DSC COMMUNICATIONS CORP
S-3, 1997-11-10
TELEPHONE & TELEGRAPH APPARATUS
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<PAGE>   1
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 10, 1997
 
                                                 REGISTRATION NO. 333-
================================================================================
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549
                             ---------------------
 
                                    FORM S-3
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                             ---------------------
 
                         DSC COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                  <C>
                      DELAWARE                                            54-1025763
          (State or other jurisdiction of                              (I.R.S. Employer
           incorporation or organization)                           Identification Number)
                                                                       GEORGE B. BRUNT
                   1000 COIT ROAD                               DSC COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                PLANO, TEXAS, 75075                                     1000 COIT ROAD
                   (972) 519-3000                                    PLANO, TEXAS, 75075
(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,                     (972) 519-3000
   including area code, of registrant's principal     (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone
                  executive offices)                  number, including area code, of agent for service)
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
 
                                With a copy to:
 
                                DANIEL W. RABUN
                                BAKER & MCKENZIE
                          2001 ROSS AVENUE, SUITE 4500
                              DALLAS, TEXAS 75201
                                 (214) 978-3000
                             ---------------------
 
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after this Registration Statement becomes effective.
 
     If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box.  [ ]
 
     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, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box.  [X]
 
     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 MAXIMUM
     TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF SHARES          AMOUNT TO BE        AGGREGATE PRICE      AGGREGATE OFFERING        AMOUNT OF
           TO BE REGISTERED                  REGISTERED         PER SECURITY(1)           PRICE(1)        REGISTRATION FEE(2)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>                  <C>                   <C>                   <C>
Common Stock, par value $.01 per
  share................................       4,936,663            $25.09375            $123,879,387            $37,540
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Preferred Stock Purchase Rights........   4,936,663 rights       Not Applicable        Not Applicable        Not Applicable
==============================================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Estimated solely for the purpose of computing the amount of the registration
    fee in accordance with Rule 457(c) on the basis of the average of the high
    and low sales prices of the common stock, par value $.01 per share, on the
    Nasdaq National Market on November 3, 1997.
(2) In accordance with Rule 457(g), no additional registration fee is required
    in respect of the Preferred Stock Purchase Rights.
 
    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, AS AMENDED, OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(A), MAY DETERMINE.
================================================================================
<PAGE>   2
 
     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.
 
                 SUBJECT TO COMPLETION DATED NOVEMBER 10, 1997
 
PROSPECTUS
 
                         DSC COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                        4,936,663 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK
 
     This Prospectus relates to 4,936,663 shares (the "Shares") of common stock,
par value $.01 per share (the "DSC Common Stock"), of DSC Communications
Corporation, a Delaware corporation ("DSC"), including the preferred stock
purchase rights attaching to such stock pursuant to that certain Rights
Agreement dated April 25, 1996 by and between DSC and Harris Trust and Savings
Bank, formerly KeyCorp Shareholder Services, Inc. (the "Preferred Stock Purchase
Rights"). The Shares may be distributed, sold or otherwise transferred from time
to time by and for the account of the Selling Stockholders (defined below). See
"Selling Stockholders." DSC will not receive any of the proceeds from any sale
of the Shares, but has agreed to bear certain costs relating to the registration
of the Shares under federal and state securities laws (currently estimated to be
$70,000), and of any offering and sale hereunder not including certain expenses
such as commissions and discounts of underwriters, dealers or agents. See
"Selling Stockholders," "Use of Proceeds," and "Plan of Distribution."
 
     The Shares were issued to certain stockholders of Celcore, Inc., a Delaware
corporation ("CELCORE"), in connection with the merger (the "Merger") of CI
Acquisition Company, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of DSC
("Sub"), with and into CELCORE. The Shares may be sold from time to time by or
on behalf of those former stockholders of CELCORE (the "Selling Stockholders")
who are described in this Prospectus under "Selling Stockholders." Pursuant to
the Merger, DSC has agreed to register the Shares under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"). DSC has also agreed to use its best
efforts to cause the registration statement covering the Shares to remain
effective until the earlier of (i)        , 1999 or (ii) the date on which all
the Shares have been resold by the Selling Stockholders pursuant to Rule 144 of
the Securities Act or pursuant to an effective registration statement.
 
     The DSC Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq")
under the symbol "DIGI." On November 7, 1997, the closing sale price of the DSC
Common Stock was $24.9375 per share.
 
     The Shares may be offered for sale from time to time by the Selling
Stockholders to or through brokers, dealers or underwriters acting as principals
or agents or directly to other purchasers or through agents in one or more
transactions on the Nasdaq, or any other stock exchange on which the DSC Common
Stock is listed, in the over-the-counter market, in one or more private
transactions, or in a combination of such methods of sale, at prices and on
terms then prevailing, at prices related to such prices, or at negotiated
prices. The Selling Stockholders and any brokers and dealers through whom sales
of the Shares are made may be deemed to be "underwriters" within the meaning of
the Securities Act, and the commissions or discounts and other compensation paid
to such persons may be regarded as underwriters' compensation. See "Plan of
Distribution."
 
