TCI COMMUNICATIONS INC
S-3/A, 1998-02-11
CABLE & OTHER PAY TELEVISION SERVICES
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<PAGE>
 
   
AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON FEBRUARY 11, 1998     
                                                   
                                                REGISTRATION NO. 333-44745     
 
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- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
 
                                 -------------
                                
                             AMENDMENT NO. 1     
                                       
                                    TO     
                                   FORM S-3
                            REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                          THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                                 -------------
 
                           TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                                      AND
                           TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
            (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
  DELAWARE--TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.    84-0588868--TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
  DELAWARE--TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.   84-1260157--TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
    (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF       (IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
    INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
 
                               TERRACE TOWER II
                               5619 DTC PARKWAY
                        ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80111-3000
                                (303) 267-5500
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
 
        STEPHEN M. BRETT, ESQ.                        COPY TO:
       TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.             ROBERT W. MURRAY JR., ESQ.
           TERRACE TOWER II                     BAKER & BOTTS, L.L.P.
           5619 DTC PARKWAY                     599 LEXINGTON AVENUE
    ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO 80111-3000            NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10022
            (303) 267-5500
  (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND
 TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
            AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
                                 -------------
 
  APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC: From time
to time after the effective date of this registration statement as determined
by market conditions.
 
                                 -------------
 
  If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the
following box. [_]
  If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or
interest reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
  If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following
box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [_]
  If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering. [_]
  If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [X]
 
                                 -------------
 
  THE REGISTRANTS HEREBY AMEND THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANTS
SHALL FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS
REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH
SECTION 8(a) OF THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT
SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID
SECTION 8(a), MAY DETERMINE.
 
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<PAGE>
 
                               EXPLANATORY NOTE
 
  This Registration Statement contains a Prospectus relating to the offer from
time to time by TCI Communications, Inc. (the "Company") and Tele-
Communications, Inc. (the "Parent"), as the case may be, of the following: (i)
Debt Securities of the Company, (ii) shares of Series Preferred Stock of the
Parent, which may be issued in the form of depositary shares ("Depositary
Shares") evidenced by depositary receipts if the Parent elects to issue
fractional interests in shares of a series of Series Preferred Stock, (iii)
shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock of the Parent, (iv) shares of Series
A TCI Group Common Stock of the Parent issuable upon conversion of Debt
Securities of the Company or upon conversion of Series Preferred Stock of the
Parent, and (v) any guarantees of the Parent with respect to Debt Securities
of the Company. The maximum aggregate initial offering price for all
securities registered by the Registration Statement shall be $3 billion.
 
  The Registration Statement also contains a Prospectus Supplement relating to
the offering of up to $750,000,000 of Debt Securities of the Company as
Medium-Term Notes, Series D. Pricing information and certain other matters
concerning the Medium-Term Notes, Series D, will be included in one or more
Pricing Supplements to the Prospectus Supplement contained herein as Medium-
Term Notes, Series D are offered and sold hereunder. With respect to Debt
Securities offered as other than Medium-Term Notes, Series D, a Prospectus
Supplement describing the particular terms of such Debt Securities, the
designation and qualification (to the extent not already designated and
qualified and described in the Prospectus contained herein) of any trustee
with respect to the Debt Securities and the offer or sale thereof will be
filed in accordance with the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
In the case of a series of Series Preferred Stock, the Prospectus Supplement
will include the particular terms of the series and the terms of the offering
and sale thereof. In the case of Depositary Shares, the Prospectus Supplement
will include the terms of the Depositary Shares and the related series of
Series Preferred Stock and the terms of the offering and sale thereof. In the
case of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock, the Prospectus Supplement
will include the terms of the offering and sale thereof.
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 
              SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 11, 1998     
 
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
   
(TO PROSPECTUS DATED FEBRUARY  , 1998)     
                                  $750,000,000
                            TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                          MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES D
                   DUE NINE MONTHS OR MORE FROM DATE OF ISSUE
                                  ----------
  TCI Communications, Inc. (the "Company") may from time to time offer its
unsecured Medium-Term Notes, Series D (the "Notes"), for an aggregate principal
amount of up to $750,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof denominated in one or
more foreign currencies or currency units), subject to reduction as a result of
the sale of other Debt Securities (other than the Notes) pursuant to the
accompanying Prospectus. The Notes will be offered at varying maturities from
nine months or more from their dates of issue. Unless otherwise set forth in a
Pricing Supplement to this Prospectus Supplement (each, a "Pricing
Supplement"), the Notes may not be redeemed at the option of the Company or
repaid at the option of the holder thereof prior to maturity. See "Description
of Debt Securities--Senior Debt Securities" in the accompanying Prospectus. The
Notes will bear interest at fixed rates, which may be zero in the case of
certain Notes issued at a price representing a discount from the principal
amount payable at maturity, or variable rates ("Fixed Rate Notes" and "Floating
Rate Notes", respectively). The interest rate in the case of Fixed Rate Notes,
the method of determining the interest rate in the case of Floating Rate Notes,
and the issue price and stated maturity date of each Note will be established
at the time of issuance of such Note and will be set forth in the applicable
Pricing Supplement. Interest rates, the methods of determining interest rates
and issue prices are subject to change by the Company, but no such change will
affect any Note theretofore issued or as to which an offer to purchase has been
accepted by the Company. Unless otherwise described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, Notes denominated in U.S. Dollars will be issued in denominations
of $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000. If the Notes are to be
denominated in one or more foreign currencies or currency units (each a
"Specified Currency"), then the provisions with respect thereto (including
authorized denominations) will be set forth in the applicable Pricing
Supplement and currency exchange rate information will be set forth in the
applicable Pricing Supplement.
 
  Each Note will be in fully registered form and represented either by a global
certificate registered in the name of a nominee of The Depository Trust Company
("DTC") or another depositary (DTC or such other depositary, if any, described
in the applicable Pricing Supplement is herein referred to as the "Depository")
(each a "Book-Entry Note"), or a certificate issued in definitive form
("Certificated Note"), as set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
Beneficial ownership interests in a Book-Entry Note will be shown on, and the
transfer thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the
Depository's participants. Owners of beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes
will be entitled to physical delivery of Notes in certificated form equal in
principal amount to their respective beneficial interests only under the
limited circumstances described herein. See "Book-Entry System". Owners of
beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes will not be considered the holders
thereof.
 
  Unless otherwise described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest on
each Fixed Rate Note will accrue from its Original Issue Date (as defined
herein) and will be payable semiannually on each February 15 and August 15 and
at maturity or, if applicable, upon redemption or repayment. The interest rate
on Floating Rate Notes will be calculated by reference to one or more of the
"CD Rate," the "Commercial Paper Rate," the "Federal Funds Rate," the "Prime
Rate," "LIBOR," the "Treasury Rate," the "CMT Rate," or such other interest
rate basis or formula as may be specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement,
and may be adjusted by a "Spread" or "Spread Multiplier," if any, each as
defined herein. Interest on each Floating Rate Note will accrue from its
Original Issue Date and will be payable as set forth therein and in the
applicable Pricing Supplement and at maturity or, if applicable, upon
redemption or repayment.
  SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE S-2 OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT FOR A DISCUSSION
OF CERTAIN RISKS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTMENT IN
THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY.
                                  ----------
THESE SECURITIES  HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE  SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE  COMMISSION  OR   ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION   NOR  HAS  THE
  COMMISSION OR ANY  STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION PASSED  UPON THE ACCURACY OR
   ADEQUACY OF  THIS PROSPECTUS  SUPPLEMENT, ANY  PRICING SUPPLEMENT  OR  THE
   PROSPECTUS. ANY
             REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                              PRICE TO             AGENTS'              PROCEEDS TO
                              PUBLIC(1)        COMMISSIONS(2)          COMPANY(2)(3)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                      <C>                 <C>                 <C>
Per Note...............         100%             .125%-.925%            99.875%-99.075%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total..................     $750,000,000     $937,500-$6,937,500   $749,062,500-$743,062,500
</TABLE>
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(1) Each Note will be sold at 100% of its principal amount except as may be
    provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
(2) The Company will pay a commission to Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch,
    Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Credit Suisse First Boston
    Corporation, Lehman Brothers, Lehman Brothers Inc. or Salomon Brothers Inc
    or such other agents as the Company may select (each an "Agent" and
    together the "Agents") in the form of a discount, ranging from .125% to
    .925% of the principal amount of the Notes sold through such Agent,
    depending upon the Stated Maturity Date (as herein defined) and the rating
    assigned to such Notes by nationally recognized securities rating agencies.
    The Company has reserved the right to sell Notes directly to investors on
    its own behalf, in which case no commission will be payable. The Company
    may sell Notes to an Agent, as principal. Unless otherwise indicated in the
    applicable Pricing Supplement, any Note sold to an Agent as principal will
    be purchased by such Agent at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount
    thereof less a percentage equal to the commission applicable to an agency
    sale of a Note with an identical Stated Maturity Date, and may be resold by
    such Agent to investors or other purchasers at prevailing market prices at
    the time or times of resale, to be determined by the Agent or, if so
    agreed, at a fixed public offering price.
(3) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated to be
    $200,000. The Company has agreed to indemnify each Agent against certain
    liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
                                  ----------
 
  The Notes are being offered on a continuous basis by the Company through the
Agents, each of which has agreed to use its reasonable best efforts to solicit
offers to purchase the Notes. Notes may also be sold to an Agent, as principal,
for resale to investors or other purchasers. The Company reserves the right to
sell Notes directly to investors on its own behalf in those jurisdictions where
it is authorized to do so. Unless otherwise specified in an applicable Pricing
Supplement, the Notes will not be listed on any securities exchange, and there
can be no assurance that the Notes offered hereby will be sold or that there
will be a secondary market for the Notes. The Company reserves the right to
withdraw, cancel or modify the offer made hereby without notice. The Company or
any Agent, if it solicits such offer, may reject any offer to purchase Notes,
in whole or in part. See "Plan of Distribution."
 
                                  ----------
MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
            CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
                         LEHMAN BROTHERS
                                                            SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
                                  ----------
           
        The date of this Prospectus Supplement is February  , 1998.     
<PAGE>
 
IN CONNECTION WITH AN OFFERING OF NOTES PURCHASED BY ONE OR MORE AGENTS (AS
DEFINED HEREIN) AS PRINCIPAL(S) ON A FIXED PRICE OFFERING BASIS, SUCH AGENT(S)
MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE
PRICE OF NOTES. SUCH TRANSACTIONS MAY INCLUDE STABILIZING AND THE PURCHASE OF
NOTES TO COVER SHORT POSITIONS OF SUCH AGENT(S). FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE
ACTIVITIES, SEE "PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION."
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  The Company incurred net losses of $452 million and $120 million for the
years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, respectively, and net losses of $12
million and $268 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and
1996, respectively. The Company had net earnings of $94 million for the year
ended December 31, 1994. Notwithstanding the losses it has incurred, the
Company has been able to, and expects to continue to be able to, satisfy its
debt service and other obligations as and when they become due. The Company's
operating cash flow (operating income before depreciation, amortization and
other non-cash credits or charges) ($2,203 million, $2,043 million and $1,801
million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,
and $2,031 million and $1,632 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 and 1996, respectively) has historically been sufficient to cover its
interest expense ($1,041 million, $962 million and $777 million for the years
ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively, and $803 million and
$760 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1997 and 1996,
respectively). The Company's interest coverage ratios for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 were 212%, 212% and 232%, respectively, and
for each of the nine month periods ended September 30, 1997 and 1996 were 253%
and 215%, respectively. Operating cash flow is a measure of value and
borrowing capacity within the cable television industry and is not intended to
be a substitute for cash flows provided by operating activities, a measure of
performance prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles, and should not be relied upon as such. Operating cash flow, as
defined, does not take into consideration substantial costs of doing business,
such as interest expense, and should not be considered in isolation to other
measures of performance.
 
  Another measure of liquidity is net cash provided by operating activities as
reflected in the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows. Net cash
provided by operating activities ($1,247 million, $1,263 million and $1,142
million for the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994, respectively,
and $1,285 million and $769 million for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 and 1996, respectively) reflects net cash from the operations of the
Company available for the Company's liquidity needs after taking into
consideration the aforementioned substantial costs of doing business not
reflected in operating cash flow. Amounts expended by the Company for its
investing activities exceeded net cash provided by operating activities for
the years ended December 31, 1996, 1995 and 1994 and the nine months ended
September 30, 1996.
 
                             DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
 
  The following description of the particular terms of the Notes offered
hereby (referred to in the accompanying Prospectus as the "Offered Securities"
and "Senior Debt Securities") supplements, and to the extent inconsistent
therewith replaces, the description of the general terms and provisions of the
Debt Securities set forth under the heading "Description of Debt Securities"
in the Prospectus, to which reference is hereby made. The following
description will apply to each Note unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the
meanings ascribed to them in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
GENERAL
   
  The Notes are a series of Senior Debt Securities to be issued under the
Indenture, dated as of       , 1998 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and
The Bank of New York, as trustee (the "Trustee"), which Indenture is more
fully described in the accompanying Prospectus. Whenever any term defined in
the Indenture or the Notes is referred to, such term is incorporated by
reference as part of the statements made herein and such statements are
qualified in their entirety by such reference.     
 
  The Indenture does not limit the aggregate principal amount of Senior Debt
Securities that may be issued thereunder, and provides that Senior Debt
Securities may be issued in one or more series up to the aggregate principal
amount that may be authorized from time to time by the Company. The Notes
constitute a single series
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
of Senior Debt Securities for purposes of the Indenture, which series is
unlimited in aggregate principal amount. As of the date of this Prospectus
Supplement, the Company has authorized the issuance and sale of up to
$750,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof denominated in one or more foreign
currencies or currency units) aggregate principal amount of Notes, and the
aggregate principal amount of Notes that may be offered for sale and sold
pursuant to this Prospectus Supplement and the accompanying Prospectus is
limited to such amount, subject to reduction as a result of the sale after the
date hereof of other Debt Securities (other than the Notes) pursuant to the
accompanying Prospectus. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, currency amounts in this Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying
Prospectus and any Pricing Supplement are stated in United States dollars
("$", "U.S.$" or "U.S. Dollars").
 
  The Notes are being offered on a continuous basis and each Note will mature
on a day nine months or more from its date of issue, as selected by the
initial purchaser and agreed to by the Company and as specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement. Unless otherwise specified in a Note and
described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, a Note may not be redeemed at
the option of the Company or repaid at the option of the holder thereof prior
to its Stated Maturity Date (as defined below). See "Repayment and
Redemption." If so provided in a Note and described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, the Stated Maturity Date of a Note may be extended at the option
of the Company. See "Extension of Maturity" below. The Notes will be unsecured
and unsubordinated obligations of the Company, will rank equally and ratably
with other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company and will
not be convertible into common stock of the Company or Tele-Communications,
Inc. (the "Parent").
 
  Unless otherwise specified in such Note and the applicable Pricing
Supplement, the Notes will be denominated in U.S. Dollars and payments of
principal of, premium, if any, and any interest on the Notes will be made in
U.S. Dollars. If any Note is to be denominated other than exclusively in U.S.
Dollars, or if the principal of, premium, if any, or any interest on any Note
is to be payable in one or more currencies (or currency units or in amounts
determined by reference to an index or indices) other than that in which such
Note is denominated, additional information with respect thereto (including
authorized denominations and applicable exchange rate information) will be
provided in the applicable Pricing Supplement. Unless otherwise described in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, Notes denominated in U.S. Dollars will be
issued in denominations of $1,000 or any integral multiple of $1,000.
 
  Each Note will be issued initially as either a Book-Entry Note or a
Certificated Note in fully registered form without coupons. Except as set
forth under "Book-Entry System," owners of beneficial interests in Book-Entry
Notes will not be entitled to physical delivery of Notes in certificated form.
All references herein to holders will be, with respect to Book-Entry Notes, to
the Depository or its nominee.
 
  Certificated Notes will be exchangeable for Certificated Notes in other
authorized denominations, in an equal aggregate principal amount and otherwise
bearing identical terms and provisions, in accordance with the provisions of
the Indenture. Certificated Notes may be presented for registration of
transfer or for exchange at the office of the Registrar in The City of New
York designated for such purpose (currently the corporate trust department of
the Trustee, 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286).
Beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes may be transferred through a
participating member of the Depository. See "Book-Entry System." No service
charge will be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of any
Certificated Note, but the Company may require payment of a sum sufficient to
cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed in connection
therewith.
 
  Each Note will bear interest at either (i) a fixed rate, which may be zero
in the case of Fixed Rate Notes issued at an Issue Price (as defined below)
representing a discount from the principal amount payable at maturity (a "Zero
Coupon Note"), or (ii) a floating rate determined by reference to an interest
rate basis or combination
of interest rate bases (the "Interest Rate Basis" or "Interest Rate Bases," as
applicable) specified in such Floating Rate Note and described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, which may be adjusted by a Spread
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
 
and/or Spread Multiplier (each as defined below), if any. See "Fixed Rate
Notes" and "Floating Rate Notes." Interest rates offered by the Company with
respect to the Notes may differ depending upon, among other things, the
aggregate principal amount of Notes purchased in any single transaction.
 
  Unless otherwise specified in a Note and the applicable Pricing Supplement,
"Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday, that is not a
day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by law,
regulation or executive order to be closed in The City of New York, and with
respect to LIBOR Notes (as defined below), that is also a London Business Day.
"London Business Day" means any day on which dealings in deposits in U.S.
Dollars are transacted in the London interbank market.
 
  "Original Issue Discount Note" means (i) a Note, including any Zero Coupon
Note, that has a stated redemption price at maturity that exceeds its Issue
Price by at least 0.25% of its principal amount multiplied by the number of
full years from the Original Issue Date to the Stated Maturity Date (each as
defined below) for such Note and (ii) any other Note issued with original
issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes as determined
pursuant to Section 1273 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the
"Code").
 
  The Pricing Supplement relating to each Note will describe the following
terms: (i) the price (which may be expressed as a percentage of the aggregate
principal amount thereof) at which such Note will be issued (the "Issue
Price"); (ii) the date on which such Note will be issued (the "Original Issue
Date"); (iii) the date on which such Note will mature (the "Stated Maturity
Date") and whether the Stated Maturity Date may be extended by the Company,
and if so, the Final Maturity Date (as defined under "Extension of Maturity");
(iv) whether such Note is a Fixed Rate Note or a Floating Rate Note; (v) if
such Note is a Fixed Rate Note, the rate per annum at which such Note will
bear interest, if any, the interest payment date or dates (if different from
those set forth below under "Fixed Rate Notes") and whether such rate may be
changed by the Company prior to the Stated Maturity Date; (vi) if such Note is
a Floating Rate Note, the Interest Rate Basis or Interest Rate Bases, as
applicable, the Initial Interest Rate, the Interest Reset Period, the Interest
Reset Dates, the Interest Payment Period, the Interest Payment Dates, the
Index Maturity, the Maximum Interest Rate, if any, the Minimum Interest Rate,
if any, the Spread, if any, the Spread Multiplier, if any (all as defined
under "Interest Rate" and "Floating Rate Notes" below), and any other terms
relating to the particular method of calculating the interest rate for such
Note, and whether any such Spread and/or Spread Multiplier may be changed by
the Company prior to the Stated Maturity Date; (vii) whether such Note is an
Original Issue Discount Note, and if so, the yield to maturity; (viii) whether
such Note will be issued initially as a Book-Entry Note or a Certificated
Note; (ix) whether such Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company, or
repaid at the option of the holder, prior to the Stated Maturity Date, and, if
so, the provisions relating to such redemption or repayment; and (x) any other
terms of such Note not inconsistent with the provisions of the Indenture.
 
REPAYMENT AND REDEMPTION
 
  If agreed to by the initial purchaser of a Note and the Company, such Note
will be subject to repayment at the option of the holder thereof in accordance
with its terms on each optional repayment date therefor, if any (each an
"Optional Repayment Date"). Optional Repayment Dates, if any, will be fixed at
the time of sale and set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement and
specified in the applicable Note. If no Optional Repayment Date is so
specified with respect to a Note, such Note will not be repayable at the
option of the holder thereof prior to its Stated Maturity Date. Unless
otherwise specified in the Note and described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, on an Optional Repayment Date, if any, the related Note will be
repayable in whole or in part (provided that the principal amount of the Note
remaining outstanding after a partial repayment is an authorized denomination)
at the option of the holder thereof at a price equal to 100% of the principal
amount to be repaid, together with accrued and unpaid interest thereon up to,
but excluding, the date of repayment (except as
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
 
otherwise provided below in the case of an Original Issue Discount Note). In
order for a Note to be repaid upon exercise of such repayment option, the
Paying Agent must receive, not more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to an
Optional Repayment Date at the office in The City of New York designated for
such purpose (currently the corporate trust department of the Trustee, at 101
Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286), either (i) the Note,
with the form entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" included in the Note duly
completed, or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter from a
member of a national securities exchange or the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company in the United
States setting forth the name of the holder of the Note, the principal amount
of the Note, the principal amount of the Note to be repaid, the certificate
number or a description of the tenor and terms of the Note, a statement that
the option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby and a guarantee that
the Note to be repaid with the form entitled "Option to Elect Repayment"
included in the Note duly completed will be received by the Paying Agent not
later than five Business Days after the date of such facsimile transmission or
letter and such Note and form duly completed are received by the Paying Agent
by such fifth Business Day. Exercise of such repayment option by the holder
thereof will be irrevocable with respect to each Note for which such repayment
election is made. No transfer or exchange of any Note (or, in the event that
any Note is to be repaid in part, the portion of the Note to be repaid) will
be permitted after exercise of a repayment option. All questions as to the
validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of any Note
for repayment will be determined by the Company, which determination will be
final, binding and non-appealable.
 
  In the case of a Book-Entry Note, the Depository's nominee will be the
holder of such Note and therefore will be the only entity that can exercise a
right to repayment. In order to ensure that the Depository's nominee will
timely exercise a right to repayment with respect to a beneficial owner's
interest in a Book-Entry Note, such beneficial owner must instruct the broker
or other direct or indirect participant through which it holds an interest in
such Note to notify the Depository of its desire to exercise a right to
repayment. Different firms have different cut-off times for accepting
instructions from their customers and, accordingly, each beneficial owner
should consult the broker or other direct or indirect participant through
which it holds an interest in a Book-Entry Note in order to ascertain the cut-
off time by which such an instruction must be given in order for timely notice
to be delivered to the Depository.
 
  The Notes will not have a sinking fund unless otherwise described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement. If agreed to by the initial purchaser of a Note
and the Company, such Note will be subject to redemption at the option of the
Company in accordance with its terms on and after a date, if any, fixed at the
time of sale and set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement and specified
in the applicable Note ("Initial Redemption Date"). If no Initial Redemption
Date is so specified with respect to a Note, such Note will not be redeemable
prior to its Stated Maturity Date. Unless otherwise specified in the Note and
described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, on and after the Initial
Redemption Date, if any, the related Note will be redeemable at any time in
whole or from time to time in part (provided that the principal amount of the
Note remaining outstanding after a partial redemption is an authorized
denomination) at the option of the Company at the applicable Redemption Price
(as defined below), together with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal
amount to be redeemed to but excluding the date of redemption, on notice given
by the Company or the Trustee to the holder thereof not more than 60 nor less
than 30 days prior to the date of redemption. Unless otherwise specified in
the Note and described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, and except as
otherwise provided below in the case of an Original Issue Discount Note, the
"Redemption Price" will initially be the Initial Redemption Percentage, if
any, specified in the Note and described in the applicable Pricing Supplement,
of the principal amount of such Note to be redeemed and, if the Initial
Redemption Percentage is greater than 100%, the Redemption Price will decline
at each anniversary of the Initial Redemption Date by the Annual Redemption
Percentage Reduction, if any, specified in the Note and described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, of the principal amount thereof to be redeemed
until the Redemption Price is 100% of such principal amount. Whenever less
than all of the Notes of the Company at any time outstanding are to be
redeemed, the Company will select the particular Notes to be so redeemed,
provided that if less than all the Notes of the Company with identical terms
at any time outstanding are to be redeemed, the Notes to be so redeemed will
be selected by the Trustee by lot or such method as the Trustee considers fair
and appropriate.
 
                                      S-5
<PAGE>
 
  Notwithstanding anything in this Prospectus Supplement to the contrary,
unless otherwise specified in a Note and described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, if a Note is an Original Issue Discount Note, the amount payable
on such Note in the event of redemption at the option of the Company or
repayment at the option of a holder on an Optional Repayment Date prior to its
Stated Maturity Date shall be the Amortized Face Amount (as defined under
"Payment of Principal and Interest" below) of such Note calculated as of the
date of such redemption or the date of such repayment, as the case may be.
 
REPURCHASE
 
  The Company may at any time purchase Notes at any price in the open market
or otherwise. Notes so purchased by the Company may be held or resold or, at
the discretion of the Company, may be surrendered to the Trustee for
cancellation.
 
PAYMENT OF PRINCIPAL AND INTEREST
 
  The principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on each Note are
payable by the Company in U.S. Dollars, unless otherwise specified in a Note
and described in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
 
  Principal of, premium, if any, and interest, if any, on any Certificated
Note will be payable when due upon presentation and surrender of such Note at
the office of the Paying Agent in The City of New York designated for such
purpose (currently the corporate trust department of the Trustee, 101 Barclay
Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286); provided, however, that
payment of interest, other than interest payable on the Stated Maturity Date
or on the date of redemption or repayment if a Note is redeemed or repaid
prior to maturity (such Stated Maturity Date or date of redemption or
repayment with respect to any Note, as the case may be, being collectively
referred to herein as the "Maturity Date" with respect to the amount of
principal and any premium and interest payable on such date) may be made by
mailing a check to the holder at the address of such holder appearing on the
security register for the Notes at the close of business on the applicable
Regular Record Date (as defined below). Notwithstanding the foregoing, a
holder of $10,000,000 or more in aggregate principal amount of Certificated
Notes having the same Interest Payment Dates (as defined below) shall be
entitled to receive such interest payments in U.S. Dollars by wire transfer of
immediately available funds to an account at a bank in The City of New York
(or other bank consented to by the Paying Agent and the Company) designated by
such holder (provided that such bank has appropriate facilities therefor), but
only if appropriate payment instructions in writing have been received by the
Paying Agent not less than 16 calendar days prior to the applicable Interest
Payment Date. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement
(and subject to extension as provided under "Extension of Maturity"), payments
of principal of and any premium and interest on Certificated Notes will be
made on the Maturity Date in immediately available funds, provided that the
Certificated Notes to be paid are presented and surrendered to the Paying
Agent as provided above in time for the Paying Agent to make such payments in
such funds in accordance with its normal procedures. Such payments will be
made by wire transfer to an account at a bank in The City of New York (or
other bank consented to by the Paying Agent and the Company) designated by the
holder of the Notes (provided that such bank has appropriate facilities
therefor), provided that wire transfer instructions in writing have been
received by the Paying Agent not less than 16 calendar days prior to such
Maturity Date. Beneficial owners of Book-Entry Notes will be paid in
accordance with the Depository's and its participants' procedures in effect
from time to time. See "Book-Entry System." If required by applicable law or
instructed by the Company or any governmental agency that taxes or other
governmental charges should be withheld, the Paying Agent shall withhold any
such taxes or other governmental charges on any payments made in connection
with any Note.
 
  Unless otherwise specified in a Note and described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, if the principal of any Original Issue Discount Note is declared
to be, or automatically becomes, due and payable immediately as described in
the accompanying Prospectus under "Description of Debt Securities--Defaults
and Remedies," the amount of principal due and payable with respect to such
Note shall be the Amortized Face Amount of such Note calculated as of the date
of such acceleration of the maturity of such Note. The "Amortized Face Amount"
of an Original Issue Discount Note as of any date for which a calculation is
being made shall be an amount
 
                                      S-6
<PAGE>
 
equal to (i) the Issue Price set forth in the applicable Pricing Supplement
plus (ii) the portion of the difference between the Issue Price and the
principal amount of such Note that has accrued at the yield to maturity set
forth in the Pricing Supplement (computed in accordance with generally
accepted United States bond yield computation principles) to the date with
respect to which such calculation is being made, but in no event shall the
Amortized Face Amount of an Original Issue Discount Note exceed its principal
amount.
 
  Interest on any Note will be payable on each date specified on which an
installment of interest is due and payable ("Interest Payment Date") and at
the Maturity Date. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing
Supplement and specified in the Note, the Interest Payment Dates for Fixed
Rate Notes will be as described below under "Fixed Rate Notes" and the
Interest Payment Dates for Floating Rate Notes will be determined in the
manner described below under "Floating Rate Notes." Unless otherwise indicated
in the applicable Pricing Supplement and specified in the Note, interest
payable and punctually paid or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date
will be paid to the person in whose name such Note is registered at the close
of business on the Regular Record Date immediately preceding such Interest
Payment Date; provided, however, that unless otherwise specified in such Note
and the applicable Pricing Supplement the first payment of interest on any
Note with an Original Issue Date between a Regular Record Date and the next
succeeding Interest Payment Date or on an Interest Payment Date will be made
on the Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding Regular Record Date
to the registered holder on such next succeeding Regular Record Date;
provided, further, that interest payable at the Maturity Date will be payable
to the person to whom principal shall be payable. "Regular Record Date" means
the date as of which a Note must be registered in a person's name in order for
such person to receive an interest payment on the next succeeding Interest
Payment Date. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Pricing Supplement
and specified in the Note, the Regular Record Date for an Interest Payment
Date will be the fifteenth calendar day (whether or not a Business Day)
immediately preceding such Interest Payment Date.
 
  Unless otherwise specified in a Note and described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, all percentages resulting from any calculations will be rounded,
if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point
(with five one-millionths of a percentage point being rounded upward), and all
U.S. Dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation shall be
rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upward).
 
  The interest rate on the Notes will in no event be higher than the maximum
rate permitted by New York law as the same may be modified by United States
law of general application. Under present New York law, the maximum rate of
interest is 25% per annum on a simple interest basis, with certain exceptions.
This limit may not apply to Notes in which $2,500,000 or more has been
invested.
 
INTEREST RATE
 
  The applicable Pricing Supplement relating to Fixed Rate Notes will
designate a fixed rate of interest per annum (which may be zero in the event
such Notes are Zero Coupon Notes) payable on such Notes. See "Fixed Rate
Notes" and "Zero Coupon Notes" below.
 
  Each Floating Rate Note will bear interest at a rate determined by reference
to an Interest Rate Basis or two or more interest Rate Bases which may be
adjusted in either case by adding or subtracting a Spread ("Spread" is the
number of basis points (one basis point equals one-hundredth of a percentage
point) specified in a Note and described in the applicable Pricing Supplement
as being applicable to the interest rate for such Floating Rate Note), if any,
or by multiplying by the Spread Multiplier ("Spread Multiplier" is the
percentage specified in a Note and described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement as being applicable to the interest rate for such Floating Rate
Note), if any. The "Index Maturity" is the period to maturity of the
instrument or obligation with respect to which the Interest Rate Basis or
Bases will be calculated. A Floating Rate Note may also have either or both of
the following: (i) a maximum limitation, or ceiling, on the rate of interest
which may accrue during any interest period ("Maximum Interest Rate"); and
(ii) a minimum limitation, or floor, on the rate of interest which may accrue
during any interest period ("Minimum Interest Rate").
 
                                      S-7
<PAGE>
 
  The applicable Pricing Supplement relating to Floating Rate Notes will
designate, and each Floating Rate Note will specify, one or more of the
following Interest Rate Bases as applicable to the relevant Note: (a) the
Commercial Paper Rate, in which case such Note will be a Commercial Paper Rate
Note, (b) the Certificate of Deposit Rate (the "CD Rate"), in which case such
Note will be a CD Rate Note; (c) the Federal Funds Rate, in which case such
Note will be a Federal Funds Rate Note; (d) the Prime Rate, in which case such
Note will be a Prime Rate Note; (e) London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"),
in which case such Note will be a LIBOR Note; (f) the Treasury Rate, in which
case such Note will be a Treasury Rate Note; (g) the CMT Rate, in which case
such Note will be a CMT Note; or (h) such other interest rate basis or formula
as is set forth in such Pricing Supplement. A Floating Rate Note may bear
interest at a rate determined by reference to two or more Interest Rate Bases
(other than the Treasury Rate) and, if so, the applicable Pricing Supplement
will describe the Interest Rate Bases applicable to such Note.
 
  Interest rates, interest rate formulas and other variable terms of a Note
are subject to change by the Company from time to time, but no such change
will affect any Note already issued or as to which an offer to purchase has
been accepted by the Company.
 
FIXED RATE NOTES
 
  Unless otherwise described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, each Fixed
Rate Note will bear interest (which may be zero in the event such Note is a
Zero Coupon Note) from the Original Issue Date at the rate per annum stated on
the face thereof until the principal thereof is paid or made available for
payment. Unless otherwise specified in the Note and described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement and except as described below under "Extension
of Maturity," interest, to the extent payable, will be payable semiannually on
the "Interest Payment Dates" therefor (which will be on February 15 and August
15 of each year) and on the Maturity Date. Interest will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve, 30-day months. Interest payments on a Fixed
Rate Note shall include interest accrued from and including the Original Issue
Date of such Note, or the most recent date to which interest has been paid or
duly provided for, as the case may be, to, but excluding, the related Interest
Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. If any Interest Payment
Date or Maturity Date for a Fixed Rate Note falls on a day that is not a
Business Day, the related payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest,
if any, will be made on the next succeeding Business Day as if it were made on
the date such payment were due, and no interest will accrue on the amount so
payable for the period from and after such Interest Payment Date or Maturity
Date, as the case may be.
 
FLOATING RATE NOTES
 
  Each Floating Rate Note will specify and the applicable Pricing Supplement
will describe the Interest Rate Basis or Bases and the Spread and/or Spread
Multiplier, if any, and the Maximum Interest Rate and/or Minimum Interest
Rate, in each case if any, applicable to such Floating Rate Note. In addition,
each Floating Rate Note will specify and the applicable Pricing Supplement
will describe or particularize all applicable variable terms of such Floating
Rate Note. Unless otherwise described in the applicable Pricing Supplement,
each Floating Rate Note will bear interest at the rate or rates per annum
determined in accordance with the interest rate formula so specified therein
and described in the applicable Pricing Supplement from the Original Issue
Date until the principal thereof is paid or made available for payment.
 
  Floating Rate Notes will have daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, semiannual
or annual resets of the rate of interest (such period applicable to a Note
being the "Interest Reset Period" for such Note, and the first day of each
Interest Reset Period being an "Interest Reset Date"), which will be described
in the applicable Pricing Supplement and specified in the Note. Unless
otherwise so specified, the Interest Reset Date will be, in the case of
Floating Rate Notes which reset daily, each Business Day; in the case of
Floating Rate Notes which reset weekly, Wednesday of each week (with the
exception of weekly reset Treasury Rate Notes which will reset Tuesday of each
week, except as specified below); in the case of Floating Rate Notes which
reset monthly, the third Wednesday of each month; in the case of Floating Rate
Notes which reset quarterly, the third Wednesday of March, June, September and
December; in the case of Floating Rate Notes which reset semiannually, the
third
 
                                      S-8
<PAGE>
 
Wednesday of the two months specified in such Note and described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement; and in the case of Floating Rate Notes which
reset annually, the third Wednesday of the month specified in such Note and
described in the applicable Pricing Supplement. If any Interest Reset Date for
any Floating Rate Note would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day,
such Interest Reset Date will be postponed to the next succeeding day that is
a Business Day, except that in the case of a LIBOR Note, if such Business Day
is in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Reset Date shall be
the next preceding Business Day.
 
  The interest rate applicable to each Interest Reset Period commencing on the
Interest Reset Date with respect to such Interest Reset Period will be the
rate determined by reference to the Interest Rate Basis or Bases on the
applicable "Interest Determination Date." The Interest Determination Date with
respect to the Commercial Paper Rate, the CD Rate, the Federal Funds Rate, the
Prime Rate and the CMT Rate will be the second Business Day preceding each
Interest Reset Date for the related Note. The Interest Determination Date with
respect to LIBOR will be the second London Business Day preceding each
Interest Reset Date for the related Note. The Interest Determination Date with
respect to the Treasury Rate, unless otherwise specified in the related
Treasury Rate Note, will be the day of the week in which the related Interest
Reset Date falls on which Treasury Bills (as defined under "Treasury Rate"
below) of the applicable Index Maturity are auctioned. Treasury Bills are
normally sold at auction on Monday of each week unless that day is a legal
holiday, in which case the auction is normally held on the following Tuesday,
except that such auction may be held on the preceding Friday. If, as a result
of a legal holiday, an auction is so held on the preceding Friday, such Friday
will be the Interest Determination Date for the Interest Reset Date occurring
in the next succeeding week. If an auction date falls on any Interest Reset
Date for a Treasury Rate Note, then such Interest Reset Date will instead be
the first Business Day following such auction date. The Interest Determination
Date for a Floating Rate Note the interest rate of which is determined by
reference to two or more Interest Rate Bases will be the first Business Day
which is at least two Business Days prior to the related Interest Reset Date
for such Note on which each Interest Rate Basis shall be determinable. Each
Interest Rate Basis will be determined on the Interest Determination Date, and
the applicable interest rate shall take effect on the related Interest Reset
Date.
 
  Except as set forth above or in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the
interest rate in effect on each day shall be (i) if such day is an Interest
Reset Date, the interest rate determined as of the Interest Determination Date
immediately preceding such Interest Reset Date or (ii) if such day is not an
Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined as of the Interest
Determination Date immediately preceding the most recent Interest Reset Date.
 
  Interest on each Floating Rate Note will be payable monthly, quarterly,
semiannually or annually (the "Interest Payment Period"). Except as provided
below or in the applicable Pricing Supplement, interest will be payable in the
case of Floating Rate Notes which reset: (i) daily, weekly or monthly, on the
third Wednesday of each month or on the third Wednesday of March, June,
September and December of each year as specified in such Note and the
applicable Pricing Supplement; (ii) quarterly, on the third Wednesday of
March, June, September and December of each year; (iii) semiannually, on the
third Wednesday of the two months of each year specified in such Note and the
applicable Pricing Supplement; and (iv) annually, on the third Wednesday of
the month of each year specified in such Note and the applicable Pricing
Supplement (each, with respect to Floating Rate Notes, an "Interest Payment
Date") and, in each case, at maturity. If any Interest Payment Date for any
Floating Rate Note (other than the Maturity Date of such Note) would otherwise
be a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Payment Date will be
postponed to the next day that is a Business Day except, in the case of a
LIBOR Note, if such Business Day is in the next succeeding calendar month,
such Interest Payment Date will be the immediately preceding Business Day. If
the Maturity Date of any Floating Rate Note falls on a day that is not a
Business Day, the related payment of principal, premium, if any, and interest
will be made on the next succeeding Business Day as if it were made on the
date such payment was due, and no interest will accrue on the amounts so
payable for the period from and after such date.
 
  Interest payments on each Interest Payment Date for Floating Rate Notes will
include accrued interest from and including the Original Issue Date, or the
most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly provided for, as the
case may be, to, but excluding, such Interest Payment Date or the Maturity
Date, as the case may be.
 
 
                                      S-9
<PAGE>
 
  All percentages resulting from any calculation on Floating Rate Notes will
be rounded to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, with
five-one millionths of a percentage point rounded upwards (e.g., 9.876545% (or
 .09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)), and all amounts used
in or resulting from such calculation on Floating Rate Notes will be rounded,
in the case of United States dollars, to the nearest cent, or in the case of a
foreign currency or composite currency, to the nearest unit (with one-half
cent or unit being rounded upwards).
 
  With respect to each Floating Rate Note, accrued interest will be calculated
by multiplying the principal amount thereof by an accrued interest factor.
Such accrued interest factor will be computed by adding the interest factors
calculated for each day in the period for which accrued interest is being
calculated. The interest factor (expressed as a decimal) for each such day
will be computed by dividing the interest rate in effect for such day by 360,
in the case of Notes having as their Interest Rate Basis the CD Rate,
Commercial Paper Rate, Federal Funds Rate, LIBOR or the Prime Rate, or by the
actual number of days in the year, in the case of Notes having as their
Interest Rate Basis the Treasury Rate or the CMT Rate. The interest rate in
effect on each day will be (a) if such day is an Interest Reset Date, the
interest rate with respect to the Interest Determination Date pertaining to
such Interest Reset Date, or (b) if such day is not an Interest Reset Date,
the interest rate with respect to the Interest Determination Date pertaining
to the next preceding Interest Reset Date, subject in either case to any
Maximum Interest Rate or Minimum Interest Rate limitation and to any
adjustment by a Spread and/or Spread Multiplier; provided, however, that the
interest rate in effect for the period from the Original Issue Date to the
initial Interest Reset Date ("Initial Interest Reset Rate") will be the rate
specified as such in the Floating Rate Note ("Initial Interest Rate").
 
  Unless otherwise specified in a Floating Rate Note and described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the Trustee will be the Calculation Agent with
respect to each Floating Rate Note. The Calculation Agent is currently located
at 101 Barclay Street, New York, New York 10286 (telephone number: (212) 815-
5375; facsimile number: (212) 815-5915). Upon request of the holder of any
Floating Rate Note, the Calculation Agent will provide the interest rate then
in effect and, if determined, the interest rate that will become effective on
the next Interest Reset Date with respect to such Floating Rate Note. Any such
calculation by the Calculation Agent shall, absent manifest error, be
conclusive and binding for all purposes.
 
  The "Calculation Date," if applicable, pertaining to any Interest
Determination Date will be the earlier of (i) the tenth calendar day after
such Interest Determination Date, or, if such day is not a Business Day, the
next succeeding Business Day or (ii) the Business Day immediately preceding
the applicable Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be.
 
CD RATE
 
  Unless otherwise specified in such Note and described in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, "CD Rate" means, with respect to any Interest
Determination Date relating to a CD Rate Note or any Interest Determination
Date for a Floating Rate Note for which one of the Interest Rate Bases is the
CD Rate (a "CD Rate Interest Determination Date"), the rate on such date for
negotiable certificates of deposit having the Index Maturity described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement as published by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected Interest
Rates" or any successor publication of the Board of Governors of the Federal
Reserve System ("H.15(519)") under the heading "CDs (Secondary Market)" or, if
not so published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date
pertaining to such CD Rate Interest Determination Date, the CD Rate will be
the rate on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date for negotiable
certificates of deposit of the Index Maturity described in the applicable
Pricing Supplement as published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its
daily statistical release "Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S. Government
Securities" or any successor publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of New
York ("Composite Quotations") under the heading "Certificates of Deposit." If
such rate is not yet published in either H.15(519) or Composite Quotations by
3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such CD
Rate Interest Determination Date, then the CD Rate for such CD Rate Interest
Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be the
arithmetic mean of the secondary market offered rates, as of
 
                                     S-10
<PAGE>
 
approximately 10:00 a.m., New York City time, on such CD Rate Interest
Determination Date, of three leading nonbank dealers (which, unless otherwise
described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, may include an affiliate of
the Calculation Agent or an Agent) in negotiable U.S. Dollar certificates of
deposit in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent, for
negotiable certificates of deposit of major United States money center banks
(in the market for negotiable certificates of deposit) with a remaining
maturity closest to the Index Maturity designated in the Pricing Supplement in
a denomination of U.S. $5,000,000; provided, however, that if the dealers
selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in
this sentence, the CD Rate will be the CD Rate determined with respect to the
immediately preceding CD Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case of
the first CD Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate.
 
  CD Rate Notes and other Notes are not deposit obligations of a bank and are
not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
 
COMMERCIAL PAPER RATE
 
  Unless otherwise specified in such Note and described in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, "Commercial Paper Rate" means, with respect to any
Interest Determination Date relating to a Commercial Paper Rate Note or any
Interest Determination Date for a Floating Rate Note for which one of the
Interest Rate Bases is the Commercial Paper Rate (a "Commercial Paper Rate
Interest Determination Date"), the Money Market Yield (as defined below) of
the rate on such date for commercial paper having the Index Maturity described
in the applicable Pricing Supplement as published in H.15(519) under the
caption "Commercial Paper--Non-financial." In the event that such rate is not
so published prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date
pertaining to such Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date, then the
Commercial Paper Rate will be the Money Market Yield of the rate on such
Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date for commercial paper of the
Index Maturity described in the applicable Pricing Supplement as published in
Composite Quotations under the heading "Commercial Paper." If by 3:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Commercial
Paper Rate Interest Determination Date such rate is not yet published in
either H.15(519) or Composite Quotations, the Commercial Paper Rate for such
Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and will be the Money Market Yield of the arithmetic mean of
the offered rates, as of approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such
Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date, of three leading dealers of
commercial paper (which, unless otherwise described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, may include an affiliate of the Calculation Agent or an Agent) in
The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent, for commercial paper
having the Index Maturity described in the applicable Pricing Supplement
placed for a non-financial entity whose bond rating is "AA" or its equivalent,
from a nationally recognized securities rating organization; provided,
however, that if the dealers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent
are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Commercial Paper Rate will
be the Commercial Paper Rate determined with respect to the immediately
preceding Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case of
the first Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial
Interest Rate.
 
  "Money Market Yield" shall be a yield (expressed as a percentage rounded, if
necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point)
calculated in accordance with the following formula:
 
                                           D X 360
               MONEY MARKET YIELD = -------------------- X 100
                                        360 - (D X M)
 
where "D" refers to the applicable per annum rate for commercial paper quoted
on a bank discount basis and expressed as a decimal, and "M" refers to the
actual number of days in the interest period for which interest is being
calculated.
 
FEDERAL FUNDS RATE
 
  Unless otherwise specified in such Note and described in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, "Federal Funds Rate" means, with respect to any Interest
Determination Date relating to a Federal Funds Rate Note or
 
                                     S-11
<PAGE>
 
any Interest Determination Date for a Floating Rate Note for which one of the
Interest Rate Bases is the Federal Funds Rate (a "Federal Funds Rate Interest
Determination Date"), the rate on such date for Federal Funds as published in
H.15(519) under the heading "Federal Funds (Effective)" or, if not so
published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining
to such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date, the Federal Funds Rate
will be the rate on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date for
Federal Funds as published in Composite Quotations under the heading "Federal
Funds/Effective Rate." If such rate is not yet published in either H.15(519)
or Composite Quotations by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation
Date pertaining to such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date, the
Federal Funds Rate for such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date
will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be the arithmetic mean of
the rates, as of approximately 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on such Federal
Funds Rate Interest Determination Date, for the last transaction in overnight
Federal Funds arranged by three leading brokers of Federal Funds transactions
in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent; provided, however,
that if the brokers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not
quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Federal Funds Rate will be the
Federal Funds Rate determined with respect to the immediately preceding
Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case of the first
Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate.
 
PRIME RATE
 
  Unless otherwise specified in such Note and described in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, "Prime Rate" means, with respect to any Interest
Determination Date relating to a Prime Rate Note or any Interest Determination
Date for a Floating Rate Note for which one of the Interest Rate Bases is the
Prime Rate (a "Prime Rate Interest Determination Date"), the rate on such date
for the Prime Rate as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime
Loan." In the event that such rate is not so published prior to 3:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Prime Rate Interest
Determination Date, the Prime Rate will be the arithmetic mean of the rates of
interest publicly announced by each bank that appears on the Reuters Screen
USPRIME1 Page (as defined below) as such bank's prime rate or base lending
rate as in effect for such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date. If fewer
than four such rates appear on the Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page for such Prime
Rate Interest Determination Date, then the Prime Rate shall be the arithmetic
mean, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, of the prime rates quoted on the
basis of the actual number of days in the year divided by 360 as of the close
of business on such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date by four major money
center banks in The City of New York selected by the Calculation Agent (after
consultation with the Company). If fewer than four quotations are so provided,
the Prime Rate will be calculated by the Calculation Agent (as described
above) on the basis of the prime rates quoted by the major money center banks
so selected and the prime rates quoted in The City of New York by the
appropriate number of substitute banks or trust companies organized and doing
business under the laws of the United States, or any state thereof, each
having total equity capital of at least $500 million and being subject to
supervision or examination by a Federal or state authority, selected by the
Calculation Agent (after consultation with the Company) to quote such rate or
rates; provided, however, that if the banks or trust companies selected as
aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this
sentence, the Prime Rate will be the Prime Rate determined with respect to the
immediately preceding Prime Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case
of the first Prime Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest
Rate.
 
  "Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page" means the display designated as page
"USPRIME1" on the Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service (or such other page as
may replace the USPRIME1 page on that service for the purpose of displaying
prime rates or base lending rates of major United States banks).
 
LIBOR
 
  Unless otherwise specified in such Note and described in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, "LIBOR" will be determined by the Calculation Agent in
accordance with the following provisions:
 
    (i) With respect to any Interest Determination Date relating to a LIBOR
  Note or any Interest Determination Date for a Floating Rate Note for which
  one of the Interest Rate Bases is LIBOR ("LIBOR
 
                                     S-12
<PAGE>
 
  Interest Determination Date"), LIBOR will be, as specified in the Note and
  described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, the arithmetic mean of the
  offered rates, as calculated by the Calculation Agent, for deposits in the
  Designated LIBOR Currency (as defined below) of not less than U.S.
  $1,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in one or more other currencies)
  having the Index Maturity described in the applicable Pricing Supplement,
  commencing on the second London Business Day immediately following such
  LIBOR Interest Determination Date, which appear on the Designated LIBOR
  Page (as defined below) as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on
  such LIBOR Interest Determination Date, if at least two such offered rates
  appear on the Designated LIBOR Page. If fewer than two offered rates appear
  on the Designated LIBOR Page, LIBOR in respect of that LIBOR Interest
  Determination Date will be determined as if the parties had specified the
  rate described in (ii) below.
 
