VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS INC
8-K, 1998-10-13
RADIOTELEPHONE COMMUNICATIONS
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549


                                    FORM 8-K
                                 CURRENT REPORT


     Pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

        Date of Report (Date of Earliest Event Reported) October 2, 1998


                         Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
             (Exact Name of Registrant as Specified on its Charter)


                        North Carolina 0-16560 56-1549590
          (State or Other Jurisdiction (Commission File (IRS Employer
                  of Incorporation) Number) Identification No.)


      2002 Pisgah Church Road, Suite 300, Greensboro, North Carolina 27455
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
               (Address of Principal Executive Offices) (Zip Code)


       Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code (336) 282-3690
                      ------------------------------------


                                       N/A
          (Former Name or Former Address, if Changed Since Last Report)





                                                      1

<PAGE>



Item 5.  Other Events

         As of October 2, 1998, the Registrant  entered into a definitive merger
agreement with AT&T Corp. Under the terms of the agreement,  the Registrant will
be  merged  into a  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of  AT&T  Corp.  and  each of the
Registrants'  shares of Class A Common Stock, par value $.01 per share, will, at
each shareholder's  option, be converted into the right to receive either $23.00
cash or 0.3987 of a share of AT&T Corp. common stock,  subject to the limitation
that the  overall  consideration  will  consist of 50% cash and 50% AT&T  common
stock.

         The Registrant's  Board of Directors and the Board of Directors of AT&T
Corp. have approved the transaction.  The transaction is subject to the approval
of the Registrant's  shareholders and the Federal Communications  Commission, to
compliance with the Hart-Scott-  Rodino Antitrust  Improvements Act of 1976, and
to certain other conditions.

Item 7.  Financial Statements and Exhibits.

(c)      The Exhibits furnished in connection with this report are as follows:

      2(a)     Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 2, 1998 among
               AT&T Corp., Winston, Inc. and Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.

      2(b)     Option Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between Vanguard
               Cellular Systems, Inc. and  AT&T Corp., attached as Annex A to
               the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

      2(c)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
               Haynes G. Griffin, a stockholder of Vanguard Cellular
               Systems, Inc., and AT&T Corp., attached as Annex B to
               the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

      2(d)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
               Stephen  R.  Leeolou,   a  stockholder   of  Vanguard
               Cellular Systems,  Inc., and AT&T Corp.,  attached as
               Annex B to the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

      2(e)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
               Piedmont   Associates   Limited,   a  stockholder  of
               Vanguard  Cellular  Systems,  Inc.,  and AT&T  Corp.,
               attached  as  Annex B to the  Agreement  and  Plan of
               Merger.

     2(f)     Voting Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between L.
              Richardson Preyer, Jr., a stockholder of  Vanguard Cellular
              Systems, Inc., and  AT&T Corp., attached as Annex B to the
              Agreement and Plan of Merger.

                                         2

<PAGE>




     2(g)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
              Stuart  S.  Richardson,  a  stockholder  of  Vanguard
              Cellular Systems,  Inc., and AT&T Corp.,  attached as
              Annex B to the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

     2(h)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
              Smith   Richardson   Foundation,   a  stockholder  of
              Vanguard  Cellular  Systems,  Inc.,  and AT&T  Corp.,
              attached  as  Annex B to the  Agreement  and  Plan of
              Merger.

     2(i)     Form of Affiliate Letter, attached as Annex C to the Agreement
                           and Plan of Merger.

         The  following  list of schedules to the  Agreement and Plan of Merger,
filed  as  Exhibit  2(a)  hereto,  have  been  omitted.  The  Registrant  hereby
undertakes to furnish  supplementally a copy of any such omitted schedule to the
Commission upon request.

     Schedule 3.1(b)(i)        Capital Structure
     Schedule 3.1(b)(ii)       Subsidiaries of the Company
     Schedule 3.1(b)(iv)       Holders of Options
     Schedule 3.1(b)(v)        Additional Equity Issuances
     Schedule 3.1(c)(ii)       Authority; No Conflicts: Violations
     Schedule 3.1(d)(ii)       Reports and Financial Statements: Liabilities
     Schedule 3.1(g)           Litigation
     Schedule 3.1(h)(i)        Filed Tax Returns
     Schedule 3.1(h)(ii)       Payment of Tax Liabilities
     Schedule 3.1(h)(iii)(A)   Current and Pending Audits
     Schedule 3.1(h)(iii)(B)   Tax Assessments
     Schedule 3.1(h)(iii)(C)   Liens
     Schedule 3.1(h)(iii)(D)   Tax Returns Currently Under Extension
     Schedule 3.1(h)(iv)     ss.341(f) Election
     Schedule 3.1(h)(v)        IRS Audit
     Schedule 3.1(h)(vi)       NOLs Subject to Limitation
     Schedule 3.1(h)(vii)    ss.280G andss.162(m)
     Schedule 3.1(h)(viii)     Liabilities for Third Parties
     Schedule 3.1(h)(ix)       Tax Sharing Arrangements
     Schedule 3.1(h)(x)      ss.368(a) Treatment
     Schedule 3.1(i)(C)        Absence of Certain Changes or Events
     Schedule 3.1(k)(i)        Certain Agreements
     Schedule 3.1(l)(ii)       Employee Benefit Plans; Labor Matters; Options
     Schedule 3.1(o)           Year 2000 Compliance
     Schedule 3.1(p)           Affiliated Transactions and Certain Other
                                Agreements
     Schedule 3.1(s)           Properties

                                                    3

<PAGE>



     Schedule 3.1(v)          Foreign Operations
     Schedule 4.1(b)          Covenants of the Company - Securities
     Schedule 4.1(d)          Covenants of the Company - Investments and Loans
     Schedule 4.1(e)          Covenants of the Company - Compensation
     Schedule 4.1(g)          Covenants of the Company - Acquisitions;
                                                         Other Uses of Funds
     Schedule 4.1(h)          Covenants of the Company - Wireless Assets
     Schedule 4.1(i)          Covenants of the Company - Lines of Business
     Schedule 4.1(j)          Covenants of the Company - Expenditures
     Schedule 4.1(k)          Covenants of the Company - Affiliates
     Schedule 5.4             Acquisition Proposals
     Schedule 5.5(c)(ii)      Severance Pay Policies
     Schedule 6.1(e)          Tax Opinions
     Schedule 8.10(f)         Definitions
     Schedule 8.10(j)         Required Consent


                                                         4

<PAGE>


SIGNATURES


         Pursuant to the  requirements  of the Securities  Exchange Act of 1934,
the  Company  has duly  caused  this  report to be  signed on its  behalf by the
undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

                                        VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC.



Date: October 13, 1998                 By:/s/ Stephen R. Leeolou
                                          Stephen R. Leeolou
                                          President and Chief Executive Officer



                                                         5
<PAGE>

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

      2(a)     Agreement and Plan of Merger dated as of October 2, 1998 among
               AT&T Corp., Winston, Inc. and Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.

      2(b)     Option Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between Vanguard
               Cellular Systems, Inc. and  AT&T Corp., attached as Annex A to
               the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

      2(c)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
               Haynes G. Griffin, a stockholder of Vanguard Cellular
               Systems, Inc., and AT&T Corp., attached as Annex B to
               the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

      2(d)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
               Stephen  R.  Leeolou,   a  stockholder   of  Vanguard
               Cellular Systems,  Inc., and AT&T Corp.,  attached as
               Annex B to the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

      2(e)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
               Piedmont   Associates   Limited,   a  stockholder  of
               Vanguard  Cellular  Systems,  Inc.,  and AT&T  Corp.,
               attached  as  Annex B to the  Agreement  and  Plan of
               Merger.

     2(f)     Voting Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between L.
              Richardson Preyer, Jr., a stockholder of  Vanguard Cellular
              Systems, Inc., and  AT&T Corp., attached as Annex B to the
              Agreement and Plan of Merger.

     2(g)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
              Stuart  S.  Richardson,  a  stockholder  of  Vanguard
              Cellular Systems,  Inc., and AT&T Corp.,  attached as
              Annex B to the Agreement and Plan of Merger.

     2(h)     Voting  Agreement dated as of October 2, 1998 between
              Smith   Richardson   Foundation,   a  stockholder  of
              Vanguard  Cellular  Systems,  Inc.,  and AT&T  Corp.,
              attached  as  Annex B to the  Agreement  and  Plan of
              Merger.

     2(i)     Form of Affiliate Letter, attached as Annex C to the Agreement
              and Plan of Merger.


                                                          STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL
                                                             EXECUTION COPY

                          AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER


                           DATED AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1998


                                      AMONG


                                   AT&T CORP.,


                                  WINSTON, INC.


                                       AND


                         VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC.







<PAGE>



                                                                 
                           TABLE OF CONTENTS


                                                                 Page



                                   ARTICLE I.
                                 PLAN OF MERGER

   1.1 The Merger                                                 2
                                        
   1.2 Effective Time                                             2
                                        
   1.3 Effects of the Merger                                      2
                                        
   1.4 Certificate of Incorporation                               2
                                        
   1.5 By-Laws                                                    2
                                        
   1.6 Directors and Officers of Surviving Corporation            2
       
   1.7 Effect on Capital Stock                                    2
                                        
   1.8 Adjustment of Merger Consideration                         7
                                        
   1.9 No Further Ownership Rights in Company Common Stock        8
                                        
   1.10 No Fractional Shares                                      8
                                        
   1.11 Shares of Dissenting Shareholders                         8
       
   1.12 The Company Options                                       8
                                        


                                   ARTICLE II.
                            EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

   2.1 Closing                                                    9
       
   2.2 Exchange Agent                                             9
       
   2.3 Exchange and Payment Procedures                            10
       
   2.4 Distributions with Respect to Unexchanged Shares           10
       
   2.5 Termination of Exchange Fund                               11

   2.6 No Liability                                               11

   2.7 Lost Certificates                                          11
       
   2.8 Withholding Rights                                         11
       
   2.9 Further Assurances                                         11
       
   2.10 Stock Transfer Books                                      12
       


                                ARTICLE III.
                       REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES


   3.1 Representations and Warranties of the Company              12

   3.2 Joint and Several Representations and Warranties of
       Parent and Merger Sub                                      25

<PAGE>

                                   ARTICLE IV.
                    COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

   4.1 Covenants of the Company                                  28

   4.2 Reasonable Efforts                                        32

   4.3 NYSE Listing                                              32
       
   4.4 Advice of Changes; Government Filings                     32

   4.5 Control of Other Party's Business                         33


                                   ARTICLE V.
                              ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

   5.1 Preparation of Proxy Statement/Registration; Company Shareholder
    Meeting                                                      33
      
   5.2 Access to Information                                     34

   5.3 Approvals and Consents; Cooperation                       35

   5.4 Acquisition Proposals                                     36

   5.5 Employee Benefits                                         37

   5.6 Fees and Expenses                                         37

   5.7 Indemnification; Directors' and Officers' Insurance       38

   5.8 Public Announcements                                      38

   5.9 Debentures                                                38

   5.10 Affiliate Letters                                        38


                                   ARTICLE VI.
                              CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

6.1 Conditions to Each Party's Obligation to Effect the Merger     39

6.2 Additional Conditions to Obligations of Parent and Merger Sub  40

6.3 Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company            42



                                  ARTICLE VII.
                            TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

   7.1 Termination                                              42
 
   7.2 Effect of Termination                                    45

   7.3 Amendment                                                46

   7.4 Extension; Waiver                                        46


                                  ARTICLE VIII.
                               GENERAL PROVISIONS

   8.1 No Survival of Representations, Warranties and Agreements 46

   8.2 Notices                                                   47
                                            ii
<PAGE>

   8.3 Interpretation                                            47

   8.4 Counterparts                                              47

   8.5 Entire Agreement; No Third Party Beneficiaries            47

   8.6 Governing Law                                             48
      
   8.7 Severability                                              48
 
   8.8 Assignment                                                48
       
   8.9 Enforcement                                               48
 
   8.10 Definitions                                              48
                                            iii
<PAGE>





                            GLOSSARY OF DEFINED TERMS

                             Definition Location of
                                  Defined Term
Acquisition Proposal.............................Section 5.4
Adjustment Shares................................Section 1.8
Affiliate Letter................................Section 5.10
Agreement...........................................Preamble
Approval Satisfaction Date...................Section 8.10(d)
Articles of Merger...............................Section 1.2
Board of Directors...........................Section 8.10(a)
Business Day.................................Section 8.10(b)
Cash Election.................................Section 1.7(e)
Cash Fraction...........................Section 1.7(f)(C)(1)
Certificate of Merger............................Section 1.2
Certificates..................................Section 1.7(e)
Closing..........................................Section 2.1
Closing Date.....................................Section 2.1
Code................................................Preamble
Communications Act.......................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Company.............................................Preamble
Company Benefit Plans.....................Section 3.1(1)(ii)
Company Common Stock...................Recitals; Section 1.7
Company Disclosure Schedule..................Section 8.10(m)
Company Material Contracts.................Section 3.1(k)(i)
Company Options..............................Section 1.12(a)
Company Permits..............................Section 3.1(f)
Company Required Regulatory Approvals........Section 6.2(e)
Company SEC Reports........................Section 3.1(d)(i)
Company Stock Option Plans.....................Section 1.12
Company Shareholders Meeting.................Section 5.1(e)
Company Voting Debt.....................Section 3.1(b)(iii)
Controlled Group Liability................Section 3.1(l)(i)
Debentures......................................Section 5.9
Debentures Indenture............................Section 5.9
Defeasance....................................Section 5.9(b)
DGCL............................................Section 1.1
Dissenting Shares..............................Section 1.11
Effective Time..................................Section 1.2
Election.....................................Section 1.7(e)
Election Deadline............................Section 1.7(i)
Environmental Law............................Section 3.1(q)
ERISA.....................................Section 3.1(l)(i)
ERISA Affiliate...........................Section 3.1(l)(i)
ESPP.........................................Section 5.5(a)
                                            iv
<PAGE>

Exchange Act................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Exchange Agent...............................Section 2.2
Exchange Fund................................Section 2.2
Expenses.....................................Section 5.6
Extension Conditions......................Section 7.1(b)
FCC..................................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
FCC Consents..............................Section 6.1(c)
Final Order..............................Section 8.10(e)
Form of Election..........................Section 1.7(e)
GAAP...................................Section 3.1(d)(i)
Governmental Entity..................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Guaranty of Delivery.............Section 1.7(h)(C)(2)(i)
Hazardous Substance.......................Section 3.1(q)
HSR Act..............................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Intellectual Property.....................Section 3.1(r)
IRS....................................Section 3.1(l)(i)
Knowledge................................Section 8.10(f)
Law.......................................Section 3.1(f)
Liens.................................Section 3.1(b)(ii)
Material Adverse Effect..................Section 8.10(c)
Merger.............................Recitals; Section 1.1
Merger Consideration......................Section 1.7(b)
Merger Sub......................................Preamble
Nasdaq...............................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
NCBCA........................................Section 1.1
NOLs......................................Section 3.1(h)
Non-Election..............................Section 1.7(e)
Non-Election Fraction...............Section 1.7(h)(C)(1)
NYSE.............................Section 1.7(h)(C)(2)(i)
Option Agreement ...............................Preamble
Organizational Documents.................Section 8.10(h)
Outside Date..............................Section 7.1(b)
Parent..........................................Preamble
Parent Common Stock.......................Section 1.7(b)
Parent Required Regulatory Approvals......Section 6.3(c)
Parent SEC Reports.....................Section 3.2(e)(i)
PCS..........................................Section 4.2
Per Share Cash Amount.....................Section 1.7(b)
Per Share Stock Amount....................Section 1.7(b)
Person...................................Section 8.10(i)
Proposed Amendment.......................Section 5.9
Proprietary Technology....................Section 3.1(r)
Proxy Statement...........................Section 5.1(a)
Registration Statement....................Section 5.1(a)
Reorganization............................Section 4.1(f)
                                            v
<PAGE>

Representative..............................Section 1.7(e)
Required Company Vote.......................Section 3.1(i)
Required Consents..........................Section 8.10(j)
Required Regulatory Approvals...............Section 5.3(e)
SEC......................................Section 3.1(d)(i)
Securities Act.........................Section 3.1(c)(iii)
Stock Election..............................Section 1.7(e)
Stock Fraction........................Section 1.7(g)(C)(1)
Subsidiary.................................Section 8.10(k)
Superior Proposal..............................Section 5.4
Surviving Corporation..........................Section 1.1
Tax........................................Section 8.10(l)
Taxable....................................Section 8.10(l)
Taxes......................................Section 8.10(l)
Tax Return.................................Section 8.10(l)
Tender Offer...................................Section 5.9
Terminating Company Breach..................Section 7.1(g)
Terminating Parent Breach...................Section 7.1(h)
the other party............................Section 8.10(g)
to the knowledge...........................Section 8.10(e)
Violation...............................Section 3.1(c)(ii)
Voting Agreements.................................Preamble
                           vi

<PAGE>


AGREEMENT AND PLAN OF MERGER, dated as of October 2, 1998 (this "Agreement"), by
and among AT&T  Corp.,  a New York  corporation  ("Parent"),  Winston,  Inc.,  a
Delaware corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent ("Merger Sub"), and
Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc., a North Carolina corporation (the "Company").

                                   WITNESSETH.

WHEREAS,  the  respective  Boards of  Directors  of  Parent,  Merger Sub and the
     Company have each  determined  that the Merger is in the best  interests of
     their  respective  shareholders and have approved the Merger upon the terms
     and subject to the  conditions  set forth in this  Agreement,  whereby each
     issued and  outstanding  share of Class A Common Stock,  par value $.01 per
     share, of the Company  ("Company  Common  Stock"),  other than shares owned
     directly or indirectly by the Company,  will be converted into the right to
     receive the consideration set forth herein;

WHEREAS, in order to effectuate the foregoing,  the Company,  upon the terms and
     subject to the  conditions of this  Agreement  and in  accordance  with the
     Business  Corporation Act of the State of North  Carolina,  will merge with
     and into Merger Sub in a merger in which Merger Sub shall be the  surviving
     corporation;

WHEREAS, for federal income tax purposes, it is intended that the Merger qualify
     as a  reorganization  within the meaning of Section  368(a) of the Internal
     Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the "Code");

WHEREAS,  Parent has  requested,  and the Company has agreed,  as a condition to
     Parent's  willingness to enter into this Agreement,  that the Company enter
     into  that  certain  Option  Agreement,  dated  as of the date  hereof  and
     attached hereto as Annex A (the "Option Agreement");

WHEREAS, Parent has requested,  and the certain stockholders of the Company have
     agreed,  as  a  condition  to  Parent's  willingness  to  enter  into  this
     Agreement,  that  certain  stockholders  of the  Company  enter  into those
     certain  Voting  and  Option  Agreements  dated as of the date  hereof  and
     attached hereto as Annex B ("Voting Agreements"); and

WHEREAS,   Parent,   Merger  Sub  and  the  Company   desire  to  make   certain
     representations,  warranties,  covenants and agreements in connection  with
     the Merger and also to prescribe various conditions to the Merger.

NOW, THEREFORE,   in   consideration   of  the  foregoing  and  the   respective
     representations, warranties, covenants and agreements set forth herein, and
     intending to be legally bound hereby, the parties hereto agree as follows:
<PAGE>

                                           ARTICLE I.
                                        PLAN OF MERGER


                       1.1 The Merger. In accordance with the North
     Carolina  Business  Corporation Act (the "NCBCA") and the Delaware  General
     Corporation  Law (the  "DGCL"),  the Company  shall be merged with and into
     Winston, Inc., a Delaware corporation and wholly owned subsidiary of Parent
     ("Merger Sub") (the "Merger"). Following the Merger, the separate corporate
     existence of the Company  shall cease and Merger Sub shall  continue as the
     surviving  corporation  (the  "Surviving  Corporation")  in accordance with
     Section 55-11-07 of the NCBCA and Section 252 of the DGCL.

                       1.2  Effective  Time.  The Merger shall
     become effective when (i) articles of merger (the "Articles of Merger") are
     filed  with the  Secretary  of State of North  Carolina  in such form as is
     required by and executed in accordance  with Section  55-11-05 of the NCBCA
     and a certificate of merger (a  "Certificate  of Merger") is filed with the
     Secretary of State of Delaware in  accordance  with Sections 251 and 252 of
     the DGCL or (ii) such other time as Parent and the  Company  shall agree in
     writing  should be  specified  in the Articles of Merger (the date and time
     the Merger become s effective being the "Effective Time").

                       1.3 Effects of the Merger. At and
     after the  Effective  Time,  the Merger  will have the effects set forth in
     Section 55-11-06 of the NCBCA and Section 259 of the DGCL. Without limiting
     the generality of the foregoing, and subject thereto, at the Effective Time
     all the property, rights, privileges,  powers and franchises of the Company
     and Merger Sub shall be vested in the Surviving Corporation, and all debts,
     liabilities  and duties of the  Company  and  Merger  Sub shall  become the
     debts, liabilities and duties of the Surviving  Corporation. 

                       1.4    Certificate   of    Incorporation.
        The  certificate of  incorporation  of Merger Sub in effect
     immediately  prior  to the  Effective  Time  shall  be the  certificate  of
     incorporation  of the Surviving  Corporation  until  thereafter  changed or
     amended as provided therein or by appli cable law.

                       1.5          By-Laws. The by-laws of Merger Sub in
    effect at the Effective Time shall be the by-laws of the Surviving
    Corporation until thereafter changed or amended as provided therein or by
    applicable law.

                       1.6     Directors     and     Officers    of    Surviving
     Corporation.   The
     directors  and officers of Merger Sub shall be the  directors and officers,
     respectively,  of the  Surviving  Corporation,  until the  earlier of their
     resignation or removal or otherwise ceasing to be a director or officer, as
     the case may be, or until their respective  successors are duly elected and
     qualified, as the case may be.

                       1.7 Effect on Capital Stock. As of the Effective Time,
     by virtue of the Merger and without any action on the part of the holders
     of any shares of the Company's Class A Company
      Common Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Company Common Stock")
                                            2
<PAGE>


                  (a) Cancellation of Stock.  Each share of Company Common Stock
         that is owned by the  Company or any  wholly  owned  subsidiary  of the
         Company  (as  treasury  stock  or  otherwise)  shall  automatically  be
         cancelled  and retired  and shall  cease to exist and no  consideration
         shall be delivered in exchange therefor.

                  (b) Consideration for Company Common Stock. Subject to Section
         1.11, each issued and outstanding  share of Company Common Stock (other
         than  Dissenting  Shares and shares to be cancelled in accordance  with
         Section 1.7(a)) shall be converted into either (i) the right to receive
         0.3987 fully paid and  nonassessable  shares of common stock, par value
         $1.00 per share,  of Parent  ("Parent  Common  Stock")  (the "Per Share
         Stock  Amount"),  or (ii) the right to receive $23.00 in cash,  without
         interest  (the "Per  Share Cash  Amount"),  or (iii) a  combination  of
         shares  of  Parent  Common  Stock  and  cash,  each  as  determined  in
         accordance with Section 1.7(f), Section 1.7(g) or Section 1.7(h). As of
         the Effective  Time,  all such shares of Company  Common Stock shall no
         longer be outstanding and shall  automatically be cancelled and retired
         and shall cease to exist, and each holder of a certificate representing
         any such shares of Company  Common Stock shall cease to have any rights
         with respect  thereto,  except the right to receive,  upon surrender of
         such  certificate  in accordance  with Section 2.3, the Per Share Stock
         Amount,  the Per Share Cash Amount or a combination  of cash and Parent
         Common  Stock,   each  in   accordance   with  this  Section  1.7.  The
         consideration  to be received in the Merger  under this Article for one
         share of  Company  Common  Stock  shall be  referred  to  herein as the
         "Merger Consideration."

                  (c)      Merger Sub Capital Stock. Each share of capital stock
         of Merger Sub issued and outstanding immediately prior to the
         Effective Time shall remain outstanding and shall be unchanged as a 
         share of capital stock of the Surviving Corporation.
         

                  (d) The  aggregate  number of shares of Company  Common  Stock
         which may be  converted  into the right to  receive  cash in the Merger
         shall be equal to 50% of the number of shares of Company  Common  Stock
         outstanding  immediately  prior  to  the  Effective  Time  (other  than
         Dissenting Shares and shares to be cancelled in accordance with Section
         1.7(a)).  The aggregate  number of shares of Company Common Stock which
         may be converted  into the right to receive  Parent Common Stock in the
         Merger shall be equal to 50% of the number of shares of Company  Common
         Stock  outstanding  immediately prior to the Effective Time (other than
         Dissenting Shares and shares to be cancelled in accordance with Section
         1.7(a)).

                  (e) Subject to the  allocation  and  election  procedures  set
         forth in this  Section 1.7,  each record  holder (or  beneficial  owner
         through  appropriate  and  customary  documentation  and  instructions)
         immediately  prior to the  Effective  Time of shares of Company  Common
         Stock  shall be  entitled  either (i) to elect to receive the Per Share
         Cash  Amount  for each  such  share of  Company  Common  Stock (a "Cash
         Election"),  or (ii) to elect to receive the Per Share Stock Amount for
         each such share of Company Common Stock (a "Stock Election"),  or (iii)
         to indicate that such record holder has no preference as to the receipt
         of cash,  Parent Common Stock or a combination  thereof with respect to
                                            3
<PAGE>

         such holder's shares of Company Common Stock (a "Non-Election", and any
         Cash  Election,  Stock  Election or  Non-Election  shall be referred to
         herein as an  "Election").  All such elections  shall be made on a form
         furnished  by  Parent  for that  purpose  (a "Form  of  Election")  and
         reasonably  satisfactory  to the Company.  If more than one certificate
         which immediately  prior to the Effective Time represented  outstanding
         shares of Company Common Stock (a  "Certificate")  shall be surrendered
         for the  account  of the same  holder,  the  number of shares of Parent
         Common  Stock,  if any, to be issued to such holder in exchange for the
         Certificates which have been surrendered shall be computed on the basis
         of the aggregate  number of shares of Company Common Stock  represented
         by all of the Certificates  surrendered for the account of such holder.
         Holders  of  record of shares  of  Company  Common  Stock who hold such
         shares  of  Company  Common  Stock as  nominees,  trustees  or in other
         representative   capacities  (each,  a  "Representative")   may  submit
         multiple Forms of Election, provided that such Representative certifies
         that each such Form of  Election  covers all  shares of Company  Common
         Stock held by such Representative for a particular beneficial owner.

                              (f)  If the aggregate number of shares of Company
          Common Stock with respect
          to which Cash Elections have been made exceeds the aggregate number of
          shares of Company  Common Stock which may be converted  into the right
          to receive cash in the Merger, then:

                           A. Each share of Company Common Stock with respect
 to which a Stock Election shall have been made shall be converted into the
 right to receive the Per Share Stock Amount;

                           B. Each share of Company Common Stock with respect to
which a Non-Election shall have been made (or deemed to have been made) shall be
converted into the right to receive the Per Share Stock Amount; and

                           C. Each share of Company Common Stock with respect to
which a Cash Election  shall have been made shall be converted into the right to
receive:

                                (1) the amount in cash, without interest,  equal
                           to the  product of (i) the Per Share Cash  Amount and
                           (ii) a fraction (the "Cash Fraction"),  the numerator
                           of which shall be the  aggregate  number of shares of
                           Company  Common Stock which may be converted into the
                           right  to  receive  cash  in  the  Merger,   and  the
                           denominator of which shall be the aggregate number of
                           shares of Company  Common Stock with respect to which
                           Cash Elections shall have been made, and

                    (2) the number of shares of Parent Common Stock equal to the
               product  of (x) the Per Share  Stock  Amount  and (y) a  fraction
               equal to one minus the Cash Fraction.

     (g)  If the aggregate number of shares of Company Common Stock with respect
          to which Stock  Elections have been made exceeds the aggregate  number
          of shares
                                            4
<PAGE>

           of Company Common  Stock  which may be  converted  into the
          right to receive Parent Common Stock in the Merger, then:

               A.   Each share of Company  Common  Stock with respect to which a
Cash Election shall have been made shall be converted into
                    the right to receive the Per Share Cash Amount;

                           B. Each share of Company Common Stock with respect to
which a Non-Election shall have been made (or deemed to have been made) shall be
converted into the right to receive the Per Share Cash Amount; and

                           C. Each share of Company Common Stock with respect to
which a Stock Election shall have been made shall be converted into the right to
receive:

                                (1) the number of shares of Parent  Common Stock
                           equal  to the  product  of (i)  the Per  Share  Stock
                           Amount and (ii) a fraction  (the  "Stock  Fraction"),
                           the numerator of which shall be the aggregate  number
                           of  shares  of  Company  Common  Stock  which  may be
                           converted  into the right to  receive  Parent  Common
                           Stock in the  Merger,  and the  denominator  of which
                           shall be the  aggregate  number of shares of  Company
                           Common  Stock with  respect to which Stock  Elections
                           shall have been made, and

                         (2) the amount in cash, without interest,  equal to the
                    product of (x) the Per Share Cash  Amount and (y) a fraction
                    equal to one minus the Stock Fraction.

                  (h)       In the event that neither Section 1.7(f) nor
 Section 1.7(g) above is applicable, then:

                           A. Each share of Company Common Stock with respect to
which a Cash  Election  shall have been made (or deemed to have been made) shall
be converted into the right to receive the Per Share Cash Amount;

                           B. Each share of Company Common Stock with respect to
which a Stock  Election shall have been made (or deemed to have been made) shall
be converted into the right to receive the Per Share Stock Amount; and

                           C. Each share of Company Common Stock with respect to
which a Non-Election shall have been made (or deemed to have been made), if any,
shall be converted into the right to receive:

                                (1) the amount in cash, without interest,  equal
                           to the  product of (i) the Per Share Cash  Amount and
                           (ii) a fraction (the  "Non-Election  Fraction"),  the
                           numerator  of which  shall be the  excess  of the (A)
                           aggregate  number of shares of Company  Common  Stock
                           which may be converted into the right to receive cash
                           in the  Merger  over  (B)  the  sum of the  aggregate
                           number of
                                            5
<PAGE>

                           shares of Company Common Stock with respect
                           to which a Cash  Election  shall have been made,  and
                           the  denominator  of which shall be the excess of (A)
                           the  aggregate  number of shares  of  Company  Common
                           Stock outstanding  immediately prior to the Effective
                           Time (other than shares to be cancelled in accordance
                           with  Section   1.7(a))  over  (B)  the  sum  of  the
                           aggregate  number of shares of Company  Common  Stock
                           with respect to which a Cash Election and a
                           Stock Election shall have been made plus Dissenting
                           Shares, and

                                (2) the number of shares of Parent  Common Stock
equal to the product of (x) the Per Share Stock Amount and (y) a fraction  equal
to one minus the Non-Election Fraction.

                  (i)  Elections  shall be made by  holders of shares of Company
         Common Stock by delivering the Form of Election to the exchange  agent.
         To be effective, a Form of Election must be properly completed,  signed
         and  submitted to the Exchange  Agent by 5:00 p.m. (New York City time)
         on the last business day prior to the Company  Shareholder Meeting (the
         "Election  Deadline")  (provided  that if the Closing is not reasonably
         expected to occur within 5 business  days of such date,  Parent and the
         Company shall agree to a later date, reasonably expected to be at least
         5 business  days prior to the  Closing,  as the  Election  Deadline and
         shall publish  appropriate  advance notice of such Election  Deadline),
         and accompanied by (1)(x) the  Certificates  representing the shares of
         Company  Common  Stock as to which the election is being made or (y) an
         appropriate  guarantee of delivery of such Certificates as set forth in
         such Form of  Election  from a firm  which is a member of a  registered
         national  securities  exchange  or  of  the  National   Association  of
         Securities  Dealers,  Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company having
         an  office  or  correspondent  in  the  United  States,  provided  such
         Certificates  are in fact  delivered to the Exchange Agent within three
         New  York  Stock  Exchange  ("NYSE")  trading  days  after  the date of
         execution of such  guarantee of delivery (a "Guarantee  of  Delivery"),
         and (2) a properly completed and signed letter of transmittal.  Failure
         to deliver  Certificates  covered by any  Guarantee of Delivery  within
         three NYSE trading  days after the date of execution of such  Guarantee
         of Delivery shall be deemed to invalidate  any otherwise  properly made
         Cash Election or Stock Election. Parent will have the discretion, which
         it may delegate in whole or in part to the Exchange Agent, to determine
         whether  Forms of Election  have been  properly  completed,  signed and
         submitted  or revoked and to disregard  immaterial  defects in Forms of
         Election.  The good faith decision of Parent (or the Exchange Agent) in
         such matters shall be conclusive  and binding.  Neither  Parent nor the
         Exchange Agent will be under any obligation to notify any person of any
         defect in a Form of  Election  submitted  to the  Exchange  Agent.  The
         Exchange Agent shall also make all  computations  contemplated  by this
         Section 1.7 and all such  computations  shall be conclusive and binding
         on the  holders of shares of  Company  Common  Stock in the  absence of
         manifest error. Any Form of Election may be changed or revoked prior to
         the Election Deadline. In the event a Form of Election is revoked prior
         to the Election  Deadline,  Parent  shall,  or shall cause the Exchange
         Agent to,  cause the  Certificates  representing  the shares of Company
         Common Stock  covered by
                                            6
<PAGE>

         such Form of Election to be promptly  returned
         without  charge to the  person  submitting  the Form of  Election  upon
         written request to that effect from such person.

                  (j) For the  purposes  hereof,  a holder of shares of  Company
         Common  Stock who does not submit a Form of Election  which is received
         by the  Exchange  Agent prior to the  Election  Deadline  (including  a
         holder who  submits and then  revokes  his or her Form of Election  and
         does not  resubmit a Form of Election  which is timely  received by the
         Exchange  Agent),  or  who  submits  a Form  of  Election  without  the
         corresponding  Certificates or a Guarantee of Delivery, shall be deemed
         to have made a  Non-Election.  If any Form of Election is  defective in
         any manner such that the Exchange Agent cannot reasonably determine the
         election  preference  of  the  shareholder   submitting  such  Form  of
         Election,  the  purported  Cash  Election or Stock  Election  set forth
         therein  shall  be  deemed  to  be of  no  force  and  effect  and  the
         shareholder  making such  purported Cash Election or Stock Election sha
         ll, for purposes hereof, be deemed to have made a Non-Election.

                  (k) A Form of Election  and a letter of  transmittal  shall be
         included with each copy of the Proxy  Statement  mailed to shareholders
         of the Company in connection with the Company  Meeting.  Parent and the
         Company shall each use its reasonable best efforts to mail or otherwise
         make  available the Form of Election and a letter of transmittal to all
         persons who become holders of shares of Company Common Stock during the
         period between the record date for the Company Meeting and the Election
         Deadline.

                  1.8 Adjustment of Merger Consideration.  In the event that
 pursuant to a transaction  announced after the
date  hereof  and  becoming  effective  prior  to the  Effective  Time  (i)  any
distribution  is made in respect  of Parent  Common  Stock  other than a regular
quarterly   cash   dividend   or  (ii)  any   stock   dividend,   stock   split,
reclassification,  recapitalization, combination or mandatory exchange of shares
occurs with respect to, or rights (other than non-mandatory  offers to exchange)
are issued in respect of, Parent Common Stock,  then, the Per Share Stock Amount
shall be adjusted accordingly. In the event of a dividend or distribution to all
holders of Parent  Common  Stock of any class of capital  stock of Parent or any
Subsidiary of Parent ("Adjustment  Shares"),  the record date for which is prior
to the Effective Time (it is agreed that the appropriate adjustment, in addition
to the right to receive the Per Share  Stock  Amount  prior to such  adjustment,
shall be either,  at Parent's option  (provided that Parent shall use reasonable
efforts to be able to elect (A) before  electing (B)), (A) the right to receive,
at the Effective Time, the number of Adjustment Shares that such recipient would
have received in respect of the Per Share Stock Amount had such recipient  owned
the Per  Share  Stock  Amount  in  Parent  Common  Stock  as of the date of this
Agreement and held such through the Effective Time or and no further  adjustment
shall be required under this Section 1.8 for such dividend or  distribution,  or
(B) the right to receive an amount of Parent  Common Stock equal in market value
at the Effective Time to the market value at the Effective Time of the number of
Adjustment  Shares  that  would have been  received  in respect of the Per Share
Stock  Amount had the  recipient  thereof  owned the Per Share  Stock  Amount in
Parent  Common Stock as of the date of this  Agreement and held such through the
Effective Time, and no further  adjustment  shall be required under this Section
1.8 for such  dividend  distribution.  For the  purposes of the prior  sentence,
"market  value"  means,  with  respect  to any  securities  listed on a national
securities exchange or quoted on an interdealer
                                            7
<PAGE>

quotation system, the average of
the closing  prices on the five trading days prior to the Effective  Time, or if
not so listed,  the fair market value of such securities re asonably  determined
by the Board of Directors of Parent on such date.

                  1.9 No Further  Ownership Rights in Company Common  Stock.
All shares of Parent Common
Stock issued upon the surrender for exchange of  Certificates in accordance with
the terms hereof (including any cash paid pursuant to Sections 1.7, 1.10 or 2.4)
shall  be  deemed  to have  been  issued  in  full  satisfaction  of all  rights
pertaining  to such  shares  of  Company  Common  Stock,  and from and after the
Effective Time there shall be no further registration of transfers of the shares
of  Company  Common  Stock  which  were  outstanding  immediately  prior  to the
Effective Time. If, after the Effective Time,  Certificates are presented to the
Surviving  Corporation for any reason,  they shall be cancelled and exchanged as
provided in Article II.

                  1.10 No   Fractional   Shares.  No
certificate or scrip representing fractional shares of Parent Common Stock shall
be issued upon the surrender for exchange of  Certificates,  and such fractional
share  interests  will not  entitle  the owner  thereof  to vote or to any other
rights of a stockholder of Parent.  Notwithstanding  any other provision of this
Agreement,  each holder of shares of Company Common Stock exchanged  pursuant to
the Merger who would  otherwise  have been  entitled  to receive a fraction of a
share of Parent  Common  Stock  (after  taking  into  account  all  Certificates
delivered  by such  holder)  shall  receive,  in  lieu  thereof,  cash  (without
interest) in an amount equal to such fractional part of a share of Parent Common
Stock multiplied by the Per Share Cash Amount.

                  1.11 Shares of Dissenting Shareholders.  Notwithstanding
  anything in this Agreement to the contrary,  any
shares of Company  Common Stock that are  outstanding  immediately  prior to the
Effective  Time and that are held by  shareholders  who shall not have  voted in
favor of the Merger and who shall have demanded  properly in writing payment for
such shares (and not withdrawn such demand) in accordance with Article 13 of the
NCBCA  (collectively,  the  "Dissenting  Shares") shall not be converted into or
represent the right to receive the Merger Consideration. Such shareholders shall
be entitled to receive the amounts  determined in accordance with the provisions
of such  Article 13. If,  after the  Effective  Time,  any such holder  fails to
perfect or effectively  withdraws or loses such rights,  such Dissenting  Shares
shall  thereupon  be  deemed  to have  been  converted  into and to have  become
exchangeable  for, as of the Effective  Time, the right to receive,  without any
interest thereon, the consideration provided for in Section 1.7 and to have made
a  Non-Election.  The Company  shall give Parent  prompt notice of any notice or
demands for  payment in  accordance  with  Article 13 of the NCBCA for shares of
Company Common Stock received by the Company, and Parent shall have the right to
direct all proceedings, negotiations and actions taken by the Company in respect
thereof.

                  1.12 The  Company  Options.  At  the
Effective Time, each unexpired and unexercised  outstanding  option,  whether or
not then vested or exercisable in accordance  with its terms, to purchase shares
of  Company  Common  Stock (the  "Company  Options")  previously  granted by the
Company or its  Subsidiaries  under the  Company's  Amended and  Restated  Stock
Compensation  Plan,  the 1989 Stock Plan and the Amended and Restated  1994 Long
Term  Incentive Plan  (collectively,  the "Company Stock Option Plans") shall be
cancelled  and 
                                            8
<PAGE>

 converted  into the right to receive from the Parent,  within 10
days following the Effective Time, cash in an amount equal to the product of (a)
the Per Share Cash Amount  minus the  exercise  price per share of such  Company
Option,  times (b) the number of shares of Common  Stock which may be  purchased
upon exercise of such Company Option (whether or not then exercisable). Prior to
(but effective at) the Effective Time, the Company shall use its reasonable best
efforts to (i) obtain any consents from all holders of Company  Options and (ii)
make any amendments to the terms of such stock option or  compensation  plans or
arrangements  that, in the case of either  clause (i) or (ii),  are necessary to
give effect to the transactions  contemplated by this Section 1.12.  Immediately
prior to the  Effective  Time,  the Company  shall  terminate  the Company Stock
Option Plans effective as of the Effective Time.

                                  ARTICLE II.
                              EXCHANGE OF CERTIFICATES

                       2.1 Closing.  The  closing of the Merger  (the
     "Closing") will take place on the fifth Business Day after  satisfaction or
     waiver  (as  permitted  by  this  Agreement  and  applicable  law)  of  the
     conditions  (excluding conditions that, by their terms, cannot be satisfied
     until the  Closing  Date) set forth in  Article  VI (the  "Closing  Date"),
     unless (a) Parent elects a later date (because, in its good faith judgment,
     Parent  believes that such delay is necessary in  connection  with avoiding
     interference  with a  material  transaction)  that is not  later  than  the
     Outside  Date or (b)  another  time or date is agreed to in  writing by the
     parties  hereto.  The  Closing  shall be held at the  offices  of  Latham &
     Watkins,  885 Third Avenue,  Suite 1000,  New York, NY  10022-4802,  unless
     another place is agreed to in writing by the parties  hereto.  The Articles
     of Merger and the Certificate of Merger shall be filed on or as promptly as
     practicable following the Closing Date, and each shall contemplate the same
     Effective Time.

                       2.2 Exchange  Agent. As of the Effective
     Time,  Parent  shall  deposit  with  such bank or trust  company  as may be
     designated  by Parent and be  reasonably  acceptable  to the  Company  (the
     "Exchange  Agent")  for the  benefit  of the  holders  of shares of Company
     Common  Stock and the  holders of the  Company  Options,  for  exchange  or
     payment in accordance  with this Section 2.2,  through the Exchange  Agent,
     (i)  certificates  evidencing  such number of shares of Parent Common Stock
     equal to (x) the Per Share Stock  Amount  multiplied  by (y) the  aggregate
     number of shares of Company  Common Stock which may be  converted  into the
     right to receive Parent Common Stock in the Merger, and (ii) (1) cash in an
     amount  equal  to (x) the  Per  Share  Cash  Amount  multiplied  by (y) the
     aggregate  number of shares of Company  Common Stock which may be converted
     into the right to receive cash in the Merger, and (2) any cash necessary to
     pay  amounts  due   pursuant  to  Section   1.10  and  Section  1.12  (such
     certificates  for  shares  of  Parent  Common  Stock  and such  cash  being
     hereinafter  referred to as the "Exchange Fund"). The Exchange Agent shall,
     pursuant to irrevocable  instructions  in accordance  with these Articles I
     and II, deliver the Parent Common Stock and cash  contemplated to be issued
     pursuant to Section 1.7 out of the Exchange  Fund.  The Exchange Fund shall
     not be used for any other purpose. The Exchange Agent shall invest any cash
     included in the Exchange Fund, as directed by Parent, on a daily basis. Any
     interest and other income resulting from such investments  shall be paid to
     Parent. 
                                            9
<PAGE>


                       2.3  Exchange  and  Payment   Procedures.
      (a) As  soon  as  reasonably  practicable  after  the
     Effective Time, the Exchange Agent shall mail to each holder of record of a
     Certificate or  Certificates  that were converted into the right to receive
     shares of Parent Common Stock and/or cash pursuant to Section 1.7(b), (i) a
     letter of transmittal (which shall specify that delivery shall be effected,
     and risk of loss and title to the Certificates shall pass, only upon proper
     delivery of the  Certificates to the Exchange Agent,  and which shall be in
     such form and have such other provisions as Parent may reasonably  specify)
     and  (ii)   instructions   for  use  in  effecting  the  surrender  of  the
     Certificates  in exchange  for shares of Parent  Common  Stock and/or cash.
     Upon  surrender of a Certificate  for  cancellation  to the Exchange  Agent
     together  with such letter of  transmittal,  duly executed and completed in
     accordance with the instructions  thereto,  and such other documents as may
     reasonably  be  required  by  the  Exchange  Agent,   the  holder  of  such
     Certificate shall be entitled to receive in exchange therefor a certificate
     representing that number of whole shares of Parent Common Stock and/or cash
     which such holder has the right to receive  pursuant to the  provisions  of
     Article I and this  Article II and the  Certificate  so  surrendered  shall
     forthwith be cancelled.  In the event of a transfer of ownership of Company
     Common Stock that is not registered in the transfer records of the Company,
     a  certificate  representing  the proper  number of shares of Parent Common
     Stock  and/or cash may be issued to a Person other than the Person in whose
     name the  Certificate  so  surrendered  is  registered  if the  Certificate
     representing  such Company Common Stock is presented to the Exchange Agent,
     accompanied by all documents  required to evidence and effect such transfer
     and evidence that any applicable stock transfer taxes have been paid. Until
     surrendered as contemplated by this Article II, each  Certificate  shall be
     deemed at any time after the Effective  Time to represent only the right to
     receive upon surrender the certificate representing shares of Parent Common
     Stock and/or cash as contemplated by this Article II.

                       (b) As soon as reasonably practicable after the Effective
     Time,  but no later than five business days after the Effective  Time,  the
     Company, after approval by Parent (which approval shall not be unreasonably
     withheld or delayed),  shall deliver to the Exchange  Agent,  a list of the
     holders of the Company Options,  their addresses and the amounts to be paid
     to each of them.  Promptly  after  receipt of such list,  but no later than
     three days after  receipts of such list,  the Exchange  Agent shall pay the
     amounts shown on such schedule.

                       2.4    Distributions    with   Respect   to   Unexchanged
     Shares. No dividends or
     other distributions  declared or made after the Effective Time with respect
     to Parent Common Stock with a record date after the Effective Time shall be
     paid to the holder of any  unsurrendered  Certificate  with  respect to the
     shares of Parent  Common  Stock to which such holder is entitled  hereunder
     and no cash  payment  paid to any such holder  pursuant to Sections 1.7 and
     1.10 until the holder of record of such  Certificate  shall  surrender such
     Certificate.  Subject to the effect of applicable laws, following surrender
     of any such  Certificate,  there shall be given to the record holder of the
     certificates representing whole shares of Parent Common Stock to which such
     holder is entitled  hereunder,  without  interest,  (i) at the time of such
     surrender, a certificate  representing the number of whole shares of Parent
     Common  Stock and the amount of any cash to which such  holder is  entitled
     pursuant  to  Sections  1.7 and 1.10 and the amount of  dividends  or other
     distributions with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock with
     a record date after the  Effective  Time and a payment  date prior to their
     date of issuance to such holder, and (ii)
                                            10
<PAGE>

     at the appropriate  payment date,
     the amount of dividends or other distributions with a record date after the
     Effective  Time but prior to  surrender  and a payment date  subsequent  to
     surrender payable with respect to such whole shares of Parent Common Stock.

                       2.5   Termination  of  Exchange   Fund. Any portion of
     the Exchange Fund which remains undistributed
     to the holders of  Certificates  for six months  after the  Effective  Time
     shall  be  delivered  to  Parent,  upon  demand,  and any  shareholders  or
     optionholders  of the Company  who have not  previously  complied  with the
     provisions  of this  Article  II shall  thereafter  look only to Parent for
     payment  of  their  claim  for  Parent  Common  Stock  and/or  cash and any
     dividends or distributions with respect to Parent Common Stock. Any portion
     of the Exchange Fund remaining unclaimed by holders of Company Common Stock
     five years after the Effective Time (or such earlier date immediately prior
     to such time as such portion would otherwise  escheat to or become property
     of any  Governmental  Entity) shall, to the extent  permitted by applicable
     law, become the property of the Surviving Corporation free and clear of any
     claims or interest of any Person previously entitled therein.

                       2.6 No  Liability.  To the fullest extent
     permitted by law, none of Parent,  Merger Sub, the Company or the Surviving
     Corporation shall be liable to any holder of Company Common Stock or Parent
     Common  Stock,  as the  case  may  be,  for any  shares  (or  dividends  or
     distributions  with  respect  thereto)  and/or cash  delivered  to a public
     official pursuant to any applicable abandoned property,  escheat or similar
     law.