     SEE "RISK FACTORS" BEGINNING ON PAGE 5 FOR CERTAIN RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH AN
INVESTMENT IN THE SHARES.
                             ---------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE COMMISSION OR
  ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS
     PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
     IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT EACH OF THE PERSONS NAMED HEREIN UNDER THE CAPTION
"SELLING STOCKHOLDERS" MAY OFFER AND SELL THE SHARES FROM TIME TO TIME IN
ORDINARY TRANSACTIONS TO OR THROUGH ONE OR MORE BROKERS OR DEALERS THROUGH THE
NASDAQ OR ANY NATIONAL SECURITIES EXCHANGE ON WHICH THE DSC COMMON STOCK IS
APPROVED FOR LISTING IN THE FUTURE OR IN PRIVATE TRANSACTIONS AT SUCH PRICES AS
MAY BE OBTAINABLE. ANY SUCH PERSON MAY BE DEEMED TO BE AN "UNDERWRITER" AS THAT
TERM IS DEFINED BY THE SECURITIES ACT. HOWEVER, DSC AND SUCH PERSONS DISCLAIM
THAT ANY SUCH PERSON IS AN UNDERWRITER.
 
               THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOVEMBER 10, 1997.
<PAGE>   3
 
NO PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATIONS 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 DSC, ANY SELLING STOCKHOLDER OR ANY OTHER PERSON. THIS PROSPECTUS
DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY
SECURITIES OTHER THAN THE SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR ANY OFFER TO SELL OR
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY SUCH SECURITIES IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH
SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION IS 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 DSC SINCE THE DATE
HEREOF OR THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS CORRECT AS OF ANY TIME
SUBSEQUENT TO ITS DATE.
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                              PAGE
                                                              ----
<S>                                                           <C>
Available Information.......................................  3
Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference.............  3
Forward-Looking Statements..................................  4
The Company.................................................  4
Recent Developments.........................................  4
Risk Factors................................................  5
Use of Proceeds.............................................  8
Selling Stockholders........................................  9
Plan of Distribution........................................  10
Legal Matters...............................................  11
Experts.....................................................  11
</TABLE>
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     DSC is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance therewith files
reports and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission"). Reports, proxy statements and other information filed by DSC may
be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by the
Commission at 450 Fifth Street, NW, Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549 and at the
Commission's regional offices at 7 World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New
York 10048 and Citicorp Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago,
Illinois 60661. Copies of such materials may be obtained at prescribed rates
upon request from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20549. The Common Stock of DSC is listed on the
Nasdaq National Market, and such reports, proxy statements and other information
can also be inspected at the offices of the NASDAQ National Market, Inc.,
Reports Section, 1735 K Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20006. In addition, such
materials filed electronically by DSC with the Commission are available at the
Commission's World Wide Web Site at http://www.sec.gov.
 
     DSC has filed with the Commission a registration statement on Form S-3 (the
"Registration Statement") under the Securities Act, with respect to the Shares
offered hereby. This Prospectus, which constitutes a part of that Registration
Statement, does not contain all the information set forth in that Registration
Statement and the exhibits relating thereto. For further information with
respect to DSC and the DSC Common Stock, reference is hereby made to such
Registration Statement and exhibits. Statements contained herein concerning the
provisions of any documents are necessarily summaries of those documents, and
each statement is qualified in its entirety by reference to the copy of the
applicable document filed with the Commission. The Registration Statement and
any amendments thereto, including exhibits filed as a part thereof, are
available for inspection and copying as set forth above.
 
                INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
     DSC hereby incorporates in this Prospectus by reference the following
documents which have been filed with the Commission pursuant to the Exchange Act
and made a part hereof:
 
          (a) DSC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
     December 31, 1996;
 
          (b) DSC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March
     31, 1997;
 
          (c) DSC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30,
     1997;
 
          (d) DSC's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
     September 30, 1997;
 
          (e) DSC's Current Report on Form 8-K filed August 26, 1997;
 
          (f) DSC's Current Report on Form 8-K filed November 3, 1997; and
 
          (g) The description of the DSC Common Stock as contained in DSC's
     Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated October 27, 1981, including all
     amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such descriptions;
     and the description of DSC's Preferred Stock Purchase Rights as contained
     in DSC's Registration Statement on Form 8-A dated May 13, 1996, including
     all amendments and reports filed for the purpose of updating such
     descriptions.
 
     Each document filed subsequent to the date of this Prospectus pursuant to
Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act and prior to the
termination of the offering shall be deemed to be incorporated by reference into
this Prospectus and to be made a part hereof from the date of filing of such
document. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained herein
or in any other subsequently filed document which also is incorporated or deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such statement.
Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so
modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
     DSC will furnish without charge, upon written or oral request, to each
person, including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, a
copy of any or all of the documents incorporated by reference herein other than
exhibits to such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated
by reference into such documents). Such requests should be directed to DSC
Communications Corporation, 1000 Coit Road, Plano, Texas 75075, Attention:
General Counsel. Telephone number (972) 519-3000.
 
                           FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
 
     This Registration Statement contains statements relating to future results
of DSC (including certain projections and business trends) that are
"forward-looking statements." Actual results may differ materially from the
results discussed in or implied by the forward-looking statements within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange
Act, which involves risks and uncertainties. Factors that might cause such a
difference include, but are not limited to, those set forth under "Risk Factors"
and detailed from time to time in the filings of DSC with the Commission.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     DSC designs, develops, manufactures and markets digital switching, access,
transport and network management system products for the worldwide
telecommunications marketplace. These products allow telecommunications service
providers to build and upgrade their networks to support a wide range of voice,
data and video services. DSC offers a comprehensive product line including
digital switching systems, intelligent network products, cellular switching
systems, digital loop carrier products, digital cross-connect products and
optical transmission systems and related advanced network management systems.
DSC develops such systems to meet U.S. and international telecommunications
standards and the specific requirements of the operating companies of the
Regional Holding Companies ("RHCs"), independent telephone companies,
long-distance carriers, private networks and companies operating public and
private communications networks in other countries.
 