    (ii) With respect to a LIBOR Interest Determination Date on which fewer
  than two offered rates appear on the Designated LIBOR Page as described in
  (i) above, the Calculation Agent shall request the principal London offices
  of each of four major reference banks (which may include affiliates of the
  Agents) in the London interbank market selected by the Calculation Agent to
  provide the Calculation Agent with a quotation of the rate at which
  deposits in the Designated LIBOR Currency for the period of the Index
  Maturity described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, commencing on the
  second London Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest
  Determination Date, are offered by it to prime banks in the London
  interbank market as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR
  Interest Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to an amount of
  not less than U.S. $1,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in one or more
  other currencies) that is representative for a single transaction in such
  market at such time. If at least two such quotations are provided, LIBOR in
  respect of such LIBOR Interest Determination Date will be the arithmetic
  mean of such quotations as calculated by the Calculation Agent. If fewer
  than two quotations are provided, LIBOR for such LIBOR Interest
  Determination Date will be the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary, to
  the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point) of the rates
  quoted as of approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such LIBOR
  Interest Determination Date by three major banks (which may include
  affiliates of the Agents) in The City of New York selected by the
  Calculation Agent (after consultation with the Company) for loans in the
  Designated LIBOR Currency to leading European banks, having the Index
  Maturity described in the applicable Pricing Supplement commencing on the
  second London Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest
  Determination Date and in a principal amount equal to an amount of not less
  than U.S. $1,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in one or more other
  currencies) that is representative for a single transaction in such market
  at such time; provided, however, that if the banks selected as aforesaid by
  the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, LIBOR
  will be the LIBOR determined with respect to the immediately preceding
  LIBOR Interest Determination Date or, in the case of the first LIBOR
  Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate.
 
    As used herein the following terms have the following definitions:
 
    "Designated LIBOR Page" means (a) if "LIBOR Reuters" is specified in the
  applicable Pricing Supplement, the display on the Reuters Monitor Money
  Rates Service (or any successor service) on the page specified in such
  Pricing Supplement (or any other page as may replace such page on such
  service) for the purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of major
  banks for the Designated LIBOR Currency, or (b) if "LIBOR Telerate" is
  specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement or neither "LIBOR Reuters"
  nor "LIBOR Telerate" is specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as
  the method for calculating LIBOR, the display on the Dow Jones Markets
  Limited (or any successor service) on the page specified in such Pricing
  Supplement (or any other page as may replace such page on such service), or
  if no such page is specified the applicable page, for the purpose of
  displaying the London interbank rates of major banks for the Designated
  LIBOR Currency.
 
    "Designated LIBOR Currency" means the currency or composite currency
  specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement as to which LIBOR shall be
  calculated or, if no such currency or composite currency is specified in
  the applicable Pricing Supplement, U.S. Dollars.
 
 
                                     S-13
<PAGE>
 
TREASURY RATE
 
  Unless otherwise specified in such Note and described in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, "Treasury Rate" means, with respect to any Interest
Determination Date relating to a Treasury Rate Note (a "Treasury Rate Interest
Determination Date"), the rate for the most recent auction of direct
obligations of the United States ("Treasury Bills") having the Index Maturity
described in the applicable Pricing Supplement, as such rate is
published in H.15(519) under the heading "U.S. Government Securities--Treasury
Bills--auction average (investment)," or if not so published by 3:00 p.m., New
York City time, on the Calculation Date relating to such Treasury Rate
Interest Determination Date, the Treasury Rate will be the auction average
rate (expressed as a bond equivalent, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366
days, as applicable, and applied on a daily basis) as otherwise announced by
the United States Department of the Treasury. In the event that the results of
the auction of Treasury Bills having the Index Maturity described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement are not published or announced as described
above by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on such Calculation Date, or if no
such auction is held in a particular week, then the Treasury Rate for such
Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond
equivalent, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and
applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary, to
the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point) of the secondary
market bid rates, as of approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such
Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date, of three leading primary United
States government securities dealers (which, unless otherwise described in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, may include an affiliate of the Calculation
Agent or an Agent) selected by the Calculation Agent (after consultation with
the Company), for the issue of Treasury Bills with a remaining maturity
closest to the Index Maturity described in the applicable Pricing Supplement;
provided, however, that if the dealers selected as aforesaid by the
Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the Treasury
Rate will be the Treasury Rate determined with respect to the immediately
preceding Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case of the
first Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate.
 
CMT RATE
 
  Unless otherwise specified in such Note and described in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, "CMT Rate" means, with respect to any Interest
Determination Date relating to a CMT Note or any Interest Determination Date
for a Floating Rate Note for which one of the Interest Rate Bases is the CMT
Rate (a "CMT Rate Interest Determination Date"), the rate that appears on the
Designated CMT Telerate Page (as defined below) under the caption
"....Treasury Constant Maturities ... Federal Reserve Board Release
H.15(519)... Monday Approximately 3:45 p.m.," under the column for the
Designated CMT Maturity Index (as defined below) for (i) such CMT Rate
Interest Determination Date, if the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7055, or
(ii) the week, or the month, as applicable, ended immediately preceding the
week in which such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date occurs, if the
Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7052. In the event such rate is not displayed
on the applicable page by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation
Date pertaining to such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date, the CMT Rate for
such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be the treasury constant
maturity rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date for the Designated
CMT Maturity Index as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Treasury
Constant Maturities." If by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation
Date pertaining to such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date such rate is not
published in H.15(519), the CMT Rate for such CMT Rate Interest Determination
Date will be the treasury constant maturity rate for the Designated CMT
Maturity Index (or other United States treasury rate for the Designated CMT
Maturity Index if the treasury constant maturity rate is not published) with
respect to such date as published by either the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System or the United States Department of the Treasury that
the Calculation Agent determines to be comparable to the rate previously
displayed on the Designated CMT Telerate Page or published in H.15(519). If
such rate is not so published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date pertaining to such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date, then
the CMT Rate for such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated
by the Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity, based on the
arithmetic mean of the secondary market offered rates as of approximately 3:30
p.m., New York City time, on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date of
three leading primary United States
 
                                     S-14
<PAGE>
 
government securities dealers (which, unless otherwise described in the
Prospectus Supplement, may include an affiliate of the Calculation Agent or an
Agent) (each, a "Reference Dealer") in The City of New York selected by the
Calculation Agent (such three Reference Dealers to be selected from a pool of
five Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent (after consultation
with the Company), with the Reference Dealers providing the highest quotation
(or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation
(or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest) being eliminated), for the
most recently issued direct noncallable fixed rate obligations of the United
States ("Treasury Notes") with an original maturity of approximately the
Designated CMT Maturity Index and a remaining term to maturity of not less
than such Designated CMT Maturity Index minus one year. If the Calculation
Agent is unable to obtain three such Treasury Note quotations, the CMT Rate
for such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity based on the arithmetic mean
of the secondary market offered rates as of approximately 3:30 p.m., New York
City time, on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date of three Reference
Dealers in The City of New York (such three Reference Dealers to be selected
from a pool of five References Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent
(after consultation with the Company), with the Reference Dealers providing
the highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and
the lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest) being
eliminated) for Treasury Notes with an original maturity of the number of
years that is the next highest to the Designated CMT Maturity Index and a
remaining term to maturity closest to the Designated CMT Maturity Index and in
an amount of at least $100 million. If at least three (but not five) of such
Reference Dealers are quoting as described above, then the CMT Rate will be
based on the arithmetic mean of the offer side prices obtained as provided in
the preceding sentence and neither the highest nor the lowest of such quotes
will be eliminated; provided however, that if at least three Reference Dealers
selected by the Calculation Agent (after consultation with the Company), are
not quoting as described in this sentence, the CMT Rate will be the CMT Rate
determined with respect to the immediately preceding CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date or, in the case of the first CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate. If two Treasury Notes with an
original maturity as described in the second preceding sentence have remaining
terms to maturity equally close to the Designated CMT Maturity Index, the
Calculation Agent will obtain from the Reference Dealers selected in the
manner described quotations for the Treasury Note with the shorter remaining
term to maturity.
 
  "Designated CMT Telerate Page" means the display on the Dow Jones Markets
Limited (or any successor service) on the page specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement for the purpose of displaying "Treasury Constant
Maturities" as reported in H.15(519) (or any other page as may replace such
page on such service for the purpose of displaying "Treasury Constant
Maturities" as reported in H.15(519)). If no such page is specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, the Designated CMT Telerate Page shall be 7052.
 
  "Designated CMT Maturity Index" means the original period to maturity of the
U.S. Treasury securities (either 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20 or 30 years) specified
in the applicable Pricing Supplement with respect to which the CMT Rate will
be calculated. If no such maturity is specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement, the Designated CMT Maturity Index shall be 2 years.
 
ZERO COUPON NOTES
 
  Each Zero Coupon Note will be offered at a substantial discount from its
principal amount at maturity. There will be no periodic payments of interest
with respect to a Zero Coupon Note. The calculation of the accrual of Original
Issue Discount (the difference between the Issue Price and the principal
amount at maturity of a Zero Coupon Note) in the period during which a Zero
Coupon Note remains outstanding will be on a semiannual bond equivalent basis
using a 360-day year composed of twelve 30-day months. Upon maturity, Original
Issue Discount will cease to accrue on a Zero Coupon Note. Each Zero Coupon
Note will set forth, among other things, the Original Issue Date, the Issue
Price, the yield to maturity, and the amount of Original Issue Discount
applicable to such Note. If a bankruptcy proceeding is commenced in respect of
the Company, the claim of the holder of a Zero Coupon Note is, under Title 11
of the United States Code, limited to the Amortized Face Amount of such Zero
Coupon Note calculated as of the date of commencement of the proceeding.
 
                                     S-15
<PAGE>
 
OTHER/ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS; ADDENDUM
 
  Any provisions with respect to the Notes, including the specification and
determination of one or more Interest Rate Bases, the calculation of the
interest rate applicable to a Floating Rate Note, the Interest Payment Dates,
the Maturity Date or any other term relating thereto, may be modified and/or
supplemented as specified under "Other/Additional Provisions" on the face
thereof or in an Addendum relating thereto, if so specified on the face
thereof. Such provisions will be described in the applicable Pricing
Supplement.
 
AMORTIZING NOTES
 
  The Company may from time to time offer Notes with the amount of principal
thereof and interest thereon payable in installments over the term of such
Notes ("Amortizing Notes"). Unless otherwise specified in the applicable
Pricing Supplement, interest on each Amortizing Note will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months. Payments with respect to
Amortizing Notes will be applied first to interest due and payable thereon and
then to the reduction of the unpaid principal amount thereof. Further
information concerning additional terms and provisions of Amortizing Notes
will be specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement, including a table
setting forth repayment information for such Amortizing Notes.
 
EXTENSION OF MATURITY
 
  Each Note will specify and the Pricing Supplement relating to each Note will
describe whether the Company has the option to extend the Stated Maturity Date
of such Note for one or more whole year periods (each an "Extension Period")
up to but not beyond the date (the "Final Maturity Date") specified in such
Note and described in such Pricing Supplement and the basis or formula, if
any, for setting the interest rate or the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if
any, as the case may be, applicable to any such Extension Period.
 
  The Company may exercise such option with respect to a Note by notifying the
Trustee of such exercise at least 45 but not more than 60 days prior to the
Stated Maturity Date of such Note in effect prior to the exercise of such
option (the "Original Stated Maturity Date"). No later than 40 days prior to
the Original Stated Maturity Date, the Trustee will mail to the holder of such
Note a notice (the "Extension Notice") relating to such Extension Period, by
first class mail, postage prepaid, setting forth (i) the election of the
Company to extend the Stated Maturity Date of such Note, (ii) the new Stated
Maturity Date, (iii) in the case of a Fixed Rate Note, the interest rate
applicable to the Extension Period or, in the case of a Floating Rate Note,
the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any, applicable to the Extension
Period, (iv) the provisions, if any, for redemption at the option of the
Company during the Extension Period, including the date or dates on which or
the period or periods during which and the price or prices at which such
redemption may occur during the Extension Period and (v) in the case of a Note
that is subject to repayment at the option of the Holder hereof, the
provisions, if any, for repayment of this Note at the option of the Holder on
the Original Stated Maturity Date for such Note, the price at which such
repurchase shall occur, and the period within which such Note, with the
"Option to Elect Repayment" form completed, must be surrendered to the Paying
Agent. Upon the mailing by the Trustee of an Extension Notice to the holder of
a Note, the Stated Maturity Date of such Note shall be extended automatically
as set forth in the Extension Notice, and except as modified by the Extension
Notice and as described in the next paragraph, such Note will have the same
terms as prior to the mailing of such Extension Notice.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 days prior to the Original
Stated Maturity Date for a Note, the Company may, at its option, revoke the
interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate Note, or the Spread and/or Spread
Multiplier, in the case of a Floating Rate Note, provided for in the Extension
Notice and establish a higher interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate Note,
or a higher Spread and/or Spread Multiplier in the case of a Floating Rate
Note, for the Extension Period by mailing or causing the Trustee to mail
notice of such higher interest rate or higher Spread and/or Spread Multiplier,
as the case may be, first class mail, postage prepaid, to the holder of such
Note. Such notice shall be irrevocable. All Notes with identical terms with
respect to which the Stated Maturity Date is extended will bear such higher
interest rate, in the case of a Fixed Rate Note, or higher Spread and/or
Spread Multiplier, as the case may be, in the case of a Floating Rate Note,
for the Extension Period.
 
                                     S-16
<PAGE>
 
INDEXED NOTES
 
  If any Note is not to be denominated in U.S. Dollars, certain provisions
with respect thereto will be set forth in an applicable Pricing Supplement
which will specify the currency or currencies, including composite currencies
such as the European Currency Unit ("ECU"), in which the principal, premium,
if any, and interest, if any, with respect to such Note are to be paid, along
with any other terms relating to the non-U.S. Dollar denomination.
 
  Notes may be issued with the amount of principal, premium and/or interest
payable in respect thereof to be determined with reference to the price or
prices of specified commodities or stocks, to the exchange rate of one or more
designated currencies (including a composite currency such as the ECU)
relative to an indexed currency or to other price(s) or exchange rate(s)
("Indexed Notes"), in each case as specified in the applicable Pricing
Supplement. In certain cases, Holders of Indexed Notes may receive a principal
payment on the Maturity Date that is greater than or less than the principal
amount of such Indexed Notes depending upon the relative value on the Maturity
Date of the specified indexed item. Information as to the method for
determining the amount of principal, premium, if any, and/or interest, if any,
payable in respect of Indexed Notes, certain historical information with
respect to the specified indexed item and certain additional risks and
material tax considerations associated with an investment in Indexed Notes
will be specified in the applicable Pricing Supplement.
 
                               BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
 
  The Notes may be issued in whole or in part as Book-Entry Notes represented
by a Global Security (as defined in the accompanying Prospectus) deposited
with, or on behalf of, the Depository and registered in the name of the
Depository or a nominee of the Depository. Unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Pricing Supplement, DTC will be the Depository.
 
  So long as the Depository for a Global Security, or a nominee of the
Depository, is the registered owner of the Global Security, the Depository or
its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole owner or holder
of the Book-Entry Notes represented by such Global Security for all purposes
under the Indenture. Except as provided below, owners of beneficial interests
in Book-Entry Notes represented by a Global Security will not be considered
the owners or holders thereof under the Indenture, will not be entitled to
have Book-Entry Notes represented by such Global Security registered in their
names and will not be entitled to physical delivery of Notes in certificated
form evidencing their respective beneficial interests therein. A Global
Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a
nominee of the Depository or by a nominee of the Depository to the Depository
or another nominee of the Depository or by the Depository or any nominee to a
successor of the Depository of a nominee of such successor.
 
  Payments of principal of and any premium and interest on Book-Entry Notes
represented by a Global Security registered in the name of the Depository or
its nominee will be made to the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be,
as the registered owner of the Global Security. Neither the Company, the
Trustee, any Paying Agent nor the Registrar will have any responsibility or
liability for any aspect of the records relating to or payments made on
account of beneficial ownership interests in Book-Entry Notes represented by a
Global Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records
relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
 
  The Company expects that the Depository or its nominee, upon receipt of any
payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest, if any, in respect of a
Global Security, will credit immediately participants' accounts with payments
in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the
principal amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such
Depository or its nominee. The Company also expects that payments by
participants to owners of beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes represented
by such Global Security held through such participants will be governed by
standing customer instructions and customary practices, as is now the case
with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or
registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such
participants.
 
  If the Depository with respect to any Global Security is at any time
unwilling, unable or ineligible to continue as depositary and a successor
depositary is not appointed by the Company within 90 days of such time, the
Company will issue Certificated Notes in exchange for each Book-Entry Note
represented by such Global
 
                                     S-17
<PAGE>
 
Security. In addition, the Company may at any time and in its sole discretion
determine not to have the Notes represented by a Global Security and, in such
event, will issue Certificated Notes in exchange for the Book-Entry Notes
represented by such Global Security. In either instance, an owner of a
beneficial interest in a Book-Entry Note will be entitled to have a
Certificated Note or Notes equal in principal amount to such beneficial
interest registered in its name and will be entitled to physical delivery of
such Note or Notes.
 
  DTC has advised the Company and the Agents as follows: DTC is a limited-
purpose trust company organized under the laws of the State of New York, a
member of the Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the
meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency"
registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934. DTC was created to hold securities for persons that have
accounts with DTC ("participants") and to facilitate the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions among its participants in such
securities through electronic book-entry changes in accounts of the
participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movements of
securities certificates. DTC's participants include securities brokers and
dealers (including the Agents), banks, trust companies, clearing corporations,
and certain other organizations, some of whom (and/or their representatives)
own DTC. Access to DTC's book-entry system is also available to others, such
as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through or maintain
a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.
Persons who are not participants may beneficially own securities held by DTC
only through participants.
 
  DTC has also advised the Company and the Agents that, upon the issuance by
the Company of Book-Entry Notes represented by a Global Security, DTC will
credit on its book-entry registration and transfer system the respective
principal amounts of the Book-Entry Notes represented by such Global Security
to the accounts of participants. The accounts to be credited shall be
designated by the applicable Agent or by the Company if such Notes are offered
and sold directly by the Company. Ownership of beneficial interests in Book-
Entry Notes represented by a Global Security registered in the name of DTC or
its nominee will be limited to participants or persons that may hold interests
through participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes
represented by a Global Security registered in the name of DTC or its nominee
will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only
through, records maintained by DTC or its nominee (with respect to beneficial
interests of participants), or by participants or persons that may hold
interests through participants (with respect to beneficial interests of
persons other than participants). The laws of some states may require that
certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such securities in
certificated form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability to
transfer beneficial interests in Book-Entry Notes.
 
                                     S-18
<PAGE>
 
                   CERTAIN UNITED STATES TAX CONSIDERATIONS
 
UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
  The following is a summary of certain United States federal income tax
considerations that may be relevant to a holder of a Note that is a United
States person (as defined in the Code), or that otherwise is subject to United
States federal income taxation on a net income basis in respect of a Note.
This summary is based on laws, regulations, rulings and decisions now in
effect, all of which are subject to change. This summary deals only with
holders that will hold Notes as capital assets and does not address tax
considerations applicable to investors that may be subject to special tax
rules, such as financial institutions, tax-exempt organizations, insurance
companies or dealers in securities or currencies, or persons that will hold
Notes as a position in a "straddle" or as part of a hedging transaction for
tax purposes. This summary does not include a discussion of tax consequences
to holders of any Note in which principal, premium, if any, and interest, if
any, with respect to such Note are to be paid in a Specified Currency or which
is an Indexed Note. Additional United States federal income tax considerations
applicable to particular Notes may be set forth in the applicable Pricing
Supplement.
 
  Investors should consult their own tax advisors in determining the tax
consequences to them of holding and disposing of Notes, including the
application to their particular situation of the tax considerations discussed
below, as well as the application of state, local, foreign or other tax laws.
 
  Payments of Interest. Payments of Qualified Stated Interest (as defined
below) on a Note will be taxable to a holder as ordinary interest income at
the time that such payments are accrued or are received (in accordance with
the holder's method of tax accounting). In general, Qualified Stated Interest
is stated interest which is unconditionally payable in cash or property (other
than debt instruments of the issuer) at least annually at a single fixed rate.
(For a special rule in the case of Floating Rate Notes, see below.)
 
  Purchase, Sale and Retirement of Notes. A holder's tax-basis in a Note
generally will equal the cost of such Note to such holder, increased by any
amounts includible in income by the holder as original issue discount (and
accrued market discount, if any, if the holder has included such market
discount in income) and reduced by any amortized premium (each as described
below) and any payments other than payments of Qualified Stated Interest made
on such Note.
 
  Upon the sale, exchange or retirement of a Note, a holder generally will
recognize gain or loss in an amount equal to the difference between the amount
realized on the sale, exchange or retirement (less any accrued and unpaid
interest, which will be taxable as such) and the holder's tax basis in the
Note.
 
  Except as otherwise discussed below, gain or loss recognized by certain
noncorporate holders on the sale, exchange or retirement of a Note could be
taxed at a rate lower than ordinary income. Different tax rates may be
applicable to such taxpayers based upon the period that such Note was held
(for one year or less, for more than one year but not more than eighteen
months, for more than eighteen months, and for certain taxpayers in taxable
years beginning after December 31, 2000, for more than five years). The
distinction between capital gain or loss and ordinary income is also relevant
for purposes of, among other things, the limitation on the deductibility of
capital losses.
 
  Original Issue Discount. Holders of Original Issue Discount Notes generally
will be subject to the special tax accounting rules for original issue
discount obligations provided by the Code and certain Treasury Regulations
issued on January 27, 1994 (the "OID Regulations"). Holders of such Notes
should be aware that, as described in greater detail below, they generally
must include original issue discount in ordinary gross income for United
States federal income tax purposes as it accrues, in advance of the receipt of
cash attributable to that income.
 
  For United States Federal income tax purposes, original issue discount is
the excess of the stated redemption price at maturity of a Note over its issue
price, if such excess equals or exceeds a de minimus amount (generally 1/4 of
1% of the Note's stated redemption price at maturity multiplied by the number
of complete years to its maturity from its issue date). The issue price of an
issue of Notes equals the first price at which a substantial
 
                                     S-19
<PAGE>
 
amount of such Notes has been sold. The stated redemption price at maturity of
a Note is the sum of all payments provided by the Note other than payments of
Qualified Stated Interest. In addition, under the OID Regulations, if a Note
bears interest for one or more accrual periods at a rate below the rate
applicable for the remaining term of such Note (e.g., Notes with teaser rates
or interest holidays), and if the greater of either the resulting foregone
interest on such Note or any "true" discount on such Note (i.e., the excess of
the Note's stated principal amount over its issue price) equals or exceeds a
specified de minimis amount, then part or all of the stated interest on the
Note would be treated entirely as original issue discount rather than
Qualified Stated Interest.
 
  In general, each holder of an Original Issue Discount Note, whether such
holder uses the cash or the accrual method of tax accounting, will be required
to include in ordinary gross income the sum of the "daily portions" of
original issue discount on that Note for all days during the taxable year on
which the holder owns the Note. The daily portions of original issue discount
on an Original Issue Discount Note are determined by allocating to each day in
any accrual period a ratable portion of the original issue discount allocable
to that accrual period. An accrual period may be any length of time, and the
lengths may vary during the time the Note is outstanding, so long as no
accrual period is greater than one year and provided that each scheduled
payment of principal or interest occurs either on the final day of an accrual
period or on the first day of an accrual period. In the case of an initial
holder, the amount of original issue discount on an Original Issue Discount
Note allocable to each accrual period is determined by (i) multiplying the
"adjusted issue price" (as defined below) of the Note by the yield to maturity
of the Note (as adjusted for the length of the accrual period) and (ii)
subtracting from that product the amount, if any, of Qualified Stated Interest
allocable to that accrual period.
 
  The "adjusted issue price" of an Original Issue Discount Note at the
beginning of any accrual period will generally be the sum of its issue price
and the amount of original issue discount allocable to all prior accrual
periods, reduced by the amount of all payments other than payments of
Qualified Stated Interest, if any, made with respect to such Note in all prior
accrual periods. As discussed above, in order to determine the amount of
original issue discount allocable to an accrual period, the adjusted issue
price of an Original Issue Discount Note will be multiplied by the Note's
yield to maturity (as adjusted for the length of the accrual period). As a
result of this "constant yield" method of including original issue discount
into income, the amounts so includible in income by a holder, in respect of an
Original Issue Discount Note, are generally lesser in the early years and
greater in the later years than the amounts that would be includible on a
straight-line basis.
 
  In the case of Floating Rate Notes, special rules apply. Such a Note will
qualify as a "variable rate debt instrument" if it (i) has an issue price
which does not exceed the total noncontingent principal payments by more than
an amount equal to the lesser of (a) .015 multiplied by the product of the
total noncontingent principal payments and the number of complete years to the
Floating Rate Note's maturity from its issue date or (b) 15 percent of the
total noncontingent principal payments; (ii) provides for stated interest,
paid or compounded at least annually, at current values of (a) one or more
qualified floating rates, (b) a single fixed rate and one or more qualified
floating rates, (c) a single fixed rate and a single objective rate that is a
qualified inverse floating rate or (d) a single objective rate. A floating
rate is a qualified floating rate if variations in the rate can reasonably be
expected to measure contemporaneous variations in the cost of newly borrowed
funds in the currency in which the Floating Rate Note is denominated. A
multiple of a qualified floating rate is generally not a qualified floating
rate, except that a multiple greater than .65 and not more than 1.35 is
permissible (and the product can be decreased or increased by a fixed rate).
An objective rate is a rate (other than a qualified floating rate) that is
determined using a single fixed formula and that is based on objective
financial or economic information (i.e., an objective rate generally includes
a rate that is based on one or more qualified floating rates or on the yield
of actively traded personal property (within the meaning of Section 1092(d)(1)
of the Code), unless the rate is based on information that is within the
control of the issuer (or certain related parties) or that is unique to the
circumstances of the issuer (or certain related parties), such as dividends,
profits, or the value of the issuer's stock). A qualified inverse floating
rate is an objective rate in which (i) the rate is equal to a fixed rate minus
a qualified floating rate and (ii) variations in the rate can reasonably be
expected to inversely reflect contemporaneous variations in the cost of newly
borrowed funds. The fact that a Floating Rate Note has a Maximum Interest Rate
or a Minimum Interest Rate will not affect the qualification of such Floating
Rate Note
 
                                     S-20
<PAGE>
 
as a "variable rate debt instrument" if such Maximum or Minimum Interest Rates
are fixed throughout the term of the debt instruments, or such Maximum or
Minimum Interest Rates are not reasonably expected as of the issue date to
cause the yield on the Note to be significantly more or less than the yield
would be without the restriction of the Maximum or Minimum Interest Rate. The
OID Regulations also provide that if a Floating Rate Note provides for stated
interest at a fixed rate for an initial period of less than one year followed
by a variable rate that is either a qualified floating rate or an objective
rate and if the variable rate on the Floating Rate Note's issue date is
intended to approximate the fixed rate (e.g., the value of the variable rate
on the issue date does not differ from the value of the fixed rate by more
than 25 basis points), then the fixed rate and the variable rate together will
constitute either a single qualified floating rate or objective rate, as the
case may be.
 
  If a Floating Rate Note that provides for stated interest at either a single
qualified floating rate or a single objective rate throughout the term thereof
qualifies as a "variable rate debt instrument" under the OID Regulations, then
any stated interest on such Note which is unconditionally payable in cash or
property (other than debt instruments of the issuer) at least annually will
constitute Qualified Stated Interest and will be taxed accordingly. Thus, a
Floating Rate Note that provides for stated interest at either a single
qualified floating rate or a single objective rate throughout the term thereof
and that qualifies as a "variable rate debt instrument" under the OID
Regulations will generally not be treated as having been issued with original
issue discount unless the Floating Rate Note is issued at a "true" discount
(i.e., at a price below the Note's stated principal amount) in excess of a
specified de minimis amount. Original issue discount on such a Floating Rate
Note arising from "true" discount is allocated to an accrual period using the
constant yield method described above.
 
  In general, any other Floating Rate Note that qualifies as a "variable rate
debt instrument" will be deemed to be converted into an "equivalent" fixed
rate debt instrument for purposes of determining the amount and accrual of
original issue discount and Qualified Stated Interest on the Floating Rate
Note. The OID Regulations generally require that such a Floating Rate Note be
treated as converted into an "equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument by
substituting any qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate
provided for under the terms of the Floating Rate Note with a fixed rate equal
to the value of the qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating
rate, as the case may be, as of the Floating Rate Note's issue date. Any
objective rate (other than a qualified inverse floating rate) provided for
under the terms of the Floating Rate Note is converted into a fixed rate that
reflects the yield that is reasonably expected for the Floating Rate Note. In
the case of a Floating Rate Note that qualifies as a "variable rate debt
instrument" and provides for stated interest at a fixed rate in addition to
either one or more qualified floating rates or a qualified inverse floating
rate, the fixed rate is initially converted into a qualified floating rate (or
a qualified inverse floating rate, if the Floating Rate Note provides for a
qualified inverse floating rate). Under such circumstances, the qualified
floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate that replaces the fixed rate
must be such that the fair market value of the Floating Rate Note as of the
Floating Rate Note's issue date is approximately the same as the fair market
value of an otherwise identical debt instrument that provides for either the
qualified floating rate or qualified inverse floating rate rather than the
fixed rate. Subsequent to converting the fixed rate into either a qualified
floating rate or a qualified inverse floating rate, the Floating Rate Note is
then treated as converted into an "equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument in
the manner described above.
 
  Once the Floating Rate Note is deemed converted into an "equivalent" fixed
rate debt instrument pursuant to the foregoing rules, the amount of original
issue discount and Qualified Stated Interest, if any, are determined for the
"equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument by applying the general original issue
discount rules to the "equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument and a United
States holder of the Floating Rate Note will account for such original issue
discount and qualified stated interest as if the United States holder held the
"equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument. Each accrual period appropriate
adjustments will be made to the amount of qualified stated interest or
original issue discount assumed to have been accrued or paid with respect to
the "equivalent" fixed rate debt instrument in the event that such amounts
differ from the actual amount of interest accrued or paid on the Floating Rate
Note during the accrual period.
 
  If a Floating Rate Note does not qualify for the above treatment, then the
Note will be an Original Issue Discount Note and the interest on such Note
will be treated as contingent interest. Contingent interest is generally
 
                                     S-21
<PAGE>
 
includible in income over time based on a projected payment schedule and the
issuer's cost of capital for fixed rate debt instruments, and gain or loss
from the sale, exchange or retirement of a Note providing for contingent
interest will generally be treated as ordinary gain or loss. The regulations
governing contingent interest are quite complex, and the application of these
regulations to particular Notes may be set forth in the applicable Pricing
Supplement.
 
  A subsequent holder of an Original Issue Discount Note that does not
purchase the Note at a cost which exceeds its stated redemption price at
maturity, reduced by the amount of any payment made on the Note prior to the
date of purchase other than payments of Qualified Stated Interest, also
generally will be required to include in gross income the daily portions of
original issue discount, calculated as described above. However, if the
subsequent holder acquires the Original Issue Discount Note at a lower yield
to maturity than the yield of the Note for original issue discount purposes
with respect to the initial holder of the Note, the subsequent holder may
reduce its periodic inclusions of original issue discount income to reflect
the lower yield to maturity of the Note.
 
  In general, an individual or other cash method holder of an Original Issue
Discount Note that matures one year or less from the date of its issuance (a
"short-term Original Issue Discount Note") is not required to accrue original
issue discount for United States federal income tax purposes unless an
election is made to do so. United States holders who report income for federal
income tax purposes on the accrual method and certain other holders, including
banks and dealers in securities, are required to include original issue
discount on such short-term Original Issue Discount Notes on a straight-line
basis, unless an election is made to accrue the original issue discount
according to a constant interest method based on daily compounding. In the
case of a holder who is not required, and does not elect, to include original
issue discount in income currently, any gain realized on the sale, exchange or
retirement of the short-term Original Issue Discount Note will be ordinary
income to the extent of the original issue discount accrued on a straight-line
basis (or, if elected, according to a constant interest method based on daily
compounding) through the date of sale, exchange or retirement. In addition,
such non-electing holders which are not subject to the current inclusion
requirement described in this paragraph will be required to defer deductions
for any interest paid on indebtedness incurred or continued to purchase or
carry such short-term Original Issue Discount Notes in an amount not exceeding
the deferred interest income, until such deferred interest income is realized.
 
  If any Note is issued with Optional Repayment Dates, the yield and maturity
on the Note will be calculated by assuming that the Note will be repaid on the
first Optional Repayment Date if such repayment would increase the yield on
the Note. If the Note is deemed to be repaid on the first Optional Repayment
Date, but is not in fact repaid on such date, then for purposes of calculating
original issue discount, a new Note will be deemed issued on such date for the
Note's adjusted issue price on such date, and the rules outlined in this and
the previous sentence will apply with respect to al subsequent Optional
Repayment Dates.
 
  If any Note is issued with multiple redemption dates, the yield and maturity
on such Note will be calculated by assuming that the Note will be redeemed on
the Initial Redemption Date if such redemption would decrease the yield on the
Note. If the Note is deemed to be redeemed on the Initial Redemption Date, but
is not in fact redeemed on such date, then for purposes of calculating
original issue discount, a new Note will be deemed issued on such date for the
Note's adjusted issue price on such date, and the rules outlined in this and
the previous sentence will apply with respect to all subsequent redemption
dates.
 
  If any Note is subject to an Extension Period, then the yield and maturity
on such Note shall be calculated by deeming the Final Maturity Date to be the
Stated Maturity Date of the Note and treating the Original Stated Maturity
Date as being the date on which the Company has a call option on the Note.
Such call option will be deemed to be exercised on the Original Stated
Maturity Date if, and only if, by utilizing the Original Stated Maturity Date
as the Maturity Date and the redemption price on such date as the stated
redemption price at maturity, the yield to maturity of the Note is lower than
it would be if the Note were not redeemed on such date. If the Note is deemed
to be repaid on the Original Stated Maturity Date and is not in fact repaid on
such date, then for purposes of calculating original issue discount a new Note
will be deemed issued on the Original Stated
 
                                     S-22
<PAGE>
 
Maturity Date for the Note's adjusted issue price on such date and the rules
outlined in this and the previous sentence will apply with respect to all
subsequent maturity dates. If the deemed call option is not considered to be
exercised, the option to extend shall be presumed to be exercised.
 
  Premium and Market Discount. A holder of a Note that purchases the Note at a
cost greater than the sum of all amounts payable on the Note after the
purchase (other than payments of Qualified Stated Interest) will be considered
to have purchased the Note at a premium and may amortize such premium, using a
constant yield method, over the remaining term of the Note.
 
  If a holder of a Note purchases the Note at a price that produces a yield to
maturity higher than the yield to maturity at which such Note first was
issued, the Note generally will be considered to bear "market discount" in the
hands of such holder. In such case, the gain realized by the holder on the
sale or retirement of the Note generally will be treated as ordinary income to
the extent of the market discount that accrued on the Note while held by such
holder, unless such holder elected to accrue market discount into income
currently. In general terms, market discount on a Note will be treated as
accruing ratably over the term of such Note, or, at the election of the
holder, under a constant yield method. In addition, a portion of the interest
expense incurred or continued to purchase or carry a Note with market discount
may be deferred unless the holder elects to accrue market discount into income
currently.
 
  The OID Regulations provide for an election whereby a holder may choose to
treat all stated interest, original issue discount, and market discount as
original issue discount.
 
  Treatment of Certain Interest. The treatment to a holder of income from an
Original Issue Discount Note may be affected by a provision of the Omnibus
Budget Reconciliation Act of 1989. To the extent this provision applies to an
Original Issue Discount Note and the holder of such Note is a corporation,
then solely for purposes of the deduction allowed by the Code to corporations
for dividends received from a domestic corporation, all or a portion of the
original issue discount from such Note may be treated as a dividend to such
holder. For this provision to apply (i) the maturity date of a debt instrument
must be more than 5 years from the date of issue, (ii) the yield to maturity
on such instrument must equal or exceed the sum of (A) the applicable federal
rate in effect under Section 1274(d) of the Code for the calendar month in
which the obligation is issued, plus (B) 5 percentage points, and (iii) such
instrument must have "significant original issue discount."  A debt instrument
will be treated as having "significant original issue discount" if (i) the
aggregate amount which would be includible in gross income with respect to
such instrument for periods before the close of any accrual period ending
after the date five years after the date of issue exceeds (ii) the sum of (A)
the aggregate amount of interest to be paid under the instrument before the
close of such accrual period, and (B) the product of the issue price of such
instrument and its yield to maturity. For purposes of applying this provision
to a debt instrument, any payment under the instrument will be assumed to be
made on the last day permitted under such instrument. The specific application
of this provision to an Original Issue Discount Note will depend upon the
terms of such Note.
 
NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS
 
  Under present United States federal income and estate tax law, and subject
to the discussion of backup withholding below:
 
    (i) payments of principal and interest, including premium or original
  issue discount ("Discount") on an Original Issue Discount Note, made by the
  Company or any of its paying agents on a Note to any holder that is a
  corporation, individual, fiduciary or partnership that is, as to the United
  States, a foreign corporation, a nonresident alien individual, a
  nonresident fiduciary of a foreign estate or trust, or a foreign
  partnership (a "United States Alien") will not be subject to United States
  withholding tax, provided that in the case of Discount or interest, (a) the
  holder does not actually or constructively own 10% or more of the total
  combined voting power of all classes of stock of the Company entitled to
  vote, (b) the holder is not a controlled foreign corporation that is
  related to the Company through stock ownership, (c) the holder is not a
  bank receiving interest described in Section 881(c)(3) of the Code, and (d)
  either (1) the beneficial owner of the Note certifies to the Company or its
  agent, under penalties of perjury, that it is not a United States
 
                                     S-23
<PAGE>
 
  person (as defined in the Code) and provides its name and address or (2) a
  securities clearing organization, bank or other financial institution that
  holds customers' securities in the ordinary course of its trade or business
  (a "financial institution"), and holds the Note on behalf of the beneficial
  owner, certifies to the Company or its agent, under penalties of perjury,
  that such a certification from the beneficial owner has been received by it
  or by a financial institution between it and the beneficial owner and
  furnishes the payor with a copy thereof;
 
    (ii) a holder of a Note who is a United States Alien will not be subject
  to United States federal income tax on gain realized on the sale, exchange
  or retirement of the Note, unless (a) such gain is derived within the
  United States and such holder is an individual who is present in the United
  States for 183 days or more during the taxable year in which the gain
  occurred or (b) such gain is effectively connected with a United States
  trade or business of such holder; and
 
    (iii) a Note held by an individual who at the time of death is not a
  citizen or resident of the United States (as defined in the Code) will not
  be subject to United States federal estate tax as a result of such
  individual's death if the individual does not actually or constructively
  own 10% or more of the total combined voting power of all classes of stock
  of the Company entitled to vote and, at the time of the individual's death,
  payments with respect to the Note would not have been effectively connected
  to the conduct of a trade or business by the individual in the United
  States.
 
  If a United States Alien is engaged in a trade or business in the United
States and interest, including Discount, on the Note is effectively connected
with the conduct of such trade or business, the United States Alien, although
exempt from the withholding tax discussed in the preceding paragraph, may be
subject to United States income tax on such interest and Discount in the same
manner as if it were a United States holder. In addition, if such a holder is
a foreign corporation, it may be subject to a branch profits tax equal to 30%
of its effectively connected earnings and profits for the taxable year,
subject to adjustments. For this purpose, interest, including Discount, on a
Note will be included in earnings and profits if such interest and Discount is
effectively connected with the conduct by the United States Alien of a trade
or business in the United States.
 
  Notwithstanding the above, certain contingent interest will be taxable to
non-resident alien individuals and foreign corporations unless such interest
is subject to a treaty exemption. For this purpose, subject to certain
exceptions, interest is deemed to be contingent if the amount of interest is
determined by reference to:
 
  1. any receipts, sales or other cash flow of the issuer or a related
  person;
 
  2. any income or profits of the issuer or a related person;
 
  3. any change in value of any property of the issuer or a related person;
  or
 
  4. any dividend, partnership distribution or similar payments made by the
  issuer or a related person.
 
  A "related person" for this purpose includes not only persons who would be
related under the rules of Section 267(b) and Section 707(b)(1) of the Code,
but also anyone who is a party to any arrangement undertaken for a tax
avoidance purpose. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") may
designate in regulations other types of contingent interest which will fall
under the scope of this law.
 
  Also, a Note providing only for contingent interest will be considered
situated within the United States for estate tax purposes, and will thus be
included in a decedent's gross estate. If a Note provides for both contingent
and non-contingent interest, an appropriate portion of the value of such an
instrument, as determined in a manner prescribed by the IRS, will be treated
as property within the United States and will thus be included in a decedent's
gross estate. Until regulations are issued to provide guidance as to the
proper method for determining the appropriate portion of such an instrument
that is to be treated as situated in the United States, taxpayers will be
permitted to use any reasonable method for making such determination.
 
  The exact scope of the law relating to contingent interest Notes remains to
be determined by regulations. Prospective holders of Notes are urged to
consult their personal tax advisors with respect to the scope of the law.
 
                                     S-24
<PAGE>
 
INFORMATION REPORTING AND BACKUP WITHHOLDING
 
  Payments of principal (including Discount, if any) of and any premium and
interest on a Note made within the United States by the Company or a Paying
Agent are generally subject to information reporting and possibly to "backup
withholding" at a rate of 31%. Information reporting and "backup withholding"
generally do not apply to payments to certain "exempt recipients" such as
corporations. Also, information reporting and backup withholding do not apply
to payments of principal (including Discount, if any) of and any premium and
interest on a Note made outside the United States by the Company or a Paying
Agent if the certification described in clause (i) (d) under "Non-United
States Holders" is received, provided in each case that the payor does not
have actual knowledge that the holder is a United States person.
 
  Payment of the proceeds from the sale of a Note to or through a foreign
office of a broker will not be subject to information reporting or backup
withholding, except that, if the broker is a United States person, a
controlled foreign corporation for United States tax purposes or a foreign
person 50% or more of whose gross income is from a United States trade or
business, information reporting and possibly backup withholding will apply to
such payments unless such broker has documentary evidence in its files of the
owner's foreign status and has no actual knowledge to the contrary (or the
owner otherwise establishes an exemption from information reporting and backup
withholding). Payment of the proceeds from the sale of a Note to or through
the United States office of a broker is subject to information reporting and
backup withholding unless the holder or beneficial owner certifies as to its
United States Alien status or otherwise establishes an exemption from
information reporting and backup withholding.
 
NEW WITHHOLDING REGULATIONS
 
  On October 6, 1997, the U.S. Treasury Department issued new regulations (the
"New Regulations") which make certain modifications to the withholding, backup
withholding and information reporting rules described above. The New
Regulations attempt to unify certification requirements and modify reliance
standards. The New Regulations are generally effective for payments made after
December 31, 1998, subject to certain transition rules. Prospective investors
are urged to consult their own tax advisors regarding the New Regulations.
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
   
  The Notes are being offered on a continuous basis by the Company through
Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated,
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Lehman Brothers, Lehman Brothers Inc.
or Salomon Brothers Inc (each an "Agent" and together the "Agents"). The
Company reserves the right to sell Notes through agents other than the Agents
subject to the terms of the Distribution Agreement between the Company and the
Agents. The Company will pay the applicable Agent a commission which,
depending on the maturity of the Notes and the rating assigned to the Notes by
nationally recognized statistical rating agencies, will range from .125% to
 .925% of the principal amount or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount
Note, the Issue Price of any Note of the Company sold through such Agent. The
Company may sell the Notes to each of the Agents, as principal, at a discount
for their own account or for resale to investors or other purchasers at
varying prices related to prevailing market prices at the time of resale, to
be determined by such Agent or, if so agreed, at a fixed public offering
price.     
 
  In addition, the Agents may offer the Notes they have purchased as principal
to other dealers. The Agents may sell Notes to any dealer at a discount and,
unless otherwise specified in an applicable Pricing Supplement, such discount
allowed to any dealer will not be in excess of the discount to be received by
such Agent from the Company. Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable
Pricing Supplement, any Note sold to an Agent as principal will be purchased
by such Agent at a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof less a
percentage of the principal amount equal to the commission applicable to an
agency sale of a Note of identical maturity. An Agent may sell Notes it has
purchased from the Company as principal to certain dealers less a concession
equal to all or any portion of the discount received in connection with such
purchase. Such Agent may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a discount to
certain other dealers. After the initial offering of Notes, the offering price
(in the case of Notes to be resold on a fixed offering price basis), the
concession and the reallowance may be changed.
 
                                     S-25
<PAGE>
 
  The Company reserves the right to withdraw, cancel or modify the offer made
hereby without notice and, in its sole discretion, may accept or reject orders
in whole or in part whether placed directly with Company or through an Agent.
Each Agent will have the right, in its discretion reasonably exercised, to
reject any offer to purchase Notes received by it, in whole or in part.
 
  Payment of the purchase price of the Notes will be required to be made in
immediately available funds in The City of New York, on the date of
settlement.
 
  In connection with an offering of Notes purchased by one or more Agents as
principal(s) on a fixed price offering basis, such Agent(s) will be permitted
to engage in certain transactions that stabilize the price of Notes. Such
transactions may consist of bids or purchases for the purpose of pegging,
fixing or maintaining the price of Notes. If the Agent creates or the Agents
create, as the case may be, a short position in Notes, i.e., if it sells or
they sell Notes in an aggregate principal amount exceeding that set forth in
the applicable Pricing Supplement, such Agent(s) may reduce that short
position by purchasing Notes in the open market. In general, purchases of
Notes for the purpose of stabilization or to reduce a short position could
cause the price of Notes to be higher than it might be in the absence of such
purchases.
 
  Neither the Company nor any of the Agents makes any representation or
prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the
transactions described in the immediately preceding paragraph may have on the
price of Notes. In addition, neither the Company nor any of the Agents makes
any representation that the Agents will engage in any such transactions or
that such transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without
notice.
 
  Merrill Lynch & Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated,
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Salomon
Brothers Inc and certain affiliates thereof engage in transactions with and
perform services for the Company and the Parent and certain of their
subsidiaries in the ordinary course of business.
 
  The Company has agreed to indemnify the Agents against, or to contribute to
payments the Agents may be required to make in respect of, certain civil
liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended. The Agents may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of
such Act. The Company has agreed to reimburse the Agents for certain expenses.
The Agents may engage in transactions with or perform services for the Company
in the ordinary course of business.
 
  The Agents may from time to time purchase and sell Notes in the secondary
market, but they are not obligated to do so, and there can be no assurance
that there will be a secondary market for the Notes of the Company or
liquidity in the secondary market if one develops. From time to time, the
Agents may make a market in the Notes.
 
  The Company has reserved the right to sell Notes directly to investors in
those jurisdictions where it is authorized to do so.
 
                                     S-26
<PAGE>
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A         +
+REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE   +
+SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY  +
+OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT        +
+BECOMES EFFECTIVE. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR   +
+THE SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE      +
+SECURITIES IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE    +
+UNLAWFUL PRIOR TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF  +
+ANY SUCH STATE.                                                               +
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
                 
              SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED FEBRUARY 11, 1998     
 
PROSPECTUS
                            TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                                DEBT SECURITIES
                           TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                             SERIES PREFERRED STOCK
                               DEPOSITARY SHARES
           TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC. SERIES A TCI GROUP COMMON STOCK
 
  TCI Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and Tele-
Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Parent" or "TCI"), as the
case may be, from time to time may offer the following: (i) debentures, notes,
bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of the Company (the "Debt
Securities"), (ii) shares of the Series Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
share, of the Parent (the "Series Preferred Stock"), which may be issued in the
form of depositary shares ("Depositary Shares") evidenced by depositary
receipts, (iii) shares of the Parent's Tele-Communications, Inc. Series A TCI
Group Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (the "Series A TCI Group Common
Stock") (Debt Securities, Series Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares and Series
A TCI Group Common Stock in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered
are collectively referred to as the "Offered Securities"), or any combination
of the foregoing, at an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $3
billion (or the equivalent thereof denominated in one or more foreign
currencies, foreign currency units or composite currencies) at prices and on
terms to be determined at the time of sale and to be set forth in supplements
to this Prospectus.
 
  The Debt Securities may be offered as convertible Debt Securities
("Convertible Debt Securities") which, unless previously redeemed or otherwise
purchased, will be convertible at any time during the conversion period
specified in a supplement to this Prospectus into shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock. Debt Securities may be issued as Original Issue Discount
Securities to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal amount
and, if issued, certain terms thereof will be set forth in a supplement to this
Prospectus. The Debt Securities may be issued in registered form without
coupons attached ("Registered Debt Securities"), in bearer form with or without
coupons attached ("Bearer Debt Securities") and in the form of one or more
global securities ("Global Securities"). See "Description of Debt Securities."
Bearer Debt Securities will be offered only to non-United States persons
(subject to certain exceptions) and to branches, located outside the United
States, of certain United States financial institutions. See "Description of
Debt Securities--Limitations on Issuance of Bearer Debt Securities." The Debt
Securities may be offered as separate series in amounts, at prices and on terms
to be determined at the time of sale and set forth in a supplement to this
Prospectus. Series Preferred Stock may be issued as a series of convertible
Series Preferred Stock which, unless previously redeemed or otherwise
purchased, will be convertible at any time during the conversion period
specified in a supplement to this Prospectus into shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock. Series Preferred Stock may be offered as separate series in
amounts, at prices and on terms to be determined at the time of sale and set
forth in a supplement to this Prospectus. See "Description of Series Preferred
Stock." If the Parent elects to issue fractional interests in shares of a
series of Series Preferred Stock, such fractional interests will be represented
by Depositary Shares evidenced by depositary receipts, each Depositary Share
equivalent to a fractional interest in a share of such series of Series
Preferred Stock. See "Description of Depositary Shares." Shares of Series A TCI
Group Common Stock may be offered in amounts, at market prices prevailing at
the time of sale or at prices and on terms to be determined at or prior to the
time of sale and set forth in a supplement to this Prospectus. See "Description
of Parent Capital Stock--Common Stock."
 