                       2.7  Lost   Certificates.   If  any
     Certificate shall have been lost,  stolen or destroyed,  upon the making of
     an affidavit of that fact by the Person  claiming  such  Certificate  to be
     lost,  stolen or destroyed and, if required by Parent,  the posting by such
     Person  of a bond in  such  reasonable  amount  as  Parent  may  direct  as
     indemnity  against  any claim that may be made  against it with  respect to
     such  Certificate,  the  Exchange  Agent will  deliver in exchange for such
     lost,  stolen or destroyed  Certificate  the shares of Parent  Common Stock
     and/or any cash.

                       2.8 Withholding  Rights. Parent and
     the  Exchange  Agent  shall be  entitled  to deduct and  withhold  from the
     consideration otherwise payable pursuant to this Agreement to any holder of
     shares of Company  Common Stock or holders of Company  Options such amounts
     as Parent or the Exchange Agent,  as applicable,  is required to deduct and
     withhold  with respect to the making of such payment under the Code, or any
     provision  of state,  local or foreign Tax law. To the extent that  amounts
     are so withheld by Parent or the  Exchange  Agent,  such  withheld  amounts
     shall be treated for all purposes of this  Agreement as having been paid to
     the holder of the shares of Company  Common  Stock in respect of which such
     deduction and withholding was made by such party.

                       2.9 Further Assurances. At and after
     the Effective Time, the officers and directors of the Surviving Corporation
     will be authorized to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the
     Company or Merger Sub, any deeds, bills of sale,  assignments or assurances
     and to take and do, in the name and on behalf of the Company of Merger Sub,
     any other  actions  and  things to vest,  perfect  or  confirm of record or
     otherwise  in the  Surviving  Corporation  any and  all 
                                            11
<PAGE>

     right,  title  and
     interest in, to and under any of the rights,  properties or assets acquired
     or to be  acquired  by the  Surviving  Corporation  as a result  of,  or in
     connection with, the Merger.

                       2.10 Stock Transfer  Books.  At
     5:00 p.m.,  New York City time, on the day the Effective  Time occurs,  the
     stock  transfer  books of the Company shall be closed and there shall be no
     further  registration  of  transfers  of shares  of  Company  Common  Stock
     thereafter  on the  records of the  Company.  From and after the  Effective
     Time,  the  holders of  Certificates  shall  cease to have any rights  with
     respect  to such  shares  of  Company  Common  Stock  formerly  represented
     thereby,  except as  otherwise  provided  herein or by law. On or after the
     Effective Time, any Certificates  presented to the Exchange Agent or Parent
     for any  reason  shall be  converted  into the  Merger  Consideration  with
     respect to the shares of Company Common Stock formerly represented thereby.


                                  ARTICLE III.
                      REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES

                       3.1          Representations and Warranties of the
 Company. The Company represents and warrants to Parent and Merger Sub as
 follows:

                  (a)  Organization,  Standing  and  Power.  The  Company  is  a
         corporation  duly  organized and validly  existing and in good standing
         under  the  laws  of its  jurisdiction  of  incorporation.  Each of the
         Company's  Subsidiaries  has been duly  formed and is validly  existing
         under the laws of the  jurisdiction  of its formation  except where the
         failure of a Subsidiary to be duly formed and validly  existing in such
         jurisdictions could not reasonably be expected,  either individually or
         in the  aggregate,  to have a Material  Adverse  Effect on the Company.
         Each of the Company and its  Subsidiaries is duly qualified and in good
         standing to do business in each jurisdiction in which the nature of its
         business  or the  ownership  or  leasing of its  properties  makes such
         qualification necessary,  other than, with respect to the Subsidiaries,
         in such  jurisdictions  where  the  failure  so to  qualify  could  not
         reasonably be expected,  either  individually  or in the aggregate,  to
         have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.  Each of the Company and
         its  Subsidiaries  has the requisite  corporate  power and authority to
         own,  lease and operate  its  properties  and  conduct its  business as
         currently  or proposed to be  conducted,  except,  with  respect to the
         Subsidiaries,  where  the  lack  of  such  requisite  power  could  not
         reasonably be expected,  either  individually  or in the aggregate,  to
         have  a  Material  Adverse  Effect  on the  Company.  The  Company  has
         previously furnished to Parent true, complete and correct copies of the
         Organizational  Documents  of the  Company and its  Subsidiaries  as in
         effect on the date of this  Agreement,  and neither the Company nor its
         Subsidiary is in default thereunder or acting in conflict therewith.

                  (b)  Capital Structure.

                           (i)  The  authorized  capital  stock  of the  Company
                  consists of (A) 250,000,000 shares of Company Common Stock, of
                  which 36,780,009,  shares are issued and outstanding as of the
                  date hereof and of which 36,780,009 shares plus such number of
                  shares as may be issued  consistent  with Section 4.1(b) shall
                  be
                                            12
<PAGE>

                  issued and  outstanding  as of the Effective  Time,  and no
                  shares are held by the Company or its Subsidiaries as treasury
                  stock,  (B)  30,000,000  shares of Class B Common  Stock,  par
                  value  $.01 per  share,  of  which no  shares  are  issued  or
                  outstanding,  and (C) 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par
                  value  $.01 per  share,  of  which no  shares  are  issued  or
                  outstanding.  All issued and outstanding shares of the capital
                  stock of the  Company  are duly  authorized,  validly  issued,
                  fully paid and nonassessable, and no class of capital stock is
                  entitled to preemptive  rights.  Except pursuant to the Option
                  Agreement or as set forth on Schedule 3.1(b)(i),  there are no
                  outstanding  options,  warrants  or other  rights  to  acquire
                  capital stock from the Company (or securities convertible into
                  or  exchangeable  or exercisable for such capital stock) other
                  than  options  representing  in the  aggregate  the  right  to
                  purchase  5,987,693  shares of Company  Common Stock under the
                  Company Stock Option Plans.

                           (ii) Schedule 3.1 (b)(ii) lists all  Subsidiaries  of
                  the  Company as of the date of this  Agreement.  Except as set
                  forth  in  Schedule  3.1(b)(ii),  (a)  all of the  issued  and
                  outstanding  shares of capital stock of each Subsidiary of the
                  Company that is a  corporation  are duly  authorized,  validly
                  issued,  fully paid and nonassessable and are owned,  directly
                  or  indirectly,  by the Company and where owned by the Company
                  or one or more of its  Subsidiaries,  are owned free and clear
                  of any liens, claims, encumbrances,  restrictions,  preemptive
                  rights,  security interests,  charges,  voting and disposition
                  restrictions or any other claims of any third party ("Liens"),
                  (b)  all  capital,  membership  or  voting  interests  of each
                  Subsidiary of the Company that is not a corporation  have been
                  validly created pursuant to its Organizational  Documents and,
                  where owned by the Company or one or more of its Subsidiaries,
                  are owned,  directly or  indirectly,  by the Company  free and
                  clear  of  any  Liens  and  (c)  none  of the  Company  or its
                  Subsidiaries  has any agreement or obligation to provide funds
                  to,  or make any  investment  (in the form of a loan,  capital
                  contribution  or  otherwise)  in any other  Person or owns any
                  interests in any Person  other than a wholly owned  Subsidiary
                  (except, as of the Effective Time, as may be agreed or allowed
                  consistent with Section 4.1(d)).

                           (iii)    No bonds, debentures, notes or other
                  indebtedness of the Company having the right to vote on any
                  matters on which shareholders may vote ("Company Voting Debt")
                  are issued or outstanding.

                           (iv)  Schedule  3.1(b)(iv)  sets  forth  a  true  and
                  complete  list as of the date hereof of all holders of options
                  to purchase  Company  Common  Stock,  including  the number of
                  shares of Company  Common  Stock  subject to each such option,
                  the exercise or vesting schedule, the exercise price per share
                  and the term of each such option.

                           (v)  Except  as  otherwise  set  forth  in  the  last
                  sentence  of  Section  3.1(b)(i)  or as set forth in  Schedule
                  3.1(b)(v), there are no securities,  options, warrants, calls,
                  subscriptions,  rights, commitments,  agreements, arrangements
                  or
                                            13
<PAGE>

                  undertakings of any kind to which the Company or any of its
                  Subsidiaries  is a party  or by  which  any of  them is  bound
                  obligating  the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  to issue,
                  deliver  or sell,  or cause to be issued,  delivered  or sold,
                  additional  shares of capital stock or other voting securities
                  of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  or obligating  the
                  Company or any of its Subsidiaries to issue,  grant, extend or
                  enter into any such security, option, warrant,  subscriptions,
                  call,   right,   commitment,    agreement,    arrangement   or
                  undertaking.  Except as disclosed on Schedule 3.1(b)(i), there
                  are no  outstanding  obligations  of the Company or any of its
                  Subsidiaries  to repurchase,  redeem or otherwise  acquire any
                  shares  of  capital  stock  of  the  Company  or  any  of  its
                  Subsidiaries.

                  (c)    Authority; No Conflicts.

                           (i) The Company has all requisite corporate power and
                  authority to execute and deliver this Agreement and the Option
                  Agreement and, subject, in the case of the consummation of the
                  Merger only, to the adoption of this Agreement by the Required
                  Company  Vote,  to consummate  the  transactions  contemplated
                  hereby and thereby. The execution, delivery and performance of
                  this Agreement and the Option  Agreement and the  consummation
                  of the transactions  contemplated hereby and thereby have been
                  duly  authorized  by  the  unanimous  vote  of  the  Board  of
                  Directors  of the  Company  (at a meeting  duly  called  and a
                  quorum being  present) and all necessary  corporate  action on
                  the  part  of  the  Company,  subject,  in  the  case  of  the
                  consummation of the Merger only, to the Required Company Vote.
                  This  Agreement  has been duly  executed and  delivered by the
                  Company  and   constitutes   the  legal,   valid  and  binding
                  obligation   of  the  Company,   enforceable   against  it  in
                  accordance with its terms,  except as such  enforceability may
                  be  limited   by   bankruptcy,   insolvency,   reorganization,
                  moratorium and similar laws relating to or affecting creditors
                  generally, by general equity principles (regardless of whether
                  such enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or
                  at law) or by an  implied  covenant  of good  faith  and  fair
                  dealing.  The  Board  of  Directors  of the  Company  has  (i)
                  unanimously  approved and adopted this  Agreement,  the Option
                  Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby and thereby
                  and has declared  that the Merger and this  Agreement  and the
                  other  transactions  contemplated  hereby are advisable and in
                  the best  interests  of the Company and its  shareholders  and
                  (ii)   unanimously   taken  all  action  necessary  to  render
                  inapplicable   to  the   transactions   contemplated  by  this
                  Agreement,   by  the  Option   Agreement  and  by  the  Voting
                  Agreement,  the  provisions  of Article  VII of the  Company's
                  Articles  of  Incorporation  and any  state  anti-takeover  or
                  similar law,  including any such law relating to the voting of
                  shares or a  moratorium  on the  consummation  of any business
                  combination.  The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  has
                  directed that this Agreement and the transactions contemplated
                  hereby be submitted to the holders of the Company Common Stock
                  to obtain the Required  Company Vote and, subject to the terms
                  hereof, has unanimously recommended that such holders vote for
                  approval and adoption of this  Agreement and the  transactions
                  contemplated  hereby.  Neither
                                            14
<PAGE>

                  Article  9 nor  Article  9A of
                  Chapter 55 of the General Statut es of North Carolina apply to
                  the Company.

                           (ii) Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(c)(ii),  the
                  execution and delivery of this Agreement, the Option Agreement
                  or the Voting Agreements does not or will not, as the case may
                  be,  and the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated
                  hereby  and  thereby  will not,  conflict  with,  require  any
                  filing, waiver,  permit,  approval or consent under, or result
                  in any  violation of, or constitute a default (with or without
                  notice  or lapse of time,  or both)  under,  or give rise to a
                  right of termination,  amendment, cancellation or acceleration
                  of any obligation or the loss of a material  benefit under, or
                  the creation of a lien, pledge,  security interest,  charge or
                  other   encumbrance   on  any  assets   (any  such   conflict,
                  requirement,   violation,   default,   right  of  termination,
                  amendment,  cancellation or acceleration,  loss or creation, a
                  "Violation")   pursuant   to:   (A)  any   provision   of  the
                  Organizational   Documents  of  the  Company  or  any  of  its
                  Subsidiaries  and (B)  subject  to  obtaining  or  making  the
                  consents,  approvals, orders,  authorizations,  registrations,
                  declarations and filings referred to in paragraph (iii) below,
                  (x) any Company  Material  Contract  (other than any cell site
                  lease) except any such  Violations,  which  individually or in
                  the  aggregate are not  material,  or (y) any other  contract,
                  agreement  or binding  obligation  to which the Company or any
                  Subsidiary  is a party or to which any of its or their  assets
                  are  bound,  except  as  could  not,  individually  or in  the
                  aggregate together with any violations pursuant to any Company
                  Material  Contract,  be  reasonably  expected  to  result in a
                  Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

                           (iii) No consent,  waiver, permit, approval, order or
                  authorization of, or registration, declaration or filing with,
                  any  supranational,   national,   state,  municipal  or  local
                  government,   any   instrumentality,    subdivision,    court,
                  administrative   agency  or  commission  or  other   authority
                  thereof, or any  quasi-governmental or private body exercising
                  any  regulatory,  taxing,  importing or other  governmental or
                  quasi-governmental  authority  (a  "Governmental  Entity")  is
                  required  by or  with  respect  to the  Company  or any of its
                  Subsidiaries  in connection with the execution and delivery of
                  this  Agreement or the Option  Agreement by the Company or the
                  consummation by the Company of the  transactions  contemplated
                  hereby or thereby,  except for (x) those  required under or in
                  relation to (A) the Hart-Scott  Rodino Antitrust  Improvements
                  Act  of  1976,   as   amended   (the  "HSR   Act"),   (B)  the
                  Communications  Act of 1934,  as amended (the  "Communications
                  Act"),  and  any  rules  and  regulations  promulgated  by the
                  Federal   Communications   Commission   ("FCC"),   (C)   state
                  securities or "blue sky" laws, (D) the Securities Act of 1933,
                  as amended (the "Securities Act"), (E) the Securities Exchange
                  Act of 1934, as amended  ("Exchange  Act"), (F) the NCBCA with
                  respect to the filing and recordation of appropriate documents
                  to effect the Merger,  (G) the Public Utilities  Commission of
                  Ohio, Public Competitive  Telecommunications Service Provider,
                  563 Registration  Form, (H) rules and regulations of any state
                  public  service  or  utility   commissions  or  similar  state
                                            15
<PAGE>

                  regulatory  bodies,  (I) rules and  regulations of the NYSE or
                  Nasdaq National Market ("Nasdaq"),  and (J) antitrust or other
                  competition  laws  of  other   jurisdictions,   and  (y)  such
                  consents,  approvals, orders,  authorizations,  registrations,
                  declarations  and  filings  the  failure  of  which to make or
                  obtain,  excluding  those which,  prior to the Effective Time,
                  have been made or obtained,  could not  reasonably be expected
                  to hav e a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

                  (d)   Reports and Financial Statements.

                           (i) The  Company  has  filed  all  required  reports,
                  schedules,  forms,  statements and other documents required to
                  be filed by it with the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission
                  (the "SEC") since January 1, 1996 (collectively, including all
                  exhibits  thereto  and  documents  incorporated  by  reference
                  therein,  the "Company SEC  Reports").  No  Subsidiary  of the
                  Company is required to file any form, report or other document
                  with the SEC.  None of the  Company SEC  Reports,  as of their
                  respective  dates (and,  if amended or  superseded by a filing
                  prior to the date of this Agreement,  then on the date of such
                  filing),  contained or will contain any untrue  statement of a
                  material fact or omitted or will omit to state a material fact
                  required  to be  stated  therein  or  necessary  to  make  the
                  statements  therein,  in  light of the  circumstances  e under
                  which they were made,  not  misleading.  Each of the financial
                  statements  (including  the  related  notes)  included  in the
                  Company SEC Reports presents fairly, in all material respects,
                  the consolidated  financial position and consolidated  results
                  of   operations   and  cash  flows  of  the  Company  and  its
                  Subsidiaries as of the respective  dates or for the respective
                  periods set forth  therein,  all in conformity  with generally
                  accepted accounting  principles ("GAAP")  consistently applied
                  during the periods involved except as otherwise noted therein,
                  and subject,  in the case of the unaudited  interim  financial
                  statements,  to normal and recurring year-end adjustments that
                  have not been and are not  expected  to be material in amount.
                  All of such the Company SEC  Reports,  as of their  respective
                  dates (and as of the date of any  amendment to the  respective
                  the Company SEC  Report),  complied as to form in all material
                  respects with the  applicable  requirements  of the Securities
                  Act  and  the  Exchange  Act and  the  rules  and  regulations
                  promulgated thereunder.

                           (ii)  Except  for,   and  to  the  extent  of,  those
                  liabilities  that are  reflected or reserved  against,  to the
                  extent  reflected  or reserved  against,  on the  consolidated
                  balance sheet of the Company and its Subsidiaries  included in
                  the  Company's  Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q for the  fiscal
                  period ended June 30, 1998, or the Company's  Annual Report on
                  Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, and except for
                  liabilities and obligations incurred in the ordinary course of
                  business  consistent  with past practice  since June 30, 1998,
                  and except and as to the extent  disclosed in Schedule  3.1(d)
                  (ii),  neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries has any
                  liabilities or obligations of any nature  whatsoever  (whether
                  fixed, absolute,  accrued, contingent or otherwise and whether
                  due or to become
                                            16
<PAGE>

                  due) that  individually  or in the  aggregate
                  could re  asonably  be  expected  to have a  Material  Adverse
                  Effect on the Company.

                  (e) Proxy Statement/Registration Statement. The information to
         be supplied by the Company for inclusion in the Registration  Statement
         shall  not at the  time the  Registration  Statement  is filed  with or
         declared   effective  by  the  SEC  or  at  the  date  of  the  Company
         Shareholders Meeting contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
         omit  to  state  any  material  fact  required  to  be  stated  in  the
         Registration  Statement or necessary in order to make the statements in
         the Registration  Statement,  in light of the circumstances under which
         they were made, not  misleading.  The Proxy Statement shall not, on the
         date  the  Proxy  Statement  is first  mailed  to  shareholders  of the
         Company,  at the time of the Company  Shareholders'  Meeting and at the
         Effective Time,  contain any statement which, at such time and in light
         of the  circumstances  under  which  it  shall  be  made,  is  false or
         misleading  with  respect to any  material  fact,  or omit to state any
         material  fact  necessary in order to make the  statements  made in the
         Proxy Statement not false or misleading  (excluding any statement based
         upon  information  supplied  by  Parent  for  inclusion  in  the  Proxy
         Statement).

                  (f) Compliance with Applicable Laws;  Regulatory Matters.  The
         Company and its Subsidiaries hold all permits, licenses,  certificates,
         franchises, registrations,  variances, exemptions, orders and approvals
         of all  Governmental  Entities  which are necessary or advisable to the
         operation of their businesses,  other than those which, individually or
         in the aggregate,  the failure to hold could not reasonably be expected
         to  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect  on  the  Company  (the  "Company
         Permits").  All such  Company  Permits  are valid and in full force and
         effect, and no suspension or cancellation of any such Company Permit is
         pending or, to the  knowledge  of the  Company,  threatened,  except as
         could not reasonably be expected to,  individually or in the aggregate,
         have a Material  Adverse  Effect on the  Company.  The  business of the
         Company and its Subsidiaries (including, without limitation,  operation
         of each Company Benefit Plan) are not being and have not been conducted
         in  violation  of any law,  ordinance,  regulation,  judgment,  decree,
         injunction, rule or order of any Governmental Entity ("Law") except for
         violations  that  individually or in the aggregate (1) would not result
         in a material  penalty  or fine,  (2) would not  constitute  a material
         criminal  violation,  (3) would not result in cognizable  damage to the
         business  reputation  of the  Company  or the  Parent,  and (4)  which,
         individually  or in the  aggregate,  could not otherwise  reasonably be
         expected to have a Material  Adverse  Effect on the Company.  As of the
         date of this Agreement,  no investigation  by any  Governmental  Entity
         with respect to the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  is pending or,
         to the knowledge of the Company,  threatened, other than investigations
         which,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  could  not  reasonably  be
         expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

                  (g) Litigation. Schedule 3.1(g) is a true and complete list of
         all material  litigation  as of the date hereof that is pending,  or to
         the  knowledge of the Company,  threatened.  Other than  rulemaking  or
         other  proceedings  of general  applicability  affecting  the  cellular
         telephone industry, which would not have a materially  disproportionate
         effect
                                            17
<PAGE>

         on the  Company,  there is no  litigation,  arbitration,  claim,
         suit, action, investigation or proceeding pending, affecting or, to the
         knowledge of the Company, threatened, against the Company or any of its
         Subsidiaries or e their assets,  which individually,  or except for the
         matters disclosed in Schedule 3.1 (g) in the aggregate,  as of the date
         hereof could be reasonably  expected to result in a material liability,
         and there is no  litigation,  claim,  suit,  action,  investigation  or
         proceeding  pending,  affecting  or, to the knowledge of the Company or
         any of its Subsidiaries,  which individually, or in the aggregate could
         be reasonably  expected to result in a Material  Adverse  Effect on the
         Company. There is no judgment, award, decree, injunction, rule or order
         of any  Governmental  Entity  or  arbitrator  outstanding  against  the
         Company or any of its Subsidiaries or their assets, which, individually
         or in the aggregate, as of the date hereof could be reasonably expected
         to result in a material  liability,  or as of the Closing  Date,  could
         reasonably  be  expected  to  have a  Material  Adverse  Effect  on the
         Company.

                  (h) Taxes. Except as set forth in Schedules 3.1(h)(i)-(x): (i)
         the Company  and each of its  Subsidiaries  have duly and timely  filed
         (taking  into  account any  extension of time within which to file) all
         Tax Returns with respect to material  Taxes required to be filed by any
         of them and all such filed Tax Returns are complete and accurate in all
         respects,  except for incompletenesses and inaccuracies that could not,
         individually or in the aggregate,  be reasonably  expected to result in
         material  Tax  liability  that has not been paid;  (ii) the Company and
         each of its  Subsidiaries  have paid all material Tax liabilities  that
         are shown as due on such filed Tax  Returns or that the  Company or any
         of its  Subsidiaries is obligated to withhold from amounts owing to any
         employee,  creditor  or third  party,  except  with  respect to matters
         contested in good faith;  (iii) as of the date hereof,  except as could
         not  individually or in the aggregate be reasonably  expected to result
         in material Tax liability that has not been paid, and as of the Closing
         Date, except as could not, individually or in the aggregate, reasonably
         be expected to result in a Material Adverse Effect on the Company:  (A)
         there are no pending or, to the knowledge of the Company, threatened in
         writing audits,  examinations,  investigations  or other proceedings in
         respect of Taxes or Tax  matters  relating to the Company or any of its
         Subsidiaries,  (B) there are no  deficiencies  or claims  for any Taxes
         that have been  proposed,  asserted or assessed  against the Company or
         any of its  Subsidiaries,  (C) there  are no Liens  for Taxes  upon the
         assets of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,  other than Liens for
         current  Taxes not yet due and  payable  and  Liens for Taxes  that are
         being  contested  in good  faith by  appropriate  proceedings,  and (D)
         neither the  Company  nor any of its  Subsidiaries  has  requested  any
         extension  of time  within  which to file any Tax Returns in respect of
         any taxable  year which have not since been  filed,  and no request for
         waivers  of the time to assess any Taxes are  pending  or  outstanding;
         (iv)  none  of the  Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  has  made  an
         election  under Section  341(f) of the Code; (v) as of the date hereof,
         the  consolidated  federal  income Tax  Returns for the Company and its
         Subsidiaries  have never been examined by the Internal Revenue Service;
         (vi) the net operating loss  carryforwards  ("NOLs") of the Company and
         its  Subsidiaries  as of December 31, 1997 are  reasonably  expected to
         equal  the  amount of NOLs set  forth on the most  recent  consolidated
         federal  income Tax Return of the  Company and its  Subsidiaries,  and,
         except  for  limitations  that may  apply by  reason  of the
                                            18
<PAGE>

         Merger or
         related transactions  contemplated by this Agreement, such NOLs are not
         subject  to  limitation  under  Section  382  of  the  Code,   Treasury
         Regulation Section  1.1502-15T or -21T or otherwise;  (vii) neither the
         Company  nor  any of its  Subsidiaries  is a  party  to any  agreement,
         contract  or  arrangement   that  could  result,   on  account  of  the
         transactions contemplated hereunder, separately or in the aggregate, in
         the payment of any "excess  parachute  payments"  within the meaning of
         Section  280G of the Code or any  payment  that would be  nondeductible
         under Section 162(m) of the Code; (viii) neither the Company nor any of
         its  Subsidiaries has any liability for Taxes of any person (other than
         the Company and its  Subsidiaries)  under Treasury  Regulation  Section
         1.1502-6 (or any comparable  provision of state, local or foreign law);
         (ix) neither the Company nor any Subsidiary is a party to any agreement
         relating to the  allocation  or sharing of Taxes  (other than  informal
         arrangements among the Company and its Subsidiaries); and (x) as of the
         date hereof,  neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries  knows of
         any facts with  respect to the Company or its  Subsidiaries  that would
         reasonably be expected to prevent or materially or burdensomely  impede
         the Merger from  qualifying as a  reorganization  within the meaning of
         Section 368(a) of the Code.

                  (i) Absence of Certain Changes or Events.  Since June 30, 1998
         through  the date of this  Agreement,  (A) each of the  Company and its
         Subsidiaries   has  conducted  its  business  in  the  ordinary  course
         consistent  with  its  past  practice,  except  for the  execution  and
         delivery  of  this  Agreement;  (B)  there  has  not  been  any  event,
         development or change of  circumstance  that  constitutes,  has had, or
         could reasonably be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate,
         a Material  Adverse Effect on the Company;  and (C) except as disclosed
         in Schedule 3.1(i)(C),  through the date of this Agreement, none of the
         Company  or its  Subsidiaries  has taken or  failed to take any  action
         which, if taken after the date hereof,  would have required the consent
         of Parent under Section 4.1 hereof.

                  (j) Vote Required.  The  affirmative  vote of the holders of a
         majority  of the  outstanding  shares  of  Company  Common  Stock  (the
         "Required  Company  Vote") is the only vote of the holders of any class
         or series of the  Company  capital  stock  necessary  to  approve  this
         Agreement and the transactions c ontemplated hereby.

                  (k)   Certain Agreements.

                           (i) Schedule 3.1(k) contains a true and complete list
                  of all agreements,  arrangements or understandings  (a) listed
                  or which  would be  required to be listed as an exhibit to the
                  Company's  Annual  Report  on Form  10-K  for the  year  ended
                  December 31, 1997 under the rules and  regulations of the SEC,
                  (b) relating to indebtedness for money borrowed by the Company
                  or any  Subsidiary,  which  individually  or in the  aggregate
                  represent an amount greater than  $1,000,000  excluding  trade
                  credit or payables in the  ordinary  course of  business,  (c)
                  creating  any  guarantee  or  keepwell  arrangement  or  other
                  agreement to be liable for the  obligations  of another Person
                  other than the Company or its wholly owned  Subsidiaries,  (d)
                  providing for payments or the receipt of payments or the sale,
                  purchase or  exchange of goods or services  worth in excess of
                  $1,000,000  (or in
                                            19
<PAGE>
     
                 fact  resulting in such payments for 1997),
                  (e) with any  agent/dealer/retailer for the Company's products
                  or services,  (f) any joint venture or partnership  agreement,
                  (g) with any paging  enterprise  for the reselling of products
                  or services,  (h) which is an interest  rate,  equity or other
                  swap or derivative instrument, (i) containing any provision or
                  covenant   limiting   the   ability  of  the  Company  or  its
                  Subsidiaries  or any of its or  their  affiliates  to sell any
                  products or services of or to any other person,  engage in any
                  line of  business  or compete  with or to obtain  products  or
                  services from any person or limiting the ability of any person
                  to provide  products  or services to the Company or any of its
                  Subsidiaries   or   affiliates   and  (j)  cell  site   leases
                  (collectively,  the "Company Material Contracts"). The Company
                  has previously provided Parent with true and correct copies of
                  each of the Company  Material  Contracts,  as in effect on the
                  date hereof.

                           (ii) All  Company  Material  Contracts  are valid and
                  enforceable  and in full force and effect except to the extent
                  they have  previously  expired in accordance with their terms,
                  and  neither  the  Company  nor  any of its  Subsidiaries  has
                  violated any  provision  of, or committed or failed to perform
                  any act which, with or without notice, lapse of time, or both,
                  could reasonably be expected to constitute a default under the
                  provisions of, any such Company Material Contract,  except for
                  any   invalidity,    unenforceability   or   defaults   which,
                  individually  or in the  aggregate,  could not  reasonably  be
                  expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.  To
                  the  knowledge of the  Company,  no  counterparty  to any such
                  Company  Material  Contract has violated any  provision of, or
                  committed or failed to perform any act which,  with or without
                  notice,  lapse of time, or both,  could reasonably be expected
                  to  constitute a default or other breach under the  provisions
                  of, such the Company Material Contract, except for defaults or
                  breaches which,  individually  or in the aggregate,  could not
                  reasonably  be expected to have a Material  Adverse  Effect on
                  the Company. The Company has no obligations under that certain
                  Joint  Venture  Agreement,  dated as of January 19,  1990,  as
                  amended.

                  (l)   Employee Benefit Plans; Labor Matters; Options.

                           (i) For  purposes of this  Agreement,  the  following
                  definitions apply:  "Controlled Group Liability" means any and
                  all liabilities  under (A) Title IV of ERISA,  (B) section 302
                  of  ERISA,  (C)  sections  412 and 4971 of the  Code,  (D) the
                  continuation  coverage  requirements of section 601 et seq. of
                  ERISA and section 4980B of the Code, and (E)  corresponding or
                  similar provisions of foreign laws or regulations,  other than
                  such  liabilities  that arise solely out of, or relate  solely
                  to, the Plans;  "ERISA" means the Employee  Retirement  Income
                  Security  Act  of  1974,  as  amended,   and  the  regulations
                  thereunder;  "ERISA  Affiliate"  means,  with  respect  to any
                  entity, trade or business, any other entity, trade or business
                  that is a member of a group described in Section 414(b),  (c),
                  (m) or (o) of the Code or  Section  4001(b)(1)  of ERISA  that
                  includes the first  entity,  trade or  business,  or that is a
                  member of the same  "controlled  group"  as the first  entity,
                  trade or business pursuant to Section 4001(a)(14) of ERISA.
 
                                            20
<PAGE>

                           (ii) With  respect  to each  employee  benefit  plan,
                  program,   arrangement   and  contract   (including,   without
                  limitation, any "employee benefit plan," as defined in Section
                  3(3) of ERISA  and any  bonus,  deferred  compensation,  stock
                  bonus,   stock  purchase,   restricted  stock,  stock  option,
                  employment, termination, change in control and severance plan,
                  program,  arrangement  and contract),  to which the Company or
                  any of its  Subsidiaries  is a party,  which is  maintained or
                  contributed to by the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries,  or
                  with  respect to which the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries
                  could incur  material  liability  under Section 4069,  4201 or
                  4212(c) of ERISA (the "Company  Benefit  Plans"),  the Company
                  has made  available to Parent a true and complete  copy of (A)
                  such Company  Benefit Plan,  (B) the most recent annual report
                  (Form  5500)  filed with the  Internal  Revenue  Service  (the
                  "IRS"), (C) each trust or other funding  arrangement  relating
                  to such Company Benefit Plan, (D) the most recent summary plan
                  description  related to each Company  Benefit Plan for which a
                  summary  plan  description  is  required,  (E) the most recent
                  actuarial report (if applicable) relating to a Company Benefit
                  Plan and (F) the most  recent  determination  letter,  if any,
                  issued by the IRS with  respect to any  Company  Benefit  Plan
                  qualified under Section 401(a) of the Code. Schedule 3.1(l) of
                  the  Company  Disclosure  Schedul  e sets  forth  a  true  and
                  complete list of Company Benefit Plans.

                           (iii) Each of the  Company  Benefit  Plans that is an
                  "employee  pension benefit plan" within the meaning of Section
                  3(2) of  ERISA  and that is  intended  to be  qualified  under
                  Section   401(a)  of  the  Code  has   received  a   favorable
                  determination  letter  from the IRS,  and the  Company  is not
                  aware of any circumstances  likely to result in the revocation
                  of  any  such  favorable   determination   letter  that  could
                  reasonably  be expected to have a Material  Adverse  Effect on
                  the Company.

                           (iv)     All contributions, except for contributions
                  which are not, individually or in the aggregate, material,
                  required to be made to any Company Benefit Plan by applicable
                  law have been timely made.

                           (v)      The Company does not maintain or contribute
                  to any Company Benefit Plan that is subject to Title IV or
                  Section 302 of ERISA or Sections 412 or 4971 of the Code.

                           (vi)     There does not now exist, nor do any
                  circumstances exist that could result in, any Controlled 
                  Group Liability that would be a material liability to the
                  Company following the Effective Date.

                           (vii) The Company has no material liability for life,
                  health,  medical or other welfare benefits to former employees
                  or  beneficiaries  or  dependents  thereof,  except for health
                  continuation coverage as required by Section 4980B of the Code
                  or  Part  6 of  Title  I of  ERISA  and at no  expense  to the
                  Company.
                                            21
<PAGE>

                           (viii)  No  Company   Benefit  Plan  covers   foreign
                  employees, other than resident aliens.

                           (ix)     No Company Benefit Plan provides for the
                  reimbursement of any excise taxes under Section 4999 of the
                  Code or any income taxes under the Code.

                           (x)      As of the date hereof, to the knowledge of
                  the Company there are no actions, proceedings, arbitrations, 
                  suits or claims (other than claims for benefits) pending or
                  threatened with respect to any Company Benefit Plan.

                           (xi) With respect to the Company  Benefit  Plans,  no
                  event has occurred and, to the knowledge of the Company, there
                  exists no condition  or set of  circumstances,  in  connection
                  with  which the  Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  could be
                  subject  to any  material  liability  under  the terms of such
                  Company Benefit Plans, ERISA, the Code or any other applicable
                  law  (other  than  ordinary  course  liabilities  to fund such
                  Company Benefit Plans pursuant to their terms).

                           (xii) None of the  Company or its  Subsidiaries  is a
                  party  to any  collective  bargaining  or  other  labor  union
                  contracts,   no  collective   bargaining  agreement  is  being
                  negotiated by the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries,  and as
                  of the date hereof to the knowledge of the Company no campaign
                  or other  attempt for  recognition  has been made by any labor
                  organization  or employee  with  respect to  employees  of the
                  Company  and  to the  knowledge  of the  Company  at the  date
                  hereof,  no such campaign or other attempt has been threatened
                  or made in the past three years. As of the date hereof,  there
                  is no pending labor dispute,  strike or work stoppage  against
                  the Company or any of its Subsidiaries  which may interfere in
                  any material respect with the respective  business  activities
                  of  the  Company  or  any of  its  Subsidiaries.  There  is no
                  material  pending  charge or complaint  against the Company or
                  any of its  Subsidiaries by the National Labor Relations Board
                  or any comparable state agency.

                           (xiii)   Except as set forth in Schedule 3.1(l)
                 (xiii), all employment and consulting agreements to which the 
                 Company is a party have been made available to Parent, and as
                 of the date hereof there are no other written agreements
                 obligating the Company to employ any individual.

                           (xiv)    At the Effective Time, any outstanding
                 Company Options will be exercisable only for cash or the
                 Merger Consideration and not for capital stock of the Company
                 or Merger Sub.

                  (m) Brokers or Finders. No agent,  broker,  investment banker,
         financial advisor or other firm or Person engaged by the Company or any
         of its  Affiliates  is or will be entitled to any  broker's or finder's
         fee or any other similar  commission  or fee in connection  with any of
         the transactions contemplated by this Agreement from the Company or any
         Subsidiary,  except Wasserstein Perella & Co., Inc. A true and complete
                                            22
<PAGE>

         copy of the engagement  letter of  Wasserstein  Perella & Co., Inc. has
         been delivered to Parent prior to the date hereof.

                  (n)      Opinion of Financial Advisor. The Company has
         received the opinion of Wasserstein Perella & Co., Inc. dated the 
         date of this Agreement to the effect that, as of such date, the Merger
         Consideration is fair, from a financial point of view, to the holders
         of Company Common Stock.

                  (o)  Year  2000  Compliance.   The  Company  has  taken  steps
         (summarized in Schedule  3.1(o)) that are reasonable to ensure that the
         occurrence of the year 2000 will not  materially  and adversely  affect
         the   information   and   business   systems  of  the  Company  or  the
         Subsidiaries, and no expenditures in excess of currently budgeted items
         will be  required  in order to cause such  systems to operate  properly
         following  the change of the year 1999 to 2000.  The  Company has taken
         the  actions  described  in  such  Schedule  (to the  extent  described
         therein),  has resolved (or is in the process of resolving)  any issues
         arising as a result of tests taken or otherwise to the knowledge of the
         Company, and is not aware of any fact that would lead one to reasonably
         conclude  that the Company will be unable to resolve any of such issues
         on the  timetable  set forth in Schedule  3.1(o) (and in any event on a
         timely basis in order to be resolved before the year 2000).

                  (p) Affiliated Transactions and Certain Other Agreements.  Set
         forth in Schedule 3.1(p) is a list of (a) all contracts,  arrangements,
         agreements  or  understandings  that would be required to be  described
         pursuant to Item 404 of Regulation  S-K of the  Securities Act of 1933,
         as amended,  except for those  contracts,  arrangements,  agreements or
         understandings  disclosed  in the  Company's  1998 Proxy  Statement  or
         Annual  Report on Form 10-K for the year ended  December 31, 1997,  and
         (b) all agreements or  understandings,  whether written or oral, giving
         any Person  the right to require  the  Company  to  register  shares of
         capital stock or to participate in any such  registration.  The Company
         has previously  provided to Parent true and complete  copies of each of
         the foregoing agreements.

                  (q) Environmental Matters.  Except as disclosed in the Company
         SEC  Reports  filed prior to the date  hereof,  and except as could not
         reasonably  be expected to result in a Material  Adverse  Effect on the
         Company:  (i) the Company and its  Subsidiaries  have complied with all
         applicable  Environmental Laws; (ii) the properties  currently owned or
         operated  by  the  Company  and  its  Subsidiaries   (including  soils,
         groundwater,  surface  water,  buildings or other  structures)  are not
         contaminated  with any  Hazardous  Substance  to an  extent  reasonably
         likely to give rise to liability  or  remediation  obligations  for the
         Company or any Subsidiary under any applicable Environmental Law; (iii)
         the properties  formerly owned or operated by the Company or any of its
         Subsidiaries were not contaminated with any Hazardous  Substance during
         the  period of  ownership  or  operation  by the  Company or any of its
         Subsidiaries to an extent  reasonably  likely to give rise to liability
         or  remediation  obligations  for the Company or any  Subsidiary;  (iv)
         neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is reasonably likely to
         be subject to liability or  remediation  obligations  for any Hazardous
         Substance disposal or management or
                                            23
<PAGE>

         contamination at any other property
         to an extent reasonably likely to give rise to liability or remediation
         obligations for the Company or any Subsidiary  under any  Environmental
         Laws; (v) neither the Company nor any of its  Subsidiaries has received
         any notice, demand, letter, claim or request for information indicating
         that the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries  may be in violation of or
         subject to  liability  under any  Environmental  Law;  (vi) neither the
         Company nor any of its Subsidiaries is subject to any orders,  decrees,
         injunctions or other  arrangements with any Governmental  Entity or any
         indemnity  or other  agreement  with any third  party  relating  to any
         Environmental Law or Hazardous Substances; and (vii) there are no other
         circumstances  or  conditions  involving  the  Company  or  any  of its
         Subsidiaries that could reasonably be expected to result in any claims,
         liability, investigations, costs or restrictions on the ownership, use,
         or   transfer  of  any   property  of  the  Company   pursuant  to  any
         Environmental Law. As used herein, the term  "Environmental  Law" means
         any  federal,   state,  local  or  foreign  law,  statute,   ordinance,
         regulation,   judgment,   order,  decree,   arbitration  award,  agency
         requirement,  license, permit, authorization or common law, relating to
         the protection. investigation or restoration of the environment, health
         and safety, or natural resources.
          As used herein,  the term  "Hazardous  Substance"  means any substance
         that  is:  (A) a  pollutant  or  contaminant  or a  hazardous  or toxic
         chemical, waste, substance or material, including any petroleum product
         or by-product,  asbestos-containing material,  lead-containing paint or
         plumbing, polychlorinated biphenyls, radioactive materials or radon; or
         (B) any other substance that may be the subject of regulatory action by
         any Governmental Entity pursuant to any Environmental Law.

                  (r)  Intellectual  Property.  The Company and its Subsidiaries
         own, or have the  defensible  right to use, the  Intellectual  Property
         used in their respective businesses, except where the failure to own or
         have the right to use such  Intellectual  Property,  individually or in
         the aggregate, does not and would not have a Material Adverse Effect on
         the  Company.  As  used  herein,   "Intellectual  Property"  means  all
         industrial and  intellectual  property  rights,  including  Proprietary
         Technology,   patents,  patent  applications,   trademarks,   trademark
         applications   and   registrations,   service   marks,   service   mark
         applications and registrations,  copyrights,  know-how, licenses, trade
         secrets,  proprietary  processes,  formulae  and  customer  lists;  and
         "Proprietary  Technology"  means all proprietary  processes,  formulae,
         inventions,  trade  secrets,  know-how,  development  tools  and  other
         proprietary rights used by the Company and its Subsidiaries  pertaining
         to any product, software or service manufactured, marketed, licensed or
         sold  by  the   Company  and  its   Subsidiaries   or  Parent  and  its
         Subsidiaries,  as the case may be, in the conduct of their  business or
         used,  employed  or  exploited  in  the  development,   license,  sale,
         marketing,  distribution or maintenance  thereof, and all documentation
         and media constituting,  describing or relating to the above, including
         manuals,  memoranda,   know-how,   notebooks,   software,  records  and
         disclosures.

                  (s)  Properties.  Schedule  3.1(s)  lists  all  material  real
         property and material  interests in real property  owned by the Company
         or its  Subsidiaries  or leased by the Company or its  Subsidiaries  as
         lessee or lessor,  as well as all material  real  property and material
         interests in real property used or held for use as cell sites.
                                            24
<PAGE>

                  (t) Assets.  All assets of the  Company are in good  operating
         condition and sufficient for the Company's use thereof, normal wear and
         tear  excepted,  except  where  such  failure  to be in good  operating
         condition  could not  reasonably  be  expected  to result in a Material
         Adverse  Effect.  The  Company  owns or has  rights  to use all  assets
         necessary  for the conduct of its business and  operations or reflected
         on the balance sheet included in the most recent Form 10-Q filed by the
         Company with the SEC, except where the lack of such ownership or rights
         could not reasonably be expected,  individually or in the aggregate, to
         have a Material Adverse Effect on the Company.

                  (u) Insurance.  The Company and its  Subsidiaries are insured,
         and shall continue to maintain  insurance,  in such amounts and against
         such losses and risks as are consistent with industry  practice and, in
         the  reasonable  judgment  of senior  management  of the  Company,  are
         adequate to protect the  properties and business of the Company and its
         Subsidiaries.  As of the date hereof, no written notice of cancellation
         or nonrenewal  with respect to any material  insurance  policy has been
         received by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries.  Copies of all such
         insurance policies have been furnished or made available to Parent. e

                  (v)      Foreign Operations. Schedule 3.1(v) contains a
         complete list of foreign nations in which the Company has a current
         investment or operation (and the nature of Persons conducting such 
         operations.) 

                  3.2 Joint and Several Representations and Warranties of
         Parent and Merger Sub. Parent and Merger Sub jointly and severally 
         represent and warrant to the Company as follows:

                  (a)  Organization,  Standing  and  Power.  Each of Parent  and
         Merger Sub is a corporation  duly organized and is validly existing and
         in  good  standing   under  the  laws  of  the   jurisdiction   of  its
         incorporation,  and has the  requisite  corporate  power and  corporate
         authority to own,  lease,  and operate its properties and assets and to
         carry on its business as it is now being conducted.  Each of Parent and
         Merger Sub is duly  qualified  and in good  standing  to do business in
         each  jurisdiction in which the nature of its business or the ownership
         or leasing of its properties makes such qualification necessary,  other
         than in such  jurisdictions  where the  failure  so to qualify or be in
         good standing could not reasonably be expected,  individually or in the
         aggregate, to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.

                  (b) Authorization and Execution. Each of Parent and Merger Sub
         has the requisite  corporate power and authority to execute and deliver
         this Agreement and to consummate the transactions  contemplated hereby.
         The execution,  delivery,  and performance by each of Parent and Merger
         Sub of this  Agreement  have  been  duly  authorized  by the  Board  of
         Directors  of such  corporation  and by Parent as sole  stockholder  of
         Merger Sub, and no further  corporate action of Parent or Merger Sub is
         necessary to consummate the transactions  contemplated  hereby. Each of
         Parent and Merger Sub have duly executed and delivered this  Agreement,
         and this agreement
                                            25
<PAGE>

         constitutes the legal, valid, and binding obligation
         of such  party  enforceable  against it in  accordance  with its terms,
         except as such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
         reorganization,  moratorium  and similar laws  relating to or affecting
         creditors  generally,  by  general  equity  principles  (regardless  of
         whether such  enforceability is considered in a proceeding in equity or
         at law) or by an implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing.

                  (c) Parent Common Stock.  The shares of Parent Common Stock to
         be issued pursuant to Article I will, when issued,  be duly authorized,
         validly  issued,  fully paid and  nonassessable,  and no stockholder of
         Parent is entitled to preemptive  rights as a result of the issuance of
         the Parent  Company  Stock  hereunder.  The Parent  Common  Stock to be
         issued  in the  Merger  will,  when  issued,  be  registered  under the
         Securities  Act and the  Exchange  Act and  registered  or exempt  from
         registration  under any applicable  state securities laws, in each case
         for delivery  hereunder to holders of Company Common Stock.  The Parent
         has  available  for  issuance  under  its   Organization   Documents  a
         sufficient number of shares of authorized Parent Common Stock necessary
         to satisfy Parent's obligations under this Agreement.

                  (d) No Conflicts. The execution and delivery of this Agreement
         does not or will not, as the case may be, (i)  conflict  with or result
         in a breach of the Articles or Certificate of Incorporation,  Bylaws or
         similar organizational  documents, as currently in effect, of Parent or
         any of its  "Significant  Subsidiaries"  (as such  term is  defined  in
         regulations  promulgated under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act),
         (ii) except for (A) the consents,  approvals,  orders,  authorizations,
         registrations, declarations and filing required under or in relation to
         clause (x) of Section  3.1(c)(iii)  and (B) such  consents,  approvals,
         orders,  authorizations,  registrations,  declarations  and filings the
         failure of which to make or obtain could not  reasonably be expected to
         have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent or impair or delay the ability
         of Parent or consummate the transactions  contemplated hereby,  require
         any filing  with,  or consent or  approval  of, any  Government  Entity
         having jurisdiction over any of the business or assets of Parent or any
         of its  Significant  Subsidiaries,  (iii)  violate  any  statute,  law,
         ordinance,  rule  or  regulation  applicable  to  Parent  or any of its
         Significant Subsidiaries or any injunction,  judgment,  order, writ, or
         decree  to  which  Parent  or any of its  Significant  Subsidiaries  is
         subject,  or (iv) result in a breach of, or  constitute a default or an
         event which, with the passage of time or the giving of notice, or both,
         would  constitute  a  default,  give  rise to a right  of  termination,
         cancellation,  or  acceleration,  create any  entitlement  of any third
         party to any  material  payment or benefit,  require the consent of any
         third  party,  or result in the  creation  of any lien on the assets or
         stock of Parent or any of its Significant Subsidiaries,  except, in the
         case of clauses  (ii),  (iii) and (iv),  where the  violation,  breach,
         default, termination, cancellation,  acceleration, payment, benefit, or
         lien,  or the  failure to make such  filing or obtain  such  consent or
         approval could not,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  reasonably be
         expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on Parent.
                                            26
<PAGE>

                  (e)   Reports and Financial Statements.