     DSC supplies products to a domestic and international customer base,
including local exchange telephone companies, long-distance carriers, cellular
telephone companies, international telephone companies, various Fortune 1000
companies and utility companies. Its domestic customers include the RHCs and
most major domestic independent telephone and long-distance companies, including
MCI Communications Corporation, U.S. Sprint Communications Company L.P., GTE
Communications Systems Corporation and WorldCom, Inc. DSC is also a major
manufacturer of high-capacity cellular switches for Motorola, Inc., a leading
supplier of wireless communication systems throughout the world. International
customers include DDI Corporation of Japan, Tele Danmark, Deutsche Telekom in
Germany, Cable & Wireless PLC and Mercury Communications, Ltd. in the United
Kingdom, British Telecommunications PLC, Telefonos de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. and
AAP Communications, Pty. Ltd. of Australia.
 
     DSC was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in 1976. DSC's
executive offices are located at 1000 Coit Road, Plano, Texas 75075. Its
telephone number is (972) 519-3000.
 
                              RECENT DEVELOPMENTS
 
     In November 1997, a U.S. District Court issued a final judgment in favor of
DSC in a lawsuit against Next Level Communications and two former DSC employees
related to the theft of DSC trade secrets. As a result, DSC received proceeds of
approximately $140.7 million which will be recorded in DSC's results, net of
legal and other associated costs, in the fourth quarter of 1997.
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Potential investors should carefully evaluate all of the information
contained and incorporated by reference in this Registration Statement and, in
particular, the following:
 
CUSTOMER CONCENTRATION
 
     DSC has a diversified customer base including long distance carriers, RHCs,
Motorola, Inc., international PTTs and other domestic and international
independent telephone companies. However, a large portion of DSC's revenue is
concentrated among several of DSC's larger customers. During 1996, revenue from
DSC's three largest customers in total accounted for approximately 39% of DSC's
consolidated revenue. Although DSC expects that these customer relationships
will continue to generate substantial revenue in the near term, there can be no
assurance that any of these customers will continue to purchase products, or
continue to purchase products at historical levels. Product orders generally are
subject to rescheduling and cancellation without penalty. A material reduction
in the purchases of DSC's products by any of DSC's significant customers could
have a material adverse effect on DSC.
 
PRODUCT OBSOLESCENCE AND IMPORTANCE OF NEW PRODUCTS
 
     The industry in which DSC operates is characterized by rapidly changing
technological and market conditions, which may shorten product life cycles.
DSC's future competitive position and operating results depend upon successful
production and sales of its existing products, its ability to develop and
produce on a timely basis new products to meet existing and anticipated industry
demands, and its ability to reduce the costs of existing systems, software and
services. During the product development process, DSC is required to make a
substantial investment in research and development, capital and, at times,
inventory for products that often require extensive field testing and evaluation
prior to actual sales to its customers. Delays in product completion and/or
slower than expected market acceptance of certain products have negatively
impacted DSC's operating performance in the past and also, in certain cases,
resulted in adjustments to carrying values of assets, including the majority of
the non-cash special charge in the third quarter of 1996. In addition, when
DSC's products are eventually sold to customers, there can be no assurance that
such products will be profitable. DSC may be materially adversely affected if it
is unable to develop and produce on a timely basis new products to meet existing
and industry demands, if substantial delays in the availability of new products
occur, or if any of DSC's existing or new products are not commercially
successful and DSC is therefore required to adjust the carrying value, or
discontinue such product.
 
TIMELY AND ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF MATERIALS
 
     DSC generally uses standard parts and components for its products and
believes that, in most cases, there are a number of alternative, qualified
vendors for most of those parts and components. DSC purchases certain custom
components and products from single suppliers. DSC believes that the
manufacturers of the particular custom components and products should be able to
meet expected future demands. Recent changes in silicon wafer and other
electronic component technologies have required DSC to evaluate the feasibility
of "lifetime" purchases of certain component materials. Such "lifetime"
purchases may or may not be sufficient to fulfill customer demand.
Alternatively, DSC could be required to find second sourcing of these component
materials or modify existing product designs. Although DSC has not experienced
any material adverse effects from the inability to obtain timely delivery of
needed components, an unanticipated interruption of DSC's ability to secure
comparable components could have a material adverse effect on DSC's revenues and
profitability. In addition, certain of DSC's products contain a number of
subsystems or components acquired from other manufacturers on an original
equipment manufacturer ("OEM") basis. These OEM products are often available
only from a limited number of manufacturers. In the event that an OEM product
was no longer available from a current OEM vendor, second sourcing would be
required and could delay customer deliveries which could have a material adverse
effect on DSC's revenues and profitability.
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
COMPETITION
 
     DSC currently faces significant competition in its markets and expects that
the level of price and product competition will increase. In addition, as a
result of both the trend toward global expansion by foreign and domestic
competitors and technological and public policy changes, DSC anticipates that
new and different competitors will enter its markets. These competitors may
include entrants from the telecommunications, software and data networking
industries. DSC believes that it enjoys a strong competitive position due to its
large installed base, its strong relationship with key customers and its
technological leadership and new product development capabilities. However, many
of DSC's foreign and domestic competitors have more extensive engineering,
manufacturing, marketing, financial and personnel resources than those of DSC.
DSC's ability to compete is dependent upon several factors, including, but not
limited to, product features, innovation, quality, reliability, service,
support, price and the retention and attraction of qualified design and
development personnel.
 