  Certain terms of the Offered Securities in respect of which this Prospectus
is being delivered will be set forth in an accompanying supplement to this
Prospectus (a "Prospectus Supplement"). In the case of Debt Securities, the
Prospectus Supplement will include, where applicable, the specific designation
(including whether senior, senior subordinated or subordinated and whether
convertible), aggregate principal amount, maturity (which may be fixed or
extendible), interest rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable), if any,
and time of payment of interest, if any, authorized denominations, currency or
currencies in which principal, premium, if any, and interest are payable,
initial conversion price or conversion rate and any specific terms relating to
the adjustment thereof that are in addition to or different from those
described herein, the period during which any convertible Debt Securities may
be converted, any terms for a sinking fund or for redemption, purchase or
exchange at the option of the Company or the holder (including the form or
method of payment, which may include cash, Debt Securities of another series or
other forms of consideration), the terms of any guarantee of any Debt
Securities by the Parent, any covenants or events of default that are in
addition to or different from those described herein, the designation and
qualification (to the extent not already designated and qualified and described
herein) of any trustee with respect to the Debt Securities, and any other
specific terms of the Debt Securities, and the terms of the offer and sale
thereof. In the case of Series Preferred Stock, the Prospectus Supplement will
include the designation, the number of shares being offered, the initial public
offering price, any redemption provisions, any conversion rights, the
liquidation preference per share, the dividend rate (or method of calculation
thereof), dates on which dividends shall be payable and dates from which
dividends shall accrue, and the terms of the offering and sale thereof. In the
case of Depositary Shares, the Prospectus Supplement will include the
designation of the Series Preferred Stock represented thereby, the fraction of
a share of such Series Preferred Stock represented by each Depositary Share,
the number of Depositary Shares offered, the name of the depositary and the
terms of the offering and sale thereof. In the case of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock, the Prospectus Supplement will include the number of shares being
offered, the initial public offering price and terms of the offering and sale
thereof.
 
  The Company or the Parent may sell Offered Securities to or through
underwriters or dealers designated from time to time, which may be a group of
underwriters represented by one or more managing underwriters. In addition, the
Offered Securities may be sold directly by the Company to other purchasers or
through agents. See "Plan of Distribution." The names of any such underwriters,
dealers, managing underwriters, purchasers or agents involved in the sale of
the Offered Securities in respect of which this Prospectus is being delivered,
the amounts of Offered Securities, if any, to be purchased by such persons, the
purchase price of the Offered Securities sold, the proceeds to the Company or
the Parent from such sale, and the compensation, if any, of such underwriters,
dealers, managing underwriters, purchasers or agents will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement. The Company and the Parent reserve the sole right to
accept and, together with their agents, from time to time, to reject in whole
or in part any proposed purchase of the Offered Securities to be made directly
or through agents. See "Plan of Distribution" for possible indemnification
arrangements for agents, dealers and underwriters.
 
  This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Offered Securities
unless accompanied by the Prospectus Supplement applicable to the Offered
Securities being sold.
                                  ----------
 
 THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED  OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
   EXCHANGE  COMMISSION OR  ANY  STATE  SECURITIES  COMMISSION  NOR HAS  THE
    SECURITIES  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES  COMMISSION
      PASSED  UPON  THE ACCURACY  OR  ADEQUACY  OF THIS  PROSPECTUS.  ANY
        REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
                                  ----------
                
             The date of this Prospectus is February  , 1998.     
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
   
  The Company and the Parent have filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission (the "Commission"), Washington, D.C., a registration statement on
Form S-3 (Registration No. 333-44745) (together with all amendments and
exhibits, referred to as the "Registration Statement") under the Securities
Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), with respect to the Offered
Securities, the shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock that may be issuable
upon conversion of any convertible Debt Securities or Series Preferred Stock
and the guarantees that may be issued by the Parent in respect of Debt
Securities. This Prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth
in the Registration Statement, certain parts of which are omitted in
accordance with the rules and regulations of the Commission. For further
information pertaining to the Company, the Parent, the Offered Securities, and
the guarantees of the Parent offered hereby, reference is made to the
Registration Statement. Statements contained herein concerning the provisions
of any document are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference
is made to the copy of such document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement or otherwise filed with the Commission. Each such statement is
qualified in its entirety by such reference.     
 
  Each of the Company and the Parent is subject to the information
requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange
Act"), and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements,
information statements and other information with the Commission. Such
reports, proxy statements, information statements and other information filed
with the Commission under the Exchange Act by the Company and/or the Parent
can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained by
the Commission at Judiciary Plaza, Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the following Regional Offices of the
Commission: 500 West Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661; and
at 7 World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York, New York 10048. Copies of such
material can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The
Commission maintains a site on the World Wide Web that contains reports, proxy
and information statements and other information regarding registrants
(including the Company and the Parent) that file electronically with the
Commission. The address of the Commission's Web site is http://www.sec.gov.
 
                    INCORPORATION OF DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE
 
  The following documents have been filed with the Commission by the Company
(File No. 0-5550) and by the Parent (File No. 0-20421) and are incorporated
into this Prospectus by reference and made a part hereof:
 
   1. The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Parent for the fiscal year ended
      December 31, 1996, as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No.1).
 
   2. The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year
      ended December 31, 1996, as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No.1).
 
   3. The Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the Parent for the quarterly
      periods ended March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997, as
      amended by Form 10-Q/A (Amendment No. 1).
 
   4. The Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of the Company for the quarterly
      periods ended March 31, 1997, June 30, 1997 and September 30, 1997.
 
   5. The Current Reports on Form 8-K of the Parent dated January 22, 1997,
      March 5, 1997, August 28, 1997 and September 9, 1997.
 
   6. The Current Reports on Form 8-K of the Company dated January 22, 1997,
      March 11, 1997 and September 22, 1997.
 
   7. The financial statements and notes thereto of "VII Cable" which appear
      in the Current Report on Form 8-K of the Parent, dated June 19, 1996.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
  All documents filed by the Company and/or the Parent with the Commission
pursuant to Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act after the
date hereof and prior to the termination of the offering of the securities
offered hereby shall be deemed to be incorporated herein by reference and to
be a part hereof from the respective dates of the filing of such documents.
Any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or superseded
for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement contained
herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed
to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such previous
statement. Any such statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed,
except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
  The Company and the Parent will provide without charge to each person,
including any beneficial owner, to whom this Prospectus is delivered, upon the
written or oral request of any such person, a copy of any or all of the
documents incorporated by reference herein, other than certain exhibits to
such documents (unless such exhibits are specifically incorporated by
reference into the documents that this Prospectus incorporates). Such requests
should be addressed to Stephen M. Brett, Esq., Executive Vice President of TCI
Communications, Inc. and Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Tele-
Communications, Inc., Terrace Tower II, 5619 DTC Parkway, Englewood, Colorado
80111-3000; telephone (303) 267-5500.
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                          THE COMPANY AND THE PARENT
 
  The Company is one of the largest providers of cable television services in
the United States. The Company, through its subsidiaries and affiliates,
operates cable television systems throughout the continental United States and
Hawaii. The Parent owns all of the common stock of the Company.
 
  The Parent, through its subsidiaries (including the Company) and affiliates,
is principally engaged in the construction, acquisition, ownership and
operation of cable television systems and in the provision of satellite-
delivered video entertainment, information and home shopping programming
services to various distribution media, principally cable television systems.
The Parent also has investments in cable and telecommunications operations and
television programming in certain international markets, as well as
investments in companies and joint ventures involved in developing and
providing programming for new television and telecommunications technologies.
The Parent is organized into four principal business groups: Domestic Cable
and Communications; Programming; International Cable and Programming; and
Technology/Venture Capital.
 
  Both the Company and the Parent are Delaware corporations. The executive
offices of the Company and the Parent are located at Terrace Tower II, 5619
DTC Parkway, Englewood, Colorado 80111-3000; telephone (303) 267-5500. Unless
the context indicates otherwise and except as used in the discussion under the
caption "Description of Debt Securities," the "Company" means TCI
Communications, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries and the "Parent" means
Tele-Communications, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries.
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The net proceeds from the sale of the Offered Securities, together with
internally generated funds, may be used (i) to repay, redeem or repurchase
outstanding indebtedness of the Company or the Parent, as the case may be;
(ii) for general operations of the Company or the Parent, as the case may be,
including acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital requirements;
or (iii) for such other purposes as may be specified in the Prospectus
Supplement. All or a portion of such proceeds received by the Company or the
Parent, as the case may be, may be advanced to affiliates of the Company or
the Parent, as the case may be, in the form of dividends, loans or as a
contribution to capital, as applicable.
 
  A brief description of any indebtedness to be repaid with the proceeds of
the Offered Securities will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
 
  The amount of the Company's future capital expenditures for cable television
operations will be determined by acquisitions of additional cable television
systems, contractual obligations under existing franchises, expansions of
existing systems through rebuilds and upgrades, technological developments and
various other economic factors and market conditions. Specific plans,
arrangements or agreements, written or oral, with respect to any material
acquisitions by the Company by merger or otherwise, or with respect to any
material disposition of assets by the Company, if any, will, to the extent not
disclosed in a document incorporated by reference herein, be disclosed in the
Prospectus Supplement.
 
  Pending application of the net proceeds to the foregoing uses, the net
proceeds will be added to the Company's working capital and invested in short-
term interest-bearing obligations. Such investments will be subject to
fluctuating interest rates which may be lower than the rates applicable to the
Offered Securities.
 
  The Company may borrow additional funds from time to time from public and
private sources on both a long-term and short-term basis and may sell
commercial paper to fund its future capital and working capital requirements
in excess of internally generated funds. Certain of such borrowings may rank
senior in right of payment to the indebtedness represented by the Offered
Securities but only if such Offered Securities are not "Senior Debt
Securities." See "Description of Debt Securities."
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
   RATIO OF EARNINGS TO COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED STOCK DIVIDENDS
 
  Company. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends of the Company was 1.21, 1.22 and 1.00 for the years ended December
31, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, and 1.01 for the nine months ended
September 30, 1997. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and
preferred stock dividends of the Company was less than 1.00 for the years
ended December 31, 1996 and 1995, and for the nine months ended September 30,
1996; thus, earnings available for combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends were inadequate to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends for such periods. The amounts of the coverage deficiencies were $394
million and $170 million for the years ended December 31, 1996 and 1995,
respectively, and $366 million for the nine months ended September 30, 1996.
For the ratio calculations, earnings available for combined fixed charges and
preferred stock dividends consists of earnings (losses) before income taxes
plus fixed charges (minus capitalized interest and preferred stock dividend
requirements of the Company), distributions from and losses of less than 50%-
owned affiliates with debt not guaranteed by the Company (net of earnings not
distributed of less than 50%-owned affiliates), minority interests in earnings
(losses) of consolidated subsidiaries, the elimination of preferred stock
dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries to 50%-owned affiliates,
and preferred stock dividend requirements of 50%-owned affiliates, other than
dividends payable to the Company. Combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends consist of (i) interest (including capitalized interest) on debt,
including interest related to debt guaranteed by the Company of less than 50%-
owned affiliates where the investment in such affiliates results in the
recognition of a loss, (ii) the elimination of interest of consolidated
subsidiaries to 50%-owned affiliates, (iii) the Company's proportionate share
of interest of 50%-owned affiliates, (iv) that portion of rental expense the
Company believes to be representative of interest (one-third of rental
expense), (v) amortization of debt expense, (vi) that portion of minority
interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries that represent the
amount of pretax earnings that would be required to cover preferred stock
dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries, (vii) that portion of
minority interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries that
represents dividend requirements on Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable
preferred securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely subordinated debt
securities of a subsidiary, (viii) the amount of pretax earnings that would be
required to cover preferred stock dividend requirements of the Company, (ix)
the elimination of preferred stock dividend requirements of consolidated
subsidiaries to 50%-owned affiliates, and (x) the preferred stock dividend
requirements of 50%-owned affiliates, other than dividends payable to the
Company. The Company has guaranteed the debt of certain less than 50%-owned
affiliates and certain unaffiliated entities in which it has an interest.
Fixed charges of $13 million, $5 million, $5 million, $14 million and $3
million relating to such guarantees for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, and fixed charges of $10 million and
$3 million relating to such guarantees for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 and 1996, respectively, have not been included in fixed charges because
the investment in such entity does not result in the recognition of a loss and
it is not probable that the Company will be required to honor the guarantee.
 
  Parent. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends of the Parent was 1.44, 1.17, 1.22 and 1.00 for the years ended
December 31, 1996, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, and 1.21 for the nine
months ended September 30, 1997. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends of the Parent was less than 1.00 for the
year ended December 31, 1995 and for the nine months ended September 30, 1996;
thus, earnings available for combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends were inadequate to cover combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends for such periods. The amounts of the coverage deficiencies were $246
million for the year ended December 31, 1995 and $503 million for the nine
months ended September 30, 1996. For the ratio calculations, earnings
available for combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends consists of
earnings (losses) before income taxes plus fixed charges (minus capitalized
interest and preferred stock dividend requirements of the Parent),
distributions from and losses of less than 50%-owned affiliates with debt not
guaranteed by the Parent (net of earnings not distributed of less than 50%-
owned affiliates), minority interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated
subsidiaries, the elimination of preferred stock dividend requirements of
consolidated subsidiaries to 50%-owned affiliates, and preferred stock
dividend requirements of 50%-owned affiliates, other than dividends payable to
the Parent. Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends consist of
(i) interest (including capitalized interest) on debt, including
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
interest related to debt guaranteed by the Parent of less than 50%-owned
affiliates where the investment in such affiliates results in the recognition
of a loss, (ii) the elimination of interest of consolidated subsidiaries to
50%-owned affiliates, (iii) the Parent's proportionate share of interest of
50%-owned affiliates, (iv) that portion of rental expense the Parent believes
to be representative of interest (one-third of rental expense), (v)
amortization of debt expense, (vi) that portion of minority interests in
earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries that represent the amount of
pretax earnings that would be required to cover preferred stock dividend
requirements of consolidated subsidiaries, (vii) that portion of minority
interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries that represents
dividend requirements on Parent-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
securities of subsidiary trusts holding solely subordinated debt securities of
a subsidiary, (viii) the amount of pretax earnings that would be required to
cover preferred stock dividend requirements of the Parent, (ix) the
elimination of preferred stock dividend requirements of consolidated
subsidiaries to 50%-owned affiliates, and (x) the preferred stock dividend
requirements of 50%-owned affiliates, other than dividends payable to the
Parent. The Parent has guaranteed the debt of certain less than 50%-owned
affiliates and certain unaffiliated entities in which it has an interest.
Fixed charges of $8 million, $8 million, $6 million, $14 million and $3
million relating to such guarantees for the years ended December 31, 1996,
1995, 1994, 1993 and 1992, respectively, and fixed charges of $14 million and
$9 million relating to such guarantees for the nine months ended September 30,
1997 and 1996, respectively, have not been included in fixed charges because
the investment in such entity does not result in the recognition of a loss and
it is not probable that the Parent will be required to honor the guarantee.
 
                        DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The Company may offer Debt Securities consisting of Senior Debt Securities,
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities, any of
which Debt Securities may be issued as Convertible Debt Securities, or any
combination of the foregoing.
 
  The Debt Securities will represent unsecured general obligations of the
Company. The Senior Debt Securities will be senior to all subordinated
indebtedness of the Company, and pari passu (equally and ratably) with other
unsecured, unsubordinated indebtedness of the Company. The Senior Subordinated
Debt Securities will be subordinate in right of payment to certain other debt
obligations of the Company, pari passu with certain other senior subordinated
indebtedness of the Company and senior to certain other subordinated
indebtedness of the Company. The Subordinated Debt Securities will be
subordinate in right of payment to certain other debt obligations of the
Company and pari passu with certain other subordinated indebtedness of the
Company. At September 30, 1997, the Company had an aggregate of approximately
$13.955 billion of total Debt (as defined under "Senior Debt Securities--
Definitions") (including guarantees of indebtedness of others and the
unaccreted portion of indebtedness issued at a discount, but excluding
indebtedness owed to subsidiaries), substantially all of which would rank on a
parity in right of payment with the Senior Debt Securities. At that date, the
Company and its subsidiaries also had an aggregate of approximately $1.6
billion in undrawn lines of credit (excluding amounts related to lines of
credit which provide availability to support commercial paper).
 
  The Company is a holding company and its assets consist primarily of
investments in its subsidiaries. A substantial portion of the consolidated
liabilities of the Company have been incurred by its subsidiaries. Therefore,
the Company's rights and the rights of its creditors, including holders of
Debt Securities, to participate in the distribution of assets of any
subsidiary upon the latter's liquidation or reorganization will be subject to
prior claims of the subsidiary's creditors, including trade creditors, except
to the extent that the Company may itself be a creditor with recognized claims
against the subsidiary (in which case the claims of the Company would still be
subject to the prior claims of any secured creditor of such subsidiary and of
any holder of indebtedness of such subsidiary that is senior to that held by
the Company). At September 30, 1997, the Company's subsidiaries had total Debt
of approximately $4.912 billion (including guarantees of indebtedness of
others and the unaccreted portion of indebtedness issued at a discount, but
excluding indebtedness owed to the Company).
 
  The Debt Securities will be obligations exclusively of the Company. The
Company's ability to service its indebtedness, including the Debt Securities,
is dependent primarily upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
distribution or other payment of such earnings to the Company in the form of
dividends, loans or advances, payment or reimbursement for management fees and
expenses, and repayment of loans and advances from the Company. The
subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation,
contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the Debt
Securities or to make any funds available therefor, whether by dividends,
loans or other payments. The payment of dividends or the making of loans and
advances to the Company by its subsidiaries may be subject to statutory or
regulatory restrictions, are contingent upon the earnings of those
subsidiaries and are subject to various business considerations. Further,
certain of the Company's subsidiaries are subject to loan agreements that
prohibit or limit the transfer of funds by such subsidiaries to the Company in
the form of loans, advances or dividends and require that such subsidiaries'
indebtedness to the Company be subordinate to the indebtedness under such loan
agreements. The amount of net assets of subsidiaries subject to such
restrictions exceeds the Company's consolidated net assets. The Parent is also
a separate and distinct legal entity and it has no obligation, contingent or
otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the Debt Securities or to make
any funds available therefor, whether by loans or other payments, except for
any Offered Securities which the Parent has specifically elected to guarantee
as set forth in an applicable Prospectus Supplement. See "--Guarantees of Debt
Securities" below.
   
  The Senior Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture, dated as of
       , 1998, executed by the Company and The Bank of New York, as Trustee
(the "Senior Indenture"); the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will be
issued under an Indenture to be executed by the Company and a trustee
designated in accordance with the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the
"Trust Indenture Act") (the "Senior Subordinated Indenture"); and the
Subordinated Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture to be executed
by the Company and a trustee designated in accordance with the Trust Indenture
Act (the "Subordinated Indenture"). In this Prospectus, the Senior Indenture,
the Senior Subordinated Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture are sometimes
collectively referred to as the Indentures and individually as an Indenture
and the Trustee under the Senior Indenture, the Trustee under the Senior
Subordinated Indenture and the Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture are
sometimes collectively referred to as the Trustees and individually as a
Trustee. In the event that any particular series of Debt Securities are
guaranteed by the Parent, the applicable Indenture will be supplemented by a
supplemental indenture among the Company, as issuer, the Parent, as guarantor,
and the Trustee. Any such supplemental indenture will be filed as an exhibit
to a Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed by the Company and Parent
following the issuance of such series of guaranteed Debt Securities. See "--
Guarantees of Debt Securities" below. The terms of the Senior Debt Securities,
the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and the Subordinated Debt Securities
include those stated in the respective Indentures and in any supplemental
indenture, and those made part of the Indentures by reference to the Trust
Indenture Act, as in effect on the date of the applicable Indenture. The
Indentures (or form thereof, as the case may be) are filed as exhibits to the
Registration Statement. The Debt Securities are subject to all such terms and
holders of Debt Securities are referred to the respective Indentures and the
Trust Indenture Act for a statement of such terms. See "Additional
Information."     
 
  The following summaries of certain provisions of the Indentures do not
purport to be complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by
reference to, all provisions of the Indentures. As used in this section
"Description of Debt Securities," unless the context indicates otherwise, the
term "Company" means TCI Communications, Inc. and does not include any of its
subsidiaries. All other capitalized terms used in this section and not
otherwise defined have the meanings assigned to them in the Indentures.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Indentures do not limit the amount of Debt Securities which can be
issued thereunder and provide that Debt Securities may be issued in one or
more series, in such form, with such terms and up to the aggregate principal
amount authorized from time to time by the Company. (Sections 2.01 and 2.02 of
the Indentures)
 
  Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the following terms of
the Offered Securities: (i) the designation (including whether they are Senior
Debt Securities, Senior Subordinated Debt Securities or
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
Subordinated Debt Securities), aggregate principal amount, authorized
denominations and currency or currencies in which principal, premium, if any,
and interest on the Offered Securities are payable; (ii) whether the Offered
Securities are to be issuable initially in temporary global form and whether
any of the Offered Securities are issuable in permanent global form as Global
Securities; (iii) whether the Offered Securities are to be issuable as
Registered Debt Securities or Bearer Debt Securities or both; (iv) the index
or indices used to determine the amount of payments of principal, premium, if
any, and interest on the Offered Securities; (v) the percentage of their
principal amount at which such Offered Securities will be issued; (vi) the
date on which the Offered Securities will mature (which may be fixed or
extendible); (vii) the rate or rates (which may be fixed or variable) per
annum, if any, at which the Offered Securities will bear interest and the date
from which such interest will accrue; (viii) the times at which any such
interest will be payable and with respect to Registered Debt Securities the
record date for the interest payable on any interest payment date; (ix) any
mandatory or optional sinking fund or analogous provisions; (x) the date or
dates, if any, on or after which, or the circumstances under which, and the
price or prices (and form or method of payment thereof) at which the Offered
Securities may be redeemed, purchased or exchanged at the option of the
Company or any holder; (xi) the initial conversion price per share or
conversion rate at which Offered Securities that are convertible will be
converted into Series A TCI Group Common Stock, any specific terms relating to
the adjustment thereof that are in addition to or different from those
described herein and the period during which such Offered Securities may be so
converted; (xii) the terms of any guarantee by the Parent of the payment of
principal, premium, if any, or interest on the Offered Debt Securities; (xiii)
any covenants or Events of Default that are in addition to or different from
those described herein; (xiv) whether such Offered Securities will be
initially issued in book-entry or certificated form; and (xv) any other
specific terms. Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement with respect to
the designation and qualification of the Trustee under the Senior Subordinated
Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture.
 
  If the purchase price of any Offered Securities is denominated in one or
more foreign currencies, foreign currency units or composite currencies, or if
the principal, premium, if any, and interest on any Offered Securities are
payable in one or more foreign currencies, foreign currency units or composite
currencies, the restrictions, elections, general tax considerations, specific
terms and other information with respect to such Offered Securities and such
foreign currency or currencies or foreign currency unit or units or composite
currencies will be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
  Debt Securities may be issued under the Indentures as Original Issue
Discount Securities to be sold at a substantial discount below their principal
amount ("original issue discount"). The issue price of Offered Securities that
are Original Issue Discount Securities, the amount of the original issue
discount with respect thereto, the manner and rate or rates per annum (which
may be fixed or variable) at which such original issue discount shall accrue,
the yield to maturity represented thereby, the date or dates from or to which
or period or periods during which such original issue discount shall accrue,
the portion of the principal amount of such Offered Securities that will be
payable upon acceleration of the maturity thereof or upon the optional or
mandatory redemption, purchase or exchange thereof, and any other specific
terms thereof will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto,
together with special federal income tax and other considerations applicable
to such Offered Securities.
 
SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The Senior Indenture contains, among others, the following covenants which
will apply to Offered Securities that are Senior Debt Securities unless
otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement for such Offered Securities
(certain defined terms used in the Senior Indenture are described under the
caption "--Definitions" below):
 
  Limitation on Restricted Subsidiary Funded Debt. As long as any Senior Debt
Securities of a series entitled to the benefit of this covenant are
outstanding, the Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to incur or
assume any Funded Debt if immediately after the incurrence or assumption of
such Funded Debt, the aggregate outstanding principal amount of all Funded
Debt of the Restricted Subsidiaries would exceed fifteen percent (15%) of the
Maximum Funded Debt Amount. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any Restricted
Subsidiary
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
may incur Funded Debt to extend, refinance, renew or replace Funded Debt of
such Restricted Subsidiary, provided that the principal amount of the Funded
Debt so incurred does not exceed the principal amount of the Funded Debt
extended, refinanced, renewed or replaced thereby immediately prior to such
extension, refinancing, renewal or replacement plus any premium, accrued and
unpaid interest or capitalized interest payable thereon, reasonable fees
incurred in connection therewith, and the amount of any prepayment premium
necessary to accomplish any refinancing. (Section 4.02 of the Senior
Indenture) The Senior Indenture does not limit the incurrence of Funded Debt,
or any other debt, secured or unsecured, by the Company, except as described
under "Limitation on Liens," or by any Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
  Designation of Restricted Subsidiaries. As long as any Senior Debt
Securities entitled to the benefit of this covenant are outstanding, with
respect to the Senior Debt Securities of any series, the Company may designate
an Unrestricted Subsidiary as a Restricted Subsidiary or designate a
Restricted Subsidiary as an Unrestricted Subsidiary at any time, provided that
(1) immediately after giving effect to such designation, the Leverage Ratio of
the Restricted Group is not greater than 8.0:1 and the Company and the
Restricted Subsidiaries are in compliance with the "Limitation on Liens" and
"Limitation on Restricted Subsidiary Funded Debt" covenants, and (2) an
Officers' Certificate with respect to such designation is delivered to the
Trustee within 75 days after the end of the fiscal quarter of the Company in
which such designation is made (or, in the case of a designation made during
the last fiscal quarter of the Company's fiscal year, within 120 days after
the end of such fiscal year), which Officers' Certificate shall state the
effective date of such designation; the Company shall make the initial
designation of Restricted Subsidiaries with respect to the Senior Debt
Securities of any series, and deliver the required Officers' Certificate with
respect thereto to the Trustee, on or prior to the date of initial issuance of
Senior Debt Securities of such series. (Section 4.03 of the Senior Indenture)
 
  Limitation on Liens. As long as any Senior Debt Securities of a series
entitled to the benefit of this covenant are outstanding, the Company will
not, and will not permit any Subsidiary to, create, incur or assume any Lien,
except for Permitted Liens (defined below), on any Property to secure the
payment of Funded Debt of the Company or any Subsidiary if, immediately after
the creation, incurrence or assumption of such Lien, the aggregate outstanding
principal amount of all Funded Debt of the Company and the Subsidiaries that
is secured by Liens (other than Permitted Liens) on Property would exceed ten
percent (10%) of Total Consolidated Assets, unless effective provision is made
whereby the Senior Debt Securities (together with, if the Company shall so
determine, any other Funded Debt ranking equally with the Senior Debt
Securities, whether then existing or thereafter created) are secured equally
and ratably with (or prior to) such Funded Debt (but only for so long as such
Funded Debt is so secured). (Section 4.04 of the Senior Indenture)
 
  The foregoing limitation on Liens shall not apply to the creation,
incurrence or assumption of the following Liens ("Permitted Liens"):
 
    (1) Any Lien which arises out of a judgment or award against the Company
  or any Subsidiary with respect to which the Company or such Subsidiary at
  the time shall be prosecuting an appeal or proceeding for review (or with
  respect to which the period within which such appeal or proceeding for
  review may be initiated shall not have expired) and with respect to which
  it shall have secured a stay of execution pending such appeal or
  proceedings for review or with respect to which the Company or such
  Subsidiary shall have posted a bond and established adequate reserves (in
  accordance with generally accepted accounting principles) for the payment
  of such judgment or award;
 
    (2) Liens on assets or property of a person existing at the time such
  person is merged into or consolidated with the Company or any Subsidiary or
  becomes a Subsidiary; provided, that such Liens were in existence prior to
  the contemplation of such merger, consolidation or acquisition and do not
  secure any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary other than the
  property and assets subject to the Liens prior to such merger,
  consolidation or acquisition;
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
    (3) With respect to Senior Debt Securities of any series, Liens existing
  on the date of original issuance of such Senior Debt Securities;
 
    (4) Liens securing Funded Debt (including in the form of Capitalized
  Lease Obligations and purchase money indebtedness) incurred for the purpose
  of financing the cost (including without limitation the cost of design,
  development, site acquisition, construction, integration, manufacture or
  acquisition) of real or personal Property (tangible or intangible) which is
  incurred contemporaneously therewith or within 60 days thereafter; provided
  (i) such Liens secure Funded Debt in an amount not in excess of the cost of
  such Property (plus an amount equal to the reasonable fees and expenses
  incurred in connection with the incurrence of such Funded Debt) and (ii)
  such Liens do not extend to any Property of the Company or any Subsidiary
  other than the Property for which such Funded Debt was incurred;
 
    (5) Liens to secure the performance of statutory obligations, surety or
  appeal bonds, performance bonds or other obligations of a like nature
  incurred in the ordinary course of business;
 
    (6) Liens to secure the Senior Debt Securities;
 
    (7) Liens granted in favor of the Company or any Subsidiary; and
 
    (8) Any Lien representing the extension, refinancing, renewal or
  replacement (or successive extensions, refinancings, renewals or
  replacements) of Liens referred to in clauses (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and
  (7) above, provided that the principal of the Funded Debt secured thereby
  does not exceed the principal of the Funded Debt secured thereby
  immediately prior to such extension, renewal or replacement, plus any
  accrued and unpaid interest or capitalized interest payable thereon,
  reasonable fees and expenses incurred in connection therewith, and the
  amount of any prepayment premium necessary to accomplish any refinancing;
  provided, that such extension, renewal or replacement shall be limited to
  all or a part of the Property (or interest therein) subject to the Lien so
  extended, renewed or replaced (plus improvements and construction on such
  Property). (Section 4.04 of the Senior Indenture)
 
  Definitions. The following are certain of the terms defined in the Senior
Indenture (Section 1.01):
 
  "Capitalized Lease Obligation" of any person means any obligation of such
person to pay rent or other amounts under a lease with respect to any property
(whether real, personal or mixed) acquired or leased by such person and used
in its business that is required to be accounted for as a liability on the
balance sheet of such person in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles and the amount of such Capitalized Lease Obligation shall be the
amount so required to be accounted for as a liability.
 
  "Company" means TCI Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation, until a
successor replaces it pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Senior
Indenture and thereafter means the successor.
 
  "Debt" of any person means:
 
    (1) any indebtedness of such person (i) for borrowed money or (ii)
  evidenced by a note, debenture or similar instrument (including a purchase
  money obligation) given in connection with the acquisition of any property
  or assets, including securities;
 
    (2) any guarantee by such person of any indebtedness of others described
  in the preceding clause (1); and
 
    (3) any amendment, renewal, extension or refunding of any such
  indebtedness or guarantee.
 
  "Funded Debt" of any person means, as of the date as of which the amount
thereof is to be determined, without duplication, all indebtedness of such
person for borrowed money or for the deferred purchase price of property or
assets in respect of which such person is liable and all guaranties by such
person of any indebtedness of others for borrowed money, and all Capitalized
Lease Obligations of such person, which by the terms thereof have a final
maturity, duration or payment date more than one year from the date of
determination thereof (including, without limitation, any balance of such
indebtedness or obligation which was Funded Debt at the time of its creation
maturing within one year from such date of determination) or which has a final
maturity,
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
duration or payment date within one year from such date of determination but
which by its terms may be renewed or extended at the option of such person for
more than one year from such date of determination, whether or not theretofore
renewed or extended. The term "Funded Debt" excludes (A) for purposes of the
"Limitation on Liens" covenant, (1) any indebtedness of the Company or any
Subsidiary to the Company or another Subsidiary, (2) any guarantee by the
Company or any Subsidiary of indebtedness of the Company or another
Subsidiary, provided that such guarantee is not secured by a Lien on any
Property, and (3) any guarantee by the Company or any Subsidiary of the
indebtedness of any person (including, without limitation, a business trust),
if the obligation of the Company or such Subsidiary under such guaranty is
limited in amount to the amount of funds held by or on behalf of such person
that are available for the payment of such indebtedness, and (B) for purposes
of each of the "Limitation on Restricted Subsidiary Funded Debt" and the
"Designation of Restricted Subsidiaries" covenants, (1) any indebtedness of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or another Restricted
Subsidiary, (2) any guarantee by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of
indebtedness of the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary, provided that
such guarantee is not secured by a Lien on Restricted Property, (3) any
guarantee by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the indebtedness of
any person (including, without limitation, a business trust), if the
obligation of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary under such guarantee
is limited in amount to the amount of funds held by or on behalf of such
person that are available for the payment of such indebtedness and (4) any
indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Unrestricted
Subsidiary which indebtedness is subordinated in right of payment to the prior
payment in full of the outstanding Senior Debt Securities of such series on
terms no less favorable to the holders of such Senior Debt Securities than
those contained in Article Ten of that certain Indenture, dated as of April 1,
1991, between the Company and Chemical Bank, as Trustee, pursuant to which the
Company's subordinated debt securities are subordinated to all Senior Debt of
the Company (as defined therein), without giving effect to any amendment,
modification or supplement to, or discharge of such Indenture after the date
of the Senior Indenture, and which indebtedness is not secured by a Lien on
Restricted Property. For purposes of determining the outstanding principal
amount of Funded Debt at any date, the amount of indebtedness issued at a
price less than the principal amount thereof shall be equal to the amount of
the liability in respect thereof at such date determined in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles.
 
  "Leverage Ratio" with respect to the Restricted Group means, as of the date
of and after giving effect to any designation of an Unrestricted Subsidiary as
a Restricted Subsidiary and/or any designation of a Restricted Subsidiary as
an Unrestricted Subsidiary, in each case in accordance with the "Designation
of Restricted Subsidiaries" covenant, the ratio of (1) the aggregate
outstanding principal amount of all Funded Debt of the Restricted Group as of
such date to (2) the product of four times the Restricted Group Cash Flow for
the most recent full fiscal quarter for which financial information is
available on such date.
 
  "Lien" means any mortgage, pledge, lien, security interest, or other similar
encumbrance.
 
  "Maximum Funded Debt Amount" means, as of any date of determination thereof,
that amount which is equal to the product of (i) eight and (ii) the product of
(x) the Restricted Group Cash Flow for the most recent full fiscal quarter for
which financial information is available on such date and (y) four.
 
  "Parent" means Tele-Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and any
successor thereof.
 
  "Principal Property" means, as of any date of determination, any property or
assets owned by any Restricted Subsidiary other than (1) any such property
which, in the good faith opinion of the Board of Directors, is not of material
importance to the business conducted by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries taken as a whole and (2) any shares of any class of stock or any
other security of any Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
  "Property" means all assets and properties of the Company and its
Subsidiaries (real, personal, tangible, intagible or mixed), including any
shares of capital stock or indebtedness of, or other interests (including
partnership interests) in, a Subsidiary owned by the Company or a Subsidiary.
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  "Restricted Group" means, as of any date of determination, the Company and
the Restricted Subsidiaries as of such date after giving effect to any
designation being made on such date in accordance with the "Designation of
Restricted Subsidiaries" covenant.
 
  "Restricted Group Cash Flow" for any period means the Restricted Group Net
Income (as defined below) for such period, plus (A) the sum (without
duplication) of the aggregate of each of the following items of the Company
and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent taken into
account as charges to Restricted Group Net Income for such period: (i)
interest expense, (ii) income tax expense, (iii) depreciation and amortization
expense and other noncash charges, (iv) extraordinary or non-recurring items
and (v) after-tax losses on sales of assets outside of the ordinary course of
business not otherwise included in extraordinary items in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, minus (B) the sum (without
duplication) of the aggregate of each of the following items of the Company
and the Restricted Subsidiaries for such period to the extent taken into
account as credits to Restricted Group Net Income for such period: (i) noncash
credits, (ii) extraordinary or non-recurring items, and (iii) after-tax gains
on sales of assets outside of the ordinary course of business not otherwise
included in extraordinary items in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles.
 
  For purposes of this definition, (1) "Restricted Group Net Income" for any
period means the aggregate of the net income (loss) for such period of the
Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; provided, however,
that (i) the net income (loss) of any person accounted for by the equity
method of accounting and the net income (loss) of any Unrestricted Subsidiary
shall be excluded, except that the net income of any such person or
Unrestricted Subsidiary shall be included to the extent of the amount of
dividends or distributions paid by such person or Unrestricted Subsidiary to
the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary during such period, and (ii) except as
otherwise provided in clause (2) below, the net income (loss) of any other
person acquired by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in a transaction
accounted for as a pooling of interests for any period prior to the date of
such acquisition shall be excluded; and (2) if the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary consummated any acquisition or disposition of assets during the
period for which Restricted Group Cash Flow is being calculated, or
consummated any acquisition or disposition of assets subsequent to such period
and on or prior to the date as of which the Leverage Ratio or Maximum Funded
Debt Amount, as applicable, is to be determined, then, in each such case, the
Restricted Group Cash Flow for such period shall be calculated on a pro forma
basis as if such acquisition or disposition had occurred at the beginning of
such period.
 
  "Restricted Property" means, as of any date of determination, any Principal
Property and any shares of stock of a Restricted Subsidiary owned by the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary.
 
  "Restricted Subsidiary" means, as of any date of determination, a
corporation a majority of whose voting stock is owned by the Company and/or
one or more Restricted Subsidiaries, which corporation has been, or is then
being, designated a Restricted Subsidiary in accordance with the "Designation
of Restricted Subsidiaries" covenant, unless and until designated an
Unrestricted Subsidiary in accordance with such covenant.
 
  "Subsidiary" means any corporation, association, partnership or other
business entity of which a majority of the total voting power of the capital
stock or other interests (including partnership interests) entitled (without
regard to the occurrence of a contingency) to vote in the election of
directors, managers, or trustees thereof is at the time owned or controlled,
directly or indirectly, by (i) the Company, (ii) the Company and one or more
of its Subsidiaries or (iii) one or more Subsidiaries of the Company.
 
  "Total Consolidated Assets" means the total assets (real, personal,
tangible, intangible and mixed) that would be shown on a balance sheet of the
Company and its Subsidiaries prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied, as of any date selected by the
Company not more than 45 days prior to the taking of the action for the
purpose of which Total Consolidated Assets is to be determined.
 
  "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means, as of any date of determination, any
Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Restricted Subsidiary.
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
  Nothing in the Senior Indenture affords holders of Senior Debt Securities
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization,
restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving the Company or in the
event of a change of control of the Company or the Parent.
 
SENIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The following provisions will apply to Offered Securities that are Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus
Supplement for such Offered Securities.
 
  Subordination. The indebtedness evidenced by the Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities will be subordinate to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt
as described below. The Senior Subordinated Indenture does not limit Senior
Debt or any other debt, secured or unsecured, of the Company or any
subsidiary, except as described under "Limitation on Subordinated Debt
Superior to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities" below. Upon maturity (by
acceleration or otherwise) of any Senior Debt, payment in full must be made on
such Senior Debt (or duly provided for) before any payment is made on or in
respect of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities (except payments made in
capital stock of the Company or in warrants, rights or options to purchase or
acquire capital stock of the Company, sinking fund payments made in Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities acquired by the Company before the maturity of
such Senior Debt, and payments made through the exchange of other debt
obligations of the Company for such Senior Subordinated Debt Securities in
accordance with the terms of such Senior Subordinated Debt Securities provided
that such Debt obligations are subordinated to Senior Debt at least to the
extent that the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities for which they are
exchanged are so subordinated in accordance with the Senior Subordinated
Indenture). During the continuance of any default in payment of the principal
of, premium, if any, interest on, or other amounts due in respect of, any
Senior Debt, no payment may be made by the Company on, or in respect of, the
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities (except payments made in capital stock of
the Company or in warrants, rights or options to purchase or acquire capital
stock of the Company, sinking fund payments made in Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities acquired by the Company before such default and notice thereof, and
payments made through the exchange of other debt obligations of the Company
for such Senior Subordinated Debt Securities in accordance with the terms of
such Senior Subordinated Debt Securities provided that such debt obligations
are subordinated to Senior Debt at least to the extent that the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities for which they are exchanged are so subordinated
in accordance with the Senior Subordinated Indenture). Upon any distribution
of assets of the Company in any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or
reorganization of the Company, payment of all amounts due in respect of the
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will be subordinated, to the extent and in
the manner set forth in the Senior Subordinated Indenture, to the prior
payment in full of all Senior Debt. Such subordination will not prevent the
occurrence of any Event of Default. (Sections 10.01, 10.02, 10.03 and 10.11 of
the Senior Subordinated Indenture) The Indenture for the Senior Debt
Securities contains a cross-acceleration provision that would, among other
things, permit the acceleration of the maturity of any outstanding Senior Debt
Securities in the event that the maturity of any outstanding Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities were accelerated.
See "Defaults and Remedies" below. The instruments and agreements pursuant to
which all or substantially all of the Company's Senior Debt has been incurred
also contain cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions.
 
  Securities Senior to Junior Subordinated Debt. The indebtedness evidenced by
the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities will be superior in right of payment
to all Junior Subordinated Debt as described below. Upon maturity (by
acceleration or otherwise) of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of any
series, payment in full must be made thereon, or duly provided for, before any
payment is made on or in respect of any Junior Subordinated Debt (except
payments made in capital stock of the Company or in warrants, rights or
options to purchase or acquire capital stock of the Company, sinking fund
payments made in instruments evidencing Junior Subordinated Debt of the same
issue acquired before the maturity of the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities
of such series, and payments made through the exchange of other debt
obligations of the Company for such Junior Subordinated Debt in accordance
with the terms of such Junior Subordinated Debt provided that such debt
obligations are subordinated to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities at
least to the extent that the Junior Subordinated Debt for which they are
exchanged is so subordinated in accordance with the Senior Subordinated
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
Indenture). During the continuance of any default in payment of the principal
of, premium, if any, interest on, or other amounts due in respect of, the
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities of any series, no payment may be made by
the Company on, or in respect of, any Junior Subordinated Debt (except
payments made in capital stock of the Company or in warrants, rights or
options to purchase or acquire capital stock of the Company, sinking fund
payments made in instruments evidencing Junior Subordinated Debt of the same
issue acquired before such default and notice thereof, and payments made
through the exchange of other debt obligations of the Company for such Junior
Subordinated Debt in accordance with the terms of such Junior Subordinated
Debt provided that such debt obligations are subordinated to the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities at least to the extent that the Junior
Subordinated Debt for which they are exchanged is so subordinated in
accordance with the Senior Subordinated Indenture). Upon any distribution of
assets of the Company in any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or
reorganization of the Company, holders of the Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities will be entitled to receive payment in full of all amounts due in
respect thereof before the holders of any Junior Subordinated Debt are
entitled to receive any payment on account of such Junior Subordinated Debt.
(Section 4.05 of the Senior Subordinated Indenture)
 
  Limitation on Subordinated Debt Superior to the Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities. As long as any Senior Subordinated Debt Securities remain
outstanding, the Company may not create or incur any Debt which is subordinate
or junior in right of payment to any Senior Debt if such Debt is superior in
right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities. (Section 4.06 of
the Senior Subordinated Indenture)
 
  Definitions. The following are certain of the terms defined in the Senior
Subordinated Indenture (Sections 4.06 and 10.01):
 
  "Junior Subordinated Debt" means the principal of (premium, if any) and
interest on Debt of the Company created or incurred after the date of the
Senior Subordinated Indenture which by its terms is subordinate in right of
payment to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities, including any Subordinated
Debt Securities issued under the Subordinated Indenture.
 
  "Senior Debt" means the principal of (premium, if any) and interest on Debt
of the Company outstanding at any time other than (i) the Senior Subordinated
Debt Securities, (ii) the Company's outstanding 11 1/8% senior subordinated
debentures due October 1, 2003, which shall rank pari passu with the Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities, (iii) any Subordinated Debt Securities issued
under the Subordinated Indenture, and (iv) Debt which by its terms is not
superior in right of payment to the Senior Subordinated Debt Securities.
 
  The definition of "Debt" in the Senior Subordinated Indenture is the same as
that in the Senior Indenture.
 
  Nothing in the Senior Subordinated Indenture affords holders of Senior
Subordinated Debt Securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged
transaction, reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction
involving the Company or in the event of a change of control of the Company or
the Parent.
 
SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The following provisions will apply to Offered Securities that are
Subordinated Debt Securities unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus
Supplement for such Offered Securities:
 
  Subordination. The indebtedness evidenced by the Subordinated Debt
Securities will be subordinate to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt
as described below. The Subordinated Indenture does not limit Senior Debt or
any other debt, secured or unsecured, of the Company or any subsidiary. Upon
maturity (by acceleration or otherwise) of any Senior Debt, payment in full
must be made on such Senior Debt (or duly provided for) before any payment is
made on or in respect of the Subordinated Debt Securities (except payments
made in capital stock of the Company or in warrants, rights or options to
purchase or acquire capital stock of the Company, sinking fund payments made
in Subordinated Debt Securities acquired by the Company before the maturity of
such Senior Debt, and payments made through the exchange of other debt
obligations of the
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
Company for such Subordinated Debt Securities in accordance with the terms of
such Subordinated Debt Securities provided that such debt obligations are
subordinated to Senior Debt at least to the extent that the Subordinated Debt
Securities for which they are exchanged are so subordinated in accordance with
the Subordinated Indenture). During the continuance of any default in payment
of the principal of, premium, if any, interest on, or other amounts due in
respect of, any Senior Debt, no payment may be made by the Company on, or in
respect of, the Subordinated Debt Securities (except payments made in capital
stock of the Company or in warrants, rights or options to purchase or acquire
capital stock of the Company, sinking fund payments made in Subordinated Debt
Securities acquired by the Company before such default and notice thereof, and
payments made through the exchange of other debt obligations of the Company
for such Subordinated Debt Securities in accordance with the terms of such
Subordinated Debt Securities provided that such debt obligations are
subordinated to Senior Debt at least to the extent that the Subordinated Debt
Securities for which they are exchanged are so subordinated in accordance with
the Subordinated Indenture). Upon any distribution of assets of the Company in
any dissolution, winding up, liquidation or reorganization of the Company,
payment of all amounts due in respect of the Subordinated Debt Securities will
be subordinated, to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Subordinated
Indenture, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Debt. Such subordination
will not prevent the occurrence of any Event of Default. (Sections 10.01,
10.02, 10.03 and 10.11 of the Subordinated Indenture) The Indenture for the
Senior Debt Securities contains a cross-acceleration provision that would,
among other things, permit the acceleration of the maturity of any outstanding
Senior Debt Securities in the event that the maturity of any outstanding
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities or Subordinated Debt Securities were
accelerated. See "Defaults and Remedies" below. The instruments and agreements
pursuant to which all or substantially all of the Company's Senior Debt has
been incurred also contain cross-default or cross-acceleration provisions.
 
  "Senior Debt" means the principal of (premium, if any) and interest on Debt
of the Company outstanding at any time other than (i) the Subordinated Debt
Securities and (ii) Debt which by its terms is not superior in right of
payment to the Subordinated Debt Securities. The definition of "Debt" in the
Subordinated Indenture is the same as that in the Senior Indenture.
 
  Nothing in the Subordinated Indenture affords holders of Subordinated Debt
Securities protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction,
reorganization, restructuring, merger or similar transaction involving the
Company or in the event of a change of control of the Company or the Parent.
 
CONVERTIBLE DEBT SECURITIES
 
  In addition to the provisions described under the applicable of "Senior Debt
Securities", "Senior Subordinated Debt Securities" or "Subordinated Debt
Securities" above, the following provisions will apply to Offered Securities
that are convertible Debt Securities unless otherwise provided in the
Prospectus Supplement for such Offered Securities:
 
  For purposes of the conversion provisions of each Indenture, "Parent Stock"
means the Series A TCI Group Common Stock and any other capital stock into
which the Parent Stock may be changed after the date of such Indenture.
(Section 1.01 of the Indentures)
 
  Conversion. The holder of any convertible Debt Security will have the right,
exercisable at any time up to and including the maturity date thereof (or such
shorter period as may be specified for any series of convertible Debt
Securities in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto), unless previously
redeemed or otherwise purchased, to convert such Debt Security at the
principal amount thereof (or, if such Debt Security is an Original Issue
Discount Security, such portion of the principal amount thereof as is
specified in the terms of such Debt Security) into shares of Parent Stock at
the conversion price or conversion rate set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement, subject to adjustment as described below. The holder of a
convertible Debt Security may convert a portion thereof if the portion to be
converted and the remaining portion of such Debt Security are in denominations
issuable for that series of Debt Securities. (Section 10.01 of the Senior
Indenture and Section
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
11.01 of the Senior Subordinated and Subordinated Indentures) In the case of
Debt Securities called for redemption, conversion rights will expire at the
close of business on such day on or prior to the redemption date as may be
specified in the Prospectus Supplement.
 
  The conversion price or conversion rate of the convertible Debt Securities,
or the securities or other property to be received on conversion, is subject
to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events, including (i) the payment
of a dividend or the making of a distribution in shares of Parent Stock to
holders of Parent Stock or the payment of a dividend or the making of a
distribution to holders of Parent Stock payable in shares of the Parent's
capital stock other than Parent Stock; (ii) the subdivision, combination or
reclassification of outstanding shares of Parent Stock; (iii) the issuance to
all holders of Parent Stock of rights or warrants entitling them (for a period
not exceeding 45 days or such other period as may be specified in the
Prospectus Supplement) to purchase shares of Parent Stock (or, unless
otherwise provided in the Prospectus Supplement, securities (other than the
convertible Debt Securities and shares of Tele-Communications, Inc. Series B
TCI Group Common Stock) convertible into Parent Stock) at a price per share
(or, in the case of such convertible securities, having a conversion price per
share after adding thereto an allocable portion of the exercise price of the
right or warrant to purchase such convertible securities) less than the
Average Market Price on the Determination Date (each as defined in the
Indentures) per share of such Parent Stock; (iv) the distribution to all
holders of Parent Stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets (excluding cash
dividends or distributions unless otherwise provided in the Prospectus
Supplement) or certain rights or warrants (other than those referred to
above); and (v) certain mergers, consolidations or sales of assets. In the
case of any such dividend or distribution on the Parent Stock of shares of
capital stock, subdivision, combination or reclassification, the holder of
each outstanding convertible Debt Security will have the right to convert such
Debt Security into the kind and amount of securities which he would have owned
immediately after such event if he had converted such Debt Security
immediately before the record date for or effective date of, as the case may
be, such event. In the case of any such merger, consolidation or sale of
assets, the holder of each outstanding convertible Debt Security will have the
right to convert such Debt Security into the kind and amount of securities,
cash or other assets receivable upon such merger, consolidation or sale by a
holder of the number of shares of Parent Stock into which such Debt Security
could have been converted immediately before the effective date of such
transaction (assuming such holder of Parent Stock failed to exercise any
rights of election and received per share of Parent Stock the kind and amount
of securities, cash or other assets received per share by a plurality of the
non-electing shares). In the case of any such issuance of rights or warrants
which expire within 45 days (or such other period as may be specified in the
Prospectus Supplement) after the record date for the determination of
stockholders entitled to receive the rights or warrants, or any such
distribution of evidences of indebtedness or assets or other rights or
warrants, the conversion price or conversion rate will be adjusted pursuant to
formulas contained in the Indentures. However, no adjustment to the conversion
price or conversion rate need be made if the holders may participate in the
transaction or in certain other cases.
 