                           (i) Parent has filed all required reports, schedules,
                  forms,  statements and other documents required to be filed by
                  it with the SEC since January 1, 1996 (collectively, including
                  all exhibits  thereto and documents  incorporated by reference
                  therein,  the  "Parent SEC  Reports").  None of the Parent SEC
                  Reports,  as of their  respective  dates  (and,  if amended or
                  superseded  by a filing  prior to the date of this  Agreement,
                  then on the date of such  filing),  contained  or will contain
                  any untrue  statement  of a  material  fact or omitted or will
                  omit to state 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. Each
                  of the  financial  statements  (including  the related  notes)
                  included in the Parent SEC  Reports  presents  fairly,  in all
                  material  respects,  the consolidated  financial  position and
                  consolidated  results of  operations  and cash flows of Parent
                  and its  Subsidiaries  as of the  respective  dates or for the
                  respective  periods set forth therein,  all in conformity with
                  GAAP  consistently  applied during the periods involved except
                  as otherwise  noted therein,  and subject,  in the case of the
                  unaudited   interim  financial   statements,   to  normal  and
                  recurring year-end  adjustments that have not been and are not
                  expected  to be  material  in amount.  All of such  Parent SEC
                  Reports,  as of their  respective dates (and as of the date of
                  any amendment to the respective  Parent SEC Report),  complied
                  as to  form  in all  material  respects  with  the  applicable
                  requirements  of the  Securities  Act and the Exchange Act and
                  the rules and regulations promulgated thereunder.

                  (f) Proxy  Statement/Registration  Statement. The Registration
         Statement shall not at the time the Registration  Statement is declared
         effective by the SEC contain any untrue statement of a material fact or
         omit  to  state  any  material  fact  required  to  be  stated  in  the
         Registration  Statement or necessary in order to make the statements in
         the Registration  Statement,  in light of the circumstances under which
         they were made,  not  misleading  (excluding  any statement  based upon
         information  supplied  by  the  Company  for  inclusion  in  the  Proxy
         Statement).  The  information to be supplied by Parent for inclusion in
         the Registration Statement shall not on the date the Proxy Statement is
         first mailed to shareholders of the Company, at the time of the Company
         Shareholders' Meeting, and at the Effective Time, contain any statement
         that,  at such time and in light of the  circumstances  under  which it
         shall be made,  is false or  misleading  with  respect to any  material
         fact, or omit to state any material fact necessary in order to make the
         statements made in the Proxy Statement not false or misleading.

                  (g) Absence of Certain Changes or Events.  Except as expressly
         disclosed  in the Parent SEC  Reports  filed  prior to the date of this
         Agreement,  since June 30, 1998,  there has not been a Material Adverse
         Effect on Parent or any  development or combination of  developments of
         which management of Pare nt has knowledge which is reasonably likely to
         result in such an effect.
                                            27
<PAGE>

                  (h)      No Vote Required. No vote or approval of the holders
         of any class of Parent shares is necessary to approve this Agreement
         and the transactions contemplated hereby.


                  (i) Brokers or Finders. No agent,  broker,  investment banker,
         financial  advisor or other firm or Person  engaged by Parent or Merger
         Sub is or will be entitled to any broker's or finder's fee or any other
         similar  commission  or fee  from  the  Company  or its  Subsidiary  in
         connection  with  any  of  the  transactions   contemplated  by  this
         Agreement.

                  (j)  Ownership  of Company  Common  Stock.  Except for Company
         Common  Shares  which  Parent may acquire  pursuant to the terms of the
         Option Agreement and the Voting Agreements,  Parent "beneficially owns"
         (as such  terms  are used in  connection  with  Rule  13d-3  under  the
         Exchange Act) less than 1% of the outstanding Company Common Shares.

                  (k) Merger Sub.  Merger Sub was formed  solely for the purpose
         of effecting the Merger and has not engaged in any business  activities
         or conducted any operations  other than in connection  with the Merger.
         Except for  obligations or liabilities  incurred in connection with its
         incorporation or organization and the transactions contemplated by this
         Agreement,  and except for this  Agreement and any other  agreements or
         arrangements  contemplated  by  this  Agreement,  Merger  Sub  has  not
         incurred, directly or indirectly,  through any subsidiary or affiliate,
         any s  obligations  or lia  bilities or entered  into any  agreement or
         arrangements with any person.

                            ARTICLE IV.
            COVENANTS RELATING TO CONDUCT OF BUSINESS

                       4.1 Covenants of the  Company.
     During the period from the date of this Agreement and continuing  until the
     Effective  Date  (except as  expressly  permitted  by this  Agreement or as
     otherwise  indicated in Schedules  4.1 or to the extent that s Parent shall
     otherwise consent in writing), the Company and its Subsidiaries shall carry
     on their respective businesses in the usual, regular and ordinary course in
     all  material  respects,  in  substantially  the same manner as  heretofore
     conducted,  and shall use  reasonable  best  efforts  to s  preserve  their
     relationships with employees,  Governmental Entities, customers,  suppliers
     and others having business dealings with them with the objective that their
     ongoing  businesses  shall  not be  impaired  at  the  Effective  Time.  In
     furtherance  and not in  limitation of the  foregoing,  until the Effective
     Time  (except as  expressly  permitted  by this  Agreement  or as otherwise
     indicated in the Company  Disclosure  Schedule or to the extent that Parent
     shall otherwise consent in writing):

                  (a)  Dividends;  Changes in Share  Capital.  The Company shall
          not,  and shall not permit any of its  Subsidiaries  to, and shall not
          propose  to,  (i)  declare  or pay  any  dividends  on or  make  other
          distributions in respect of any of its capital stock, except dividends
          by the Company's  wholly-owned  Subsidiaries in the ordinary course of
          business consistent with past practice, (ii) split, combine, subdivide
          or  reclassify  any of its  capital  stock or issue  or  authorize  or
          propose the issuance of any other securities in respect of, in lieu of
          or in substitution for, shares of its capital stock, 
                                            28
<PAGE>

         except for any such transaction by a wholly-owned
         Subsidiary of the Company which remains a wholly-owned Subsidiary after
         consummation  of such  transaction,  or  (iii)  repurchase,  redeem  or
         otherwise  acquire  any shares of its capital  stock or any  securities
         convertible into or exercisabl e for any shares of its capital stock.

                  (b)  Securities.  The Company and its  Subsidiaries  shall not
         issue,  deliver,  sell,  dispose,  pledge or encumber,  or authorize or
         propose  the  issuance,   delivery,   sale,   disposition,   pledge  or
         encumbrance  of, any shares of its capital  stock of any class or other
         securities  or  any  securities  convertible  into  or  exercisable  or
         exchangeable  for,  or any  rights,  warrants,  calls,  commitments  or
         options to acquire,  any such shares or  securities,  or enter into any
         agreement  with respect to any of the foregoing and shall not amend any
         equity-related  awards issued  pursuant to the Company  Benefit  Plans,
         other than the  issuance of Company  Common  Stock upon the exercise of
         stock options issued in the ordinary  course of business and consistent
         with past  practice in  accordance  with the terms of the Company Stock
         Option Plans as in effect on the date of this Agreement.

                  (c)      Organizational Documents and Funding. The Company
        and its Subsidiaries shall not amend or propose to amend their
        respective Organizational Documents.

                  (d)  Investments  and Loans.  The Company shall not, and shall
         not permit any of its  Subsidiaries  to, (i) incur any indebtedness for
         borrowed money or guarantee,  endorse or assume any obligation of other
         Persons  other  than   indebtedness  of  the  Company  or  any  of  its
         Subsidiaries  to the  Company or any  wholly  owned  Subsidiary  of the
         Company;  provided,  however,  that the Company may incur  indebtedness
         under its current  bank credit  facilities  such that the total  amount
         outstanding  thereunder  does  not  exceed  the  amounts  set  forth on
         Schedule  4.1 (d)(i) to the extent  and for the  purposes  set forth on
         such  schedule  plus any amounts  necessary to comply with Section 5.9,
         (ii)  make  any  loans,   advances  or  capital  contributions  to,  or
         investments  in, any other Person,  other than by the Company or any of
         its  Subsidiaries  to or in the  Company  or  any  of its  wholly-owned
         Subsidiaries,  except for loans,  advances,  capital  contributions  or
         investments  in  Persons  that are  entities  in whom the  Company  has
         investments  as of the  date of this  Agreement,  made in the  ordinary
         course of business,  consistent  with past practice,  in respect of the
         Company's current line of business (and after consultation with Parent)
         which in the aggregate do not exceed two million dollars, or (iii) pay,
         discharge or satisfy any claims,  liabilities or obligations (absolute,
         accrued, asserted or unasserted,  contingent or otherwise),  other than
         in the ordinary course of business consistent with past practice.

                  (e) Compensation.  The Company and its Subsidiaries  shall not
         (i) grant any increases in the  compensation  of any of its  directors,
         officers  or  employees,  except in the  ordinary  course  of  business
         consistent  with  past  practice,  (ii) pay or award or agree to pay or
         award any pension,  retirement allowance,  or other nonequity incentive
         awards,  or other  employee  benefit,  not required by any  outstanding
         employee  benefit  plans  or  arrangements  to any  current  or  former
         director,  officer or  employees,  whether  past or present,  or to any
         other  Person,  except for  payments or awards that are in the ordinary
                                            29
<PAGE>

         course of business,  consistent  with past  practice,  and that are not
         material;  provided, however, that the Company and its Subsidiaries may
         pay cash bonuses for 1998 in the ordinary course of business consistent
         with past  practice  not to exceed  the  amount  set forth in  Schedule
         4.1(e)(ii),  (iii)  reprice,  pay or award or agree to reprice,  pay or
         award any stock option or equity incentive awards,  (iv) enter into any
         new or amend  any  existing  employment  agreement  with any  director,
         officer  or  employee,   except  for  employment  agreements  with  new
         employees  entered into in the ordinary  course of business  consistent
         with past  practice and except with  respect to  employees  who are not
         officers,  executives or directors of the Company or its  Subsidiaries,
         for amendments in the ordinary course of business, consistent with past
         practice,  that do not materially  increase  benefits or payments,  (v)
         enter into any new or amend any existing  severance  agreement with any
         current or former director, officer or employee, except with respect to
         employees who are not officers,  executives or directors of the Company
         or its  Subsidiaries,  for  agreements  or  amendments  in the ordinary
         course of business,  consistent with past practice, that do not provide
         for materially increased benefits,  (vi) other than the acceleration of
         outstanding Company Stock Options and payments under the Company's Five
         Year Incentive Plan, and other  payments,  in each case as set forth in
         Schedule   4.1(e)(vi),   enter  into  any  agreement  or  exercise  any
         discretion  providing for  acceleration  of payment or performance as a
         result of a change of control of the  Company  or its  Subsidiaries  or
         (vii)  become   obligated  under  any  new  employee  benefit  plan  or
         arrangement,  which was not in existence on the date hereof or amend or
         exercise  discretion  pursuant  to any such  employee  benefit  plan or
         arrangement  in  existence  on the  date  hereof,  except  for any such
         amendment applicable only to employees who are not officers, executives
         or  directors  of  the  Company  or its  Subsidiaries  or  exercise  of
         discretion  in the ordinary  course of business,  consistent  with past
         practice (that does not disproportionately effect officers,  executives
         or directors as opposed to other employees);

                  (f)      Extraordinary Transactions. The Company and its 
         Subsidiaries shall not adopt a plan of complete or partial liquidation,
         dissolution, merger, consolidation, restructuring, recapitalization or
         other reorganization of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;


                  (g)      Acquisitions; Other Uses of Funds. The Company and 
         its Subsidiaries shall not make any acquisition, by means of merger,
         consolidation or otherwise, of (i) any direct or indirect ownership
         interest in or assets comprising any business enterprise or operation
         or spectrum or (ii) except in the ordinary course and consistent with
         past practice, any other assets;

                  (h) Wireless Assets.  The Company and its  Subsidiaries  shall
         not make any disposition of any direct or indirect  ownership  interest
         in or assets comprising any tower or wireless system or part thereof or
         cell site or any other local  service or access system  (including  any
         shares of capital stock of any Subsidiary holding any such interest) or
         other  investment  (other than cash  equivalents) or material  business
         enterprise  or  operation  (except  for the  replacement  or upgrade of
         assets,  or  disposition  of  redundant  assets,  in  each  case in the
         ordinary  course and consistent  with past  practice),  except sales of
                                            30
<PAGE>

         individual  assets (other than  inventory)  in the ordinary  course and
         consistent  with  past  practice  not  exceeding,   in  the  aggregate,
         $1,000,000;

                  (i) Line of Business.  The Company and its Subsidiaries  shall
         not (i) make any investment in a Person with  operations in any foreign
         nation other than in those Persons listed  Schedule 4.1(i) (and only if
         such Persons continue to operate only in the nations listed on Schedule
         3.1(v)) or (ii) engage in the conduct of any  business or in any nation
         other  than the  wireless  telecommunications  and  related  businesses
         conducted  as of the date hereof and in the nations  where so conducted
         or in any planned  expansion  thereof as disclosed to Parent in writing
         prior to the date hereof;

                  (j)  Expenditures.  For  any  quarter,  the  Company  and  its
         Subsidiaries  shall not make any capital  expenditures in excess of the
         total  amount set forth for capital  expenditures  for such  quarter in
         Schedule 4.1(j);  provided that any amounts not spent in prior quarters
         permitted  hereunder  may be  spent  in  succeeding  quarters,  and any
         amounts set forth for a particular quarter may be accelerated and spent
         in the immediately  preceding quarter. The Company shall not enter into
         any  contracts,   arrangements  or  understandings   requiring  capital
         expenditures  at times or in  amounts  other  than as set  forth in the
         preceding sentence;

                  (k)      Affiliates. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall
         not enter into, or amend or waive any right under, any agreement with
         any Affiliates of the Company (other than its Subsidiaries) or with
         International Wireless Communications Holdings, Inc. or its Affiliates;


                  (l) Claims.  The Company  and its  Subsidiaries  shall not (i)
         settle or compromise any material claims (including  without limitation
         Tax claims) or material litigation;  (ii) except in the ordinary course
         of business  consistent  with past  practice,  prepay or terminate  any
         Company Material  Contracts;  or (iii) except in the ordinary course of
         business,  modify,  prepay,  amend  or  terminate  any  other  material
         agreement of the Company or any Subsidiary or waive,  release or assign
         any material rights or claims;

                  (m) Certain Agreements. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall
         not enter into any  agreement  containing  any  provision  or  covenant
         limiting the ability of the Company or its  Subsidiary  to (i) sell any
         products or services of or to any other person, (ii) engage in any line
         of business  or (iii)  compete  with or to obtain  products or services
         from any  person or  limiting  the  ability  of any  person to  provide
         products or services to the Company or any of its Subsidiaries;

                  (n) Tax and  Accounting.  Neither  the  Company nor any of its
         Subsidiaries  shall make or rescind any material  Tax  election  (other
         than the making of such  elections in the  ordinary  course of business
         consistent with past practice,  which elections are required to be made
         on a periodic  basis),  settle or compromise any material Tax liability
         or change any of its methods of accounting  for Tax or other  purposes,
         except  as may be  required  by  applicable  law  or by the  rules  and
         pronouncements of the Securities and Exchange Commission;
                                            31
<PAGE>

                  (o) Other Actions. The Company shall not, and shall not permit
         any of its  Subsidiaries  to, take any action that could  reasonably be
         expected to result in (i) any of the  representations  or warranties of
         the  Company  set  forth in this  Agreement  that are  qualified  as to
         materiality   becoming  untrue,  or  any  of  the   representations  or
         warranties of the Company set forth in this  Agreement  that are not so
         qualified  becoming  untrue in any  material  respect or (ii) except as
         otherwise permitted by Section 5.4, any of the conditions to the Merger
         set forth in Article VI not being satisfied.

                  (p)      Intention. The Company and its Subsidiaries shall
         not enter into any agreement, commitment, or obligation to take any
         action prohibited by this Section.

                           4.2 Reasonable Efforts.  Subject
         to Parent's  rights to delay the  Closing as set forth in Section  2.1,
         each of the Company and Parent and their respective  Subsidiaries shall
         use their reasonable  commercial efforts to effectuate the transactions
         contemplated  hereby and to cause to be  fulfilled  the  conditions  to
         Closing   under  this   Agreement,   and  the  Company  shall  use  its
         commercially  reasonable  efforts to comply with and to effectuate  the
         Voting  Agreements  and  the  Option  Agreement.   Notwithstanding  the
         foregoing  or  anything  in this  Agreement  to the  contrary,  (i) (A)
         neither the Company nor any of its Subsidiaries shall, without Parent's
         prior written  consent,  commit to any  divestiture or hold separate or
         similar  transaction and each of the Company and its Subsidiaries shall
         commit to, and shall use  reasonable  efforts to effect,  such  thereof
         (which may, at the Company's  option, be conditioned upon and effective
         as of the  Effective  Time) as Parent  shall  request,  and (B) neither
         Parent nor any of its Subsidiaries  shall be required to divest or hold
         separate or  otherwise  take (or refrain from taking) or commit to take
         (or refrain  from  taking) any action that limits its freedom of action
         with  respect to, or its  ability to retain,  the Company or any of its
         Subsidiaries  or any material  portion of the assets of the Company and
         its  Subsidiaries,  or any of the business,  product lines or assets of
         Parent or any of its  Subsidiaries,  except (1) Parent  shall take such
         action  with  respect  to  personal   communications  services  ("PCS")
         spectrum  in the  Company's  geographic  cellular  service  areas as is
         required  to  comply  with the  FCC's  spectrum  aggregation  rules and
         policies or shall obtain a timely waiver of such rules and policies and
         (2) any such divestiture,  requirement to hold separate,  or limitation
         that  arises  after  Parent or any of its  Subsidiaries  engages in, or
         agrees  to  engage  in,  a  merger,   acquisition   or  other  business
         combination  transaction  after the date hereof (and which has not been
         publicly announced prior to the date hereof), but would not have arisen
         but for Parent  engaging in or agreeing to engage in such  transaction,
         and (ii) nothing in this Agreement shall prevent or restrict Parent and
         its Subsidiaries  from engaging in any merger,  acquisition or business
         combination  transaction;  provided that such merger,  acquisition  or,
         business combination transaction would not (x) prevent, or delay beyond
         the Outside Date the ability of Parent to consummate  the Merger or (y)
         cause the  Merger to fail to  qualify  as a  reorganization  within the
         meaning of Secti on 368(a) of the Code.

                           4.3      NYSE Listing.  Parent will use reasonable
         best efforts to cause the shares of Parent Common Stock to be listed
         at the Effective Time on the NYSE.

                           4.4 Advice of Changes; Government Filings.
         Each party shall (a) confer on a regular
         and frequent basis with the other,  (b) report (to the extent permitted
         by law, regulation
                                            32
<PAGE>

         and any applicable confidentiality agreement) on the
         Company's  operational matters and (c) promptly advise the other orally
         and in  writing  of (i)  any  representation  or  warranty  made  by it
         contained in this  Agreement  that is qualified  as to  materiality  or
         Material Adverse Effect becoming untrue or inaccurate in any respect or
         any such  representation or warranty that is not so qualified  becoming
         untrue and inaccurate in may material  respect,  (ii) the failure by it
         (A) to comply with or satisfy in any respect any covenant, condition or
         agreement  required to be complied  with or  satisfied by it under this
         Agreement  that is  qualified  as to  materiality  or Material  Adverse
         Effect or (B) to comply  with or satisfy in any  material  respect  any
         covenant,  condition  or  agreement  required  to be  complied  with or
         satisfied  by it under this  Agreement  that is not so  qualified as to
         materiality or (iii) any change,  event or circumstance that has had or
         could  reasonably be expected to have a Material Adverse Effect on such
         party or  materially  adversely  affect its ability to  consummate  the
         Merger in a timely manner; provided, however, that no such notification
         shall affect the representations,  warranties,  covenants or agreements
         of the  parties or the  conditions  to the  obligations  of the parties
         under this  Agreement.  The Company  and Parent  shall file all reports
         required  to be filed by each of them with the FCC and the SEC (and all
         other Governmental Entities) between the date of this Agreement and the
         Effective Time and shall (to the extent  permitted by law or regulation
         or any applicable confidentiality agreement) deliver to the other party
         copies of all such  reports  promptly  after the same are  filed.  Each
         party agrees that, to the extent practicable,  it will consult with the
         other party with respect to the  obtaining  of all  permits,  consents,
         approvals  and  authorizations  of all third  parties and  Governmental
         Entities   necessary  or  advisable  to  consummate  the   transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement and each party will keep the other party
         apprised  of the  status  of  matters  relat ing to  completion  of the
         transactions contemplated hereby.

                           4.5 Control of Other  Party's  Business.
         Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give
         the  Company,  directly or  indirectly,  the right to control or direct
         Parent's  operations prior to the Effective Time.  Nothing contained in
         this Agreement shall be given Parent, directly or indirectly, the right
         to control or direct the  Company's  operations  prior to the Effective
         Time. Prior to the Effective Time, each of the Company and Parent shall
         exercise,  consistent  with the terms and  conditions  this  Agreement,
         complete control and supervision ove r its respective operations.

                                     ARTICLE V.
                                 ADDITIONAL AGREEMENTS

                       5.1    Preparation of Proxy Statement/Registration; 
         Company Shareholder Meeting.

                  (a) As promptly as  practicable  after the  execution  of this
         Agreement, Parent and the Company shall prepare and file with the SEC a
         proxy  statement/prospectus  (the "Proxy  Statement") to be sent to the
         shareholders   of  the   Company  in   connection   with  the   Company
         Shareholders' Meeting to consider the Merger and the issuance of Parent
         Common Stock in connection therewith, and Parent shall prepare and file
         with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-4 pursuant to which the
         shares  of Parent  Common  Stock to be  issued  in the  Merger  will be
         registered under the Securities Act (the "Registration
                                            33
<PAGE>

         Statement"),  in
         which the Proxy Statement will be included as a prospectus.  Parent may
         delay the filing of the  Registration  Statement  until after the Proxy
         Statement has been declared effective. Parent and the Company shall use
         reasonable best efforts to cause the  Registration  Statement to become
         effective as soon after the filing as practicable.  The Proxy Statement
         shall include the unanimous recommendation of the Board of Directors of
         the Company in favor of this  Agreement and the Merger unless the Board
         is not  required to make such o  recommendation  pursuant to clause (e)
         below.  Parent and the Company shall make all other  necessary  filings
         with  respect to the Merger under the  Securities  Act and the Exchange
         Act and the rules and regulations thereunder. If at any time before the
         Effective Time any event  relating to the Company or Parent,  or any of
         its affiliates, officers, or directors, is discovered by the Company or
         Parent,  respectively,  that should be set forth in an amendment to the
         Registration  Statement or a supplement  to the Proxy  Statement,  such
         party shall promptly so inform the other.

                  (b)      The Company shall take all action necessary to cause
         the representation set forth in Section 3.1(e) to be true and correct
         at all applicable times with respect to each of the Proxy Statement 
         and the Registration Statement.

                  (c)      Parent shall take all action necessary to cause the 
         representation set forth in Section 3.2(f) to be true and correct at
         all applicable times with respect to each of the Proxy Statement and
         the Registration Statement.

                  (d)      As soon as reasonably practicable, the Company and
         Parent shall take all such actions as may be necessary to comply with
         state "blue sky" or securities laws in connection with the transactions
         contemplated by this Agreement.

                  (e) The Company shall,  as soon as  practicable  following the
         date of this  Agreement,  duly call, give notice of, convene and hold a
         meeting of its shareholders  (the "Company  Shareholders  Meeting") for
         the purpose of  obtaining  the Required  Company  Votes with respect to
         this  e  Agreement.  The  Board  of  Directors  of  the  Company  shall
         unanimously recommend adoption of this Agreement by the shareholders of
         the Company and, upon Parent's request,  reconfirm such  recommendation
         (provided  that the Board of  Directors of the Company need not(1)make
         or reconfirm such recommendation (x) if at the time that it would
         otherwise  be required to make or  reconfirm  such  recommendation  the
         Company is not then in breach of its obligations  under Section 5.4 and
         (y) in such  event,  if and  only  to the  extent  that  the  Board  of
         Directors  of  the  Company  concludes  in  good  faith  (after  having
         consulted  with and  considered the advice of outside legal counsel) in
         connection with the receipt of a Superior  Proposal that such action is
         necessary in order for its  directors  to comply with their  respective
         fiduciary duties under  applicable law, or (2)reconfirm such
         recommendation if no other  Acquisition
         Proposal is pending or in Parent's reasonable judgment likely to become
         pending.  Subject to the  foregoing,  the Company shall use  reasonable
         best efforts to solicit such adoption.

                           5.2 Access to  Information.
         Upon reasonable  notice,  the Company and its Subsidiaries shall afford
         to the officers,  employees,  accountants,  counsel, financial advisors
         and
                                            34
<PAGE>

         other  representatives  of Parent  reasonable  access during normal
         business  hours,  during the period prior to the Effective Time, to all
         its personnel,  properties,  books, contracts,  commitments and records
         and, during such period, the Company and its Subsidiaries shall furnish
         promptly to Parent (a) a copy of each  report,  schedule,  registration
         statement and other document filed, published, announced or received by
         it during such period pursuant to the  requirements of Federal or state
         securities  laws, as applicable  (other than reports or documents which
         such party is not permitted to disclose under  applicable  law) and (b)
         consistent with its legal obligations, all other information concerning
         its  business,  properties  and  personnel  as  Parent  may  reasonably
         request;  provided,  however,  the Company may restrict  the  foregoing
         access  to the  extent  that (i) a  Governmental  Entity  requires  the
         Company or any of its Subsidiaries to restrict access to any properties
         or information  reasonably related to any such contract on the basis of
         applicable  laws and  regulations  with  respect to  national  security
         matters or (ii) any law, treaty, rule or regulation of any Governmental
         Entity  applicable  to the  Company or its  Subsidiaries  requires  the
         Company or its  Subsidiaries  to restrict  access to any  properties or
         information.

                           5.3 Approvals  and Consents;  Cooperation.
         Subject to Section 4.2, each of the Company
         and Parent  shall  cooperate  with each other and use (and shall  cause
         their  respective  Subsidiaries  to use) its reasonable best efforts to
         take or cause to be taken all  actions,  and do or cause to be done all
         things,  necessary,  proper  or  advisable  on their  part  under  this
         Agreement  and  applicable  laws to consummate  and make  effective the
         Merger and the other  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement as
         soon as practicable, including (i) preparing and filing promptly, after
         consulting  with the other party and providing an opportunity to review
         related  documentation  in  advance,  all  documentation  to effect all
         necessary  applications,   notices,  petitions,   filings,  tax  ruling
         requests  and other  documents  and to obtain  all  consents,  waivers,
         licenses,  registrations,  permits,  authorizations,  tax  rulings  and
         authorizations  necessary or  advisable  to be obtained  from any third
         party and/or any Governmental  Entity in order to consummate the Merger
         or any of the other  transactions  contemplated  by this  Agreement and
         (ii) taking all reasonable steps as may be necessary to obtain all such
         consents, waivers, licenses,  registrations,  permits,  authorizations,
         tax rulings,  orders and approvals.  Without limiting the generality of
         the  foregoing,  the  Company  and Parent  agree to make all  necessary
         filings in connection with the Required  Regulatory  Approvals promptly
         following the date of this  Agreement,  and to use its reasonable  best
         efforts  to  furnish  or  cause  to  be   furnished,   as  promptly  as
         practicable,  all information  and documents  requested with respect to
         such Required  Regulatory  Approvals and shall otherwise cooperate with
         the  applicable  Governmental  Entity in order to obtain  any  Required
         Regulatory  Approvals.  Subject to Section 4.2, each of the Company and
         Parent  shall  use  its   reasonable   best  efforts  to  resolve  such
         objections,  if any, as any Governmental Entity may assert with respect
         to  this  Agreement  and  the  transactions   contemplated   hereby  in
         connection with the Required  Regulatory  Approvals in as expeditious a
         manner as possible. Subject to Section 4.2, in the event that a suit is
         instituted  by  a  Person  or  Governmental   Entity  challenging  this
         Agreement  and the  transactions  contemplated  hereby as  violative of
         applicable  antitrust or competition  laws or the  Communications  Act,
         each of the Company and Parent shall use its reasonable best efforts to
         resist or resolve  such suit.  The Company and Parent each shall,  upon
         request by the other, furnish the other with all information concerning
         itself, its Subsidiaries, directors, officers and shareholders and such
         other  matters  as may be  reasonably  be  necessary  or  advisable  in
         connection with the Proxy Statement or any
                                            35
<PAGE>

         other statement, filing, tax
         ruling  request,  notice  or  application  made by or on  behalf of the
         Company,  Parent or any of their  respective  Subsidiaries to any third
         party and/or any  Governmental  Entity in connection with the Merger or
         the other transactions contemplated by this Agreement.

                           5.4  Acquisition  Proposals.
         The Company agrees that it and its Subsidiaries,  officers,  directors,
         employees, agents and representatives (including any investment banker,
         attorney  or  accountant   retained  by  it)  shall  not,  directly  or
         indirectly,  initiate,  solicit,  encourage or otherwise facilitate any
         inquiries  or the making of any  proposal  or offer  with  respect to a
         merger,  reorganization,   share  exchange,   consolidation,   business
         combination,  recapitalization,  liquidation,  dissolution  or  similar
         transaction  involving,  or any purchase of any substantial  portion of
         the assets of, or any equity  securities  of, or any  transaction  that
         would  involve the  transfer or  potential  transfer of control of, the
         Company (any such proposal or offer being hereinafter referred to as an
         "Acquisition   Proposal")  and  has   terminated  any   discussions  or
         negotiations  with,  and the provision of  information  or data to, any
         Person (other than Parent)  respecting  an  Acquisition  Proposal.  The
         Company  further  agrees  that  it  and  its  Subsidiaries,   officers,
         directors,   employees,   agents  and  representatives  (including  any
         investment  banker,  attorney or accountant  retained by it) shall not,
         directly or indirectly, provide any confidential information or data to
         any Person relating to or in contemplation  of an Acquisition  Proposal
         or  engage  in  any  negotiations  or  discussions  relating  to  or in
         contemplation  of an  Acquisition  Proposal;  provided,  however,  that
         nothing  contained in this  Agreement  shall prevent the Company or its
         Board of Directors from (a) complying with Rule 14e-2 promulgated under
         the Exchange Act with regard to any  Acquisition  Proposal;  and (b) if
         any only to the  extent  that the  Board of  Directors  of the  Company
         concludes in good faith (after having consulted with and considered the
         advice of outside legal counsel) that such Acquisition  Proposal would,
         if consummated,  result in a transaction  more favorable to the Company
         shareholders  from a  financial  point  of view  than  the  transaction
         contemplated  by this Agreement  (any such more  favorable  Acquisition
         Proposal being referred to in this Agreement as a "Superior Proposal"),
         until the  Required  Company  Vote has been  obtained,  the Company may
         furnish or cause to be furnished  confidential  information or data and
         may  participate in such  negotiations  and discussions but only if (i)
         the  Company  is not  then in  breach  of its  obligations  under  this
         Section,  (ii) (and only to the extent  that) the Board of Directors of
         the Company  concludes in good faith (after having  consulted  with and
         considered  the advice of outside  legal  counsel)  that such action is
         necessary in order for its  directors  to comply with their  respective
         fiduciary  duties  under  applicable  law  and  (iii)   confidentiality
         arrangements  on  terms  no less  beneficial  to the  Company  as those
         entered  into by Parent are  entered  into with  respect  thereto.  The
         Company will notify Parent  immediately if any inquiries,  proposals or
         offers  respecting  an  Acquisition  Proposal are received by, any such
         information  or data is  requested  from,  or any such  discussions  or
         negotiations  are sought to be initiated or continued  with,  it or any
         such Persons  indicating,  in connection with such notice,  the name of
         such Person and the material  terms and  conditions of any proposals or
         offers,  and shall keep Parent  apprised with respect to the status and
         terms thereof.  The Company also will promptly request each Person that
         has heretofore executed a confidentiality  agreement in connection with
         its consideration of an Acquisition Proposal to return all confidential
         information  heretofore  furnished to such Person by or on behalf of it
         or any of its  Subsidiaries  and  will  not  waive  any  "standstill  "
         provision  of any such,  or any other,
                                            36
<PAGE>

         agreement.  The  Company  shall
         provide  Parent  at least  two  business  days  advance  notice  of its
         intention  to present to its Board of  Directors or accept any Superior
         Proposal  and shall  provide  Parent  with a  summary  of the terms and
         conditions thereof.
         Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  none  of the  actions  set  forth  on
         Schedule 5.4 shall constitute an Acquisition Proposal.

                           5.5  Employee Benefits.

                  (a)  For a  period  of two  years  immediately  following  the
         Closing Date, Parent shall or shall cause the Surviving  Corporation to
         maintain  in  effect  employee  benefit  plans and  arrangements  which
         provide benefits which have a value  substantially  comparable,  in the
         aggregate,  to the benefits  provided by the Company Benefit Plans (not
         taking  into  account  the value of any  benefits  under any such plans
         which are equity based);  provided,  that Parent at its sole option may
         provide employee  benefits to the Surviving  Corporation  which, in the
         aggregate,   are  substantially   comparable  to  those  applicable  to
         similarly  situated  employees  of Parent or its  Subsidiaries.  At the
         request of Parent,  the Company  shall,  prior to the  Effective  Time,
         terminate the Company's 401(k) Plan effective  immediately prior to the
         Effective  Time.  The Company shall  terminate  the Company's  Employee
         Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP") for each fiscal  quarter  beginning on
         or after  October 1, 1998 and shall  cease all  offering  periods  that
         begin on or after September 30, 1998.

                  (b) For purposes of determining  eligibility  to  participate,
         vesting and accrual or  entitlement to benefits where length of service
         is relevant  under any employee  benefit plan or arrangement of Parent,
         the Surviving  Corporation or any of their respective  Subsidiaries,  e
         employees of the Company and its  Subsidiaries as of the Effective Time
         shall  receive  service  credit for service with the Company and any of
         its  Subsidiaries  to the same extent such  service  credit was granted
         under the Company  Benefit  Plans,  subject to offsets  for  previously
         accrued e benefits and no duplication of benefits  (except that no such
         credit shall be applied for (i) benefit accrual or entitlement purposes
         under defined  benefit  pension plans or the schedule of benefits under
         Parent's  severance pay and short term  disability  plans and policies,
         (ii)  eligibility  to  receive   post-retirement   ancillary   benefits
         (consisting  at this  time of  medical,  dental,  death  and  telephone
         concession  benefits) or (iii) calculating  Parent service for purposes
         of "bridging" prior Parent service under Parent benefit plans).

                  (c) Parent shall cause the Surviving Corporation to assume and
         honor in  accordance  with  their  terms  (i) all  written  employment,
         severance and  termination  plans and agreements  (including  change in
         control  provisions)  of employees of the Company and its  Subsidiaries
         provided to Parent on or prior to the date of this  Agreement  and (ii)
         the Tax Reimbursement Agreements identified in Schedule 5.5(c)(ii).

                           5.6 Fees and Expenses. Whether or
         not the Merger is consummated, all Expenses incurred in connection with
         this Agreement and the transactions  contemplated  hereby shall be paid
         by the party  incurring  such  Expenses,  except  (a) if the  Merger is
         consummated,  the Surviving Corporation shall pay, or cause to be paid,
         any and all  property or transfer  taxes
                                            37
<PAGE>

         imposed on the Company or its
         Subsidiaries  (b) the Expenses  incurred in connection  with  printing,
         filing  and  mailing to  shareholders  of the Proxy  Statement  and the
         solicitation  of shareholder  approvals  shall be borne by the Company,
         and (c) as  provided  in  Section  7.2.  As  used  in  this  Agreement,
         "Expenses" includes all reasonable  out-of-pocket  expenses (including,
         without  limitation,  all fees and  expenses of  counsel,  accountants,
         investment  bankers,  experts and consultants to a party hereto and its
         affiliates)  incurred by a party or on its behalf in connection with or
         related to the authorization,  preparation,  negotiation, execution and
         performance of this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereby,
         including the  preparation,  printing,  filing and mailing of the Proxy
         Statement and the  solicitation of shareholder  approvals and all other
         matters related to the transactions contemplated hereby.

                           5.7   Indemnification;   Directors'   and   Officers'
         Insurance.  The
         Surviving  Corporation shall cause to be maintained in effect (i) for a
         period of six years after the Effective  Time,  the current  provisions
         regarding  indemnification  of officers and directors  contained in the
         Organizational  Documents of the Company and its  Subsidiaries and (ii)
         for a period of six years,  the  current  policies  of  directors'  and
         officers'   liability   insurance  and  fiduciary  liability  insurance
         maintained by the Company (provided that the Surviving  Corporation may
         substitute  therefor policies of at least the same coverage and amounts
         containing  terms and conditions  which are, in the aggregate,  no less
         advantageous  to the insured) with respect to claims arising from facts
         or events that occurred on or before the Effective Time,  provided that
         the annual premium therefor is not in excess of 200% of the last annual
         premium  paid by the  Company  prior  to the  date  hereof,  or if such
         premium is in excess of such amount,  such policies of  directors'  and
         officers' liability insurance and fiduciary liability insurance providi
         ng for as much coverage as can be obtained for such amount.

                           5.8 Public Announcements. The
         Company and Parent shall use reasonable best efforts to develop a joint
         communications plan and each party shall use reasonable best efforts to
         ensure  that,  all press  releases  and other  public  statements  with
         respect to the  transactions  contemplated  hereby shall be  consistent
         with such joint  communications  plan.  Unless  otherwise  required  by
         applicable law or by obligations pursuant to any listing agreement with
         or rules of any  securities  exchange,  the Company shall consult with,
         and use reasonable  best efforts to accommodate the comments of, Parent
         before  issuing  any press  release  or  otherwise  making  any  public
         statement   with  respect  to  this   Agreement  or  the   transactions
         contemplated hereby.

                           5.9  Debentures.  The Company  shall use
         its  reasonable  best efforts to satisfy all of the  conditions  to the
         "covenant  defeasance"  provisions  of  Sections  6.1  and  6.1A of the
         Indenture as amended by that First Supplemental Indenture,  dated as of
         April  1,  1996  relating  to  its 9  3/8%  Debentures  due  2006  (the
         "Debentures")  so that such covenant  defeasance shall become effective
         prior to the Effective Date.

                           5.10 Affiliate Letters.  Prior
         to the  mailing of the Joint  Proxy  Statement/Prospectus,  the Company
         shall deliver to Parent a list of names and addresses of those Persons,
         that to the knowledge of the Company,  are or may be deemed to be as of
         the  time of the  Company  Shareholders'  Meeting  "affiliates"  of the
         Company within the meaning of Rule 145
                                            38
<PAGE>

         under the Securities Act and who
         own Company  Common Stock.  There shall be added to such list the names
         and  addresses of any other Person  subsequently  identified  by either
         Parent  or the  Company,  as the case may be,  (unless,  in the case of
         Parent,  an  opinion  of  outside  counsel  to the  Company  reasonably
         acceptable  to Parent is  provided to Parent that such Person is not an
         affiliate),  as a Person  who may be  deemed  to be such an  affiliate;
         provided,  however,  that no such  Person  identified  by Parent or the
         Company, as the case may be, shall remain on such list of affiliates if
         Parent or the Company, as the case may be, shall receive from the other
         party, on or before the date of the Company  Shareholders'  Meeting, an
         opinion of outside  counsel  reasonably  satisfactory  to Parent to the
         effect that such Person is not such an affiliate. The Company shall use
         reasonable  best  efforts to deliver  or cause to be  delivered  to the
         other party,  prior to the date of the Company  Shareholders'  Meeting,
         from each such affiliate identified in the foregoing lists (as the same
         may be  supplemented  as  aforesaid)  a letter  dated as of the Company
         Shareholders'   Meeting  in  the  form   attached  as  Annex  C  hereto
         (collectively, the "Affiliate Letter"). Parent shall not be required to
         maintain the  effectiveness  of the S-4  Registration  Statement or any
         other registration  statement under the Securities Act for the purposes
         of resale of Parent  Common  Stock by such  affiliates  received in the
         Merger.

                        5.11 Year 2000 Compliance The Company will use 
        reasonable best efforts to continue to take the actions set forth
        on Schedule 3.1(o).

                                       ARTICLE VI.
                                 CONDITIONS PRECEDENT

                       6.1  Conditions to Each Party's  Obligation to Effect the
     Merger.  The
     obligations of the Company,  Parent and Merger Sub to effect the Merger are
     subject  to the  satisfaction  or waiver (by the party  benefiting  by such
     condition) on the Closi ng Date of the following conditions:

                  (a)          Shareholder Approval. The Company shall have
     obtained the Required Company Vote.

                  (b)      HSR Act. The waiting period (and any extension
     thereof) applicable to the Merger under the HSR Act shall have been
     terminated or shall have expired.
    
                  (c) No  Injunctions or  Restraints,  Illegality.  No temporary
         restraining order,  preliminary or permanent  injunction or other order
         issued  by  a  court  or  other   Governmental   Entity  of   competent
         jurisdiction  shall be in effect  and have the  effect  of  making  the
         Merger illegal or otherwise prohibit ing consummation of the Merger.

                  (d)      Registration Statements/Proxy Statement. The
        Registration Statement shall have become effective under the Securities
        Act and shall not be the subject of any stop order or proceedings
        seeking a stop order. The Proxy Statement shall have been delivered to
        the shareholders of the Company in accordance with the requirements
        of the Securities Act and the Exchange Act.
                                            39
<PAGE>

                  (e) Tax Opinions.  The Company shall have received the opinion
         of Latham & Watkins  and Parent  shall  have  received  the  opinion of
         Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz, which opinions shall be dated as of the
         Closing Date, to the effect that the Merger will be treated for federal
         s income tax purposes as a reorganization within the meaning of Section
         368(a)  of the Code and  substantially  in the  forms  attached  to the
         Company's and Parent's respective  Disclosure  Schedules.  In rendering
         such opinions,  such firms may rely upon representations and covenants,
         including s those contained in certificates of officers of the Company,
         Merger Sub and Parent, which  representations and covenants are in form
         and substance reasonably acceptable to such counsel.

                  (f)      Listing. The shares of Parent Common Stock to be
         issued in the Merger shall have been approved for listing on the
         New York Stock Exchange, subject to official notice of issuance.


                           6.2  Additional  Conditions to  Obligations of Parent
         and Merger  Sub.  The  obligations  of Parent and Merger Sub to effect
         the Merger are subject to the satisfaction of, or waiver by Parent,
         on the Closing s Date, of the following addi tional conditions:

                  (a)    Representations    and   Warranties.    Each   of   the
         representations  and  warranties  of the  Company  set  forth  in  this
         Agreement  that is  qualified  as to  materiality  or Material  Adverse
         Effect shall have been true and correct when made and shall be true and
         correct on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of such date
         (other than  representations  and warranties which address matters only
         as of a certain date which shall be true and correct as of such certain
         date);  and each of the  representations  and warranties of the Company
         that is not so  qualified  shall  have  been  true and  correct  in all
         material  respects  when  made and  shall be true  and  correct  in all
         material respects on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of
         such date (other than  representations  and  warranties  which  address
         matters  only as of a certain  date which  shall be true and correct in
         all  material  respects  as of  such  certain  date);  and  each of the
         representations  and  warranties  of the  Company  set  forth  in  this
         Agreement  shall be true and  correct  when  made and shall be true and
         correct on and as of the Closing Date (ignoring, for such purposes, any
         qualification  as to  materiality,  Material  Adverse Effect or similar
         language),  except as could not,  individually or in the aggregate with
         all other  failures to be true and correct,  reasonably  be expected to
         have a Material  Adverse  Effect on the Company;  and Parent and Merger
         Sub shall have received a certificate  of the chief  executive  officer
         and the chief financial officer of the Company to such effect.

                  (b)  Performance  of  Obligations.   The  Company  shall  have
         performed or complied with all agreements and covenants  required to be
         performed  by it under this  Agreement  at or prior to the Closing Date
         that are qualified as to  materiality  or Material  Adverse  Effect and
         shall have  performed  or complied in all  material  respects  with all
         agreements  and  covenants  required to be  performed  by it under this
         Agreement  at or prior to the Closing Date that are not so qualified as
         to materiality or Material  Adverse  Effect,  and Parent and Merger Sub
         shall have received a certificate  of the chief  executive  officer and
         the chief financial officer of the Company to such effect.
                                            40
<PAGE>

                  (c) Contractual  Consents.  All (i) Required Consents and (ii)
         other  consents of any Person the failure of which to receive or obtain
         (individually or on the aggregate) could reasonably be expected to have
         a Material  Adverse  Effect on the Company  shall have been obtained or
         given, in each case at not more than immaterial cost and expense to the
         Company and Parent and with not more than immaterial  alteration of the
         Company's  or  its  Subsidiary's   rights  or  obligations   under  any
         agreement, arrangement or instrument.

                  (d)      Dissenting Shares. The number of shares with respec
         to which dissenters' rights have been asserted shall not exceed 5% of
         the number of outstanding shares of Company Common Stock.


                  (e)  Required   Regulatory   Approvals.   All  authorizations,
         consents,  orders and approvals of, and  declarations and filings with,
         and all  expirations of waiting  periods  imposed by, any  Governmental
         Entity (other than the FCC or the appropriate Governmental Entity under
         the HSR Act) which, if not obtained in connection with the consummation
         of the transactions  contemplated  hereby, could reasonably be expected
         to  have  a   Material   Adverse   Effect  on  the  Parent  or  Company
         (collectively,  "Company Required  Regulatory  Approvals"),  shall have
         been  obtained,  have been declared or filed or have  occurred,  as the
         case may be, and all such Company Required  Regulatory  Approvals shall
         be in full force and effect and shall not have any term,  condition  or
         restriction  unacceptable to Parent in its sole  discretion  (except as
         provided in Section 4.2).

                  (f) FCC  Consents.  The FCC shall have  granted its consent to
         the  consummation  of  the  transactions   contemplated   hereby  ("FCC
         Consents"), such FCC Consents shall have become a Final Order and be in
         full force and effect  and such FCC  Consents  shall not have any term,
         condition or restriction una cceptable to Parent in its sole discretion
         except as provided in Section 4.2.

                  (g)      Affiliate Letters. Parent shall have received an
         Affiliate Letter from each Person identified as an affiliate pursuant
         to Section 5.10.

                  (h)  Absence of Certain  Changes or Events.  Since the date of
         this  Agreement,  there shall not have been any event,  development  or
         change of circumstance that  constitutes,  has had, or could reasonably
         be  expected  to have,  individually  or in the  aggregate,  a Material
         Adverse Effect on the Comp any.

                  (j) Suits;  Actions.  No suit, action,  investigation or other
         proceeding by any Governmental Entity shall have been instituted and be
         pending which imposes,  seeks to impose or reasonably would be expected
         to impose  any  remedy,  condition  or  restriction  that  would have a
         Material  Adverse  Effect  on the  Company  or  that  would  materially
         restrict  Parent's  ownership or  operation  of the Company  (except as
         provided in Section 4.2).

                  (k)  Debentures.  The  Debentures  shall have been defeased
         (and all conditions thereto satisfied) in
         accordance with the covenant defeasance  provisions of Sections 6.1 and
         6.1A of the Indenture, as
                                            41
<PAGE>

         amended by that first Supplemental Indenture,
         dated as of April 1, 1996,  or the Company shall have taken the actions
         requested in writi ng by Parent  respecting  the Debentures (if any) in
         lieu thereof.

                  6.3      Additional Conditions to Obligations of the Company.
         The obligations of the Company to effect the Merger are subject to the
         satisfaction of, or waiver by the Company on or prior to the Closing
         Date of the following additional conditions:

                  (a)    Representations    and   Warranties.    Each   of   the
         representations  and  warranties  of Parent and Merger Sub set forth in
         this Agreement that is qualified as to materiality or Material  Adverse
         Effect shall have been true and correct when made and shall be true and
         correct on and as of the Closing Date as if made on and as of such date
         (other than  representations  and warranties which address matters only
         as of a certain date which shall be true and correct as of such certain
         date), and each of the representations and warranties of each of Parent
         and  Merger  Sub that is not so  qualified  shall  have  been  true and
         correct  in all  material  respects  when  made  and  shall be true and
         correct in all  material  respects on and as of the Closing  Date as if
         made on and as of such date (other than  representations and warranties
         which address matters only as of a certain date which shall be true and
         correct in all  material  respects as of such  certain  date),  and the
         Company shall have received a certificate  of and executive  officer of
         Parent to such effect.

                  (b)  Performance of  Obligations of Parent.  Parent shall have
         performed or complied with all agreements and covenants  required to be
         performed  by it under this  Agreement  at or prior to the Closing Date
         that are qualified as to  materiality  or Material  Adverse  Effect and
         shall have  performed  or complied in all  material  respects  with all
         agreements  and  covenants  required to be  performed  by it under this
         Agreement  at or prior to the Closing Date that are not so qualified as
         to materiality, and the Company shall have received a certificate of an
         executive officer of Parent to such effect.