QUARTERLY EARNINGS FLUCTUATIONS AND LIQUIDITY
 
     DSC's operating results may fluctuate significantly from quarter to quarter
due to several factors. As is the case with other companies in the
telecommunications manufacturing industry, a large portion of customer purchase
orders are received and shipments occur in the latter part of most quarters. As
a result, revenue and earnings can fluctuate significantly from quarter to
quarter based on customer requirements and the timing of orders and shipments.
In addition, periodic operating results may be materially affected by shifts in
the mix of products delivered, including the amount of software content, the
impact of sales price changes, the timing of satisfactory completion of
development and testing of new products and product enhancements and adjustments
in the carrying value, or the discontinuation, of any of DSC's products. See
"-- Product Obsolescence and Importance of New Products." DSC has historically
experienced a stronger demand for its products in the fourth quarter and a lower
demand for its products in the first quarter; however, there is no assurance
this will continue in the future. In addition, DSC currently estimates that
approximately $135.0 million of the purchase price paid for CELCORE will be
allocated to in-process research and development which will be charged to
expense in the period the Merger is consummated, currently estimated to be the
fourth quarter of 1997.
 
     At September 30, 1997, DSC had outstanding short and long term debt of
approximately $665 million. Some of DSC's financing arrangements contain various
financial covenants and cross-default provisions. Due to the acquisition of
CELCORE and the related write off of in-process research and development as
discussed above, DSC, subsequent to the Merger, is likely to be in technical
default under certain of its financial covenants. DSC management believes it
will be able to reach an agreement with its lender to amend such agreements.
Because of the timing of the Merger, management will not be able to obtain
amendments to the agreements prior to the issuance of this Prospectus. However,
there can be no assurance that DSC will be able to reduce such risk without a
reduction in liquidity. A default under any such agreements could have a
material adverse impact on DSC.
 
INTERNATIONAL GROWTH AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE
 
     The international marketplace has become an increasingly important source
of new business opportunities for DSC as potential growth rates of some
international markets are higher than those of the United States. However,
access to customers in international markets is often more difficult due to a
variety of factors including the established relationships between the national
service providers, some of which are currently or were formerly government-owned
or -controlled, and their traditional indigenous suppliers of telecommunications
equipment. There can be no assurance that DSC will be able to overcome these
barriers. In addition, pursuit of customers in international markets may require
significant investments for an extended period before returns on such
investments, if any, are realized. DSC also has manufacturing operations at
several locations outside the United States. Such business, investment and
operating activities could be materially adversely affected by economic and
labor conditions, political instability, tax laws (including U.S. taxes on
foreign subsidiaries) and changes in the value of the United States dollar
versus the local currency in which products are sold. A significant change in
the value of the dollar against the currency of one or more countries
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
where DSC recognizes substantial revenue or earnings may materially adversely
affect DSC's operating results. DSC attempts to mitigate this risk through the
use of forward foreign exchange contracts where possible, although there can be
no assurances that such attempts will be successful.
 
KEY PERSONNEL
 
     DSC is dependent upon the continued services and management experience of
certain of their senior management personnel. If DSC were to lose the services
of such senior management personnel, it could have a material adverse effect on
DSC.
 
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY AND LICENSING
 
     DSC's proprietary technology is a key component of the value of its
products. DSC has an established program to protect its proprietary information
through patent, trademark, copyright and trade secret procedures. DSC currently
has patents issued to it and numerous patent applications pending in the United
States and foreign countries. There is no guarantee that the pending
applications will mature into issued patents or that the patents issued will be
held valid or will provide competitive advantage to DSC in the respective
jurisdictions if challenged or circumvented. The laws of some foreign countries
do not extend the same level of protection for intellectual property as do the
laws of the United States. While DSC believes that the protection of its
intellectual property by patents, copyrights and trade secrets has value, it
also believes the continued innovative skills, technological expertise and
management abilities of its employees underlies the success of DSC.
 
     Because of the rapid rate of technological innovation in the
telecommunications industry, the high numbers of patents being applied for
internationally and delays in various patent offices, it is not possible to
anticipate whether each of DSC's products or any of their respective components
may be covered by a patent applied for or issued to a third party. From time to
time DSC receives notice from third parties regarding patent or other
intellectual property claims. If infringement is alleged, DSC believes that,
based upon industry practice, any necessary license or rights from a third party
may be obtained on terms that would not have a material adverse effect on DSC's
financial condition or its results of operations. Nevertheless, there can be no
assurance that the necessary licenses would be available on acceptable terms, if
at all, or that DSC would prevail in any challenge by a third party. The
inability to obtain certain licenses or other rights or to obtain such licenses
or rights on favorable terms, or litigation arising out of such other parties'
assertion, could have a material adverse effect on DSC's business, operating
results and financial condition.
 
VOLATILITY OF DSC STOCK PRICE
 
     The market price of DSC Common Stock has been, and may continue to be,
volatile. Factors such as new product announcements by DSC or its competitors,
quarterly fluctuations in the operating results of DSC, its competitors and
other technology companies may have a significant impact on the market price of
the DSC Common Stock. In particular, if DSC were to report operating results
which did not meet the expectations of the research analysts, the market price
of DSC Common Stock could be materially adversely affected. From time to time,
the stock market has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations, which
have particularly affected the market prices for many high technology companies
and which have often been unrelated to the operating performance of the specific
companies.
 