  In addition to the foregoing adjustments, the Company will be permitted to
make such reductions in the conversion price or increases in the conversion
rate as it considers to be advisable. Unless otherwise provided in the
Prospectus Supplement, the Company is not required to make adjustments in the
conversion price or conversion rate of less than 1% of the initial conversion
price or conversion rate, as the case may be, but any adjustment that would
otherwise be required to be made will be taken into account in the computation
of any subsequent adjustment. No adjustment is required in respect of the
issuance of Parent Stock under any dividend or interest reinvestment plan of
the Parent. Fractional shares of Parent Stock will not be issued upon
conversion, but, in lieu thereof, the Company will pay a cash adjustment. No
payment or adjustment will be made upon any conversion on account of any
interest (or, in the case of Original Issue Discount Securities, original
issue discount) accrued on the convertible Debt Securities surrendered for
conversion or on account of any dividends on the Parent Stock issued upon
conversion. Convertible Debt Securities surrendered for conversion between the
record date for an interest payment, if any, and the interest payment date
(except convertible Debt Securities called for redemption on a redemption date
during such period) may be required to be accompanied by payment of an amount
equal to the interest thereon which the registered holder is to receive.
(Article Ten of the Senior Indenture and Article Eleven of the Senior
Subordinated and Subordinated Indentures)
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
GUARANTEES OF DEBT SECURITIES
 
  The Parent may, at its option, unconditionally guarantee to the holders of
Offered Securities the full and prompt payment of principal, premium, if any,
and interest on such Offered Securities when and as the same shall become due
and payable, whether at maturity, upon redemption or otherwise. The terms of
any such guarantee (a "Guarantee") will be set forth in a supplement to the
applicable Indenture. Any such Guarantee will be an unsecured obligation of
the Parent. Any right of payment of the holders of Senior Debt Securities
under a Guarantee will be prior to any right of payment of the holders of
Senior Subordinated Debt Securities and Subordinated Debt Securities under a
Guarantee, and any right of payment of the holders of Senior Subordinated Debt
Securities under a Guarantee will be prior to any right of payment of the
holders of Subordinated Debt Securities under a Guarantee.
 
  If a Guarantee is issued by the Parent with respect to any Offered
Securities, reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for such Offered
Securities for a description of the specific terms of such Guarantee,
including events of default relating thereto and, where applicable,
subordination provisions of such Guarantee and covenants of the Parent. Unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Offered
Securities will not be guaranteed by the Parent.
 
DENOMINATION AND FORM
 
  Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Offered
Securities will be Registered Debt Securities denominated in U.S. Dollars and
will be issued only in denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples of
$1,000. (Section 2.03 of the Senior Subordinated and Subordinated Indentures
and Sections 2.01 and 2.03 of the Senior Indenture) Under the Senior
Indenture, Debt Securities of any series may be issuable as Registered Debt
Securities, Bearer Debt Securities (with or without coupons attached) or both,
and may be issuable in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global
Securities. In addition, the Senior Indenture provides that Debt Securities
may be denominated or payable in one or more foreign currencies, foreign
currency units or composite currencies. (Sections 2.01 and 2.02 of the Senior
Indenture) Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
Bearer Debt Securities denominated in U.S. Dollars will be issued only in the
denomination of $5,000 with coupons attached. (Sections 2.01 and 2.03 of the
Senior Indenture) A Global Security will be issued in a denomination equal to
the aggregate principal amount of outstanding Debt Securities represented by
such Global Security. (Section 2.10 of the Senior Indenture and Section 2.15
of the Senior Subordinated and the Subordinated Indentures) The Prospectus
Supplement relating to a series of Debt Securities denominated other than in
U.S. Dollars will specify the authorized denominations thereof.
 
  During the "restricted period," as defined in Treasury Regulation Section
1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7), no Bearer Debt Security may be offered or sold (or
resold in connection with its original issuance) in the United States or its
possessions or to a United States person (subject to certain exceptions).
Further, no Bearer Debt Security may be mailed or otherwise delivered to any
location in the United States or its possessions in connection with a sale
that occurred during the restricted period. Offered Securities that are Bearer
Debt Securities will be subject to certification requirements as to the
ownership of such Bearer Debt Security (including beneficial interests in a
Global Security representing such Bearer Debt Security) which will be
described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. See "Limitations on
Issuance of Bearer Debt Securities."
 
REGISTRAR, PAYING AGENT, CONVERSION AGENT
 
  The Company will maintain an office or agency where Registered Debt
Securities of each series may be presented for registration of transfer or for
exchange ("Registrar"), an office or agency where Debt Securities of each
series may be presented for payment ("Paying Agent") and an office or agency
where Debt Securities of each series that is convertible may be presented for
conversion ("Conversion Agent"). The Company may have one or more co-
Registrars, one or more additional Paying Agents and one or more additional
Conversion Agents with respect to any series of Debt Securities and the
Company or any of its subsidiaries may act as Paying Agent, Registrar or co-
Registrar or Conversion Agent. Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable
Prospectus Supplement, each Trustee will initially act as Paying Agent and
Registrar for each series of Debt Securities
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
issued under its respective Indenture and as Conversion Agent for any series
that is convertible. The Company may change any Paying Agent, Registrar or co-
Registrar or Conversion Agent at any time without notice to the holders of
Debt Securities, except as described below with respect to Debt Securities
issued under the Senior Indenture. The Company will promptly notify the
Trustee of the name and address of any such Agent. (Section 2.05 of the
Indentures)
 
  The Senior Indenture also provides that if Debt Securities of a series are
issuable as Bearer Debt Securities, the Company will maintain (i) in the
Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York, an office or agency where any
Registered Debt Securities of that series may be presented or surrendered for
payment and for registration of transfer, where Debt Securities of that series
may be surrendered for exchange and where Bearer Debt Securities of that
series and related coupons may be presented or surrendered for payment in the
circumstances described under "Payment" below, and (ii) subject to any laws or
regulations applicable thereto, in a place of payment for Debt Securities of
that series located outside the United States, an office or agency where any
Registered Debt Securities of that series may be surrendered for registration
of transfer, where Debt Securities of that series may be surrendered for
exchange and where Debt Securities of that series and any related coupons may
be presented and surrendered for payment, provided that if the Debt Securities
of that series are listed on The International Stock Exchange of the United
Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, the Luxembourg Stock Exchange or any
other stock exchange located outside the United States and such stock exchange
shall so require, the Company will maintain a Paying Agent for the Debt
Securities of that series in London, Luxembourg or any other required city
located outside the United States, as the case may be, so long as the Debt
Securities of that series are listed on such exchange. Any Paying Agents
outside the United States initially designated by the Company for the Offered
Securities will be named in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. The Company
will promptly notify the Trustee and the holders of Senior Debt Securities of
a series of the location and any change in the location of any office or
agency which it is required to maintain for the Senior Debt Securities of such
series. (Section 4.01 of the Senior Indenture)
 
TRANSFER AND EXCHANGE
 
  Registered Debt Securities of any series (other than a Global Security,
except as provided under "Global Securities") will be exchangeable at the
option of the holder for other Registered Debt Securities of the same series
of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate principal amount and
tenor. (Section 2.08 of the Indenture) In addition, if Debt Securities of any
series issued under the Senior Indenture are issuable as both Registered Debt
Securities and Bearer Debt Securities, then, if so provided with respect to
the Debt Securities of such series, at the option of the holder and subject to
the terms of such Indenture, Bearer Debt Securities (with, except as provided
below, all related unmatured coupons and all related matured coupons in
default) of such series will be exchangeable for Registered Debt Securities of
the same series of any authorized denominations and of a like aggregate
principal amount and tenor. Bearer Debt Securities surrendered in exchange for
Registered Debt Securities between a regular record date or, in certain
circumstances, a special record date, for an interest payment and the relevant
interest payment date shall be surrendered without the coupon relating to such
interest payment date attached and interest will not be payable on such
interest payment date in respect of the Registered Debt Security issued in
exchange for such Bearer Debt Security, but will be payable only to the holder
of such coupon in accordance with the terms of the Senior Indenture. Unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, Bearer Debt
Securities will not be issued in exchange for Registered Debt Securities.
(Section 2.08 of the Senior Indenture)
 
  Debt Securities of any series may be surrendered for exchange as provided
above, and Registered Debt Securities of any series (other than a Global
Security, except as provided under "Global Securities") may be surrendered for
registration of transfer, at the office or agency designated by the Company
for such purpose with respect to such series of Debt Securities. Bearer Debt
Securities will be transferable by delivery. (Section 2.14 of the Senior
Indenture) Every Registered Debt Security presented or surrendered for
registration of transfer or for exchange shall be duly endorsed or accompanied
by appropriate transfer documents duly executed. No service charge will be
made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Debt Securities, but the
Company may require
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any taxes and other governmental charges
that may be imposed in relation thereto. (Section 2.08 of the Indentures)
 
  The Company and the Registrar need not transfer or exchange any Debt
Securities selected for redemption or purchase (except, in the case of Debt
Securities to be redeemed or purchased in part, the portion thereof not to be
redeemed or purchased) or any Debt Securities in respect of which a notice
requiring the purchase or redemption thereof by the Company at the option of
the holder thereof has been given and not withdrawn by such holder in
accordance with the terms of such Debt Securities (as described, if
applicable, in the Prospectus Supplement) (except, in the case of Debt
Securities to be so purchased or redeemed in part, the portion thereof not to
be so purchased or redeemed). (Section 2.08 of the Indentures) A Bearer Debt
Security so selected for redemption or purchase or in respect of which a
notice requiring the redemption or purchase thereof by the Company at the
option of the holder thereof has been given and not so withdrawn may however,
if so provided with respect to the Debt Securities of such series, be
exchanged for a Registered Debt Security of that series and like tenor,
provided that such Registered Debt Security is simultaneously surrendered for
redemption or purchase, as the case may be. (Section 2.08 of the Senior
Indenture)
 
  The Senior Subordinated Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture also
provide that the Registrar need not transfer or exchange any Debt Securities
of a particular series during a period of 15 days before a selection of Debt
Securities of such series to be redeemed. (Section 2.08 of the Senior
Subordinated and the Subordinated Indentures) The Senior Indenture provides
that the Company shall not be required to issue, register the transfer of or
exchange Debt Securities of any series during a period beginning at the
opening of business 15 days before any selection of Debt Securities of that
series to be redeemed and ending at the close of business on (i) if Debt
Securities of that series are issuable only as Registered Debt Securities, the
date of the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption, and (ii) if Debt
Securities of that series are issuable as Bearer Debt Securities, the date of
the first publication of the relevant notice of redemption or, if Debt
Securities of that series are also issuable as Registered Debt Securities and
there is no publication, the mailing of the relevant notice of redemption.
(Section 2.08 of the Senior Indenture)
 
  Prior to due presentment of a Registered Debt Security for registration of
transfer, the person in whose name such Registered Debt Security is registered
may be treated as the owner of it for all purposes. (Section 2.14 of the
Indentures) The bearer of any Bearer Debt Security and the bearer of any
coupon appertaining thereto may be treated as the owner of such Bearer Debt
Security or coupon for all purposes. (Section 2.14 of the Senior Indenture)
 
GLOBAL SECURITIES
 
  The Indentures provide that the Debt Securities of any series thereunder may
be issued in whole or in part in the form of one or more Global Securities,
which Global Securities may be issued in registered form (or, in the case of
Senior Debt Securities, bearer form) and in either temporary or permanent
form. (Sections 2.10 and 2.11 of the Senior Indenture and Sections 2.11 and
2.15 of the Senior Subordinated and Subordinated Indentures) Each Global
Security will be deposited with and, if it is issued in registered form, will
be registered in the name of the depositary (or a nominee of the depositary)
identified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Section 2.10 of the
Senior Indenture and Section 2.15 of the Senior Subordinated and Subordinated
Indentures) So long as the depositary for a Global Security in registered
form, or its nominee, is the registered owner of the Global Security, the
depositary or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered the sole
owner of the Debt Securities represented by such Global Security for all
purposes under the Indenture. (Section 2.14 of the Indentures) Unless and
until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Debt Securities in definitive
form, a Global Security may not be transferred except as a whole by the
depositary for such Global Security to a nominee of such depositary or by a
nominee of such depositary to such depositary or another nominee of such
depositary or by the depositary or any nominee to a successor depositary or
any nominee of such successor. (Section 2.08 of the Indentures) Unless
otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, if the depositary
with respect to any Global Security is at any time unwilling, unable or
ineligible to continue as depositary and a successor depositary is not
appointed by the Company within 90 days of such time, or if the Company, in
its sole discretion, at any time determines that any series of Debt Securities
issued or issuable in the form of a Global Security shall
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
no longer be represented by such Global Security, then in either such event
the Global Security shall be exchanged for Debt Securities in definitive form
pursuant to the applicable Indenture. Further, if so specified by the Company
with respect to the Debt Securities of a series and described in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, an owner of a beneficial interest in a
Global Security representing Debt Securities of such series may, on terms
acceptable to the Company and the depositary for such Global Security, receive
Debt Securities of such series in definitive form. In any such instance, an
owner of a beneficial interest in a Global Security will be entitled to
physical delivery in definitive form of Debt Securities in authorized
denominations and of like tenor of the series represented by such Global
Security, equal in principal amount to such beneficial interest, and to have
such Debt Securities registered in its name (if the Debt Securities of such
series are issuable as Registered Debt Securities). (Section 2.08 of the
Indentures) See, however, "Limitations on Issuance of Bearer Debt Securities"
below for a discussion of certain restrictions on the delivery of a Bearer
Debt Security in definitive form in exchange for an interest in a Global
Security. Except as described above, unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement, owners of beneficial interests in a Global
Security will not be entitled to have Debt Securities of the series
represented by such Global Security registered in their names, will not
receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of Debt Securities of such
series in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or holders
thereof under the applicable Indenture.
 
  Any specific terms of the depositary arrangement with respect to a series of
Debt Securities or any part thereof will be described in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement. The Company anticipates that the following provisions
will apply to all depositary arrangements.
 
  Upon the issuance of a Global Security, the depositary will credit, on its
book-entry registration and transfer system, the respective principal amounts
of the Debt Securities represented by such Global Security to the accounts of
participants. Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be
shown on, and the transfer of that ownership will be effected only through,
records maintained by the depositary (with respect to beneficial interests of
participants in the depositary), or by participants in the depositary or
persons that may hold interest through such participants (with respect to
beneficial interests of persons other than participants in the depositary).
Ownership of beneficial interests in a Global Security will be limited to
participants or persons that hold interests through participants.
 
  Subject to the restrictions discussed under "Limitations on Issuance of
Bearer Debt Securities" below, payments of the principal of and any premium
and interest on Debt Securities registered in the name of or held by a
depositary or its nominee will be made to the depositary or its nominee, as
the case may be, as the registered owner or the holder of the Global Security
representing such Debt Securities. None of the Company, the Trustee, any
Paying Agent or the Registrar for such Debt Securities will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records relating to or
payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in the Global
Security for such Debt Securities or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing
any records relating to such beneficial ownership interests. (Section 2.14 of
the Indentures)
 
  The Company expects that the depositary for Debt Securities of a series,
upon receipt of any payment of principal, premium or interest in respect of a
Global Security, will credit immediately participants' accounts with payments
in amounts proportionate to their respective beneficial interests in the
principal amount of such Global Security as shown on the records of such
depositary. The Company also expects that payments by participants to owners
of beneficial interests in such Global Security held through such participants
will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is now
the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or
registered in "street name," and will be the responsibility of such
participants. With respect to a Global Security that represents in whole or in
part Debt Securities of a series that are issuable as Bearer Debt Securities,
receipt by owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security of payments
in respect of such Global Security will be subject to the restrictions
discussed under "Limitations on Issuance of Bearer Debt Securities" below.
 
LIMITATIONS ON ISSUANCE OF BEARER DEBT SECURITIES
 
  In compliance with United States federal tax laws and regulations, Bearer
Debt Securities (including beneficial interests in a Global Security that
represents Bearer Debt Securities) may not be offered or sold (or
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
resold in connection with their original issuance) during the "restricted
period," as defined in Treasury Regulations Section 1.163-5(c)(2)(i)(D)(7), in
the United States or its possessions or to United States persons (each as
defined below) other than to (i) a Qualifying Foreign Branch of a United
States Financial Institution (as defined below), (ii) a United States person
who acquires and holds the obligation through the Qualifying Foreign Branch of
a United States Financial Institution, (iii) a United States office of an
"exempt distributor," as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.163-
5(c)(2)(i)(D)(5), (iv) the United States office of an international
organization, as defined in Section 7701(a)(18) of the Internal Revenue Code
of 1986, as amended (the "Code") and the regulations thereunder, or (v) the
United States office of a foreign central bank, as defined in Section 895 of
the Code and the regulations thereunder. In addition, Bearer Debt Securities
may not be delivered within the United States or its possessions in connection
with a sale that occurred during the restricted period. Any underwriters,
agents and dealers participating in the offering of Offered Securities must
agree that they will not offer any Bearer Debt Securities for sale or resale
in the United States or its possessions or to United States persons (other
than a person specified in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (v) above) or
deliver Bearer Debt Securities within the United States or its possessions.
The term "Qualifying Foreign Branch of a United States Financial Institution"
means a branch located outside the United States of a United States financial
institution (as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.165-12(c)(1)(v)) that
provides a certificate within a reasonable time (or a blanket certificate in
the year the Debt Security is issued or either of the preceding two calendar
years) stating that it agrees to comply with the requirements of Section
165(j)(3)(A), (B) or (C) of the Code and the regulations thereunder. The term
"United States person" means a citizen or resident of the United States, a
corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under the
laws of the United States or any political subdivision thereof, an estate the
income of which is subject to United States federal income taxation regardless
of its source, and a trust if (i) a court within the United States is able to
exercise primary supervision over the administration of the trust, and (ii)
one or more United States fiduciaries have the authority to control all
substantial decisions of the trust; the term "United States" means the United
States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia), and the
term "possessions" includes, but is not limited to, Puerto Rico, the U.S.
Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, Wake Island and the Northern Mariana
Islands.
 
  United States federal tax laws and regulations also require that the owner
of an obligation issuable in bearer form or the financial institution (as
defined in the preceding paragraph) or clearing organization through which the
owner directly or indirectly holds such obligation must provide the issuer of
the obligation with a certificate on the earlier of the date of the first
actual payment of interest on the obligation or the date of delivery by the
issuer of the obligation in definitive form stating that on such date the
obligation is owned by (a) a person that is not a United States person, (b) a
person described in clause (i) or (ii) of the preceding paragraph, or (c) a
financial institution for purposes of resale during the restricted period, but
not for resale directly or indirectly to a United States person or to a person
within the United States or its possessions. A certificate described in clause
(a) or (b) above may not be given with respect to an obligation that is owned
by a financial institution for purposes of resale during the restricted
period. When the required certificate is provided by a clearing organization,
the certificate must be based upon statements provided to it by its member
organizations. For purposes of the foregoing, a "temporary global security,"
as defined in Treasury Regulation Section 1.163-5(c)(1)(ii)(B), is not
considered to be an obligation in definitive form. In compliance with the
foregoing, if the Offered Securities are of a series of Debt Securities
issuable as Bearer Debt Securities, the delivery thereof (including delivery
in exchange for an interest in a Global Security) and the payment of interest
thereon, as applicable, will be subject to the satisfaction of certification
requirements that will be specified by the Company in accordance with the
Senior Indenture in connection with the establishment of such series and will
be described in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Sections 2.02 and 2.04
of the Senior Indenture) The Senior Indenture also provides that no Bearer
Debt Security (including a Global Security that represents Bearer Debt
Securities) will be mailed or otherwise delivered to any location in the
United States or its possessions. (Section 2.04 of the Senior Indenture)
 
  Bearer Debt Securities and any coupons appertaining thereto will bear a
legend substantially to the following effect: "Any United States person who
holds this obligation will be subject to limitations under the United States
income tax laws, including the limitations provided in Sections 165(j) and
1287(a) of the Internal Revenue Code." Under Sections 165(j) and 1287(a) of
the Code, holders that are United States persons, with certain exceptions,
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
will not be entitled to deduct any loss on Bearer Debt Securities and must
treat as ordinary income any gain realized on the sale or other disposition
(including the receipt of principal) of Bearer Debt Securities.
 
PAYMENT
 
  Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment
of principal of and any premium and interest on Bearer Debt Securities (other
than a Global Security) will be made, subject to any applicable laws and
regulations, at the offices of such Paying Agent or Paying Agents outside the
United States as the Company may designate from time to time, except that, at
the option of the Company (or, if so specified in the applicable Prospectus
Supplement, at the option of the holder), payment of interest may be made by
check (provided the same is not mailed to an address inside the United States)
or by wire transfer to an account located outside the United States maintained
by the payee. (Sections 2.13 and 4.01 of the Senior Indenture) Unless
otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment of
interest on Bearer Debt Securities on any interest payment date will be made
only against surrender of the coupon relating to such interest payment date.
(Section 2.13 of the Senior Indenture) No payment with respect to any Bearer
Debt Security will be made at any office or agency of the Company in the
United States or by check mailed to any address in the United States or by
transfer to an account maintained in the United States. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, payments of principal of and any premium and interest on Bearer
Debt Securities denominated and payable in U.S. Dollars will be made at the
office of the Company's Paying Agent in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of
New York, if (but only if) payment of the full amount thereof in U.S. Dollars
at all offices or agencies outside the United States is illegal or effectively
precluded by exchange controls or other similar restrictions. (Section 4.01 of
the Senior Indenture)
 
  Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable Prospectus Supplement, payment
of principal of and any premium and interest on Registered Debt Securities
(other than a Global Security) will be made at the office of such Paying Agent
or Paying Agents as the Company may designate from time to time, except that
at the option of the Company payment of any interest may be made by check
mailed to the address of the person entitled thereto as such address shall
appear in the security register or, if so specified with respect to the
Registered Debt Securities of any series issued under the Senior indenture, by
wire transfer to an account designated by such person. Payment of any
installment of interest on Registered Debt Securities will be made to the
person in whose name such Registered Debt Security is registered at the close
of business on the regular record date (or, in the case of defaulted interest,
special record date) for such interest payment. (Section 2.13 of the
Indentures)
 
  All moneys paid by the Company to a Paying Agent for the payment of
principal of or any premium or interest on any Debt Security which remain
unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal, premium or interest
shall have become due and payable will be repaid to the Company and the holder
of such Debt Security or any coupon appertaining thereto will thereafter look
only to the Company for payment thereof unless an applicable abandoned
property law designates another person. (Section 8.03 of the Indentures)
 
AMENDMENT, SUPPLEMENT, WAIVER
 
  Subject to certain exceptions, the Indentures or the Debt Securities may be
amended or supplemented, and any past default or compliance with any provision
may be waived, insofar as the Debt Securities of any series are concerned,
with the consent of the holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Debt Securities of such series. (Sections 6.04 and 9.02 of the
Indentures) Without the consent of any holder of Debt Securities, the Company
and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indentures or the Debt Securities
to cure any ambiguity, defect or inconsistency, to permit or facilitate the
issuance of Debt Securities in bearer form or to provide for uncertificated
Debt Securities in global form in addition to certificated Debt Securities (so
long as any "registration-required obligation," within the meaning of Section
163(f)(2) of the Code, is in registered form for purposes of the Code) or to
make certain other specified changes or any change that does not materially
adversely affect the rights of any holder of Debt Securities. (Section 9.01 of
the Indentures)
 
SUCCESSOR CORPORATION
 
  The Company may not consolidate with or merge into, or transfer its
properties and assets substantially as an entirety to, another corporation
unless (i) the successor corporation, which shall be a corporation organized
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
under the laws of the United States or a State thereof, assumes by
supplemental indenture all the obligations of the Company under the Debt
Securities and the Indentures, and (ii) after giving effect to such
transaction, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be continuing.
Thereafter, unless otherwise specified in the Prospectus Supplement, all such
obligations of the Company terminate. (Section 5.01 of the Indentures)
 
DEFAULTS AND REMEDIES
 
  An Event of Default with respect to Debt Securities of any series is: (i)
default for 30 days in payment of any interest on the Debt Securities of that
series; (ii) default in payment of principal, premium or any other amount
(other than interest) due in respect of the Debt Securities of that series at
maturity, upon redemption (including default in the making of any mandatory
sinking fund payment), upon purchase by the Company at the option of the
holder or otherwise; (iii) failure by the Company for 30 days after receipt of
written notice as provided in the Indentures to comply with any of its other
agreements in the Indentures (other than agreements expressly included in the
Indentures solely for the benefit of a series of Debt Securities other than
that series or expressly made inapplicable to the Debt Securities of such
series) or the Debt Securities of that series; (iv) (for purposes of the
Senior Indenture only) acceleration of the maturity of any Debt of the Company
(including Senior Debt Securities of any other series) if the aggregate
principal amount (or, if applicable, issue price plus accrued original issue
discount) of the Debt the maturity of which has been accelerated exceeds five
percent (5%) of the aggregate principal amount of the Company's Funded Debt
then outstanding and such Debt is not paid, or such acceleration is not
rescinded or annulled or such acceleration is not contested by appropriate
proceedings and all consequences thereof that would have a material adverse
effect on the Company stayed, within 30 days after receipt of written notice
as provided in the Senior Indenture; provided, however, that if, after the
expiration of such 30-day period, the event of default that resulted in the
acceleration of the maturity of such Debt of the Company is remedied or cured
by the Company or waived by the holders of such Debt in any authorized manner
or otherwise ceases to exist, then the Event of Default described in this
clause (iv) resulting from such acceleration will be deemed cured and not
continuing; and (v) certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. (Section 6.01
of the Indentures) If an Event of Default occurs with respect to the Debt
Securities of any series and is continuing, the Trustee or the holders of at
least 25% in aggregate principal amount of the Debt Securities of that series
may declare to be due and payable immediately (i) the principal amount of that
series (or, if the Debt Securities of that series are Original Issue Discount
Securities, that portion of the principal amount specified in the terms of
that series) and (ii) accrued interest, if any, thereon. The Indentures
provide for automatic acceleration of the maturity of such amounts upon the
occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency. (Section 6.02 of the
Indentures) The Senior Indenture provides that a declaration of acceleration
of the maturity of the Senior Debt Securities of any series as a result of an
Event of Default described in clause (iv) above will be automatically annulled
if (x) the acceleration of the Debt that is the subject of such Event of
Default is declared void ab initio as a result of the Company's contest
thereof or (y) the declaration of acceleration of such Debt is rescinded or
annulled in any manner authorized by the instrument evidencing or creating
such Debt within 90 days of the declaration of acceleration of the Senior Debt
Securities of such series and, in the case of clause (y), the annulment of the
declaration of acceleration under the Senior Indenture would not conflict with
any judgment or decree, and, in the case of either clause (x) or (y), all
other existing Events of Default (other than the non-payment of amounts that
have become due with respect to such Senior Debt Securities solely by such
acceleration) with respect to Senior Debt Securities of that series have been
cured or waived. (Section 6.02 of the Senior Indenture) Holders of Debt
Securities may not enforce the Indentures or the Debt Securities except as
provided in the Indentures. (Section 6.06 of the Indentures) The Trustee may
require indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the Indenture or the
Debt Securities. (Section 7.01 of the Indentures) Subject to certain
limitations, holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of the Debt
Securities of any series may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust
or power with respect to the Debt Securities of that series. (Section 6.05 of
the Indentures) The Trustee may withhold from holders of Debt Securities
notice of any continuing default (except a default in payment of principal,
premium, if any, interest or other amounts due) if it determines that
withholding notice is in their interest. (Section 7.05 of the Indentures) The
Company is required to file periodic reports with the Trustee as to the
absence of default. (Section 4.07 of the Senior Indenture and Section 4.03 of
the Senior Subordinated and Subordinated Indentures)
 
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
NO PERSONAL LIABILITY
 
  No past, present or future director, officer, employee or stockholder, as
such, of the Company or any successor thereof shall have any liability for any
obligations of the Company under the Debt Securities or the Indentures or for
any claim based on, in respect of, or by reason of, such obligations or their
creation. Each holder of Debt Securities by accepting a Debt Security waives
and releases all such liability. The waiver and release are part of the
consideration for the issue of the Debt Securities. (Section 11.11 of the
Senior Indenture and Section 12.11 of the Senior Subordinated and Subordinated
Indentures)
 
SATISFACTION AND DISCHARGE
 
  The Company's obligations under the Debt Securities of any series and the
applicable Indenture with respect to such series (except for the obligation to
pay the principal of and premium and interest, if any, on the Debt Securities
of such series and certain other specified obligations) will be satisfied and
discharged in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture if either (i)
all Debt Securities of such series and coupons, if any, appertaining thereto
previously authenticated and delivered (other than destroyed, lost or
wrongfully-taken Debt Securities or coupons which have been replaced or paid,
Debt Securities or coupons for whose payment money has theretofore been held
in trust and, after remaining unclaimed for two years, has been repaid to the
Company, and certain coupons appertaining to Bearer Securities surrendered for
exchange, redemption or purchase) have been delivered to the Trustee for
cancellation or (ii) the Company irrevocably deposits in trust with the
Trustee money or U.S. Government Obligations (or, in the case of the Senior
Indenture, Government Obligations) sufficient to pay the principal of and
premium and interest, if any, on all Debt Securities of such series and
coupons, if any, appertaining thereto not theretofore cancelled or delivered
to the Trustee for cancellation (other than Debt Securities and coupons
referred to in the parenthetical in clause (i) above) to maturity or
redemption, as the case may be. (Section 2.01 of the Indentures)
 
THE TRUSTEES
 
  The Trustee under the Senior Indenture is The Bank of New York. The Bank of
New York acts as depositary for funds of, makes loans to, and performs other
services for the Company and the Parent and certain of their affiliates in the
normal course of business and acts as trustee with respect to certain
outstanding senior indebtedness of the Company. The Bank of New York serves as
transfer agent and registrar for each series of the Parent's common stock and
for the Parent's Class B 6% Cumulative Redeemable Exchangeable Junior
Preferred Stock. John C. Malone, a director of the Company and the Parent, is
a director of The Bank of New York.
 
  Information with respect to the Trustees under the Senior Subordinated
Indenture and the Subordinated Indenture will be provided in the applicable
Prospectus Supplement.
 
  Any Trustee in its individual or any other capacity may become the owner or
pledgee of Debt Securities and may otherwise deal with the Company or its
affiliates with the same rights it would have if it were not the Trustee
provided it complies with the terms of the Indenture. (Section 7.03 of the
Indentures)
 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
  The Indentures (or form thereof, as the case may be) are exhibits to the
Registration Statement. Anyone who receives this Prospectus may obtain copies
of the Indentures (or form thereof, as the case may be) without charge by
writing to Stephen M. Brett, Esq., Executive Vice President of the Company, at
the address set forth under "The Company and the Parent." The foregoing
summaries of certain provisions of the Indentures do not purport to be
complete and are subject to, and qualified in their entirety by reference to,
all provisions of the Indentures, including the definitions of certain terms.
Wherever particular provisions or defined terms of the Indentures are referred
to, such provisions or defined terms are incorporated herein by reference.
 
                                      24
<PAGE>
 
                     DESCRIPTION OF SERIES PREFERRED STOCK
 
  The Parent is authorized to issue up to 50,000,000 shares of Series
Preferred Stock. The Series Preferred Stock is issuable, from time to time, in
one or more series, with such powers, designations, preferences and relative
participating, optional or other rights, and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof, as is stated and expressed in a resolution or
resolutions providing for the issue of each such series adopted by the Board
of Directors. All shares of any one series of the Series Preferred Stock are
required to be alike in every particular. Except to the extent otherwise
provided in the resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of any
series of Series Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of such series will
have no voting rights except as may be required by Delaware law. As of the
date of this Prospectus, there are six series of Series Preferred Stock
outstanding. See "Description of Parent Capital Stock--Preferred Stock."
 
  As described under "Description of Depositary Shares" below, the Parent may,
at its option, elect to offer Depositary Shares evidenced by depositary
receipts, each representing an interest in a fraction (to be specified in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to the particular series of Series Preferred
Stock) of a share of the particular series of Series Preferred Stock, issued
and deposited with a depositary, in lieu of offering any shares of such Series
Preferred Stock. See "Description of Depositary Shares."
 
  Series Preferred Stock constituting Offered Securities shall have the
dividend, liquidation, redemption, and voting rights set forth below unless
otherwise provided in a Prospectus Supplement relating to such Series
Preferred Stock. Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement relating to a
particular series of the Series Preferred Stock offered thereby for specific
terms, including: (a) the designation of such series of Series Preferred Stock
and the number of shares offered; (b) the amount of liquidation preference per
share; (c) the initial public offering price at which such series of Series
Preferred Stock will be issued; (d) the dividend rate (or method of
calculation), the dates on which dividends shall be payable and the dates from
which dividends shall commence to cumulate, if any; (e) any redemption or
sinking fund provisions; (f) any conversion or exchange rights; (g) any voting
rights; (h) whether the Parent has elected to offer Depositary Shares as
described under "Description of Depositary Shares"; and (i) any other rights,
preferences, privileges, limitations, and restrictions of such series of
Series Preferred Stock.
 
  Each series of Series Preferred Stock, when issued, will be fully paid and
nonassessable and will have no preemptive rights. The rights of the holders of
each series of the Series Preferred Stock to receive dividends and
distributions of assets will be subordinate to those of the Parent's general
creditors, but superior to the rights of holders of any capital stock of the
Parent ranking junior to such series of Series Preferred Stock as to the
payment of dividends, rights of redemption and rights on liquidation,
including any series of common stock of the Parent.
 
DIVIDEND RIGHTS
 
  Holders of a series of Series Preferred Stock constituting Offered
Securities will be entitled to receive, when, as, and if declared by the Board
of Directors, out of funds of the Parent legally available therefor, cash
dividends on such dates and at such rates as are set forth in, or as are
determined by the method described in, the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such series of Series Preferred Stock. Such rate may be fixed or variable or
both. Each such dividend will be payable to the holders of record as they
appear on the stock books of the Parent (or, if applicable, the records of the
Depositary (as hereinafter defined) referred to under "Description of
Depositary Shares") on such record dates, fixed by the Board of Directors, as
specified in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of Series
Preferred Stock.
 
  Such dividends may be cumulative or noncumulative, as provided in the
Prospectus Supplement relating to such series of Series Preferred Stock. If
the Board of Directors fails to declare a dividend payable on a dividend
payment date on any series of Series Preferred Stock for which dividends are
noncumulative, then the right to receive a dividend in respect of the dividend
period ending on such dividend payment date will be lost, and the Parent will
have no obligation to pay the dividend accrued for such period, whether or not
dividends on such series are declared payable on any future dividend payment
dates. Dividends on the shares of each series of
 
                                      25
<PAGE>
 
Series Preferred Stock for which dividends are cumulative will accrue from the
date on which the Parent initially issues shares of such series.
 
  Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, if at
any time the Parent shall have failed to pay, or declare and set aside the
consideration sufficient to pay, full dividends on any series of Series
Preferred Stock constituting Offered Securities for the immediately preceding
dividend period (or, if such series is cumulative, for all prior dividend
periods), and until such dividends (or, if such series of Series Preferred
Stock is cumulative, full cumulative dividends) are paid, or declared and the
consideration sufficient to pay the same in full is set aside for such purpose
and for no other purpose, the Parent may not (i) declare or pay any dividend
on or make any distribution with respect to any class or series of capital
stock of the Parent ranking pari passu with or junior to such series of Series
Preferred Stock, except for dividends declared and paid on any such stock
ranking on a parity basis with such series of Series Preferred Stock
contemporaneously and on a pro rata basis with dividends declared and paid on
such series of Series Preferred Stock, or (ii) redeem or otherwise acquire any
shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock, any parity stock, or any
junior stock unless all then outstanding shares of such series of Series
Preferred Stock and any other class or series of parity stock that by the
terms of the instrument creating or evidencing such parity stock is required
to be redeemed under such circumstances are redeemed. Unless otherwise
specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the failure of the Parent
to pay, or declare and set aside the consideration sufficient to pay, full
dividends (or, if such series of Series Preferred Stock is cumulative, full
cumulative dividends) on any series of Series Preferred Stock shall not
prevent the Parent from (i) paying any dividends on junior stock solely in
shares of junior stock or the redemption or other acquisition of junior stock
solely in exchange for (together with a cash adjustment for fractional shares,
if any) shares of junior stock or (ii) paying any dividends on parity stock
solely in shares of parity stock or junior stock (or both) or the redemption
or other acquisition of shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock or
parity stock solely in exchange for shares of junior stock.
 
LIQUIDATION PREFERENCES
 
  In the event of any liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Parent,
whether voluntary or involuntary, the holders of each series of Series
Preferred Stock constituting Offered Securities will be entitled to receive
out of the assets of the Parent available for distribution to stockholders,
before any distribution of assets is made to the holders of any capital stock
of the Parent ranking junior to the shares of such series of Series Preferred
Stock, the amount set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
series of Series Preferred Stock. If, upon any voluntary or involuntary
liquidation, dissolution, or winding up of the Parent, the assets of the
Parent available for distribution to the holders of shares of such series of
Series Preferred Stock and any other shares of capital stock of the Parent
ranking on a parity with shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock upon
liquidation will not be sufficient to pay in full all amounts to which such
holders are entitled, no such distribution will be made on account of any
other class or series of capital stock ranking on a parity as to liquidation
preference with the shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock unless
proportionate distributative amounts are paid on account of shares of such
series of Series Preferred Stock and shares of such parity stock ratably in
proportion to the full respective preferential amounts to which they are
entitled. After payment to the holders of such series of Series Preferred
Stock of the full preferential amounts of the liquidating distribution to
which they are entitled, the holders thereof will be entitled to no further
participation in any distribution of assets by the Parent.
 
REDEMPTION
 
  Offered Securities consisting of a series of Series Preferred Stock may be
redeemable, in whole or from time to time in part, at the option of the Parent
or the holder (or both), and may be subject to mandatory redemption pursuant
to a sinking fund or otherwise, in each case upon terms, at the times, and at
the redemption prices set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to such
series. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement,
shares of a series of Series Preferred Stock redeemed by the Parent will be
restored to the status of authorized but unissued shares of Series Preferred
Stock.
 
  Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, in the
event that fewer than all of the outstanding shares of a series of Series
Preferred Stock are to be redeemed, whether by mandatory or optional
 
                                      26
<PAGE>
 
redemption, the number of shares to be redeemed will be determined by lot or
pro rata (subject to rounding to avoid fractional shares) as may be determined
by the Parent in its sole discretion to be equitable. From and after the
redemption date (unless default is made by the Parent in providing for the
payment of the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid dividends, if any)
dividends will cease to accumulate on the shares of such series of Series
Preferred Stock called for redemption and all rights of the holders thereof
(except the right to receive the redemption price plus accumulated and unpaid
dividends, if any) will cease.
 
  Unless otherwise specified in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, if the
Parent fails to redeem any shares of a series of Series Preferred Stock
constituting Offered Securities required to be redeemed on a redemption date,
and until such shares are redeemed in full, the Parent may not declare or pay
any dividend on or make any distribution with respect to any class or series
of capital stock ranking junior to such series of Series Preferred Stock, and
neither the Parent nor any subsidiary may redeem any parity stock or junior
stock, or purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of such series of Series
Preferred Stock, parity stock or junior stock. Unless otherwise specified in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement, the failure of the Parent to so redeem
shares of such series of Series Preferred stock shall not prevent the Parent
from (i) paying any dividends on junior stock solely in shares of junior stock
or the redemption or other acquisition of junior stock solely in exchange for
(together with a cash adjustment for fractional shares, if any) shares of
junior stock or (ii) the redemption or other acquisition of shares of such
series of Series Preferred Stock or parity stock solely in exchange for shares
of parity stock or junior stock (or both).
 
VOTING RIGHTS
 
  No series of Series Preferred Stock constituting Offered Securities will
entitle the holder to any voting rights, unless otherwise specified in the
applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
  For a discussion of certain terms of the outstanding preferred stock of the
Parent see "Description of Parent Capital Stock--Preferred Stock."
 
                                      27
<PAGE>
 
                       DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
  Offered Securities may consist of Depositary Shares represented by
Depositary Receipts (as defined below), with each Depositary Share equivalent
to a fractional interest in a share of a particular series of Series Preferred
Stock as specified in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement. The description
set forth below and in any Prospectus Supplement of certain provisions of the
Deposit Agreement (as defined below) and of the Depositary Shares and
Depositary Receipts does not purport to be complete and is subject to and
qualified in its entirety by reference to the Deposit Agreement and Depositary
Receipts relating to such series of Series Preferred Stock, forms of which are
filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus forms
a part.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Parent may, at its option, elect to offer interests in fractions of
shares of a series of Series Preferred Stock in lieu of shares of such series
of Series Preferred Stock. In such event, the Parent will provide for the
issuance by a Depositary of receipts ("Depositary Receipts") for Depositary
Shares, each of which will represent an interest in a fraction (to be set
forth in the related Prospectus Supplement) of a share of a particular series
of the Series Preferred Stock as described below.
 
  The shares of any series of Series Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary
Shares will be deposited under a separate Deposit Agreement (the "Deposit
Agreement") between the Parent and a bank or trust company selected by the
Parent having its principal office in the United States and having a combined
capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 (the "Depositary"). The Prospectus
Supplement relating to such Depositary Shares and the series of Series
Preferred Stock represented thereby will set forth the name and address of the
Depositary. Subject to the terms of the Deposit Agreement, each owner of a
Depositary Share will be entitled, in proportion to the applicable fraction of
a share of a series of Series Preferred Stock underlying such Depositary
Share, to all the rights and preferences of the series of Series Preferred
Stock underlying such Depositary Share (including dividend, voting,
redemption, conversion, and liquidation rights).
 
  The Depositary Shares will be evidenced by Depositary Receipts issued
pursuant to the Deposit Agreement.
 
  Pending the preparation of definitive Depositary Receipts, the Depositary
may, upon the written order of the Parent, issue temporary Depositary Receipts
substantially identical to (and entitling the holders thereof to all the
rights pertaining to) the definitive Depositary Receipts but not in definitive
form. Definitive Depositary Receipts will be prepared thereafter without
unreasonable delay, and temporary Depositary Receipts will be exchangeable for
definitive Depositary Receipts at the Parent's expense.
 
DIVIDENDS AND OTHER DISTRIBUTIONS
 
  The Depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash
distributions in respect of shares of a series of Series Preferred Stock to
the record holders of Depositary Shares in proportion, insofar as practicable,
to the number of Depositary Shares owned by such holders.
 
  In the event of a distribution other than cash in respect of shares of a
series of Series Preferred Stock, the Depositary will distribute property
received by it to the record holders of Depositary Shares in proportion,
insofar as practicable, to the number of Depositary Shares owned by such
holders, unless the Depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such
distribution, in which case the Depositary may, with the approval of the
Parent, adopt such method as it deems equitable and practicable for the
purpose of effecting such distribution, including sale (at public or private
sale) of such property and distribution of the net proceeds from such sale to
such holders.
 
  The amount distributed in any of the foregoing cases will be reduced by any
amount required to be withheld by the Parent or the Depositary on account of
taxes.
 
                                      28
<PAGE>
 
REDEMPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
  If a series of Series Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares is
subject to redemption, the Depositary Shares will be redeemed from the
proceeds received by the Depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or
in part, of such series of Series Preferred Stock held by the Depositary. The
redemption price per Depositary Share will be equal to the applicable fraction
of the redemption price per share payable with respect to such series of
Series Preferred Stock. Whenever the Parent redeems shares of a series of
Series Preferred Stock held by the Depositary, the Depositary will redeem as
of the same redemption date the number of Depositary Shares relating to shares
of such series of Series Preferred Stock so redeemed. If less than all the
Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed
will be selected by lot or pro rata as may be determined by the Depositary to
be equitable.
 
  After the date fixed for redemption, the Depositary Shares so called for
redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the
holders of the Depositary Shares will cease, except the right to receive the
moneys payable upon such redemption and any money or other property to which
the holders of such Depositary Shares were entitled upon such redemption upon
surrender to the Depositary of the Depositary Receipts evidencing such
Depositary Shares.
 
RECORD DATE
 
  Whenever (i) any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become
payable, any distribution other than cash shall be made, or any rights,
preferences, or privileges shall be offered with respect to the shares of a
series of Series Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares, or (ii) the
Depositary shall receive notice of any meeting at which holders of shares of
such series of Series Preferred Stock are entitled to vote or of which holders
of shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock are entitled to notice, or
of any election on the part of the Parent to call for redemption any shares of
such series of Series Preferred Stock, the Depositary shall in each such
instance fix a record date (which shall be the same date as the record date
for the shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock) for the determination
of the holders of Depositary Shares (x) who shall be entitled to receive such
dividend, distribution, rights, preferences, or privileges, (y) who shall be
entitled to give instructions for the exercise of voting rights at any such
meeting or to receive notice of such meeting, or (z) whose interests shall be
subject to such redemption, subject to the provisions of the Deposit
Agreement.
 
VOTING
 
  Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which holders of shares of a series
of Series Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares are entitled to
vote, the Depositary will mail the information contained in such notice of
meeting to the record holders of Depositary Shares relating to such series of
Series Preferred Stock. Each record holder of Depositary Shares on the record
date (which will be the same date as the record date for the underlying series
of Series Preferred Stock) will be entitled to instruct the Depositary as to
the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of the
series of Series Preferred Stock represented by such holder's Depositary
Shares. The Depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote the
number of shares of the series of Series Preferred Stock represented by such
Depositary Shares in accordance with such instructions, and the Parent has
agreed to take all reasonable action which may be deemed necessary by the
Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to do so.
 
  The Depositary will abstain from voting shares of a series of Series
Preferred Stock to the extent it does not receive specific written voting
instructions from the holders of Depositary Shares representing such series of
Series Preferred Stock.
 
WITHDRAWAL OF UNDERLYING PREFERRED STOCK
 
  Upon surrender of Depositary Receipts at the Corporate Office (as defined in
the Deposit Agreement) of the Depositary, the owner of the Depositary Shares
evidenced thereby will be entitled to delivery at such office of certificates
evidencing the number of shares of the series of Series Preferred Stock (but
only in whole shares of
 
                                      29
<PAGE>
 
such series of Series Preferred Stock) represented by such Depositary
Receipts. If the Depositary Receipts delivered by a holder evidence a number
of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of Depositary Shares representing
the number of whole shares of the series of Series Preferred Stock to be
withdrawn, the Depositary will at the same time deliver to such holder a new
Depositary Receipt or Receipts evidencing such excess number of Depositary
Shares.
 
AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION OF DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
 
  The form of Depositary Receipts and any provision of the Deposit Agreement
may at any time be amended by agreement between the Parent and the Depositary.
However, any amendment that imposes any fees, taxes, or other charges payable
by holders of Depositary Shares (other than taxes and other governmental
charges, fees, and other expenses payable by such holders as stated under
"Charges of Depositary"), or that otherwise prejudices any substantial
existing right of holders of Depositary Shares, will not take effect as to
outstanding Depositary Shares until the expiration of 90 days after notice of
such amendment has been mailed to the record holders of outstanding Depositary
Shares. Every holder of Depositary Shares at the time any such amendment
becomes effective shall be deemed to consent and agree to such amendment and
to be bound by the Deposit Agreement, as so amended.
 
  Whenever so directed by the Parent, the Depositary will terminate the
Deposit Agreement after mailing notice of such termination to the record
holders of all Depositary Shares then outstanding at least 30 days prior to
the date fixed in such notice for such termination. The Depositary may
likewise terminate the Deposit Agreement if at any time 45 days shall have
expired after the Depositary shall have delivered to the Parent a written
notice of its election to resign and a successor depositary shall not have
been appointed and accepted its appointment. If any Depositary Shares remain
outstanding after the date of termination, the Depositary thereafter will
discontinue the transfer of Depositary Shares, will suspend the distribution
of dividends to the holders thereof, and will not give any further notices
(other than notice of such termination) or perform any further acts under the
Deposit Agreement except as provided below and except that the Depositary will
continue to collect dividends on the series of Series Preferred Stock
underlying such Depositary Shares and any other distributions with respect
thereto. At any time after the expiration of two years from the date of
termination, the Depositary may sell shares of the series of Series Preferred
Stock then held by it at public or private sale, at such place or places and
upon such terms as it deems proper and may thereafter hold the net proceeds of
any such sale, together with any money and other property then held by it,
without liability for interest thereon, for the pro rata benefit of the
holders of Depositary Shares. The Parent does not presently intend to
terminate any Deposit Agreement or to permit the resignation of any Depositary
without appointing a successor depositary.
 
CHARGES OF DEPOSITARY
 
  The Parent will pay all charges of the Depositary, including charges in
connection with the initial deposit of shares of any series of Series
Preferred Stock, the initial execution and delivery of the Depositary
Receipts, the distribution of information to the holders of Depositary
Receipts with respect to matters on which such series of Series Preferred
Stock is entitled to vote, withdrawals of shares of such series of Series
Preferred Stock, or redemption or conversion of shares of such series of
Series Preferred Stock, except for taxes (including transfer taxes, if any)
and other governmental charges and such other charges as are provided in the
Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of holders of Depositary Receipts.
 