                  (c)  Required   Regulatory   Approvals.   All  authorizations,
         consents,  orders and approvals of, and  declarations and filings with,
         and all  expirations of waiting  periods  imposed by, any  Governmental
         Entity (other than the FCC or the appropriate Governmental Entity under
         the HSR Act) which, if not obtained in connection with the consummation
         of the transactions  contemplated  hereby, could reasonably be expected
         to have a Material Adverse Effect on the Parent (collectively,  "Parent
         Required Regulatory  Approvals"),  shall have been obtained,  have been
         declared  or filed or have  occurred,  as the case may be, and all such
         Parent Required Regulatory Approvals shall be in full force and effect.

                                    ARTICLE VII.
                            TERMINATION AND AMENDMENT

                       7.1  Termination.  This  Agreement  may  be
     terminated  at any time prior to the  Effective  Time,  by action  taken or
     authorized by the Board of Directors of the  terminating  party or parties,
     whether  before or after  approval of the matters  presented in  connection
     with the Merger by the shareholders of the Company:
                                            42
<PAGE>


                  (a)      By mutual written consent of Parent and the Company,
         by action of their respective Boards of Directors;

                  (b) By either the  Company  or Parent if the Merger  shall not
         have been  consummated  by the date which is 12 months from the date of
         this Agreement;  provided, however, that such date shall be extended to
         the date  which is 18  months  from the date of this  Agreement  in the
         event all conditions to effect the Merger other than those set forth in
         Sections 6.1 (b),  6.1 (c), 6.2 (c), 6.2 (d), 6.2 (e), 6.2 (f),  6.2(j)
         and 6.3 (c) (the  "Extension  Conditions")  have been or are capable of
         being  satisfied  at the  time of  such  extension  and  the  Extension
         Conditions have been or are reasonably capable of being satisfied on or
         prior to the date which is 18 months  from the date of this  Agreement,
         as it may be so  extended,  shall be referred to herein as the "Outside
         Date");  provided  further that the right to terminate  this  Agreement
         under this  Section  7.1(b)  shall not be  available to any party whose
         failure to fulfill any  obligation  under this  Agreement  has been the
         cause of, or  resulting  in,  the  failure of the Merger to occur on or
         before such date;

                  (c) By either the Company or Parent if any Governmental Entity
         shall have issued an order,  decree or ruling or taken any other action
         (which  order,  decree,  ruling or other action the parties  shall have
         used  their  reasonable  best  effort to resist,  resolve  or lift,  as
         applicable,   subject  to  the  provisions  of  Section  5.3  and  4.2)
         permanently   restraining,   enjoining  or  otherwise  prohibiting  the
         transactions  contemplated by this Agreement,  and such order,  decree,
         ruling or other action shall have become final and nonappealable;

                  (d) By either  Parent or the  Company if the  approval  by the
         shareholders of the Company required for the consummation of the Merger
         or the  other  transactions  contemplated  hereby  shall  not have been
         obtained by reason of the failure to obtain the required vote at a duly
         held meeting of shareho lders or at any adjournment thereof;

                  (e) By  Parent if (i) the Board of  Directors  of the  Company
         shall have withdrawn,  or adversely modified,  or failed (upon Parent's
         request)  to  reconfirm  its  recommendation  of  the  Merger  or  this
         Agreement (or  determined to do so); (ii) the Board of Directors of the
         Company shall have  determined to recommend to the  shareholders of the
         Company  that they  approve  an  Acquisition  Proposal  other than that
         contemplated  by this  Agreement or shall have  determined  to accept a
         Superior  Proposal;  (iii) a tender offer or exchange  officer that, if
         successful,   would  result  in  any  person  or  "group"   becoming  a
         "beneficial  owner" (such terms having the meaning in this Agreement as
         is ascribed under Regulation 13D under the Exchange Act) of 20% or more
         of the outstanding  shares of Company Common Stock is commenced  (other
         than by Parent or an affiliate of Parent) and the Board of Directors of
         the Company fails to recommend that the shareholders of the Company not
         tender their shares in such tender or exchange  offer;  (iv) any person
         (other than Parent or an  Affiliate  of Parent) or "group"  becomes the
         "beneficial  owner" of 20% or more of the outstanding shares of Company
         Common Stock;  (v) for any reason the Company fails to call or hold the
         Company  Shareholders  Meeting  by  the  Outside  Date  (provided  that
         Parent's right to terminate this Agreement under such clause (vi) shall
         not be  available  if at such time the  Company  would be  entitled  to
         terminate  this
                                            43
<PAGE>

         Agreement  under Section  7.1(h)) or (vii) the Company
         shall have furnished or caused to be furnished confidential information
         or data, or engaged in negotiations or discussions with, another Person
         pursuant to clause (b) of the proviso to the second sentence of Section
         5.4;

                  (f) By the Company,  prior to the Required Company Vote having
         been obtained,  if the Board of Directors of the Company  determines to
         accept a Superior  Proposal,  but only after the Company  (i)  provides
         Parent  with not less  than 48 hours  notice  of its  determination  to
         accept such Superior Proposal  including all material terms thereof and
         (ii)  fulfills  its  obligations  under  Section  7.2 hereof  upon such
         termination  (provided  that  the  Company's  right to  terminate  this
         Agreement  under  this  paragraph  (f)  shall not be  available  if the
         Company is then in breach of Section 5.4);

                  (g) By  Parent,  if since  the date of this  Agreement,  there
         shall have been any event,  development or change of circumstance  that
         constitutes,   has  had  or  could  reasonably  be  expected  to  have,
         individually  or in the  aggregate,  a Material  Adverse  Effect on the
         Company and such  Material  Adverse  Effect is not cured within 30 days
         after written  notice thereof or if (i)(A) the Company has breached any
         covenant  or  agreement  on  the  part  of  the  Company  or any of its
         Subsidiaries set forth in this Agreement,  the Voting Agreements or the
         Option Agreement,  (B) any representation or warranty of the Company or
         any of its  Subsidiaries  set  forth  in  this  Agreement,  the  Voting
         Agreements or the Option  Agreement that is qualified as to materiality
         or  Material  Adverse  Effect  shall  have  become  untrue  or (C)  any
         representation  or warranty  of the Company or any of its  Subsidiaries
         set  forth in this  Agreement,  the  Voting  Agreements  or the  Option
         Agreement  that is not so  qualified  shall have  become  untrue in any
         material respect,  (ii) such breach or  misrepresentation  is not cured
         within 30 days after  written  notice  thereof and (iii) such breach of
         misrepresentation  would  cause the  conditions  set  forth in  Section
         6.2(a) or Section  6.2(b) not to be satisfied (a  "Terminating  Company
         Breach");

                  (h) By the Company, if (i)(A) Parent has breached any covenant
         or  agreement  on the part of Parent  or  Merger  Sub set forth in this
         Agreement,  the  Voting  Agreements  or the Option  Agreement,  (B) any
         representation or warranty of Parent or Merger Sub that is qualified as
         to materiality  or Material  Adverse Effect shall have become untrue or
         (C) any  representation or warranty of Parent or Merger Sub that is not
         so qualified  shall have become  untrue in any material  respect,  (ii)
         such  breach or  misrepresentation  is not cured  within 30 days  after
         written notice thereof and (iii) such breach or misrepresentation would
         cause the  conditions set forth in Section 6.3(a) or Section 6.3(b) not
         to be satisfied (a "Terminating  Parent Breach").  If at any time after
         the Company  Shareholders Meeting has been called, a Terminating Parent
         Breach  exists,  and the Company has given Parent notice  thereof,  the
         Company   shall  have  the  right  to  adjourn  or  delay  the  Company
         Shareholders  Meeting until up to 10 days after the Terminating  Parent
         Breach has been cured or the 30 day cure period has expired.
                                            44
<PAGE>

                           7.2  Effect of Termination.

                  (a) In the event of  termination  of this  Agreement by either
         the Company or Parent as provided in Section 7.1 this  Agreement  shall
         forthwith  become void (other than  covenants in Section 4.2 respecting
         the Voting  Agreements and the Option  Agreement) and there shall be no
         liability or  obligation  on the part of Parent or the Company or their
         respective  officers or  directors  except (i) with  respect to Section
         5.6,  this  Section 7.2 and Article  VIII and (ii) with  respect to any
         liabilities  or damages  incurred or suffered by a party as a result of
         the  willful  and  material  breach  by the  other  party of any of its
         representations, warranties, covenants or other agreements set forth in
         this Agreement.

                  (b)      Parent and the Company agree that if this Agreement
        is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(d), (e), (f) or (g), then the
        Company shall pay Parent an amount equal to the sum of Parent's Expenses
        up to an amount equal to $2 million.

                  (c)      Parent and the Company agree that if this Agreement
        is terminated pursuant to Section 7.1 (h), then Parent shall pay to the
        Company an amount equal to the sum of all of the Company's Expenses up
        to an amount equal to $2 million.

                  (d) Payment of expenses  pursuant to Section  7.2(b) or 7.2(c)
         shall be made not later than two  Business  Days after  delivery to the
         other  party  of  notice  of  demand  for  payment  and  a   documented
         itemization  setting  forth in  reasonable  detail all  Expenses of the
         party   entitled  to  receive   payment  (which   itemization   may  be
         supplemented and updated from time to time by such party until the 60th
         day after such party  delivers such notice of demand for payment).  All
         payments  under  this  Section  7.2 shall be made by wire  transfer  of
         immediately  available  funds to an  account  designated  by the  party
         entitled to receive payment.

                  (e) In  addition  to any  payment  required  by the  foregoing
         provisions  of this  Section:  (1) in the event that this  Agreement is
         terminated pursuant to Section 7.1(e) (other than clause (vii) thereof)
         or 7.1(f),  then the Company shall pay to Parent  immediately  prior to
         such  termination,  in the case of a  termination  by the  Company,  or
         within two business days  thereafter,  in the case of a termination  by
         Parent, a termination fee of $52.5 million; (2), in the event that this
         Agreement is terminated  pursuant to Section  7.1(g) or clause (vii) of
         Section  7.1(e),  then the Company shall pay Parent,  no later than two
         days  after the  earlier  to occur of (i) the date of  entrance  by the
         Company  or any of its  Subsidiaries  into an  agreement  concerning  a
         transaction that  constitutes an Acquisition  Proposal or (ii) the date
         any Person or Persons (other than Parent)  purchases 20% or more of the
         assets or voting securities (in one or a series of transactions) of the
         Company  and  its  Subsidiaries  (provided  that  the  entering  of any
         definitive  agreement  referred  to in  clauses  (i)  and  (ii) of this
         sentence is entered into by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries,  or
         if there is no such agreement  with respect to a purchase  contemplated
         by clause (ii), any tender,  exchange or other offer or arrangement for
         the Company's voting securities is first publicly disclosed,  within 12
         months  of such  termination  of  this  Agreement;  (provided  further,
         however, that a financing transaction constituting a sale
                                            45
<PAGE>

         and leaseback
         of  communications  towers and related equipment shall not constitute a
         transaction  under clause (i) or (ii)  above.)),  a termination  fee of
         $52.5  million;  and  (3) in the  event  the  Agreement  is  terminated
         pursuant to Section 7.1(d), and none of the events described in clauses
         (i) and (ii) of  subsection  (2) of this Section  7.2(e) has  occurred,
         then  the  Company  shall  pay to  Parent,  upon  such  termination,  a
         termination  fee of $30 million,  provided  however that if,  within 12
         months of such  termination of this  Agreement,  an event  described in
         clauses (i) and (ii) of  subsection  (2) of this Section  7.2(e) occurs
         (other than a financing  transaction  constituting a sale and leaseback
         of communications  towers and related  equipment),  then, no later than
         two days after the occurrence of any such event,  the Company shall pay
         Parent an additional termination fee of $22.5 million.

                  (f)      If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section
         7.1(h) and the Company has defeased the Debentures, then Parent will
         pay the Company an amount equal to $4.5 million, plus all Company
         Expenses owed pursuant to Section 7.2(c).

                  (g)      If this Agreement is terminated pursuant to Section
         7.1(b) and the Company has defeased the Debentures, then Parent will 
         pay the Company an amount equal to $2.25 million, plus all Company
         expenses owed pursuant to Section 7.2(c).

                           7.3  Amendment.  This  Agreement  may  be
         amended by the parties  hereto,  by action taken or authorized by their
         respective Boards of Directors, at any time before or after approval of
         the matters presented in connection with the Merger by the shareholders
         of the Company, but after any such approval, no amendment shall be made
         which by law or in accordance with the rules of Nasdaq required further
         approval by such  shareholders  without  such  further  approval.  This
         Agreement may not be amended  except by an instrument in writing signed
         on behalf of each of the parties here to.

                           7.4  Extension;  Waiver.  At any
         time prior to the Effective  Time, the parties  hereto) by action taken
         or authorized  by their  respective  Boards of  Directors,  may, to the
         extent legally  allowed) (i) extend the time for the performance of any
         of the  obligations  or other acts of the other  parties  hereto,  (ii)
         waive any inaccuracies in the representation  and warranties  contained
         herein or in any  document  delivered  pursuant  hereto and (iii) waive
         compliance with any of the agreements or conditions  contained  herein.
         Any  agreement on the part of a party  hereto to any such  extension or
         waiver shall be valid only if set forth in a written  instrument signed
         on behalf of such party.  The failure of any party to this Agreement to
         assert any of its rights under this  Agreement  or otherwise  shall not
         constitute a waiver of those rights.

                                       ARTICLE VIII.
                                   GENERAL PROVISIONS

                       8.1  No  Survival  of  Representations,   Warranties  and
     Agreements.
     None of the representations,  warranties, covenants and other agreements in
     this Agreement or in any instrument  delivered  pursuant to this Agreement,
     including  any rights  arising  out of any breach of such  representations,
     warranties,  covenants  and other  agreements,  shall survive the Effective
     Time,  except  for those  covenants  and  agreements  contained  herein and
     therein  that by their  terms apply or are to be  performed  in whole or in
     part after the Effective Time and this Article VIII.
                                            46
<PAGE>

     Nothing in this Section
     8.1 shall relieve any party for any breach of any representation, warranty,
     covenant  or  other   agreement  in  this  Agreement   occurring  prior  to
     termination.

                       8.2    Notices.    All    notices   and   other
     communications hereunder shall be in writing and shall be deemed duly given
     (a) on the date of  delivery  if  delivered  personally,  (b) on the  first
     Business  Day  following  the date of dispatch if delivered by a recognized
     next-day  courier  service,  or (c) on the tenth Business Day following the
     date of mailing if  delivered  by  registered  or  certified  mail,  return
     receipt  requested,   postage  prepaid.  All  notices  hereunder  shall  be
     delivered as set forth below, or pursuant to such other instructions as may
     he designated in writing by the pa rty to receive such notice:

                    (a)  if to Parent or Merger Sub,  to AT&T  Corp.,  295 North
                         Maple  Avenue,   Basking  Ridge,  New  Jersey,   07920,
                         Attention: Marilyn Wasser, Facsimile No. (908) 221-6618
                         with copies to Wachtell,  Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West
                         52nd  Street,  New York,  New York,  10019,  Attention:
                         David M. Silk, Facsimile No . (212) 403-2000;
 
                    (b)  if to the Company, to Vanguard Cellular Systems,  Inc.,
                         2002 Pisgah Church Road, Suite 300,  Greensboro,  North
                         Carolina,  27455,  Attention:   Richard  C.  Rowlenson,
                         Facsimile  No. (336)  545-2219  with a copy to Latham &
                         Watkins,  885 Third Avenue,  New York, New York, 10022,
                         Attention:  Raymond  Y.  Lin,  Facsimile  No.:  (212)
                         751-4864.

                  8.3  Interpretation.  When a  reference
         is made in this  Agreement to  Sections,  Exhibits or  Schedules,  such
         reference  shall be to a Section  of or  Exhibit  or  Schedule  to this
         Agreement unless otherwise indicated.  The table of Contents,  glossary
         of defined  terms and  headings  contained  in this  Agreement  are for
         reference  purposes only and shall not affect in any way the meaning or
         interpretation  of  this  Agreement.   Whenever  the  words  "include",
         "includes" or  "including"  are used in this  Agreement,  they shall be
         deemed to be followed by the words "without limit ation".

                           8.4  Counterparts.  This Agreement may
         be  executed  in one  or  more  counterparts,  all of  which  shall  be
         considered one and the same  agreement and shall become  effective when
         one or more  counterparts  have been  signed by each of the parties and
         delivered  to the other party,  it being u nderstood  that both parties
         need not sign the same counterpart.

                           8.5      Entire Agreement; No Third Party
         Beneficiaries.

                  (a)  This  Agreement  constitutes  the  entire  agreement  and
         supersedes all prior  agreements and  understandings,  both written and
         oral,  among the parties  with  respect to the subject  matter  hereof,
         other than the  confidentiality  agreement and Option Agreement entered
         into by Parent and the  Company  in  connection  with the  transactions
         contemplated  hereby, which shall survive the execution and delivery of
         this Agreement.

                  (b) This  Agreement  shall be binding upon and inure solely to
         the  benefit  of each party  hereto,  and  nothing  in this  Agreement,
         express or  implied,  is  intended  to or shall  confer  upon any other
         Person any right,  benefit or remedy of any nature  whatsoever
                                            47
<PAGE>

         under or
         by reason of this Agreement,  other than Section 5.7 (which is intended
         to be for  the  benefit  of the  Persons  covered  thereby  and  may be
         enforced by such Persons).

                           8.6  Governing  Law.  Except  as  to
         matters of  internal  corporation  law,  which shall be governed by the
         laws of the State of North  Carolina,  in the case of the Company,  New
         York in the case of Parent and Delaware in the case of Merger Sub, this
         Agreement  shall be governed and construed in accordance  with the laws
         of the State of New York without  giving  effect to the  principles  of
         choice-of-law thereof.

                           8.7 Severability. If any term or other
         provision of this  Agreement is invalid,  illegal or incapable of being
         enforced by any law or public policy, all other terms and provisions of
         this Agreement  shall  nevertheless  remain in full force and effect so
         long  as  the  economic  or  legal   substance   of  the   transactions
         contemplated hereby is not affected in any manner materially adverse to
         any party. Upon such  determination that any term or other provision is
         invalid,  illegal or incapable of being  enforced,  the parties  hereto
         shall  negotiate in good faith to modify this Agreement so as to effect
         the  original  intent of the  parties  as  closely  as  possible  in an
         acceptable  manner in order that the transactions  contemplated  hereby
         are  consummated  as  originally  contemplated  to the greatest  extent
         possible.

                           8.8  Assignment.  Neither this Agreement
         nor any of the rights,  interests  or  obligations  hereunder  shall be
         assigned by any of the parties hereto,  in whole or in part (whether by
         operation of law or  otherwise),  without the prior written  consent of
         the other parties,  and any attempt to make any such assignment without
         such consent shall be null and void, except that Merger Sub may assign,
         in its  sole  discretion,  any or all  of  its  rights,  interests  and
         obligations under this Agreement to any direct or indirect wholly owned
         Subsidiary  of Parent  without the consent of the Company,  but no such
         assignment  shall relieve  Merger Sub of any of its  obligations  under
         this Agreement.  Subject to the preceding sentence, this Agreement will
         be binding  upon,  inure to the  benefit of and be  enforceable  by the
         parties and their respective successors and assigns.

                           8.9 Enforcement. The parties agree that
         irreparable  damage would occur in the event that any of the provisions
         of this Agreement were not performed in accordance  with their specific
         terms.  It is accordingly  agreed that the parties shall be entitled to
         specific performance of the terms hereof, this being in addition to any
         other remedy to which they are entitled at law or in equity. o

                           8.10   Definitions. As used in this Agreement:

                  (a)      "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors
         of any specified Person and any properly serving and acting committees
         thereof.

                  (b)      "Business Day" means any day on which banks are not
          required or authorized to close in the City of New York.

                  (c)  "Material  Adverse  Effect"  means,  with  respect to any
         entity, any adverse change,  circumstance or effect that,  individually
         or in the aggregate with all other adverse
                                            48
<PAGE>

         changes,  circumstances  and
         effects,  is or is reasonably  likely to be  materially  adverse to the
         business,  o  operations,   assets,  liabilities  (including,   without
         limitation, contingent liabilities),  financial condition or results of
         operations  of such  entity  and its  Subsidiaries  taken as a whole or
         could reasonably be expected to prevent or materially delay (beyond the
         Outside Date)  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated by this
         Agreement,  other than any such changes,  circumstances  and effects to
         the extent arising out of changes,  circumstances or effects  occurring
         after, which did not occur before, the Approval  Satisfaction Date from
         (i)  general  economic  conditions,  or (ii)  changes  in the  wireless
         communications   business  generally  that  do  not,  in  either  case,
         significantly disproportionately affect the Company.

                  (d) "Approval Satisfaction Date" means the date not before six
         months from the date  hereof,  on which all  conditions  to the Closing
         under  Section 6.1 and 6.2 have been  satisfied  or waived  (other than
         6.1(d), 6.1(e), 6.1(f) and 6.1(a), provided that the failure to satisfy
         6.1(a) is due to Parent's failure to cause 6.1(d) to occur and not as a
         result of the Company's actions or failure to take action).

                  (e)  "Final  Order"  means an order of the FCC  approving  the
         transfer of control with respect to all FCC licenses, permits and other
         authorizations  held by the Company,  and shall be deemed to be a Final
         Order when the time for the filing of any  protest,  request  for stay,
         petition or request for  reconsideration,  petition  for  rehearing  or
         appeal  of such  FCC  order  to the FCC or any  Governmental  Authority
         having  jurisdiction  over  such  order,  and the  time for  review  or
         reconsideration  by the  FCC on its  own  motion,  has  expired  and no
         protest,  request for stay,  petition  or request for  reconsideration,
         petition for rehearing or appeal or review of such order is pending.

                  (f)      "Knowledge" or "to the knowledge" of the Company
         means the actual knowledge of the any of the persons specified in
         Schedule 8.10(f) after reasonable inquiry.
        
                  (g) "the other  party"  means,  with  respect to the  Company,
         Parent and means, with respect to Parent, the Company.

                  (h)      "Organizational Documents" means, with respect to 
         any entity, the articles of incorporation, by-laws, partnership or
         limited liability company agreement and other governing documents of
         such entity, as applicable.

                  (i) "Person"  means an individual,  corporation,  partnership,
         association, trust, unincorporated organization,  entity or group
         (as defined in the Exchange Act).

                  (j)      "Required Consents" means the consents to the
         agreements set forth in Schedule 8.10(j).

                  (k) "Subsidiary" when used with respect to any party means any
         corporation, partnership or other organization, whether incorporated or
         unincorporated, (i) of which such party or any other Subsidiary of such
         party  is  a  general  partner  (excluding
                                            49
<PAGE>

         partnerships,  the  general
         partnership  interests of which held by such party or any Subsidiary of
         such party do not have a majority of the voting and economic  interests
         in such  partnership)  or (ii) at least a majority of the securities or
         other interests of which having by their terms ordinary voting power to
         elect a majority of the Board of Directors or others performing similar
         functions  with  respect  to such  corporation,  partnership  or  other
         organization  is  directly or  indirectly  owned or control led by such
         party or by any one or more of its  Subsidiaries,  or by such party and
         one or more of its  Subsidiaries.  Not withstanding the above,  nothing
         contained in this Agreement shall be construed such that  International
         Wireless Corporation  Holdings,  Inc. or any of its subsidiaries may be
         deemed to be a Subsidiary of the Company.

                  (l) (i) "Tax" (including,  with correlative meaning, the terms
         "Taxes" and  "Taxable")  means all  federal,  state,  local and foreign
         income,  profits,  franchise,  gross receipts,  environmental,  customs
         duty, capital stock,  severance,  stamp,  payroll,  sales,  employment,
         unemployment   disability,   use,   property,   withholding,    excise,
         production,   value  added,   occupancy  and  other  taxes,  duties  or
         assessments  of any  nature  whatsoever,  together  with all  interest,
         penalties,  fines and  additions  to tax imposed  with  respect to such
         amounts and any interest in respect of such  penalties and additions to
         tax,  and (ii) "Tax  Return"  means all returns and reports  (including
         elections, claims,  declarations,  disclosures,  schedules,  estimates,
         computations and information  returns) required to be supplied to a Tax
         authority in any jurisdiction relating to Taxes.

                  (m) "Company Disclosure  Schedule" means a disclosure schedule
         delivered by the Company to Parent at the execution of this  Agreement,
         which is  incorporated  by reference  into, and  constitutes a part of,
         this Agreement.  Reference to particular  "Schedules" are references to
         schedules contained in the Company Disclosure Schedule.

                                            50
<PAGE>


IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  Parent,  the  Company  and Merger  Sub have  caused  this
Agreement to be signed by their respective  officers  thereunto duly authorized,
all as of October 2, 1998.

                                                      AT&T CORP.



                                                     By:/s/ Michael Berg
                                                     Name: Michael Berg
                                                     Title: Assistant Secretary



                                                      WINSTON, INC.



                                                    By: /s/Michael Berg
                                                    Name: Michael Berg
                                                    Title: Vice President



                                                VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC.



                                               By:
                                               Name:
                                               Title:

<PAGE>

Confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above:

                                               By: /s/Stephen R. Leeolou
                                               Name:Stephen R. Leeolou
                                               Title: President and
                                                      Chief Executive Officer




                                                       EXECUTION COPY

                                                       ANNEX A
                                OPTION AGREEMENT

                  OPTION   AGREEMENT,   dated  as  of   October   2,  1998  (the
                  "Agreement"),  by and between Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.,
                  a North Carolina corporation ("Issuer"), and AT&T Corp., a New
                  York corporation ("Grantee").

                     WHEREAS, Issuer and Grantee have
                  entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger,  dated as of the
                  date hereof (the "Merger  Agreement"),  providing  for,  among
                  other things,  the merger of Issuer with and into a subsidiary
                  of Grantee with such  subsidiary as the surviving  corporation
                  in the Merger;  and 

                    WHEREAS,  as a condition and inducement to
                  Grantee's  willingness  to enter  into the  Merger  Agreement,
                  Grantee  has  requested  that  Issuer  agree,  and  Issuer has
                  agreed,  to grant  Grantee the Option,  on the terms set forth
                  herein;  and 

                    WHEREAS,  terms not defined herein shall have the
                  meanings set forth in the Merger Agreement;

                     NOW, THEREFORE, in
                  consideration    of   the   foregoing   and   the   respective
                  representations,  warranties,  covenants  and  agreements  set
                  forth herein Issuer and Grantee agree as follows:  

     1.Grant of Option.  Subject to the terms and  conditions  set forth herein,
Issuer hereby grants to Grantee an irrevocable option (the "Option") to purchase
up to  7,319,000  (as  adjusted  as set forth  herein)  shares of Class A Common
Stock,  par value  $0.01  per  share  ("Issuer  Common  Stock"),  of Issuer at a
purchase  price of $23 (as  adjusted as set forth  herein) per Option Share (the
"Purchase Price").

     2.Exercise of Option.  (a) Grantee may exercise the Option,  in whole or in
part, at any time and from time to time,  after the occurrence of any event as a
result of which the  Grantee  shall be  entitled  to receive a  termination  fee
pursuant  to  Section  7.2(e) of the  Merger  Agreement  in the  amount of $52.5
million  pursuant  to part (1) or part (2) of such  Section  or in the amount of
$22.5  million  pursuant  to part  (3) of such  Section  (a  "Purchase  Event");
provided,  however, that except as provided in the last sentence of this Section
2(a), the Option shall  terminate and be of no further force and effect upon the
earliest to occur of (A) the Effective Time, (B) 12 months and one day after the
occurrence of a termination of the Merger  Agreement in accordance  with Section
7.1 (d),  (e),  (f) or (g) and (C) a  termination  of the  Merger  Agreement  in
accordance  with  Section  7.1(a),  (b),  (c) or (h)  of the  Merger  Agreement.
Notwithstanding  the  termination  of the Option,  Grantee  shall be entitled to
exercise the Option or have the Option  repurchased  if it has duly given notice
of its  intent  to  exercise  the  Option  or have  the  Option  repurchased  in
accordance  with the terms hereof prior to the termination of the Option and the
termination of the Option shall not affect any rights  hereunder  which by their
terms do not terminate or expire prior to or as of such termination.
                                           
<PAGE>


          (b) In the event that Grantee wishes to exercise the Option,  it shall
     send to Issuer a written notice (the date of which being herein referred to
     as the "Notice  Date") to that effect which notice also specifies the total
     number of shares the Grantee will purchase  pursuant to such exercise and a
     date not earlier than three  business  days nor later than 15 business days
     from the Notice Date for the closing of such purchase (the "Option  Closing
     Date"); provided, however, that (i) if the closing of the purchase and sale
     pursuant to the Option (the  "Option  Closing")  cannot be  consummated  by
     reason  of any  applicable  judgment,  decree,  order,  law  or  regulation
     (including,  without limitation, the rules and regulations of the FCC), the
     period of time that otherwise would run pursuant to this sentence shall run
     instead from the date on which such restriction on consummation has expired
     or been  terminated  and (ii)  without  limiting  the  foregoing,  if prior
     notification  to or  approval  of any  Governmental  Entity is  required in
     connection with such purchase or any other transaction contemplated hereby,
     Grantee and Issuer shall  promptly file the required  notice or application
     for approval and shall cooperate in the  expeditious  filing of such notice
     or  application,  and,  in the case of any prior  notification  or approval
     required  in  connection  with  such  purchase,  the  period  of time  that
     otherwise  would run pursuant to this  sentence  shall run instead from the
     date on which, as the case may be, (A) any required notification period has
     expired or been terminated or (B) any required  approval has been obtained,
     and in either  event,  any  requisite  waiting  period has  expired or been
     terminated.  The place of the  Option  Closing  shall be at the  offices of
     Wachtell,  Lipton,  Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street,  New York, New York,
     and the time of the Option  Closing shall be 10:00 a.m.  (Eastern  Time) on
     the Option Closing Date.

          3. Payment and Delivery of  Certificates.  (a) At the Option  Closing,
     Grantee shall pay to Issuer in immediately available funds by wire transfer
     to a bank  account  designated  in writing by Issuer an amount equal to the
     product  of (x) the  Purchase  Price and (y) the  number  of  shares  being
     purchased pursuant to the exercise of the Option.

     (b)At the Option  Closing,simultaneously  with the delivery of immediately
          available  funds as provided in Section 3(a),  Issuer shall deliver to
          Grantee a certificate or  certificates  representing  the shares to be
          purchased at the Option Closing,  which shares shall be free and clear
          of all liens, claims,  charges and encumbrances of any kind whatsoever
          and a new Option  evidencing the rights of the Grantee to purchase the
          balance of the shares purchasable hereunder.

     (c)  Certificates for the shares delivered at the Option Closing shall have
          typed or  printed  thereon  a  restrictive  legend  which  shall  read
          substantially  as follows (if and to the extent true and  necessary in
          light of legal and factual circumstances  existing at such time): "THE
          SECURITIES  REPRESENTED BY THIS  CERTIFICATE  HAVE NOT BEEN REGISTERED
          UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933, AS AMENDED,  AND MAY BE REOFFERED OR
          SOLD ONLY IF SO REGISTERED OR IF AN EXEMPTION 
                                            2
<PAGE>

           FROM SUCH  REGISTRATION
          IS AVAILABLE.  SUCH SECURITIES ARE ALSO SUBJECT TO CERTAIN  PROVISIONS
          AS SET FORTH IN THE STOCK  OPTION  AGREEMENT,  DATED AS OF  OCTOBER 2,
          1998, A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE OBTAINED  FROM THE  SECRETARY OF VANGUARD
          CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC. AT ITS PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES."

     It   is  understood  and  agreed  that:  (i) the  reference  to the  resale
          restrictions  of the  Securities  Act of 1933,  as amended  (the "1933
          Act"),  in the above legend shall be removed by delivery of substitute
          certificate(s)  without such reference if Grantee shall have delivered
          to Issuer a copy of a letter  from the staff of the SEC, or an opinion
          of counsel, in form and substance  reasonably  satisfactory to Issuer,
          to the effect that such  legend is not  required  for  purposes of the
          1933 Act;  (ii) the reference to the  provisions to this  Agreement in
          the  above  legend   shall  be  removed  by  delivery  of   substitute
          certificate(s)  without such reference if the shares have been sold or
          transferred  in compliance  with the  provisions of this Agreement and
          under  circumstances  that  do  not  require  the  retention  of  such
          reference;  and (iii) the legend  shall be removed in its  entirety if
          the  conditions  in the  preceding  clauses  (i)  and  (ii)  are  both
          satisfied.  In addition, such certificates shall bear any other legend
          as may be required by law.

     4.Option  Repurchase.  (a) Upon the occurrence of a Purchase Event prior to
          the  termination  of the  Option,  in lieu of  exercising  the option,
          Grantee may require  Issuer to  repurchase  the Option.  If Grantee so
          elects,  Issuer (or any successor thereto) shall repurchase the Option
          from Grantee at a price (the "Option  Repurchase  Price") equal to the
          amount by which (A) the Market/Offer  Price (as defined below) exceeds
          (B) the  Option  Price,  multiplied  by the number of shares for which
          this Option may then be exercised. The term "Market/Offer Price" shall
          mean the highest of (i) the price per share of Issuer  Common Stock at
          which a tender offer or exchange  offer  therefor has been made,  (ii)
          the highest  price per share of Issuer  Common Stock to be paid by any
          third party  pursuant to an agreement  with Issuer,  (iii) the highest
          closing  price for shares of Issuer  Common Stock within the six-month
          period  immediately  preceding  the date  Grantee  gives notice of the
          required  repurchase of this Option, or (iv) in the event of a sale of
          all or a substantial  portion of Issuer's assets, the sum of the price
          paid in such sale for such assets and the current  market value of the
          remaining  assets of Issuer as determined  by a nationally  recognized
          investment  banking firm selected by Grantee,  as the case may be, and
          reasonably  acceptable to the Issuer,  divided by the number of shares
          of Issuer Common Stock of Issuer outstanding at the time of such sale.
          In determining  the  Market/Offer  Price,  the value of  consideration
          other  than  cash  shall  be  determined  by a  nationally  recognized
          investment  banking firm selected by Grantee,  as the case may be, and
          reasonably acceptable to the Issuer.

(b) The Grantee may exercise its
          right to require  Issuer to  repurchase  the Option  pursuant  to this
          Section by surrendering  for such purpose to Issuer,  at its principal
          office,  a copy of this Agreement,  accompanied by a written notice or
          notices  stating that Grantee  elects to require  Issuer to repurchase
          this Option in accordance with the provisions of this Section.  Within
          five  business  days after the surrender of the Option and the receipt
          of such notice or notices  relating  thereto,  Issuer shall deliver or
          cause to be delivered to Grantee the Option  Repurchase
                                            3
<PAGE>

           Price therefor
          or the portion  thereof,  if any,  that Issuer is not then  prohibited
          under applicable law and regulation from so delivering.

          To the extent
          that Issuer is prohibited  under  applicable  law or  regulation  from
          repurchasing,   or  requires  any  approval  of  its  stockholders  to
          repurchase,  the Option in full,  Issuer shall  immediately  so notify
          Grantee and thereafter deliver or cause to be delivered,  from time to
          time, to Grantee the portion of the Option Repurchase Price that it is
          no longer prohibited from delivering,  within five business days after
          the  date on  which  Issuer  is no  longer  so  prohibited;  provided,
          however,  that if Issuer  at any time  after  delivery  of a notice of
          repurchase pursuant to this Section is prohibited under applicable law
          or  regulation  from  delivering,  or  requires  any  approval  of its
          stockholders to deliver,  to Grantee,  the Option  Repurchase Price in
          full (and Issuer  hereby  undertakes to use its best efforts to obtain
          such  approval of its  stockholders  and all required  regulatory  and
          legal  approvals  and to file any  required  notices,  in each case as
          promptly  as  practicable  in order to  accomplish  such  repurchase),
          Grantee may revoke its notice of  repurchase  of the Option  either in
          whole or to the extent of the  prohibition,  whereupon,  in the latter
          case,  Issuer shall  promptly (i) deliver to Grantee,  that portion of
          the  Option  Repurchase  Price  that  Issuer  is not  prohibited  from
          delivering;  and (ii) deliver to Grantee, a new Stock Option Agreement
          evidencing  the right of Grantee to purchase  that number of shares of
          Issuer Common Stock  obtained by  multiplying  the number of shares of
          Issuer Common Stock for which the surrendered  Stock Option  Agreement
          was exercisable at the time of delivery of the notice of repurchase by
          a fraction, the numerator of which is the Option Repurchase Price less
          the  portion  thereof  theretofore  delivered  to the  Holder  and the
          denominator of which is the Option  Repurchase  Price.  In such event,
          notwithstanding  anything to the contrary contained herein, the Option
          shall not terminate  until at least five business day have passed from
          receipt by Grantee of the notice and portion of the Option  Repurchase
          Price   contemplated   by  the  first  sentence  of  this   paragraph.

          Notwithstanding anything to the contrary contained herein, in no event
          shall the sum of the Option  Repurchase  Price and the termination fee
          pursuant  to Section  7.2(e) of the Merger  Agreement  received by the
          Grantee from the Issuer  exceed $53 million and, if such sum otherwise
          would exceed such amount, the Option Repurchase Price shall be reduced
          such that the sum of the Option  Repurchase  Price and the Termination
          Fee equals $53 million.

  5.Representations  and Warranties of Issuer.
          Issuer hereby represents and warrants to Grantee as follows:

   (a) Due Authorization. Issuer has all requisite corporate power and authority
          to enter  into  this  Agreement  and to  consummate  the  transactions
          contemplated  hereby.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement by
          Issuer and the consummation by Issuer of the transactions contemplated
          hereby have been duly authorized by all necessary  corporate action on
          the  part of  Issuer.  This  Agreement  has  been  duly  executed  and
          delivered  by  Issuer  and  constitutes  a legal,  valid  and  binding
          obligation of Issuer,  enforceable  against Issuer in accordance  with
          its  terms. 

  (b) Authorized  Stock.  Issuer's   representations  and
          warranties  in  the  Merger  Agreement  are  incorporated   herein  by
          reference. Without limiting the generality
                                            4
<PAGE>

          or effect of the foregoing,
          Issuer has taken all necessary corporate and other action to authorize
          and  reserve  and,  to permit it to issue,  and, at all times from the
          date hereof until the  obligation to deliver  shares upon the exercise
          of the Option  terminates,  shall have  reserved  for  issuance,  upon
          exercise of the Option,  shares of Issuer  Common Stock  necessary for
          Grantee to exercise the Option,  and Issuer  shall take all  necessary
          corporate  action to authorize and reserve for issuance all additional
          shares of Issuer Common Stock or other  securities which may be issued
          pursuant  to  Section 7 upon  exercise  of the  Option.  The shares of
          Issuer  Common  Stock to be issued  upon due  exercise  of the Option,
          including  all  additional  shares  of  Issuer  Common  Stock or other
          securities  which may be issuable  upon  exercise of the Option or any
          substitute  option  pursuant  to  Section  7, upon  issuance  pursuant
          hereto,   shall  be  duly  and   validly   issued,   fully   paid  and
          nonassessable,  and shall be  delivered  free and clear of all  liens,
          claims,  charges and  encumbrances  of any kind or nature  whatsoever,
          including without  limitation any preemptive rights of any stockholder
          of Issuer,  and the holder thereof shall be entitled to all rights and
          privileges  (without  limitation)  relating to shares of Issuer Common
          Stock  generally,  including  with  respect to voting and  disposition

          (c) No  Conflicts.  The execution and delivery of this Agreement does
          not, and the  consummation  of the  transactions  contemplated by this
          Agreement and compliance  with the provisions of this Agreement  shall
          not, conflict with, or result in any violation of, or default (with or
          without  notice  or lapse of time or both)  under,  or give  rise to a
          right of termination,  cancellation, or acceleration of any obligation
          or loss of a material  benefit under, or result in the creation of any
          Lien  upon any of the  properties  or  assets  of Issuer or any of its
          Significant  Subsidiaries  under, (i) the certificate of incorporation
          or by-laws of Issuer or the comparable organizational documents of any
          Significant  Subsidiary of Issuer,  (ii) any loan or credit agreement,
          note, bond, mortgage, indenture, lease or other agreement, instrument,
          permit, concession,  franchise, or license applicable to Issuer or any
          Significant  Subsidiary  of Issuer or their  respective  properties or
          assets  (without  prejudice to the  Company's  obligations  hereunder,
          other than  covenant  restrictions  contained  in the  Indenture  with
          respect to the Company's 9-3/8%  Debentures due 2006 and the Company's
          bank credit  facility with the banks named therein,  each of which the
          Company hereby  covenants to use its best efforts to have waived),  or
          (iii) any judgment,  order, decree, statute, law, ordinance,  rule, or
          regulation applicable to Issuer or any of its Significant Subsidiaries
          or their respective  properties or assets,  other than, in the case of
          clauses  (ii) and (iii),  any such  conflicts,  violations,  defaults,
          rights,  losses,  or Liens that individually or in the aggregate would
          not (x) have a  material  adverse  effect on  Issuer,  (y)  impair the
          ability of Issuer to perform its  obligations  under this Agreement or
          the  Merger   Agreement  or  (z)  prevent  or  materially   delay  the
          consummation  of  any  of  the   transactions   contemplated  by  this
          Agreement. 

 (d) State  Takeover  Statutes.  The Board of Directors of
          Issuer has taken all action  necessary  or  advisable  so as to render
          inoperative with respect to the transactions  contemplated  hereby all
          applicable  state  anti-takeover   statutes.
                                            5
<PAGE>

   6.Representations  and
          Warranties  of Grantee.  Grantee  hereby  represents  and  warrants to
          Issuer  that:

  (a) Due  Authorization.   Grantee  has  all  requisite
          corporate  power and  authority  to enter into this  Agreement  and to
          consummate the  transactions  contemplated  hereby.  The execution and
          delivery of this Agreement by Grantee and the  consummation by Grantee
          of the transactions  contemplated  hereby have been duly authorized by
          all necessary corporate action on the part of Grantee.  This Agreement
          has been duly  executed  and  delivered by Grantee and  constitutes  a
          legal,  valid and binding obligation of Grantee,  enforceable  against
          Grantee in accordance with its terms.

 (b) No Conflicts. The execution
          and delivery of this Agreement does not, and the  consummation  of the
          transactions  contemplated  by this Agreement and compliance  with the
          provisions of this Agreement hereby shall not, conflict with or result
          in any violation  of, or default  (with or without  notice or lapse of
          time  or  both)  under,  or  give  rise  to a  right  of  termination,
          cancellation,  or acceleration of any obligation or loss of a material
          benefit  under,  or result in the creation of any Lien upon any of the
          properties or assets of Grantee or any of its Significant Subsidiaries
          under,  (i) the certificate of  incorporation or by-laws of Grantee or
          the comparable  organizational documents of any Significant Subsidiary
          of Grantee,  (ii) any loan or credit agreement,  note, bond, mortgage,
          indenture, lease or other agreement,  instrument,  permit, concession,
          franchise,  or  license  applicable  to  Grantee  or  any  Significant
          Subsidiary of Grantee or their  respective  properties  or assets,  or
          (iii) any judgment,  order, decree, statute, law, ordinance,  rule, or
          regulation   applicable   to  Grantee   or  any  of  its   Significant
          Subsidiaries or their respective  properties or assets, other than, in
          the case of clauses (ii) and (iii),  any such  conflicts,  violations,
          defaults,  rights,  losses,  or  Liens  that  individually  or in  the
          aggregate would not (x) have a material adverse effect on Grantee, (y)
          impair the  ability of Grantee to perform its  obligations  under this
          Agreement or the Merger  Agreement or (z) prevent or materially  delay
          the  consummation  of any of the  transactions  contemplated  by  this
          Agreement.

  (c) Purchase  Not for  Distribution.  Any shares or other
          securities  acquired  by  Grantee  upon  exercise  of the  Option  are
          acquired  for  its  own  account,  and  shall  not be  transferred  or
          otherwise  disposed of except in a transaction  registered,  or exempt
          from  registration,  under  the  Securities  Act.

  7. Adjustment  upon
          Changes  in  Capitalization,  Etc.  (a) In the event of any  change in
          Issuer Common Stock by reason of a stock dividend,  split-up,  merger,
          recapitalization, combination, exchange of shares, or similar or other
          transaction,  the type and number of shares or  securities  subject to
          the  Option,  and the  Purchase  Price  therefor,  shall  be  adjusted
          appropriately,  and proper  provision  shall be made in the agreements
          governing  such  transaction,  so  that  Grantee  shall  receive  upon
          exercise  of the  Option  the  number  and  class of  shares  or other
          securities  or property that Grantee would have received in respect of
          Issuer Common Stock if the Option had been exercised immediately prior
          to such event or the record date therefor,  as applicable.  Subject to
          Section 1, and  without  limiting  the  parties'  relative  rights and
          obligations  under the Merger  Agreement,  if any additional shares of
          Issuer  Common Stock are issued or cease to be
                                            6
<PAGE>

          issued and  outstanding
          after the date of this  Agreement  (other  than  pursuant  to an event
          described in the first sentence of this Section  7(a)),  the number of
          shares of Issuer  Common Stock subject to the Option shall be adjusted
          so that,  after such issuance or ceasing to be issued and outstanding,
          it equals  19.9% of the number of shares of Issuer  Common  Stock then
          issued and outstanding, without giving effect to any shares subject to
          or issued  pursuant to the Option.

  (b) Without  limiting the
          parties'  relative rights and obligations  under the Merger Agreement,
          in the event that Issuer enters into an agreement  (i) to  consolidate
          with or merge  into  any  person,  other  than  Grantee  or one of its
          subsidiaries,  and Issuer  shall not be the  continuing  or  surviving
          corporation  in such  consolidation  or  merger,  (ii) to  permit  any
          person,  other than Grantee or one of its subsidiaries,  to merge into
          Issuer and Issuer shall be the  continuing  or surviving  corporation,
          but in connection with such merger,  the shares of Issuer Common Stock
          outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of such merger shall
          be changed into or exchanged  for stock or other  securities of Issuer
          or any other  person or cash or any other  property,  or the shares of
          Issuer Common Stock outstanding  immediately prior to the consummation
          of such merger shall,  after such merger,  represent  less than 50% of
          the outstanding  voting securities of the merged company,  or (iii) to
          sell or otherwise  transfer all or substantially  all of its assets to
          any person,  other than Grantee or one of its subsidiaries,  then, and
          in each such case, the agreement governing such transaction shall make
          proper  provision so that the Option shall,  upon the  consummation of
          any such  transaction  and upon the  terms  and  conditions  set forth
          herein,  be converted into, or exchanged for, an option with identical
          terms appropriately adjusted to acquire the number and class of shares
          or other  securities  or property  that Grantee would have received in
          respect  of  Issuer  Common  Stock if the  Option  had been  exercised
          immediately prior to such consolidation, merger, sale, or transfer, or
          the record date therefor, as applicable.

  8. Registration Rights. Upon
          the   occurrence  of  a  Purchase  Event  that  occurs  prior  to  the
          termination  of the Option,  Issuer shall,  at the request of Grantee,
          promptly prepare, file and keep current a shelf registration statement
          under the 1933 Act covering any shares issued and issuable pursuant to
          this Option and shall use its  reasonable  best  efforts to cause such
          registration statement to become effective and remain current in order
          to permit the sale or other disposition of any shares of Issuer Common
          Stock  issued upon total or partial  exercise of this Option  ("Option
          Shares"), or shares acquired under the Voting Agreement, in accordance
          with any plan of disposition requested by Grantee. Issuer will use its
          reasonable best efforts to cause such registration  statement first to
          become  effective and then to remain  effective for such period not in
          excess  of 180 days  from the day such  registration  statement  first
          becomes effective or such shorter time as may be reasonably  necessary
          to effect  such sales or other  dispositions.  Grantee  shall have the
          right to demand two such  registrations.  Grantee  shall  provide  all
          information  reasonably  requested  by  Issuer  for  inclusion  in any
          registration statement to be filed hereunder.  If requested by Grantee
          in connection with such  registration,  Issuer shall become a party to
          any underwriting  agreement  relating to the sale of such shares,  but
          only to the extent of obligating itself in respect of representations,
          warranties,  indemnities and other agreements  customarily included in
          secondary offering underwriting agreements for the Issuer.