IMPACT OF REGULATION
 
     The telecommunications industry is subject to regulation in the United
States and other countries. Federal and state regulatory agencies, including the
Federal Communications Commission and the various state Public Utility
Commissions and Public Service Commissions, regulate most of DSC's domestic
customers. In addition, the RHCs are restricted by the terms of the Modified
Final Judgment which resulted from the court-ordered divestiture of the RHCs by
AT&T Corporation, and which prohibited the RHCs from manufacturing
telecommunications equipment and providing interexchange or long-distance
services. In early 1996, the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "1996
Legislation") was passed. The 1996 Legislation
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
contains provisions that permit the RHCs, subject to satisfying certain
conditions, to manufacture telecommunications equipment. One or more RHCs may
decide to manufacture telecommunications equipment, to design and provide
telecommunications software, or to form alliances with other manufacturers, any
of which could result in increased competition for DSC and reduce the RHCs' and
other customers' purchases from DSC. There can be no assurance that deregulation
will continue in the future or that future deregulation will not have a material
adverse effect on DSC.
 
MULTI-YEAR AGREEMENTS
 
     As part of its ongoing operations, DSC periodically enters into agreements
with customers which have a duration of greater than one year. Certain of these
agreements have included requirements to develop new technologies, including
hardware and software, as well as requirements to provide installation of
infrastructure systems. Certain of these agreements also contain performance
criteria, which, if not satisfied, could subject DSC to substantial penalties,
damages or non-payment, or could result in termination of such agreements.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     DSC will not receive any of the proceeds from the sale of the Shares
offered hereby.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                              SELLING STOCKHOLDERS
 
     All of the Shares described in this Prospectus will be owned by the
individuals listed below immediately after registration. All of the Shares
offered below were acquired in connection with the Merger. None of the Selling
Stockholders has a material relationship with DSC.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          NAME OF                             NUMBER OF SHARES OF DSC COMMON
                  SELLING STOCKHOLDERS(1)                      STOCK BENEFICIALLY OWNED(2)
                  -----------------------                     ------------------------------
<S>                                                           <C>
Robert P. Goodman(3)........................................            1,550,222
UCOM International Company Limited..........................              641,352
Bessemer Venture Partners III L.P...........................              426,400
Charles River Partnership VII...............................              373,333
Celcor Fund.................................................              300,160
Anthony G. Fletcher.........................................              298,880
John L. Hatcher.............................................              298,880
James M. Davis..............................................              298,880
Amerindo Technology Growth Fund II..........................              106,666
Robert M. Flanagan..........................................               94,254
T. Rowe Price New Age Media Fund............................               80,000
21st Century Communications L.P.............................               72,323
Robert LaBlanc..............................................               54,487
Celcor Fund II..............................................               53,333
Maritime Capital Partners...................................               40,000
Litton Industries, Inc. Master Trust........................               40,000
BP America Retirement Trust.................................               40,000
Strome Partners, L.P........................................               40,000
Strome Offshore Limited.....................................               40,000
21st Century Communications TELP............................               24,607
G. Felda Hardymon...........................................               14,204
Paul Marcus.................................................               13,333
Dandot Corporation, S.A.....................................               10,800
21st Century Communications Foreign, L.P....................                9,736
Bayview Investors, Ltd......................................                9,480
Essex Special Growth Opportunities Fund, L.P................                5,333
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) None of the Selling Stockholders held any office with DSC during the last
    three years.
 
(2) Except where noted, all amounts are less than 1% of the issued and
    outstanding shares of DSC Common Stock.
 
(3) After the Merger, Mr. Goodman will beneficially own approximately 1.3% of
    the issued and outstanding shares of DSC Common Stock.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     DSC will not receive any proceeds from the sale of DSC Common Stock owned
by the Selling Stockholders. It is anticipated that the Selling Stockholders, or
the pledgees, distributees, donees, transferees or other successors in interest
of the Selling Stockholders, will distribute, sell, pledge, hypothecate or
otherwise transfer the securities described herein from time to time to or
through brokers, dealers, or underwriters acting as either principals or agents
or directly to other purchasers or through agents in one or more transactions on
the Nasdaq, or any other stock exchange on which the DSC Common Stock is listed,
in the over-the-counter market, in one or more private transactions, or in a
combination of such methods of sale, at prices and on terms then prevailing, at
prices related to such prices, or at negotiated prices. The transfers
contemplated may include delivery of some or all of the Shares to cover previous
short sales of DSC Common Stock or in connection with the exercise by a Selling
Stockholder of put options previously purchased with respect to such stock. In
addition, such distributions and resales may occur electronically, rather than
through the issuance of certificates. The Selling Stockholders and any brokers
and dealers through whom sales of the Shares are made may be deemed to be
"underwriters" within the meaning of the Securities Act, and the commissions or
discounts and other compensation paid to such persons may be regarded as
underwriters' compensation. In addition, certain of the Selling Stockholders are
venture capital funds, corporations, trusts, limited partnerships or
partnerships which may in the future distribute their shares to their partners,
shareholders or trust beneficiaries. These shares may later be distributed,
sold, pledged, hypothecated or otherwise transferred. In addition, any
securities covered by this Prospectus that qualify for sale pursuant to Rule 144
of the Securities Act may be sold under Rule 144 rather than pursuant to this
Prospectus.
 