MISCELLANEOUS
 
  The Depositary will make available for inspection by holders of Depositary
Receipts at its Corporate Office any reports and communications from the
Parent that are delivered to the Depositary and made generally available to
the holders of shares of the series of Series Preferred Stock underlying the
Depositary Shares.
 
  Neither the Depositary nor the Parent will be liable if it is prevented or
delayed by law or any circumstance beyond its control from or in performing
its obligations under the Deposit Agreement.
 
                                      30
<PAGE>
 
                      DESCRIPTION OF PARENT CAPITAL STOCK
 
  The following description of certain terms of the Parent's common stock, par
value $1.00 per share (the "Common Stock"), and Preferred Stock (defined
below) does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to the Restated Certificate of Incorporation, as amended, of TCI
(including the Certificates of Designations with respect to outstanding series
of Series Preferred Stock) (the "Charter"), each of which is incorporated
herein by reference.
 
GENERAL
 
  The Charter currently provides that the Parent is authorized to issue
3,602,375,096 shares of capital stock, including (i) 3,550,000,000 shares of
Common Stock, of which 1,750,000,000 shares are designated Series A TCI Group
Common Stock, 150,000,000 shares are designated Tele-Communications, Inc.
Series B TCI Group Common Stock (the "Series B TCI Group Common Stock" and,
together with the Series A TCI Group Common Stock, the "TCI Group Common
Stock"), 750,000,000 shares are designated Tele-Communications, Inc. Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock (the "Series A Liberty Media Group Common
Stock"), 75,000,000 shares are designated Tele-Communications, Inc. Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock (the "Series B Liberty Media Group Common
Stock" and, together with the Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the
"Liberty Media Group Common Stock"), 750,000,000 shares are designated Tele-
Communications, Inc. Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (the "Series A
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock") and 75,000,000 shares are designated Tele-
Communications, Inc. Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (the "Series B
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock" and, together with the Series A TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock, the "TCI Ventures Group Common Stock") and (ii) 52,375,096
shares of preferred stock (the "Preferred Stock"), of which 700,000 shares are
designated Class A Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the "Class A
Preferred Stock"), 1,675,096 shares are designated Class B 6% Cumulative
Redeemable Exchangeable Junior Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per share (the
"Class B Preferred Stock") and 50,000,000 shares are designated as Series
Preferred Stock, issuable in series. Of the Series Preferred Stock, 80,000
shares are designated as Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C (the "Series C
Preferred Stock"), 70,575 shares are designated as Convertible Preferred
Stock, Series C-TCI Group (the "Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock"), 70,575
shares are designated as Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C-Liberty Media
Group (the "Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock"), 1,000,000 shares
are designated as Convertible Preferred Stock, Series D (the "Series D
Preferred Stock"), 400,000 shares are designated as Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Stock, Series E (the "Series E Preferred Stock"), 500,000 shares are
designated Convertible Redeemable Participating Preferred Stock, Series F (the
"Series F Preferred Stock"), 7,259,380 shares are designated as Redeemable
Convertible TCI Group Preferred Stock, Series G (the "Series G Preferred
Stock"), and 7,259,380 shares are designated as Redeemable Convertible Liberty
Media Group Preferred Stock, Series H (the "Series H Preferred Stock"). All of
the shares of Class A Preferred Stock have previously been redeemed and
retired and may not be reissued, thereby reducing the number of authorized
shares of Preferred Stock. 70,575 shares of Series C Preferred Stock have
previously been retired by the Parent, with the effect that such shares have
been restored to the status of authorized and unissued shares of Series
Preferred Stock, and may be reissued as shares of another series of Series
Preferred Stock but may not be reissued as Series C Preferred Stock. The
Parent does not intend to issue any additional shares of Series C Preferred
Stock and intends to remove any remaining shares of Series Preferred Stock
designated as Series C Preferred Stock from such designation as soon as
practicable. All of the shares of Series E Preferred Stock have previously
been redeemed and retired, with the effect that such shares have been restored
to the status of authorized and unissued shares of Series Preferred Stock, and
may be reissued as shares of another series of Series Preferred Stock but may
not be reissued as Series E Preferred Stock.
 
COMMON STOCK
 
  As of September 30, 1997, 472,480,384 shares of Series A TCI Group Common
Stock (net of treasury stock and shares held by subsidiaries of the Parent),
38,544,680 shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock (net of treasury stock
and shares held by subsidiaries of the Parent), 223,203,786 shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock (net of treasury stock and shares held by
subsidiaries of the Parent), 21,175,465 shares of
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock (net of shares held by subsidiaries
of the Parent), 188,661,300 shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
and 16,266,400 shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock had been
issued and were outstanding and 125,645,656 shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock, 9,112,500 shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock, 4,436,245
shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and 2,278,125 shares of
Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock were held by subsidiaries of the
Parent. As of that date, 114,611,215 shares of Series A TCI Group Common
Stock, 31,584,184 shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and
18,547,213 shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock were reserved
for issuance upon conversion, exchange or exercise of outstanding convertible
or exchangeable securities (other than the Series B TCI Group Common Stock,
the Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the Series B TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock, and other than the Series F Preferred Stock held by
subsidiaries of the Parent) and options. In addition, the Parent has reserved
a number of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock equal to the number of
shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock outstanding, a number of shares of
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock equal to the number of shares of
Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock outstanding and a number of shares
of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock equal to the number of shares of
Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock outstanding, in either case for
issuance upon conversion, at the option of the holder, of the Series B TCI
Group Common Stock, the Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the
Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, respectively. Additionally,
subsidiaries of the Parent own shares of Series F Preferred Stock, which are
convertible into an aggregate of 416,528,172 shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock.
 
 Certain Definitions
 
  As used herein, the following terms have the meanings specified below:
 
  "Adjusted Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction" means a
fraction the numerator of which is the number of outstanding shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock and the denominator of which is the sum of (a) such
number of outstanding shares, (b) the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect
to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest, (c) the number of shares of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock issuable upon conversion, exercise or
exchange of Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities and (d) the number of
Committed Acquisition Shares issuable.
 
  "Adjusted TCI Ventures Group Outstanding Interest Fraction" means a fraction
the numerator of which is the number of outstanding shares of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock and the denominator of which is the sum of (a) such number
of outstanding shares, (b) the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the
TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest and (c) the number of shares of TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange of
Pre-Exchange Offer Securities.
 
  "Appraisal Date," with respect to any determination of the Liberty Media
Group Private Market Value or the TCI Ventures Group Private Market Value,
shall mean the last day of the calendar month preceding the month in which the
Selection Date occurs.
 
  "Appraiser" means each of the First Appraiser, the Second Appraiser and the
Mutually Designated Appraiser.
 
  "Committed Acquisition Shares" means (i) the shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock that the Parent had, prior to the record date for the
Liberty Media Group Distribution on August 10, 1995, agreed to issue, but as
of such record date had not issued, and (ii) the shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock that are issuable upon conversion, exercise or
exchange of Convertible Securities that the Parent had, prior to the record
date for the Liberty Media Group Distribution, agreed to issue, but as of such
record date had not issued, in each case including obligations of the Parent
to issue shares of the Parent's Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per
share (which has been redesignated SeriesA TCI Group Common Stock), which as a
result of the Liberty Media Group Distribution, constitute obligations to
issue, among other securities, Series A Liberty
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
Media Group Common Stock or Convertible Securities which are convertible into
or exercisable or exchangeable for Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock;
provided, however, that Committed Acquisition Shares will not include any
shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock issuable upon conversion, exercise
or exchange of Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities. The type and amount of
Committed Acquisition Shares issuable will be appropriately adjusted to
reflect subdivisions and combinations of the Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock and dividends or distributions of shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock or Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock to
holders of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and other
reclassifications of the Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock, in each
case occurring (or the record date for which occurs) after the Liberty Media
Group Distribution. The shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
issuable upon conversion of the Series H Preferred Stock constitute Committed
Acquisition Shares.
 
  "Convertible Securities" means any securities of the Parent (other than any
series of Common Stock) or any Subsidiary thereof that are convertible into,
exchangeable for or evidence the right to purchase any shares of any series of
Common Stock, whether upon conversion, exercise, exchange, pursuant to
antidilution provisions of such securities or otherwise.
 
  "Disposition" means the sale, transfer, assignment or other disposition
(whether by merger, consolidation, sale or contribution of assets or stock or
otherwise) of properties or assets.
 
  "DGCL" means the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
 
  "Exchange Offers" means those certain offers made by the Parent to exchange
(i) one share of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock for each share of
Series A TCI Group Common Stock properly tendered and not validly withdrawn,
up to 188,661,300 shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock (the "Series A
Maximum"), and (ii) one share of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock for
each share of Series B TCI Group Common Stock properly tendered and not
validly withdrawn, up to 16,266,400 shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock
(the "Series B Maximum"), upon the terms and subject to the conditions set
forth in the Offering Circular of the Parent, dated August 7, 1997, and the
related letters of transmittal.
 
 "First Appraiser" means, with respect to any determination of the Liberty
Media Group Private Market Value or the TCI Ventures Group Private Market
Value, an investment banking firm of recognized national standing selected by
the Parent to make such determination.
 
  "Higher Appraised Amount" means, with respect to any determination of the
Liberty Media Group Private Market Value or the TCI Ventures Group Private
Market Value, the higher of the respective final views of the First Appraiser
and the Second Appraiser as to such private market value.
 
  "Initial Ventures Options" means those certain options to purchase shares of
Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock that were issued effective upon the
consummation of the Exchange Offers, in connection with the adjustment of the
Adjustable Options. For purposes of this definition, the term "Adjustable
Options" means those options to purchase shares of Series A TCI Group Common
Stock that were outstanding immediately prior to the consummation of the
Exchange Offers under any Existing Stock Plan (as defined below), which
options the Board of Directors and, if applicable, the committee of the Board
of Directors charged with the administration of such Existing Stock Plan,
determined to adjust for the effects of the Exchange Offers by the issuance,
in substitution for and in cancellation of each such Adjustable Option
effective upon the consummation of the Exchange Offers, of an Initial Ventures
Option to purchase a number of shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock initially equal to 30% (rounded up to the next whole number) of the
number of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock that would have been
issuable upon exercise of such Adjustable Option immediately prior to the
consummation of the Exchange Offers, and an option to purchase a number of
shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock equal to 70% (rounded down to the
next whole number) of the number of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock
that would have been issuable upon exercise of such Adjustable Option
immediately prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offers, together with
such other securities as
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
were then issuable upon exercise of such Adjustable Option (and, in each case,
having such other terms consistent with the terms of the Adjustable Option for
which they are exchanged as the Board of Directors or the committee, as
applicable, determines). The term "Existing Stock Plans" means each of the
following: the Tele-Communications, Inc. 1994 Stock Incentive Plan, the Tele-
Communications, Inc. 1995 Employee Stock Incentive Plan and the Tele-
Communications, Inc. 1996 Incentive Plan.
 
  "Inter-Group Interest" of the TCI Group in the Liberty Media Group or the
TCI Ventures Group means any common stockholders' equity value of the Parent
attributable to the Liberty Media Group or the TCI Ventures Group, as the case
may be, that is not represented by outstanding shares of Liberty Media Group
Common Stock or TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, as the case may be. The TCI
Group's Inter-Group Interest in the Liberty Media Group is represented by the
Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group
Interest and the TCI Group's Inter-Group Interest in the TCI Ventures Group is
represented by the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the TCI Ventures
Group Inter-Group Interest.
 
  "Liberty Media Group" means as of any date of determination thereof:
 
    (i) the interest of the Parent or any of its subsidiaries in Liberty
  Media Corporation or any of its subsidiaries (including any successor
  thereto by merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of its
  assets, whether or not in connection with a Related Business Transaction)
  and their respective properties and assets,
 
    (ii) all assets and liabilities of the Parent or any of its subsidiaries
  to the extent attributed to any of the properties or assets referred to in
  clause (i) of this sentence, whether or not such assets or liabilities are
  assets and liabilities of Liberty Media Corporation or any of its
  subsidiaries (or a successor as described in clause (i) of this sentence),
 
    (iii) all assets and properties contributed or otherwise transferred to
  the Liberty Media Group from the TCI Group, and
 
    (iv) the interest of the Parent or any of its subsidiaries in the
  businesses, assets and liabilities acquired by the Parent or any of its
  subsidiaries for the Liberty Media Group, as determined by the Board of
  Directors;
 
provided that (a) from and after any dividend or other distribution with
respect to any shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock (other than a
dividend or other distribution payable in shares of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock, with respect to which adjustment will be made as described in clause
(i) of the definition of "Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the
Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest," or in other securities of the
Parent attributed to the Liberty Media Group for which provision will be made
as described in the penultimate sentence of this definition), the Liberty
Media Group will no longer include an amount of assets or properties equal to
the aggregate amount of such kind of assets or properties so paid in respect
of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is equal to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest
Fraction in effect immediately prior to the record date for such dividend or
other distribution and the denominator of which is equal to the Liberty Media
Group Outstanding Interest Fraction in effect immediately prior to the record
date for such dividend or other distribution and (b) from and after any
transfer of assets or properties from the Liberty Media Group to the TCI
Group, the Liberty Media Group will no longer include the assets or properties
so transferred. If the Parent pays a dividend or makes any other distribution
with respect to shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock payable in
securities of the Parent attributed to the Liberty Media Group other than
Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the TCI Group will be deemed to hold an
amount of such other securities equal to the amount so distributed multiplied
by the fraction specified in clause (a) of this definition (determined as of a
time immediately prior to the record date for such dividend or other
distribution), and to the extent interest or dividends are paid or other
distributions are made on such other securities so distributed to the holders
of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the Liberty Media Group will no longer
include a corresponding ratable amount of the kind of assets paid as such
interest or dividends or other distributions in respect of such securities so
deemed to be held by the TCI Group. The Parent may also, to the extent any
such other securities constitute Convertible Securities which are at the time
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
convertible, exercisable or exchangeable, cause such Convertible Securities
deemed to be held by the TCI Group to be deemed to be converted, exercised or
exchanged (and to the extent the terms of such Convertible Securities require
payment or delivery of consideration in order to effect such conversion,
exercise or exchange, the Liberty Media Group will in such case include an
amount of the kind of properties or assets required to be paid or delivered as
such consideration for the amount of the Convertible Securities deemed
converted, exercised or exchanged as if such Convertible Securities were
outstanding), in which case such Convertible Securities will no longer be
deemed to be held by the TCI Group or attributed to the Liberty Media Group.
 
  "Liberty Media Group Distribution" shall mean the share distribution of
shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media
Group Common Stock made to the holders of record of Series A TCI Group Common
Stock and Series B TCI Group Common Stock as of the close of business on
August 4, 1995.
 
  "Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest Fraction," as of any date, shall
mean a fraction the numerator of which is the Number of Shares Issuable with
Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest as of such date and
the denominator of which is the sum of (a) such Number of Shares Issuable with
Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest as of such date and
(b) the aggregate number of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock
outstanding as of such date.
 
  "Liberty Media Group Net Proceeds" shall mean, as of any date, with respect
to any Disposition of any of the properties and assets of the Liberty Media
Group, an amount, if any, equal to the gross proceeds of such Disposition
after any payment of, or reasonable provision for, (a) any taxes payable by
the Parent in respect of such Disposition or in respect of any resulting
dividend or redemption pursuant to clause (i) or (ii), respectively, of the
second paragraph under "--Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend,
Redemption or Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock" (or which would
have been payable but for the utilization of tax benefits attributable to the
TCI Group or the TCI Ventures Group), (b) any transaction costs, including,
without limitation, any legal, investment banking and accounting fees and
expenses and (c) any liabilities and other obligations (contingent or
otherwise) of, or attributed to, the Liberty Media Group, including, without
limitation, any indemnity or guarantee obligations incurred in connection with
the Disposition or any liabilities for future purchase price adjustments and
any preferential amounts plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends and other
obligations (without duplication of amounts allocated for the satisfaction of
the Parent's obligations with respect to Pre-Distribution Convertible
Securities and Committed Acquisition Shares issuable which are included in the
determination of the Adjusted Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest
Fraction) in respect of Preferred Stock attributed to the Liberty Media Group.
For purposes of this definition, any properties and assets of the Liberty
Media Group remaining after such Disposition shall constitute "reasonable
provision" for such amount of taxes, costs and liabilities (contingent or
otherwise) as can be supported by such properties and assets. To the extent
the proceeds of any Disposition include any securities or other property other
than cash, the Board of Directors shall determine the value of such securities
or property, including for the purpose of determining the equivalent value
thereof if the Board of Directors determines to pay a dividend or redemption
price in cash or securities or other property as provided in the penultimate
paragraph under "--Conversion and Redemption-- Mandatory Dividend, Redemption
or Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock."
 
  "Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction," as of any date, shall
mean a fraction the numerator of which is the aggregate number of shares of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock outstanding on such date and the denominator
of which is the sum of (a) such aggregate number of shares of Liberty Media
Group Common Stock outstanding on such date and (b) the Number of Shares
Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest as of
such date.
 
  "Lower Appraised Amount," with respect to any determination of the Liberty
Media Group Private Market Value or the TCI Ventures Group Private Market
Value, shall mean the lower of the respective final views of the First
Appraiser and the Second Appraiser as to such private market value.
 
 
                                      35
<PAGE>
 
  "Market Capitalization" of any class or series of capital stock of the
Parent on any Trading Day shall mean the product of (i) the Market Value of
one share of such class or series on such Trading Day and (ii) the number of
shares of such class or series outstanding on such Trading Day.
 
  "Market Value" of any class or series of capital stock of the Parent on any
day shall mean the average of the high and low reported sales prices regular
way of a share of such class or series on such day (if such day is a Trading
Day, and if such day is not a Trading Day, on the Trading Day immediately
preceding such day) or in case no such reported sale takes place on such
Trading Day the average of the reported closing bid and asked prices regular
way of a share of such class or series on such Trading Day, in either case on
the Nasdaq National Market, or if the shares of such class or series are not
quoted on the Nasdaq National Market on such Trading Day, the average of the
closing bid and asked prices of a share of such class or series in the over-
the-counter market on such Trading Day as furnished by any New York Stock
Exchange member firm selected from time to time by the Parent, or if such
closing bid and asked prices are not made available by any such New York Stock
Exchange member firm on such Trading Day, the market value of a share of such
class or series as determined by the Board of Directors; provided that for
purposes of determining the ratios described under "--Conversion and
Redemption--Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock at the Option of
the Parent," "--Conversion and Redemption--Conversion of TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock at the Option of the Parent," "--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption
or Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock," and "--Mandatory Dividend,
Redemption or Conversion of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock" and as described
under "--Liquidation Rights," (a) the "Market Value" of any share of any
series of Common Stock on any day prior to the "ex" date or any similar date
for any dividend or distribution paid or to be paid with respect to such
series of Common Stock shall be reduced by the fair market value of the per
share amount of such dividend or distribution as determined by the Board of
Directors and (b) the "Market Value" of any share of any series of Common
Stock on any day prior to (i) the effective date of any subdivision (by stock
split or otherwise) or combination (by reverse stock split or otherwise) of
outstanding shares of such series of Common Stock or (ii) the "ex" date or any
similar date for any dividend or distribution with respect to any such series
of Common Stock in shares of such series of Common Stock shall be
appropriately adjusted to reflect such subdivision, combination, dividend or
distribution.
 
  "Mutually Appraised Amount," with respect to any determination of the
Liberty Media Group Private Market Value or the TCI Ventures Group Private
Market Value, shall mean the determination by the Mutually Designated
Appraiser of such private market value.
 
  "Mutually Designated Appraiser" shall mean, if required with respect to any
determination of the Liberty Media Group Private Market Value or the TCI
Ventures Group Private Market Value, the investment banking firm of recognized
national standing jointly designated by the First Appraiser and the Second
Appraiser to make such determination.
 
  "Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-
Group Interest" is currently zero and will from time to time be
    (i) adjusted as appropriate to reflect subdivisions (by stock split or
  otherwise) and combinations (by reverse stock split or otherwise) of the
  Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and dividends or distributions of
  shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or Series B Liberty
  Media Group Common Stock to holders of Series A Liberty Media Group Common
  Stock and other reclassifications of Series A Liberty Media Group Common
  Stock,
    (ii) decreased (but not to less than zero) by (a) the aggregate number of
  shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock issued or sold by the
  Parent after the Liberty Media Group Distribution other than Committed
  Acquisition Shares, the proceeds of which are attributed to the TCI Group,
  (b) the aggregate number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common
  Stock issued or delivered upon conversion, exercise or exchange of
  Convertible Securities (other than Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities
  and Convertible Securities which are convertible into or exercisable or
  exchangeable for Committed Acquisition Shares), the proceeds of which are
  attributed to the TCI Group, (c) the aggregate
 
                                      36
<PAGE>
 
  number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock issued or
  delivered by the Parent as a dividend or distribution to holders of Series
  A TCI Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Group Common Stock, (d) the
  aggregate number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
  issued or delivered upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of any
  Convertible Securities (other than Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities
  and Convertible Securities which are convertible into or exercisable or
  exchangeable for Committed Acquisition Shares) issued or delivered by the
  Parent after the Liberty Media Group Distribution as a dividend or
  distribution or by reclassification or exchange to holders of Series A TCI
  Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Group Common Stock and (e) the
  aggregate number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
  (rounded, if necessary, to the nearest whole number), equal to the
  aggregate fair value (as determined by the Board of Directors) of assets or
  properties attributed to the Liberty Media Group that are transferred from
  the Liberty Media Group to the TCI Group in consideration of a reduction in
  the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media Group
  Inter-Group Interest, divided by the Market Value of one share of Series A
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock as of the date of such transfer, and
 
    (iii) increased by (a) the aggregate number of any shares of Series A
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common
  Stock which are retired or otherwise cease to be outstanding following
  their purchase with funds attributed to the TCI Group, (b) a number
  (rounded, if necessary, to the nearest whole number), equal to the fair
  value (as determined by the Board of Directors) of assets or properties
  theretofore attributed to the TCI Group that are contributed to the Liberty
  Media Group in consideration of an increase in the Number of Shares
  Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest,
  divided by the Market Value of one share of Series A Liberty Media Group
  Common Stock as of the date of such contribution and (c) the aggregate
  number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock into or for which Convertible Securities
  are deemed to be converted, exercised or exchanged pursuant to the last
  sentence of the definition of "TCI Group."
 
The Parent will not issue or sell shares of Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock in respect of a reduction in the Number of Shares Issuable with
Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest. Whenever a change in
the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-
Group Interest occurs, the Parent will prepare and file a statement of such
change with the Secretary of the Parent.
 
  "Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the TCI Ventures Group Inter-
Group Interest" is currently zero and will from time to time, as applicable,
be
 
    (i) adjusted as appropriate to reflect subdivisions (by stock split or
  otherwise) and combinations (by reverse stock split or otherwise) of the
  Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock and dividends or distributions of shares of Series A TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock or Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock to
  holders of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock and other reclassifications of the Series A TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock,
 
    (ii) decreased (but not to less than zero) by (a) the aggregate number of
  shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock or Series B TCI Ventures
  Group Common Stock issued or sold by the Parent after the consummation of
  the Exchange Offers the proceeds of which are attributed to the TCI Group,
  (b) the aggregate number of shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common
  Stock or Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock issued or delivered upon
  conversion, exercise or exchange of Convertible Securities (other than Pre-
  Exchange Offer Securities), the proceeds of which are attributed to the TCI
  Group, (c) the aggregate number of shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock or Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock issued or
  delivered by the Parent as a dividend or distribution to holders of Series
  A TCI Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Group Common Stock, (d) the
  aggregate number of shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock or
  Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock issued or delivered upon the
  conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible Securities (other than
  Pre-Exchange Offer Securities) issued or delivered by the Parent after the
 
                                      37
<PAGE>
 
  consummation of the Exchange Offers as a dividend or distribution or by
  reclassification or exchange to holders of Series A TCI Group Common Stock
  and Series B TCI Group Common Stock and (e) the aggregate number of shares
  of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock (rounded, if necessary, to the nearest whole number), equal to
  the aggregate fair value (as determined by the Board of Directors) of
  assets or properties attributed to the TCI Ventures Group that are
  transferred from the TCI Ventures Group to the TCI Group in consideration
  of a reduction in the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the TCI
  Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest, divided by the Market Value of one
  share of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock as of the date of such
  transfer, and
 
    (iii) increased by (a) the aggregate number of any shares of Series A TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
  which are retired or otherwise cease to be outstanding following their
  purchase with funds attributed to the TCI Group, (b) a number (rounded, if
  necessary, to the nearest whole number), equal to the fair value (as
  determined by the Board of Directors) of assets or properties theretofore
  attributed to the TCI Group that are contributed to the TCI Ventures Group
  in consideration of an increase in the Number of Shares Issuable with
  Respect to the TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest, divided by the
  Market Value of one share of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock as of
  the date of such contribution and (c) the aggregate number of shares of
  Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock into or for which Convertible Securities are deemed to be
  converted, exercised or exchanged pursuant to the last sentence of the
  definition of "TCI Group."
 
  Whenever a change in the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the TCI
Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest occurs, the Parent shall prepare and file
a statement of such change with the Secretary of the Parent.
 
  "Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities" means Convertible Securities that
were outstanding on the record date for the Liberty Media Group Distribution
and were, prior to such date, convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable
for shares of the Parent's Class A Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(which has been redesignated Series A TCI Group Common Stock).
 
  "Pre-Exchange Offer Securities" means the TCI-UA Notes and the Initial
Ventures Options.
 
  "Qualifying Subsidiary" shall mean a Subsidiary of the Parent in which (i)
the Parent's ownership and voting interest is sufficient to satisfy the
requirements of the Internal Revenue Service for (x), in the case of a
Subsidiary that holds assets attributed to the Liberty Media Group, a
distribution of the Parent's interest in such Subsidiary to the holders of
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock that is tax free to such holders or (y), in the case of a
Subsidiary that holds assets attributed to the TCI Ventures Group, a
distribution of the Parent's interest in such Subsidiary to the holders of
Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock that is tax free to such holders or (ii) the Parent owns,
directly or indirectly, all of the issued and outstanding capital stock.
 
  "Related Business Transaction" shall mean any Disposition of all or
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Liberty Media Group or
the TCI Ventures Group, as the case may be, in which the Parent receives as
proceeds of such Disposition primarily equity securities (including, without
limitation, capital stock, convertible securities, partnership or limited
partnership interests and other types of equity securities, without regard to
the voting power or contractual or other management or governance rights
related to such equity securities) of the purchaser or acquiror of such assets
and properties of the Liberty Media Group or the TCI Ventures Group, as the
case may be, any entity which succeeds (by merger, formation of a joint
venture enterprise or otherwise) to such assets and properties of the Liberty
Media Group or the TCI Ventures Group, as the case may be, or a third party
issuer, which purchaser, acquiror or other issuer is engaged or proposes to
engage primarily in one or more businesses similar or complementary to the
businesses conducted by the Liberty Media Group or the TCI Ventures Group, as
the case may be, prior to such Disposition, as determined in good faith by the
Board of Directors.
 
                                      38
<PAGE>
 
  "Second Appraiser" means, with respect to any determination of the Liberty
Media Group Private Market Value or the TCI Ventures Group Private Market
Value, an investment banking firm of recognized national standing selected by
the Independent Committee to make such determination.
 
  "Selection Date," with respect to any determination of the Liberty Media
Group Private Market Value or the TCI Ventures Group Private Market Value,
shall mean the date upon which the Second Appraiser for such determination is
selected by the Independent Committee.
 
  "Subsidiary" shall mean, with respect to any person or entity, any
corporation or partnership 50% or more of whose outstanding voting securities
or partnership interests, as the case may be, are directly or indirectly owned
by such person or entity.
 
  "TCI Group" means as of any date of determination thereof:
 
    (i) the interest of the Parent or any of its subsidiaries in all of the
  businesses in which the Parent or any of its subsidiaries (or any of their
  predecessors or successors) is or has been engaged, directly or indirectly,
  and the respective assets and liabilities of the Parent or any of its
  subsidiaries, other than any businesses, assets or liabilities of the
  Liberty Media Group or the TCI Ventures Group;
 
    (ii) a proportionate interest in the businesses, assets and liabilities
  of the Liberty Media Group equal to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group
  Interest Fraction as of such date and a proportionate interest in the
  businesses, assets and liabilities of the TCI Ventures Group equal to the
  TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest Fraction as of such date;
 
    (iii) from and after any dividend or other distribution with respect to
  shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock (other than a dividend or other
  distribution payable in shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, with
  respect to which adjustment will be made as described in clause (i) of the
  definition of "Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media
  Group Inter-Group Interest," or in other securities of the Parent
  attributed to the Liberty Media Group, for which provision will be made as
  described in the second sentence of this definition), an amount of assets
  or properties theretofore included in the Liberty Media Group equal to the
  aggregate amount of such kind of assets or properties so paid in respect of
  such dividend or other distribution with respect to shares of Liberty Media
  Group Common Stock multiplied by a fraction the numerator of which is equal
  to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest Fraction in effect
  immediately prior to the record date for such dividend or other
  distribution and the denominator of which is equal to the Liberty Media
  Group Outstanding Interest Fraction in effect immediately prior to the
  record date for such dividend or other distribution;
 
    (iv) from and after any dividend or other distribution with respect to
  shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (other than a dividend or other
  distribution payable in shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, with
  respect to which adjustment will be made as described in clause (i) of the
  definition of "Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the TCI Ventures
  Group Inter-Group Interest," or in other securities of the Parent
  attributed to the TCI Ventures Group, for which provision will be made as
  described in the penultimate sentence of this definition), an amount of
  assets or properties theretofore included in the TCI Ventures Group equal
  to the aggregate amount of such kind of assets or properties so paid in
  respect of such dividend or other distribution with respect to shares of
  TCI Ventures Group Common Stock multiplied by a fraction the numerator of
  which is equal to the TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest Fraction in
  effect immediately prior to the record date for such dividend or other
  distribution and the denominator of which is equal to the TCI Ventures
  Group Outstanding Interest Fraction in effect immediately prior to the
  record date for such dividend or other distribution; and
 
    (v) any assets or properties transferred from the Liberty Media Group or
  the TCI Ventures Group to the TCI Group;
 
provided that, from and after any contribution or transfer of any assets or
properties from the TCI Group to the Liberty Media Group or the TCI Ventures
Group, the TCI Group will no longer include such assets or properties so
contributed or transferred (other than pursuant to its interest in the
businesses, assets and liabilities of the
 
                                      39
<PAGE>
 
Liberty Media Group or the TCI Ventures Group, as applicable, described in
clause (ii) above). If the Parent pays a dividend or makes any other
distribution with respect to shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock
payable in other securities of the Parent attributed to the Liberty Media
Group, the TCI Group will be deemed to hold an amount of such other securities
equal to the amount so distributed multiplied by the fraction specified in
clause (iii) of this definition (determined as of a time immediately prior to
the record date for such dividend or other distribution), and to the extent
interest or dividends are paid or other distributions are made on such other
securities so distributed to holders of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the
TCI Group will include a corresponding ratable amount of the kind of assets
paid as such interest or dividends or other distributions in respect of such
securities so deemed to be held by the TCI Group. If the Parent pays a
dividend or makes any other distribution with respect to shares of TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock payable in other securities of the Parent
attributed to the TCI Ventures Group, the TCI Group will be deemed to hold an
amount of such other securities equal to the amount so distributed multiplied
by the fraction specified in clause (iv) of this definition (determined as of
a time immediately prior to the record date for such dividend or other
distribution), and to the extent interest or dividends are paid or other
distributions are made on such other securities so distributed to holders of
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, the TCI Group will include a corresponding
ratable amount of the kind of assets paid as such interest or dividends or
other distribution in respect of such securities so deemed to be held by the
TCI Group. The Parent may also, to the extent any such other securities
constitute Convertible Securities which are at the time convertible,
exercisable or exchangeable, cause such Convertible Securities deemed to be
held by the TCI Group to be deemed to be converted, exercised or exchanged
(and to the extent the terms of such Convertible Securities require payment or
delivery of consideration in order to effect such conversion, exercise or
exchange, the TCI Group will in such case no longer include an amount of the
kind of properties or assets required to be paid or delivered as such
consideration for the amount of the Convertible Securities deemed converted,
exercised or exchanged as if such Convertible Securities were outstanding), in
which case such Convertible Securities will no longer be deemed to be held by
the TCI Group or attributed to the Liberty Media Group or the TCI Ventures
Group, as applicable.
 
  "TCI-UA Notes" shall mean those certain convertible notes due December 12,
2021 issued by TCI UA, Inc., a Subsidiary of the Parent, which notes were,
prior to the consummation of the Exchange Offers, exchangeable for shares of
Series A TCI Group Common Stock and Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock.
 
  "TCI Ventures Group" shall mean, as of any date that any shares of Series A
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock or Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
have been issued and continue to be outstanding:
 
    (i) the interest of the Parent or of any of its subsidiaries in any of
  the following persons or any of their respective subsidiaries (including
  any successor thereto by merger, consolidation or sale of all or
  substantially all of its assets, whether or not in connection with a
  Related Business Transaction) and their respective properties and assets:
  TCI Ventures Group, LLC, Tele-Communications International, Inc., TCI
  Telephony Holdings, Inc., New Jersey Fiber Technologies, L.P., Louisville
  Lightwave, Western Tele-Communications, Inc., TCI GCI, Inc., TCI UVSG,
  Inc., Acclaim Entertainment, Inc., TCI TSX, Inc., Intessera, Inc., TCI-
  TVGOS, Inc., TCI MCNS Holdings, Inc., TCI ETC Holdings, Inc., TCI Internet
  Holdings, Inc., TCI Online Sports Holdings, Inc., TCI Online Village
  Holdings, Inc., TCI INZ Sports Holdings, Inc., TCI Netscape Holdings, Inc.,
  TCI Java, Inc., National Digital Television Center, Inc., TCI SUMMITrak of
  Texas, Inc., TCI SUMMITrak, LLC, DigiVentures, LLC, Kitty Hawk Capital
  Limited Partners, II, New Enterprise Associates, IV, Limited Partnership,
  Venture First II, L.P., TVSM, Inc.,
 
    (ii) all assets and liabilities of the Parent or any of its subsidiaries
  to the extent attributed to any of the properties or assets referred to in
  clause (i) of this sentence, whether or not such assets or liabilities are
  assets and liabilities of any of the Persons named in clause (i) or any of
  their respective subsidiaries (or any successor as described in clause (i)
  of this sentence),
 
    (iii) the proceeds of exercise of the Initial Ventures Options and the
  expense of exercise of any related stock appreciation rights,
 
                                      40
<PAGE>
 
    (iv) all assets and properties contributed or otherwise transferred to
  the TCI Ventures Group from the TCI Group, and
 
    (v) the interest of the Parent or any of its subsidiaries in the
  businesses, assets and liabilities acquired by the Parent or any of its
  subsidiaries for the TCI Ventures Group, as determined by the Board of
  Directors;
 
provided that (a) from and after any dividend or other distribution with
respect to any shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (other than a
dividend or other distribution payable in shares of TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock, with respect to which adjustment shall be made as provided in clause
(i) of the definition of "Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the TCI
Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest," or in other securities of the Parent
attributed to the TCI Ventures Group for which provision shall be made as set
forth in the penultimate sentence of this definition), the TCI Ventures Group
will no longer include an amount of assets or properties equal to the
aggregate amount of such kind of assets or properties so paid in respect of
shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock multiplied by a fraction the
numerator of which is equal to the TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest
Fraction in effect immediately prior to the record date for such dividend or
other distribution and the denominator of which is equal to the TCI Ventures
Group Outstanding Interest Fraction in effect immediately prior to the record
date for such dividend or other distribution and (b) from and after any
transfer of assets or properties from the TCI Ventures Group to the TCI Group,
the TCI Ventures Group shall no longer include the assets or properties so
transferred. If the Parent pays a dividend or makes any other distribution
with respect to shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock payable in
securities of the Parent attributed to the TCI Ventures Group other than TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock, the TCI Group shall be deemed to hold an amount
of such other securities equal to the amount so distributed multiplied by the
fraction specified in clause (a) of this definition (determined as of a time
immediately prior to the record date for such dividend or other distribution),
and to the extent interest or dividends are paid or other distributions are
made on such other securities so distributed to the holders of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock, the TCI Ventures Group will no longer include a
corresponding ratable amount of the kind of assets paid as such interest or
dividends or other distributions in respect of such securities so deemed to be
held by the TCI Group. The Parent may also, to the extent any such other
securities constitute Convertible Securities which are at the time
convertible, exercisable or exchangeable, cause such Convertible Securities
deemed to be held by the TCI Group to be deemed to be converted, exercised or
exchanged (and to the extent the terms of such Convertible Securities require
payment or delivery of consideration in order to effect such conversion,
exercise or exchange, the TCI Ventures Group shall in such case include an
amount of the kind of properties or assets required to be paid or delivered as
such consideration for the amount of the Convertible Securities deemed
converted, exercised or exchanged as if such Convertible Securities were
outstanding), in which case such Convertible Securities shall no longer be
deemed to be held by the TCI Group or attributed to the TCI Ventures Group.
 
  "TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest Fraction," as of any date, shall
mean a fraction the numerator of which is the Number of Shares Issuable with
Respect to the TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest as of such date and the
denominator of which is the sum of (a) such Number of Shares Issuable with
Respect to the TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest as of such date and (b)
the aggregate number of shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock outstanding
as of such date.
 
  "TCI Ventures Group Net Proceeds" shall mean, as of any date, with respect
to any Disposition of any of the properties and assets of the TCI Ventures
Group, an amount, if any, equal to the gross proceeds of such Disposition
after any payment of, or reasonable provision for, (a) any taxes payable by
the Parent in respect of such Disposition or in respect of any resulting
dividend or redemption pursuant to clause (i) or (ii), respectively, of the
second paragraph under "--Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend,
Redemption or Conversion of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock" (or which would
have been payable but for the utilization of tax benefits attributable to the
TCI Group or the Liberty Media Group), (b) any transaction costs, including,
without limitation, any legal, investment banking and accounting fees and
expenses and (c) any liabilities and other obligations (contingent or
otherwise) of, or attributed to, the TCI Ventures Group, including, without
limitation, any indemnity or guarantee obligations incurred in connection with
the Disposition or any liabilities for future purchase price adjustments and
any preferential amounts plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends
 
                                      41
<PAGE>
 
and other obligations (without duplication of amounts allocated for the
satisfaction of the Parent's obligations with respect to Pre-Exchange Offer
Securities which are included in the determination of the Adjusted TCI
Ventures Group Outstanding Interest Fraction) in respect of Preferred Stock
attributed to the TCI Ventures Group. For purposes of this definition, any
properties and assets of the TCI Ventures Group remaining after such
Disposition shall constitute "reasonable provision" for such amount of taxes,
costs and liabilities (contingent or otherwise) as can be supported by such
properties and assets. To the extent the proceeds of any Disposition include
any securities or other property other than cash, the Board of Directors shall
determine the value of such securities or property, including for the purpose
of determining the equivalent value thereof if the Board of Directors
determines to pay a dividend or redemption price in cash or securities or
other property as provided in the third paragraph under "--Conversion and
Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock."
 
  "TCI Ventures Group Outstanding Interest Fraction," as of any date, shall
mean a fraction the numerator of which is the aggregate number of shares of
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock outstanding on such date and the denominator
of which is the sum of (a) such aggregate number of shares of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock outstanding on such date and (b) the Number of Shares
Issuable with Respect to the TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest as of
such date.
 
  "Trading Day" shall mean each weekday other than any day on which any
relevant class or series of capital stock of the Corporation is not traded on
the Nasdaq National Market System or in the over-the-counter market.
 
 Voting Rights
 
  Holders of Series A TCI Group Common Stock, Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock and Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, in each case, are
entitled to one vote for each share of such stock held, and holders of Series
B TCI Group Common Stock, Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series
B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, in each case, are entitled to ten votes for
each share of such stock held, on all matters presented to such stockholders.
Except as may otherwise be required by the laws of the State of Delaware or,
with respect to any class of Preferred Stock or any series of such a class, in
the Charter (including any resolution or resolutions providing for the
establishment of such class or series pursuant to authority vested in the
Board of Directors by the Charter), the holders of TCI Group Common Stock, the
holders of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the holders of TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock and the holders of each class or series of Preferred Stock, if
any, entitled to vote thereon will vote as one class with respect to all
matters to be voted on by stockholders of the Parent.
 
  None of the holders of Series A TCI Group Common Stock, Series B TCI Group
Common Stock, Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock, Series B Liberty
Media Group Common Stock, Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock or Series B
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock have any rights to vote as a separate class or
series on any matter coming before the stockholders of the Parent, except with
respect to certain limited class and series voting rights provided under the
Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL"). Under the DGCL, the approval of the
holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of any class of capital stock
of a corporation, voting separately as a class, is required to approve any
amendment to the charter of such corporation that would alter or change the
powers, preferences or special rights of the shares of such class so as to
affect them adversely, provided that, if any amendment would alter or change
the powers, preferences or special rights of one or more series of the class
so as to affect them adversely, but would not so affect the entire class, then
only the shares of the series so affected by the amendment would be entitled
to vote thereon separately as a class. Because the Series A TCI Group Common
Stock, the Series B TCI Group Common Stock, the Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock, the Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the Series A TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock and the Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
are each a separate series of a single class of stock, each series will be
entitled to vote separately as a class upon an amendment to the Charter that
would alter or change the powers, preferences or special rights of such series
so as to affect them adversely only if the other series were not so affected.
The DGCL does not provide for any other separate voting rights of a class or
series of capital stock (other than with respect to a change in par value or,
in certain
 
                                      42
<PAGE>
 
circumstances not applicable in the case of the Parent's outstanding stock, an
increase or decrease in the authorized shares of such class or series).
Consequently, because most matters brought to a stockholder vote will require
the approval of only a specified percentage of all of the Parent's outstanding
capital stock entitled to vote on such matters (including the TCI Group Common
Stock, the Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock) voting together as a single class, if the holders of one or more series
of Common Stock have more than the number of votes required to approve any
such matter, such holders would be in a position to control the outcome of the
vote on such matter.
 
 Dividends
 
  Subject to the prior payment of dividends on, and other rights of, any of
the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock, dividends may be paid as determined
by the Board of Directors (i) on the TCI Group Common Stock out of the lesser
of (x) the TCI Group Available Dividend Amount and (y) funds of the Parent
legally available therefor under the DGCL, (ii) on the Liberty Media Group
Common Stock out of the lesser of (x) the Liberty Media Group Available
Dividend Amount and (y) funds of the Parent legally available therefor under
the DGCL, and (iii) on the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock out of the lesser
of (x) the TCI Ventures Group Available Dividend Amount and (y) funds of the
Parent legally available therefor under the DGCL. Under the DGCL, the amount
of the funds of the Parent legally available for the payment of dividends on
any series of Common Stock is determined on the basis of the entire
corporation and not just the TCI Group, the Liberty Media Group or the TCI
Ventures Group. Consequently, the amount of legally available funds will be
reduced by the amount of any net losses of the TCI Group, the Liberty Media
Group or the TCI Ventures Group and any dividends or distributions on, or
repurchases of, the TCI Group Common Stock, the Liberty Media Group Common
Stock or the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, if any, and dividends on, or
certain repurchases of, Preferred Stock. Certain loan agreements to which
certain subsidiaries of the Parent are parties or are subject contain
restricted payment provisions that limit the amount of dividends, other than
stock dividends, that those companies may pay. Future loan agreements may also
contain similar restrictions and limits.
 
  The "TCI Group Available Dividend Amount," as of any date, means either (i)
the excess of (a) an amount equal to the total assets of the TCI Group less
the total liabilities (not including preferred stock) of the TCI Group as of
such date over (b) the aggregate par value of, or any greater amount
determined to be capital in respect of, all outstanding shares of TCI Group
Common Stock and each class or series of Preferred Stock attributed to the TCI
Group or (ii) in case there is no such excess, an amount equal to the
Corporation Earnings (Loss) Attributable to the TCI Group (if positive) for
the fiscal year in which such date occurs and/or the preceding fiscal year.
The "Corporation Earnings (Loss) Attributable to the TCI Group," for any
period, means the net earnings or loss of the TCI Group for such period,
determined on a basis consistent with the determination of the net earnings or
loss of the TCI Group for such period as presented in the combined financial
statements of the TCI Group, including income and expenses of TCI attributed
to the operations of the TCI Group on a substantially consistent basis,
including, without limitation, corporate administrative costs, net interest
and income taxes. The TCI Group Available Dividend Amount is intended to be
similar to the amount that would be legally available for the payment of
dividends on the TCI Group Common Stock under the DGCL if the TCI Group were a
separate Delaware corporation. There can be no assurance that there will be a
TCI Group Available Dividend Amount.
 
  The "Liberty Media Group Available Dividend Amount," as of any date, means
the product of the Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction and
either (i) the excess of (a) an amount equal to the total assets of the
Liberty Media Group less the total liabilities (not including preferred stock)
of the Liberty Media Group as of such date over (b) the aggregate par value
of, or any greater amount determined to be capital in respect of, all
outstanding shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock and each class or
series of Preferred Stock attributed to the Liberty Media Group or (ii) in
case there is no such excess, an amount equal to the Corporation Earnings
(Loss) Attributable to the Liberty Media Group (if positive) for the fiscal
year in which such date occurs and/or the preceding fiscal year. The
"Corporation Earnings (Loss) Attributable to the Liberty Media Group," for any
period, means the net earnings or loss of the Liberty Media Group for such
period determined on a basis consistent with the determination of the net
earnings or loss of the Liberty Media Group for such period as
 
                                      43
<PAGE>
 
presented in the combined financial statements of the Liberty Media Group,
including income and expenses of the Parent attributed to the operations of
the Liberty Media Group on a substantially consistent basis, including,
without limitation, corporate administrative costs, net interest and income
taxes. The Liberty Media Group Available Dividend Amount is intended to be
similar to the amount that would be legally available for the payment of
dividends on the Liberty Media Group Common Stock under the DGCL if the
Liberty Media Group were a separate Delaware corporation. There can be no
assurance that there will be a Liberty Media Group Available Dividend Amount.
 
  The "TCI Ventures Group Available Dividend Amount," as of any date, means
the product of the TCI Ventures Group Outstanding Interest Fraction and either
(i) the excess of (a) an amount equal to the total assets of the TCI Ventures
Group less the total liabilities (not including preferred stock) of the TCI
Ventures Group as of such date over (b) the aggregate par value of, or any
greater amount determined to be capital in respect of, all outstanding shares
of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and each class or series of Preferred Stock
attributed to the TCI Ventures Group or (ii) in case there is no such excess,
an amount equal to the Corporation Earnings (Loss) Attributable to the TCI
Ventures Group (if positive) for the fiscal year in which such date occurs
and/or the preceding fiscal year. The "Corporation Earnings (Loss)
Attributable to the TCI Ventures Group," for any period, means the net
earnings or loss of the TCI Ventures Group for such period determined on a
basis consistent with the determination of the net earnings or loss of the TCI
Ventures Group for such period as presented in the combined financial
statements of the TCI Ventures Group, including income and expenses of the
Parent attributed to the operations of the TCI Ventures Group on a
substantially consistent basis, including, without limitation, corporate
administrative costs, net interest and income taxes. The TCI Ventures Group
Available Dividend Amount is intended to be similar to the amount that would
be legally available for the payment of dividends on the TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock under the DGCL if the TCI Ventures Group were a separate Delaware
corporation. There can be no assurance that there will be a TCI Ventures Group
Available Dividend Amount.
 
  Except for dividends declared or paid as described below under "--Share
Distributions," "--Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption
or Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock," and "--Conversion and
Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock," any dividends paid on the Series A TCI Group Common Stock or
the Series B TCI Group Common Stock will be paid only on both series, in equal
amounts per share; any dividends paid on the Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock or the Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock will be paid
only on both series, in equal amounts per share; and any dividends paid on the
Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock or the Series B TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock will be paid only on both series, in equal amounts per share.
 
  The Board of Directors, subject to the provisions described above and under
"--Share Distributions" below, has the authority and discretion to declare and
pay dividends on the TCI Group Common Stock, the Liberty Media Group Common
Stock or the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock in equal or unequal amounts,
notwithstanding the relationship among the TCI Group Available Dividend
Amount, the Liberty Media Group Available Dividend Amount and the TCI Ventures
Group Available Dividend Amount, the respective amounts of prior dividends
declared on, or liquidation rights of, the TCI Group Common Stock, the Liberty
Media Group Common Stock or the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock or any other
factor.
 
  At the time of any dividend or other distribution on the outstanding shares
of Liberty Media Group Common Stock (including any dividend of Liberty Media
Group Net Proceeds from the Disposition of all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of the Liberty Media Group as described below under "--
Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock"), the TCI Group will (if at such time there
is an Inter-Group Interest in the Liberty Media Group) be credited, and the
Liberty Media Group will be charged (in addition to the charge for the
dividend or other distribution paid or distributed in respect of outstanding
shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock), with an amount equal to the
product of (i) the aggregate amount of such dividend or distribution paid or
distributed in respect of outstanding shares of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock times (ii) a fraction the numerator of which is the
 
                                      44
<PAGE>
 
Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest Fraction and the denominator of which
is the Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction.
 
  At the time of any dividend or other distribution on the outstanding shares
of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (including any dividend of TCI Ventures
Group Net Proceeds from the Disposition of all or substantially all of the
properties and assets of the TCI Ventures Group as described under "--
Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock"), the TCI Group will (if at such time there is an
Inter-Group Interest in the TCI Ventures Group) be credited, and the TCI
Ventures Group will be charged (in addition to the charge for the dividend or
other distribution paid or distributed in respect of outstanding shares of TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock), with an amount equal to the product of (i) the
aggregate amount of such dividend or distribution paid or distributed in
respect of outstanding shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock times (ii) a
fraction the numerator of which is the TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest
Fraction and the denominator of which is the TCI Ventures Group Outstanding
Interest Fraction.
 