 9. Listing.
          If Issuer  Common Stock or any other  securities  to be acquired  upon
          exercise  of the  Option  are then  listed  on  Nasdaq  (or any  other
          national securities exchange 
                                            7
<PAGE>

          or national securities quotation system),
          Issuer,   upon  the  request  of  Grantee,   shall  promptly  file  an
          application  to list  the  shares  of  Issuer  Common  Stock  or other
          securities  to be acquired  upon exercise of the Option on Nasdaq (and
          any such other  national  securities  exchange or national  securities
          quotation system) and shall use reasonable  efforts to obtain approval
          of such  listing as promptly as  practicable.

  10.Loss or  Mutilation.
          Upon receipt by Issuer of evidence  reasonably  satisfactory  to it of
          the loss, theft,  destruction or mutilation of this Agreement, and (in
          the case of loss,  theft or  destruction)  of reasonably  satisfactory
          indemnification,   and  upon  surrender  and   cancellation   of  this
          Agreement,  if  mutilated,  Issuer  shall  execute  and  deliver a new
          Agreement of like tenor and date. Any such new Agreement  executed and
          delivered shall constitute an additional contractual obligation on the
          part  of  Issuer,  whether  or not  the  Agreement  so  lost,  stolen,
          destroyed,  or mutilated  shall at any time be  enforceable by anyone.

 11. Miscellaneous.

  (a) Expenses.  Except as otherwise provided in the
          Merger  Agreement,  each of the parties  hereto shall bear and pay all
          costs and expenses  incurred by it or on its behalf in connection with
          this Agreement and the transactions contemplated hereunder,  including
          fees  and  expenses  of  its  own  financial  consultants,  investment
          bankers, accountants and counsel.

  (b) Amendment.  This Agreement may
          not be amended, except by an instrument in writing signed on behalf of
          each of the  parties.

  (c) GOVERNING  LAW.  THIS  AGREEMENT  SHALL BE
          DEEMED A CONTRACT MADE UNDER,  AND FOR ALL PURPOSES SHALL BE CONSTRUED
          IN ACCORDANCE WITH, THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK,  WITHOUT REGARD
          TO PRINCIPLES OF CONFLICT OF LAWS THEREOF; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE
          LAWS OF THE RESPECTIVE  STATES OF INCORPORATION OF EACH OF THE PARTIES
          HERETO SHALL GOVERN THE RELATIVE RIGHTS,  OBLIGATIONS,  POWERS, DUTIES
          AND OTHER  INTERNAL  AFFAIRS OF SUCH PARTY AND ITS BOARD OF DIRECTORS.

  (d) Severability.   If  any  provision  of  this   Agreement  or  the
          application of such provision to any person or circumstances  shall be
          held invalid by a court of competent  jurisdiction,  the  remainder of
          the provision  held invalid and the  application  of such provision to
          persons or circumstances,  other than the party as to which it is held
          invalid, shall not be affected.

 (e) Counterparts.  This Agreement may
          be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed
          to be an original but all of which together  shall  constitute one and
          the same  instrument.
(f) Headings.  All  Section  headings  are for
          convenience  of reference  only and are not part of this Agreement and
          no   construction   or   reference   shall   be   derived   therefrom.
                                            8
<PAGE>

(g) Extension;  Waiver. Any agreement on the part of a party to waive
          any  provision  of  this   Agreement,   or  to  extend  the  time  for
          performance,  shall be valid  only if set  forth in an  instrument  in
          writing  signed on behalf of such  party.  The failure of any party to
          this  Agreement  to assert any of its rights  under this  Agreement or
          otherwise  shall not  constitute a waiver of such rights.
(h) Entire
          Agreement; No Third-Party  Beneficiaries.  This Agreement,  the Voting
          Agreement  and the  Merger  Agreement  (including  the  documents  and
          instruments  referred to therein)  and the  confidentiality  agreement
          entered into by Issuer and Grantee in connection with the transactions
          contemplated  by  the  Merger  Agreement  (i)  constitute  the  entire
          agreement, and supersede all prior agreements and understandings, both
          written  and oral,  between the  parties  with  respect to the subject
          matter  of such  agreements  and (ii)  except as  expressly  otherwise
          provided  herein or in the Voting  Agreement or the Merger  Agreement,
          are not  intended to confer upon any person other than the parties any
          rights or  remedies.

(i) Notices.  All  notices,  requests,  claims,
          demands,  and other  communications  under this  Agreement  must be in
          writing and shall be deemed given if delivered personally,  telecopied
          (which is confirmed), or sent by overnight courier (providing proof of
          delivery) to the parties at the following  addresses (or at such other
          address for a party as shall be specified by like  notice):

      (i) if to Grantee, to

                AT&T Corp.
                295 North Maple Avenue
                Basking Ridge, New Jersey 07920
                Telecopy No.:   (908) 221-6618
                Attention:  Marilyn Wasser


                         with copies to:

                Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
                51 West 52nd Street
                New York, New York  10019
                Telecopy No.:  (212) 403-2000
                Attention:  David M. Silk; and
                                            9
<PAGE>

       (ii) if to Issuer, to

                Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
                2002 Pisgah Church Road
                Greensboro, NC 27455
                Telecopy No.: (336) 545-2219
                Attention: Richard Rowlenson

                         with a copy to:

                Latham & Watkins
                53rd at Third Avenue, Suite 1000
                885 Third Avenue
                New York, NY 10022-4802
                Telecopy No.:  (212) 751-4864
                Attention:  Raymond Y. Lin.

  (j) Assignment. Neither this Agreement nor any of the rights,
                           interests, or obligations under this Agreement may be
                           assigned  or  delegated,  in  whole  or in  part,  by
                           operation of law or otherwise,  by Issuer without the
                           prior  written  consent of  Grantee,  and Grantee may
                           assign or delegate,  in whole or in part,  any of its
                           rights  hereunder.  Any  assignment  or delegation in
                           violation of the preceding sentence shall be void.

 (k) Further  Assurances.  In the event of any exercise of the
                           Option by Grantee,  Issuer and Grantee  shall execute
                           and deliver all other  documents and  instruments and
                           take  all  other   action  that  may  be   reasonably
                           necessary  in order to  consummate  the  transactions
                           provided for by such exercise.

(l) ENFORCEMENT.  THE PARTIES AGREE THAT  IRREPARABLE  DAMAGE
                           WOULD OCCUR AND THAT THE  PARTIES  WOULD NOT HAVE ANY
                           ADEQUATE  REMEDY AT LAW IN THE EVENT  THAT ANY OF THE
                           PROVISIONS  OF THIS  AGREEMENT  WERE NOT PERFORMED IN
                           ACCORDANCE   WITH  THEIR   SPECIFIC   TERMS  OR  WERE
                           OTHERWISE BREACHED. IT IS ACCORDINGLY AGREED THAT THE
                           PARTIES   SHALL  BE  ENTITLED  TO  AN  INJUNCTION  OR
                           INJUNCTIONS TO PREVENT BREACHES OF THIS AGREEMENT AND
                           TO ENFORCE  SPECIFICALLY  THE TERMS AND PROVISIONS OF
                           THIS  AGREEMENT IN ANY FEDERAL  COURT  LOCATED IN THE
                           STATE  OF NEW YORK OR IN NEW YORK  STATE  COURT,  THE
                           FOREGOING  BEING IN ADDITION  TO ANY OTHER  REMEDY TO
                           WHICH THEY ARE ENTITLED AT LAW OR IN EQUITY.
                                            10
<PAGE>

  IN  WITNESS  WHEREOF,  Issuer and  Grantee  have  caused  this
    Agreement to be signed by their respective  officers thereunto
     duly authorized as of the day and year first written above.

                                          VANGUARD CELLULAR SYSTEMS, INC.


                                     By:
                                     Name:
                                     Title:

                                          AT&T CORP.


                                     By:/s/ Michael Berg
                                     Name: Michael Berg
                                     Title: Assistant Secretary
                                            11
<PAGE>

Confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above.


                                     By:/s/ Stephen R. Leeplou
                                     Name: Stephen R. Leeolou
                                     Title: President and Chief Executive 
                                                                Officer

                                                            EXECUTION COPY
                                                            ANNEX B

                                VOTING AGREEMENT

                  VOTING  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement"),  dated as of October 2,
                  1998, between the undersigned  stockholder  ("Stockholder") of
                  Vanguard Cellular Systems,  Inc., a North Carolina corporation
                  (the  "Company"),  and  AT&T  Corp.,  a New  York  corporation
                  ("Parent").

                  WHEREAS,  concurrently  with  the  execution  and
                  delivery  of this  Agreement,  the  Company  and  Parent  have
                  entered  into an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated as of
                  October 2, 1998 (the "Merger  Agreement"),  providing  for the
                  merger of the Company with and into a wholly-owned  subsidiary
                  of Parent (the "Merger")  pursuant to the terms and conditions
                  thereof;  and 

                  WHEREAS,  as an  inducement  and a condition to
                  Parent entering into the Merger  Agreement,  pursuant to which
                  Stockholder will receive the consideration provided for in the
                  Merger  Agreement in exchange for each share of Class A Common
                  Stock,  par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common
                  Stock")  owned by him,  Stockholder  has  agreed to enter into
                  this  Agreement; 

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,   for  good  and  valuable
                  consideration,  the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which
                  is hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree as follows:

                1.Representations of Stockholder.  Stockholder  represents that
                  such Stockholder:

                         (a) is the  beneficial  owner  of  that  number  of
                                    shares  of Common  Stock set forth  opposite
                                    such  Stockholder's  name on Exhibit A (such
                                    Stockholder's "Shares");

                         (b) except  as may be  denoted  in Exhibit A, does not
                                    beneficially own (as such term is defined in
                                    the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  as
                                    amended  (the "1934  Act")) or own of record
                                    any shares of Common  Stock  other than such
                                    Stockholder's   Shares,  but  excluding  any
                                    shares   of   Common    Stock   which   such
                                    Stockholder has the right to obtain upon the
                                    exercise of stock options outstanding on the
                                    date hereof; and
                         (c) has   the right,  power and  authority  to execute
                                    and deliver  this  Agreement  and to perform
                                    such  Stockholder's  obligations  under this
                                    Agreement,  and this Agreement has been duly
                                    executed and  delivered by such  Stockholder
                                    and  constitutes a valid and legally binding
                                    agreement of such  Stockholder,  enforceable
                                    in  accordance  with  its  terms;  and  such
                                    execution,  delivery and performance by such
                                    Stockholder  of this  Agreement will not (i)
                                    conflict with, require a consent,  waiver or
                                    approval  under, or result in a breach of or
                                    default  under,  any  of  the  terms  of any
                                    contract,  commitment  or  other  obligation
                                    (written or oral) to which such  Stockholder
                                    is a party or by which such  Stockholder  is
                                    bound;   (ii)   violate  any  order,   writ,
                                    injunction,  decree or statute,  or any rule
                                    or regulation,  applicable to Stockholder or
                                    any  of  the   properties   or   assets   of
                                    Stockholder; or (iii) result in the creation
                                    of,  or  impose  any   obligation   on  such
                                    Stockholder to create,
<PAGE>

                                    any Lien (as defined
                                    in the  Merger  Agreement),  charge or other
                                    encumbrance  of any nature  whatsoever  upon
                                    the Shares, other than in favor of Parent.

          The representations  and warranties  contained herein shall be made as
     of the date  hereof and as of each date from the date  hereof  through  and
     including  the date that the Merger is  consummated  or this  Agreement  is
     terminated in accordance with its terms.

                2. Agreement to Vote  Shares.  Stockholder  shall be present (in
                           person or by proxy)  at and vote his  Shares  and any
                           New  Shares (as  defined  in  Section 4 hereof),  and
                           shall cause any holder of record of his Shares or New
                           Shares  to be  present  and  vote,  (a) in  favor  of
                           adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the
                           Merger  (and  each  other   action  and   transaction
                           contemplated  by  the  Merger  Agreement  or by  this
                           Agreement) and (b) against any  Acquisition  Proposal
                           (as defined in the Merger  Agreement)  other than the
                           Merger (or any other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           and against any proposed  action or transaction  that
                           would prevent or intentionally  delay consummation of
                           the Merger (or other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           or  is  otherwise  inconsistent  therewith  at  every
                           meeting of the  stockholders  of the Company at which
                           any  such  matters  are   considered   and  at  every
                           adjournment   thereof   (and,   if   applicable,   in
                           connection   with  any  request  or  solicitation  of
                           written  consents  of  stockholders).  Any such  vote
                           shall  be  cast,  or  consent  shall  be  given,   in
                           accordance with such procedures  relating  thereto as
                           shall  ensure that it is duly counted for purposes of
                           determining that a quorum is present and for purposes
                           of  recording  the  results of such vote or  consent.
                           Stockholder  shall  deliver to Parent upon  request a
                           proxy  substantially  in the form attached  hereto as
                           Exhibit  B,  which  proxy  shall be  coupled  with an
                           interest  and  irrevocable  to the  extent  permitted
                           under North  Carolina  law,  with the total number of
                           such   Stockholder's   Shares   and  any  New  Shares
                           correctly   indicated  thereon.   Stockholder  hereby
                           revokes any and all  previous  proxies  granted  with
                           respect to his Shares. Stockholder shall also use his
                           reasonable  best  efforts  to  take,  or  cause to be
                           taken,  all action,  and do, or cause to be done, all
                           things  necessary or advisable in order to consummate
                           and make effective the  transactions  contemplated by
                           this Agreement.

                3. No      Voting  Trusts.  After the date  hereof,  Stockholder
                           agrees  that he will  not,  nor  will he  permit  any
                           entity under his control to,  deposit any Shares in a
                           voting  trust  or  subject  any  Shares  to any  Lien
                           (except,  if any Shares were as of September 25, 1998
                           in margin  accounts,  to the extent of the collateral
                           required  by the  related  loan as noted on Exhibit A
                           hereto) or agreement,  arrangement  or  understanding
                           with  respect to the voting of such Shares other than
                           agreements entered into with Parent.

               4. Additional  Purchases.  Stockholder  agrees that in the event
                           (a)   of   any   stock    dividend,    stock   split,
                           recapitalization,  reclassification,  combination  or
                           exchange  of shares of stock of the Company on, of or
                           affecting  the Shares of such  Stockholder,  (b) such
                           Stockholder    purchases   or   otherwise    acquires
                           beneficial  ownership  of any shares of Common  Stock
                           after the execution of this  Agreement  (including by
                           exercise  of  options),   or  (c)  such   Stockholder
                           acquires  the right to vote or share in the voting of
                           any  shares of Common  Stock  other  than the  Shares
                           (collectively,  "New Shares"), such Stockholder shall
                           deliver   promptly   to  Parent   upon   request   an
                           irrevocable proxy  substantially in the form attached
                           hereto as Exhibit B with  respect to such New Shares.
                           Stockholder  also agrees that any New Shares acquired
                           or  purchased by him shall be
                                            2
<PAGE>
                           subject to the terms of
                           this  Agreement  and shall  constitute  Shares to the
                           same extent as if they were owned by such Stockholder
                           on the date hereof.

                5. Option Shares.
                 (a) Subject to  the  terms  and conditions  set  forth  herein,
                           Stockholder  hereby  grants to Parent an  irrevocable
                           option (the  "Option")  to  purchase,  in whole or in
                           part,    such    Stockholder's    Shares   and   such
                           Stockholder's New Shares at a purchase price equal to
                           the Per Share Cash  Amount (as  defined in the Merger
                           Agreement) per share; provided,  however, that if the
                           Per Share Cash Amount  under the Merger  Agreement or
                           any amendment  thereto is ever increased or if Parent
                           shall  otherwise  offer  to the  Stockholders  of the
                           Company an increased  consideration  for all of their
                           shares  (the  "Greater   Consideration"),   then  the
                           purchase  price per share  under the Option  shall be
                           increased  to equal such new Per Share Cash Amount or
                           Greater  Consideration;  and provided further that if
                           Parent  has  exercised  the  Option  within 12 months
                           prior to such  increase  in the Per Share Cash Amount
                           or Greater  Consideration,  then Parent  shall pay to
                           each  Stockholder  an amount  equal to the product of
                           the number of shares  previously  purchased from such
                           Stockholder  pursuant to the Option and the amount of
                           increase  between  the old Per Share Cash  Amount and
                           the  new   Per   Share   Cash   Amount   or   Greater
                           Consideration, as applicable.

                 (b) Parent may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any
                           time and from time to time,  after the first to occur
                           of (i) any event as a result of which Parent shall be
                           entitled  to receive a  termination  fee  pursuant to
                           Section 7.2(e) of the Merger  Agreement in the amount
                           of $52.5 million  pursuant to part (1) or part (2) of
                           such  Section  or in  the  amount  of  $22.5  million
                           pursuant  to part  (3) of such  Section  or (ii)  the
                           breach  by  any  Stockholder  of  Section  2 of  this
                           Agreement  (the  first of such  events  to  occur,  a
                           "Purchase Event"); provided,  however, that except as
                           provided in the last  sentence of this Section  5(b),
                           the Option shall terminate and be of no further force
                           and  effect  upon  the  earliest  to occur of (A) the
                           Effective Time (as defined in the Merger  Agreement),
                           (B) 12 months and one day after the  occurrence  of a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1  (d),  (e),  (f)  or  (g),  (C)  a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1(a),  (b), (c) or (h) of the Merger
                           Agreement and (D) 18 months after the Outside Date as
                           defined  in Section  7.1(e) of the Merger  Agreement.
                           Notwithstanding the termination of the Option, Parent
                           shall be entitled  to exercise  the Option or receive
                           the  Cash  Payment  Amount  if it has  given  written
                           notice  of its  intent  to  exercise  the  Option  or
                           receive the Cash Payment  Amount in  accordance  with
                           the  terms  hereof  prior to the  termination  of the
                           Option and the  termination  of the Option  shall not
                           affect any rights  hereunder  which by their terms do
                           not  terminate  or  expire  prior  to or  as of  such
                           termination.

                (c) In   the event that Parent  wishes to exercise the Option,
                           it shall send to such  Stockholder  a written  notice
                           (the date of which  being  herein  referred to as the
                           "Notice  Date")  to that  effect  which  notice  also
                           specifies  the total  number of  shares  Parent  will
                           purchase  pursuant to such  exercise,  and a date not
                           earlier  than three  business  days nor later than 15
                           business days from the Notice Date for the closing of
                           such purchase (the "Option Closing Date");  provided,
                           however,  that (i) if the closing of the purchase and
                           sale  pursuant to the Option (the  "Option  Closing")
                           cannot be  consummated  by  reason of any  applicable
                           judgment,    decree,   order,   law   or
                                            3
<PAGE>

                           regulation
                           (including,   without   limitation,   the  rules  and
                           regulations  of the  FCC),  the  period  of time that
                           otherwise  would run pursuant to this sentence  shall
                           run instead  from the date on which such  restriction
                           on  consummation  has expired or been  terminated and
                           (ii)  without   limiting  the  foregoing,   if  prior
                           notification  to  or  approval  of  any  Governmental
                           Entity  (as  defined  in  the  Merger  Agreement)  is
                           required  in  connection  with such  purchase  or any
                           other  transaction  contemplated  hereby,  Parent and
                           such  Stockholder  shall  promptly  file the required
                           notice  or   application   for   approval  and  shall
                           cooperate in the expeditious filing of such notice or
                           application,   and,   in  the   case  of  any   prior
                           notification or approval  required in connection with
                           such  purchase,  the  period of time  that  otherwise
                           would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead
                           from the date on which,  as the case may be,  (A) any
                           required  notification  period  has  expired  or been
                           terminated  or (B) any  required  approval  has  been
                           obtained,  and in either event, any requisite waiting
                           period has expired or been  terminated.  The place of
                           the  Option  Closing  shall  be  at  the  offices  of
                           Wachtell,  Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street,
                           New  York,  New  York,  and the  time  of the  Option
                           Closing  shall be 10:00  a.m.  (Eastern  Time) on the
                           Option Closing Date.

                  (d) At  the Option  Closing,  Parent (or its designee)  shall
                           pay  to  each  Stockholder  an  amount  equal  to the
                           product of (x) the Per Share  Cash  Amount or Greater
                           Consideration,  as applicable,  and (y) the number of
                           shares being purchased from such Stockholder pursuant
                           to the exercise of the Option.  Such payment shall be
                           in immediately  available funds by wire transfer to a
                           bank   account   designated   in   writing   by  such
                           Stockholder.

                 (e) At   the Option Closing,  simultaneously with the delivery
                           of  the  amount   specified  in  Section  5(d),  each
                           Stockholder shall deliver to Parent (or its designee)
                           a certificate or certificates representing its shares
                           to be purchased at the Option  Closing,  which shares
                           shall be free and clear of all Liens, claims, charges
                           and encumbrances of any kind  whatsoever,  except for
                           such  encumbrances  or  proxies  in favor  of  Parent
                           arising  hereunder,  and a new Option  evidencing the
                           rights of the Parent (or its  designee)  to  purchase
                           the balance of such Stockholder's  shares purchasable
                           hereunder.

                  6. Cash Election.

                    (a) In lieu of exercising the Option, by notice,  Parent may
                           require  such  Stockholder  to make a cash payment to
                           Parent in the  amount  (the  "Cash  Payment  Amount")
                           equal to the amount by which (A) the Market Price (as
                           defined below) exceeds (B) the Per Share Cash Amount,
                           multiplied  by the  sum of (i)  the  number  of  such
                           Stockholder's  Shares  and  (ii) the  number  of such
                           Stockholder's  New  Shares.   Upon  receipt  of  such
                           notice,  the Stockholder shall be permitted to sell a
                           sufficient  number of Shares to pay the Cash  Payment
                           Amount,  if Stockholder  shall,  within five business
                           days of such notice, sell such Shares,  provided that
                           Stockholder  shall use  reasonable  best  efforts  to
                           achieve good  execution and shall consult with Parent
                           with respect to the manner of  disposition.  The term
                           "Market  Price"  shall  mean the  closing  price  (as
                           measured by the last  completed  trade) for shares of
                           Common Stock on the date of Parent's election,  or if
                           Stockholder  elects  to sell  Shares  to pay the Cash
                           Payment  Amount and has complied  with the proviso to
                           the immediately preceding sentence, the average price
                           per Share actually realized in such sale.
                                            4
<PAGE>

                (b) Parent may exercise its right to require such Stockholder to
                           pay the Cash Payment Amount  pursuant to this Section
                           by surrendering for such purpose to such Stockholder,
                           at the  Company's  principal  office,  a copy of this
                           Agreement, accompanied by a written notice or notices
                           stating   that   Parent   elects  to   require   such
                           Stockholder   to  pay  the  Cash  Payment  Amount  in
                           accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Section.
                           Within  five  (or,  in the  case of a sale of  Shares
                           under  (a)  above to fund the  Cash  Payment  Amount,
                           eight)  business  days  after  the  surrender  of the
                           Option  and the  receipt  of such  notice or  notices
                           relating  thereto,  such Stockholder shall deliver or
                           cause to be  delivered  to  Parent  the Cash  Payment
                           Amount by wire to the account designated by Parent in
                           immediately available funds.

                 (c) If   Stockholder at any time after delivery of a notice of
                           election  by Parent to take the Cash  Payment  Amount
                           pursuant  to  this   Section  is   prohibited   under
                           applicable  law or regulation  from selling Shares in
                           order to deliver to Parent the Cash Payment Amount in
                           full,  and  Stockholder is required to sell Shares to
                           fund  the  Cash   Payment   Amount,   then  (i)  such
                           Stockholder    hereby    undertakes   to   use   such
                           Stockholder's  reasonable best efforts, to the extent
                           within the control of such Stockholder, to obtain all
                           required  regulatory and legal  approvals and to file
                           any  required  notices,  in each case as  promptly as
                           practicable  in order to  accomplish  such  sales and
                           (ii) if  Stockholder is unable to effect sales within
                           four  days  after  the   receipt   of  notice,   such
                           Stockholder  shall  be  permitted  to  pay  the  Cash
                           Payment  Amount to  Parent  in  Shares  valued at the
                           Market Price.

                 7. No Encumbrances.

                   (a) Except as expressly  contemplated   by  this   Agreement,
                           Stockholder's    Shares    and    the    certificates
                           representing  such  Shares are now,  and at all times
                           during  the  term   hereof  will  be,  held  by  such
                           Stockholder,  or by a nominee  or  custodian  for the
                           benefit  of such  Stockholder,  free and clear of all
                           liens, claims,  security interests,  proxies,  voting
                           trusts or agreements,  understandings or arrangements
                           or any other  encumbrances  whatsoever (other than to
                           the   extent   set  forth  on   Schedule  1  to  this
                           Agreement),  except  for  any  such  encumbrances  or
                           proxies arising hereunder.

                 (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing:

               (i)  Stockholder  shall be  permitted  to sell (or  pledge to the
                    Company in  support  of a loan)  such  portion of New Shares
                    (but may not  sell  any New  Shares  to the  Company  or its
                    Subsidiaries)  solely  to  pay  the  exercise  price  of any
                    employee stock options and tax  liabilities in respect of an
                    exercise of employee  stock  options;  provided  that Parent
                    shall  have a right of first  refusal to  purchase  such New
                    Shares at the lower of $23 per  share or the  Market  Price;
                    and provided  further  that, if any such New Shares are sold
                    or pledged  for an amount in excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

               (ii) Any  Stockholder  which has received a notice of election by
                    Parent (or its designee) to receive the Cash Payment  Amount
                    shall be permitted,  between  receipt
                                            5
<PAGE>

                    of such notice and the
                    time on which the Cash Payment  Amount is due to be paid, to
                    sell such  number of Shares as may be  necessary  to satisfy
                    such obligation, as described in Section 6(a) above.

               (iii)In  the  event  that  the  Merger  Agreement  is  terminated
                    pursuant  to Section  7.1(d) or 7.1(g)  (based upon a breach
                    not  due to the  willful  breach  of any  representation  or
                    warranty  or  the  willful  breach  of any  covenant  by the
                    Company),  any Stockholder  shall be permitted to sell up to
                    20% of such Stockholder's  Shares held as of the date hereof
                    if  reasonably   necessary  to  provide  liquidity  to  such
                    Stockholder if at such time no Acquisition Proposal shall be
                    pending or could reasonably expected to become pending prior
                    to  expiration  of the Option  and there  shall have been no
                    willful  breach of the Merger  Agreement or the Stock Option
                    Agreement   by  the  Company  or  this   Agreement  by  such
                    Stockholder;  provided  that  Parent  shall  have a right of
                    first  refusal to  purchase  such Shares at the lower of $23
                    per  share  or the  Market  Price  on  the  date  that  such
                    Stockholder  notifies  Parent of his intention to sell;  and
                    provided  further  that,  if any  such  Shares  are  sold or
                    pledged  for an  amount  in  excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

                 (c) Any  transfer  by  Stockholder  of its  Shares  to  Parent
                           pursuant   to   the   Option   shall   pass   to  and
                           unconditionally  vest in Parent  good and valid title
                           to such Stockholder's Shares and New Shares, free and
                           clear of all claims,  liens,  restrictions,  security
                           interests,   pledges,  limitations  and  encumbrances
                           whatsoever.

                 8. Acquisition   Proposals.  Stockholder   agrees   that   such
                           Stockholder  (i) shall not,  directly or  indirectly,
                           initiate,  solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate
                           any  inquiries  or  the  making  of  any  Acquisition
                           Proposal and (ii) has terminated  any  discussions or
                           negotiations  with,  and the provision of information
                           or data to, any Person (other than Parent) respecting
                           an Acquisition  Proposal.  Such  Stockholder  further
                           agrees  that he shall not,  directly  or  indirectly,
                           provide any  confidential  information or data to any
                           Person (as defined in the Merger Agreement)  relating
                           to or in contemplation of an Acquisition  Proposal or
                           engage in any negotiations or discussions relating to
                           or in contemplation of an Acquisition Proposal.  Such
                           Stockholder  will notify  Parent  immediately  if any
                           inquiries,   proposals   or  offers   respecting   an
                           Acquisition   Proposal  are  received  by,  any  such
                           information  or data is requested  from,  or any such
                           discussions   or   negotiations   are  sought  to  be
                           initiated  or  continued   with,   such   Stockholder
                           indicating,  in connection with such notice, the name
                           of such Person and the material  terms and conditions
                           of any  proposals  or offers,  and shall keep  Parent
                           apprised   with  respect  to  the  status  and  terms
                           thereof.

                 9. Appraisal Rights. Stockholder  agrees  not to  exercise  any
                           rights (including,  without limitation, under Article
                           13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act) to
                           demand  appraisal of any Common Stock which may arise
                           with respect to the Merger.
                                            6
<PAGE>

                10. Affiliates Letter.  Stockholder shall execute and deliver
                     on a timely basis an Affiliate Letter (as defined in the
                     Merger Agreement).

               11. Relianceby Parent.  Stockholder  understands and acknowledges
                           that Parent is entering into the Merger  Agreement in
                           reliance upon Stockholder's execution and delivery of
                           this Agreement.

               12. Action  in Stockholder  Capacity Only.  Stockholder  makes no
                           agreement or understanding hereunder as a director or
                           officer  of  the  Company.   Stockholder  signs  this
                           Agreement  solely  in his  capacity  as a  beneficial
                           owner of the Shares,  and nothing  herein shall limit
                           or effect any actions taken in Stockholder's capacity
                           as an officer or director of the Company.

              13. Specific Performance.    Each    party    hereto    severally
                           acknowledges that it will be impossible to measure in
                           money the  damage to the other  parties  if the party
                           hereto  fails to comply  with any of the  obligations
                           imposed by this Agreement, that every such obligation
                           is  material  and  that,  in the  event  of any  such
                           failure,  the other parties will not have an adequate
                           remedy at law or  damages.  Accordingly,  each  party
                           hereto  severally  agrees that  injunctive  relief or
                           other  equitable  remedy,  in addition to remedies at
                           law or  damages,  is the  appropriate  remedy for any
                           such failure and will not oppose the granting of such
                           relief  on the  basis  that any  other  party  has an
                           adequate  remedy at law. Each party hereto  severally
                           agrees that it will not seek, and agrees to waive any
                           requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in
                           connection   with  any  other   party's   seeking  or
                           obtaining such equitable relief.

                14. Heirs, Successors  and  Assigns.  This  Agreement  shall  be
                           binding  upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
                           hereto and their  respective  heirs,  successors  and
                           assigns  and  shall  not be  assignable  without  the
                           written  consent of all other  parties  hereto  other
                           than any assignment in whole or in part by Parent.

                15. Entire  Agreement.   This  Agreement  supersedes all  prior
                           agreements, written or oral, among the parties hereto
                           with  respect  to  the  subject   matter  hereof  and
                           contains the entire  agreement among the parties with
                           respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement
                           may not be amended,  supplemented or modified, and no
                           provisions  hereof may be modified or waived,  except
                           by an instrument in writing signed by all the parties
                           hereto.  No  waiver of any  provisions  hereof by any
                           party   shall  be   deemed  a  waiver  of  any  other
                           provisions  hereof by any such  party,  nor shall any
                           such  waiver  be  deemed a  continuing  waiver of any
                           provision hereof by such party.
                                            7
<PAGE>

                16. Miscellaneous.
                        (a)Expenses. Each of the parties  hereto shall bear and
                                    pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or
                                    on  its  behalf  in   connection   with  the
                                    negotiation  of  this  Agreement,  including
                                    fees  and  expenses  of  its  own  financial
                                    consultants, investment bankers, accountants
                                    and counsel.
                        (b)Amendment.  This Agreement may not be amended,
                                    except by an instrument in writing signed
                                    on behalf of each of the parties.

                        (c)This    Agreement  shall be deemed a  contract  made
                                    under,   and  for  all  purposes   shall  be
                                    construed in accordance  with,  the internal
                                    laws of the State of New York without regard
                                    to  principles  of conflicts of law,  except
                                    for those provisions  relating to the voting
                                    and the proxy  which  shall be  governed  by
                                    North Carolina law.

                         (d)Severability. If any provision of this  Agreement or
                                    the  application  of such  provision  to any
                                    person  or   circumstances   shall  be  held
                                    invalid    by   a   court    of    competent
                                    jurisdiction, the remainder of the provision
                                    held  invalid  and the  application  of such
                                    provision to persons or circumstances, other
                                    than  the  party  as to  which  it  is  held
                                    invalid, shall not be affected.

                          (e)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one
                                    or more counterparts, each of which shall be
                                    deemed  to be an  original  but all of which
                                    together  shall  constitute one and the same
                                    instrument.

                          (f)Termination.  This Agreement shall terminate upon
                                    termination of the Option.

                          (g) Headings. All Section   headings  herein  are  for
                                    convenience  of  reference  only and are not
                                    part of this  Agreement and no  construction
                                    or reference shall be derived therefrom.

                         (h) Notices.All notices, requests, claims, demands, and
                                    other  communications  under this  Agreement
                                    must be in writing and shall be deemed given
                                    if delivered  personally,  telecopied (which
                                    is confirmed),  or sent by overnight courier
                                    (providing proof of delivery) to the parties
                                    at the following addresses (or at such other
                                    address for a party as shall be specified by
                                    like notice):
                         
                              (i)      if to Parent, to

                           AT&T Corp.
                           295 North Maple Avenue
                           Basking Ridge, NJ  07920
                           Telecopy No.:  (908) 221-6618
                           Attention:  Marilyn Wasser
                                            8
<PAGE>
                           
                        with copies to:

                           Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
                           51 West 52nd Street
                           New York, New York  10019
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 403-2000
                           Attention:  David M. Silk; and
                           (ii) if to the Stockholder, to such Stockholder c/o

                           Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
                           2002 Pisgah Church Road
                           Greensboro, NC  27455
                           Telecopy No.:  (336) 545-2219
                           Attention:  Richard Rowlenson

                           with a copy to:

                           Latham & Watkins
                           53rd at Third Avenue, Suite 1000
                           885 Third Avenue
                           New York, NY 10022-4802
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 751-4864
                           Attention:  Raymond Y. Lin.

                        (i)Further Assurances.  In the event of any exercise of
                                    the  Option  or  election  to take  the Cash
                                    Payment Amount, each of the Company,  Parent
                                    and  Stockholder  shall  execute and deliver
                                    all other documents and instruments and take
                                    all  other  action  that  may be  reasonably
                                    necessary   in  order  to   consummate   the
                                    transactions contemplated by such exercise.

                        (j) Stockholder shall cause  certificates for the Shares
                                    and New  Shares  to have  typed  or  printed
                                    thereon a  restrictive  legend  which  shall
                                    read substantially as follows (if and to the
                                    extent true and  necessary in light of legal
                                    and factual  circumstances  existing at such
                                    time):

                  "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
                  CERTAIN PROVISIONS AS SET FORTH IN THE VOTING AGREEMENT, DATED
                  AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1998,  A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE  OBTAINED  FROM
                  THE  SECRETARY  OF  VANGUARD  CELLULAR  SYSTEMS,  INC.  AT ITS
                  PRINCIPAL  EXECUTIVE OFFICES,  WHICH CONTAINS  RESTRICTIONS ON
                  THE VOTING AND TRANSFER THEREOF. "
                                            9
<PAGE>

IN  WITNESS    WHEREOF, the   parties     hereto  have executed and delivered
 this Agreement  as of  the  date  first written  above. 

                                        AT&T CORP.

                                      By: /s/ Michael Berg
                                      Name: Michael Berg
                                      Title: Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
Confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above.

                                    By: /s/ Haynes G. Griffin
                                    Name: Haynes G. Griffin

<PAGE>

                                                       EXHIBIT A

                            STOCKHOLDER


  Name               Number of Shares of Common Stock    Type of Ownership

Haynes G. Griffin       1,047,931 (1)                       Beneficial






(1) Includes 140,850 shares in a margin account at Roberts Securities,
 Inc., with 0 shares securing a loan of $0 as of the date hereof.

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT B

                                  FORM OF PROXY
                  The  undersigned  stockholder,   for  consideration  received,
                  hereby  appoints  [PARENT  DESIGNEES]  and  each of them as my
                  proxies,  with full power of  substitution in each of them, to
                  cast on behalf of the  undersigned  all votes  entitled  to be
                  cast by the holder of the shares of Class A Common Stock,  par
                  value $0.01 per share, of Vanguard Cellular  Systems,  Inc., a
                  North  Carolina  corporation  (the  "Company"),  owned  by the
                  undersigned  at the  Special  Meeting of  Stockholders  of the
                  Company  to  be  held  [DATE,  TIME  AND  PLACE]  and  at  any
                  adjournment  thereof (i) "FOR"  approval  and  adoption of the
                  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger,  dated as of  October 2, 1998,
                  between the Company  and AT&T  Corp.,  a New York  corporation
                  ("Parent"),  providing  for the merger (the  "Merger")  of the
                  Company with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and
                  the Merger and (ii)  "AGAINST"  against any  proposal or offer
                  with  respect  to a merger,  reorganization,  share  exchange,
                  consolidation,    business   combination,    recapitalization,
                  liquidation,  dissolution or similar transaction involving, or
                  any purchase of any  substantial  portion of the assets of, or
                  any  equity  securities  of,  or any  transaction  that  would
                  involve the transfer or potential  transfer of control of, the
                  Company  other  than the  Merger  and any  proposed  action or
                  transaction   that  would  prevent  or   intentionally   delay
                  consummation  of  the  Merger  or  is  otherwise  inconsistent
                  therewith.  This  proxy is  coupled  with an  interest  and is
                  irrevocable until such time as the Voting Agreement,  dated as
                  of  October  2,  1998,  between a certain  stockholder  of the
                  Company, the undersigned,  and Parent terminates in accordance
                  with its terms.

                        Dated _____________________, 1998

                                            --------------------------------
                                            (Signature of Stockholder)


                                                            EXECUTION COPY
                                                            ANNEX B

                                VOTING AGREEMENT

                  VOTING  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement"),  dated as of October 2,
                  1998, between the undersigned  stockholder  ("Stockholder") of
                  Vanguard Cellular Systems,  Inc., a North Carolina corporation
                  (the  "Company"),  and  AT&T  Corp.,  a New  York  corporation
                  ("Parent").

                  WHEREAS,  concurrently  with  the  execution  and
                  delivery  of this  Agreement,  the  Company  and  Parent  have
                  entered  into an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated as of
                  October 2, 1998 (the "Merger  Agreement"),  providing  for the
                  merger of the Company with and into a wholly-owned  subsidiary
                  of Parent (the "Merger")  pursuant to the terms and conditions
                  thereof;  and 

                  WHEREAS,  as an  inducement  and a condition to
                  Parent entering into the Merger  Agreement,  pursuant to which
                  Stockholder will receive the consideration provided for in the
                  Merger  Agreement in exchange for each share of Class A Common
                  Stock,  par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common
                  Stock")  owned by him,  Stockholder  has  agreed to enter into
                  this  Agreement; 

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,   for  good  and  valuable
                  consideration,  the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which
                  is hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree as follows:

                1.Representations of Stockholder.  Stockholder  represents that
                  such Stockholder:

                         (a) is the  beneficial  owner  of  that  number  of
                                    shares  of Common  Stock set forth  opposite
                                    such  Stockholder's  name on Exhibit A (such
                                    Stockholder's "Shares");

                         (b) except as may be denoted  in  Exhibit  A, does not
                                    beneficially own (as such term is defined in
                                    the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  as
                                    amended  (the "1934  Act")) or own of record
                                    any shares of Common  Stock  other than such
                                    Stockholder's   Shares,  but  excluding  any
                                    shares   of   Common    Stock   which   such
                                    Stockholder has the right to obtain upon the
                                    exercise of stock options outstanding on the
                                    date hereof; and
                         (c) has   the right,  power and  authority  to execute
                                    and deliver  this  Agreement  and to perform
                                    such  Stockholder's  obligations  under this
                                    Agreement,  and this Agreement has been duly
                                    executed and  delivered by such  Stockholder
                                    and  constitutes a valid and legally binding
                                    agreement of such  Stockholder,  enforceable
                                    in  accordance  with  its  terms;  and  such
                                    execution,  delivery and performance by such
                                    Stockholder  of this  Agreement will not (i)
                                    conflict with, require a consent,  waiver or
                                    approval  under, or result in a breach of or
                                    default  under,  any  of  the  terms  of any
                                    contract,  commitment  or  other  obligation
                                    (written or oral) to which such  Stockholder
                                    is a party or by which such  Stockholder  is
                                    bound;   (ii)   violate  any  order,   writ,
                                    injunction,  decree or statute,  or any rule
                                    or regulation,  applicable to Stockholder or
                                    any  of  the   properties   or   assets   of
                                    Stockholder; or (iii) result in the creation
                                    of,  or  impose  any   obligation   on  such
                                    Stockholder to create,
<PAGE>

                                    any Lien (as defined
                                    in the  Merger  Agreement),  charge or other
                                    encumbrance  of any nature  whatsoever  upon
                                    the Shares, other than in favor of Parent.

          The representations  and warranties  contained herein shall be made as
     of the date  hereof and as of each date from the date  hereof  through  and
     including  the date that the Merger is  consummated  or this  Agreement  is
     terminated in accordance with its terms.

                2. Agreement to Vote  Shares.  Stockholder  shall be present (in
                           person or by proxy)  at and vote his  Shares  and any
                           New  Shares (as  defined  in  Section 4 hereof),  and
                           shall cause any holder of record of his Shares or New
                           Shares  to be  present  and  vote,  (a) in  favor  of
                           adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the
                           Merger  (and  each  other   action  and   transaction
                           contemplated  by  the  Merger  Agreement  or by  this
                           Agreement) and (b) against any  Acquisition  Proposal
                           (as defined in the Merger  Agreement)  other than the
                           Merger (or any other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           and against any proposed  action or transaction  that
                           would prevent or intentionally  delay consummation of
                           the Merger (or other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           or  is  otherwise  inconsistent  therewith  at  every
                           meeting of the  stockholders  of the Company at which
                           any  such  matters  are   considered   and  at  every
                           adjournment   thereof   (and,   if   applicable,   in
                           connection   with  any  request  or  solicitation  of
                           written  consents  of  stockholders).  Any such  vote
                           shall  be  cast,  or  consent  shall  be  given,   in
                           accordance with such procedures  relating  thereto as
                           shall  ensure that it is duly counted for purposes of
                           determining that a quorum is present and for purposes
                           of  recording  the  results of such vote or  consent.
                           Stockholder  shall  deliver to Parent upon  request a
                           proxy  substantially  in the form attached  hereto as
                           Exhibit  B,  which  proxy  shall be  coupled  with an
                           interest  and  irrevocable  to the  extent  permitted
                           under North  Carolina  law,  with the total number of
                           such   Stockholder's   Shares   and  any  New  Shares
                           correctly   indicated  thereon.   Stockholder  hereby
                           revokes any and all  previous  proxies  granted  with
                           respect to his Shares. Stockholder shall also use his
                           reasonable  best  efforts  to  take,  or  cause to be
                           taken,  all action,  and do, or cause to be done, all
                           things  necessary or advisable in order to consummate
                           and make effective the  transactions  contemplated by
                           this Agreement.

                3. No      Voting  Trusts.  After the date  hereof,  Stockholder
                           agrees  that he will  not,  nor  will he  permit  any
                           entity under his control to,  deposit any Shares in a
                           voting  trust  or  subject  any  Shares  to any  Lien
                           (except,  if any Shares were as of September 25, 1998
                           in margin  accounts,  to the extent of the collateral
                           required  by the  related  loan as noted on Exhibit A
                           hereto) or agreement,  arrangement  or  understanding
                           with  respect to the voting of such Shares other than
                           agreements entered into with Parent.

               4. Additional  Purchases.  Stockholder  agrees that in the event
                           (a)   of   any   stock    dividend,    stock   split,
                           recapitalization,  reclassification,  combination  or
                           exchange  of shares of stock of the Company on, of or
                           affecting  the Shares of such  Stockholder,  (b) such
                           Stockholder    purchases   or   otherwise    acquires
                           beneficial  ownership  of any shares of Common  Stock
                           after the execution of this  Agreement  (including by
                           exercise  of  options),   or  (c)  such   Stockholder
                           acquires  the right to vote or share in the voting of
                           any  shares of Common  Stock  other  than the  Shares
                           (collectively,  "New Shares"), such Stockholder shall
                           deliver   promptly   to  Parent   upon   request   an
                           irrevocable proxy  substantially in the form attached
                           hereto as Exhibit B with  respect to such New Shares.
                           Stockholder  also agrees that any New Shares acquired
                           or  purchased by him shall be
                                            2
<PAGE>
                           subject to the terms of
                           this  Agreement  and shall  constitute  Shares to the
                           same extent as if they were owned by such Stockholder
                           on the date hereof.

                5. Option Shares.
                 (a) Subject to  the  terms  and conditions  set  forth  herein,
                           Stockholder  hereby  grants to Parent an  irrevocable
                           option (the  "Option")  to  purchase,  in whole or in
                           part,    such    Stockholder's    Shares   and   such
                           Stockholder's New Shares at a purchase price equal to
                           the Per Share Cash  Amount (as  defined in the Merger
                           Agreement) per share; provided,  however, that if the
                           Per Share Cash Amount  under the Merger  Agreement or
                           any amendment  thereto is ever increased or if Parent
                           shall  otherwise  offer  to the  Stockholders  of the
                           Company an increased  consideration  for all of their
                           shares  (the  "Greater   Consideration"),   then  the
                           purchase  price per share  under the Option  shall be
                           increased  to equal such new Per Share Cash Amount or
                           Greater  Consideration;  and provided further that if
                           Parent  has  exercised  the  Option  within 12 months
                           prior to such  increase  in the Per Share Cash Amount
                           or Greater  Consideration,  then Parent  shall pay to
                           each  Stockholder  an amount  equal to the product of
                           the number of shares  previously  purchased from such
                           Stockholder  pursuant to the Option and the amount of
                           increase  between  the old Per Share Cash  Amount and
                           the  new   Per   Share   Cash   Amount   or   Greater
                           Consideration, as applicable.

                 (b) Parent may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any
                           time and from time to time,  after the first to occur
                           of (i) any event as a result of which Parent shall be
                           entitled  to receive a  termination  fee  pursuant to
                           Section 7.2(e) of the Merger  Agreement in the amount
                           of $52.5 million  pursuant to part (1) or part (2) of
                           such  Section  or in  the  amount  of  $22.5  million
                           pursuant  to part  (3) of such  Section  or (ii)  the
                           breach  by  any  Stockholder  of  Section  2 of  this
                           Agreement  (the  first of such  events  to  occur,  a
                           "Purchase Event"); provided,  however, that except as
                           provided in the last  sentence of this Section  5(b),
                           the Option shall terminate and be of no further force
                           and  effect  upon  the  earliest  to occur of (A) the
                           Effective Time (as defined in the Merger  Agreement),
                           (B) 12 months and one day after the  occurrence  of a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1  (d),  (e),  (f)  or  (g),  (C)  a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1(a),  (b), (c) or (h) of the Merger
                           Agreement and (D) 18 months after the Outside Date as
                           defined  in Section  7.1(e) of the Merger  Agreement.
                           Notwithstanding the termination of the Option, Parent
                           shall be entitled  to exercise  the Option or receive
                           the  Cash  Payment  Amount  if it has  given  written
                           notice  of its  intent  to  exercise  the  Option  or
                           receive the Cash Payment  Amount in  accordance  with
                           the  terms  hereof  prior to the  termination  of the
                           Option and the  termination  of the Option  shall not
                           affect any rights  hereunder  which by their terms do
                           not  terminate  or  expire  prior  to or  as of  such
                           termination.

                (c) In   the event that Parent  wishes to exercise the Option,
                           it shall send to such  Stockholder  a written  notice
                           (the date of which  being  herein  referred to as the
                           "Notice  Date")  to that  effect  which  notice  also
                           specifies  the total  number of  shares  Parent  will
                           purchase  pursuant to such  exercise,  and a date not
                           earlier  than three  business  days nor later than 15
                           business days from the Notice Date for the closing of
                           such purchase (the "Option Closing Date");  provided,
                           however,  that (i) if the closing of the purchase and
                           sale  pursuant to the Option (the  "Option  Closing")
                           cannot be  consummated  by  reason of any  applicable
                           judgment,    decree,   order,   law   or
                                            3
<PAGE>

                           regulation
                           (including,   without   limitation,   the  rules  and
                           regulations  of the  FCC),  the  period  of time that
                           otherwise  would run pursuant to this sentence  shall
                           run instead  from the date on which such  restriction
                           on  consummation  has expired or been  terminated and
                           (ii)  without   limiting  the  foregoing,   if  prior
                           notification  to  or  approval  of  any  Governmental
                           Entity  (as  defined  in  the  Merger  Agreement)  is
                           required  in  connection  with such  purchase  or any
                           other  transaction  contemplated  hereby,  Parent and
                           such  Stockholder  shall  promptly  file the required
                           notice  or   application   for   approval  and  shall
                           cooperate in the expeditious filing of such notice or
                           application,   and,   in  the   case  of  any   prior
                           notification or approval  required in connection with
                           such  purchase,  the  period of time  that  otherwise
                           would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead
                           from the date on which,  as the case may be,  (A) any
                           required  notification  period  has  expired  or been
                           terminated  or (B) any  required  approval  has  been
                           obtained,  and in either event, any requisite waiting
                           period has expired or been  terminated.  The place of
                           the  Option  Closing  shall  be  at  the  offices  of
                           Wachtell,  Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street,
                           New  York,  New  York,  and the  time  of the  Option
                           Closing  shall be 10:00  a.m.  (Eastern  Time) on the
                           Option Closing Date.