     The net proceeds to the Selling Stockholders from the sale of DSC Common
Stock so offered will be the purchase price of the Common Stock sold less the
aggregate agents' commissions and underwriters' discounts, if any, and other
expenses of issuance and distribution not borne by DSC. All expenses of
registration and filing fees, fees and expenses for compliance with securities
or blue sky laws (including fees and disbursements of DSC's counsel in
connection with blue sky qualifications or registrations (or the obtaining of
exemptions therefrom) of the Shares), printing expenses (including expenses of
printing Prospectuses), messenger and delivery expenses, internal expenses
(including, without limitation, all salaries and expenses of its officers and
employees performing legal or accounting duties), fees and disbursements of its
counsel and its independent certified public accountants, fees and expenses of
any special experts retained by DSC in connection with any registration of the
Shares, and fees and expenses of other persons retained by DSC, but excluding
fees and disbursements of counsel retained by the Selling Stockholders, any fees
and expenses of any underwriters and transfer taxes, if any, relating to the
Shares, shall be borne by DSC.
 
     At any time a particular offer of DSC Common Stock is made, to the extent
required, the specific shares of DSC Common Stock to be sold, the names of each
of the Selling Stockholders, purchase price, public offering price, the names of
any agent, dealer or underwriter and any applicable commission or discount with
respect to a particular offering will be set forth in an accompanying Prospectus
Supplement. Such Prospectus Supplement may, if necessary, be in the form of a
post-effective amendment to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus
is a part, and will be filed with the Commission to reflect the disclosure of
additional information with respect to the distribution of such securities.
 
     DSC has agreed to indemnify each of the Selling Stockholders against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to
contribute to payments the Selling Stockholders may be required to make in
respect thereof.
 
     To comply with the securities laws of certain jurisdictions, the securities
offered hereby will be offered or sold in such jurisdictions only through
registered or licensed brokers or dealers. In addition, in certain jurisdictions
the securities offered hereby may not be offered or sold unless they have been
registered or qualified for sale in such jurisdictions or an exemption from
registration or qualification is available and is complied with. The rights
under this Registration Statement are assignable to the distributees, pledgees
or other transferees of the Selling Stockholders.
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the issuance of the Shares offered hereby will be passed
upon for the Selling Stockholders by Baker & McKenzie.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements and schedule of DSC and its
subsidiaries incorporated by reference or included in DSC's Annual Report on
Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996, have been audited by Ernst &
Young LLP independent auditors, as set forth in their reports thereon
incorporated by reference or included therein and incorporated herein by
reference. Such consolidated financial statements and schedule are incorporated
herein by reference in reliance upon such reports given upon the authority of
such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
 
     The table below sets forth the estimated expenses expected to be paid by
DSC in connection with the issuance and distribution of the Shares covered by
this Registration Statement. For information concerning certain additional
expenses that DSC and/or the Selling Stockholders may be required to pay in the
event that there is an underwritten offering of the Shares, see "Plan of
Distribution."
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                           <C>
Securities and Exchange Commission Registration Fee.........   37,540
Legal Fees and Expenses (other than Blue Sky)...............   10,000
Accounting Fees and Expenses................................    2,500
Nasdaq Listing Fee..........................................   17,500
Miscellaneous...............................................    2,460
                                                              -------
          Total.............................................  $70,000
                                                              =======
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
 
     DSC's bylaws require that directors and officers be indemnified to the
maximum extent permitted by law. DSC's Restated Certificate of Incorporation
includes a provision eliminating, to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware
law, director liability for monetary damages for breaches of fiduciary duty.
 
     Section 145 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware
provides that a director or officer of a corporation (i) shall be indemnified by
the corporation for all expenses of litigation or other legal proceedings
brought against such person by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director or an officer of the corporation when he is successful on the merits,
(ii) may be indemnified by the corporation for the expenses, judgments, fines,
and amounts paid in settlement of such litigation (other than a derivative suit)
even if he is not successful on the merits if he acted in good faith and in a
manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of
the corporation (and, in the case of a criminal proceeding, had no reason to
believe his conduct was unlawful), and (iii) may be indemnified by the
corporation for expenses of a derivative suit (a suit by a stockholder alleging
a breach by a director or officer of a duty owed to the corporation), even if he
is not successful on the merits, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he
reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the
corporation, provided that no such indemnification may be made in accordance
with this clause (iii) if the director or officer is adjudged liable to the
corporation, unless a court determines that, despite such adjudication but in
view of all circumstances, he is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnification of such expenses. The indemnification described in clauses (ii)
and (iii) above shall be made only upon order by a court or a determination by
(a) a majority of directors who are not parties to such action, (b) a majority
vote of a committee consisting of such disinterested directors, (c) independent
legal counsel in a written opinion if no such disinterested directors exist, or
if such disinterested directors so direct, or (d) the stockholders, that
indemnification is proper because the applicable standard of conduct is met.
Expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending an action may be
advanced by the corporation prior to the final disposition of such action upon
receipt of an undertaking by such director or officer to repay such expenses if
it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to be indemnified in
connection with the proceeding to which the expenses relate.
 