 Share Distributions
 
  Distributions on TCI Group Common Stock. If at any time after the initial
issuance of shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, a distribution paid in
TCI Group Common Stock, TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, Liberty Media Group
Common Stock, or any other securities of the Parent or any other person (a
"share distribution"), is made with respect to the TCI Group Common Stock,
such share distribution will be declared and paid only as follows:
 
    (i) a share distribution consisting of shares of Series A TCI Group
  Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or
  exchangeable for shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock) to holders of
  Series A TCI Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Group Common Stock, on an
  equal per share basis; or consisting of shares of Series B TCI Group Common
  Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or
  exchangeable for shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock) to holders of
  Series A TCI Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Group Common Stock, on an
  equal per share basis; or consisting of shares of Series A TCI Group Common
  Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or
  exchangeable for shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock) to holders of
  Series A TCI Group Common Stock and, on an equal per share basis, shares of
  Series B TCI Group Common Stock (or like Convertible Securities convertible
  into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Series B TCI Group Common
  Stock) to holders of Series B TCI Group Common Stock;
 
    (ii) a share distribution consisting of shares of Series A Liberty Media
  Group Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or
  exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
  Common Stock) to holders of Series A TCI Group Common Stock and Series B
  TCI Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis; provided that the sum
  of (A) the aggregate number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
  Common Stock to be so issued (or the number of such shares which would be
  issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any Convertible
  Securities to be so issued) and (B) the number of shares of such series
  that are subject to issuance upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any
  Convertible Securities then outstanding that are attributed to the TCI
  Group (other than Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities and other than
  Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
  Committed Acquisition Shares) is less than or equal to the Number of Shares
  Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group Interest;
 
    (iii) a share distribution consisting of shares of Series A TCI Ventures
  Group Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or
  exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock) to holders of Series A TCI Group Common Stock and Series B
  TCI Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis; or consisting of
  shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (or Convertible
  Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of
  Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock) to holders of Series A TCI Group
  Common Stock and Series B TCI Group Common Stock, on an equal per share
  basis; or consisting of shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group
 
                                      45
<PAGE>
 
  Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or
  exchangeable for shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock) to
  holders of Series A TCI Group Common Stock and, on an equal per share
  basis, shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (or like
  Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
  shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock) to holders of Series B
  TCI Group Common Stock; provided that the sum of (A) the aggregate number
  of shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock to be so distributed (or the number of such
  shares which would be issuable upon conversion, exercise or exchange of any
  Convertible Securities to be so distributed) and (B) the number of shares
  of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock that are subject to issuance upon conversion, exercise or
  exchange of any Convertible Securities then outstanding that are attributed
  to the TCI Group (other than Pre-Exchange Offer Securities) is less than or
  equal to the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the TCI Ventures
  Group Inter-Group Interest; and
 
    (iv) a share distribution consisting of any class or series of securities
  of the Parent or any other person other than TCI Group Common Stock,
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock or TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (or
  Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
  shares of TCI Group Common Stock, Liberty Media Group Common Stock or TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock), either on the basis of a distribution of
  identical securities, on an equal per share basis, to holders of Series A
  TCI Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Group Common Stock or on the basis
  of a distribution of one class or series of securities to holders of Series
  A TCI Group Common Stock and another class or series of securities to
  holders of Series B TCI Group Common Stock, provided that the securities so
  distributed (and, if the distribution consists of Convertible Securities,
  the securities into which such Convertible Securities are convertible or
  for which they are exercisable or exchangeable) do not differ in any
  respect other than their relative voting rights and related differences in
  designation, conversion, redemption and share distribution provisions, with
  holders of shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock receiving the class or
  series having the higher relative voting rights (without regard to whether
  such rights differ to a greater or lesser extent than the corresponding
  differences in voting rights, designation, conversion, redemption and share
  distribution provisions between the Series A TCI Group Common Stock and the
  Series B TCI Group Common Stock), provided that if the securities so
  distributed constitute capital stock of a Subsidiary of the Parent, such
  rights will not differ to a greater extent than the corresponding
  differences in voting rights, designation, conversion, redemption and share
  distribution provisions between the Series A TCI Group Common Stock and the
  Series B TCI Group Common Stock, and provided in each case that such
  distribution is otherwise made on an equal per share basis.
 
  The Parent will not reclassify, subdivide or combine the Series A TCI Group
Common Stock without reclassifying, subdividing or combining the Series B TCI
Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis, and the Parent will not
reclassify, subdivide or combine the Series B TCI Group Common Stock without
reclassifying, subdividing or combining the Series A TCI Group Common Stock,
on an equal per share basis.
 
  Distributions on Liberty Media Group Common Stock. If at any time a share
distribution is to be made with respect to the Liberty Media Group Common
Stock, such share distribution will be declared and paid only as follows (or
as described under "--Conversion and Redemption" with respect to the
redemptions and other distributions referred to therein):
 
    (i) a share distribution consisting of shares of Series A Liberty Media
  Group Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or
  exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
  Common Stock) to holders of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and
  Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis; or
  consisting of shares of Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock (or
  Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
  shares of Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock) to holders of Series A
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common
  Stock, on an equal per share basis; or consisting of shares of Series A
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible
  into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Series A Liberty Media
  Group Common Stock) to holders of
 
                                      46
<PAGE>
 
  Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and, on an equal per share basis,
  shares of Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock (or like Convertible
  Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of
  Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock) to holders of Series B Liberty
  Media Group Common Stock; and
 
    (ii) a share distribution consisting of any class or series of securities
  of the Parent or any other person other than as described in the
  immediately preceding clause (i) and other than TCI Group Common Stock or
  TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into
  or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of TCI Group Common Stock or TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock), either on the basis of a distribution of
  identical securities, on an equal per share basis, to holders of Series A
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common
  Stock or on the basis of a distribution of one class or series of
  securities to holders of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and
  another class or series of securities to holders of Series B Liberty Media
  Group Common Stock, provided that the securities so distributed (and, if
  the distribution consists of Convertible Securities, the securities into
  which such Convertible Securities are convertible or for which they are
  exercisable or exchangeable) do not differ in any respect other than their
  relative voting rights and related differences in designation, conversion,
  redemption and share distribution provisions, with holders of shares of
  Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock receiving the class or series
  having the higher relative voting rights (without regard to whether such
  rights differ to a greater or lesser extent than the corresponding
  differences in voting rights, designation, conversion, redemption and share
  distribution provisions between the Series A Liberty Media Group Common
  Stock and the Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock), provided that if
  the securities so distributed constitute capital stock of a Subsidiary of
  the Parent, such rights will not differ to a greater extent than the
  corresponding differences in voting rights, designation, conversion,
  redemption and share distribution provisions between the Series A Liberty
  Media Group Common Stock and the Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock,
  and provided in each case that such distribution is otherwise made on an
  equal per share basis.
 
  Because under the Charter the Liberty Media Group is not permitted to have
an Inter-Group Interest in either the TCI Group or the TCI Ventures Group, no
distributions on the Liberty Media Group Common Stock of shares of TCI Group
Common Stock (or related Convertible Securities) or TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock (or related Convertible Securities) are permitted.
 
  The Parent will not reclassify, subdivide or combine the Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock without reclassifying, subdividing or combining the
Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis, and
the Parent will not reclassify, subdivide or combine the Series B Liberty
Media Group Common Stock without reclassifying, subdividing or combining the
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis.
 
  Distributions on TCI Ventures Group Common Stock. If at any time a share
distribution is to be made with respect to the TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock, such share distribution will be declared and paid only as follows (or
as described under "--Conversion and Redemption" with respect to the
redemptions and other distributions referred to therein):
 
    (i) a share distribution consisting of shares of Series A TCI Ventures
  Group Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or
  exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock) to holders of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and
  Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis; or
  consisting of shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (or
  Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
  shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock) to holders of Series A
  TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group Common
  Stock, on an equal per share basis; or consisting of shares of Series A TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible into or
  exercisable or exchangeable for shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock) to holders of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and,
  on an equal per share basis, shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common
  Stock (or like Convertible Securities convertible into or exercisable or
  exchangeable for
 
                                      47
<PAGE>
 
  shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock) to holders of Series B
  TCI Ventures Group Common Stock; and
 
    (ii) a share distribution consisting of any class or series of securities
  of the Parent or any other person other than as described in the
  immediately preceding clause (i) and other than TCI Group Common Stock or
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock (or Convertible Securities convertible
  into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of TCI Group Common Stock or
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock), either on the basis of a distribution of
  identical securities, on an equal per share basis, to holders of Series A
  TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group Common
  Stock or on the basis of a distribution of one class or series of
  securities to holders of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and
  another class or series of securities to holders of Series B TCI Ventures
  Group Common Stock, provided that the securities so distributed (and, if
  the distribution consists of Convertible Securities, the securities into
  which such Convertible Securities are convertible or for which they are
  exercisable or exchangeable) do not differ in any respect other than their
  relative voting rights and related differences in designation, conversion,
  redemption and share distribution provisions, with holders of shares of
  Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock receiving the class or series
  having the higher relative voting rights (without regard to whether such
  rights differ to a greater or lesser extent than the corresponding
  differences in voting rights, designation, conversion, redemption and share
  distribution provisions between the Series A TCI Ventures Group Common
  Stock and the Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock), provided that if
  the securities so distributed constitute capital stock of a Subsidiary of
  the Parent, such rights will not differ to a greater extent than the
  corresponding differences in voting rights, designation, conversion,
  redemption and share distribution provisions between the Series A TCI
  Ventures Group Common Stock and the Series B TCI Ventures Group Common
  Stock, and provided in each case that such distribution is otherwise made
  on an equal per share basis.
 
  Because under the Charter the TCI Ventures Group is not permitted to have an
Inter-Group Interest in either the TCI Group or the Liberty Media Group, no
distributions on the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock of shares of TCI Group
Common Stock (or related Convertible Securities) or Liberty Media Group Common
Stock (or related Convertible Securities) are permitted.
 
  The Parent will not reclassify, subdivide or combine the Series A TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock without reclassifying, subdividing or combining
the Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis, and
the Parent will not reclassify, subdivide or combine the Series B TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock without reclassifying, subdividing or combining the Series
A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, on an equal per share basis.
 
 Conversion and Redemption
 
  Conversion at the Option of the Holder. Each share of Series B TCI Group
Common Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, into one
share of Series A TCI Group Common Stock. Each share of Series B Liberty Media
Group Common Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder thereof, into
one share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock. Each share of Series B
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder
thereof, into one share of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock. Shares of
Series A TCI Group Common Stock are not convertible into shares of Series B
TCI Group Common Stock; shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
are not convertible into shares of Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock;
and shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock are not convertible
into shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock.
 
  Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock at the Option of the
Parent. The Board of Directors may at any time declare that (i) all of the
outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock will be
converted into a number (or fraction) of fully paid and nonassessable shares
of Series A TCI Group Common Stock equal to the Liberty Media Group Optional
Conversion Ratio, and (ii) all of the outstanding shares of Series B Liberty
Media Group Common Stock will be converted into a number (or fraction) of
fully
 
                                      48
<PAGE>
 
paid and nonassessable shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock equal to the
Liberty Media Group Optional Conversion Ratio. As more fully described below,
the Liberty Media Group Optional Conversion Ratio is the ratio of the private
market value of a share of Liberty Media Group Common Stock determined by
appraisal to the public trading price of a share of TCI Group Common Stock.
 
  Under the Charter, the "Liberty Media Group Optional Conversion Ratio" means
the quotient (calculated to the nearest five decimal places) obtained by
dividing (x) the Liberty Media Group Common Stock Per Share Value by (y) the
average Market Value of one share of Series A TCI Group Common Stock over the
20-Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day preceding the Appraisal Date.
The Liberty Media Group Common Stock Per Share Value will equal the quotient
obtained by dividing the Liberty Media Group Private Market Value by the
Adjusted Outstanding Shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, which will be
determined in the manner described below.
 
  The "Liberty Media Group Private Market Value" means an amount equal to the
private market value of the Liberty Media Group as of the Appraisal Date. In
the event that the Parent determines to establish the Liberty Media Group
Private Market Value, the Parent shall designate the First Appraiser and a
committee of the Board of Directors all of whose members are independent
directors as determined under the Nasdaq National Market rules (the "
Independent Committee") shall designate the Second Appraiser. Not later than
20 days after the Selection Date, the First Appraiser and the Second Appraiser
will each determine its initial view as to the private market value of the
Liberty Media Group as of the Appraisal Date and will consult with one another
with respect thereto. Not later than the 30th day after the Selection Date,
the First Appraiser and the Second Appraiser will each have determined its
final view as to such private market value. If the Higher Appraised Amount is
not more than 120% of the Lower Appraised Amount, the Liberty Media Group
Private Market Value (subject to any adjustment described in the second
succeeding paragraph) will be the average of those two amounts. If the Higher
Appraised Amount is more than 120% of the Lower Appraised Amount, the First
Appraiser and the Second Appraiser will agree upon and jointly designate the
Mutually Designated Appraiser to determine such private market value. The
Mutually Designated Appraiser will not be provided with any of the work of the
First Appraiser and the Second Appraiser. The Mutually Designated Appraiser
will, no later than the 20th day after the date the Mutually Designated
Appraiser is designated, determine the Mutually Appraised Amount, and the
Liberty Media Group Private Market Value (subject to any adjustment described
in the second succeeding paragraph) will be (i) if the Mutually Appraised
Amount is between the Lower Appraised Amount and the Higher Appraised Amount,
(a) the average of (1) the Mutually Appraised Amount and (2) the Lower
Appraised Amount or the Higher Appraised Amount, whichever is closer to the
Mutually Appraised Amount, or (b) the Mutually Appraised Amount, if neither
the Lower Appraised Amount nor the Higher Appraised Amount is closer to the
Mutually Appraised Amount, or (ii) if the Mutually Appraised Amount is greater
than the Higher Appraised Amount or less than the Lower Appraised Amount, the
average of the Higher Appraised Amount and the Lower Appraised Amount. For
these purposes, if any such investment banking firm expresses its final view
of the private market value of the Liberty Media Group as a range of values,
such investment banking firm's final view of such private market value will be
deemed to be the midpoint of such range of values.
 
  Each of the investment banking firms referred to in the immediately
preceding paragraph will be instructed to determine the private market value
of the Liberty Media Group as of the Appraisal Date based upon the amount a
willing purchaser would pay to a willing seller, in an arm's-length
transaction, if it were acquiring the Liberty Media Group, as if the Liberty
Media Group were a publicly traded non-controlled corporation and the
purchaser was acquiring all of the capital stock of such corporation and
without consideration of any potential regulatory constraints limiting the
potential purchasers of the Liberty Media Group other than that which would
have existed if the Liberty Media Group were a publicly traded non-controlled
entity.
 
  Following the determination of the Liberty Media Group Private Market Value,
the investment banking firms whose final views of the private market value of
the Liberty Media Group were used in the calculation of the Liberty Media
Group Private Market Value will determine the Adjusted Outstanding Shares of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock together with any further appropriate
adjustments to the Liberty Media Group Private
 
                                      49
<PAGE>
 
Market Value resulting from such determination. The "Adjusted Outstanding
Shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock" means a number, as determined by
such investment banking firms as of the Appraisal Date, equal to the sum of
the number of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock outstanding, the
Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to the Liberty Media Group Inter-Group
Interest, the number of Committed Acquisition Shares issuable, the number of
shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock issuable upon the conversion,
exercise or exchange of all Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities and the
number of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock issuable upon the
conversion, exercise or exchange of those Convertible Securities (other than
Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities and other than Convertible Securities
which are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Committed
Acquisition Shares) the holders of which would derive an economic benefit from
conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Securities which exceeds
the economic benefit of not converting, exercising or exchanging such
Convertible Securities. The "Liberty Media Group Common Stock Per Share Value"
means the quotient obtained by dividing the Liberty Media Group Private Market
Value by the Adjusted Outstanding Shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock,
provided that if such investment banking firms do not agree on the
determinations provided for in this paragraph, the Liberty Media Group Common
Stock Per Share Value will be the average of the quotients so obtained on the
basis of the respective determinations of such firms.
 
  If the Parent determines to convert shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock into Series A TCI Group Common Stock and shares of Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock into Series B TCI Group Common Stock at the
Liberty Media Group Optional Conversion Ratio, such conversion will occur on a
conversion date on or prior to the 120th day following the Appraisal Date. If
the Parent determines not to undertake such conversion, the Parent may at any
time thereafter undertake to reestablish the Liberty Media Group Common Stock
Per Share Value as of a subsequent date.
 
  Any such conversion would dilute the interests of holders of TCI Group
Common Stock and would preclude holders of Liberty Media Group Common Stock
from retaining their interest in a security reflecting separately the business
of the Liberty Media Group. In addition, the adjustments in respect of Pre-
Distribution Convertible Securities and Committed Acquisition Shares would
dilute the interests of holders of Liberty Media Group Common Stock upon any
conversion of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock into TCI Group Common
Stock at the Liberty Media Group Optional Conversion Ratio.
 
  Conversion of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock at the Option of the
Parent. The Board of Directors may at any time declare that (i) all of the
outstanding shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock will be
converted into a number (or fraction) of fully paid and nonassessable shares
of Series A TCI Group Common Stock equal to the TCI Ventures Group Optional
Conversion Ratio, and (ii) all of the outstanding shares of Series B TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock will be converted into a number (or fraction) of
fully paid and nonassessable shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock equal
to the TCI Ventures Group Optional Conversion Ratio. As more fully described
below, the TCI Ventures Group Optional Conversion Ratio is the ratio of the
private market value of a share of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock determined
by appraisal to the public trading price of a share of TCI Group Common Stock.
 
  Under the Charter, the "TCI Ventures Group Optional Conversion Ratio" means
the quotient (calculated to the nearest five decimal places) obtained by
dividing (x) the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock Per Share Value by (y) the
average Market Value of one share of Series A TCI Group Common Stock over the
20-Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day preceding the Appraisal Date.
The TCI Ventures Group Common Stock Per Share Value will equal the quotient
obtained by dividing the TCI Ventures Group Private Market Value by the
Adjusted Outstanding Shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, which will be
determined in the manner described below.
 
  The "TCI Ventures Group Private Market Value" means an amount equal to the
private market value of the TCI Ventures Group as of the Appraisal Date. In
the event that the Parent determines to establish the TCI Ventures Group
Private Market Value, the Parent shall designate the First Appraiser and the
Independent
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
Committee shall designate the Second Appraiser. Not later than 20 days after
the Selection Date, the First Appraiser and the Second Appraiser will each
determine its initial view as to the private market value of the TCI Ventures
Group as of the Appraisal Date and will consult with one another with respect
thereto. Not later than the 30th day after the Selection Date, the First
Appraiser and the Second Appraiser will each have determined its final view as
to such private market value. If the Higher Appraised Amount is not more than
120% of the Lower Appraised Amount, the TCI Ventures Group Private Market
Value (subject to any adjustment described in the second succeeding paragraph)
will be the average of those two amounts. If the Higher Appraised Amount is
more than 120% of the Lower Appraised Amount, the First Appraiser and the
Second Appraiser will agree upon and jointly designate the Mutually Designated
Appraiser to determine such private market value. The Mutually Designated
Appraiser will not be provided with any of the work of the First Appraiser and
the Second Appraiser. The Mutually Designated Appraiser will, no later than
the 20th day after the date the Mutually Designated Appraiser is designated,
determine the Mutually Appraised Amount, and the TCI Ventures Group Private
Market Value (subject to any adjustment described in the second succeeding
paragraph) will be (i) if the Mutually Appraised Amount is between the Lower
Appraised Amount and the Higher Appraised Amount, (a) the average of (1) the
Mutually Appraised Amount and (2) the Lower Appraised Amount or the Higher
Appraised Amount, whichever is closer to the Mutually Appraised Amount, or (b)
the Mutually Appraised Amount, if neither the Lower Appraised Amount nor the
Higher Appraised Amount is closer to the Mutually Appraised Amount, or (ii) if
the Mutually Appraised Amount is greater than the Higher Appraised Amount or
less than the Lower Appraised Amount, the average of the Higher Appraised
Amount and the Lower Appraised Amount. For these purposes, if any such
investment banking firm expresses its final view of the private market value
of the TCI Ventures Group as a range of values, such investment banking firm's
final view of such private market value will be deemed to be the midpoint of
such range of values.
 
  Each of the investment banking firms referred to in the immediately
preceding paragraph will be instructed to determine the private market value
of the TCI Ventures Group as of the Appraisal Date based upon the amount a
willing purchaser would pay to a willing seller, in an arm's-length
transaction, if it were acquiring the TCI Ventures Group, as if the TCI
Ventures Group were a publicly traded non-controlled corporation and the
purchaser was acquiring all of the capital stock of such corporation and
without consideration of any potential regulatory constraints limiting the
potential purchasers of the TCI Ventures Group other than that which would
have existed if the TCI Ventures Group were a publicly traded non-controlled
entity.
 
  Following the determination of the TCI Ventures Group Private Market Value,
the investment banking firms whose final views of the private market value of
the TCI Ventures Group were used in the calculation of the TCI Ventures Group
Private Market Value will determine the Adjusted Outstanding Shares of TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock together with any further appropriate adjustments
to the TCI Ventures Group Private Market Value resulting from such
determination. The "Adjusted Outstanding Shares of TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock" means a number, as determined by such investment banking firms as of
the Appraisal Date, equal to the sum of the number of shares of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock outstanding, the Number of Shares Issuable with Respect to
the TCI Ventures Group Inter-Group Interest, the number of shares of TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange
of all Pre-Exchange Offer Securities, and the number of shares of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock issuable upon the conversion, exercise or exchange of those
Convertible Securities (other than Pre-Exchange Offer Securities) the holders
of which would derive an economic benefit from conversion, exercise or
exchange of such Convertible Securities which exceeds the economic benefit of
not converting, exercising or exchanging such Convertible Securities. The "TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock Per Share Value" means the quotient obtained by
dividing the TCI Ventures Group Private Market Value by the Adjusted
Outstanding Shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, provided that if such
investment banking firms do not agree on the determinations provided for in
this paragraph, the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock Per Share Value will be
the average of the quotients so obtained on the basis of the respective
determinations of such firms.
 
  If the Parent determines to convert shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock into Series A TCI Group Common Stock and shares of Series B TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock into Series B TCI Group
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock at the TCI Ventures Group Optional Conversion Ratio, such
conversion will occur on a conversion date on or prior to the 120th day
following the Appraisal Date. If the Parent determines not to undertake such
conversion, the Parent may at any time thereafter undertake to reestablish the
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock Per Share Value as of a subsequent date.
 
  Any such conversion would dilute the interests of holders of TCI Group
Common Stock and would preclude holders of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
from retaining their interest in a security reflecting separately the business
of the TCI Ventures Group. In addition, the adjustments in respect of Pre-
Exchange Offer Securities would dilute the interests of holders of TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock upon any conversion of shares of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock into TCI Group Common Stock at the TCI Ventures Group
Optional Conversion Ratio.
 
  Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock. Upon the Disposition, in one transaction or a series of related
transactions by the Parent and its subsidiaries of all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of the Liberty Media Group to one or more persons,
entities or groups, the Parent is required, on or prior to the 85th Trading
Day following the consummation of such Disposition, to take one of the actions
listed in the following paragraph. This requirement does not apply to a
Disposition (a) in connection with the Disposition by the Parent of all of the
Parent's properties and assets in one transaction or a series of related
transactions in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Parent, (b) by dividend, other distribution or redemption in accordance
with any provision described under "--Conversion and Redemption--Redemption of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock in Exchange for Stock of Subsidiary," "--
Dividends," "--Share Distributions," or "--Liquidation Rights," (c) to any
person, entity or group which the Parent, directly or indirectly, after giving
effect to the Disposition, controls or (d) in connection with a Related
Business Transaction. For these purposes, "substantially all of the properties
and assets of the Liberty Media Group" means a portion of such properties and
assets that represents at least 80% of the then-current market value (as
determined by the Board of Directors) of the properties and assets of the
Liberty Media Group as of such date.
 
  The action the Parent is required to take is to either:
 
    (i) subject to the limitations described under "--Dividends," declare and
  pay a dividend in cash and/or securities or other property (other than a
  dividend or distribution of Common Stock) to the holders of the outstanding
  shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock equally on a share for share
  basis (subject to the provisions described in the last sentence of the
  penultimate paragraph under this caption "--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption
  or Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock"), in an aggregate amount
  equal to the product of the Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest
  Fraction as of the record date for determining the holders entitled to
  receive such dividend and the Liberty Media Group Net Proceeds;
 
    (ii) provided that there are assets of the Parent legally available
  therefor and the Liberty Media Group Available Dividend Amount would have
  been sufficient to pay a dividend in lieu thereof as described in clause
  (i) of this paragraph, then:
 
      (A) if such Disposition involves all (not merely substantially all)
    of the properties and assets of the Liberty Media Group, redeem all
    outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and
    Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock in exchange for cash and/or
    securities or other property (other than Common Stock) in an aggregate
    amount equal to the product of the Adjusted Liberty Media Group
    Outstanding Interest Fraction as of the date of such redemption and the
    Liberty Media Group Net Proceeds, such aggregate amount to be allocated
    (subject to the provisions described in the last sentence of the
    penultimate paragraph under this caption) to shares of Series A Liberty
    Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock
    in the ratio of the number of shares of each such series outstanding
    (so that the amount of consideration paid for the redemption of each
    share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and each share of
    Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock is the same); or
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
      (B) if such Disposition involves substantially all (but not all) of
    the properties and assets of the Liberty Media Group, apply an
    aggregate amount of cash and/or securities or other property (other
    than Common Stock) equal to the product of the Liberty Media Group
    Outstanding Interest Fraction as of the date shares are selected for
    redemption and the Liberty Media Group Net Proceeds of such Disposition
    to the redemption of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
    Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock, such
    aggregate amount to be allocated (subject to the provisions described
    in the last sentence of the penultimate paragraph under this caption)
    to shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
    Liberty Media Group Common Stock in the ratio of the number of shares
    of each such series outstanding, and the number of shares of each such
    series to be redeemed to equal the lesser of (x) the whole number
    nearest the number determined by dividing the aggregate amount so
    allocated to the redemption of such series by the average Market Value
    of one share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock during the
    ten-Trading Day period beginning on the 16th Trading Day following the
    consummation of such Disposition and (y) the number of shares of such
    series outstanding (so that the amount of consideration paid for the
    redemption of each share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
    and each share of Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock is the
    same); or
 
    (iii) convert (A) each outstanding share of Series A Liberty Media Group
  Common Stock into a number (or fraction) of fully paid and nonassessable
  shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock and (B) each outstanding share of
  Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock into a number (or fraction) of
  fully paid and nonassessable shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock, in
  each case equal to 110% of the average daily ratio (calculated to the
  nearest five decimal places) of the Market Value of one share of Series A
  Liberty Media Group Common Stock to the Market Value of one share of Series
  A TCI Group Common Stock during the ten-Trading Day period referred to in
  clause (ii)(B) of this paragraph.
 
  The Parent may elect to pay the dividend or redemption price referred to in
clause (i) or (ii) of the second paragraph under this caption "--Mandatory
Dividend, Redemption or Conversion or Liberty Media Group Common Stock" either
in the same form as the proceeds of the Disposition were received or in any
other combination of cash or securities or other property (other than Common
Stock) that the Board of Directors determines will have an aggregate market
value on a fully distributed basis, of not less than the amount of the Liberty
Media Group Net Proceeds. If the dividend or redemption price is paid in the
form of securities of an issuer other than the Parent, the Board of Directors
may determine either to (i) pay the dividend or redemption price in the form
of separate classes or series of securities, with one class or series of such
securities to holders of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and another
class or series of securities to holders of Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock, provided that such securities (and, if such securities are
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of another class or
series of securities, the securities so issuable upon such conversion,
exercise or exchange) do not differ in any respect other than their relative
voting rights and related differences in designation, conversion, redemption
and share distribution provisions, with holders of shares of Series B Liberty
Media Group Common Stock receiving the class or series having the higher
relative voting rights (without regard to whether such rights differ to a
greater or lesser extent than the corresponding differences in voting rights,
designation, conversion, redemption and share distribution provisions between
the Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the Series B Liberty Media
Group Common Stock), provided that if such securities constitute capital stock
of a Subsidiary of the Parent, such rights will not differ to a greater extent
than the corresponding differences in voting rights, designation, conversion,
redemption and share distribution provisions between the Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock and the Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock,
and otherwise such securities will be distributed on an equal per share basis,
or (ii) pay the dividend or redemption price in the form of a single class of
securities without distinction between the shares received by the holders of
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock. The Related Business Transaction exception to the foregoing
requirements would enable the Parent to enter into transactions in which the
properties or assets of the Liberty Media Group may be considered to be
"disposed of" in exchange for equity securities of an entity engaged or
proposing to engage in similar or complementary business areas to those of the
Liberty Media Group while maintaining the capital structure and delineation of
business groups of the Liberty Media Group.
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
  The effect of using the Adjusted Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest
Fraction, instead of the Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction, in
the determination of amounts to be paid in redemption of shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock following a Disposition of all of the properties and
assets of the Liberty Media Group is to allocate to the TCI Group a portion of
the Liberty Media Group Net Proceeds of the Disposition, in addition to the
amount so allocated in respect of any Inter-Group Interest, sufficient to
provide for the delivery of the portion of the consideration deliverable by
the Parent upon any post-Disposition conversion, exercise or exchange of Pre-
Distribution Convertible Securities that is in substitution for shares of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock that would have been issuable upon such
conversion, exercise or exchange if it had occurred prior to such Distribution
and to make similar provision for the Parent's obligation in respect of any
Committed Acquisition Shares that remain issuable. To the extent such Pre-
Distribution Convertible Securities and Committed Acquisition Shares are
included in the determination of the Adjusted Liberty Media Group Outstanding
Interest Fraction, the Parent's obligations in respect of such securities
would not be a reduction in the calculation of the Liberty Media Group Net
Proceeds. In the event any redemption of the Liberty Media Group Common Stock
or conversion of the Liberty Media Group Common Stock into TCI Group Common
Stock is made in circumstances in which securities or property are allocated
to the TCI Group in respect of Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities,
Committed Acquisition Shares or other Convertible Securities entitled to
receive such securities or property upon conversion, exercise or exchange, the
TCI Group will segregate and hold such securities or other property separate
(in the case of any securities or property other than TCI Group Common Stock),
or duly reserve shares of TCI Group Common Stock issuable upon such
conversion, exercise or exchange, for the benefit of the holders of Pre-
Distribution Convertible Securities, Committed Acquisition Shares or other
Convertible Securities. In the event the holders of any such Pre-Distribution
Convertible Securities or other Convertible Securities do not convert,
exercise or exchange such securities prior to the expiration of any conversion
or exercise right or the retirement of such security, or the acquisition
relating to such Committed Acquisition Shares is not consummated (or any
Convertible Securities which are convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Committed Acquisition Shares are not converted, exercised or
exchanged), then the securities or other property so reserved shall revert to
the TCI Group and the former holders of Liberty Media Group Common Stock shall
have no interest in such securities or property.
 
  At the time of any dividend made as a result of a Disposition referred to
above, the TCI Group will be credited, and the Liberty Media Group will be
charged (in addition to the charge for the dividend paid in respect of
outstanding shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock), with an amount equal
to the product of (i) the aggregate amount paid in respect of such dividend
times (ii) a fraction the numerator of which is the Liberty Media Group Inter-
Group Interest Fraction and the denominator of which is the Liberty Media
Group Outstanding Interest Fraction.
 
  The option to convert the Liberty Media Group Common Stock into TCI Group
Common Stock in the event of a Disposition provides the Parent with additional
flexibility by allowing the Parent to deliver consideration in the form of
shares of TCI Group Common Stock rather than cash or securities or other
properties. This alternative could be used, for example, in circumstances when
the Parent did not have sufficient legally available assets under the DGCL to
pay the full amount of an otherwise required dividend or redemption or when
the Parent desired to retain such proceeds.
 
  If less than substantially all of the properties and assets of the Liberty
Media Group were disposed of by the Parent in one transaction, the Parent
would not be required to pay a dividend on, redeem or convert the outstanding
shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, even if an additional transaction
were consummated at a later time in which additional properties and assets of
the Liberty Media Group were disposed of by the Parent, which, together with
the properties and assets disposed of in the first transaction, would have
constituted substantially all of the properties and assets of the Liberty
Media Group at the time of the first transaction, unless such transactions
constituted a series of related transactions. The second transaction, however,
could trigger such a requirement if, at the time of the second transaction,
the properties and assets disposed of in such transaction constituted at least
substantially all of the properties and assets of the Liberty Media Group at
such time. If less than substantially all of the properties and assets of the
Liberty Media Group were disposed of by the Parent, the
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
holders of the Liberty Media Group Common Stock would not be entitled to
receive any dividend or have their shares redeemed or converted for TCI Group
Common Stock, although the Board of Directors could determine, in its sole
discretion, to pay a dividend on the Liberty Media Group Common Stock in an
amount related to the proceeds of such Disposition.
 
  Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock. Upon the Disposition in one transaction or a series of related
transactions by the Parent and its subsidiaries of all or substantially all of
the properties and assets of the TCI Ventures Group to any one or more
persons, entities or groups, the Parent is required, on or prior to the 85th
Trading Day following the consummation of such Disposition, to take one of the
actions listed in the following paragraph. This requirement does not apply to
a Disposition (a) in connection with the Disposition by the Parent of all of
the Parent's properties and assets in one transaction or a series of related
transactions in connection with the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of
the Parent, (b) by dividend, other distribution or redemption in accordance
with any provision described under "--Conversion and Redemption--Redemption of
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock in Exchange for Stock of Subsidiary" "--
Dividends," "--Share Distributions," or "--Liquidation Rights," (c) to any
person, entity or group which the Parent, directly or indirectly, after giving
effect to the Disposition, controls or (d) in connection with a Related
Business Transaction. For these purposes, "substantially all of the properties
and assets of the TCI Ventures Group" means a portion of such properties and
assets that represents at least 80% of the then-current market value (as
determined by the Board of Directors) of the properties and assets of the TCI
Ventures Group as of such date.
 
  The action the Parent is required to take is to either:
 
    (i) subject to the limitations described above under "--Dividends,"
  declare and pay a dividend in cash and/or securities or other property
  (other than a dividend or distribution of Common Stock) to the holders of
  the outstanding shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock equally on a
  share for share basis (subject to the provisions described in the second
  sentence of the third paragraph under this caption "--Mandatory Dividends,
  Redemption or Conversion of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock,") in an
  aggregate amount equal to the product of the TCI Ventures Group Outstanding
  Interest Fraction as of the record date for determining the holders
  entitled to receive such dividend and the TCI Ventures Group Net Proceeds
  of such Disposition;
 
    (ii) provided that there are assets of the Parent legally available
  therefor and the TCI Ventures Group Available Dividend Amount would have
  been sufficient to pay a dividend in lieu thereof as described in clause
  (i) of this paragraph, then:
 
      (A) if such Disposition involves all (not merely substantially all)
    of the properties and assets of the TCI Ventures Group, redeem all
    outstanding shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and
    Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock in exchange for cash and/or
    securities or other property (other than Common Stock) in an aggregate
    amount equal to the product of the Adjusted TCI Ventures Group
    Outstanding Interest Fraction as of the date of such redemption and the
    TCI Ventures Group Net Proceeds of such Disposition, such aggregate
    amount to be allocated (subject to the provisions described in the
    second sentence of the following paragraph) to shares of Series A TCI
    Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group Common
    Stock in the ratio of the number of shares of each such series
    outstanding (so that the amount of consideration paid for the
    redemption of each share of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
    and each share of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock is the
    same); or
 
      (B) if such Disposition involves substantially all (but not all) of
    the properties and assets of the TCI Ventures Group, apply an aggregate
    amount of cash and/or securities or other property (other than Common
    Stock) equal to the product of the TCI Ventures Group Outstanding
    Interest Fraction as of the date shares are selected for redemption and
    the TCI Ventures Group Net Proceeds of such Disposition to the
    redemption of outstanding shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common
    Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, such aggregate
    amount to be allocated (subject to the provisions described in the
    second sentence of the following paragraph) to shares of Series A TCI
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
    Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group Common
    Stock in the ratio of the number of shares of each such series
    outstanding, with the number of shares of each such series to be
    redeemed to equal the lesser of (x) the whole number nearest the number
    determined by dividing the aggregate amount so allocated to the
    redemption of such series by the average Market Value of one share of
    Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock during the ten-Trading Day
    period beginning on the 16th Trading Day following the consummation of
    such Disposition and (y) the number of shares of such series
    outstanding (so that the amount of consideration paid for the
    redemption of each share of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
    and each share of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock is the
    same); or
 
    (iii) convert (A) each outstanding share of Series A TCI Ventures Group
  Common Stock into a number (or fraction) of fully paid and nonassessable
  shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock and (B) each outstanding share of
  Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock into a number (or fraction) of
  fully paid and nonassessable shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock, in
  each case equal to 110% of the average daily ratio (calculated to the
  nearest five decimal places) of the Market Value of one share of Series A
  TCI Ventures Group Common Stock to the Market Value of one share of Series
  A TCI Group Common Stock during the ten-Trading Day period referred to in
  clause (ii)(B) of this paragraph.
 
  The Parent may elect to pay the dividend or redemption price referred to in
clause (i) or (ii) of the second paragraph under this caption "--Mandatory
Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock" either
in the same form as the proceeds of the Disposition were received or in any
other combination of cash or securities or other property (other than Common
Stock) that the Board of Directors determines will have an aggregate market
value on a fully distributed basis, of not less than the amount of the TCI
Ventures Group Net Proceeds. If the dividend or redemption price is paid in
the form of securities of an issuer other than the Parent, the Board of
Directors may determine either to (i) pay the dividend or redemption price in
the form of separate classes or series of securities, with one class or series
of such securities to holders of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and
another class or series of securities to holders of Series B TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock, provided that such securities (and, if such securities are
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of another class or
series of securities, the securities so issuable upon such conversion,
exercise or exchange) do not differ in any respect other than their relative
voting rights and related differences in designation, conversion, redemption
and share distribution provisions, with holders of shares of Series B TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock receiving the class or series having the higher
relative voting rights (without regard to whether such rights differ to a
greater or lesser extent than the corresponding differences in voting rights,
designation, conversion, redemption and share distribution provisions between
the Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and the Series B TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock), provided that if such securities constitute capital stock
of a Subsidiary of the Parent, such rights will not differ to a greater extent
than the corresponding differences in voting rights, designation, conversion,
redemption and share distribution provisions between the Series A TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock and the Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, and
otherwise such securities will be distributed on an equal per share basis, or
(ii) pay the dividend or redemption price in the form of a single class of
securities without distinction between the shares received by the holders of
Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock. The Related Business Transaction exception to the foregoing
requirements would enable the Parent to enter into transactions in which the
properties or assets of the TCI Ventures Group may be considered to be
"disposed of" in exchange for equity securities of an entity engaged or
proposing to engage in similar or complementary business areas to those of the
TCI Ventures Group while maintaining the capital structure and delineation of
business groups of the TCI Ventures Group.
 
  The effect of using the Adjusted TCI Ventures Group Outstanding Interest
Fraction, instead of the TCI Ventures Group Outstanding Interest Fraction, in
the determination of amounts to be paid in redemption of shares of TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock following a Disposition of all of the properties
and assets of the TCI Ventures Group is to allocate to the TCI Group a portion
of the TCI Ventures Group Net Proceeds of the Disposition, in addition to the
amount so allocated in respect of any Inter-Group Interest, sufficient to
provide for the delivery of the portion of the consideration deliverable by
the Parent upon any post-Disposition
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
conversion, exercise or exchange of Pre-Exchange Offer Securities that is in
substitution for shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock that would have
been issuable upon such conversion, exercise or exchange if it had occurred
prior to such Disposition. To the extent such Pre-Exchange Offer Securities
are included in the determination of the Adjusted TCI Ventures Group
Outstanding Interest Fraction, the Parent's obligations in respect of such
securities would not be a reduction in the calculation of the TCI Ventures
Group Net Proceeds. In the event any redemption of the TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock or conversion of the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock into TCI
Group Common Stock is made in circumstances in which securities or property
are allocated to the TCI Group in respect of Pre-Exchange Offer Securities or
other Convertible Securities entitled to receive such securities or property
upon conversion, exercise or exchange, the TCI Group will segregate and hold
such securities or other property separate (in the case of any securities or
property other than TCI Group Common Stock), or duly reserve shares of TCI
Group Common Stock issuable upon such conversion, exercise or exchange, for
the benefit of the holders of Pre-Exchange Offer Securities or other
Convertible Securities. In the event the holders of any such Pre-Exchange
Offer Securities or other Convertible Securities do not convert, exercise or
exchange such securities prior to the expiration of any conversion, exercise
or exchange right or the retirement of such security, then the securities or
other property so reserved shall revert to the TCI Group and the former
holders of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock shall have no interest in such
securities or property.
 
  At the time of any dividend made as a result of a Disposition referred to
above, the TCI Group will be credited, and the TCI Ventures Group will be
charged (in addition to the charge for the dividend paid in respect of
outstanding shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock), with an amount equal
to the product of (i) the aggregate amount paid in respect of such dividend
times (ii) a fraction the numerator of which is the TCI Ventures Group Inter-
Group Interest Fraction and the denominator of which is the TCI Ventures Group
Outstanding Interest Fraction.
 
  The option to convert the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock into TCI Group
Common Stock in the event of a Disposition provides the Parent with additional
flexibility by allowing the Parent to deliver consideration in the form of
shares of TCI Group Common Stock rather than cash or securities or other
properties. This alternative could be used, for example, in circumstances when
the Parent did not have sufficient legally available assets under the DGCL to
pay the full amount of an otherwise required dividend or redemption or when
the Parent desired to retain such proceeds.
 
  If less than substantially all of the properties and assets of the TCI
Ventures Group were disposed of by the Parent in one transaction, the Parent
would not be required to pay a dividend on, redeem or convert the outstanding
shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, even if an additional transaction
were consummated at a later time in which additional properties and assets of
the TCI Ventures Group were disposed of by the Parent, which, together with
the properties and assets disposed of in the first transaction, would have
constituted substantially all of the properties and assets of the TCI Ventures
Group at the time of the first transaction, unless such transactions
constituted a series of related transactions. The second transaction, however,
could trigger such a requirement if, at the time of the second transaction,
the properties and assets disposed of in such transaction constituted at least
substantially all of the properties and assets of the TCI Ventures Group at
such time. If less than substantially all of the properties and assets of the
TCI Ventures Group were disposed of by the Parent, the holders of the TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock would not be entitled to receive any dividend or
have their shares redeemed or converted for TCI Group Common Stock, although
the Board of Directors could determine, in its sole discretion, to pay a
dividend on the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock in an amount related to the
proceeds of such Disposition.
 
  Redemption of Liberty Media Group Common Stock in Exchange for Stock of
Subsidiary. At any time at which all of the assets and liabilities attributed
to the Liberty Media Group have become and continue to be held directly or
indirectly by any one or more corporations that are Qualifying Subsidiaries
(the "Liberty Media Group Subsidiaries"), the Board of Directors may, subject
to the availability of assets of the Parent legally available therefor,
redeem, on a pro rata basis, all of the outstanding shares of Liberty Media
Group Common
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
Stock in exchange for an aggregate number of outstanding fully paid and
nonassessable shares of common stock of each Liberty Media Group Subsidiary
equal to the product of the Adjusted Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest
Fraction and the number of outstanding shares of common stock of such Liberty
Media Group Subsidiary that are owned by the Parent. The effect of using the
Adjusted Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction, instead of the
Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction, in the determination of the
number of shares of the Liberty Media Group Subsidiaries deliverable in such a
redemption is to allocate to the TCI Group a portion of the shares of the
Liberty Media Group Subsidiaries, in addition to the number of such shares so
allocated in respect of any Inter-Group Interest, sufficient to provide for
the delivery of the consideration deliverable by the Parent upon any post-
redemption conversion, exercise or exchange of Pre-Distribution Convertible
Securities that become so payable in substitution for shares of Liberty Media
Group Common Stock that would have been issuable upon such conversion,
exercise or exchange if it had occurred prior to such redemption and to make
similar provision for the Parent's obligations in respect of any Committed
Acquisition Shares that remain issuable.
 
  In effecting such a redemption, the Board of Directors may determine either
to (i) redeem shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock in exchange for shares of separate classes or
series of common stock of each Liberty Media Group Subsidiary with relative
voting rights and related differences in designation, conversion, redemption
and share distribution provisions not greater than the corresponding
differences in voting rights, designation, conversion, redemption and share
distribution provisions between the Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock, with holders of shares of
Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock receiving the class or series having
the higher relative voting rights, or (ii) redeem shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock in
exchange for shares of a single class of common stock of each Liberty Media
Group Subsidiary without distinction between the shares distributed to the
holders of the two series of Liberty Media Group Common Stock. If the Parent
determines to undertake a redemption as described in clause (i) of the
preceding sentence, the outstanding shares of common stock of each Liberty
Media Group Subsidiary not distributed to holders of Liberty Media Group
Common Stock shall consist solely of the class or series having the lower
relative voting rights.
 
  Redemption of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock in Exchange for Stock of
Subsidiary. At any time at which all of the assets and liabilities attributed
to the TCI Ventures Group have become and continue to be held directly or
indirectly by any one or more corporations that are Qualifying Subsidiaries
(the "TCI Ventures Group Subsidiaries"), the Board of Directors may, subject
to the availability of assets of the Parent legally available therefor, redeem
on a pro rata basis, all of the outstanding shares of TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock in exchange for an aggregate number of outstanding, fully paid
and nonassessable shares of common stock of each TCI Ventures Group Subsidiary
equal to the product of the Adjusted TCI Ventures Group Outstanding Interest
Fraction and the number of outstanding shares of common stock of such TCI
Ventures Group Subsidiary that are owned by the Parent. The effect of using
the Adjusted TCI Ventures Group Outstanding Interest Fraction, instead of the
TCI Ventures Group Outstanding Interest Fraction, in the determination of the
number of shares of the TCI Ventures Group Subsidiaries deliverable in such a
redemption is to allocate to the TCI Group a portion of the shares of the TCI
Ventures Group Subsidiaries, in addition to the number of such shares so
allocated in respect of any Inter-Group Interest, sufficient to provide for
the delivery of the consideration deliverable by the Parent upon any post-
redemption conversion, exercise or exchange of Pre-Exchange Offer Securities
that become so payable in substitution for shares of TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock that would have been issuable upon such conversion, exercise or exchange
if it had occurred prior to such redemption.
 
  In effecting such a redemption, the Board of Directors may determine either
to (i) redeem shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock in exchange for shares of separate classes or
series of common stock of each TCI Ventures Group Subsidiary with relative
voting rights and related differences in designation, conversion, redemption
and share distribution provisions not greater than the corresponding
differences in voting rights, designation, conversion, redemption and share
distribution provisions between the Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
and Series B TCI Ventures Group
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
Common Stock, with holders of shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock receiving the class or series having the higher relative voting rights,
or (ii) redeem shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and Series B
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock in exchange for shares of a single class of
common stock of each TCI Ventures Group Subsidiary without distinction between
the shares distributed to the holders of the two series of TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock.
 
  Certain Provisions Respecting Convertible Securities. Unless the provisions
of any class or series of Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities or
Convertible Securities which are convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Committed Acquisition Shares provide specifically to the
contrary, after any conversion date or redemption date on which all
outstanding shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock were converted or
redeemed, any share of Liberty Media Group Common Stock that is issued on
conversion, exercise or exchange of any Pre-Distribution Convertible
Securities or any Convertible Securities which are convertible into or
exercisable or exchangeable for Committed Acquisition Shares will, immediately
upon issuance pursuant to such conversion, exercise or exchange and without
any notice or any other action on the part of the Parent or the Board of
Directors or the holder of such share of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, be
converted into or redeemed in exchange for, as applicable, the kind and amount
of shares of capital stock, cash and/or other securities or property that a
holder of such Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities or any Convertible
Securities which are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Committed Acquisition Shares would have been entitled to receive as a result
of such conversion and redemption had such securities been converted,
exercised or exchanged immediately prior to such action. With respect to any
Convertible Securities that are convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock and which are
created, established or otherwise first authorized for issuance subsequent to
the record date for the Liberty Media Group Distribution (other than Pre-
Distribution Convertible Securities and Convertible Securities which are
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for Committed Acquisition
Shares), the terms and provisions of which do not provide for adjustments
specifying the kind and amount of capital stock, cash and/or securities or
other property that such holder would be entitled to receive upon the
conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Securities following any
conversion date or redemption date on which all outstanding shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock were converted or redeemed, then upon such
conversion, exercise or exchange of such Convertible Securities, any share of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock that is issued on conversion, exercise or
exchange of any such Convertible Securities will, immediately upon issuance
and without any notice or any other action on the part of the Parent or the
Board of Directors or the holder of such share of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock, be redeemed in exchange for, to the extent assets of the Parent are
legally available therefor, the amount of $.01 per share in cash.
 
