becomes  includible
in the gross income of the  participant  for Federal  income tax  purposes  with
respect to any Award under the Plan, the  participant  shall pay to the Company,
or make  arrangements  satisfactory to the Company regarding the payment of, any
Federal,  state,  local  or  foreign  taxes of any  kind  required  by law to be
withheld  with  respect  to such  amount.  Unless  otherwise  determined  by the
Committee,  withholding  obligations  arising  from an Award may be settled with
Common  Stock,  including  Common  Stock  that is part of, or is  received  upon
exercise  or  conversion  of,  the  Award  that  gives  rise to the  withholding
requirement.  The obligations of the Company under the Plan shall be conditional
on such payment or  arrangements,  and the  Company,  its  subsidiaries  and its
affiliates  shall, to the extent  permitted by law, have the right to deduct any
such taxes from any payment otherwise due to the participant.  The Committee may
establish  such  procedures  as it deems  appropriate,  including  the making of
irrevocable elections,  for the settling of withholding  obligations with Common
Stock.

     (f) On receipt of written  notice of exercise,  the  Committee may elect to
cash out all or a portion of the shares of Common Stock for which a Stock Option
is being  exercised by paying the optionee an amount,  in cash or Common  Stock,
equal to the Spread  Value of such shares on the date such notice of exercise is
received.

     (g) The Plan and all Awards  made and  actions  taken  thereunder  shall be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Maryland.

     (h) If any  provision  of the Plan is held  invalid or  unenforceable,  the
invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the remaining parts of the Plan,
and the Plan shall be enforced and  construed as if such  provision had not been
included.

     (i) If approved by stockholders,  the Plan shall be effective on August 15,
1997.  Except as  otherwise  provided by the Board,  no Awards  shall be granted
after August 14, 2002, but any Awards granted theretofore may extend beyond that
date.


                                                                   EXHIBIT 11.1


             STATEMENT REGARDING COMPUTATION OF EARNINGS PER SHARE


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,           
                                       ---------------------------------------------------    THREE MONTHS      THREE MONTHS
                                            1994              1995              1996             ENDED             ENDED
                                       ---------------   ---------------   ---------------   MARCH 31, 1996    MARCH 31, 1997
                                                                                             ---------------   ---------------
<S>                                    <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>               <C>
Net income (loss) ..................     $   (978,837)    $   (1,206,014)   $   (2,829,831)    $   (497,088)        $ 136,752
Weighted average common and com-
 mon equivalent shares outstanding:
 Weighted average common shares
  outstanding  .....................        4,596,226          5,317,109         5,403,350        5,403,350         5,403,350
 Dilutive effect of options   ......               --                 --                --               --            37,220
 Effect of cheap stock  ............          291,950            291,950           291,950          291,950           254,730
                                          ------------     --------------    --------------     ------------        ----------
Total ..............................        4,888,176          5,609,059         5,695,300        5,695,300         5,695,300
                                          ------------     --------------    --------------     ------------        ----------
Net income (loss) per share   ......     $      (0.20)    $        (0.22)   $        (0.50)    $      (0.09)        $    0.02
                                          ============     ==============    ==============     ============        ==========
</TABLE>




                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As  independent  public  accountants,  we hereby  consent to the use of our
reports  and to all  references  to our Firm  included in or made a part of this
registration statement.

                                            ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Washington, D.C.
August 1, 1997



                         CONSENT OF PROSPECTIVE DIRECTOR
                    STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION


          The  undersigned  hereby  consents  to being  named  as a  prospective
director  in the  Registration  Statement  on Form S-1 filed by  Startec  Global
Communications Corporation.



August 1, 1997            
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Nazir G. Dossani




                         CONSENT OF PROSPECTIVE DIRECTOR
                    STARTEC GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION


          The  undersigned  hereby  consents  to being  named  as a  prospective
director  in the  Registration  Statement  on Form S-1 filed by  Startec  Global
Communications Corporation.


August 1, 1997            
                                               ---------------------------------
                                               Richard K. Prins



<TABLE> <S> <C>


<ARTICLE>                     5
<MULTIPLIER>                                   1000
<CURRENCY>                                     US DOLLARS
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                              DEC-31-1997
<PERIOD-START>                                 JAN-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                                   MAR-31-1997
<EXCHANGE-RATE>                                      1
<CASH>                                             239
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                    7,604 
<ALLOWANCES>                                    (1,307)
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                   407
<PP&E>                                           2,277
<DEPRECIATION>                                    (885)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                   8,335
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           13,703
<BONDS>                                              0
                                0
                                          0
<COMMON>                                            76
<OTHER-SE>                                           0
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                     8,335
<SALES>                                         12,372
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                12,372
<CGS>                                           10,765
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   10,765
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                 1,351
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 116
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                    140
<INCOME-TAX>                                         3
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                       137
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.02
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     0.02
        


</TABLE>


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