                  (d) At  the Option  Closing,  Parent (or its designee)  shall
                           pay  to  each  Stockholder  an  amount  equal  to the
                           product of (x) the Per Share  Cash  Amount or Greater
                           Consideration,  as applicable,  and (y) the number of
                           shares being purchased from such Stockholder pursuant
                           to the exercise of the Option.  Such payment shall be
                           in immediately  available funds by wire transfer to a
                           bank   account   designated   in   writing   by  such
                           Stockholder.

                 (e) At   the Option Closing,  simultaneously with the delivery
                           of  the  amount   specified  in  Section  5(d),  each
                           Stockholder shall deliver to Parent (or its designee)
                           a certificate or certificates representing its shares
                           to be purchased at the Option  Closing,  which shares
                           shall be free and clear of all Liens, claims, charges
                           and encumbrances of any kind  whatsoever,  except for
                           such  encumbrances  or  proxies  in favor  of  Parent
                           arising  hereunder,  and a new Option  evidencing the
                           rights of the Parent (or its  designee)  to  purchase
                           the balance of such Stockholder's  shares purchasable
                           hereunder.

                  6. Cash Election.

                    (a) In lieu of exercising the Option, by notice,  Parent may
                           require  such  Stockholder  to make a cash payment to
                           Parent in the  amount  (the  "Cash  Payment  Amount")
                           equal to the amount by which (A) the Market Price (as
                           defined below) exceeds (B) the Per Share Cash Amount,
                           multiplied  by the  sum of (i)  the  number  of  such
                           Stockholder's  Shares  and  (ii) the  number  of such
                           Stockholder's  New  Shares.   Upon  receipt  of  such
                           notice,  the Stockholder shall be permitted to sell a
                           sufficient  number of Shares to pay the Cash  Payment
                           Amount,  if Stockholder  shall,  within five business
                           days of such notice, sell such Shares,  provided that
                           Stockholder  shall use  reasonable  best  efforts  to
                           achieve good  execution and shall consult with Parent
                           with respect to the manner of  disposition.  The term
                           "Market  Price"  shall  mean the  closing  price  (as
                           measured by the last  completed  trade) for shares of
                           Common Stock on the date of Parent's election,  or if
                           Stockholder  elects  to sell  Shares  to pay the Cash
                           Payment  Amount and has complied  with the proviso to
                           the immediately preceding sentence, the average price
                           per Share actually realized in such sale.
                                            4
<PAGE>

                (b) Parent may exercise its right to require such Stockholder to
                           pay the Cash Payment Amount  pursuant to this Section
                           by surrendering for such purpose to such Stockholder,
                           at the  Company's  principal  office,  a copy of this
                           Agreement, accompanied by a written notice or notices
                           stating   that   Parent   elects  to   require   such
                           Stockholder   to  pay  the  Cash  Payment  Amount  in
                           accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Section.
                           Within  five  (or,  in the  case of a sale of  Shares
                           under  (a)  above to fund the  Cash  Payment  Amount,
                           eight)  business  days  after  the  surrender  of the
                           Option  and the  receipt  of such  notice or  notices
                           relating  thereto,  such Stockholder shall deliver or
                           cause to be  delivered  to  Parent  the Cash  Payment
                           Amount by wire to the account designated by Parent in
                           immediately available funds.

                 (c) If   Stockholder at any time after delivery of a notice of
                           election  by Parent to take the Cash  Payment  Amount
                           pursuant  to  this   Section  is   prohibited   under
                           applicable  law or regulation  from selling Shares in
                           order to deliver to Parent the Cash Payment Amount in
                           full,  and  Stockholder is required to sell Shares to
                           fund  the  Cash   Payment   Amount,   then  (i)  such
                           Stockholder    hereby    undertakes   to   use   such
                           Stockholder's  reasonable best efforts, to the extent
                           within the control of such Stockholder, to obtain all
                           required  regulatory and legal  approvals and to file
                           any  required  notices,  in each case as  promptly as
                           practicable  in order to  accomplish  such  sales and
                           (ii) if  Stockholder is unable to effect sales within
                           four  days  after  the   receipt   of  notice,   such
                           Stockholder  shall  be  permitted  to  pay  the  Cash
                           Payment  Amount to  Parent  in  Shares  valued at the
                           Market Price.

                 7. No Encumbrances.

                   (a) Except as expressly  contemplated   by  this   Agreement,
                           Stockholder's    Shares    and    the    certificates
                           representing  such  Shares are now,  and at all times
                           during  the  term   hereof  will  be,  held  by  such
                           Stockholder,  or by a nominee  or  custodian  for the
                           benefit  of such  Stockholder,  free and clear of all
                           liens, claims,  security interests,  proxies,  voting
                           trusts or agreements,  understandings or arrangements
                           or any other  encumbrances  whatsoever (other than to
                           the   extent   set  forth  on   Schedule  1  to  this
                           Agreement),  except  for  any  such  encumbrances  or
                           proxies arising hereunder.

                 (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing:

               (i)  Stockholder  shall be  permitted  to sell (or  pledge to the
                    Company in  support  of a loan)  such  portion of New Shares
                    (but may not  sell  any New  Shares  to the  Company  or its
                    Subsidiaries)  solely  to  pay  the  exercise  price  of any
                    employee stock options and tax  liabilities in respect of an
                    exercise of employee  stock  options;  provided  that Parent
                    shall  have a right of first  refusal to  purchase  such New
                    Shares at the lower of $23 per  share or the  Market  Price;
                    and provided  further  that, if any such New Shares are sold
                    or pledged  for an amount in excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

               (ii) Any  Stockholder  which has received a notice of election by
                    Parent (or its designee) to receive the Cash Payment  Amount
                    shall be permitted,  between  receipt
                                            5
<PAGE>

                    of such notice and the
                    time on which the Cash Payment  Amount is due to be paid, to
                    sell such  number of Shares as may be  necessary  to satisfy
                    such obligation, as described in Section 6(a) above.

               (iii)In  the  event  that  the  Merger  Agreement  is  terminated
                    pursuant  to Section  7.1(d) or 7.1(g)  (based upon a breach
                    not  due to the  willful  breach  of any  representation  or
                    warranty  or  the  willful  breach  of any  covenant  by the
                    Company),  any Stockholder  shall be permitted to sell up to
                    20% of such Stockholder's  Shares held as of the date hereof
                    if  reasonably   necessary  to  provide  liquidity  to  such
                    Stockholder if at such time no Acquisition Proposal shall be
                    pending or could reasonably expected to become pending prior
                    to  expiration  of the Option  and there  shall have been no
                    willful  breach of the Merger  Agreement or the Stock Option
                    Agreement   by  the  Company  or  this   Agreement  by  such
                    Stockholder;  provided  that  Parent  shall  have a right of
                    first  refusal to  purchase  such Shares at the lower of $23
                    per  share  or the  Market  Price  on  the  date  that  such
                    Stockholder  notifies  Parent of his intention to sell;  and
                    provided  further  that,  if any  such  Shares  are  sold or
                    pledged  for an  amount  in  excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

                 (c) Any  transfer  by  Stockholder  of its  Shares  to  Parent
                           pursuant   to   the   Option   shall   pass   to  and
                           unconditionally  vest in Parent  good and valid title
                           to such Stockholder's Shares and New Shares, free and
                           clear of all claims,  liens,  restrictions,  security
                           interests,   pledges,  limitations  and  encumbrances
                           whatsoever.

                 8. Acquisition   Proposals.  Stockholder   agrees   that   such
                           Stockholder  (i) shall not,  directly or  indirectly,
                           initiate,  solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate
                           any  inquiries  or  the  making  of  any  Acquisition
                           Proposal and (ii) has terminated  any  discussions or
                           negotiations  with,  and the provision of information
                           or data to, any Person (other than Parent) respecting
                           an Acquisition  Proposal.  Such  Stockholder  further
                           agrees  that he shall not,  directly  or  indirectly,
                           provide any  confidential  information or data to any
                           Person (as defined in the Merger Agreement)  relating
                           to or in contemplation of an Acquisition  Proposal or
                           engage in any negotiations or discussions relating to
                           or in contemplation of an Acquisition Proposal.  Such
                           Stockholder  will notify  Parent  immediately  if any
                           inquiries,   proposals   or  offers   respecting   an
                           Acquisition   Proposal  are  received  by,  any  such
                           information  or data is requested  from,  or any such
                           discussions   or   negotiations   are  sought  to  be
                           initiated  or  continued   with,   such   Stockholder
                           indicating,  in connection with such notice, the name
                           of such Person and the material  terms and conditions
                           of any  proposals  or offers,  and shall keep  Parent
                           apprised   with  respect  to  the  status  and  terms
                           thereof.

                 9. Appraisal Rights. Stockholder  agrees  not to  exercise  any
                           rights (including,  without limitation, under Article
                           13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act) to
                           demand  appraisal of any Common Stock which may arise
                           with respect to the Merger.
                                            6
<PAGE>

                10. Affiliates Letter.  Stockholder shall execute and deliver
                     on a timely basis an Affiliate Letter (as defined in the
                     Merger Agreement).

               11. Relianceby Parent.  Stockholder  understands and acknowledges
                           that Parent is entering into the Merger  Agreement in
                           reliance upon Stockholder's execution and delivery of
                           this Agreement.

               12. Action  in Stockholder  Capacity Only.  Stockholder  makes no
                           agreement or understanding hereunder as a director or
                           officer  of  the  Company.   Stockholder  signs  this
                           Agreement  solely  in his  capacity  as a  beneficial
                           owner of the Shares,  and nothing  herein shall limit
                           or effect any actions taken in Stockholder's capacity
                           as an officer or director of the Company.

              13. Specific Performance.    Each    party    hereto    severally
                           acknowledges that it will be impossible to measure in
                           money the  damage to the other  parties  if the party
                           hereto  fails to comply  with any of the  obligations
                           imposed by this Agreement, that every such obligation
                           is  material  and  that,  in the  event  of any  such
                           failure,  the other parties will not have an adequate
                           remedy at law or  damages.  Accordingly,  each  party
                           hereto  severally  agrees that  injunctive  relief or
                           other  equitable  remedy,  in addition to remedies at
                           law or  damages,  is the  appropriate  remedy for any
                           such failure and will not oppose the granting of such
                           relief  on the  basis  that any  other  party  has an
                           adequate  remedy at law. Each party hereto  severally
                           agrees that it will not seek, and agrees to waive any
                           requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in
                           connection   with  any  other   party's   seeking  or
                           obtaining such equitable relief.

                14. Heirs, Successors  and  Assigns.  This  Agreement  shall  be
                           binding  upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
                           hereto and their  respective  heirs,  successors  and
                           assigns  and  shall  not be  assignable  without  the
                           written  consent of all other  parties  hereto  other
                           than any assignment in whole or in part by Parent.

                15. Entire  Agreement.   This  Agreement supersedes  all  prior
                           agreements, written or oral, among the parties hereto
                           with  respect  to  the  subject   matter  hereof  and
                           contains the entire  agreement among the parties with
                           respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement
                           may not be amended,  supplemented or modified, and no
                           provisions  hereof may be modified or waived,  except
                           by an instrument in writing signed by all the parties
                           hereto.  No  waiver of any  provisions  hereof by any
                           party   shall  be   deemed  a  waiver  of  any  other
                           provisions  hereof by any such  party,  nor shall any
                           such  waiver  be  deemed a  continuing  waiver of any
                           provision hereof by such party.
                                            7
<PAGE>

                16. Miscellaneous.
                        (a)Expenses. Each of the parties  hereto shall bear and
                                    pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or
                                    on  its  behalf  in   connection   with  the
                                    negotiation  of  this  Agreement,  including
                                    fees  and  expenses  of  its  own  financial
                                    consultants, investment bankers, accountants
                                    and counsel.
                        (b)Amendment.  This Agreement may not be amended,
                                    except by an instrument in writing signed
                                    on behalf of each of the parties.

                        (c)This    Agreement  shall be deemed a  contract  made
                                    under,   and  for  all  purposes   shall  be
                                    construed in accordance  with,  the internal
                                    laws of the State of New York without regard
                                    to  principles  of conflicts of law,  except
                                    for those provisions  relating to the voting
                                    and the proxy  which  shall be  governed  by
                                    North Carolina law.

                         (d)Severability. If any provision of this  Agreement or
                                    the  application  of such  provision  to any
                                    person  or   circumstances   shall  be  held
                                    invalid    by   a   court    of    competent
                                    jurisdiction, the remainder of the provision
                                    held  invalid  and the  application  of such
                                    provision to persons or circumstances, other
                                    than  the  party  as to  which  it  is  held
                                    invalid, shall not be affected.

                          (e)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one
                                    or more counterparts, each of which shall be
                                    deemed  to be an  original  but all of which
                                    together  shall  constitute one and the same
                                    instrument.

                          (f)Termination.  This Agreement shall terminate upon
                                    termination of the Option.

                          (g) Headings. All Section   headings  herein  are  for
                                    convenience  of  reference  only and are not
                                    part of this  Agreement and no  construction
                                    or reference shall be derived therefrom.

                         (h) Notices.All notices, requests, claims, demands, and
                                    other  communications  under this  Agreement
                                    must be in writing and shall be deemed given
                                    if delivered  personally,  telecopied (which
                                    is confirmed),  or sent by overnight courier
                                    (providing proof of delivery) to the parties
                                    at the following addresses (or at such other
                                    address for a party as shall be specified by
                                    like notice):
                         
                              (i)      if to Parent, to

                           AT&T Corp.
                           295 North Maple Avenue
                           Basking Ridge, NJ  07920
                           Telecopy No.:  (908) 221-6618
                           Attention:  Marilyn Wasser
                                            8
<PAGE>
                           
                        with copies to:

                           Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
                           51 West 52nd Street
                           New York, New York  10019
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 403-2000
                           Attention:  David M. Silk; and
                           (ii) if to the Stockholder, to such Stockholder c/o

                           Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
                           2002 Pisgah Church Road
                           Greensboro, NC  27455
                           Telecopy No.:  (336) 545-2219
                           Attention:  Richard Rowlenson

                           with a copy to:

                           Latham & Watkins
                           53rd at Third Avenue, Suite 1000
                           885 Third Avenue
                           New York, NY 10022-4802
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 751-4864
                           Attention:  Raymond Y. Lin.

                        (i)Further Assurances.  In the event of any exercise of
                                    the  Option  or  election  to take  the Cash
                                    Payment Amount, each of the Company,  Parent
                                    and  Stockholder  shall  execute and deliver
                                    all other documents and instruments and take
                                    all  other  action  that  may be  reasonably
                                    necessary   in  order  to   consummate   the
                                    transactions contemplated by such exercise.

                        (j) Stockholder shall cause  certificates for the Shares
                                    and New  Shares  to have  typed  or  printed
                                    thereon a  restrictive  legend  which  shall
                                    read substantially as follows (if and to the
                                    extent true and  necessary in light of legal
                                    and factual  circumstances  existing at such
                                    time):

                  "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
                  CERTAIN PROVISIONS AS SET FORTH IN THE VOTING AGREEMENT, DATED
                  AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1998,  A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE  OBTAINED  FROM
                  THE  SECRETARY  OF  VANGUARD  CELLULAR  SYSTEMS,  INC.  AT ITS
                  PRINCIPAL  EXECUTIVE OFFICES,  WHICH CONTAINS  RESTRICTIONS ON
                  THE VOTING AND TRANSFER THEREOF. "
                                            9
<PAGE>

IN  WITNESS    WHEREOF, the   parties     hereto  have executed and delivered
 this Agreement  as of  the  date  first written  above. 

                                        AT&T CORP.

                                      By: /s/ Michael Berg
                                      Name: Michael Berg
                                      Title: Assistant Secretary
                                            10
<PAGE>
Confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above.

                                    By: /s/ Stephen R. Leeolou
                                    Name: Stephen R. Leeolou

<PAGE>

                                                       EXHIBIT A

                            STOCKHOLDER

  Name               Number of Shares of Common Stock    Type of Ownership

Stephen R. Leeolou         821,850 (1)                      Beneficial






(1)  Includes  208,524  shares  pledged  to  NationsBank  to  secure  a loan  of
$1,900,000  and 104,523  shares pledged to First Union Bank to secured a loan of
$497,500.

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT B

                                  FORM OF PROXY
                  The  undersigned  stockholder,   for  consideration  received,
                  hereby  appoints  [PARENT  DESIGNEES]  and  each of them as my
                  proxies,  with full power of  substitution in each of them, to
                  cast on behalf of the  undersigned  all votes  entitled  to be
                  cast by the holder of the shares of Class A Common Stock,  par
                  value $0.01 per share, of Vanguard Cellular  Systems,  Inc., a
                  North  Carolina  corporation  (the  "Company"),  owned  by the
                  undersigned  at the  Special  Meeting of  Stockholders  of the
                  Company  to  be  held  [DATE,  TIME  AND  PLACE]  and  at  any
                  adjournment  thereof (i) "FOR"  approval  and  adoption of the
                  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger,  dated as of  October 2, 1998,
                  between the Company  and AT&T  Corp.,  a New York  corporation
                  ("Parent"),  providing  for the merger (the  "Merger")  of the
                  Company with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and
                  the Merger and (ii)  "AGAINST"  against any  proposal or offer
                  with  respect  to a merger,  reorganization,  share  exchange,
                  consolidation,    business   combination,    recapitalization,
                  liquidation,  dissolution or similar transaction involving, or
                  any purchase of any  substantial  portion of the assets of, or
                  any  equity  securities  of,  or any  transaction  that  would
                  involve the transfer or potential  transfer of control of, the
                  Company  other  than the  Merger  and any  proposed  action or
                  transaction   that  would  prevent  or   intentionally   delay
                  consummation  of  the  Merger  or  is  otherwise  inconsistent
                  therewith.  This  proxy is  coupled  with an  interest  and is
                  irrevocable until such time as the Voting Agreement,  dated as
                  of  October  2,  1998,  between a certain  stockholder  of the
                  Company, the undersigned,  and Parent terminates in accordance
                  with its terms.

                        Dated _____________________, 1998

                                            --------------------------------
                                            (Signature of Stockholder)


                                                            EXECUTION COPY
                                                            ANNEX B

                                VOTING AGREEMENT

                  VOTING  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement"),  dated as of October 2,
                  1998, between the undersigned  stockholder  ("Stockholder") of
                  Vanguard Cellular Systems,  Inc., a North Carolina corporation
                  (the  "Company"),  and  AT&T  Corp.,  a New  York  corporation
                  ("Parent").

                  WHEREAS,  concurrently  with  the  execution  and
                  delivery  of this  Agreement,  the  Company  and  Parent  have
                  entered  into an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated as of
                  October 2, 1998 (the "Merger  Agreement"),  providing  for the
                  merger of the Company with and into a wholly-owned  subsidiary
                  of Parent (the "Merger")  pursuant to the terms and conditions
                  thereof;  and 

                  WHEREAS,  as an  inducement  and a condition to
                  Parent entering into the Merger  Agreement,  pursuant to which
                  Stockholder will receive the consideration provided for in the
                  Merger  Agreement in exchange for each share of Class A Common
                  Stock,  par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common
                  Stock")  owned by him,  Stockholder  has  agreed to enter into
                  this  Agreement; 

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,   for  good  and  valuable
                  consideration,  the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which
                  is hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree as follows:

                1.Representations of Stockholder.  Stockholder  represents that
                  such Stockholder:

                         (a) is the  beneficial  owner  of  that  number  of
                                    shares  of Common  Stock set forth  opposite
                                    such  Stockholder's  name on Exhibit A (such
                                    Stockholder's "Shares");

                         (b) except as may be denoted  in  Exhibit  A, does not
                                    beneficially own (as such term is defined in
                                    the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  as
                                    amended  (the "1934  Act")) or own of record
                                    any shares of Common  Stock  other than such
                                    Stockholder's   Shares,  but  excluding  any
                                    shares   of   Common    Stock   which   such
                                    Stockholder has the right to obtain upon the
                                    exercise of stock options outstanding on the
                                    date hereof; and
                         (c) has   the right,  power and  authority  to execute
                                    and deliver  this  Agreement  and to perform
                                    such  Stockholder's  obligations  under this
                                    Agreement,  and this Agreement has been duly
                                    executed and  delivered by such  Stockholder
                                    and  constitutes a valid and legally binding
                                    agreement of such  Stockholder,  enforceable
                                    in  accordance  with  its  terms;  and  such
                                    execution,  delivery and performance by such
                                    Stockholder  of this  Agreement will not (i)
                                    conflict with, require a consent,  waiver or
                                    approval  under, or result in a breach of or
                                    default  under,  any  of  the  terms  of any
                                    contract,  commitment  or  other  obligation
                                    (written or oral) to which such  Stockholder
                                    is a party or by which such  Stockholder  is
                                    bound;   (ii)   violate  any  order,   writ,
                                    injunction,  decree or statute,  or any rule
                                    or regulation,  applicable to Stockholder or
                                    any  of  the   properties   or   assets   of
                                    Stockholder; or (iii) result in the creation
                                    of,  or  impose  any   obligation   on  such
                                    Stockholder to create,
<PAGE>
                                    any Lien (as defined
                                    in the  Merger  Agreement),  charge or other
                                    encumbrance  of any nature  whatsoever  upon
                                    the Shares, other than in favor of Parent.

          The representations  and warranties  contained herein shall be made as
     of the date  hereof and as of each date from the date  hereof  through  and
     including  the date that the Merger is  consummated  or this  Agreement  is
     terminated in accordance with its terms.

                2. Agreement to Vote  Shares.  Stockholder  shall be present (in
                           person or by proxy)  at and vote his  Shares  and any
                           New  Shares (as  defined  in  Section 4 hereof),  and
                           shall cause any holder of record of his Shares or New
                           Shares  to be  present  and  vote,  (a) in  favor  of
                           adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the
                           Merger  (and  each  other   action  and   transaction
                           contemplated  by  the  Merger  Agreement  or by  this
                           Agreement) and (b) against any  Acquisition  Proposal
                           (as defined in the Merger  Agreement)  other than the
                           Merger (or any other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           and against any proposed  action or transaction  that
                           would prevent or intentionally  delay consummation of
                           the Merger (or other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           or  is  otherwise  inconsistent  therewith  at  every
                           meeting of the  stockholders  of the Company at which
                           any  such  matters  are   considered   and  at  every
                           adjournment   thereof   (and,   if   applicable,   in
                           connection   with  any  request  or  solicitation  of
                           written  consents  of  stockholders).  Any such  vote
                           shall  be  cast,  or  consent  shall  be  given,   in
                           accordance with such procedures  relating  thereto as
                           shall  ensure that it is duly counted for purposes of
                           determining that a quorum is present and for purposes
                           of  recording  the  results of such vote or  consent.
                           Stockholder  shall  deliver to Parent upon  request a
                           proxy  substantially  in the form attached  hereto as
                           Exhibit  B,  which  proxy  shall be  coupled  with an
                           interest  and  irrevocable  to the  extent  permitted
                           under North  Carolina  law,  with the total number of
                           such   Stockholder's   Shares   and  any  New  Shares
                           correctly   indicated  thereon.   Stockholder  hereby
                           revokes any and all  previous  proxies  granted  with
                           respect to his Shares. Stockholder shall also use his
                           reasonable  best  efforts  to  take,  or  cause to be
                           taken,  all action,  and do, or cause to be done, all
                           things  necessary or advisable in order to consummate
                           and make effective the  transactions  contemplated by
                           this Agreement.

                3. No      Voting  Trusts.  After the date  hereof,  Stockholder
                           agrees  that he will  not,  nor  will he  permit  any
                           entity under his control to,  deposit any Shares in a
                           voting  trust  or  subject  any  Shares  to any  Lien
                           (except,  if any Shares were as of September 25, 1998
                           in margin  accounts,  to the extent of the collateral
                           required  by the  related  loan as noted on Exhibit A
                           hereto) or agreement,  arrangement  or  understanding
                           with  respect to the voting of such Shares other than
                           agreements entered into with Parent.

               4. Additional  Purchases.  Stockholder  agrees that in the event
                           (a)   of   any   stock    dividend,    stock   split,
                           recapitalization,  reclassification,  combination  or
                           exchange  of shares of stock of the Company on, of or
                           affecting  the Shares of such  Stockholder,  (b) such
                           Stockholder    purchases   or   otherwise    acquires
                           beneficial  ownership  of any shares of Common  Stock
                           after the execution of this  Agreement  (including by
                           exercise  of  options),   or  (c)  such   Stockholder
                           acquires  the right to vote or share in the voting of
                           any  shares of Common  Stock  other  than the  Shares
                           (collectively,  "New Shares"), such Stockholder shall
                           deliver   promptly   to  Parent   upon   request   an
                           irrevocable proxy  substantially in the form attached
                           hereto as Exhibit B with  respect to such New Shares.
                           Stockholder  also agrees that any New Shares acquired
                           or  purchased by him shall be
                                            2
<PAGE>
                           subject to the terms of
                           this  Agreement  and shall  constitute  Shares to the
                           same extent as if they were owned by such Stockholder
                           on the date hereof.

                5. Option Shares.
                 (a) Subject to  the  terms  and conditions  set  forth  herein,
                           Stockholder  hereby  grants to Parent an  irrevocable
                           option (the  "Option")  to  purchase,  in whole or in
                           part,    such    Stockholder's    Shares   and   such
                           Stockholder's New Shares at a purchase price equal to
                           the Per Share Cash  Amount (as  defined in the Merger
                           Agreement) per share; provided,  however, that if the
                           Per Share Cash Amount  under the Merger  Agreement or
                           any amendment  thereto is ever increased or if Parent
                           shall  otherwise  offer  to the  Stockholders  of the
                           Company an increased  consideration  for all of their
                           shares  (the  "Greater   Consideration"),   then  the
                           purchase  price per share  under the Option  shall be
                           increased  to equal such new Per Share Cash Amount or
                           Greater  Consideration;  and provided further that if
                           Parent  has  exercised  the  Option  within 12 months
                           prior to such  increase  in the Per Share Cash Amount
                           or Greater  Consideration,  then Parent  shall pay to
                           each  Stockholder  an amount  equal to the product of
                           the number of shares  previously  purchased from such
                           Stockholder  pursuant to the Option and the amount of
                           increase  between  the old Per Share Cash  Amount and
                           the  new   Per   Share   Cash   Amount   or   Greater
                           Consideration, as applicable.

                 (b) Parent may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any
                           time and from time to time,  after the first to occur
                           of (i) any event as a result of which Parent shall be
                           entitled  to receive a  termination  fee  pursuant to
                           Section 7.2(e) of the Merger  Agreement in the amount
                           of $52.5 million  pursuant to part (1) or part (2) of
                           such  Section  or in  the  amount  of  $22.5  million
                           pursuant  to part  (3) of such  Section  or (ii)  the
                           breach  by  any  Stockholder  of  Section  2 of  this
                           Agreement  (the  first of such  events  to  occur,  a
                           "Purchase Event"); provided,  however, that except as
                           provided in the last  sentence of this Section  5(b),
                           the Option shall terminate and be of no further force
                           and  effect  upon  the  earliest  to occur of (A) the
                           Effective Time (as defined in the Merger  Agreement),
                           (B) 12 months and one day after the  occurrence  of a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1  (d),  (e),  (f)  or  (g),  (C)  a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1(a),  (b), (c) or (h) of the Merger
                           Agreement and (D) 18 months after the Outside Date as
                           defined  in Section  7.1(e) of the Merger  Agreement.
                           Notwithstanding the termination of the Option, Parent
                           shall be entitled  to exercise  the Option or receive
                           the  Cash  Payment  Amount  if it has  given  written
                           notice  of its  intent  to  exercise  the  Option  or
                           receive the Cash Payment  Amount in  accordance  with
                           the  terms  hereof  prior to the  termination  of the
                           Option and the  termination  of the Option  shall not
                           affect any rights  hereunder  which by their terms do
                           not  terminate  or  expire  prior  to or  as of  such
                           termination.

                (c) In   the event that Parent  wishes to exercise the Option,
                           it shall send to such  Stockholder  a written  notice
                           (the date of which  being  herein  referred to as the
                           "Notice  Date")  to that  effect  which  notice  also
                           specifies  the total  number of  shares  Parent  will
                           purchase  pursuant to such  exercise,  and a date not
                           earlier  than three  business  days nor later than 15
                           business days from the Notice Date for the closing of
                           such purchase (the "Option Closing Date");  provided,
                           however,  that (i) if the closing of the purchase and
                           sale  pursuant to the Option (the  "Option  Closing")
                           cannot be  consummated  by  reason of any  applicable
                           judgment,    decree,   order,   law   or
                                            3
<PAGE>

                           regulation
                           (including,   without   limitation,   the  rules  and
                           regulations  of the  FCC),  the  period  of time that
                           otherwise  would run pursuant to this sentence  shall
                           run instead  from the date on which such  restriction
                           on  consummation  has expired or been  terminated and
                           (ii)  without   limiting  the  foregoing,   if  prior
                           notification  to  or  approval  of  any  Governmental
                           Entity  (as  defined  in  the  Merger  Agreement)  is
                           required  in  connection  with such  purchase  or any
                           other  transaction  contemplated  hereby,  Parent and
                           such  Stockholder  shall  promptly  file the required
                           notice  or   application   for   approval  and  shall
                           cooperate in the expeditious filing of such notice or
                           application,   and,   in  the   case  of  any   prior
                           notification or approval  required in connection with
                           such  purchase,  the  period of time  that  otherwise
                           would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead
                           from the date on which,  as the case may be,  (A) any
                           required  notification  period  has  expired  or been
                           terminated  or (B) any  required  approval  has  been
                           obtained,  and in either event, any requisite waiting
                           period has expired or been  terminated.  The place of
                           the  Option  Closing  shall  be  at  the  offices  of
                           Wachtell,  Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street,
                           New  York,  New  York,  and the  time  of the  Option
                           Closing  shall be 10:00  a.m.  (Eastern  Time) on the
                           Option Closing Date.

                  (d) At  the Option  Closing,  Parent (or its designee)  shall
                           pay  to  each  Stockholder  an  amount  equal  to the
                           product of (x) the Per Share  Cash  Amount or Greater
                           Consideration,  as applicable,  and (y) the number of
                           shares being purchased from such Stockholder pursuant
                           to the exercise of the Option.  Such payment shall be
                           in immediately  available funds by wire transfer to a
                           bank   account   designated   in   writing   by  such
                           Stockholder.

                 (e) At   the Option Closing,  simultaneously with the delivery
                           of  the  amount   specified  in  Section  5(d),  each
                           Stockholder shall deliver to Parent (or its designee)
                           a certificate or certificates representing its shares
                           to be purchased at the Option  Closing,  which shares
                           shall be free and clear of all Liens, claims, charges
                           and encumbrances of any kind  whatsoever,  except for
                           such  encumbrances  or  proxies  in favor  of  Parent
                           arising  hereunder,  and a new Option  evidencing the
                           rights of the Parent (or its  designee)  to  purchase
                           the balance of such Stockholder's  shares purchasable
                           hereunder.

                  6. Cash Election.

                    (a) In lieu of exercising the Option, by notice,  Parent may
                           require  such  Stockholder  to make a cash payment to
                           Parent in the  amount  (the  "Cash  Payment  Amount")
                           equal to the amount by which (A) the Market Price (as
                           defined below) exceeds (B) the Per Share Cash Amount,
                           multiplied  by the  sum of (i)  the  number  of  such
                           Stockholder's  Shares  and  (ii) the  number  of such
                           Stockholder's  New  Shares.   Upon  receipt  of  such
                           notice,  the Stockholder shall be permitted to sell a
                           sufficient  number of Shares to pay the Cash  Payment
                           Amount,  if Stockholder  shall,  within five business
                           days of such notice, sell such Shares,  provided that
                           Stockholder  shall use  reasonable  best  efforts  to
                           achieve good  execution and shall consult with Parent
                           with respect to the manner of  disposition.  The term
                           "Market  Price"  shall  mean the  closing  price  (as
                           measured by the last  completed  trade) for shares of
                           Common Stock on the date of Parent's election,  or if
                           Stockholder  elects  to sell  Shares  to pay the Cash
                           Payment  Amount and has complied  with the proviso to
                           the immediately preceding sentence, the average price
                           per Share actually realized in such sale.
                                            4
<PAGE>

                (b) Parent may exercise its right to require such Stockholder to
                           pay the Cash Payment Amount  pursuant to this Section
                           by surrendering for such purpose to such Stockholder,
                           at the  Company's  principal  office,  a copy of this
                           Agreement, accompanied by a written notice or notices
                           stating   that   Parent   elects  to   require   such
                           Stockholder   to  pay  the  Cash  Payment  Amount  in
                           accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Section.
                           Within  five  (or,  in the  case of a sale of  Shares
                           under  (a)  above to fund the  Cash  Payment  Amount,
                           eight)  business  days  after  the  surrender  of the
                           Option  and the  receipt  of such  notice or  notices
                           relating  thereto,  such Stockholder shall deliver or
                           cause to be  delivered  to  Parent  the Cash  Payment
                           Amount by wire to the account designated by Parent in
                           immediately available funds.

                 (c) If   Stockholder at any time after delivery of a notice of
                           election  by Parent to take the Cash  Payment  Amount
                           pursuant  to  this   Section  is   prohibited   under
                           applicable  law or regulation  from selling Shares in
                           order to deliver to Parent the Cash Payment Amount in
                           full,  and  Stockholder is required to sell Shares to
                           fund  the  Cash   Payment   Amount,   then  (i)  such
                           Stockholder    hereby    undertakes   to   use   such
                           Stockholder's  reasonable best efforts, to the extent
                           within the control of such Stockholder, to obtain all
                           required  regulatory and legal  approvals and to file
                           any  required  notices,  in each case as  promptly as
                           practicable  in order to  accomplish  such  sales and
                           (ii) if  Stockholder is unable to effect sales within
                           four  days  after  the   receipt   of  notice,   such
                           Stockholder  shall  be  permitted  to  pay  the  Cash
                           Payment  Amount to  Parent  in  Shares  valued at the
                           Market Price.

                 7. No Encumbrances.

                   (a) Except as expressly  contemplated   by  this   Agreement,
                           Stockholder's    Shares    and    the    certificates
                           representing  such  Shares are now,  and at all times
                           during  the  term   hereof  will  be,  held  by  such
                           Stockholder,  or by a nominee  or  custodian  for the
                           benefit  of such  Stockholder,  free and clear of all
                           liens, claims,  security interests,  proxies,  voting
                           trusts or agreements,  understandings or arrangements
                           or any other  encumbrances  whatsoever (other than to
                           the   extent   set  forth  on   Schedule  1  to  this
                           Agreement),  except  for  any  such  encumbrances  or
                           proxies arising hereunder.

                 (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing:

               (i)  Stockholder  shall be  permitted  to sell (or  pledge to the
                    Company in  support  of a loan)  such  portion of New Shares
                    (but may not  sell  any New  Shares  to the  Company  or its
                    Subsidiaries)  solely  to  pay  the  exercise  price  of any
                    employee stock options and tax  liabilities in respect of an
                    exercise of employee  stock  options;  provided  that Parent
                    shall  have a right of first  refusal to  purchase  such New
                    Shares at the lower of $23 per  share or the  Market  Price;
                    and provided  further  that, if any such New Shares are sold
                    or pledged  for an amount in excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

               (ii) Any  Stockholder  which has received a notice of election by
                    Parent (or its designee) to receive the Cash Payment  Amount
                    shall be permitted,  between  receipt
                                            5
<PAGE>

                    of such notice and the
                    time on which the Cash Payment  Amount is due to be paid, to
                    sell such  number of Shares as may be  necessary  to satisfy
                    such obligation, as described in Section 6(a) above.

               (iii)In  the  event  that  the  Merger  Agreement  is  terminated
                    pursuant  to Section  7.1(d) or 7.1(g)  (based upon a breach
                    not  due to the  willful  breach  of any  representation  or
                    warranty  or  the  willful  breach  of any  covenant  by the
                    Company),  any Stockholder  shall be permitted to sell up to
                    20% of such Stockholder's  Shares held as of the date hereof
                    if  reasonably   necessary  to  provide  liquidity  to  such
                    Stockholder if at such time no Acquisition Proposal shall be
                    pending or could reasonably expected to become pending prior
                    to  expiration  of the Option  and there  shall have been no
                    willful  breach of the Merger  Agreement or the Stock Option
                    Agreement   by  the  Company  or  this   Agreement  by  such
                    Stockholder;  provided  that  Parent  shall  have a right of
                    first  refusal to  purchase  such Shares at the lower of $23
                    per  share  or the  Market  Price  on  the  date  that  such
                    Stockholder  notifies  Parent of his intention to sell;  and
                    provided  further  that,  if any  such  Shares  are  sold or
                    pledged  for an  amount  in  excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

                 (c) Any  transfer  by  Stockholder  of its  Shares  to  Parent
                           pursuant   to   the   Option   shall   pass   to  and
                           unconditionally  vest in Parent  good and valid title
                           to such Stockholder's Shares and New Shares, free and
                           clear of all claims,  liens,  restrictions,  security
                           interests,   pledges,  limitations  and  encumbrances
                           whatsoever.

                 8. Acquisition   Proposals.  Stockholder   agrees   that   such
                           Stockholder  (i) shall not,  directly or  indirectly,
                           initiate,  solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate
                           any  inquiries  or  the  making  of  any  Acquisition
                           Proposal and (ii) has terminated  any  discussions or
                           negotiations  with,  and the provision of information
                           or data to, any Person (other than Parent) respecting
                           an Acquisition  Proposal.  Such  Stockholder  further
                           agrees  that he shall not,  directly  or  indirectly,
                           provide any  confidential  information or data to any
                           Person (as defined in the Merger Agreement)  relating
                           to or in contemplation of an Acquisition  Proposal or
                           engage in any negotiations or discussions relating to
                           or in contemplation of an Acquisition Proposal.  Such
                           Stockholder  will notify  Parent  immediately  if any
                           inquiries,   proposals   or  offers   respecting   an
                           Acquisition   Proposal  are  received  by,  any  such
                           information  or data is requested  from,  or any such
                           discussions   or   negotiations   are  sought  to  be
                           initiated  or  continued   with,   such   Stockholder
                           indicating,  in connection with such notice, the name
                           of such Person and the material  terms and conditions
                           of any  proposals  or offers,  and shall keep  Parent
                           apprised   with  respect  to  the  status  and  terms
                           thereof.

                 9. Appraisal Rights. Stockholder  agrees  not to  exercise  any
                           rights (including,  without limitation, under Article
                           13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act) to
                           demand  appraisal of any Common Stock which may arise
                           with respect to the Merger.
                                            6
<PAGE>

                10. Affiliates Letter.  Stockholder shall execute and deliver
                     on a timely basis an Affiliate Letter (as defined in the
                     Merger Agreement).

               11. Relianceby Parent.  Stockholder  understands and acknowledges
                           that Parent is entering into the Merger  Agreement in
                           reliance upon Stockholder's execution and delivery of
                           this Agreement.

               12. Action  in Stockholder  Capacity Only.  Stockholder  makes no
                           agreement or understanding hereunder as a director or
                           officer  of  the  Company.   Stockholder  signs  this
                           Agreement  solely  in his  capacity  as a  beneficial
                           owner of the Shares,  and nothing  herein shall limit
                           or effect any actions taken in Stockholder's capacity
                           as an officer or director of the Company.

              13. Specific Performance.    Each    party    hereto    severally
                           acknowledges that it will be impossible to measure in
                           money the  damage to the other  parties  if the party
                           hereto  fails to comply  with any of the  obligations
                           imposed by this Agreement, that every such obligation
                           is  material  and  that,  in the  event  of any  such
                           failure,  the other parties will not have an adequate
                           remedy at law or  damages.  Accordingly,  each  party
                           hereto  severally  agrees that  injunctive  relief or
                           other  equitable  remedy,  in addition to remedies at
                           law or  damages,  is the  appropriate  remedy for any
                           such failure and will not oppose the granting of such
                           relief  on the  basis  that any  other  party  has an
                           adequate  remedy at law. Each party hereto  severally
                           agrees that it will not seek, and agrees to waive any
                           requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in
                           connection   with  any  other   party's   seeking  or
                           obtaining such equitable relief.

                14. Heirs, Successors  and  Assigns.  This  Agreement  shall  be
                           binding  upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
                           hereto and their  respective  heirs,  successors  and
                           assigns  and  shall  not be  assignable  without  the
                           written  consent of all other  parties  hereto  other
                           than any assignment in whole or in part by Parent.

                15. Entire  Agreement.  This  Agreement  supersedes  all  prior
                           agreements, written or oral, among the parties hereto
                           with  respect  to  the  subject   matter  hereof  and
                           contains the entire  agreement among the parties with
                           respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement
                           may not be amended,  supplemented or modified, and no
                           provisions  hereof may be modified or waived,  except
                           by an instrument in writing signed by all the parties
                           hereto.  No  waiver of any  provisions  hereof by any
                           party   shall  be   deemed  a  waiver  of  any  other
                           provisions  hereof by any such  party,  nor shall any
                           such  waiver  be  deemed a  continuing  waiver of any
                           provision hereof by such party.
                                            7
<PAGE>

                16. Miscellaneous.
                        (a)Expenses. Each of the parties  hereto shall bear and
                                    pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or
                                    on  its  behalf  in   connection   with  the
                                    negotiation  of  this  Agreement,  including
                                    fees  and  expenses  of  its  own  financial
                                    consultants, investment bankers, accountants
                                    and counsel.
                        (b)Amendment.  This Agreement may not be amended,
                                    except by an instrument in writing signed
                                    on behalf of each of the parties.

                        (c)This    Agreement  shall be deemed a  contract  made
                                    under,   and  for  all  purposes   shall  be
                                    construed in accordance  with,  the internal
                                    laws of the State of New York without regard
                                    to  principles  of conflicts of law,  except
                                    for those provisions  relating to the voting
                                    and the proxy  which  shall be  governed  by
                                    North Carolina law.

                         (d)Severability. If any provision of this  Agreement or
                                    the  application  of such  provision  to any
                                    person  or   circumstances   shall  be  held
                                    invalid    by   a   court    of    competent
                                    jurisdiction, the remainder of the provision
                                    held  invalid  and the  application  of such
                                    provision to persons or circumstances, other
                                    than  the  party  as to  which  it  is  held
                                    invalid, shall not be affected.

                          (e)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one
                                    or more counterparts, each of which shall be
                                    deemed  to be an  original  but all of which
                                    together  shall  constitute one and the same
                                    instrument.

                          (f)Termination.  This Agreement shall terminate upon
                                    termination of the Option.

                          (g) Headings. All Section   headings  herein  are  for
                                    convenience  of  reference  only and are not
                                    part of this  Agreement and no  construction
                                    or reference shall be derived therefrom.

                         (h) Notices.All notices, requests, claims, demands, and
                                    other  communications  under this  Agreement
                                    must be in writing and shall be deemed given
                                    if delivered  personally,  telecopied (which
                                    is confirmed),  or sent by overnight courier
                                    (providing proof of delivery) to the parties
                                    at the following addresses (or at such other
                                    address for a party as shall be specified by
                                    like notice):
                         
                              (i)      if to Parent, to

                           AT&T Corp.
                           295 North Maple Avenue
                           Basking Ridge, NJ  07920
                           Telecopy No.:  (908) 221-6618
                           Attention:  Marilyn Wasser
                                            8
<PAGE>
                           
                        with copies to:

                           Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
                           51 West 52nd Street
                           New York, New York  10019
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 403-2000
                           Attention:  David M. Silk; and
                           (ii) if to the Stockholder, to such Stockholder c/o

                           Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
                           2002 Pisgah Church Road
                           Greensboro, NC  27455
                           Telecopy No.:  (336) 545-2219
                           Attention:  Richard Rowlenson

                           with a copy to:

                           Latham & Watkins
                           53rd at Third Avenue, Suite 1000
                           885 Third Avenue
                           New York, NY 10022-4802
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 751-4864
                           Attention:  Raymond Y. Lin.

                        (i)Further Assurances.  In the event of any exercise of
                                    the  Option  or  election  to take  the Cash
                                    Payment Amount, each of the Company,  Parent
                                    and  Stockholder  shall  execute and deliver
                                    all other documents and instruments and take
                                    all  other  action  that  may be  reasonably
                                    necessary   in  order  to   consummate   the
                                    transactions contemplated by such exercise.

                        (j) Stockholder shall cause  certificates for the Shares
                                    and New  Shares  to have  typed  or  printed
                                    thereon a  restrictive  legend  which  shall
                                    read substantially as follows (if and to the
                                    extent true and  necessary in light of legal
                                    and factual  circumstances  existing at such
                                    time):

                  "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
                  CERTAIN PROVISIONS AS SET FORTH IN THE VOTING AGREEMENT, DATED
                  AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1998,  A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE  OBTAINED  FROM
                  THE  SECRETARY  OF  VANGUARD  CELLULAR  SYSTEMS,  INC.  AT ITS
                  PRINCIPAL  EXECUTIVE OFFICES,  WHICH CONTAINS  RESTRICTIONS ON
                  THE VOTING AND TRANSFER THEREOF. "
                                            9
<PAGE>

IN  WITNESS    WHEREOF, the   parties     hereto  have executed and delivered
 this Agreement  as of  the  date  first written  above. 

                                        AT&T CORP.

                                      By: /s/ Michael Berg
                                      Name: Michael Berg
                                      Title: Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
Confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above.

                                    PIEDMONT ASSOCIATES LIMITED
 
                                    By: /s/ Stuart R. Richardson
                                    Name: Stuart R. Richardson
<PAGE>

             PIEDMONT HARBOR-PIEDMONT ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

                APPOINTMENT OF AGENT BY MANAGING GENERAL PARTNER




         WHEREAS, the undersigned, Lunsford Richardson, Jr.is the duly appointed
Managing Partner (the "Managing Partner") of Piedmont Harbor-Piedmont Associates
Limited Partnership (the "Partnership"); and

         WHEREAS,  under  the  terms of the  Agreement  of  Limited  Partnership
relating to the  Partnership,  the undersigned is authorized to employ agents to
perform  any  of his  powers  and  authority  under  the  Agreement  of  Limited
Partnership; and

         WHEREAS, the Managing Partner desires to appoint such an agency;

         NOW,  THEREFORE,  the Managing  Partner  hereby  appoints  Stuart Smith
Richardson,  a General Partner of the Partnership,  as his agent for the purpose
of  dealing  with any and all  shares  of  capital  stock of  Vanguard  Cellular
Systems,  Inc.  (the  "Shares")  owned  by the  Partnership,  including  without
limitation  voting the Shares,  selling the Shares for  whatever  price he deems
appropriate,  and  entering  into  agreements  and options  with  respect to the
foregoing.  This authority is unlimited and includes the authority to vote or to
sell the  Shares in  connection  with any  merger,  sale of  assets,  or similar
transaction undertaken by Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.

         IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has executed this document pursuant
to Section 2 of Article 4 of the Agreement of Limited Partnership, this 30th day
of September, 1998.