  Unless the provisions of the Pre-Exchange Offer Securities provide
specifically to the contrary, after any conversion date or redemption date on
which all outstanding shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock were converted
or redeemed, any share of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock that is issued on
conversion, exercise or exchange of any Pre-Exchange Offer Securities will,
immediately upon issuance pursuant to such conversion, exercise or exchange
and without any notice or any other action on the part of the Parent or its
Board of Directors or the holder of such share of TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock, be converted into or redeemed in exchange for, as applicable, the kind
and amount of shares of capital stock, cash and/or securities or other
property that a holder of such Pre-Exchange Offer Securities would have been
entitled to receive as a result of such conversion and redemption had such
Pre-Exchange Offer Securities been converted, exercised or exchanged
immediately prior to such action. Unless the provisions of any class or series
of Convertible Securities (other than Pre-Exchange Offer Securities) which are
convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock provide specifically to the contrary, after any conversion
date or redemption date on which all outstanding shares of TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock were converted or redeemed, any share of TCI Ventures Group
Common Stock that is issued on conversion, exercise or exchange of any such
Convertible Securities will, immediately upon issuance pursuant to such
conversion, exercise or exchange and without any notice or any other action on
the part of the Parent or its Board of Directors or the holder of such share
of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, be redeemed in exchange for, to the extent
assets of the Parent are legally available therefor, the amount of $.01 per
share in cash.
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
  General Conversion and Redemption Provisions. Not later than the 10th
Trading Day following the consummation of a Disposition referred to above
under "--Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or
Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock," the Parent will announce
publicly by press release (i) the Liberty Media Group Net Proceeds of such
Disposition, (ii) the number of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media
Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock, (iii) the
number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock into or for which Convertible Securities are
then convertible, exercisable or exchangeable and the conversion, exercise or
exchange prices thereof (and stating which, if any, of such Convertible
Securities constitute Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities or Convertible
Securities which are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Committed Acquisition Shares) and the number of Committed Acquisition Shares
issuable, (iv) the Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction as of a
recent date preceding the date of such notice and (v) the Adjusted Liberty
Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction as of a recent date preceding the
date of such notice. Not earlier than the 26th Trading Day and not later than
the 30th Trading Day following the consummation of such Disposition, the
Parent will announce publicly by press release which of the actions described
in clause (i), (ii) or (iii) of the second paragraph under "--Conversion and
Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of Liberty Media
Group Common Stock" it has irrevocably determined to take.
 
  If the Parent determines to pay a dividend described in clause (i) of the
second paragraph under "--Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend,
Redemption or Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock," the Parent
will, not later than the 30th Trading Day following the consummation of such
Disposition, cause to be given to each holder of outstanding shares of Series
A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common
Stock, a notice setting forth (i) the record date for determining holders
entitled to receive such dividend, which will be not earlier than the 40th
Trading Day and not later than the 50th Trading Day following the consummation
of such Disposition, (ii) the anticipated payment date of such dividend (which
will not be more than 85 Trading Days following the consummation of such
Disposition), (iii) the kind of shares of capital stock, cash and/or other
securities or property to be distributed in respect of shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common
Stock, (iv) the Liberty Media Group Net Proceeds of such Disposition, (v) the
Liberty Media Group Outstanding Interest Fraction as of a recent date
preceding the date of such notice, and (vi) the number of outstanding shares
of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock and the number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common
Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock into or for which
outstanding Convertible Securities are then convertible, exercisable or
exchangeable and the conversion, exercise or exchange prices thereof.
 
  If the Parent determines to undertake a redemption of shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock following a Disposition of all (not merely
substantially all) of the properties and assets of the Liberty Media Group as
described in clause (ii)(A) of the second paragraph under "--Conversion and
Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of Liberty Media
Group Common Stock," the Parent will cause to be given to each holder of
outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock a notice setting forth (i) a statement that
all shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock outstanding on the redemption
date will be redeemed, (ii) the redemption date (which will not be more than
85 Trading Days following the consummation of such Disposition), (iii) the
kind of shares of capital stock, cash and/or other securities or property to
be paid as a redemption price in respect of shares of Liberty Media Group
Common Stock outstanding on the redemption date, (iv) the Liberty Media Group
Net Proceeds of such Disposition, (v) the Adjusted Liberty Media Group
Outstanding Interest Fraction as of a recent date preceding the date of such
notice, (vi) the place or places where certificates for shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock, properly endorsed or assigned for transfer (unless
the Parent waives such requirement), are to be surrendered for delivery of
certificates for shares of such capital stock, cash and/or other securities or
property, and (vii) the number of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media
Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the
number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock into or for which outstanding Convertible
Securities
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
are then convertible, exercisable or exchangeable and the conversion, exercise
or exchange prices thereof (and stating which, if any, of such Convertible
Securities constitute Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities or Convertible
Securities which are convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for
Committed Acquisition Shares) and the number of Committed Acquisition Shares
issuable. Such notice will be sent not less than 35 Trading Days nor more than
45 Trading Days prior to the redemption date.
 
  If the Parent determines to undertake a redemption of shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock following a Disposition of substantially all (but not
all) of the properties and assets of the Liberty Media Group as described in
clause (ii)(B) of the second paragraph under "--Conversion and Redemption--
Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock," the Parent will, not later than the 30th Trading Day following the
consummation of such Disposition, cause to be given to each holder of record
of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series
B Liberty Media Group Common Stock a notice setting forth (i) a date not
earlier than the 40th Trading Day and not later than the 50th Trading Day
following the consummation of such Disposition which will be the date on which
shares of the Liberty Media Group Common Stock then outstanding will be
selected for redemption, (ii) the anticipated redemption date (which will not
be more than 85 Trading Days following the consummation of such Disposition),
(iii) the kind of shares of capital stock, cash and/or other securities or
property to be paid as a redemption price in respect of shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock selected for redemption, (iv) the Liberty Media Group
Net Proceeds of such Disposition, (v) the Liberty Media Group Outstanding
Interest Fraction as of a recent date preceding the date of such notice, (vi)
the number of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the number of shares of
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock into or for which outstanding Convertible Securities are then
convertible, exercisable or exchangeable and the conversion, exercise or
exchange prices thereof and (vii) a statement that the Parent will not be
required to register a transfer of any shares of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock for a period of 15 Trading Days next preceding the date referred to in
clause (i) of this sentence. Promptly following the date referred to in clause
(i) of the preceding sentence, but not earlier than the 40th Trading Day and
not later than the 50th Trading Day following the consummation of such
Disposition, the Parent will cause to be given to each holder of shares of
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock to be redeemed, a notice setting forth (i) the number of shares
of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock held by such holder to be redeemed, (ii) a statement that such
shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media
Group Common Stock will be redeemed, (iii) the redemption date (which will not
be more than 85 Trading Days following the consummation of such Disposition),
(iv) the kind and per share amount of shares of capital stock, cash and/or
other securities or property to be received by such holder with respect to
each share of such Liberty Media Group Common Stock to be redeemed, including
details as to the calculation thereof, and (v) the place or places where
certificates for shares of such Liberty Media Group Common Stock, properly
endorsed or assigned for transfer (unless the Parent waives such requirement),
are to be surrendered for delivery of certificates for shares of such capital
stock, cash and/or other securities or property. The outstanding shares of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock to be redeemed will be redeemed by the Parent
pro rata among the holders of Liberty Media Group Common Stock or by such
other method as may be determined by the Board of Directors to be equitable.
 
  In the event of any conversion as described above under "--Conversion and
Redemption--Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock at the Option of
the Parent" or "--Conversion and Redemption-Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or
Conversion of Liberty Media Group Common Stock," the Parent will cause to be
given to each holder of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock a notice setting
forth (i) a statement that all outstanding shares of Liberty Media Group
Common Stock will be converted, (ii) the conversion date (which will not be
more than 85 Trading Days following the consummation of such Disposition in
the event of a conversion pursuant to the provisions described under "--
Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock" and which will not be more than 120 days
after the Appraisal Date in the event of a conversion pursuant to the
provisions described under "--Conversion and Redemption--Conversion of Liberty
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
Media Group Common Stock at the Option of the Parent"), (iii) the per share
number (or fraction) of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock or Series B
TCI Group Common Stock, as applicable, to be received with respect to each
share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or Series B Liberty Media
Group Common Stock, including details as to the calculation thereof, (iv) the
place or places where certificates for shares of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock, properly endorsed or assigned for transfer (unless the Parent waives
such requirement), are to be surrendered, and (v) the number of outstanding
shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media
Group Common Stock, the number of Committed Acquisition Shares issuable and
the number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock into or for which outstanding Convertible
Securities are then convertible, exercisable or exchangeable and the
conversion, exercise or exchange prices thereof. Such notice will be sent not
less than 35 Trading Days nor more than 45 Trading Days prior to the
conversion date.
 
  If the Parent determines to redeem shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock as described above
under "--Conversion and Redemption--Redemption of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock in Exchange for Stock of Subsidiary," the Parent will promptly cause to
be given to each holder of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and
Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock a notice setting forth (i) a
statement that all outstanding shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock will
be redeemed in exchange for shares of common stock of the Liberty Media Group
Subsidiaries, (ii) the redemption date, (iii) the Adjusted Liberty Media Group
Outstanding Interest Fraction as of a recent date preceding the date of such
notice, (iv) the place or places where certificates for shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock, properly endorsed or assigned for transfer (unless
the Parent waives such requirement), are to be surrendered for delivery of
certificates for shares of common stock of the Liberty Media Group
Subsidiaries, and (v) the number of outstanding shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock and Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the
number of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock into or for which outstanding Convertible
Securities are then convertible, exercisable or exchangeable and the
conversion, exercise or exchange prices thereof (and stating which, if any, of
such Convertible Securities constitute Pre-Distribution Convertible Securities
or Convertible Securities which are convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for Committed Acquisition Shares) and the number of Committed
Acquisition Shares issuable. Such notice will be sent by not less than 35
Trading Days nor more than 45 Trading Days prior to the redemption date.
 
  In each case in which a notice is required to be given to holders of
outstanding shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock in accordance with the preceding five
paragraphs (other than a notice to holders of shares selected for redemption),
notice shall also be given, within the required time period, to each holder of
Convertible Securities that are convertible into or exercisable or
exchangeable for shares of either such series (unless provision for such
notice is otherwise made pursuant to the terms of such Convertible
Securities), which notice shall include, in addition to all of the information
set forth in the corresponding notice to holders of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock, a statement to the effect that the holders of such Convertible
Securities will be entitled to receive the dividend, participate in the
redemption of shares following a Disposition or in the selection of shares for
redemption, participate in the conversion of shares or participate in the
redemption of shares in exchange for stock of the Liberty Media Group
Subsidiaries only if such holder appropriately converts, exercises or
exchanges such Convertible Securities on or prior to the record date for the
dividend, redemption date, date fixed for selection of shares to be redeemed
or conversion date, as applicable, set forth in such notice. In the case of a
redemption or conversion of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the
notice to holders of Convertible Securities shall also state what, if
anything, such holders will be entitled to receive pursuant to the terms of
such Convertible Securities or, if applicable, the provision described under
"--Conversion and Redemption--Certain Provisions Respecting Convertible
Securities" if such holders convert, exercise or exchange such Convertible
Securities following the redemption date or conversion date, as applicable.
 
  All notices required to be given in accordance with the preceding paragraphs
will be sent to a holder by first-class mail, postage prepaid, at the holder's
address as the same appears on the transfer books of the Parent.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
Neither the failure to mail any notice to any particular holder of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock or of Convertible Securities nor any defect therein
will affect the sufficiency thereof with respect to any other holder of
outstanding shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock or of Convertible
Securities, or the validity of any conversion or redemption.
 
  The Parent will not be required to issue or deliver fractional shares of any
class of capital stock or any fractional securities to any holder of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock upon any conversion, redemption, dividend or other
distribution described above. In connection with the determination of the
number of shares of any class of capital stock that is issuable or the amount
of securities that is deliverable to any holder of record upon any such
conversion, redemption, dividend or other distribution (including any
fractions of shares or securities), the Parent may aggregate the number of
shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock held at the relevant time by such
holder of record. If the number of shares of any class of capital stock or the
amount of securities remaining to be issued or delivered to any holder of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock is a fraction, the Parent will, if such
fraction is not issued or delivered to such holder, pay a cash adjustment in
respect of such fraction in an amount equal to the fair market value of such
fraction on the fifth Trading Day prior to the date such payment is to be made
(without interest). For purposes of the preceding sentence, "fair market
value" of any fraction will be (i) in the case of any fraction of a share of
capital stock of the Parent, the product of such fraction and the Market Value
of one share of such capital stock and (ii) in the case of any other
fractional security, such value as is determined by the Board of Directors.
 
  No adjustments in respect of dividends will be made upon the conversion or
redemption of any shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock; provided,
however, that if the conversion date or the redemption date with respect to
the Liberty Media Group Common Stock is subsequent to the record date for the
payment of a dividend or other distribution thereon or with respect thereto,
the holders of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock at the close of
business on such record date will be entitled to receive the dividend or other
distribution payable on or with respect to such shares on the date set for
payment of such dividend or other distribution, notwithstanding the conversion
or redemption of such shares or the Parent's default in payment of the
dividend or distribution due on such date.
 
  Before any holder of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock will be
entitled to receive certificates representing shares of any kind of capital
stock or cash and/or securities or other property to be received by such
holder with respect to any conversion or redemption of shares of Liberty Media
Group Common Stock, such holder is required to surrender at such place as the
Parent will specify certificates for such shares, properly endorsed or
assigned for transfer (unless the Parent waives such requirement). The Parent
will as soon as practicable after surrender of certificates representing
shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock deliver to the person for whose
account such shares were so surrendered, or to the nominee or nominees of such
person, certificates representing the number of whole shares of the kind of
capital stock or cash and/or securities or other property to which such person
is entitled, together with any payment for fractional securities referred to
above. If less than all of the shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock
represented by any one certificate are to be redeemed, the Parent will issue
and deliver a new certificate for the shares of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock not redeemed. The Parent will not be required to register a transfer of
(i) any shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock for a period of 15 Trading
Days next preceding any selection of shares of Liberty Media Group Common
Stock to be redeemed or (ii) any shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock
selected or called for redemption. Shares selected for redemption may not
thereafter be converted pursuant to the provisions described under the caption
"--Conversion at the Option of the Holder."
 
  From and after any applicable conversion date or redemption date, all rights
of a holder of shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock that were converted
or redeemed will cease except for the right, upon surrender of the
certificates representing shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock, to
receive certificates representing shares of the kind and amount of capital
stock or cash and/or securities or other property for which such shares were
converted or redeemed, together with any payment for fractional securities,
and such holder will have no other or further rights in respect of the shares
of Liberty Media Group Common Stock so converted or redeemed,
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
including, but not limited to, any rights with respect to any cash, securities
or other property which are reserved or otherwise designated by the Parent as
being held for the satisfaction of the Parent's obligations to pay or deliver
any cash, securities or other property upon the conversion, exercise or
exchange of any Convertible Securities outstanding as of the date of such
conversion or redemption or any Committed Acquisition Shares which may then be
issuable. No holder of a certificate that, immediately prior to the applicable
conversion date or redemption date for the Liberty Media Group Common Stock,
represented shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock will be entitled to
receive any dividend or other distribution with respect to shares of any kind
of capital stock into or in exchange for which the Liberty Media Group Common
Stock was converted or redeemed until surrender of such holder's certificate
for a certificate or certificates representing shares of such kind of capital
stock. Upon such surrender, there will be paid to the holder the amount of any
dividends or other distributions (without interest) which theretofore became
payable with respect to a record date after the conversion date or redemption
date, as the case may be, but that were not paid by reason of the foregoing,
with respect to the number of whole shares of the kind of capital stock
represented by the certificate or certificates issued upon such surrender.
From and after a conversion date or redemption date, as the case may be, of
Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the Parent will, however, be entitled to
treat the certificates for shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock that
have not yet been surrendered for conversion or redemption as evidencing the
ownership of the number of whole shares of the kind or kinds of capital stock
for which the shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock represented by such
certificates have been converted or redeemed, notwithstanding the failure to
surrender such certificates.
 
  The Parent will pay any and all documentary, stamp or similar issue or
transfer taxes that may be payable in respect of the issue or delivery of any
shares of capital stock and/or other securities on conversion or redemption of
shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock. The Parent will not, however, be
required to pay any tax that may be payable in respect of any transfer
involved in the issue and delivery of any shares of capital stock in a name
other than that in which the shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock so
converted or redeemed were registered and no such issue or delivery will be
made unless and until the person requesting such issue has paid to the Parent
the amount of any such tax, or has established to the satisfaction of the
Parent that such tax has been paid.
 
  Provisions substantially the same as those described under this caption "--
General Conversion and Redemption Provisions," apply in the event of a
Disposition of all or substantially all of the properties and assets of the
TCI Ventures Group and a determination of the Parent to pay a dividend on or
undertake a partial or complete redemption of the TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock following such Disposition, in the event of any conversion of the TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock as described under "--Conversion and Redemption--
Conversion of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock at the Option of the Parent" or
"--Conversion and Redemption--Mandatory Dividend, Redemption or Conversion of
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock," and in the event of a redemption of the TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock in exchange for stock of one or more subsidiaries
as described under "--Conversion and Redemption--Redemption of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock in Exchange for Stock of Subsidiary."
 
 Liquidation Rights
 
  In the event of a liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the Parent,
whether voluntary or involuntary, after payment or provision for payment of
the debts and other liabilities of the Parent and subject to the prior payment
in full of the preferential amounts to which any class or series of Preferred
Stock is entitled, (i) the holders of the shares of TCI Group Common Stock
will share equally, on a share for share basis, in a percentage of the funds
of the Parent remaining for distribution to its common stockholders equal to
100% multiplied by the average daily ratio (expressed as a decimal) of W/Z for
the 20-Trading Day period ending on the Trading Day prior to the date of the
public announcement of such liquidation, dissolution or winding up, (ii) the
holders of the shares of Liberty Media Group Common Stock will share equally,
on a share for share basis, in a percentage of the funds of the Parent
remaining for distribution to its common stockholders equal to 100% multiplied
by the average daily ratio (expressed as a decimal) of X/Z for such 20-Trading
Day period and (iii) the holders of the
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
shares of TCI Ventures Group Common Stock will share equally, on a share for
share basis, in a percentage of the funds of the Parent remaining for
distribution to its common stockholders equal to 100% multiplied by the
average daily ratio (expressed as a decimal) of Y/Z for such 20-Trading Day
period, where W is the aggregate Market Capitalization of the Series A TCI
Group Common Stock and the Series B TCI Group Common Stock, X is the aggregate
Market Capitalization of the Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the
Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock, Y is the aggregate Market
Capitalization of the Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock and the Series
B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock, and Z is the aggregate Market
Capitalization of the Series A TCI Group Common Stock, the Series B TCI Group
Common Stock, the Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
and the Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock. Neither a consolidation,
merger nor sale of assets will be construed to be a "liquidation,"
"dissolution" or "winding up" of the Parent.
 
  No holder of Liberty Media Group Common Stock or TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock will have any special right to receive specific assets of the Liberty
Media Group or the TCI Ventures Group, as the case may be, in the case of any
dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the Parent.
 
 Determinations by the Board of Directors
 
  The Charter provides that any determinations made by the Board of Directors
under any provision described under "Common Stock" will be final and binding
on all stockholders of the Parent, except as may otherwise be required by law.
Such a determination would not be binding if it were established that the
determination was made in breach of a fiduciary duty of the Board of
Directors. The Parent will prepare a statement of any such determination by
the Board of Directors respecting the fair market value of any properties,
assets or securities and will file such statement with the Secretary of the
Parent.
 
 Preemptive Rights
 
  Holders of the TCI Group Common Stock, the Liberty Media Group Common Stock
and the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock do not have any preemptive rights to
subscribe for any additional shares of capital stock or other obligations
convertible into or exercisable for shares of capital stock that may hereafter
be issued by the Parent.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
 General
 
  As of December 31, 1997, 1,620,026 shares of Class B Preferred Stock, 70,575
shares of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock, 70,575 shares of Series C-
Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock, 994,876 shares of Series D Preferred
Stock, 278,307 shares of Series F Preferred Stock, 6,693,027 shares of Series
G Preferred Stock and 6,693,127 shares of Series H Preferred Stock were
outstanding. On December 31, 1997, all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Series C Preferred Stock were retired. All of the outstanding shares of Series
F Preferred Stock and 67,536 shares of Class B Preferred Stock are held by
subsidiaries of the Parent.
 
 Class B Preferred Stock
 
  The holders of Class B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative
dividends, when and as declared by the TCI Board of Directors out of
unrestricted funds legally available therefor, in preference to dividends on
Common Stock. Dividends accrue cumulatively (but without compounding) at an
annual rate of 6% of the stated liquidation value of $100 per share (the
"Stated Liquidation Value"), whether or not such dividends are declared or
funds are legally available for payment of dividends. Accrued dividends are
payable annually and, in the sole discretion of the TCI Board of Directors,
may be declared and paid in cash, in shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock
or in any combination of the foregoing. Accrued dividends not paid as provided
above on any dividend payment date accumulate and such accumulated unpaid
dividends may be declared and paid in cash, shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock or any combination thereof at any time without reference to any
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
regular dividend payment date, to holders of record of Class B Preferred Stock
as of a special record date fixed by the TCI Board of Directors. No interest
or additional dividends will accrue or be payable with respect to any dividend
payment on the Class B Preferred Stock that may be in arrears or with respect
to that portion of any other payment on the Class B Preferred Stock that is in
arrears which consists of accumulated or accrued and unpaid dividends.
 
  Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI, the holders of Class
B Preferred Stock will be entitled, after payment of preferential amounts on
any class or series of Preferred Stock ranking prior to the Class B Preferred
Stock with respect to liquidating distributions, to receive from the assets of
TCI available for distribution to stockholders an amount in cash or property
or a combination thereof, per share, equal to the Stated Liquidation Value
thereof, plus all accumulated and accrued but unpaid dividends thereon to the
date of payment.
 
  The Class B Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of TCI, in whole at
any time or in part from time to time, for a redemption price per share
payable in cash equal to the Stated Liquidation Value thereof, plus all
accumulated and accrued but unpaid dividends thereon to and including the
redemption date.
 
  The Class B Preferred Stock is exchangeable at the option of TCI in whole
but not in part at any time for junior subordinated debt securities of TCI
("Junior Exchange Notes"). If TCI exercises its optional exchange right, each
holder of outstanding shares of Class B Preferred Stock will be entitled to
receive in exchange therefor newly issued Junior Exchange Notes of a series
authorized and established for the purpose of such exchange, the aggregate
principal amount of which will be equal to the aggregate Stated Liquidation
Value of the shares of Class B Preferred Stock so exchanged by such holder,
plus all accumulated and accrued but unpaid dividends thereon to and including
the exchange date. The Junior Exchange Notes will mature on the 15th
anniversary of the date of issuance and will be subject to earlier redemption
at the option of TCI, in whole or in part, for a redemption price equal to the
principal amount thereof plus accrued but unpaid interest. Interest will
accrue, and be payable annually, on the principal amount of the Junior
Exchange Notes at a rate per annum to be determined prior to issuance by
adding a spread of 215 basis points to the "Fifteen Year Treasury Rate" (as
defined in the Indenture pursuant to which the Junior Exchange Notes will be
issued). Interest will accrue on overdue principal at the same rate, but will
not accrue on overdue interest.
 
  The Class B Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and ranks
junior to the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock, the Series C-Liberty Media
Group Preferred Stock, the Series D Preferred Stock, the Series F Preferred
Stock, the Series G Preferred Stock and the Series H Preferred Stock as to
dividend rights, rights to redemption and rights on liquidation.
 
  The holders of Class B Preferred Stock have the right to vote, on the basis
of one vote per share, together with the Common Stock and any class or series
of Preferred Stock of TCI entitled to vote thereon, in any general election of
directors of TCI. Except as provided above or required by the DGCL, the Class
B Preferred Stock has no voting rights.
 
 Series Preferred Stock
 
  The Series Preferred Stock is issuable, from time to time, in one or more
series, with such powers, designations, preferences and relative
participating, optional or other rights, and qualifications, limitations or
restrictions thereof, as is stated and expressed in a resolution or
resolutions providing for the issue of each such series adopted by the TCI
Board of Directors.
 
  All shares of any one series of the Series Preferred Stock are required to
be alike in every particular. Except to the extent otherwise provided in the
resolution or resolutions providing for the issue of any series of Series
Preferred Stock, the holders of shares of such series will have no voting
rights except as may be required by Delaware law.
 
 
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<PAGE>
 
 Series C Preferred Stock, Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock and Series C-
Liberty Media Group Preferred  Stock
   
  Series C Preferred Stock. TCI will not issue any additional shares of Series
C Preferred Stock and will remove any remaining shares of Series Preferred
Stock designated as Series C Preferred Stock from such designation as soon as
practicable.     
 
  Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock. The liquidation value of the Series C-
TCI Group Preferred Stock is $2,208.35 per share. The liquidation and
redemption features of the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock, each of which
is discussed in greater detail below, are determined by reference to such
liquidation value. No dividends are required to be paid on the Series C-TCI
Group Preferred Stock.
 
  Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI, holders of the
Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive from the assets
of TCI available for distribution to stockholders an amount in cash, per
share, equal to the liquidation value of the Series C-TCI Group Preferred
Stock. The Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock shall not rank junior to any
other classes or series of stock of TCI in respect of the right to participate
in any distribution upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI.
   
  The Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock is subject to optional redemption by
TCI at any time after August 8, 2001, in whole or in part, at a redemption
price, per share, equal to the liquidation value per share of the Series C-TCI
Group Preferred Stock. The Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock is required to
be redeemed by TCI at any time on or after August 8, 2001 at the option of the
holder, in whole or in part (provided that the aggregate liquidation value of
the shares to be redeemed is in excess of $1 million), in each case at a
redemption price, per share, equal to the liquidation value. In the case of a
redemption of shares of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock at the option of
the holder, TCI may elect to pay the redemption price in cash or through the
issuance of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock. In the event that TCI
elects to issue shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock in payment of the
redemption price and, as of the redemption date, Bill Daniels, the original
holder of all outstanding shares of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock, is
deceased and the shares required to be redeemed are held by or for the benefit
of a trust, regardless of whether such trust became effective during Mr.
Daniel's lifetime or is a testamentary trust, or a public or private
foundation established by Mr. Daniels, the net proceeds from any open-market
sale (within a period of time set forth in the certificate of designations for
the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock) of the shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock acquired by such holder in the redemption (and in certain
circumstances, other shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock) shall be
adjusted, such that any net proceeds in excess of the redemption price shall
be paid by the holder to TCI and any deficit between the net proceeds and the
redemption price shall be paid by TCI to the holder.     
 
  The Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and
the Class B Preferred Stock and on a parity with all other currently
outstanding classes and series of Preferred Stock as to rights to receive
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of TCI.
   
  As of December 31, 1997, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, each share of
Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock is currently convertible, at the option of
the holder, into 132.86 shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock. Subject to
the provisions described in the immediately following paragraph, if the
holders of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock would be entitled to receive
upon conversion thereof any TCI capital stock that is redeemable or
exchangeable at the election of TCI ("Series C-TCI Group Redeemable Capital
Stock"), and all of the outstanding shares or other units of such Series C-TCI
Group Redeemable Capital Stock are redeemed, exchanged or otherwise acquired
in full, then, from and after such event (a "Series C-TCI Group Redemption
Event"), the holders of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock then outstanding
shall be entitled to receive upon conversion of such shares, in lieu of shares
of such Series C-TCI Group Redeemable Capital Stock, the kind and amount of
shares of stock and other securities and property receivable upon such Series
C-TCI Group Redemption Event by a holder of the number of shares or units of
Series C-TCI Group Redeemable Capital Stock into which such shares of Series
C-TCI Group Preferred Stock could have been converted immediately prior to
    
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
the effectiveness of such Series C-TCI Group Redemption Event (assuming that
such holder failed to exercise any applicable right of election with respect
thereto and received per share or unit of such Series C-TCI Group Redeemable
Capital Stock the kind and amount of stock and other securities and property
received per share or unit by the holders of a plurality of the non-electing
shares or units thereof) and, thereafter, the holders of the Series C-TCI
Group Preferred Stock shall have no other conversion rights with respect to
such Series C-TCI Group Redeemable Capital Stock.
   
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions described in the immediately
preceding paragraph shall not apply, and the holders of Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock that are not exchanged as described in the third sentence of
this paragraph shall not have conversion rights with respect to Series C-TCI
Group Redeemable Capital Stock so redeemed, exchanged or otherwise acquired,
after the Series C-TCI Group Redemption Event relating thereto, if (i) the
redemption price for the shares of such Series C-TCI Group Redeemable Capital
Stock is paid in whole or in part in stock ("Series C-TCI Group Redemption
Securities") of a subsidiary of TCI and (ii) in connection with such Series C-
TCI Group Redemption Event, the "Mirror Preferred Stock Condition" is met, as
such term is defined in the certificate of designations for the Series C-TCI
Group Preferred Stock. TCI is obligated to use all commercially reasonable
efforts to ensure that the Mirror Preferred Stock Condition is satisfied.
Generally, the Mirror Preferred Stock Condition will be satisfied if TCI makes
appropriate provisions so that holders of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock
shall have the right, exercisable on the effective date of the Series C-TCI
Group Redemption Event, to exchange their shares of Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock for convertible preferred stock of TCI and convertible
preferred stock of the issuer of the Series C-TCI Group Redemption Securities
that together have an aggregate liquidation preference equal to the aggregate
liquidation preference of the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock to be so
exchanged (as in effect on the effective date of the Series C-TCI Group
Redemption Event) and that otherwise each have terms, conditions,
designations, voting powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible preferred stock
that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the judgment of the
Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock
for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged, except that
applicable time periods under the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock will be
tacked to corresponding time periods under such convertible preferred stock,
and except that (x) the convertible preferred stock of the issuer of the
Series C-TCI Group Redemption Securities will be convertible into the kind and
amount of Series C-TCI Group Redemption Securities, cash and other assets that
the holder of a share of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock in respect of
which such convertible preferred stock is issued would have received in the
Series C-TCI Group Redemption Event, had such shares of Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock been converted prior to the Series C-TCI Group Redemption
Event, and (y) the convertible preferred stock of TCI will not be convertible
into, and the holders thereof will have no conversion rights thereunder with
respect to, the Series C-TCI Group Redeemable Capital Stock redeemed, or the
Series C-TCI Group Redemption Securities issued, in the Series C-TCI Group
Redemption Event.     
   
  If TCI distributes the stock of a subsidiary of TCI as a dividend to all
holders of Series A TCI Group Common Stock (a "TCI Group Spin Off"), TCI shall
make appropriate provision so the holders of the Series C-TCI Group Preferred
Stock have the right to exchange their shares of Series C-TCI Group Preferred
Stock on the effective date of the TCI Group Spin Off for convertible
preferred stock of TCI and convertible preferred stock of such subsidiary that
together have an aggregate liquidation preference equal to the liquidation
preference of a share of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock on the effective
date of the TCI Group Spin Off and that otherwise each have terms, conditions,
designations, voting powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible preferred stock
that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the judgment of the
Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock
for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged, except that
applicable time periods under the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock will be
tacked to corresponding time periods under such convertible preferred stock,
and except that (x) the convertible preferred stock of the subsidiary whose
stock is distributed in such TCI Group Spin Off will be convertible into the
kind and amount of stock of such subsidiary, and other securities and     
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
   
property that the holder of a share of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock in
respect of which such convertible preferred stock is issued would have
received in the TCI Group Spin Off, had such shares of Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock been converted prior to the record date for such TCI Group
Spin Off, and (y) the convertible preferred stock of TCI will not be
convertible into, and the holders thereof will have no conversion rights
thereunder with respect to, the stock of such subsidiary. From and after the
effective date of the TCI Group Spin Off, holders of any shares of Series C-
TCI Group Preferred Stock that have not been exchanged for convertible
preferred stock of TCI and convertible preferred stock of such subsidiary
shall have no conversion rights with respect to the stock of the subsidiary
distributed in the TCI Group Spin Off.     
   
  In the event an "Exchange Offer" is made by TCI or a subsidiary of TCI (the
applicable of the foregoing being the "Series C-TCI Group Offeror"), the
Series C-TCI Group Offeror shall concurrently therewith make an equivalent
offer to the holders of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock pursuant to which
such holders may tender shares of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock, based
upon the number of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock into which such
tendered shares are then convertible (and in lieu of tendering outstanding
shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock), together with such other
consideration as may be required to be tendered pursuant to such Exchange
Offer, and receive in exchange therefor, in lieu of securities of the Series
C-TCI Group Offeror offered in such Exchange Offer ("Exchange Securities")
(and other property, if applicable), convertible preferred stock of the issuer
of the Exchange Securities with an aggregate liquidation preference equal to
the aggregate liquidation preference of the shares of Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock exchanged therefor and that otherwise has terms, conditions,
designations, voting powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible preferred stock
that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the judgment of the
Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock
for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged, except that
applicable time periods under the Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock will be
tacked to corresponding time periods under such convertible preferred stock,
and except that such convertible preferred stock will be convertible into the
kind and amount of Exchange Securities and other property that the holder of a
share of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock in respect of which such
convertible preferred stock is issued would have received upon the
consummation of the Exchange Offer, had such shares of Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock that such holder elects to tender been converted and the
shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock received upon such conversion been
tendered in full pursuant to such Exchange Offer and the same percentage of
such tendered shares had been accepted for exchange as the percentage of
validly tendered shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock were accepted for
exchange pursuant to such Exchange Offer. Whether or not a holder of shares of
Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock elects to accept such offer and tender such
shares, no adjustment to the conversion rate will be made in connection with
the Exchange Offer. For the purposes of the foregoing, "Exchange Offer" means
an issuer tender offer (within the meaning of Rule 13e-4(a)(2) under the
Exchange Act), including, without limitation, one that is effected through the
distribution of rights or warrants, made to holders of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock (or to holders of other stock of TCI receivable by a holder of
Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock upon conversion thereof), to issue stock of
TCI or of a subsidiary of TCI and/or other property to a tendering stockholder
in exchange for shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock (or such other
stock).     
 
  The holders of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock are entitled to vote on an
as converted basis on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of the
capital stock of TCI entitled to vote generally on the election of directors.
Holders of Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock are not entitled to vote as a
separate class except as otherwise may be required by the DGCL.
       
  Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock. The liquidation value of the
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock is $579.31 per share. The
liquidation and redemption features of the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock, each of which is discussed in greater detail below, are
determined by reference to such liquidation value. No dividends are required
to be paid on the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock.
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
  Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI, holders of the
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive from
the assets of TCI available for distribution to stockholders an amount in
cash, per share, equal to the liquidation value of the Series C-Liberty Media
Group Preferred Stock. The Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock shall
not rank junior to any other classes or series of stock of TCI in respect of
the right to participate in any distribution upon liquidation, dissolution or
winding up of TCI.
   
  The Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock is subject to optional
redemption by TCI at any time after August 8, 2001, in whole or in part, at a
redemption price, per share, equal to the liquidation value per share of the
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock. The Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock is required to be redeemed by TCI at any time on or after
August 8, 2001 at the option of the holder, in whole or in part (provided that
the aggregate liquidation value of the shares to be redeemed is in excess of
$1 million), in each case at a redemption price, per share, equal to the
liquidation value. In the case of a redemption of shares of Series C-Liberty
Media Group Preferred Stock at the option of the holder, TCI may elect to pay
the redemption price in cash or through the issuance of shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock. In the event that TCI elects to issue shares
of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock in payment of the redemption
price and, as of the redemption date, Bill Daniels, the original holder of all
outstanding shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock, is
deceased and the shares required to be redeemed are held by or for the benefit
of a trust, regardless of whether such trust became effective during Mr.
Daniel's lifetime or is a testamentary trust, or a public or private
foundation established by Mr. Daniels, the net proceeds from any open-market
sale (within a period of time set forth in the certificate of designations for
the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock) of the shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock acquired by such holder in the redemption
(and in certain circumstances, other shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock) shall be adjusted, such that any net proceeds in excess of the
redemption price shall be paid by the holder to TCI and any deficit between
the net proceeds and the redemption price shall be paid by TCI to the holder.
    
  The Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common
Stock and the Class B Preferred Stock and on a parity with all other currently
outstanding classes and series of Preferred Stock as to rights to receive
assets upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the affairs of TCI.
   
  As of December 31, 1997, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, each share of
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock is currently convertible, at the
option of the holder, into 37.5 shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common
Stock. Subject to the provisions described in the immediately following
paragraph, if (i) TCI redeems all the outstanding shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock in accordance with the terms thereof, or (ii) the
holders of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock would be entitled to
receive upon conversion thereof any TCI capital stock that is redeemable or
exchangeable at the election of TCI ("Series C-Liberty Media Group Redeemable
Capital Stock"), and all of the outstanding shares or other units of such
Series C-Liberty Media Group Redeemable Capital Stock are redeemed, exchanged
or otherwise acquired in full, then, from and after either such event (each
event referred to in clause (i) and (ii) being a "Series C-Liberty Media Group
Redemption Event"), the holders of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock then outstanding shall be entitled to receive upon conversion of such
shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock, in lieu of shares of
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or such Series C-Liberty Media Group
Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may be, the kind and amount of shares of
stock and other securities and property receivable upon such Series C-Liberty
Media Group Redemption Event by a holder of the number of shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock or shares or units of such Series C-Liberty
Media Group Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may be, into which such
shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock could have been
converted immediately prior to the effectiveness of such Series C-Liberty
Media Group Redemption Event (assuming that such holder failed to exercise any
applicable right of election with respect thereto and received per share of
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or per share or unit of such Series
C-Liberty Media Group Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may be, the kind
and amount of stock and other securities and property received per share or
unit by the holders of a plurality of the non-electing shares or units
thereof) and, thereafter, the holders of the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock shall have no other conversion rights with respect to the
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or such Series C-Liberty Media Group
Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may be.     
 
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<PAGE>
 
   
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions described in the immediately
preceding paragraph shall not apply, and the holders of Series C-Liberty Media
Group Preferred Stock that are not exchanged as described in the third
sentence of this paragraph shall not have conversion rights with respect to
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or Series C-Liberty Media Group
Redeemable Capital Stock so redeemed, exchanged or otherwise acquired, after
the Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption Event relating thereto, if (i) the
redemption price for the shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
or such Series C-Liberty Media Group Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may
be, is paid in whole or in part in securities ("Series C-Liberty Media Group
Redemption Securities") of a subsidiary of TCI and (ii) in connection with
such Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption Event, the "Mirror Preferred
Stock Condition" is met, as such term is defined in the certificate of
designations for the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock. TCI is
obligated to use all commercially reasonable efforts to ensure that the Mirror
Preferred Stock Condition is satisfied. Generally, the Mirror Preferred Stock
Condition will be satisfied in connection with a redemption of the Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock or the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Redeemable Capital Stock into which the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock is then convertible, assuming that the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock is not then convertible into any other shares of stock or
other securities or property, if appropriate provision is made so that the
holders of the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock have the right to
exchange their shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock on the
effective date of the Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption Event for shares
of convertible preferred stock of the issuer of the Series C-Liberty Media
Group Redemption Securities, which convertible preferred stock shall have an
aggregate liquidation preference equal to the aggregate liquidation preference
of the shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock to be exchanged
therefor and that otherwise has terms, conditions, designations, voting
powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible preferred stock
that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the judgment of the
Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged,
except that applicable time periods under the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock will be tacked to corresponding time periods under such
convertible preferred stock, and except that the convertible preferred stock
of the issuer of the Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption Securities will
be convertible into the kind and amount of Series C-Liberty Media Group
Redemption Securities, cash and other assets that the holder of a share of
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock in respect of which such
convertible preferred stock is issued would have received in the Series C-
Liberty Media Group Redemption Event, had such shares of Series C-Liberty
Media Group Preferred Stock been converted prior to the Series C-Liberty Media
Group Redemption Event.     
   
  If, before giving effect to a Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption Event,
a holder of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock would be entitled to
receive upon conversion of such Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock
any shares of stock or other securities or property (other than cash in lieu
of fractional securities) in addition to the Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock or Series C-Liberty Media Group Redeemable Capital Stock being
redeemed, and the redemption price payable upon such Series C-Liberty Media
Group Redemption Event will include Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption
Securities, then the Mirror Preferred Stock Condition will be satisfied if
appropriate provision is made so that the holders of the Series C- Liberty
Media Group Preferred Stock have the right to exchange their shares of Series
C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock on the effective date of the Series C-
Liberty Media Group Redemption Event for convertible preferred stock of TCI
and convertible preferred stock of the issuer of the Series C-Liberty Media
Group Redemption Securities. The sum of the initial liquidation preferences of
the shares of convertible preferred stock of TCI and convertible preferred
stock of the issuer of the Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption Securities
delivered in exchange for a share of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock will equal the liquidation preference of a share of Series C-Liberty
Media Group Preferred Stock on the effective date of the Series C-Liberty
Media Group Redemption Event and that otherwise each have terms, conditions,
designations, voting powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible preferred stock
that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the judgment of the
Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged,
except that     
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
   
applicable time periods under the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock
will be tacked to corresponding time periods under such convertible preferred
stock, and except that (x) the convertible preferred stock of the issuer of
the Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption Securities will be convertible
into the kind and amount of Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption
Securities, cash and other assets that the holder of a share of Series C-
Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock in respect of which such convertible
preferred stock is issued would have received in the Series C-Liberty Media
Group Redemption Event, had such shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock been converted prior to the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Redemption Event, and (y) the convertible preferred stock of TCI will not be
convertible into, and the holders thereof will have no conversion rights
thereunder with respect to, the Series C-Liberty Media Group Redeemable
Capital Stock redeemed, or the Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption
Securities issued, in the Series C-Liberty Media Group Redemption Event.     
   
  If TCI distributes the stock of a subsidiary of TCI as a dividend to all
holders of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock (a "Liberty Media Group
Spin Off"), TCI shall make appropriate provision so the holders of the Series
C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock have the right to exchange their shares
of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock on the effective date of the
Liberty Media Group Spin Off for convertible preferred stock of TCI and
convertible preferred stock of such subsidiary that together have an aggregate
liquidation preference equal to the liquidation preference of a share of
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock on the effective date of the
Liberty Media Group Spin Off and that otherwise each have terms, conditions,
designations, voting powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and
relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible preferred stock
that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the judgment of the
Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged,
except that applicable time periods under the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock will be tacked to corresponding time periods under such
convertible preferred stock, and except that (x) the convertible preferred
stock of the subsidiary whose stock is distributed in such Liberty Media Group
Spin Off will be convertible into the kind and amount of stock of such
subsidiary, and other securities and property that the holder of a share of
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock in respect of which such
convertible preferred stock is issued would have received in the Liberty Media
Group Spin Off, had such shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock been converted prior to the record date for such Liberty Media Group
Spin Off, and (y) the convertible preferred stock of TCI will not be
convertible into, and the holders thereof will have no conversion rights
thereunder with respect to, the stock of such subsidiary. From and after the
effective date of the Liberty Media Group Spin Off, holders of any shares of
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock that have not been exchanged for
convertible preferred stock of TCI and convertible preferred stock of such
subsidiary shall have no conversion rights with respect to the stock of the
subsidiary distributed in the Liberty Media Group Spin Off.     
   
  In the event an "Exchange Offer" is made by TCI or a subsidiary of TCI (the
applicable of the foregoing being the "Series C-Liberty Media Group Offeror"),
the Series C-Liberty Media Group Offeror shall concurrently therewith make an
equivalent offer to the holders of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock pursuant to which such holders may tender shares of Series C-Liberty
Media Group Preferred Stock, based upon the number of shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock into which such tendered shares are then
convertible (and in lieu of tendering outstanding shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock), together with such other consideration as may be
required to be tendered pursuant to such Exchange Offer, and receive in
exchange therefor, in lieu of securities of the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Offeror offered in such Exchange Offer ("Liberty Media Group Exchange
Securities") (and other property, if applicable), convertible preferred stock
of the issuer of such Liberty Media Group Exchange Securities with an
aggregate liquidation preference equal to the aggregate liquidation preference
of the shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock exchanged
therefor and that otherwise has terms, conditions, designations, voting
powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible preferred stock
that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the judgment of the
Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series C-Liberty Media Group     
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
   
Preferred Stock for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged,
except that applicable time periods under the Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock will be tacked to corresponding time periods under such
convertible preferred stock, and except that such convertible preferred stock
will be convertible into the kind and amount of Exchange Securities and other
property that the holder of a share of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock in respect of which such convertible preferred stock is issued would
have received upon the consummation of the Exchange Offer, had such shares of
Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock that such holder elects to tender
been converted and the shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock
received upon such conversion been tendered in full pursuant to such Exchange
Offer and the same percentage of such tendered shares had been accepted for
exchange as the percentage of validly tendered shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock were accepted for exchange pursuant to such Exchange
Offer. Whether or not a holder of shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group
Preferred Stock elects to accept such offer and tender such shares, no
adjustment to the conversion rate will be made in connection with the Exchange
Offer. For the purposes of the foregoing, "Exchange Offer" means an issuer
tender offer (within the meaning of Rule 13e-4(a)(2) under the Exchange Act),
including, without limitation, one that is effected through the distribution
of rights or warrants, made to holders of Series A Liberty Media Group Common
Stock (or to holders of other stock of TCI receivable by a holder of Series C-
Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock upon conversion thereof), to issue stock
of TCI or of a subsidiary of TCI and/or other property to a tendering
stockholder in exchange for shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common
Stock (or such other stock).     
 
  The holders of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock are entitled to
vote on an as converted basis on all matters submitted to a vote of holders of
the capital stock of TCI entitled to vote generally on the election of
directors. Holders of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock are not
entitled to vote as a separate class except as otherwise may be required by
the DGCL.
       
       
       
 Series D Preferred Stock
 
  The dividend, liquidation and redemption features of the Series D Preferred
Stock, each of which is discussed below, are determined by reference to the
liquidation value of the Series D Preferred Stock, which as of any date of
determination is equal, on a per share basis, to the sum of (i) $300, plus
(ii) all dividends accrued on such share through the dividend payment date on
or immediately preceding such date of determination to the extent not paid on
or before such date, plus (iii) for purposes of determining liquidation and
redemption payments, an amount equal to all unpaid dividends accrued on the
sum of clauses (i) and (ii) above, to such date of determination.
 
  The holders of Series D Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative
cash dividends out of funds legally available therefor. Dividends accrue on a
daily basis at an annual rate of 5 1/2% of the liquidation value per share,
whether or not such dividends are declared or funds are legally or
contractually available for payment of dividends, except that if TCI fails to
redeem shares of Series D Preferred Stock required to be redeemed on a
redemption date, dividends thereafter will accrue cumulatively at an annual
rate of 10% of the liquidation value per share until such shares are redeemed.
To the extent any cash dividends are not paid on any dividend payment date,
the amount of such dividends will be automatically converted, to the extent
permissible under the DGCL, into shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock at
a conversion rate equal to 95% of the then "current market price" (as defined
in the certificate of designation establishing the Series D Preferred Stock)
of the Series A TCI Group Common Stock, and upon issuance of shares of Series
A TCI Group Common Stock to holders of Series D Preferred Stock in respect of
such conversion such dividend will be deemed paid for all purposes. Dividends
not so paid or deemed paid on any dividend payment date are added to the
liquidation value on such date and remain a part thereof until such dividends
and all dividends accrued thereon are paid in full. Dividends will accrue on
such unpaid dividends at the rate of 5 1/2% per annum (10% under the
circumstances described above), unless such dividends remain unpaid for two
consecutive quarters, in which event such rate will increase to 10% per annum
until such dividends and all dividends accrued thereon are paid in full.
 
  Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI, holders of Series D
Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive from the assets of TCI available
for distribution to stockholders an amount in cash, per share, equal to the
liquidation value of the Series D Preferred Stock.
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
  The Series D Preferred Stock is subject to optional redemption by TCI at any
time after January 26, 2000, in whole or from time to time in part, at a
redemption price, per share, equal to the then liquidation value of the Series
D Preferred Stock. Shares of Series D Preferred Stock may also be redeemed at
the option of TCI after January 26, 1998, in whole or from time to time in
part, at a redemption price per share equal to the then liquidation value of
the Series D Preferred Stock, if the market value per share of the Series A
TCI Group Common Stock has exceeded $37.50 (as adjusted for dividends on the
Series A TCI Group Common Stock payable in Series A TCI Group Common Stock,
stock splits and reverse stock splits in respect of the Series A TCI Group
Common Stock) for the period specified in the certificate of designation
establishing the Series D Preferred Stock. The Series D Preferred Stock is
also subject to redemption, in whole or in part, at the holder's option, at
any time after January 26, 2005, provided that the aggregate liquidation value
of the shares to be redeemed is in excess of $50,000 (or, if all of the shares
of Series D Preferred Stock held by such holder have an aggregate liquidation
value of less than $50,000, all but not less than all of such shares of Series
D Preferred Stock), in each case at a redemption price, per share, equal to
the then liquidation value of the Series D Preferred Stock. If TCI fails to
effect any redemption of Series D Preferred Stock called for redemption or
which a holder has validly requested be redeemed, the holders thereof will
have the option to convert their shares of Series D Preferred Stock into
Series A TCI Group Common Stock at a conversion rate equal to the quotient
obtained by dividing the redemption price by 95% of the "current market price"
of the Series A TCI Group Common Stock on the redemption date, provided that
in the case of a failure by TCI to redeem shares at the request of a holder,
the exercise of the foregoing conversion right will be delayed for one year.
 
  The Series D Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and the Class
B Preferred Stock, and ranks on a parity basis with the Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock, the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock, the Series
F Preferred Stock, the Series G Preferred Stock and the Series H Preferred
Stock as to dividend rights, rights to redemption and rights on liquidation.
 
  As of December 31, 1997, subject to anti-dilution adjustments, each share of
Series D Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into 10
shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock, two and one-half shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock (and, upon conversion of shares of the Series
D Preferred Stock, each holder of Series D Preferred Stock is entitled to
receive one additional share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock for
every two such shares received upon conversion), and one share of TCI
Satellite Entertainment, Inc. Series A Common Stock. If TCI distributes to all
holders of Series A TCI Group Common Stock rights or warrants to subscribe for
or purchase shares of capital stock of TCI (other than shares of Series A TCI
Group Common Stock or Series B TCI Group Common Stock) or a subsidiary of TCI,
which capital stock (a) is common stock of its issuer or (b) participates in
one or more business operations of the issuer thereof in such a manner that if
such operations were owned by a corporation and such capital stock were issued
thereby such capital stock would be common stock of such corporation ("Special
Securities"), each holder of Series D Preferred Stock will have the option, in
lieu of any anti-dilution adjustment that would otherwise apply to the
conversion rate of the Series D Preferred Stock, to exchange a specified
portion of its shares of Series D Preferred Stock for shares of a new series
of convertible preferred stock of the issuer of the Special Securities having
terms similar to the Series D Preferred Stock but convertible into Special
Securities.
 