     DSC has purchased and currently has in force directors' and officers'
liability insurance policies which cover certain liabilities of directors and
officers arising out of claims based on certain acts or omissions by them in
their capacity as directors or officers. DSC has entered into indemnification
agreements with certain of its directors and executive officers. Each of these
agreements, among other things, contractually obligates DSC to, under certain
circumstances, indemnify the officer or director against certain expenses and
liabilities arising out of legal proceedings which may be brought against such
officer or director by reason of his status or service as a director or officer.
In addition, in a related trust agreement (the "Trust Agreement"), DSC has
provided $1 million to be held in trust by a third-party trustee to be used to
satisfy DSC's obligations pursuant
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   14
 
to the indemnification agreements which have been executed and any similar
agreements which may be executed in the future. The Trust Agreement further
provides that DSC's Board of Directors may, in its discretion, provide up to an
additional $1 million to the trustee.
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT
         NUMBER                                  DESCRIPTION
        -------                                  -----------
<C>                      <S>
           2.1           -- Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 29,
                            1997, by and among DSC Communications Corporation, CI
                            Acquisition Company and Celcore, Inc. (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 2.1 to DSC's Registration Statement
                            on Form S-4 (333-39591) filed with the Commission on
                            November 5, 1997)
           4.1           -- Indenture, dated August 12, 1997, between DSC
                            Communications Corporation and The Bank of New York, as
                            Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to
                            DSC's Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission File No.
                            0-10018, dated August 26, 1997)
           4.2           -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 12,
                            1997, among DSC Communications Corporation, Goldman,
                            Sachs & Co. and NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.2 to DSC's
                            Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission File No. 0-10018,
                            dated August 26, 1997)
           4.3           -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of DSC
                            Communications Corporation, dated November 3, 1997
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to DSC's
                            Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-39591) filed with
                            the Commission on November 5, 1997)
           4.4           -- Amended and Restated Bylaws of DSC Communications
                            Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.4
                            to DSC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                            December 31, 1996, Commission File No. 0-10018, dated
                            March 31, 1997)
           4.5           -- Rights Agreement, dated April 25, 1996 between DSC
                            Communications Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings
                            Bank, formerly KeyCorp Shareholder Services, Inc. as
                            rights agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4
                            to DSC's Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission File No.
                            0-010018, dated May 9, 1996)
           4.6           -- Form of Voting Agreement between DSC and each Principal
                            Stockholder (included as Exhibit C to the Agreement and
                            Plan of Merger in Exhibit 2.1)
          *5.1           -- Form of Opinion of Baker & McKenzie
         *23.1           -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
         *23.2           -- Consent of Baker & McKenzie (included in Exhibit 5.1)
         *24             -- Power of Attorney (see signature pages of Registration
                            Statement)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Filed herewith.
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
     (a) The undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
          (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being
     made, a post-effective amendment to this Registration Statement:
 
             (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
        Securities Act;
 
             (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
        the effective date of the Registration Statement (or the most recent
        post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually
 
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   15
 
        or in the aggregate, represent a fundamental change in the information
        set forth in the Registration Statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
        any increase or decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total
        dollar value of securities offered would not exceed that which was
        registered) and any deviation from the low or high end of the estimated
        maximum offering range may be reflected in the form of prospectus filed
        with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the
        changes in volume and price represent no more than a 20% change in the
        maximum aggregate offering price set forth in the "Calculation of
        Registration Fee" table in the effective Registration Statement;
 
             (iii) To include any material information with respect to the Plan
        of Distribution not previously disclosed in the Registration Statement
        or any material change to such information in the Registration
        Statement;
 
     provided, however, that paragraphs (a)(1)(i) and (a)(1)(ii) do not apply if
     the Registration Statement is on Form S-3 or Form S-8, and the information
     required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those paragraphs
     is contained in periodic reports filed by the Registrant pursuant to
     Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that are incorporated by
     reference in the Registration Statement.
 
          (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
     Securities Act, each such post-effective amendment 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.
 
          (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment
     any of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the
     termination of the offering.
 
     (b) The undersigned registrant hereby undertakes that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act, each filing of the
Registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan's
annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Exchange Act) that is
incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement 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.
 
     (c) 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 foregoing provisions, 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.
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   16
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Registrant
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, hereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Plano, State of Texas, on November 10, 1997.
 
                                               DSC COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
 
                                            By:     /s/ JAMES L. DONALD
                                              ----------------------------------
                                            Name: James L. Donald
                                            Title:  Chairman of the Board,
                                                    President and Chief
                                                    Executive Officer
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities and on the dates indicated. Each person whose signature appears below
hereby authorizes and appoints James L. Donald and Gerald F. Montry, and each of
them, either one of whom may act without joinder of the other, as his
attorney-in-fact to sign on his behalf individually and in the capacity stated
below all amendments and post-effective amendments to this Registration
Statement as that attorney-in-fact may deem necessary or appropriate.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                   TITLE                    DATE
                      ---------                                   -----                    ----
<C>                                                    <S>                           <C>
 
                 /s/ JAMES L. DONALD                   Chairman of the Board,        November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------    President and Chief
                   James L. Donald                       Executive Officer
                                                         (Principal Executive
                                                         Officer)
 
                /s/ GERALD F. MONTRY                   Senior Vice President,        November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------    Chief Financial Officer,
                  Gerald F. Montry                       and Director (Principal
                                                         Financial Officer)
 
                /s/ KENNETH R. VINES                   Vice President, Finance       November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------    (Principal Accounting
                  Kenneth R. Vines                       Officer)
 
               /s/ RAYMOND J. DEMPSEY                  Director                      November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                 Raymond J. Dempsey
 