                      /s/  Lunsford Richardson, Jr., Managing General Partner
                           Lunsford Richardson, Jr., Managing General Partner



<PAGE>




                                                       EXHIBIT A

                            STOCKHOLDER

  Name               Number of Shares of Common Stock    Type of Ownership

Piedmont Associates Limited         1,308,917        Beneficial

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT B

                                  FORM OF PROXY
                  The  undersigned  stockholder,   for  consideration  received,
                  hereby  appoints  [PARENT  DESIGNEES]  and  each of them as my
                  proxies,  with full power of  substitution in each of them, to
                  cast on behalf of the  undersigned  all votes  entitled  to be
                  cast by the holder of the shares of Class A Common Stock,  par
                  value $0.01 per share, of Vanguard Cellular  Systems,  Inc., a
                  North  Carolina  corporation  (the  "Company"),  owned  by the
                  undersigned  at the  Special  Meeting of  Stockholders  of the
                  Company  to  be  held  [DATE,  TIME  AND  PLACE]  and  at  any
                  adjournment  thereof (i) "FOR"  approval  and  adoption of the
                  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger,  dated as of  October 2, 1998,
                  between the Company  and AT&T  Corp.,  a New York  corporation
                  ("Parent"),  providing  for the merger (the  "Merger")  of the
                  Company with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and
                  the Merger and (ii)  "AGAINST"  against any  proposal or offer
                  with  respect  to a merger,  reorganization,  share  exchange,
                  consolidation,    business   combination,    recapitalization,
                  liquidation,  dissolution or similar transaction involving, or
                  any purchase of any  substantial  portion of the assets of, or
                  any  equity  securities  of,  or any  transaction  that  would
                  involve the transfer or potential  transfer of control of, the
                  Company  other  than the  Merger  and any  proposed  action or
                  transaction   that  would  prevent  or   intentionally   delay
                  consummation  of  the  Merger  or  is  otherwise  inconsistent
                  therewith.  This  proxy is  coupled  with an  interest  and is
                  irrevocable until such time as the Voting Agreement,  dated as
                  of  October  2,  1998,  between a certain  stockholder  of the
                  Company, the undersigned,  and Parent terminates in accordance
                  with its terms.

                        Dated _____________________, 1998

                                            --------------------------------
                                            (Signature of Stockholder)


                                                            EXECUTION COPY
                                                            ANNEX B

                                VOTING AGREEMENT

                  VOTING  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement"),  dated as of October 2,
                  1998, between the undersigned  stockholder  ("Stockholder") of
                  Vanguard Cellular Systems,  Inc., a North Carolina corporation
                  (the  "Company"),  and  AT&T  Corp.,  a New  York  corporation
                  ("Parent").

                  WHEREAS,  concurrently  with  the  execution  and
                  delivery  of this  Agreement,  the  Company  and  Parent  have
                  entered  into an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated as of
                  October 2, 1998 (the "Merger  Agreement"),  providing  for the
                  merger of the Company with and into a wholly-owned  subsidiary
                  of Parent (the "Merger")  pursuant to the terms and conditions
                  thereof;  and 

                  WHEREAS,  as an  inducement  and a condition to
                  Parent entering into the Merger  Agreement,  pursuant to which
                  Stockholder will receive the consideration provided for in the
                  Merger  Agreement in exchange for each share of Class A Common
                  Stock,  par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common
                  Stock")  owned by him,  Stockholder  has  agreed to enter into
                  this  Agreement; 

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,   for  good  and  valuable
                  consideration,  the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which
                  is hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree as follows:

                1.Representations of Stockholder.  Stockholder  represents that
                  such Stockholder:

                         (a) is the  beneficial  owner  of  that  number  of
                                    shares  of Common  Stock set forth  opposite
                                    such  Stockholder's  name on Exhibit A (such
                                    Stockholder's "Shares");

                         (b) except as may be denoted  in  Exhibit  A, does not
                                    beneficially own (as such term is defined in
                                    the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  as
                                    amended  (the "1934  Act")) or own of record
                                    any shares of Common  Stock  other than such
                                    Stockholder's   Shares,  but  excluding  any
                                    shares   of   Common    Stock   which   such
                                    Stockholder has the right to obtain upon the
                                    exercise of stock options outstanding on the
                                    date hereof; and
                         (c) has   the right,  power and  authority  to execute
                                    and deliver  this  Agreement  and to perform
                                    such  Stockholder's  obligations  under this
                                    Agreement,  and this Agreement has been duly
                                    executed and  delivered by such  Stockholder
                                    and  constitutes a valid and legally binding
                                    agreement of such  Stockholder,  enforceable
                                    in  accordance  with  its  terms;  and  such
                                    execution,  delivery and performance by such
                                    Stockholder  of this  Agreement will not (i)
                                    conflict with, require a consent,  waiver or
                                    approval  under, or result in a breach of or
                                    default  under,  any  of  the  terms  of any
                                    contract,  commitment  or  other  obligation
                                    (written or oral) to which such  Stockholder
                                    is a party or by which such  Stockholder  is
                                    bound;   (ii)   violate  any  order,   writ,
                                    injunction,  decree or statute,  or any rule
                                    or regulation,  applicable to Stockholder or
                                    any  of  the   properties   or   assets   of
                                    Stockholder; or (iii) result in the creation
                                    of,  or  impose  any   obligation   on  such
                                    Stockholder to create,
<PAGE>

                                    any Lien (as defined
                                    in the  Merger  Agreement),  charge or other
                                    encumbrance  of any nature  whatsoever  upon
                                    the Shares, other than in favor of Parent.

          The representations  and warranties  contained herein shall be made as
     of the date  hereof and as of each date from the date  hereof  through  and
     including  the date that the Merger is  consummated  or this  Agreement  is
     terminated in accordance with its terms.

                2. Agreement to Vote  Shares.  Stockholder  shall be present (in
                           person or by proxy)  at and vote his  Shares  and any
                           New  Shares (as  defined  in  Section 4 hereof),  and
                           shall cause any holder of record of his Shares or New
                           Shares  to be  present  and  vote,  (a) in  favor  of
                           adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the
                           Merger  (and  each  other   action  and   transaction
                           contemplated  by  the  Merger  Agreement  or by  this
                           Agreement) and (b) against any  Acquisition  Proposal
                           (as defined in the Merger  Agreement)  other than the
                           Merger (or any other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           and against any proposed  action or transaction  that
                           would prevent or intentionally  delay consummation of
                           the Merger (or other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           or  is  otherwise  inconsistent  therewith  at  every
                           meeting of the  stockholders  of the Company at which
                           any  such  matters  are   considered   and  at  every
                           adjournment   thereof   (and,   if   applicable,   in
                           connection   with  any  request  or  solicitation  of
                           written  consents  of  stockholders).  Any such  vote
                           shall  be  cast,  or  consent  shall  be  given,   in
                           accordance with such procedures  relating  thereto as
                           shall  ensure that it is duly counted for purposes of
                           determining that a quorum is present and for purposes
                           of  recording  the  results of such vote or  consent.
                           Stockholder  shall  deliver to Parent upon  request a
                           proxy  substantially  in the form attached  hereto as
                           Exhibit  B,  which  proxy  shall be  coupled  with an
                           interest  and  irrevocable  to the  extent  permitted
                           under North  Carolina  law,  with the total number of
                           such   Stockholder's   Shares   and  any  New  Shares
                           correctly   indicated  thereon.   Stockholder  hereby
                           revokes any and all  previous  proxies  granted  with
                           respect to his Shares. Stockholder shall also use his
                           reasonable  best  efforts  to  take,  or  cause to be
                           taken,  all action,  and do, or cause to be done, all
                           things  necessary or advisable in order to consummate
                           and make effective the  transactions  contemplated by
                           this Agreement.

                3. No      Voting  Trusts.  After the date  hereof,  Stockholder
                           agrees  that he will  not,  nor  will he  permit  any
                           entity under his control to,  deposit any Shares in a
                           voting  trust  or  subject  any  Shares  to any  Lien
                           (except,  if any Shares were as of September 25, 1998
                           in margin  accounts,  to the extent of the collateral
                           required  by the  related  loan as noted on Exhibit A
                           hereto) or agreement,  arrangement  or  understanding
                           with  respect to the voting of such Shares other than
                           agreements entered into with Parent.

               4. Additional  Purchases.  Stockholder  agrees that in the event
                           (a)   of   any   stock    dividend,    stock   split,
                           recapitalization,  reclassification,  combination  or
                           exchange  of shares of stock of the Company on, of or
                           affecting  the Shares of such  Stockholder,  (b) such
                           Stockholder    purchases   or   otherwise    acquires
                           beneficial  ownership  of any shares of Common  Stock
                           after the execution of this  Agreement  (including by
                           exercise  of  options),   or  (c)  such   Stockholder
                           acquires  the right to vote or share in the voting of
                           any  shares of Common  Stock  other  than the  Shares
                           (collectively,  "New Shares"), such Stockholder shall
                           deliver   promptly   to  Parent   upon   request   an
                           irrevocable proxy  substantially in the form attached
                           hereto as Exhibit B with  respect to such New Shares.
                           Stockholder  also agrees that any New Shares acquired
                           or  purchased by him shall be
                                            2
<PAGE>
                           subject to the terms of
                           this  Agreement  and shall  constitute  Shares to the
                           same extent as if they were owned by such Stockholder
                           on the date hereof.

                5. Option Shares.
                 (a) Subject to  the  terms  and conditions  set  forth  herein,
                           Stockholder  hereby  grants to Parent an  irrevocable
                           option (the  "Option")  to  purchase,  in whole or in
                           part,    such    Stockholder's    Shares   and   such
                           Stockholder's New Shares at a purchase price equal to
                           the Per Share Cash  Amount (as  defined in the Merger
                           Agreement) per share; provided,  however, that if the
                           Per Share Cash Amount  under the Merger  Agreement or
                           any amendment  thereto is ever increased or if Parent
                           shall  otherwise  offer  to the  Stockholders  of the
                           Company an increased  consideration  for all of their
                           shares  (the  "Greater   Consideration"),   then  the
                           purchase  price per share  under the Option  shall be
                           increased  to equal such new Per Share Cash Amount or
                           Greater  Consideration;  and provided further that if
                           Parent  has  exercised  the  Option  within 12 months
                           prior to such  increase  in the Per Share Cash Amount
                           or Greater  Consideration,  then Parent  shall pay to
                           each  Stockholder  an amount  equal to the product of
                           the number of shares  previously  purchased from such
                           Stockholder  pursuant to the Option and the amount of
                           increase  between  the old Per Share Cash  Amount and
                           the  new   Per   Share   Cash   Amount   or   Greater
                           Consideration, as applicable.

                 (b) Parent may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any
                           time and from time to time,  after the first to occur
                           of (i) any event as a result of which Parent shall be
                           entitled  to receive a  termination  fee  pursuant to
                           Section 7.2(e) of the Merger  Agreement in the amount
                           of $52.5 million  pursuant to part (1) or part (2) of
                           such  Section  or in  the  amount  of  $22.5  million
                           pursuant  to part  (3) of such  Section  or (ii)  the
                           breach  by  any  Stockholder  of  Section  2 of  this
                           Agreement  (the  first of such  events  to  occur,  a
                           "Purchase Event"); provided,  however, that except as
                           provided in the last  sentence of this Section  5(b),
                           the Option shall terminate and be of no further force
                           and  effect  upon  the  earliest  to occur of (A) the
                           Effective Time (as defined in the Merger  Agreement),
                           (B) 12 months and one day after the  occurrence  of a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1  (d),  (e),  (f)  or  (g),  (C)  a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1(a),  (b), (c) or (h) of the Merger
                           Agreement and (D) 18 months after the Outside Date as
                           defined  in Section  7.1(e) of the Merger  Agreement.
                           Notwithstanding the termination of the Option, Parent
                           shall be entitled  to exercise  the Option or receive
                           the  Cash  Payment  Amount  if it has  given  written
                           notice  of its  intent  to  exercise  the  Option  or
                           receive the Cash Payment  Amount in  accordance  with
                           the  terms  hereof  prior to the  termination  of the
                           Option and the  termination  of the Option  shall not
                           affect any rights  hereunder  which by their terms do
                           not  terminate  or  expire  prior  to or  as of  such
                           termination.

                (c) In   the event that Parent  wishes to exercise the Option,
                           it shall send to such  Stockholder  a written  notice
                           (the date of which  being  herein  referred to as the
                           "Notice  Date")  to that  effect  which  notice  also
                           specifies  the total  number of  shares  Parent  will
                           purchase  pursuant to such  exercise,  and a date not
                           earlier  than three  business  days nor later than 15
                           business days from the Notice Date for the closing of
                           such purchase (the "Option Closing Date");  provided,
                           however,  that (i) if the closing of the purchase and
                           sale  pursuant to the Option (the  "Option  Closing")
                           cannot be  consummated  by  reason of any  applicable
                           judgment,    decree,   order,   law   or
                                            3
<PAGE>
                           regulation
                           (including,   without   limitation,   the  rules  and
                           regulations  of the  FCC),  the  period  of time that
                           otherwise  would run pursuant to this sentence  shall
                           run instead  from the date on which such  restriction
                           on  consummation  has expired or been  terminated and
                           (ii)  without   limiting  the  foregoing,   if  prior
                           notification  to  or  approval  of  any  Governmental
                           Entity  (as  defined  in  the  Merger  Agreement)  is
                           required  in  connection  with such  purchase  or any
                           other  transaction  contemplated  hereby,  Parent and
                           such  Stockholder  shall  promptly  file the required
                           notice  or   application   for   approval  and  shall
                           cooperate in the expeditious filing of such notice or
                           application,   and,   in  the   case  of  any   prior
                           notification or approval  required in connection with
                           such  purchase,  the  period of time  that  otherwise
                           would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead
                           from the date on which,  as the case may be,  (A) any
                           required  notification  period  has  expired  or been
                           terminated  or (B) any  required  approval  has  been
                           obtained,  and in either event, any requisite waiting
                           period has expired or been  terminated.  The place of
                           the  Option  Closing  shall  be  at  the  offices  of
                           Wachtell,  Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street,
                           New  York,  New  York,  and the  time  of the  Option
                           Closing  shall be 10:00  a.m.  (Eastern  Time) on the
                           Option Closing Date.

                  (d) At  the Option  Closing,  Parent (or its designee)  shall
                           pay  to  each  Stockholder  an  amount  equal  to the
                           product of (x) the Per Share  Cash  Amount or Greater
                           Consideration,  as applicable,  and (y) the number of
                           shares being purchased from such Stockholder pursuant
                           to the exercise of the Option.  Such payment shall be
                           in immediately  available funds by wire transfer to a
                           bank   account   designated   in   writing   by  such
                           Stockholder.

                 (e) At   the Option Closing,  simultaneously with the delivery
                           of  the  amount   specified  in  Section  5(d),  each
                           Stockholder shall deliver to Parent (or its designee)
                           a certificate or certificates representing its shares
                           to be purchased at the Option  Closing,  which shares
                           shall be free and clear of all Liens, claims, charges
                           and encumbrances of any kind  whatsoever,  except for
                           such  encumbrances  or  proxies  in favor  of  Parent
                           arising  hereunder,  and a new Option  evidencing the
                           rights of the Parent (or its  designee)  to  purchase
                           the balance of such Stockholder's  shares purchasable
                           hereunder.

                  6. Cash Election.

                    (a) In lieu of exercising the Option, by notice,  Parent may
                           require  such  Stockholder  to make a cash payment to
                           Parent in the  amount  (the  "Cash  Payment  Amount")
                           equal to the amount by which (A) the Market Price (as
                           defined below) exceeds (B) the Per Share Cash Amount,
                           multiplied  by the  sum of (i)  the  number  of  such
                           Stockholder's  Shares  and  (ii) the  number  of such
                           Stockholder's  New  Shares.   Upon  receipt  of  such
                           notice,  the Stockholder shall be permitted to sell a
                           sufficient  number of Shares to pay the Cash  Payment
                           Amount,  if Stockholder  shall,  within five business
                           days of such notice, sell such Shares,  provided that
                           Stockholder  shall use  reasonable  best  efforts  to
                           achieve good  execution and shall consult with Parent
                           with respect to the manner of  disposition.  The term
                           "Market  Price"  shall  mean the  closing  price  (as
                           measured by the last  completed  trade) for shares of
                           Common Stock on the date of Parent's election,  or if
                           Stockholder  elects  to sell  Shares  to pay the Cash
                           Payment  Amount and has complied  with the proviso to
                           the immediately preceding sentence, the average price
                           per Share actually realized in such sale.
                                            4
<PAGE>
                (b) Parent may exercise its right to require such Stockholder to
                           pay the Cash Payment Amount  pursuant to this Section
                           by surrendering for such purpose to such Stockholder,
                           at the  Company's  principal  office,  a copy of this
                           Agreement, accompanied by a written notice or notices
                           stating   that   Parent   elects  to   require   such
                           Stockholder   to  pay  the  Cash  Payment  Amount  in
                           accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Section.
                           Within  five  (or,  in the  case of a sale of  Shares
                           under  (a)  above to fund the  Cash  Payment  Amount,
                           eight)  business  days  after  the  surrender  of the
                           Option  and the  receipt  of such  notice or  notices
                           relating  thereto,  such Stockholder shall deliver or
                           cause to be  delivered  to  Parent  the Cash  Payment
                           Amount by wire to the account designated by Parent in
                           immediately available funds.

                 (c) If   Stockholder at any time after delivery of a notice of
                           election  by Parent to take the Cash  Payment  Amount
                           pursuant  to  this   Section  is   prohibited   under
                           applicable  law or regulation  from selling Shares in
                           order to deliver to Parent the Cash Payment Amount in
                           full,  and  Stockholder is required to sell Shares to
                           fund  the  Cash   Payment   Amount,   then  (i)  such
                           Stockholder    hereby    undertakes   to   use   such
                           Stockholder's  reasonable best efforts, to the extent
                           within the control of such Stockholder, to obtain all
                           required  regulatory and legal  approvals and to file
                           any  required  notices,  in each case as  promptly as
                           practicable  in order to  accomplish  such  sales and
                           (ii) if  Stockholder is unable to effect sales within
                           four  days  after  the   receipt   of  notice,   such
                           Stockholder  shall  be  permitted  to  pay  the  Cash
                           Payment  Amount to  Parent  in  Shares  valued at the
                           Market Price.

                 7. No Encumbrances.

                   (a) Except as expressly  contemplated   by  this   Agreement,
                           Stockholder's    Shares    and    the    certificates
                           representing  such  Shares are now,  and at all times
                           during  the  term   hereof  will  be,  held  by  such
                           Stockholder,  or by a nominee  or  custodian  for the
                           benefit  of such  Stockholder,  free and clear of all
                           liens, claims,  security interests,  proxies,  voting
                           trusts or agreements,  understandings or arrangements
                           or any other  encumbrances  whatsoever (other than to
                           the   extent   set  forth  on   Schedule  1  to  this
                           Agreement),  except  for  any  such  encumbrances  or
                           proxies arising hereunder.

                 (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing:

               (i)  Stockholder  shall be  permitted  to sell (or  pledge to the
                    Company in  support  of a loan)  such  portion of New Shares
                    (but may not  sell  any New  Shares  to the  Company  or its
                    Subsidiaries)  solely  to  pay  the  exercise  price  of any
                    employee stock options and tax  liabilities in respect of an
                    exercise of employee  stock  options;  provided  that Parent
                    shall  have a right of first  refusal to  purchase  such New
                    Shares at the lower of $23 per  share or the  Market  Price;
                    and provided  further  that, if any such New Shares are sold
                    or pledged  for an amount in excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

               (ii) Any  Stockholder  which has received a notice of election by
                    Parent (or its designee) to receive the Cash Payment  Amount
                    shall be permitted,  between  receipt
                                            5
<PAGE>

                    of such notice and the
                    time on which the Cash Payment  Amount is due to be paid, to
                    sell such  number of Shares as may be  necessary  to satisfy
                    such obligation, as described in Section 6(a) above.

               (iii)In  the  event  that  the  Merger  Agreement  is  terminated
                    pursuant  to Section  7.1(d) or 7.1(g)  (based upon a breach
                    not  due to the  willful  breach  of any  representation  or
                    warranty  or  the  willful  breach  of any  covenant  by the
                    Company),  any Stockholder  shall be permitted to sell up to
                    20% of such Stockholder's  Shares held as of the date hereof
                    if  reasonably   necessary  to  provide  liquidity  to  such
                    Stockholder if at such time no Acquisition Proposal shall be
                    pending or could reasonably expected to become pending prior
                    to  expiration  of the Option  and there  shall have been no
                    willful  breach of the Merger  Agreement or the Stock Option
                    Agreement   by  the  Company  or  this   Agreement  by  such
                    Stockholder;  provided  that  Parent  shall  have a right of
                    first  refusal to  purchase  such Shares at the lower of $23
                    per  share  or the  Market  Price  on  the  date  that  such
                    Stockholder  notifies  Parent of his intention to sell;  and
                    provided  further  that,  if any  such  Shares  are  sold or
                    pledged  for an  amount  in  excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

                 (c) Any  transfer  by  Stockholder  of its  Shares  to  Parent
                           pursuant   to   the   Option   shall   pass   to  and
                           unconditionally  vest in Parent  good and valid title
                           to such Stockholder's Shares and New Shares, free and
                           clear of all claims,  liens,  restrictions,  security
                           interests,   pledges,  limitations  and  encumbrances
                           whatsoever.

                 8. Acquisition   Proposals.  Stockholder   agrees   that   such
                           Stockholder  (i) shall not,  directly or  indirectly,
                           initiate,  solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate
                           any  inquiries  or  the  making  of  any  Acquisition
                           Proposal and (ii) has terminated  any  discussions or
                           negotiations  with,  and the provision of information
                           or data to, any Person (other than Parent) respecting
                           an Acquisition  Proposal.  Such  Stockholder  further
                           agrees  that he shall not,  directly  or  indirectly,
                           provide any  confidential  information or data to any
                           Person (as defined in the Merger Agreement)  relating
                           to or in contemplation of an Acquisition  Proposal or
                           engage in any negotiations or discussions relating to
                           or in contemplation of an Acquisition Proposal.  Such
                           Stockholder  will notify  Parent  immediately  if any
                           inquiries,   proposals   or  offers   respecting   an
                           Acquisition   Proposal  are  received  by,  any  such
                           information  or data is requested  from,  or any such
                           discussions   or   negotiations   are  sought  to  be
                           initiated  or  continued   with,   such   Stockholder
                           indicating,  in connection with such notice, the name
                           of such Person and the material  terms and conditions
                           of any  proposals  or offers,  and shall keep  Parent
                           apprised   with  respect  to  the  status  and  terms
                           thereof.

                 9. Appraisal Rights. Stockholder  agrees  not to  exercise  any
                           rights (including,  without limitation, under Article
                           13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act) to
                           demand  appraisal of any Common Stock which may arise
                           with respect to the Merger.
                                            6
<PAGE>
                10. Affiliates Letter.  Stockholder shall execute and deliver
                     on a timely basis an Affiliate Letter (as defined in the
                     Merger Agreement).

               11. Relianceby Parent.  Stockholder  understands and acknowledges
                           that Parent is entering into the Merger  Agreement in
                           reliance upon Stockholder's execution and delivery of
                           this Agreement.

               12. Action  in Stockholder  Capacity Only.  Stockholder  makes no
                           agreement or understanding hereunder as a director or
                           officer  of  the  Company.   Stockholder  signs  this
                           Agreement  solely  in his  capacity  as a  beneficial
                           owner of the Shares,  and nothing  herein shall limit
                           or effect any actions taken in Stockholder's capacity
                           as an officer or director of the Company.

              13. Specific Performance.    Each    party    hereto    severally
                           acknowledges that it will be impossible to measure in
                           money the  damage to the other  parties  if the party
                           hereto  fails to comply  with any of the  obligations
                           imposed by this Agreement, that every such obligation
                           is  material  and  that,  in the  event  of any  such
                           failure,  the other parties will not have an adequate
                           remedy at law or  damages.  Accordingly,  each  party
                           hereto  severally  agrees that  injunctive  relief or
                           other  equitable  remedy,  in addition to remedies at
                           law or  damages,  is the  appropriate  remedy for any
                           such failure and will not oppose the granting of such
                           relief  on the  basis  that any  other  party  has an
                           adequate  remedy at law. Each party hereto  severally
                           agrees that it will not seek, and agrees to waive any
                           requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in
                           connection   with  any  other   party's   seeking  or
                           obtaining such equitable relief.

                14. Heirs, Successors  and  Assigns.  This  Agreement  shall  be
                           binding  upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
                           hereto and their  respective  heirs,  successors  and
                           assigns  and  shall  not be  assignable  without  the
                           written  consent of all other  parties  hereto  other
                           than any assignment in whole or in part by Parent.

                15. Entire  Agreement.   This  Agreement supersedes  all  prior
                           agreements, written or oral, among the parties hereto
                           with  respect  to  the  subject   matter  hereof  and
                           contains the entire  agreement among the parties with
                           respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement
                           may not be amended,  supplemented or modified, and no
                           provisions  hereof may be modified or waived,  except
                           by an instrument in writing signed by all the parties
                           hereto.  No  waiver of any  provisions  hereof by any
                           party   shall  be   deemed  a  waiver  of  any  other
                           provisions  hereof by any such  party,  nor shall any
                           such  waiver  be  deemed a  continuing  waiver of any
                           provision hereof by such party.
                                            7
<PAGE>
                16. Miscellaneous.
                        (a)Expenses. Each of the parties  hereto shall bear and
                                    pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or
                                    on  its  behalf  in   connection   with  the
                                    negotiation  of  this  Agreement,  including
                                    fees  and  expenses  of  its  own  financial
                                    consultants, investment bankers, accountants
                                    and counsel.
                        (b)Amendment.  This Agreement may not be amended,
                                    except by an instrument in writing signed
                                    on behalf of each of the parties.

                        (c)This    Agreement  shall be deemed a  contract  made
                                    under,   and  for  all  purposes   shall  be
                                    construed in accordance  with,  the internal
                                    laws of the State of New York without regard
                                    to  principles  of conflicts of law,  except
                                    for those provisions  relating to the voting
                                    and the proxy  which  shall be  governed  by
                                    North Carolina law.

                         (d)Severability. If any provision of this  Agreement or
                                    the  application  of such  provision  to any
                                    person  or   circumstances   shall  be  held
                                    invalid    by   a   court    of    competent
                                    jurisdiction, the remainder of the provision
                                    held  invalid  and the  application  of such
                                    provision to persons or circumstances, other
                                    than  the  party  as to  which  it  is  held
                                    invalid, shall not be affected.

                          (e)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one
                                    or more counterparts, each of which shall be
                                    deemed  to be an  original  but all of which
                                    together  shall  constitute one and the same
                                    instrument.

                          (f)Termination.  This Agreement shall terminate upon
                                    termination of the Option.

                          (g) Headings. All Section   headings  herein  are  for
                                    convenience  of  reference  only and are not
                                    part of this  Agreement and no  construction
                                    or reference shall be derived therefrom.

                         (h) Notices.All notices, requests, claims, demands, and
                                    other  communications  under this  Agreement
                                    must be in writing and shall be deemed given
                                    if delivered  personally,  telecopied (which
                                    is confirmed),  or sent by overnight courier
                                    (providing proof of delivery) to the parties
                                    at the following addresses (or at such other
                                    address for a party as shall be specified by
                                    like notice):
                         
                              (i)      if to Parent, to

                           AT&T Corp.
                           295 North Maple Avenue
                           Basking Ridge, NJ  07920
                           Telecopy No.:  (908) 221-6618
                           Attention:  Marilyn Wasser
                                            8
<PAGE>
                                    with copies to:

                           Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
                           51 West 52nd Street
                           New York, New York  10019
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 403-2000
                           Attention:  David M. Silk; and
                           (ii) if to the Stockholder, to such Stockholder c/o

                           Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
                           2002 Pisgah Church Road
                           Greensboro, NC  27455
                           Telecopy No.:  (336) 545-2219
                           Attention:  Richard Rowlenson

                           with a copy to:

                           Latham & Watkins
                           53rd at Third Avenue, Suite 1000
                           885 Third Avenue
                           New York, NY 10022-4802
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 751-4864
                           Attention:  Raymond Y. Lin.

                        (i)Further Assurances.  In the event of any exercise of
                                    the  Option  or  election  to take  the Cash
                                    Payment Amount, each of the Company,  Parent
                                    and  Stockholder  shall  execute and deliver
                                    all other documents and instruments and take
                                    all  other  action  that  may be  reasonably
                                    necessary   in  order  to   consummate   the
                                    transactions contemplated by such exercise.

                        (j) Stockholder shall cause  certificates for the Shares
                                    and New  Shares  to have  typed  or  printed
                                    thereon a  restrictive  legend  which  shall
                                    read substantially as follows (if and to the
                                    extent true and  necessary in light of legal
                                    and factual  circumstances  existing at such
                                    time):

                  "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
                  CERTAIN PROVISIONS AS SET FORTH IN THE VOTING AGREEMENT, DATED
                  AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1998,  A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE  OBTAINED  FROM
                  THE  SECRETARY  OF  VANGUARD  CELLULAR  SYSTEMS,  INC.  AT ITS
                  PRINCIPAL  EXECUTIVE OFFICES,  WHICH CONTAINS  RESTRICTIONS ON
                  THE VOTING AND TRANSFER THEREOF. "
                                            9
<PAGE>

IN  WITNESS    WHEREOF, the   parties     hereto  have executed and delivered
 this Agreement  as of  the  date  first written  above. 

                                        AT&T CORP.

                                      By: /s/ Michael Berg
                                      Name: Michael Berg
                                      Title: Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
Confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above.

                                    By: /s/ L. Richardson Preyer, Jr.
                                    Name: L. Richardson Preyer, Jr.

<PAGE>

                                                       EXHIBIT A

                            STOCKHOLDER


  Name               Number of Shares of Common Stock    Type of Ownership

L. Richardson Preyer, Jr.  765,510 (1)      Beneficial


(1)      Includes 327,749 shares pledged to NationsBank to secure a loan of 
$3,073,868 as of the date hereof.

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT B

                                  FORM OF PROXY
                  The  undersigned  stockholder,   for  consideration  received,
                  hereby  appoints  [PARENT  DESIGNEES]  and  each of them as my
                  proxies,  with full power of  substitution in each of them, to
                  cast on behalf of the  undersigned  all votes  entitled  to be
                  cast by the holder of the shares of Class A Common Stock,  par
                  value $0.01 per share, of Vanguard Cellular  Systems,  Inc., a
                  North  Carolina  corporation  (the  "Company"),  owned  by the
                  undersigned  at the  Special  Meeting of  Stockholders  of the
                  Company  to  be  held  [DATE,  TIME  AND  PLACE]  and  at  any
                  adjournment  thereof (i) "FOR"  approval  and  adoption of the
                  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger,  dated as of  October 2, 1998,
                  between the Company  and AT&T  Corp.,  a New York  corporation
                  ("Parent"),  providing  for the merger (the  "Merger")  of the
                  Company with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and
                  the Merger and (ii)  "AGAINST"  against any  proposal or offer
                  with  respect  to a merger,  reorganization,  share  exchange,
                  consolidation,    business   combination,    recapitalization,
                  liquidation,  dissolution or similar transaction involving, or
                  any purchase of any  substantial  portion of the assets of, or
                  any  equity  securities  of,  or any  transaction  that  would
                  involve the transfer or potential  transfer of control of, the
                  Company  other  than the  Merger  and any  proposed  action or
                  transaction   that  would  prevent  or   intentionally   delay
                  consummation  of  the  Merger  or  is  otherwise  inconsistent
                  therewith.  This  proxy is  coupled  with an  interest  and is
                  irrevocable until such time as the Voting Agreement,  dated as
                  of  October  2,  1998,  between a certain  stockholder  of the
                  Company, the undersigned,  and Parent terminates in accordance
                  with its terms.

                        Dated _____________________, 1998

                                            --------------------------------
                                            (Signature of Stockholder)


                                                            EXECUTION COPY
                                                            ANNEX B

                                VOTING AGREEMENT

                  VOTING  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement"),  dated as of October 2,
                  1998, between the undersigned  stockholder  ("Stockholder") of
                  Vanguard Cellular Systems,  Inc., a North Carolina corporation
                  (the  "Company"),  and  AT&T  Corp.,  a New  York  corporation
                  ("Parent").

                  WHEREAS,  concurrently  with  the  execution  and
                  delivery  of this  Agreement,  the  Company  and  Parent  have
                  entered  into an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated as of
                  October 2, 1998 (the "Merger  Agreement"),  providing  for the
                  merger of the Company with and into a wholly-owned  subsidiary
                  of Parent (the "Merger")  pursuant to the terms and conditions
                  thereof;  and 

                  WHEREAS,  as an  inducement  and a condition to
                  Parent entering into the Merger  Agreement,  pursuant to which
                  Stockholder will receive the consideration provided for in the
                  Merger  Agreement in exchange for each share of Class A Common
                  Stock,  par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common
                  Stock")  owned by him,  Stockholder  has  agreed to enter into
                  this  Agreement; 

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,   for  good  and  valuable
                  consideration,  the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which
                  is hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree as follows:

                1.Representations of Stockholder.  Stockholder  represents that
                  such Stockholder:

                         (a) is the  beneficial  owner  of  that  number  of
                                    shares  of Common  Stock set forth  opposite
                                    such  Stockholder's  name on Exhibit A (such
                                    Stockholder's "Shares");

                         (b) except as may be denoted  in  Exhibit  A, does not
                                    beneficially own (as such term is defined in
                                    the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  as
                                    amended  (the "1934  Act")) or own of record
                                    any shares of Common  Stock  other than such
                                    Stockholder's   Shares,  but  excluding  any
                                    shares   of   Common    Stock   which   such
                                    Stockholder has the right to obtain upon the
                                    exercise of stock options outstanding on the
                                    date hereof; and
                         (c) has   the right,  power and  authority  to execute
                                    and deliver  this  Agreement  and to perform
                                    such  Stockholder's  obligations  under this
                                    Agreement,  and this Agreement has been duly
                                    executed and  delivered by such  Stockholder
                                    and  constitutes a valid and legally binding
                                    agreement of such  Stockholder,  enforceable
                                    in  accordance  with  its  terms;  and  such
                                    execution,  delivery and performance by such
                                    Stockholder  of this  Agreement will not (i)
                                    conflict with, require a consent,  waiver or
                                    approval  under, or result in a breach of or
                                    default  under,  any  of  the  terms  of any
                                    contract,  commitment  or  other  obligation
                                    (written or oral) to which such  Stockholder
                                    is a party or by which such  Stockholder  is
                                    bound;   (ii)   violate  any  order,   writ,
                                    injunction,  decree or statute,  or any rule
                                    or regulation,  applicable to Stockholder or
                                    any  of  the   properties   or   assets   of
                                    Stockholder; or (iii) result in the creation
                                    of,  or  impose  any   obligation   on  such
                                    Stockholder to create,
<PAGE>

                                    any Lien (as defined
                                    in the  Merger  Agreement),  charge or other
                                    encumbrance  of any nature  whatsoever  upon
                                    the Shares, other than in favor of Parent.

          The representations  and warranties  contained herein shall be made as
     of the date  hereof and as of each date from the date  hereof  through  and
     including  the date that the Merger is  consummated  or this  Agreement  is
     terminated in accordance with its terms.

                2. Agreement to Vote  Shares.  Stockholder  shall be present (in
                           person or by proxy)  at and vote his  Shares  and any
                           New  Shares (as  defined  in  Section 4 hereof),  and
                           shall cause any holder of record of his Shares or New
                           Shares  to be  present  and  vote,  (a) in  favor  of
                           adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the
                           Merger  (and  each  other   action  and   transaction
                           contemplated  by  the  Merger  Agreement  or by  this
                           Agreement) and (b) against any  Acquisition  Proposal
                           (as defined in the Merger  Agreement)  other than the
                           Merger (or any other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           and against any proposed  action or transaction  that
                           would prevent or intentionally  delay consummation of
                           the Merger (or other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           or  is  otherwise  inconsistent  therewith  at  every
                           meeting of the  stockholders  of the Company at which
                           any  such  matters  are   considered   and  at  every
                           adjournment   thereof   (and,   if   applicable,   in
                           connection   with  any  request  or  solicitation  of
                           written  consents  of  stockholders).  Any such  vote
                           shall  be  cast,  or  consent  shall  be  given,   in
                           accordance with such procedures  relating  thereto as
                           shall  ensure that it is duly counted for purposes of
                           determining that a quorum is present and for purposes
                           of  recording  the  results of such vote or  consent.
                           Stockholder  shall  deliver to Parent upon  request a
                           proxy  substantially  in the form attached  hereto as
                           Exhibit  B,  which  proxy  shall be  coupled  with an
                           interest  and  irrevocable  to the  extent  permitted
                           under North  Carolina  law,  with the total number of
                           such   Stockholder's   Shares   and  any  New  Shares
                           correctly   indicated  thereon.   Stockholder  hereby
                           revokes any and all  previous  proxies  granted  with
                           respect to his Shares. Stockholder shall also use his
                           reasonable  best  efforts  to  take,  or  cause to be
                           taken,  all action,  and do, or cause to be done, all
                           things  necessary or advisable in order to consummate
                           and make effective the  transactions  contemplated by
                           this Agreement.

                3. No      Voting  Trusts.  After the date  hereof,  Stockholder
                           agrees  that he will  not,  nor  will he  permit  any
                           entity under his control to,  deposit any Shares in a
                           voting  trust  or  subject  any  Shares  to any  Lien
                           (except,  if any Shares were as of September 25, 1998
                           in margin  accounts,  to the extent of the collateral
                           required  by the  related  loan as noted on Exhibit A
                           hereto) or agreement,  arrangement  or  understanding
                           with  respect to the voting of such Shares other than
                           agreements entered into with Parent.

               4. Additional  Purchases.  Stockholder  agrees that in the event
                           (a)   of   any   stock    dividend,    stock   split,
                           recapitalization,  reclassification,  combination  or
                           exchange  of shares of stock of the Company on, of or
                           affecting  the Shares of such  Stockholder,  (b) such
                           Stockholder    purchases   or   otherwise    acquires
                           beneficial  ownership  of any shares of Common  Stock
                           after the execution of this  Agreement  (including by
                           exercise  of  options),   or  (c)  such   Stockholder
                           acquires  the right to vote or share in the voting of
                           any  shares of Common  Stock  other  than the  Shares
                           (collectively,  "New Shares"), such Stockholder shall
                           deliver   promptly   to  Parent   upon   request   an
                           irrevocable proxy  substantially in the form attached
                           hereto as Exhibit B with  respect to such New Shares.
                           Stockholder  also agrees that any New Shares acquired
                           or  purchased by him shall be
                                            2
<PAGE>
                           subject to the terms of
                           this  Agreement  and shall  constitute  Shares to the
                           same extent as if they were owned by such Stockholder
                           on the date hereof.

                5. Option Shares.
                 (a) Subject to  the  terms  and conditions  set  forth  herein,
                           Stockholder  hereby  grants to Parent an  irrevocable
                           option (the  "Option")  to  purchase,  in whole or in
                           part,    such    Stockholder's    Shares   and   such
                           Stockholder's New Shares at a purchase price equal to
                           the Per Share Cash  Amount (as  defined in the Merger
                           Agreement) per share; provided,  however, that if the
                           Per Share Cash Amount  under the Merger  Agreement or
                           any amendment  thereto is ever increased or if Parent
                           shall  otherwise  offer  to the  Stockholders  of the
                           Company an increased  consideration  for all of their
                           shares  (the  "Greater   Consideration"),   then  the
                           purchase  price per share  under the Option  shall be
                           increased  to equal such new Per Share Cash Amount or
                           Greater  Consideration;  and provided further that if
                           Parent  has  exercised  the  Option  within 12 months
                           prior to such  increase  in the Per Share Cash Amount
                           or Greater  Consideration,  then Parent  shall pay to
                           each  Stockholder  an amount  equal to the product of
                           the number of shares  previously  purchased from such
                           Stockholder  pursuant to the Option and the amount of
                           increase  between  the old Per Share Cash  Amount and
                           the  new   Per   Share   Cash   Amount   or   Greater
                           Consideration, as applicable.

                 (b) Parent may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any
                           time and from time to time,  after the first to occur
                           of (i) any event as a result of which Parent shall be
                           entitled  to receive a  termination  fee  pursuant to
                           Section 7.2(e) of the Merger  Agreement in the amount
                           of $52.5 million  pursuant to part (1) or part (2) of
                           such  Section  or in  the  amount  of  $22.5  million
                           pursuant  to part  (3) of such  Section  or (ii)  the
                           breach  by  any  Stockholder  of  Section  2 of  this
                           Agreement  (the  first of such  events  to  occur,  a
                           "Purchase Event"); provided,  however, that except as
                           provided in the last  sentence of this Section  5(b),
                           the Option shall terminate and be of no further force
                           and  effect  upon  the  earliest  to occur of (A) the
                           Effective Time (as defined in the Merger  Agreement),
                           (B) 12 months and one day after the  occurrence  of a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1  (d),  (e),  (f)  or  (g),  (C)  a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1(a),  (b), (c) or (h) of the Merger
                           Agreement and (D) 18 months after the Outside Date as
                           defined  in Section  7.1(e) of the Merger  Agreement.
                           Notwithstanding the termination of the Option, Parent
                           shall be entitled  to exercise  the Option or receive
                           the  Cash  Payment  Amount  if it has  given  written
                           notice  of its  intent  to  exercise  the  Option  or
                           receive the Cash Payment  Amount in  accordance  with
                           the  terms  hereof  prior to the  termination  of the
                           Option and the  termination  of the Option  shall not
                           affect any rights  hereunder  which by their terms do
                           not  terminate  or  expire  prior  to or  as of  such
                           termination.

                (c) In   the event that Parent  wishes to exercise the Option,
                           it shall send to such  Stockholder  a written  notice
                           (the date of which  being  herein  referred to as the
                           "Notice  Date")  to that  effect  which  notice  also
                           specifies  the total  number of  shares  Parent  will
                           purchase  pursuant to such  exercise,  and a date not
                           earlier  than three  business  days nor later than 15
                           business days from the Notice Date for the closing of
                           such purchase (the "Option Closing Date");  provided,
                           however,  that (i) if the closing of the purchase and
                           sale  pursuant to the Option (the  "Option  Closing")
                           cannot be  consummated  by  reason of any  applicable
                           judgment,    decree,   order,   law   or
                                            3
<PAGE>
                           regulation
                           (including,   without   limitation,   the  rules  and
                           regulations  of the  FCC),  the  period  of time that
                           otherwise  would run pursuant to this sentence  shall
                           run instead  from the date on which such  restriction
                           on  consummation  has expired or been  terminated and
                           (ii)  without   limiting  the  foregoing,   if  prior
                           notification  to  or  approval  of  any  Governmental
                           Entity  (as  defined  in  the  Merger  Agreement)  is
                           required  in  connection  with such  purchase  or any
                           other  transaction  contemplated  hereby,  Parent and
                           such  Stockholder  shall  promptly  file the required
                           notice  or   application   for   approval  and  shall
                           cooperate in the expeditious filing of such notice or
                           application,   and,   in  the   case  of  any   prior
                           notification or approval  required in connection with
                           such  purchase,  the  period of time  that  otherwise
                           would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead
                           from the date on which,  as the case may be,  (A) any
                           required  notification  period  has  expired  or been
                           terminated  or (B) any  required  approval  has  been
                           obtained,  and in either event, any requisite waiting
                           period has expired or been  terminated.  The place of
                           the  Option  Closing  shall  be  at  the  offices  of
                           Wachtell,  Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street,
                           New  York,  New  York,  and the  time  of the  Option
                           Closing  shall be 10:00  a.m.  (Eastern  Time) on the
                           Option Closing Date.

                  (d) At  the Option  Closing,  Parent (or its designee)  shall
                           pay  to  each  Stockholder  an  amount  equal  to the
                           product of (x) the Per Share  Cash  Amount or Greater
                           Consideration,  as applicable,  and (y) the number of
                           shares being purchased from such Stockholder pursuant
                           to the exercise of the Option.  Such payment shall be
                           in immediately  available funds by wire transfer to a
                           bank   account   designated   in   writing   by  such
                           Stockholder.

                 (e) At   the Option Closing,  simultaneously with the delivery
                           of  the  amount   specified  in  Section  5(d),  each
                           Stockholder shall deliver to Parent (or its designee)
                           a certificate or certificates representing its shares
                           to be purchased at the Option  Closing,  which shares
                           shall be free and clear of all Liens, claims, charges
                           and encumbrances of any kind  whatsoever,  except for
                           such  encumbrances  or  proxies  in favor  of  Parent
                           arising  hereunder,  and a new Option  evidencing the
                           rights of the Parent (or its  designee)  to  purchase
                           the balance of such Stockholder's  shares purchasable
                           hereunder.

                  6. Cash Election.

                    (a) In lieu of exercising the Option, by notice,  Parent may
                           require  such  Stockholder  to make a cash payment to
                           Parent in the  amount  (the  "Cash  Payment  Amount")
                           equal to the amount by which (A) the Market Price (as
                           defined below) exceeds (B) the Per Share Cash Amount,
                           multiplied  by the  sum of (i)  the  number  of  such
                           Stockholder's  Shares  and  (ii) the  number  of such
                           Stockholder's  New  Shares.   Upon  receipt  of  such
                           notice,  the Stockholder shall be permitted to sell a
                           sufficient  number of Shares to pay the Cash  Payment
                           Amount,  if Stockholder  shall,  within five business
                           days of such notice, sell such Shares,  provided that
                           Stockholder  shall use  reasonable  best  efforts  to
                           achieve good  execution and shall consult with Parent
                           with respect to the manner of  disposition.  The term
                           "Market  Price"  shall  mean the  closing  price  (as
                           measured by the last  completed  trade) for shares of
                           Common Stock on the date of Parent's election,  or if
                           Stockholder  elects  to sell  Shares  to pay the Cash
                           Payment  Amount and has complied  with the proviso to
                           the immediately preceding sentence, the average price
                           per Share actually realized in such sale.
                                            4
<PAGE>
                (b) Parent may exercise its right to require such Stockholder to
                           pay the Cash Payment Amount  pursuant to this Section
                           by surrendering for such purpose to such Stockholder,
                           at the  Company's  principal  office,  a copy of this
                           Agreement, accompanied by a written notice or notices
                           stating   that   Parent   elects  to   require   such
                           Stockholder   to  pay  the  Cash  Payment  Amount  in
                           accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Section.
                           Within  five  (or,  in the  case of a sale of  Shares
                           under  (a)  above to fund the  Cash  Payment  Amount,
                           eight)  business  days  after  the  surrender  of the
                           Option  and the  receipt  of such  notice or  notices
                           relating  thereto,  such Stockholder shall deliver or
                           cause to be  delivered  to  Parent  the Cash  Payment
                           Amount by wire to the account designated by Parent in
                           immediately available funds.

                 (c) If   Stockholder at any time after delivery of a notice of
                           election  by Parent to take the Cash  Payment  Amount
                           pursuant  to  this   Section  is   prohibited   under
                           applicable  law or regulation  from selling Shares in
                           order to deliver to Parent the Cash Payment Amount in
                           full,  and  Stockholder is required to sell Shares to
                           fund  the  Cash   Payment   Amount,   then  (i)  such
                           Stockholder    hereby    undertakes   to   use   such
                           Stockholder's  reasonable best efforts, to the extent
                           within the control of such Stockholder, to obtain all
                           required  regulatory and legal  approvals and to file
                           any  required  notices,  in each case as  promptly as
                           practicable  in order to  accomplish  such  sales and
                           (ii) if  Stockholder is unable to effect sales within
                           four  days  after  the   receipt   of  notice,   such
                           Stockholder  shall  be  permitted  to  pay  the  Cash
                           Payment  Amount to  Parent  in  Shares  valued at the
                           Market Price.

                 7. No Encumbrances.

                   (a) Except as expressly  contemplated   by  this   Agreement,
                           Stockholder's    Shares    and    the    certificates
                           representing  such  Shares are now,  and at all times
                           during  the  term   hereof  will  be,  held  by  such
                           Stockholder,  or by a nominee  or  custodian  for the
                           benefit  of such  Stockholder,  free and clear of all
                           liens, claims,  security interests,  proxies,  voting
                           trusts or agreements,  understandings or arrangements
                           or any other  encumbrances  whatsoever (other than to
                           the   extent   set  forth  on   Schedule  1  to  this
                           Agreement),  except  for  any  such  encumbrances  or
                           proxies arising hereunder.

                 (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing:

               (i)  Stockholder  shall be  permitted  to sell (or  pledge to the
                    Company in  support  of a loan)  such  portion of New Shares
                    (but may not  sell  any New  Shares  to the  Company  or its
                    Subsidiaries)  solely  to  pay  the  exercise  price  of any
                    employee stock options and tax  liabilities in respect of an
                    exercise of employee  stock  options;  provided  that Parent
                    shall  have a right of first  refusal to  purchase  such New
                    Shares at the lower of $23 per  share or the  Market  Price;
                    and provided  further  that, if any such New Shares are sold
                    or pledged  for an amount in excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

               (ii) Any  Stockholder  which has received a notice of election by
                    Parent (or its designee) to receive the Cash Payment  Amount
                    shall be permitted,  between  receipt
                                            5
<PAGE>
                    of such notice and the
                    time on which the Cash Payment  Amount is due to be paid, to
                    sell such  number of Shares as may be  necessary  to satisfy
                    such obligation, as described in Section 6(a) above.