               /s/ SIR JOHN FAIRCLOUGH                 Director                      November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                 Sir John Fairclough
 
                /s/ JAMES L. FISCHER                   Director                      November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  James L. Fischer
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   17
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                      SIGNATURE                                   TITLE                    DATE
                      ---------                                   -----                    ----
<C>                                                    <S>                           <C>
 
                /s/ ROBERT S. FOLSOM                   Director                      November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Robert S. Folsom
 
                 /s/ WILLIAM O. HUNT                   Director                      November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                   William O. Hunt
 
                /s/ MORTON L. TOPFER                   Director                      November 10, 1997
- -----------------------------------------------------
                  Morton L. Topfer
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   18
 
                               INDEX TO EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        EXHIBIT
         NUMBER                                  DESCRIPTION
        -------                                  -----------
<C>                      <S>
 
           2.1           -- Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 29,
                            1997, by and among DSC Communications Corporation, CI
                            Acquisition Company and Celcore, Inc. (incorporated by
                            reference to Exhibit 2.1 to DSC's Registration Statement
                            on Form S-4 (333-39591) filed with the Commission on
                            November 5, 1997)
           4.1           -- Indenture, dated August 12, 1997, between DSC
                            Communications Corporation and The Bank of New York, as
                            Trustee (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.1 to
                            DSC's Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission File No.
                            0-10018, dated August 26, 1997)
           4.2           -- Registration Rights Agreement, dated as of August 12,
                            1997, among DSC Communications Corporation, Goldman,
                            Sachs & Co. and NationsBanc Capital Markets, Inc.
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4.2 to DSC's
                            Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission File No. 0-10018,
                            dated August 26, 1997)
           4.3           -- Restated Certificate of Incorporation of DSC
                            Communications Corporation, dated November 3, 1997
                            (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to DSC's
                            Registration Statement on Form S-4 (333-39591) filed with
                            the Commission on November 5, 1997)
           4.4           -- Amended and Restated Bylaws of DSC Communications
                            Corporation (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 3.4
                            to DSC's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
                            December 31, 1996, Commission File No. 0-10018, dated
                            March 31, 1997)
           4.5           -- Rights Agreement, dated April 25, 1996 between DSC
                            Communications Corporation and Harris Trust and Savings
                            Bank, formerly KeyCorp Shareholder Services, Inc. as
                            rights agent (incorporated by reference to Exhibit No. 4
                            to DSC's Current Report on Form 8-K, Commission File No.
                            0-010018, dated May 9, 1996)
           4.6           -- Form of Voting Agreement between DSC and each Principal
                            Stockholder (included as Exhibit C to the Agreement and
                            Plan of Merger in Exhibit 2.1)
          *5.1           -- Form of Opinion of Baker & McKenzie
         *23.1           -- Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
         *23.2           -- Consent of Baker & McKenzie (included in Exhibit 5.1)
         *24             -- Power of Attorney (see signature pages of Registration
                            Statement)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
* Filed herewith.

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1
 
                                           , 1997
 
DSC Communications Corporation
1000 Coit Road
Plano, Texas 75075
 
        Re: Registration of Common Stock of DSC Communications Corporation
 
  Gentlemen:
 
     On November 10, 1997, DSC Communications Corporation, a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission
(the "Commission") a Registration Statement on form S-3 (the "Registration
Statement") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"). Such
Registration Statement relates to the registration by the Company of an
aggregate of 4,936,663 shares of its common stock, $.01 par value per share,
which includes the preferred stock purchase rights attaching to such stock
pursuant to that certain Rights Agreement dated April 25, 1996 by and between
the Company and Harris Trust and Savings Bank, formerly KeyCorp Shareholder
Services, Inc. (the "Shares"). We have acted as counsel to the Company in
connection with the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement.
 
     In connection therewith, we have examined and relied upon the original or
copies, certified to our satisfaction, of (i) the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company; (ii) copies of
resolutions of the Board of Directors of the Company authorizing the issuance of
the Shares and related matters; (iii) the Registration Statement and all
exhibits thereto; and (iv) such other documents and instruments as we have
deemed necessary for the expression of opinions herein contained. In making the
foregoing examinations, we have assumed the genuineness of all signatures and
the authenticity of all documents submitted to us as originals, and the
conformity to original documents of all documents submitted to us as certified
or photostatic copies. As to various questions of fact material to this opinion,
we have relied to the extent we deem reasonably appropriate, upon
representations or certificates of officers or directors of the Company and upon
documents, records and instruments furnished to us by the Company, without
independent check or verification of their accuracy.
 
     Based upon the foregoing examination, we are of the opinion that the Shares
to be registered by the Company as described in the Registration Statement have
been duly and validly authorized for issuance or sale and the Shares, as issued
by the Company, are validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. In giving such consent, we do not admit that we come
within the category of persons whose consent is required by Section 7 of the Act
or the rules and regulations of the Commission thereunder.
 
                                            Very truly yours,
 
                                            BAKER & MCKENZIE

<PAGE>   1
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
Registration Statement (Form S-3) of DSC Communications Corporation ("DSC") and
related Prospectus for the registration of 4,936,663 shares of DSC's common
stock and preferred stock purchase rights and to the incorporation by reference
therein of our report dated January 23, 1997, with respect to the consolidated
financial statements and schedule of DSC incorporated by reference or included
in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996, filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                            /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                            ------------------------------------
 
Dallas, Texas,
November 10, 1997


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