               (iii)In  the  event  that  the  Merger  Agreement  is  terminated
                    pursuant  to Section  7.1(d) or 7.1(g)  (based upon a breach
                    not  due to the  willful  breach  of any  representation  or
                    warranty  or  the  willful  breach  of any  covenant  by the
                    Company),  any Stockholder  shall be permitted to sell up to
                    20% of such Stockholder's  Shares held as of the date hereof
                    if  reasonably   necessary  to  provide  liquidity  to  such
                    Stockholder if at such time no Acquisition Proposal shall be
                    pending or could reasonably expected to become pending prior
                    to  expiration  of the Option  and there  shall have been no
                    willful  breach of the Merger  Agreement or the Stock Option
                    Agreement   by  the  Company  or  this   Agreement  by  such
                    Stockholder;  provided  that  Parent  shall  have a right of
                    first  refusal to  purchase  such Shares at the lower of $23
                    per  share  or the  Market  Price  on  the  date  that  such
                    Stockholder  notifies  Parent of his intention to sell;  and
                    provided  further  that,  if any  such  Shares  are  sold or
                    pledged  for an  amount  in  excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

                 (c) Any  transfer  by  Stockholder  of its  Shares  to  Parent
                           pursuant   to   the   Option   shall   pass   to  and
                           unconditionally  vest in Parent  good and valid title
                           to such Stockholder's Shares and New Shares, free and
                           clear of all claims,  liens,  restrictions,  security
                           interests,   pledges,  limitations  and  encumbrances
                           whatsoever.

                 8. Acquisition   Proposals.  Stockholder   agrees   that   such
                           Stockholder  (i) shall not,  directly or  indirectly,
                           initiate,  solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate
                           any  inquiries  or  the  making  of  any  Acquisition
                           Proposal and (ii) has terminated  any  discussions or
                           negotiations  with,  and the provision of information
                           or data to, any Person (other than Parent) respecting
                           an Acquisition  Proposal.  Such  Stockholder  further
                           agrees  that he shall not,  directly  or  indirectly,
                           provide any  confidential  information or data to any
                           Person (as defined in the Merger Agreement)  relating
                           to or in contemplation of an Acquisition  Proposal or
                           engage in any negotiations or discussions relating to
                           or in contemplation of an Acquisition Proposal.  Such
                           Stockholder  will notify  Parent  immediately  if any
                           inquiries,   proposals   or  offers   respecting   an
                           Acquisition   Proposal  are  received  by,  any  such
                           information  or data is requested  from,  or any such
                           discussions   or   negotiations   are  sought  to  be
                           initiated  or  continued   with,   such   Stockholder
                           indicating,  in connection with such notice, the name
                           of such Person and the material  terms and conditions
                           of any  proposals  or offers,  and shall keep  Parent
                           apprised   with  respect  to  the  status  and  terms
                           thereof.

                 9. Appraisal Rights. Stockholder  agrees  not to  exercise  any
                           rights (including,  without limitation, under Article
                           13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act) to
                           demand  appraisal of any Common Stock which may arise
                           with respect to the Merger.
                                            6
<PAGE>
                10. Affiliates Letter.  Stockholder shall execute and deliver
                     on a timely basis an Affiliate Letter (as defined in the
                     Merger Agreement).

               11. Relianceby Parent.  Stockholder  understands and acknowledges
                           that Parent is entering into the Merger  Agreement in
                           reliance upon Stockholder's execution and delivery of
                           this Agreement.

               12. Action  in Stockholder  Capacity Only.  Stockholder  makes no
                           agreement or understanding hereunder as a director or
                           officer  of  the  Company.   Stockholder  signs  this
                           Agreement  solely  in his  capacity  as a  beneficial
                           owner of the Shares,  and nothing  herein shall limit
                           or effect any actions taken in Stockholder's capacity
                           as an officer or director of the Company.

              13. Specific Performance.    Each    party    hereto    severally
                           acknowledges that it will be impossible to measure in
                           money the  damage to the other  parties  if the party
                           hereto  fails to comply  with any of the  obligations
                           imposed by this Agreement, that every such obligation
                           is  material  and  that,  in the  event  of any  such
                           failure,  the other parties will not have an adequate
                           remedy at law or  damages.  Accordingly,  each  party
                           hereto  severally  agrees that  injunctive  relief or
                           other  equitable  remedy,  in addition to remedies at
                           law or  damages,  is the  appropriate  remedy for any
                           such failure and will not oppose the granting of such
                           relief  on the  basis  that any  other  party  has an
                           adequate  remedy at law. Each party hereto  severally
                           agrees that it will not seek, and agrees to waive any
                           requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in
                           connection   with  any  other   party's   seeking  or
                           obtaining such equitable relief.

                14. Heirs, Successors  and  Assigns.  This  Agreement  shall  be
                           binding  upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
                           hereto and their  respective  heirs,  successors  and
                           assigns  and  shall  not be  assignable  without  the
                           written  consent of all other  parties  hereto  other
                           than any assignment in whole or in part by Parent.

                15. Entire  Agreement.   This  Agreement supersedes  all  prior
                           agreements, written or oral, among the parties hereto
                           with  respect  to  the  subject   matter  hereof  and
                           contains the entire  agreement among the parties with
                           respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement
                           may not be amended,  supplemented or modified, and no
                           provisions  hereof may be modified or waived,  except
                           by an instrument in writing signed by all the parties
                           hereto.  No  waiver of any  provisions  hereof by any
                           party   shall  be   deemed  a  waiver  of  any  other
                           provisions  hereof by any such  party,  nor shall any
                           such  waiver  be  deemed a  continuing  waiver of any
                           provision hereof by such party.
                                            7
<PAGE>
                16. Miscellaneous.
                        (a)Expenses. Each of the parties  hereto shall bear and
                                    pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or
                                    on  its  behalf  in   connection   with  the
                                    negotiation  of  this  Agreement,  including
                                    fees  and  expenses  of  its  own  financial
                                    consultants, investment bankers, accountants
                                    and counsel.
                        (b)Amendment.  This Agreement may not be amended,
                                    except by an instrument in writing signed
                                    on behalf of each of the parties.

                        (c)This    Agreement  shall be deemed a  contract  made
                                    under,   and  for  all  purposes   shall  be
                                    construed in accordance  with,  the internal
                                    laws of the State of New York without regard
                                    to  principles  of conflicts of law,  except
                                    for those provisions  relating to the voting
                                    and the proxy  which  shall be  governed  by
                                    North Carolina law.

                         (d)Severability. If any provision of this  Agreement or
                                    the  application  of such  provision  to any
                                    person  or   circumstances   shall  be  held
                                    invalid    by   a   court    of    competent
                                    jurisdiction, the remainder of the provision
                                    held  invalid  and the  application  of such
                                    provision to persons or circumstances, other
                                    than  the  party  as to  which  it  is  held
                                    invalid, shall not be affected.

                          (e)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one
                                    or more counterparts, each of which shall be
                                    deemed  to be an  original  but all of which
                                    together  shall  constitute one and the same
                                    instrument.

                          (f)Termination.  This Agreement shall terminate upon
                                    termination of the Option.

                          (g) Headings. All Section   headings  herein  are  for
                                    convenience  of  reference  only and are not
                                    part of this  Agreement and no  construction
                                    or reference shall be derived therefrom.

                         (h) Notices.All notices, requests, claims, demands, and
                                    other  communications  under this  Agreement
                                    must be in writing and shall be deemed given
                                    if delivered  personally,  telecopied (which
                                    is confirmed),  or sent by overnight courier
                                    (providing proof of delivery) to the parties
                                    at the following addresses (or at such other
                                    address for a party as shall be specified by
                                    like notice):
                         
                              (i)      if to Parent, to

                           AT&T Corp.
                           295 North Maple Avenue
                           Basking Ridge, NJ  07920
                           Telecopy No.:  (908) 221-6618
                           Attention:  Marilyn Wasser
                                            8
<PAGE>
                           
                        with copies to:

                           Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
                           51 West 52nd Street
                           New York, New York  10019
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 403-2000
                           Attention:  David M. Silk; and
                           (ii) if to the Stockholder, to such Stockholder c/o

                           Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
                           2002 Pisgah Church Road
                           Greensboro, NC  27455
                           Telecopy No.:  (336) 545-2219
                           Attention:  Richard Rowlenson

                           with a copy to:

                           Latham & Watkins
                           53rd at Third Avenue, Suite 1000
                           885 Third Avenue
                           New York, NY 10022-4802
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 751-4864
                           Attention:  Raymond Y. Lin.

                        (i)Further Assurances.  In the event of any exercise of
                                    the  Option  or  election  to take  the Cash
                                    Payment Amount, each of the Company,  Parent
                                    and  Stockholder  shall  execute and deliver
                                    all other documents and instruments and take
                                    all  other  action  that  may be  reasonably
                                    necessary   in  order  to   consummate   the
                                    transactions contemplated by such exercise.

                        (j) Stockholder shall cause  certificates for the Shares
                                    and New  Shares  to have  typed  or  printed
                                    thereon a  restrictive  legend  which  shall
                                    read substantially as follows (if and to the
                                    extent true and  necessary in light of legal
                                    and factual  circumstances  existing at such
                                    time):

                  "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
                  CERTAIN PROVISIONS AS SET FORTH IN THE VOTING AGREEMENT, DATED
                  AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1998,  A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE  OBTAINED  FROM
                  THE  SECRETARY  OF  VANGUARD  CELLULAR  SYSTEMS,  INC.  AT ITS
                  PRINCIPAL  EXECUTIVE OFFICES,  WHICH CONTAINS  RESTRICTIONS ON
                  THE VOTING AND TRANSFER THEREOF. "
                                            9
<PAGE>

IN  WITNESS    WHEREOF, the   parties     hereto  have executed and delivered
 this Agreement  as of  the  date  first written  above. 

                                        AT&T CORP.

                                      By: /s/ Michael Berg
                                      Name: Michael Berg
                                      Title: Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
Confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above.

                                    By: /s/ Stuart S. Richardson 
                                    Name: Stuart S. Richardson 

<PAGE>

                                                       EXHIBIT A

                            STOCKHOLDER


  Name               Number of Shares of Common Stock    Type of Ownership

Stuart S. Richardson       50,736 (1)                          Beneficial


(1)   Does not include(1)  the Grace Jones Richardson Testamentary Trust;
      Stuart S. Richardson & Peter L. Richardson, Trustees and (2) the H. 
      Smith Richardson Family Trust; Peter L. Richardson,
      Stuart S. Richardson, E. William Stetson, III and Winburne W. King,
      III , Trustees.

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT B

                                  FORM OF PROXY
                  The  undersigned  stockholder,   for  consideration  received,
                  hereby  appoints  [PARENT  DESIGNEES]  and  each of them as my
                  proxies,  with full power of  substitution in each of them, to
                  cast on behalf of the  undersigned  all votes  entitled  to be
                  cast by the holder of the shares of Class A Common Stock,  par
                  value $0.01 per share, of Vanguard Cellular  Systems,  Inc., a
                  North  Carolina  corporation  (the  "Company"),  owned  by the
                  undersigned  at the  Special  Meeting of  Stockholders  of the
                  Company  to  be  held  [DATE,  TIME  AND  PLACE]  and  at  any
                  adjournment  thereof (i) "FOR"  approval  and  adoption of the
                  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger,  dated as of  October 2, 1998,
                  between the Company  and AT&T  Corp.,  a New York  corporation
                  ("Parent"),  providing  for the merger (the  "Merger")  of the
                  Company with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and
                  the Merger and (ii)  "AGAINST"  against any  proposal or offer
                  with  respect  to a merger,  reorganization,  share  exchange,
                  consolidation,    business   combination,    recapitalization,
                  liquidation,  dissolution or similar transaction involving, or
                  any purchase of any  substantial  portion of the assets of, or
                  any  equity  securities  of,  or any  transaction  that  would
                  involve the transfer or potential  transfer of control of, the
                  Company  other  than the  Merger  and any  proposed  action or
                  transaction   that  would  prevent  or   intentionally   delay
                  consummation  of  the  Merger  or  is  otherwise  inconsistent
                  therewith.  This  proxy is  coupled  with an  interest  and is
                  irrevocable until such time as the Voting Agreement,  dated as
                  of  October  2,  1998,  between a certain  stockholder  of the
                  Company, the undersigned,  and Parent terminates in accordance
                  with its terms.

                        Dated _____________________, 1998

                                            --------------------------------
                                            (Signature of Stockholder)


                                                            EXECUTION COPY
                                                            ANNEX B

                                VOTING AGREEMENT

                  VOTING  AGREEMENT  (the  "Agreement"),  dated as of October 2,
                  1998, between the undersigned  stockholder  ("Stockholder") of
                  Vanguard Cellular Systems,  Inc., a North Carolina corporation
                  (the  "Company"),  and  AT&T  Corp.,  a New  York  corporation
                  ("Parent").

                  WHEREAS,  concurrently  with  the  execution  and
                  delivery  of this  Agreement,  the  Company  and  Parent  have
                  entered  into an  Agreement  and  Plan of  Merger  dated as of
                  October 2, 1998 (the "Merger  Agreement"),  providing  for the
                  merger of the Company with and into a wholly-owned  subsidiary
                  of Parent (the "Merger")  pursuant to the terms and conditions
                  thereof;  and 

                  WHEREAS,  as an  inducement  and a condition to
                  Parent entering into the Merger  Agreement,  pursuant to which
                  Stockholder will receive the consideration provided for in the
                  Merger  Agreement in exchange for each share of Class A Common
                  Stock,  par value $0.01 per share, of the Company (the "Common
                  Stock")  owned by him,  Stockholder  has  agreed to enter into
                  this  Agreement; 

                  NOW,  THEREFORE,   for  good  and  valuable
                  consideration,  the receipt, sufficiency and adequacy of which
                  is hereby  acknowledged,  the parties hereto agree as follows:

                1.Representations of Stockholder.  Stockholder  represents that
                  such Stockholder:

                         (a) is the  beneficial  owner  of  that  number  of
                                    shares  of Common  Stock set forth  opposite
                                    such  Stockholder's  name on Exhibit A (such
                                    Stockholder's "Shares");

                         (b) except  as may be denoted  in Exhibit  A, does not
                                    beneficially own (as such term is defined in
                                    the  Securities  Exchange  Act of  1934,  as
                                    amended  (the "1934  Act")) or own of record
                                    any shares of Common  Stock  other than such
                                    Stockholder's   Shares,  but  excluding  any
                                    shares   of   Common    Stock   which   such
                                    Stockholder has the right to obtain upon the
                                    exercise of stock options outstanding on the
                                    date hereof; and
                         (c) has   the right,  power and  authority  to execute
                                    and deliver  this  Agreement  and to perform
                                    such  Stockholder's  obligations  under this
                                    Agreement,  and this Agreement has been duly
                                    executed and  delivered by such  Stockholder
                                    and  constitutes a valid and legally binding
                                    agreement of such  Stockholder,  enforceable
                                    in  accordance  with  its  terms;  and  such
                                    execution,  delivery and performance by such
                                    Stockholder  of this  Agreement will not (i)
                                    conflict with, require a consent,  waiver or
                                    approval  under, or result in a breach of or
                                    default  under,  any  of  the  terms  of any
                                    contract,  commitment  or  other  obligation
                                    (written or oral) to which such  Stockholder
                                    is a party or by which such  Stockholder  is
                                    bound;   (ii)   violate  any  order,   writ,
                                    injunction,  decree or statute,  or any rule
                                    or regulation,  applicable to Stockholder or
                                    any  of  the   properties   or   assets   of
                                    Stockholder; or (iii) result in the creation
                                    of,  or  impose  any   obligation   on  such
                                    Stockholder to create,
<PAGE>

                                    any Lien (as defined
                                    in the  Merger  Agreement),  charge or other
                                    encumbrance  of any nature  whatsoever  upon
                                    the Shares, other than in favor of Parent.

          The representations  and warranties  contained herein shall be made as
     of the date  hereof and as of each date from the date  hereof  through  and
     including  the date that the Merger is  consummated  or this  Agreement  is
     terminated in accordance with its terms.

                2. Agreement to Vote  Shares.  Stockholder  shall be present (in
                           person or by proxy)  at and vote his  Shares  and any
                           New  Shares (as  defined  in  Section 4 hereof),  and
                           shall cause any holder of record of his Shares or New
                           Shares  to be  present  and  vote,  (a) in  favor  of
                           adoption and approval of the Merger Agreement and the
                           Merger  (and  each  other   action  and   transaction
                           contemplated  by  the  Merger  Agreement  or by  this
                           Agreement) and (b) against any  Acquisition  Proposal
                           (as defined in the Merger  Agreement)  other than the
                           Merger (or any other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           and against any proposed  action or transaction  that
                           would prevent or intentionally  delay consummation of
                           the Merger (or other Acquisition  Proposal of Parent)
                           or  is  otherwise  inconsistent  therewith  at  every
                           meeting of the  stockholders  of the Company at which
                           any  such  matters  are   considered   and  at  every
                           adjournment   thereof   (and,   if   applicable,   in
                           connection   with  any  request  or  solicitation  of
                           written  consents  of  stockholders).  Any such  vote
                           shall  be  cast,  or  consent  shall  be  given,   in
                           accordance with such procedures  relating  thereto as
                           shall  ensure that it is duly counted for purposes of
                           determining that a quorum is present and for purposes
                           of  recording  the  results of such vote or  consent.
                           Stockholder  shall  deliver to Parent upon  request a
                           proxy  substantially  in the form attached  hereto as
                           Exhibit  B,  which  proxy  shall be  coupled  with an
                           interest  and  irrevocable  to the  extent  permitted
                           under North  Carolina  law,  with the total number of
                           such   Stockholder's   Shares   and  any  New  Shares
                           correctly   indicated  thereon.   Stockholder  hereby
                           revokes any and all  previous  proxies  granted  with
                           respect to his Shares. Stockholder shall also use his
                           reasonable  best  efforts  to  take,  or  cause to be
                           taken,  all action,  and do, or cause to be done, all
                           things  necessary or advisable in order to consummate
                           and make effective the  transactions  contemplated by
                           this Agreement.

                3. No      Voting  Trusts.  After the date  hereof,  Stockholder
                           agrees  that he will  not,  nor  will he  permit  any
                           entity under his control to,  deposit any Shares in a
                           voting  trust  or  subject  any  Shares  to any  Lien
                           (except,  if any Shares were as of September 25, 1998
                           in margin  accounts,  to the extent of the collateral
                           required  by the  related  loan as noted on Exhibit A
                           hereto) or agreement,  arrangement  or  understanding
                           with  respect to the voting of such Shares other than
                           agreements entered into with Parent.

               4. Additional  Purchases.  Stockholder  agrees that in the event
                           (a)   of   any   stock    dividend,    stock   split,
                           recapitalization,  reclassification,  combination  or
                           exchange  of shares of stock of the Company on, of or
                           affecting  the Shares of such  Stockholder,  (b) such
                           Stockholder    purchases   or   otherwise    acquires
                           beneficial  ownership  of any shares of Common  Stock
                           after the execution of this  Agreement  (including by
                           exercise  of  options),   or  (c)  such   Stockholder
                           acquires  the right to vote or share in the voting of
                           any  shares of Common  Stock  other  than the  Shares
                           (collectively,  "New Shares"), such Stockholder shall
                           deliver   promptly   to  Parent   upon   request   an
                           irrevocable proxy  substantially in the form attached
                           hereto as Exhibit B with  respect to such New Shares.
                           Stockholder  also agrees that any New Shares acquired
                           or  purchased by him shall be
                                            2
<PAGE>
                           subject to the terms of
                           this  Agreement  and shall  constitute  Shares to the
                           same extent as if they were owned by such Stockholder
                           on the date hereof.

                5. Option Shares.
                 (a) Subject to  the  terms  and conditions  set  forth  herein,
                           Stockholder  hereby  grants to Parent an  irrevocable
                           option (the  "Option")  to  purchase,  in whole or in
                           part,    such    Stockholder's    Shares   and   such
                           Stockholder's New Shares at a purchase price equal to
                           the Per Share Cash  Amount (as  defined in the Merger
                           Agreement) per share; provided,  however, that if the
                           Per Share Cash Amount  under the Merger  Agreement or
                           any amendment  thereto is ever increased or if Parent
                           shall  otherwise  offer  to the  Stockholders  of the
                           Company an increased  consideration  for all of their
                           shares  (the  "Greater   Consideration"),   then  the
                           purchase  price per share  under the Option  shall be
                           increased  to equal such new Per Share Cash Amount or
                           Greater  Consideration;  and provided further that if
                           Parent  has  exercised  the  Option  within 12 months
                           prior to such  increase  in the Per Share Cash Amount
                           or Greater  Consideration,  then Parent  shall pay to
                           each  Stockholder  an amount  equal to the product of
                           the number of shares  previously  purchased from such
                           Stockholder  pursuant to the Option and the amount of
                           increase  between  the old Per Share Cash  Amount and
                           the  new   Per   Share   Cash   Amount   or   Greater
                           Consideration, as applicable.

                 (b) Parent may exercise the Option, in whole or in part, at any
                           time and from time to time,  after the first to occur
                           of (i) any event as a result of which Parent shall be
                           entitled  to receive a  termination  fee  pursuant to
                           Section 7.2(e) of the Merger  Agreement in the amount
                           of $52.5 million  pursuant to part (1) or part (2) of
                           such  Section  or in  the  amount  of  $22.5  million
                           pursuant  to part  (3) of such  Section  or (ii)  the
                           breach  by  any  Stockholder  of  Section  2 of  this
                           Agreement  (the  first of such  events  to  occur,  a
                           "Purchase Event"); provided,  however, that except as
                           provided in the last  sentence of this Section  5(b),
                           the Option shall terminate and be of no further force
                           and  effect  upon  the  earliest  to occur of (A) the
                           Effective Time (as defined in the Merger  Agreement),
                           (B) 12 months and one day after the  occurrence  of a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1  (d),  (e),  (f)  or  (g),  (C)  a
                           termination  of the Merger  Agreement  in  accordance
                           with  Section  7.1(a),  (b), (c) or (h) of the Merger
                           Agreement and (D) 18 months after the Outside Date as
                           defined  in Section  7.1(e) of the Merger  Agreement.
                           Notwithstanding the termination of the Option, Parent
                           shall be entitled  to exercise  the Option or receive
                           the  Cash  Payment  Amount  if it has  given  written
                           notice  of its  intent  to  exercise  the  Option  or
                           receive the Cash Payment  Amount in  accordance  with
                           the  terms  hereof  prior to the  termination  of the
                           Option and the  termination  of the Option  shall not
                           affect any rights  hereunder  which by their terms do
                           not  terminate  or  expire  prior  to or  as of  such
                           termination.

                (c) In   the event that Parent  wishes to exercise the Option,
                           it shall send to such  Stockholder  a written  notice
                           (the date of which  being  herein  referred to as the
                           "Notice  Date")  to that  effect  which  notice  also
                           specifies  the total  number of  shares  Parent  will
                           purchase  pursuant to such  exercise,  and a date not
                           earlier  than three  business  days nor later than 15
                           business days from the Notice Date for the closing of
                           such purchase (the "Option Closing Date");  provided,
                           however,  that (i) if the closing of the purchase and
                           sale  pursuant to the Option (the  "Option  Closing")
                           cannot be  consummated  by  reason of any  applicable
                           judgment,    decree,   order,   law   or
                                            3
<PAGE>
                           regulation
                           (including,   without   limitation,   the  rules  and
                           regulations  of the  FCC),  the  period  of time that
                           otherwise  would run pursuant to this sentence  shall
                           run instead  from the date on which such  restriction
                           on  consummation  has expired or been  terminated and
                           (ii)  without   limiting  the  foregoing,   if  prior
                           notification  to  or  approval  of  any  Governmental
                           Entity  (as  defined  in  the  Merger  Agreement)  is
                           required  in  connection  with such  purchase  or any
                           other  transaction  contemplated  hereby,  Parent and
                           such  Stockholder  shall  promptly  file the required
                           notice  or   application   for   approval  and  shall
                           cooperate in the expeditious filing of such notice or
                           application,   and,   in  the   case  of  any   prior
                           notification or approval  required in connection with
                           such  purchase,  the  period of time  that  otherwise
                           would run pursuant to this sentence shall run instead
                           from the date on which,  as the case may be,  (A) any
                           required  notification  period  has  expired  or been
                           terminated  or (B) any  required  approval  has  been
                           obtained,  and in either event, any requisite waiting
                           period has expired or been  terminated.  The place of
                           the  Option  Closing  shall  be  at  the  offices  of
                           Wachtell,  Lipton, Rosen & Katz, 51 West 52nd Street,
                           New  York,  New  York,  and the  time  of the  Option
                           Closing  shall be 10:00  a.m.  (Eastern  Time) on the
                           Option Closing Date.

                  (d) At  the Option  Closing,  Parent (or its designee)  shall
                           pay  to  each  Stockholder  an  amount  equal  to the
                           product of (x) the Per Share  Cash  Amount or Greater
                           Consideration,  as applicable,  and (y) the number of
                           shares being purchased from such Stockholder pursuant
                           to the exercise of the Option.  Such payment shall be
                           in immediately  available funds by wire transfer to a
                           bank   account   designated   in   writing   by  such
                           Stockholder.

                 (e) At   the Option Closing,  simultaneously with the delivery
                           of  the  amount   specified  in  Section  5(d),  each
                           Stockholder shall deliver to Parent (or its designee)
                           a certificate or certificates representing its shares
                           to be purchased at the Option  Closing,  which shares
                           shall be free and clear of all Liens, claims, charges
                           and encumbrances of any kind  whatsoever,  except for
                           such  encumbrances  or  proxies  in favor  of  Parent
                           arising  hereunder,  and a new Option  evidencing the
                           rights of the Parent (or its  designee)  to  purchase
                           the balance of such Stockholder's  shares purchasable
                           hereunder.

                  6. Cash Election.

                    (a) In lieu of exercising the Option, by notice,  Parent may
                           require  such  Stockholder  to make a cash payment to
                           Parent in the  amount  (the  "Cash  Payment  Amount")
                           equal to the amount by which (A) the Market Price (as
                           defined below) exceeds (B) the Per Share Cash Amount,
                           multiplied  by the  sum of (i)  the  number  of  such
                           Stockholder's  Shares  and  (ii) the  number  of such
                           Stockholder's  New  Shares.   Upon  receipt  of  such
                           notice,  the Stockholder shall be permitted to sell a
                           sufficient  number of Shares to pay the Cash  Payment
                           Amount,  if Stockholder  shall,  within five business
                           days of such notice, sell such Shares,  provided that
                           Stockholder  shall use  reasonable  best  efforts  to
                           achieve good  execution and shall consult with Parent
                           with respect to the manner of  disposition.  The term
                           "Market  Price"  shall  mean the  closing  price  (as
                           measured by the last  completed  trade) for shares of
                           Common Stock on the date of Parent's election,  or if
                           Stockholder  elects  to sell  Shares  to pay the Cash
                           Payment  Amount and has complied  with the proviso to
                           the immediately preceding sentence, the average price
                           per Share actually realized in such sale.
                                            4
<PAGE>
                (b) Parent may exercise its right to require such Stockholder to
                           pay the Cash Payment Amount  pursuant to this Section
                           by surrendering for such purpose to such Stockholder,
                           at the  Company's  principal  office,  a copy of this
                           Agreement, accompanied by a written notice or notices
                           stating   that   Parent   elects  to   require   such
                           Stockholder   to  pay  the  Cash  Payment  Amount  in
                           accordance  with  the  provisions  of  this  Section.
                           Within  five  (or,  in the  case of a sale of  Shares
                           under  (a)  above to fund the  Cash  Payment  Amount,
                           eight)  business  days  after  the  surrender  of the
                           Option  and the  receipt  of such  notice or  notices
                           relating  thereto,  such Stockholder shall deliver or
                           cause to be  delivered  to  Parent  the Cash  Payment
                           Amount by wire to the account designated by Parent in
                           immediately available funds.

                 (c) If   Stockholder at any time after delivery of a notice of
                           election  by Parent to take the Cash  Payment  Amount
                           pursuant  to  this   Section  is   prohibited   under
                           applicable  law or regulation  from selling Shares in
                           order to deliver to Parent the Cash Payment Amount in
                           full,  and  Stockholder is required to sell Shares to
                           fund  the  Cash   Payment   Amount,   then  (i)  such
                           Stockholder    hereby    undertakes   to   use   such
                           Stockholder's  reasonable best efforts, to the extent
                           within the control of such Stockholder, to obtain all
                           required  regulatory and legal  approvals and to file
                           any  required  notices,  in each case as  promptly as
                           practicable  in order to  accomplish  such  sales and
                           (ii) if  Stockholder is unable to effect sales within
                           four  days  after  the   receipt   of  notice,   such
                           Stockholder  shall  be  permitted  to  pay  the  Cash
                           Payment  Amount to  Parent  in  Shares  valued at the
                           Market Price.

                 7. No Encumbrances.

                   (a) Except as expressly  contemplated   by  this   Agreement,
                           Stockholder's    Shares    and    the    certificates
                           representing  such  Shares are now,  and at all times
                           during  the  term   hereof  will  be,  held  by  such
                           Stockholder,  or by a nominee  or  custodian  for the
                           benefit  of such  Stockholder,  free and clear of all
                           liens, claims,  security interests,  proxies,  voting
                           trusts or agreements,  understandings or arrangements
                           or any other  encumbrances  whatsoever (other than to
                           the   extent   set  forth  on   Schedule  1  to  this
                           Agreement),  except  for  any  such  encumbrances  or
                           proxies arising hereunder.

                 (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing:

               (i)  Stockholder  shall be  permitted  to sell (or  pledge to the
                    Company in  support  of a loan)  such  portion of New Shares
                    (but may not  sell  any New  Shares  to the  Company  or its
                    Subsidiaries)  solely  to  pay  the  exercise  price  of any
                    employee stock options and tax  liabilities in respect of an
                    exercise of employee  stock  options;  provided  that Parent
                    shall  have a right of first  refusal to  purchase  such New
                    Shares at the lower of $23 per  share or the  Market  Price;
                    and provided  further  that, if any such New Shares are sold
                    or pledged  for an amount in excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

               (ii) Any  Stockholder  which has received a notice of election by
                    Parent (or its designee) to receive the Cash Payment  Amount
                    shall be permitted,  between  receipt
                                            5
<PAGE>
                    of such notice and the
                    time on which the Cash Payment  Amount is due to be paid, to
                    sell such  number of Shares as may be  necessary  to satisfy
                    such obligation, as described in Section 6(a) above.

               (iii)In  the  event  that  the  Merger  Agreement  is  terminated
                    pursuant  to Section  7.1(d) or 7.1(g)  (based upon a breach
                    not  due to the  willful  breach  of any  representation  or
                    warranty  or  the  willful  breach  of any  covenant  by the
                    Company),  any Stockholder  shall be permitted to sell up to
                    20% of such Stockholder's  Shares held as of the date hereof
                    if  reasonably   necessary  to  provide  liquidity  to  such
                    Stockholder if at such time no Acquisition Proposal shall be
                    pending or could reasonably expected to become pending prior
                    to  expiration  of the Option  and there  shall have been no
                    willful  breach of the Merger  Agreement or the Stock Option
                    Agreement   by  the  Company  or  this   Agreement  by  such
                    Stockholder;  provided  that  Parent  shall  have a right of
                    first  refusal to  purchase  such Shares at the lower of $23
                    per  share  or the  Market  Price  on  the  date  that  such
                    Stockholder  notifies  Parent of his intention to sell;  and
                    provided  further  that,  if any  such  Shares  are  sold or
                    pledged  for an  amount  in  excess of $23 per share and the
                    Option becomes  exercisable,  such  Stockholder  shall remit
                    such excess over $23 per share  directly to Parent if Parent
                    ever  exercises  the Option;  and provided  further that any
                    such New Shares  shall be sold (or  pledged)  subject to the
                    irrevocable proxy referred to in paragraph 2.

                 (c) Any  transfer  by  Stockholder  of its  Shares  to  Parent
                           pursuant   to   the   Option   shall   pass   to  and
                           unconditionally  vest in Parent  good and valid title
                           to such Stockholder's Shares and New Shares, free and
                           clear of all claims,  liens,  restrictions,  security
                           interests,   pledges,  limitations  and  encumbrances
                           whatsoever.

                 8. Acquisition   Proposals.  Stockholder   agrees   that   such
                           Stockholder  (i) shall not,  directly or  indirectly,
                           initiate,  solicit, encourage or otherwise facilitate
                           any  inquiries  or  the  making  of  any  Acquisition
                           Proposal and (ii) has terminated  any  discussions or
                           negotiations  with,  and the provision of information
                           or data to, any Person (other than Parent) respecting
                           an Acquisition  Proposal.  Such  Stockholder  further
                           agrees  that he shall not,  directly  or  indirectly,
                           provide any  confidential  information or data to any
                           Person (as defined in the Merger Agreement)  relating
                           to or in contemplation of an Acquisition  Proposal or
                           engage in any negotiations or discussions relating to
                           or in contemplation of an Acquisition Proposal.  Such
                           Stockholder  will notify  Parent  immediately  if any
                           inquiries,   proposals   or  offers   respecting   an
                           Acquisition   Proposal  are  received  by,  any  such
                           information  or data is requested  from,  or any such
                           discussions   or   negotiations   are  sought  to  be
                           initiated  or  continued   with,   such   Stockholder
                           indicating,  in connection with such notice, the name
                           of such Person and the material  terms and conditions
                           of any  proposals  or offers,  and shall keep  Parent
                           apprised   with  respect  to  the  status  and  terms
                           thereof.

                 9. Appraisal Rights. Stockholder  agrees  not to  exercise  any
                           rights (including,  without limitation, under Article
                           13 of the North Carolina Business Corporation Act) to
                           demand  appraisal of any Common Stock which may arise
                           with respect to the Merger.
                                            6
<PAGE>
                10. Affiliates Letter.  Stockholder shall execute and deliver
                     on a timely basis an Affiliate Letter (as defined in the
                     Merger Agreement).

               11. Relianceby Parent.  Stockholder  understands and acknowledges
                           that Parent is entering into the Merger  Agreement in
                           reliance upon Stockholder's execution and delivery of
                           this Agreement.

               12. Action  in Stockholder  Capacity Only.  Stockholder  makes no
                           agreement or understanding hereunder as a director or
                           officer  of  the  Company.   Stockholder  signs  this
                           Agreement  solely  in his  capacity  as a  beneficial
                           owner of the Shares,  and nothing  herein shall limit
                           or effect any actions taken in Stockholder's capacity
                           as an officer or director of the Company.

              13. Specific Performance.    Each    party    hereto    severally
                           acknowledges that it will be impossible to measure in
                           money the  damage to the other  parties  if the party
                           hereto  fails to comply  with any of the  obligations
                           imposed by this Agreement, that every such obligation
                           is  material  and  that,  in the  event  of any  such
                           failure,  the other parties will not have an adequate
                           remedy at law or  damages.  Accordingly,  each  party
                           hereto  severally  agrees that  injunctive  relief or
                           other  equitable  remedy,  in addition to remedies at
                           law or  damages,  is the  appropriate  remedy for any
                           such failure and will not oppose the granting of such
                           relief  on the  basis  that any  other  party  has an
                           adequate  remedy at law. Each party hereto  severally
                           agrees that it will not seek, and agrees to waive any
                           requirement for, the securing or posting of a bond in
                           connection   with  any  other   party's   seeking  or
                           obtaining such equitable relief.

                14. Heirs, Successors  and  Assigns.  This  Agreement  shall  be
                           binding  upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
                           hereto and their  respective  heirs,  successors  and
                           assigns  and  shall  not be  assignable  without  the
                           written  consent of all other  parties  hereto  other
                           than any assignment in whole or in part by Parent.

                15. Entire  Agreement.   This  Agreement supersedes  all  prior
                           agreements, written or oral, among the parties hereto
                           with  respect  to  the  subject   matter  hereof  and
                           contains the entire  agreement among the parties with
                           respect to the subject matter hereof.  This Agreement
                           may not be amended,  supplemented or modified, and no
                           provisions  hereof may be modified or waived,  except
                           by an instrument in writing signed by all the parties
                           hereto.  No  waiver of any  provisions  hereof by any
                           party   shall  be   deemed  a  waiver  of  any  other
                           provisions  hereof by any such  party,  nor shall any
                           such  waiver  be  deemed a  continuing  waiver of any
                           provision hereof by such party.
                                            7
 <PAGE>
                16. Miscellaneous.
                        (a)Expenses. Each of the parties  hereto shall bear and
                                    pay all costs and expenses incurred by it or
                                    on  its  behalf  in   connection   with  the
                                    negotiation  of  this  Agreement,  including
                                    fees  and  expenses  of  its  own  financial
                                    consultants, investment bankers, accountants
                                    and counsel.
                        (b)Amendment.  This Agreement may not be amended,
                                    except by an instrument in writing signed
                                    on behalf of each of the parties.

                        (c)This    Agreement  shall be deemed a  contract  made
                                    under,   and  for  all  purposes   shall  be
                                    construed in accordance  with,  the internal
                                    laws of the State of New York without regard
                                    to  principles  of conflicts of law,  except
                                    for those provisions  relating to the voting
                                    and the proxy  which  shall be  governed  by
                                    North Carolina law.

                         (d)Severability. If any provision of this  Agreement or
                                    the  application  of such  provision  to any
                                    person  or   circumstances   shall  be  held
                                    invalid    by   a   court    of    competent
                                    jurisdiction, the remainder of the provision
                                    held  invalid  and the  application  of such
                                    provision to persons or circumstances, other
                                    than  the  party  as to  which  it  is  held
                                    invalid, shall not be affected.

                          (e)Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one
                                    or more counterparts, each of which shall be
                                    deemed  to be an  original  but all of which
                                    together  shall  constitute one and the same
                                    instrument.

                          (f)Termination.  This Agreement shall terminate upon
                                    termination of the Option.

                          (g) Headings. All Section   headings  herein  are  for
                                    convenience  of  reference  only and are not
                                    part of this  Agreement and no  construction
                                    or reference shall be derived therefrom.

                         (h) Notices.All notices, requests, claims, demands, and
                                    other  communications  under this  Agreement
                                    must be in writing and shall be deemed given
                                    if delivered  personally,  telecopied (which
                                    is confirmed),  or sent by overnight courier
                                    (providing proof of delivery) to the parties
                                    at the following addresses (or at such other
                                    address for a party as shall be specified by
                                    like notice):
                         
                              (i)      if to Parent, to

                           AT&T Corp.
                           295 North Maple Avenue
                           Basking Ridge, NJ  07920
                           Telecopy No.:  (908) 221-6618
                           Attention:  Marilyn Wasser
                                            8
<PAGE>
                           
                        with copies to:

                           Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz
                           51 West 52nd Street
                           New York, New York  10019
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 403-2000
                           Attention:  David M. Silk; and
                           (ii) if to the Stockholder, to such Stockholder c/o

                           Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.
                           2002 Pisgah Church Road
                           Greensboro, NC  27455
                           Telecopy No.:  (336) 545-2219
                           Attention:  Richard Rowlenson

                           with a copy to:

                           Latham & Watkins
                           53rd at Third Avenue, Suite 1000
                           885 Third Avenue
                           New York, NY 10022-4802
                           Telecopy No.:  (212) 751-4864
                           Attention:  Raymond Y. Lin.

                        (i)Further Assurances.  In the event of any exercise of
                                    the  Option  or  election  to take  the Cash
                                    Payment Amount, each of the Company,  Parent
                                    and  Stockholder  shall  execute and deliver
                                    all other documents and instruments and take
                                    all  other  action  that  may be  reasonably
                                    necessary   in  order  to   consummate   the
                                    transactions contemplated by such exercise.

                        (j) Stockholder shall cause  certificates for the Shares
                                    and New  Shares  to have  typed  or  printed
                                    thereon a  restrictive  legend  which  shall
                                    read substantially as follows (if and to the
                                    extent true and  necessary in light of legal
                                    and factual  circumstances  existing at such
                                    time):

                  "THE SECURITIES REPRESENTED BY THIS CERTIFICATE ARE SUBJECT TO
                  CERTAIN PROVISIONS AS SET FORTH IN THE VOTING AGREEMENT, DATED
                  AS OF OCTOBER 2, 1998,  A COPY OF WHICH MAY BE  OBTAINED  FROM
                  THE  SECRETARY  OF  VANGUARD  CELLULAR  SYSTEMS,  INC.  AT ITS
                  PRINCIPAL  EXECUTIVE OFFICES,  WHICH CONTAINS  RESTRICTIONS ON
                  THE VOTING AND TRANSFER THEREOF. "
                                            9
<PAGE>

IN  WITNESS    WHEREOF, the   parties     hereto  have executed and delivered
 this Agreement  as of  the  date  first written  above. 

                                        AT&T CORP.

                                      By: /s/ Michael Berg
                                      Name: Michael Berg
                                      Title: Assistant Secretary
<PAGE>
Confirmed and accepted as of the date first written above.

                                   Smith Richardson Foundation

                                    By: /s/ Peter L. Richardson 
                                    Name: Peter L. Richardson 
                                    Title: President
<PAGE>

                                                       EXHIBIT A

                            STOCKHOLDER

  Name               Number of Shares of Common Stock    Type of Ownership

Smith Richardson Foundation         1,020,292                Beneficial

<PAGE>

                                                                     EXHIBIT B

                                  FORM OF PROXY
                  The  undersigned  stockholder,   for  consideration  received,
                  hereby  appoints  [PARENT  DESIGNEES]  and  each of them as my
                  proxies,  with full power of  substitution in each of them, to
                  cast on behalf of the  undersigned  all votes  entitled  to be
                  cast by the holder of the shares of Class A Common Stock,  par
                  value $0.01 per share, of Vanguard Cellular  Systems,  Inc., a
                  North  Carolina  corporation  (the  "Company"),  owned  by the
                  undersigned  at the  Special  Meeting of  Stockholders  of the
                  Company  to  be  held  [DATE,  TIME  AND  PLACE]  and  at  any
                  adjournment  thereof (i) "FOR"  approval  and  adoption of the
                  Agreement  and Plan of  Merger,  dated as of  October 2, 1998,
                  between the Company  and AT&T  Corp.,  a New York  corporation
                  ("Parent"),  providing  for the merger (the  "Merger")  of the
                  Company with and into a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, and
                  the Merger and (ii)  "AGAINST"  against any  proposal or offer
                  with  respect  to a merger,  reorganization,  share  exchange,
                  consolidation,    business   combination,    recapitalization,
                  liquidation,  dissolution or similar transaction involving, or
                  any purchase of any  substantial  portion of the assets of, or
                  any  equity  securities  of,  or any  transaction  that  would
                  involve the transfer or potential  transfer of control of, the
                  Company  other  than the  Merger  and any  proposed  action or
                  transaction   that  would  prevent  or   intentionally   delay
                  consummation  of  the  Merger  or  is  otherwise  inconsistent
                  therewith.  This  proxy is  coupled  with an  interest  and is
                  irrevocable until such time as the Voting Agreement,  dated as
                  of  October  2,  1998,  between a certain  stockholder  of the
                  Company, the undersigned,  and Parent terminates in accordance
                  with its terms.

                        Dated _____________________, 1998

                                            --------------------------------
                                            (Signature of Stockholder)


                                                       ANNEX C
                              FORM OF AFFILIATE LETTER

                                                              [DATE]

Ladies and Gentlemen:

         The  Undersigned  has been  advised that as of the date of this letter,
         the undersigned (the  "Undersigned") may be deemed to be an "affiliate"
         of the  Company,  as the term  "affiliate"  is defined for  purposes of
         paragraphs  (c) and (d) of Rule 145 of the rules and  regulations  (the
         "Rules and Regulations") of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
         "Commission") under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act").
         Pursuant to the terms of the  Agreement  and Plan of Merger dated as of
         October ___, 1998 (the  "Agreement")  among Parent,  Merger Sub and the
         Company, the Merger will occur pursuant to which the Company will merge
         with and into Merger Sub,  with Merger Sub  continuing as the surviving
         corporation,  and as a result thereof the successor to the Company will
         become a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent and shares of Company Common
         Stock will be converted into the right to receive, subject to the terms
         and  conditions  set forth in the  Agreement,  shares of Parent  Common
         Stock and/or cash.  

         Any  capitalized  term used but not defined  herein shall have the
         meaning  set forth in the  Agreement.

         The  Undersigned represents,  warrants  and  covenants  to you  that
         as of the  date the  Undersigned  receives any shares of Parent
         Common Stock as a result of the Merger:
<PAGE>


                 A.The Undersigned  shall  not make any  sale,  transfer  or
                   other  disposition  of such  shares of Parent  Common
                   Stock  in  violation  of the  Act or  the  Rules  and
                   Regulations.

                 B.The Undersigned  has  carefully  read this letter and the
                   Agreement  and  discussed  the  requirements  of such
                   documents and other  applicable  limitations upon the
                   Undersigned's   ability  to  transfer  or   otherwise
                   dispose of such shares of Parent  Common Stock to the
                   extent the  Undersigned  has felt  necessary with its
                   counsel or counsel for the Company.

                C.The Undersigned  has been  advised  that the  issuance of
                  such shares of Parent Common Stock to the Undersigned
                  pursuant to the Merger has been  registered  with the
                  Commission under the Act on a Registration  Statement
                  on Form S-4.  However,  the Undersigned has also been
                  advised  that,  since  at the  time  the  Merger  was
                  submitted  for a  vote  of  the  shareholders  of the
                  Company,  the  Undersigned may be deemed to have been
                  an affiliate of the Company and the  distribution  by
                  the  Undersigned of shares of Parent Common Stock has
                  not been  registered  under the Act, the  Undersigned
                  may not sell,  transfer or otherwise  dispose of such
                  shares of  Parent  Common  Stock  issued to it in the
                  Merger  unless  (i)  such  sale,  transfer  or  other
                  disposition has been  registered  under the Act, (ii)
                  such sale,  transfer  or under other  disposition  is
                  made in conformity  with Rule 145  promulgated by the
                  Commission  under the Act, or (iii) in the opinion of
                  counsel  reasonably   acceptable  to  Parent,  or  as
                  provided  in a "no  action"  letter  obtained  by the
                  Undersigned  from the staff of the  Commission,  such
                  sale,  transfer  or other  disposition  is  otherwise
                  exempt from registration under the Act.

                D.The Undersigned  understands  that  Parent  is  under  no
                  obligation to register the resale,  transfer or other
                  disposition  of such shares of Parent Common Stock by
                  the  Undersigned or on its behalf under the Act or to
                  take  any  other  action  necessary  in order to make
                  compliance  with an exemption from such  registration
                  available.

                E.The Undersigned also understands that unless the transfer
                  by the  Undersigned  of its  shares of Parent  Common
                  Stock has been registered  under the Act or is a sale
                  made in conformity with the provisions of Rule 145 or
                  another  applicable  exemption from the  registration
                  requirements under the Act, Parent reserves the right
                  to put  the  following  legend  on  the  certificates
                  issued to the Undersigned's  transferee:

                 "THE SHARES
                  REPRESENTED  BY  THIS   CERTIFICATE   HAVE  NOT  BEEN
                  REGISTERED  UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 AND WERE
                  ACQUIRED  FROM A PERSON WHO RECEIVED SUCH SHARES IN A
                  TRANSACTION TO WHICH RULE 145  PROMULGATED  UNDER THE
                  SECURITIES ACT OF
                                            2
<PAGE>

                  1933 APPLIES. THE SHARES MAY NOT BE
                  SOLD,  PLEDGED  OR  OTHERWISE  TRANSFERRED  EXCEPT IN
                  COMPLIANCE  OR IN ACCORDANCE  WITH AN EXEMPTION  FROM
                  THE  REGISTRATION  REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECURITIES ACT
                  OF 1933."

         It is  understood  and agreed that the legend set forth in  paragraph E
         above shall be removed by delivery of substitute  certificates  without
         such legend if such legend is not  required  for purposes of the Act or
         this  Agreement.  It is understood and agreed that such legend shall be
         removed if Parent  receives from the  Undersigned  either an opinion of
         counsel  (which opinion of counsel must be reasonably  satisfactory  to
         Parent) or a "no action" letter  obtained by the  Undersigned  from the
         staff  of the  Commission,  in  either  case  to the  effect  that  the
         restrictions  imposed  by  Rule  145  under  the Act no  longer  apply.

         Execution of this letter  should not be  considered an admission on the
         Undersigned's  part  that  the  Undersigned  is an  "affiliate"  of the
         Company as  described  in the first  paragraph  of this  letter or as a
         waiver of any  rights the  Undersigned  may have to object to any claim
         that it is such an affiliate on or after the date of this letter.

                                                     Very truly yours,







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