  The Series D Preferred Stock has no voting rights, except as required by the
DGCL and except that without the consent of the holders of 66 2/3% in
liquidation value of the Series D Preferred Stock, TCI may not create any
series of Preferred Stock that is senior as to dividend rights, rights to
redemption, or rights on liquidation to the Series D Preferred Stock.
 
 Series F Preferred Stock
 
  The holders of the Series F Preferred Stock are entitled to participate, on
an as-converted basis, with the holders of the Series A TCI Group Common
Stock, with respect to any cash dividends or distributions declared and paid
on the Series A TCI Group Common Stock. Dividends or distributions on the
Series A TCI Group Common Stock which are not paid in cash would result in
adjustment of the rate at which the Series F Preferred Stock is convertible
into Series A TCI Group Common Stock.
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
  Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI, holders of Series F
Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive from the assets of TCI available
for distribution to stockholders an amount in cash or property or a
combination thereof, per share, equal to $.01. After receipt of their
liquidation preference and subject to the preferential rights of any other
class or series of Preferred Stock, the holders of Series F Preferred Stock
are entitled to receive from the assets of TCI available for distribution to
common stockholders an amount equal to the amount to be distributed per share
of Series A TCI Group Common Stock in such liquidation, dissolution or winding
up multiplied by the number of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock into
which a share of Series F Preferred Stock is then convertible.
 
  The Series F Preferred Stock is subject to optional redemption by TCI at any
time after the 30th business day following issuance, in whole or in part, at a
redemption price, per share, equal to $24,875 (as adjusted in respect of stock
splits, reverse splits and other events affecting the shares of Series F
Preferred Stock), plus any dividends which have been declared but are unpaid
as of the date fixed for such redemption. TCI will pay the redemption price
(or designated portion thereof) of the shares of Series F Preferred Stock
called for redemption by issuing to the holder thereof, in respect of its
shares to be redeemed, a number of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock
equal to the aggregate redemption price (or designated portion thereof) of the
shares to be redeemed divided by the average market price of the Series A TCI
Group Common Stock for a period specified, and subject to the adjustments
described, in the certificate of designations establishing the Series F
Preferred Stock.
 
  The Series F Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and the Class
B Preferred Stock, and ranks on a parity basis with the Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock, the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock, the Series
D Preferred Stock, the Series G Preferred Stock and the Series H Preferred
Stock as to dividend rights, rights to redemption and rights on liquidation.
 
  Shares of Series F Preferred Stock are currently convertible, at the option
of the holder, into Series A TCI Group Common Stock at a rate of 1,496.65
shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock for each share of Series F Preferred
Stock, subject to anti-dilution adjustments. In addition, any shares of Series
F Preferred Stock which cease to be held by TCI or a subsidiary of TCI will
automatically be converted into shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock.
  The holders of Series F Preferred Stock have the right to vote, on the basis
of one vote per share, together with the Common Stock and any class or series
of Preferred Stock entitled to vote thereon, in any general election of
directors of TCI. Except as provided above or required by the DGCL, the Series
F Preferred Stock has no voting rights.
 
 Series G Preferred Stock
 
  The dividend, liquidation and redemption features of the Series G Preferred
Stock, each of which is discussed below, are determined by reference to the
liquidation preference of the Series G Preferred Stock, which as of any date
of determination is equal, on a per share basis, to the sum of (i) $21.60,
plus (ii) an amount equal to all dividends accrued on such share which have
been added to and remain a part of the liquidation preference as of such date,
plus (iii) for purposes of determining liquidation and redemption payments, an
amount equal to all unpaid dividends accrued on the sum of the amounts
specified in clauses (i) and (ii) above during the period from the immediately
preceding dividend payment date through and including the date in question.
   
  The holders of Series G Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative
dividends, when and as declared by the TCI Board of Directors out of
unrestricted funds legally available therefor, in preference to dividends on
the Common Stock and the Class B Preferred Stock. Dividends accrue on the
Series G Preferred Stock from and after January 25, 1997, on a daily basis at
the rate of 4% per annum of the liquidation preference per share, whether or
not such dividends are declared or funds are available for payment of
dividends. Dividends not paid on any dividend payment date are added to the
liquidation preference on such date and remain a part thereof until such
dividends are paid. The rate per annum at which dividends will accrue on that
portion of the liquidation     
 
                                      75
<PAGE>
 
preference that consists of unpaid dividends that were added to the
liquidation preference on a dividend payment date and that remain unpaid on
the next succeeding dividend payment date will increase to 8.625% per annum
from and after such next succeeding dividend payment date. Accrued dividends
are payable semiannually and, in the sole discretion of the TCI Board of
Directors, may be declared and paid in cash, in shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock or in any combination of the foregoing. Accrued dividends not
paid as provided above on any dividend payment date accumulate and such
accumulated unpaid dividends may be declared and paid in cash, shares of
Series A TCI Group Common Stock or any combination thereof at any time without
reference to any regular dividend payment, to holders of record of Series G
Preferred Stock as of a special record date fixed by the TCI Board of
Directors.
 
  Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI, the holders of
Series G Preferred Stock will be entitled, after payment of preferential
amounts on any class or series of Preferred Stock ranking prior to the Series
G Preferred Stock with respect to liquidating distributions, to receive from
the assets of TCI available for distribution to stockholders an amount in cash
or property or a combination thereof, per share, equal to the liquidation
preference thereof as of the date of payment or distribution.
 
  The Series G Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of TCI, in whole at
any time or in part from time to time on or after February 1, 2001 for a
redemption price per share payable in cash equal to the liquidation preference
thereof on such redemption date. TCI is required to redeem the Series G
Preferred Stock out of funds legally available therefor on February 1, 2016,
for a redemption price per share payable in cash equal to the liquidation
preference thereof on such redemption date.
 
  The Series G Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and the Class
B Preferred Stock and on a parity with all other currently outstanding classes
and series of Preferred Stock as to dividend rights, rights to redemption and
rights on liquidation.
 
  As of December 31, 1997, subject to antidilution adjustments, each share of
Series G Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into
1.190 shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock. Subject to the provisions
described in the immediately following paragraph, if the holders of Series G
Preferred Stock would be entitled to receive upon conversion thereof any
shares of a class or series of TCI capital stock, which is redeemable or
exchangeable at the election of TCI ("Series G Redeemable Capital Stock"), and
such Series G Redeemable Capital Stock is redeemed, exchanged or otherwise
acquired in full, then, from and after such event (a "Series G Redemption
Event"), the holders of Series G Preferred Stock then outstanding shall be
entitled to receive upon conversion of such shares, in lieu of shares of such
Series G Redeemable Capital Stock, the kind and amount of securities, cash or
other assets receivable upon such Series G Redemption Event by a holder of the
number of shares of Series G Redeemable Capital Stock into which such shares
of Series G Preferred Stock could have been converted immediately prior to the
effectiveness of such Series G Redemption Event (assuming that such holder
failed to exercise any applicable right of election with respect thereto and
received per share of such Series G Redeemable Capital Stock the kind and
amount of securities, cash or other assets received per share by the holders
of a plurality of the non-electing shares thereof) and, thereafter, the
holders of the Series G Preferred Stock shall have no other conversion rights
with respect to such Series G Redeemable Capital Stock.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions described in the immediately
preceding paragraph shall not apply, and the holders of any shares of Series G
Preferred Stock that are not exchanged as described in the second sentence of
this paragraph shall not have any conversion rights with respect to Series G
Redeemable Capital Stock so redeemed, exchanged or otherwise acquired, after
the Series G Redemption Event relating thereto, if (i) the redemption price
for the shares of such Series G Redeemable Capital Stock is paid in whole or
in part in securities ("Series G Redemption Securities") of an issuer other
than TCI (the "Series G Other Issuer") and (ii) in connection with such Series
G Redemption Event, the "Mirror Preferred Stock Condition" is met, as such
term is defined in the certificate of designations for the Series G Preferred
Stock. Generally, the Mirror Preferred Stock Condition shall be satisfied if
TCI makes appropriate provisions so that holders of Series G Preferred Stock
shall have the right, exercisable on the effective date of the Series G
Redemption Event, to exchange their shares of Series G Preferred Stock for
convertible preferred stock of TCI and convertible preferred stock of the
Series
 
                                      76
<PAGE>
 
G Other Issuer that together have an aggregate liquidation preference equal to
the liquidation preference of the Series G Preferred Stock to be so exchanged
(as in effect on the effective date of the Series G Redemption Event) and that
otherwise each have terms, conditions, designations, dividend rights, voting
powers, rights on liquidation and other preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications,
limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible preferred stock
that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the good faith
judgment of the Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series G Preferred
Stock for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged, except
that applicable time periods under the Series G Preferred Stock will be tacked
to corresponding time periods under such convertible preferred stock, and
except that (x) the convertible preferred stock of the Series G Other Issuer
will be convertible into the kind and amount of Series G Redemption
Securities, cash and other assets that the holder of a share of Series G
Preferred Stock in respect of which such convertible preferred stock is issued
would have received in the Series G Redemption Event, had such shares of
Series G Preferred Stock been converted prior to the Series G Redemption
Event, and (y) the convertible preferred stock of TCI will not be convertible
into, and the holders thereof will have no conversion rights thereunder with
respect to, the Series G Redeemable Capital Stock subject to the Series G
Redemption Event. The Mirror Preferred Stock Condition shall be deemed to have
been satisfied in connection with any Series G Redemption Event only if the
Board of Directors of TCI determines (i) that receipt of such convertible
preferred stock of TCI and/or the Series G Other Issuer in exchange for the
Series G Preferred Stock in connection with such Series G Redemption Event
would not result in the recognition of gain or loss by the holders of such
Series G Preferred Stock for United States federal income tax purposes; (ii)
that an adjustment made in the conversion rate of the Series G Preferred Stock
with respect to such Series G Redemption Event, as described in the
immediately preceding paragraph, would result in the recognition of gain or
loss by the holders of Series G Preferred Stock for United States federal
income tax purposes; or (iii) that receipt of Series G Redemption Securities
in redemption of the Series G Redeemable Capital Stock to be redeemed in such
Series G Redemption Event would result in the recognition of gain or loss by
the holders of such Series G Redeemable Capital Stock.
 
  The holders of Series G Preferred Stock have the right to vote, on the basis
of one vote per share, together with the Common Stock, the Class B Preferred
Stock and any other class or series of Preferred Stock entitled to vote
thereon, in any general election of directors of TCI. The number of authorized
shares of Series G Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not
below the number of shares of Series G Preferred Stock then outstanding) by
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the then
outstanding Voting Securities (as defined in the Charter) voting together as a
single class. Except as provided above or required by the DGCL, the Series G
Preferred Stock has no voting rights.
 
 Series H Preferred Stock
 
  The dividend, liquidation and redemption features of the Series H Preferred
Stock, each of which is discussed below, are determined by reference to the
liquidation preference of the Series H Preferred Stock, which as of any date
of determination is equal, on a per share basis, to the sum of (i) $5.40, plus
(ii) an amount equal to all dividends accrued on such share which have been
added to and remain a part of the liquidation preference as of such date, plus
(iii) for purposes of determining liquidation and redemption payments, an
amount equal to all unpaid dividends accrued on the sum of the amounts
specified in clauses (i) and (ii) above during the period from the immediately
preceding dividend payment date through and including the date in question.
   
  The holders of Series H Preferred Stock are entitled to receive cumulative
dividends, when and as declared by the TCI Board of Directors out of
unrestricted funds legally available therefor, in preference to dividends on
the Common Stock and the Class B Preferred Stock. Dividends accrue on the
Series H Preferred Stock from and after January 25, 1997, on a daily basis at
the rate of 4% per annum of the liquidation preference per share, whether or
not such dividends are declared or funds are available for payment of
dividends. Dividends not paid on any dividend payment date are added to the
liquidation preference on such date and remain a part thereof until such
dividends are paid. The rate per annum at which dividends will accrue on that
portion of the liquidation preference that consists of unpaid dividends that
were added to the liquidation preference on a dividend payment date and that
remain unpaid on the next succeeding dividend payment date will increase to
8.625% per annum from and after such next succeeding dividend payment date.
Accrued dividends are payable semiannually and,     
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
in the sole discretion of the TCI Board of Directors, may be declared and paid
in cash, in shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock or in any combination of
the foregoing. Accrued dividends not paid as provided above on any dividend
payment date accumulate and such accumulated unpaid dividends may be declared
and paid in cash, shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock or any combination
thereof at any time without reference to any regular dividend payment, to
holders of record of Series H Preferred Stock as of a special record date
fixed by the TCI Board of Directors.
 
  Upon the liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI, the holders of
Series H Preferred Stock will be entitled, after payment of preferential
amounts on any class or series of Preferred Stock ranking prior to the Series
H Preferred Stock with respect to liquidating distributions, to receive from
the assets of TCI available for distribution to stockholders an amount in cash
or property or a combination thereof, per share, equal to the liquidation
preference thereof as of the date of payment or distribution.
 
  The Series H Preferred Stock is redeemable at the option of TCI, in whole at
any time or in part from time to time on or after February 1, 2001, for a
redemption price per share payable in cash equal to the liquidation preference
thereof on such redemption date. TCI is required to redeem the Series H
Preferred Stock out of funds legally available therefor on February 1, 2016,
for a redemption price per share payable in cash equal to the liquidation
preference thereof on such redemption date.
 
  The Series H Preferred Stock ranks senior to the Common Stock and the Class
B Preferred Stock and on a parity with all other currently outstanding classes
and series of Preferred Stock as to dividend rights, rights to redemption and
rights on liquidation.
 
  As of December 31, 1997, subject to antidilution adjustments, each share of
Series H Preferred Stock is convertible, at the option of the holder, into
 .2625 of one share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock, and, upon
conversion of shares of the Series H Preferred Stock each holder of Series H
Preferred Stock is entitled to receive one additional share of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock for every two such shares received upon such
conversion. Subject to the provisions described in the immediately following
paragraph, if (i) TCI redeems all the outstanding shares of Series A Liberty
Media Group Common Stock in accordance with the terms thereof, or (ii) the
holders of Series H Preferred Stock would be entitled to receive upon
conversion thereof any shares of a class or series of TCI capital stock, which
is redeemable or exchangeable at the election of TCI ("Series H Redeemable
Capital Stock"), and such Series H Redeemable Capital Stock is redeemed,
exchanged or otherwise acquired in full, then, from and after either such
event (a "Series H Redemption Event"), the holders of Series H Preferred Stock
then outstanding shall be entitled to receive upon conversion of such shares
of Series H Preferred Stock, in lieu of shares of Series A Liberty Media Group
Common Stock or such Series H Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may be,
the kind and amount of securities, cash or other assets receivable upon such
Series H Redemption Event by a holder of the number of shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock or such Series H Redeemable Capital Stock, as
the case may be, into which such shares of Series H Preferred Stock could have
been converted immediately prior to the effectiveness of such Series H
Redemption Event (assuming that such holder failed to exercise any applicable
right of election with respect thereto and received per share of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock or per share of such Series H Redeemable
Capital Stock, as the case may be, the kind and amount of securities, cash or
other assets received per share by the holders of a plurality of the non-
electing shares thereof) and, thereafter, the holders of the Series H
Preferred Stock shall have no other conversion rights with respect to the
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or such Series H Redeemable Capital
Stock, as the case may be.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the provisions described in the immediately
preceding paragraph shall not apply, and the holders of any shares of Series H
Preferred Stock that are not exchanged as described in the second sentence of
this paragraph shall not have any conversion rights with respect to the Series
A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or such Series H Redeemable Capital Stock,
as the case may be, after the Series H Redemption Event relating thereto, if
(i) the redemption price for the shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common
Stock or such Series H Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may be, is paid
in whole or in part in securities ("Series H Redemption Securities") of an
issuer other than TCI (the "Series H Other Issuer") and (ii) in connection
with
 
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<PAGE>
 
such Series H Redemption Event, the "Mirror Preferred Stock Condition" is met,
as such term is defined in the certificate of designations for the Series H
Preferred Stock. Generally, the Mirror Preferred Stock Condition shall be
satisfied if TCI makes appropriate provisions so that holders of Series H
Preferred Stock shall have the right, exercisable on the effective date of the
Series H Redemption Event, to exchange their shares of Series H Preferred
Stock for (A) if the Series H Preferred Stock is not then convertible into any
security, cash or assets other than the stock that is the subject of the
Series H Redemption Event (i.e., Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or
such Series H Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may be), convertible
preferred stock of the Series H Other Issuer having a liquidation preference
equal to the liquidation preference of the Series H Preferred Stock to be so
exchanged, as in effect on the effective date of the Series H Redemption
Event, or (B) if the Series H Preferred Stock is then convertible into any
security, cash or assets in addition to the stock that is the subject of the
Series H Redemption Event (any such additional securities, cash or assets,
collectively, the "Additional Conversion Property"), convertible preferred
stock of TCI and convertible preferred stock of the Series H Other Issuer
having an aggregate liquidation preference equal to the liquidation preference
of the Series H Preferred Stock to be so exchanged, as in effect on the
effective date of the Series H Redemption Event; provided, however, that in
either case, the convertible preferred stock into which shares of Series H
Preferred Stock may be exchanged shall otherwise have terms, conditions,
designations, dividend rights, voting powers, rights on liquidation and other
preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and
qualifications, limitations or restrictions applicable to such convertible
preferred stock that are identical, or as nearly so as is practicable in the
good faith judgment of the Board of Directors of TCI, to those of the Series H
Preferred Stock for which such convertible preferred stock is to be exchanged,
except that applicable time periods under the Series H Preferred Stock will be
tacked to corresponding time periods under such convertible preferred stock,
and except that (x) the convertible preferred stock of the Series H Other
Issuer will be convertible into the kind and amount of Series H Redemption
Securities, cash and other assets that the holders of shares of Series H
Preferred Stock in respect of which such convertible preferred stock is issued
would have received in the Series H Redemption Event had such shares of Series
H Preferred Stock been converted in full prior to the Series H Redemption
Event, and (y) any convertible preferred stock of TCI will be convertible into
the Additional Conversion Property, and will not be convertible into, and the
holders thereof will have no conversion rights thereunder with respect to, the
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or Series H Redeemable Capital
Stock, as the case may be, subject to the Series H Redemption Event. The
Mirror Preferred Stock Condition shall be deemed to have been satisfied in
connection with any Series H Redemption Event only if the Board of Directors
of TCI determines (i) that receipt of such convertible preferred stock of TCI
and/or the Series H Other Issuer in exchange for Series H Preferred Stock in
connection with such Series H Redemption Event would not result in the
recognition of gain or loss by the holders of such Series H Preferred Stock
for United States federal income tax purposes; (ii) that an adjustment made in
the conversion rate of the Series H Preferred Stock with respect to such
Series H Redemption Event, as described in the immediately preceding
paragraph, would result in the recognition of gain or loss by the holders of
Series H Preferred Stock for United States federal income tax purposes; or
(iii) that receipt of Series H Redemption Securities in redemption of the
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock or Series H Redeemable Capital Stock
to be redeemed in such Series H Redemption Event would result in the
recognition of gain or loss by the holders of such Series A Liberty Media
Group Common Stock or Series H Redeemable Capital Stock, as the case may be.
 
  The holders of Series H Preferred Stock have the right to vote, on the basis
of one vote per share, together with the Common Stock, the Class B Preferred
Stock and any other class or series of Preferred Stock entitled to vote
thereon, in any general election of directors of TCI. The number of authorized
shares of Series H Preferred Stock may be increased or decreased (but not
below the number of shares of Series H Preferred Stock then outstanding) by
the affirmative vote of the holders of at least 66 2/3% of the then
outstanding Voting Securities (as defined in the Charter) voting together as a
single class. Except as provided above or required by the DGCL, the Series H
Preferred Stock has no voting rights.
 
 Limitations on Rights of Holders of Parity Stock and Junior Stock
 
  For so long as any dividends are in arrears on any outstanding class or
series of Preferred Stock, and until all dividends accrued up to the
immediately preceding dividend payment date on such Preferred Stock and on
 
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<PAGE>
 
any class or series of Preferred Stock ranking on a parity with such Preferred
Stock ("Parity Stock") shall have been paid or declared and set apart so as to
be available for payment in full thereof and for no other purpose, neither TCI
nor any subsidiary thereof may purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of
such Preferred Stock, Parity Stock or any class or series of capital stock
ranking junior to such Preferred Stock ("Junior Stock"), or set aside any
money or assets for any such purpose, unless all of the outstanding shares of
such Preferred Stock and Parity Stock are redeemed. For so long as any
dividends are in arrears on any outstanding class or series of Preferred Stock
and until all dividends accrued up to the immediately preceding dividend
payment date on such Preferred Stock shall have been paid or declared and set
apart so as to be available for payment in full thereof and for no other
purpose, TCI may not declare or pay any dividend on or make any distribution
with respect to the Parity Stock or Junior Stock or set aside any money or
assets for any such purpose.
 
  If TCI fails to redeem shares of Class B Preferred Stock or Series F
Preferred Stock required to be redeemed on a redemption date, TCI may not
redeem or exchange any Parity Stock or Junior Stock or declare or pay any
dividend on or make any distribution with respect to any Junior Stock or set
aside money or assets for any such purpose, and neither TCI nor any subsidiary
thereof may purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of such Preferred Stock,
Parity Stock or Junior Stock or set aside any money or assets for any such
purpose, until all shares of such class or series of Preferred Stock are
redeemed in full. If TCI fails to redeem shares of Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock, Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock or Series D
Preferred Stock required to be redeemed on a redemption date, neither TCI nor
any subsidiary thereof may purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of such
series of Preferred Stock or Junior Stock or redeem, or discharge any sinking
fund obligation with respect to, any Junior Stock, until all shares of such
series of Preferred Stock are redeemed in full. If TCI fails to redeem shares
of Series G Preferred Stock or Series H Preferred Stock required to be
redeemed on a redemption date, TCI may not redeem any Junior Stock or Parity
Stock or declare or pay any dividend on or make any distribution with respect
to any Junior Stock or Parity Stock, or set aside any money or assets for any
such purpose, and neither TCI nor any subsidiary thereof may purchase or
otherwise acquire any shares of such series of Preferred Stock, Parity Stock
or Junior Stock, or set aside any money or assets for any such purpose, until
all such shares are redeemed in full. Neither TCI nor any subsidiary thereof
may redeem, exchange, purchase or otherwise acquire any shares of Parity Stock
or Junior Stock, or set aside any money or assets for such purpose, if after
giving effect to such purchase or acquisition the amount that would be
available for distribution to the holders of Class B Preferred Stock and
Series F Preferred Stock upon liquidation, dissolution or winding up of TCI,
if such liquidation, dissolution or winding up were to occur on the date fixed
for such purchase or acquisition of shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock,
would be less than the aggregate liquidation preference of all then
outstanding shares of such class or series of Preferred Stock. The failure of
TCI (i) to redeem on any date fixed for redemption any outstanding shares of
Class B Preferred Stock or Series F Preferred Stock or (ii) to pay dividends
on, in the case of Class B Preferred Stock, any Parity Stock, and, in the case
of Series F Preferred Stock, such series of Preferred Stock, shall not prevent
TCI from paying any dividends on Parity Stock solely in shares of Parity Stock
or Junior Stock or on Junior Stock solely in exchange for shares of Junior
Stock or the purchase or other acquisition of such Preferred Stock or Parity
Stock solely in shares of Parity Stock or Junior Stock or of Junior Stock
solely in exchange for shares of Junior Stock. The failure of TCI to (i) to
redeem on any date fixed for redemption any outstanding shares of Series G
Preferred Stock or Series H Preferred Stock or (ii) to pay dividends on any
Parity Stock, shall not prevent TCI from paying dividends on any Junior Stock
solely in shares of Junior Stock, paying dividends on any Parity Stock solely
in shares of Parity Stock and/or Junior Stock or the redemption, exchange,
purchase or acquisition of such series of Preferred Stock or Parity Stock
solely in exchange for shares of Parity Stock and/or Junior Stock.
 
ANTI-TAKEOVER CONSIDERATIONS
 
  The DGCL, the Charter and the Parent's Bylaws contain provisions which may
serve to discourage or make more difficult a change in control of the Parent
without the support of the Board of Directors or without meeting various other
conditions. The principal provisions of the DGCL, the Charter and the Parent's
Bylaws with respect to the foregoing are outlined below.
 
  DGCL Section 203, in general, prohibits a "business combination" between a
corporation and an "interested stockholder" within three years of the time
such stockholder became an "interested stockholder,"
 
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<PAGE>
 
unless (i) prior to such time the board of directors of the corporation
approved either the business combination or the transaction which resulted in
the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, (ii) upon consummation of
the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested
stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock
of the corporation outstanding at the time the transaction commenced,
exclusive of shares owned by directors who are also officers and by certain
employee stock plans or (iii) at or subsequent to such time, the business
combination is approved by the board of directors and authorized by the
affirmative vote at a stockholders' meeting of at least 66 2/3% of the
outstanding voting stock which is not owned by the interested stockholder. The
term "business combination" is defined to include, among other transactions
between the interested stockholder and the corporation or any direct or
indirect majority-owned subsidiary thereof, a merger or consolidation; a sale,
pledge, transfer or other disposition (including as part of a dissolution) of
assets having an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of either the
aggregate market value of all assets of the corporation on a consolidated
basis or the aggregate market value of all the outstanding stock of the
corporation; certain transactions that would increase the interested
stockholder's proportionate share ownership of the stock of any class or
series of the corporation or such subsidiary; and any receipt by the
interested stockholder of the benefit of any loans, advances, guarantees,
pledges or other financial benefits provided by or through the corporation or
any such subsidiary. In general, and subject to certain exceptions, an
"interested stockholder" is any person who is the owner of 15% or more of the
outstanding voting stock (or, in the case of a corporation with classes of
voting stock with disparate voting power, 15% or more of the voting power of
the outstanding voting stock) of the corporation, and the affiliates and
associates of such person. The term "owner" is broadly defined to include any
person or entity that individually or with or through such person or entity's
affiliates or associates, among other things, beneficially owns such stock, or
has the right to acquire such stock (whether such right is exercisable
immediately or only after the passage of time) pursuant to any agreement or
understanding or upon the exercise of warrants or options or otherwise or has
the right to vote such stock pursuant to any agreement or understanding, or
has an agreement or understanding with the beneficial owner of such stock for
the purpose of acquiring, holding, voting or disposing of such stock. The
restrictions of DGCL Section 203 do not apply to corporations that have
elected, in the manner provided therein, not to be subject to such section or,
with certain exceptions, which do not have a class of voting stock that is
listed on a national securities exchange or authorized for quotation on The
Nasdaq Stock Market or held of record by more than 2,000 stockholders.
 
  The Charter does not contain any provision "opting out" of the application
of DGCL Section 203 and the Parent has not taken any of the actions necessary
for it to "opt out" of such provision. As a result, the provisions of Section
203 will remain applicable to transactions between the Parent and any of its
"interested stockholders."
 
  The Charter also contains certain provisions which could make a change in
control of the Parent more difficult. For example, the Charter requires,
subject to the rights, if any, of any class or series of Preferred Stock, the
affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of the total voting power of the outstanding
shares of Voting Securities, voting together as a single class, to approve (i)
a merger or consolidation of the Parent with, or into, another corporation,
other than a merger or consolidation which does not require the consent of
stockholders under the DGCL or a merger or consolidation which has been
approved by 75% of the members of the Board of Directors (in which case, in
accordance with the DGCL, the affirmative vote of a majority of the total
voting power of the outstanding Voting Securities would, with certain
exceptions, be required for approval), (ii) the sale, lease or exchange of all
or substantially all of the property and assets of the Parent or (iii) the
dissolution of the Parent. "Voting Securities" is defined in the Charter as
the TCI Group Common Stock, the Liberty Media Group Common Stock, the TCI
Ventures Group Common Stock and any class or series of Preferred Stock
entitled to vote generally with the holders of Common Stock on matters
submitted to stockholders for a vote, which currently would include the Series
C-TCI Group Preferred Stock and the Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock. The Charter also provides for a Board of Directors of not less than
three members, divided into three classes of approximately equal size, with
each class to be elected for a three-year term at the annual meeting of
stockholders at which such class of directors' term expires. The exact number
of directors, currently ten, is fixed by the Board of Directors. The holders
of Voting Securities and of Class B Preferred Stock, Series G Preferred Stock
and
 
                                      81
<PAGE>
 
Series H Preferred Stock, voting together as a single class, vote in elections
for directors. (The holders of the Parent's Series F Preferred Stock are
entitled to vote in the election of directors; however, the DGCL prohibits the
voting of such shares because such shares are held by subsidiaries of the
Parent.) Stockholders of the Parent do not have cumulative voting rights.
 
  The Charter authorizes the issuance of 50,000,000 shares of Series Preferred
Stock, of which 33,901,240 remain available for issuance as of September 30,
1997. On December 31, 1997, TCI issued 70,575 shares of Series C-TCI Group
Preferred Stock and 70,575 shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock, and retired 70,575 shares of Series C Preferred Stock (with the effect
that such retired shares have been restored to the status of authorized and
unissued shares of Series Preferred Stock, and may be reissued as shares of
another series of Series Preferred Stock but may not be reissued as Series C
Preferred Stock). Under the Charter, the Board of Directors is authorized,
without further action by the stockholders of the Parent, to establish the
preferences, limitations and relative rights of the Series Preferred Stock. In
addition, 1,900,000,000 shares of TCI Group Common Stock, 825,000,000 shares
of Liberty Media Group Common Stock and 825,000,000 shares of TCI Ventures
Group Common Stock are currently authorized by the Charter, of which
1,043,774,248 shares of TCI Group Common Stock, 561,120,509 shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock and 620,072,300 shares of TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock remain available for issuance as of September 30, 1997 (in each case
without taking into consideration shares reserved for issuance upon
conversion, exchange or exercise of outstanding convertible or exchangeable
securities and options). The issue and sale of shares of TCI Group Common
Stock, Liberty Media Group Common Stock, TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
and/or Series Preferred Stock could occur in connection with an attempt to
acquire control of the Parent, and the terms of such shares of Series
Preferred Stock could be designed in part to impede the acquisition of such
control.
 
  The Charter requires the affirmative vote of 66 2/3% of the total voting
power of the outstanding shares of Voting Securities, voting together as a
single class, to approve any amendment, alteration or repeal of any provision
of the Charter or the addition or insertion of other provisions therein.
 
  The Charter and the Parent's Bylaws provide that a special meeting of
stockholders will be held at any time, subject to the rights of the holders of
any class or series of Preferred Stock, upon the call of the Secretary of the
Parent upon (i) the written request of the holders of not less than 66 2/3% of
the total voting power of the outstanding shares of Voting Securities or (ii)
at the request of not less than 75% of the members of the Board of Directors.
Subject to the rights of any class or series of Preferred Stock, the Parent's
Bylaws require that written notice of the intent to make a nomination at a
meeting of stockholders must be received by the Secretary of the Parent, at
the Parent's principal executive offices, not later than (a) with respect to
an election of directors to be held at an annual meeting of stockholders, 90
days in advance of such meeting, and (b) with respect to an election of
directors to be held at a special meeting of stockholders, the close of
business on the seventh day following the day on which notice of such meeting
is first given to stockholders. The notice must contain: (1) the name and
address of the stockholder who intends to make the nomination and of the
person or persons to be nominated; (2) a representation that the stockholder
is a holder of record of the Parent's Voting Securities entitled to vote at
the meeting and intends to appear in person or by proxy at the meeting to
nominate the person or persons specified in the notice; (3) a description of
all arrangements or understandings between the stockholder and each nominee
and any other person or persons (naming such person or persons) pursuant to
which the nomination or nominations are to be made by the stockholder; (4)
such other information regarding each nominee proposed by such stockholder as
would have been required to be included in a proxy statement filed pursuant to
the proxy rules of the Commission had each proposed nominee been nominated, or
intended to be nominated, by the Board of Directors; and (5) the consent of
each nominee to serve as a director of the Parent if so elected. Any action to
remove directors is required to be for "cause" (as defined in the Charter) and
be approved by the holders of 66 2/3% of the total voting power of the
outstanding shares entitled to vote in the election of directors (which would
include the Class B Preferred Stock, the Series G Preferred Stock and the
Series H Preferred Stock, in addition to the Voting Securities).
 
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<PAGE>
 
                             PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
  The Company or the Parent (or both) may sell the Offered Securities to or
through underwriters or dealers, which may be a group of underwriters
represented by one or more managing underwriters, and also may sell the
Offered Securities directly to other purchasers or through agents.
 
  The distribution of the Offered Securities may be effected from time to time
in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed,
or at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such
prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.
 
  If an underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale, the Company or
the Parent (or both) will execute an underwriting agreement with such
underwriters and the names of the underwriters and the terms of the
transaction will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, which will be used
by the underwriters to make resales of the Offered Securities. Unless
otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the obligations of any
underwriters to purchase the Offered Securities will be subject to certain
conditions precedent and the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all of
the Offered Securities if any are purchased.
 
  If a dealer is utilized in the sale, the Company or the Parent (or both)
will sell the Offered Securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may
then resell the Offered Securities to the public at varying prices to be
determined by such dealer at the time of resale.
 
  Offers to purchase Offered Securities may be solicited by the Company or the
Parent (or both) or agents designated by the Company or the Parent (or both)
from time to time. Unless otherwise indicated in the Prospectus Supplement,
any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis for the period of its
appointment.
 
  Each underwriter, dealer and agent participating in the distribution of any
Offered Securities which are issuable in bearer form will agree that it will
not, directly or indirectly, offer any Offered Securities in bearer form for
sale or resale in the United States or its possessions or to United States
persons (subject to certain exceptions) or deliver any Offered Securities in
bearer form within the United States or its possessions. See "Description of
Debt Securities--Limitations on Issuance of Bearer Debt Securities."
 
  In connection with the sale of the Offered Securities, underwriters, dealers
and agents may receive compensation in the form of discounts, concessions or
commissions from the Company or the Parent (or both) or from purchasers of the
Offered Securities for whom they may act as agents. Underwriters, dealers and
agents that participate in the distribution of the Offered Securities may be
deemed to be underwriters as that term is defined in the Securities Act, and
any discounts, concessions or commissions received by them from the Company or
the Parent (or both) and any profits on the resale of the Offered Securities
by them may be deemed to be underwriting discounts and commissions under the
Securities Act. Any such person who may be deemed to be an underwriter will be
identified and any such compensation received from the Company or the Parent
(or both) will be described in the Prospectus Supplement.
 
  If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, the Company or the Parent (or
both) will authorize agents and underwriters to solicit offers by certain
specified institutions to purchase Offered Securities from the Company or the
Parent (or both) at the public offering price set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement pursuant to contracts providing for payment and delivery on a
specified date in the future. Institutions with whom such contracts, when
authorized, may be made include commercial and savings banks, insurance
companies, pension funds, investment companies, educational and charitable
institutions and other institutions but shall in all cases be subject to the
approval of the Company or the Parent (or both). The obligations of any
purchaser under any such contract will not be subject to any conditions except
that (i) the purchase by such purchaser of the Offered Securities shall not at
the time of delivery be prohibited under the laws of the jurisdiction to which
such purchaser is subject, and (ii) if the Offered Securities being sold to
such purchaser are also being sold to underwriters, the Company or the Parent
(or both) shall have sold to such underwriters the Offered Securities, not
sold for delayed delivery, pursuant to the underwriting agreement referred to
in the related Prospectus Supplement. The agents and
 
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<PAGE>
 
underwriters will not have any responsibility in respect of the validity of
performance of such contracts. The Prospectus Supplement will set forth the
commission payable for solicitation of such contracts.
 
  Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under agreements entered
into with the Company or the Parent to indemnification by the Company or the
Parent against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the
Securities Act, or to contribution with respect to payments which the agents,
underwriters or dealers may be required to make in respect thereof. Agents,
underwriters and dealers may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or
perform services for the Company and the Parent in the ordinary course of
business.
 
  The anticipated place and time of delivery for the Offered Securities will
be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
  The validity of the Offered Securities and the Guarantees, if any, offered
hereby will be passed upon for the Company and the Parent by Stephen M. Brett,
Esq., Executive Vice President of the Company and Executive Vice President and
General Counsel of the Parent. If agents or underwriters are utilized, the
legality of the Offered Securities and the Guarantees, if any, offered hereby
will be passed upon for such agents or underwriters by such counsel, which
will be named in the Prospectus Supplement, as such agents or underwriters may
select.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
  The consolidated balance sheets of Tele-Communications, Inc. and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the
years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, and all related
financial statement schedules, which appear in the December 31, 1996 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Tele-Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1), have been incorporated by reference herein and in the
Registration Statement in reliance upon the reports, dated March 24, 1997, of
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants, incorporated
by reference herein, and upon the authority of said firm as experts in
accounting and auditing.
 
  The consolidated balance sheets of TCI Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries
as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, and all related financial statement
schedules, which appear in the December 31, 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K of
TCI Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), have
been incorporated by reference herein and in the Registration Statement in
reliance upon the reports, dated March 24, 1997, of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP,
independent certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein,
and upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The combined balance sheets of TCI Group as of December 31, 1996 and 1995,
and the related combined statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for
each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, which
appear in the December 31, 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tele-
Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), have been
incorporated by reference herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance
upon the report, dated March 24, 1997, of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent
certified public accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the
authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing. The report of
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP covering the combined financial statements above refers
to the effects of not consolidating TCI Group's interest in Liberty Media
Group for all periods that TCI Group has an interest in Liberty Media Group.
 
  The combined balance sheets of Liberty Media Group as of December 31, 1996
and 1995, and the related combined statements of operations, equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996,
which appear in the December 31, 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tele-
Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), have been
incorporated by reference
 
                                      84
<PAGE>
 
herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the report, dated
March 24, 1997, of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public
accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and upon the authority of said
firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The consolidated balance sheet of Telewest Communications plc and
subsidiaries as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated
statements of operations and cash flows for each of the years in three-year
period ended December 31, 1996, which appear in the December 31, 1996 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Tele-Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1), have been incorporated by reference herein and in the
Registration Statement in reliance upon the report, dated March 11, 1997, of
KPMG Audit Plc, chartered accountants, incorporated by reference herein, and
upon the authority of said firm as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The consolidated balance sheets of Sprint Spectrum Holding Company, L.P. and
subsidiaries, development stage enterprises, as of December 31, 1996 and 1995
and the related consolidated statements of operations, changes in partners'
capital and cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December
31, 1996, for the period from October 24, 1994 (date of inception) to December
31, 1994 and for the cumulative period from October 24, 1994 (date of
inception) to December 31, 1996, incorporated in this prospectus by reference
from Tele-Communications, Inc. Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended on Form
10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), for the year ended December 31, 1996 have been
audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their
report (which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an explanatory
paragraph referring to the developmental stage of Sprint Spectrum Holding
Company, L.P. and subsidiaries), which is incorporated herein by reference,
and have been so incorporated in reliance upon the report of such firm given
upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
  The financial statements of American PCS, L.P., not separately presented in
this Prospectus, have been audited by Price Waterhouse LLP, independent
accountants, whose report thereon has been incorporated by reference herein.
Such financial statements, to the extent they have been included in the
financial statements of Sprint Spectrum Holding Company, L.P., have been so
included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K, as amended on Form 10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1), of Tele-Communications, Inc. in reliance on their report
given on the authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
American PCS, L.P. has agreed to indemnify Price Waterhouse LLP for the
payment of all legal costs and expenses incurred in Price Waterhouse LLP's
successful defense of any legal action or proceeding that arises as a result
of the consent of Price Waterhouse LLP to the incorporation of its audit
report on American PCS, L.P.'s 1996 financial statements in the Registration
Statement, of which this Prospectus comprises a part, of Tele-Communications,
Inc. and TCI Communications, Inc.
 
  The combined financial statements of VII Cable which appear in TCI's Current
Report on Form 8-K dated June 19, 1996, have been incorporated by reference
herein in reliance on the report dated February 14, 1996 of Price Waterhouse
LLP, independent accountants, incorporated by reference herein, given on the
authority of said firm as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
                                      85
<PAGE>
 
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 NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER INDIVIDUAL HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY IN-
FORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION OTHER THAN THOSE CONTAINED IN THIS PRO-
SPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS OR ANY PRICING SUPPLEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH
THE OFFER MADE BY THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS OR ANY PRICING
SUPPLEMENT AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTATION MUST NOT
BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY AGENT. THIS PRO-
SPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS AND ANY PRICING SUPPLEMENT DO NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION BY ANYONE IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER
OR SOLICITATION IS NOT AUTHORIZED OR IN WHICH THE PERSON MAKING SUCH OFFER OR
SOLICITATION IS NOT QUALIFIED TO DO SO OR TO ANYONE TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE SUCH OFFER OR SOLICITATION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUP-
PLEMENT, THE PROSPECTUS OR ANY PRICING SUPPLEMENT NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER
OR THEREUNDER SHALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE IN-
FORMATION HEREIN OR IN THE PROSPECTUS OR ANY PRICING SUPPLEMENT IS CORRECT AS
OF ANY TIME SUBSEQUENT TO THE DATE HEREOF OR THEREOF OR THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO
CHANGE IN THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF OR THEREOF.
 
                                ---------------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                             PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          PAGE
                                                                          ----
<S>                                                                       <C>
Risk Factors.............................................................  S-2
Description of Notes.....................................................  S-2
Book-Entry System........................................................ S-17
Certain United States Tax Considerations................................. S-19
Plan of Distribution..................................................... S-25
                                  PROSPECTUS
Available Information....................................................    2
Incorporation of Documents by Reference..................................    2
The Company and the Parent...............................................    4
Use of Proceeds..........................................................    4
Ratio of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and Preferred Stock
 Dividends...............................................................    5
Description of Debt Securities...........................................    6
Description of Series Preferred Stock....................................   25
Description of Depositary Shares.........................................   28
Description of Parent Capital Stock......................................   31
 Common Stock............................................................   31
 Preferred Stock.........................................................   65
Plan of Distribution.....................................................   83
Legal Matters............................................................   84
Experts..................................................................   84
</TABLE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                            TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                                  $750,000,000
 
                          MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES D
                               DUE NINE MONTHS OR
                            MORE FROM DATE OF ISSUE
 
                            ----------------------
 
                             PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
                            ----------------------
 
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                           CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
                                LEHMAN BROTHERS
                              SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
                                
                             FEBRUARY  , 1998     
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART II
 
                    INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
  The aggregate estimated expenses, other than underwriting discounts and
commissions, in connection with the offering pursuant to this Registration
Statement are currently anticipated to be as follows:
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                              <C>
    Registration Fee................................................ $  885,000
    Blue Sky Fees and Expenses (including counsel fees).............     15,000
    Printing and Engraving Expenses.................................    200,000
    Legal Fees and Expenses.........................................     60,000
    Accounting Fees and Expenses....................................     25,000
    Rating Agency Fees..............................................     50,000
    Miscellaneous...................................................      5,000
                                                                     ----------
      Total......................................................... $1,240,000
                                                                     ==========
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 15. INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
  Section 145 of the Delaware General Corporation Law ("DGCL") provides,
generally, that a corporation shall have the power to indemnify any person who
was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened,
pending or completed action, suit or proceeding (except actions by or in the
right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that such person is or was a
director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation against all expenses,
judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably
incurred by such person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if
such person acted in good faith and in a manner such person reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation,
and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable
cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful. A corporation may similarly
indemnify such person for expenses actually and reasonably incurred by such
person in connection with the defense or settlement of any action or suit by
or in the right of the corporation, provided such person acted in good faith
and in a manner he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the
best interests of the corporation, and, in the case of claims, issues and
matters as to which such person shall have been adjudged liable to the
corporation, provided that a court shall have determined, upon application,
that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all of the
circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to
indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper.
 
  Section 102(b)(7) of the DGCL provides, generally, that the certificate of
incorporation may contain a provision eliminating or limiting the personal
liability of a director to the corporation or its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director, provided that such
provision may not eliminate or limit the liability of a director (i) for any
breach of the director's duty of loyalty to the corporation or its
stockholders, (ii) for acts or omissions not in good faith or which involve
intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (iii) under section 174
of Title 8 of the DGCL, or (iv) for any transaction from which the director
derived an improper personal benefit. No such provision may eliminate or limit
the liability of a director for any act or omission occurring prior to the
date when such provision becomes effective.
 
  Section D of Article V of TCI Communications, Inc.'s (the "Company")
Restated Certificate of Incorporation provides as follows:
 
  "1. Limitation On Liability.
 
  To the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law as
the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of the Corporation
shall not be liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Any repeal or modification
of this paragraph 1 shall be prospective only and shall not adversely affect
any limitation, right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing
at the time of such repeal or modification.
 
                                     II-1
<PAGE>
 
  2. Indemnification.
 
  (a) RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold
harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently
exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is
threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or
proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a
"proceeding") by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the
legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or is
or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer,
employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint venture,
trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to
employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses
(including attorneys' fees) reasonably incurred by such person. Such right of
indemnification shall inure whether or not the claim asserted is based on
matters which antedate the adoption of this Section D. The Corporation shall
be required to indemnify a person in connection with a proceeding (or part
thereof) initiated by such person only if the proceeding (or part thereof) was
authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.
 
  (b) PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES. The Corporation shall pay the expenses
(including attorneys' fees) incurred by a director or officer in defending any
proceeding in advance of its final disposition, provided, however, that the
payment of expenses incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final
disposition of the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an
undertaking by the director or officer to repay all amounts advanced if it
should be ultimately determined that the director or officer is not entitled
to be indemnified under this paragraph or otherwise.
 
  (c) CLAIMS. If a claim for indemnification or payment of expenses under this
paragraph is not paid in full within 60 days after a written claim therefor
has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may file suit to recover
the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or in part, shall
be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such claim. In any such
action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving that the claimant was
not entitled to the requested indemnification or payment of expenses under
applicable law.
 
  (d) NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. The rights conferred on any person by this
paragraph shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may
have or hereafter acquires under any statute, provision of this Certificate,
the Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
otherwise.
 
  (e) OTHER INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation's obligation, if any, to
indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a director,
officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture,
trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any amount such
person may collect as indemnification from such other corporation,
partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity.
 
  3. Amendment or Repeal.
 
  Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Section D
shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person in
respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such repeal or
modification."
 
  The Company may purchase liability insurance policies covering its directors
and officers.
 
  In addition, pursuant to Section 6 of the form of Debt Underwriting
Agreement, the Underwriters will agree to indemnify and hold harmless the
Company and its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls
the Company within the meaning of either the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Securities Act") or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended ("Exchange Act"), against certain liabilities including civil
liabilities under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
 
                                     II-2
<PAGE>
 
  Article V, Section E of Tele-Communications, Inc.'s (the "Parent") Restated
Certificate of Incorporation provides as follows:
 
  "1. Limitation on Liability.
 
  To the fullest extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law as
the same exists or may hereafter be amended, a director of the Corporation
shall not be liable to the Corporation or any of its stockholders for monetary
damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director. Any repeal or modification
of this paragraph 1 shall be prospective only and shall not adversely affect
any limitation, right or protection of a director of the Corporation existing
at the time of such repeal or modification.
 
  2. Indemnification.
 
    (a) RIGHT TO INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation shall indemnify and hold
  harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently
  exists or may hereafter be amended, any person who was or is made or is
  threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit
  or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a
  "proceeding") by reason of the fact that he, or a person for whom he is the
  legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Corporation or
  is or was serving at the request of the Corporation as a director, officer,
  employee or agent of another corporation or of a partnership, joint
  venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with
  respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered
  and expenses (including attorneys' fees) reasonably incurred by such
  person. Such right of indemnification shall inure whether or not the claim
  asserted is based on matters which antedate the adoption of this Section E.
  The Corporation shall be required to indemnify a person in connection with
  a proceeding (or part thereof) initiated by such person only if the
  proceeding (or part thereof) was authorized by the Board of Directors of
  the Corporation.
 
    (b) PREPAYMENT OF EXPENSES. The Corporation shall pay the expenses
  (including attorneys' fees) incurred in defending any proceeding in advance
  of its final disposition, provided, however, that the payment of expenses
  incurred by a director or officer in advance of the final disposition of
  the proceeding shall be made only upon receipt of an undertaking by the
  director or officer to repay all amounts advanced if it should be
  ultimately determined that the director or officer is not entitled to be
  indemnified under this paragraph or otherwise.
 
    (c) CLAIMS. If a claim for indemnification or payment of expenses under
  this paragraph is not paid in full within 60 days after a written claim
  therefor has been received by the Corporation, the claimant may file suit
  to recover the unpaid amount of such claim and, if successful in whole or
  in part, shall be entitled to be paid the expense of prosecuting such
  claim. In any such action the Corporation shall have the burden of proving
  that the claimant was not entitled to the requested indemnification or
  payment of expenses under applicable law.
 
    (d) NON-EXCLUSIVITY OF RIGHTS. The rights conferred on any person by this
  paragraph shall not be exclusive of any other rights which such person may
  have or hereafter acquire under any statute, provision of this Certificate,
  the Bylaws, agreement, vote of stockholders or disinterested directors or
  otherwise.
 
    (e) OTHER INDEMNIFICATION. The Corporation's obligation, if any, to
  indemnify any person who was or is serving at its request as a director,
  officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint
  venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity shall be reduced by any
  amount such person may collect as indemnification from such other
  corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit
  entity.
 
  3. Amendment or Repeal.
 
    Any repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Section E
  shall not adversely affect any right or protection hereunder of any person
  in respect of any act or omission occurring prior to the time of such
  repeal or modification."
 
                                     II-3
<PAGE>
 
  Article II, Section 2.9 of the Parent's Bylaws also contains an indemnity
provision, requiring the Parent to indemnify members of the Board of Directors
and officers of the Parent and their respective heirs, personal
representatives and successors in interest for or on account of any action
performed on behalf of the Parent, to the fullest extent provided by the laws
of the State of Delaware and the Parent's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as then or thereafter in effect.
 
  The Parent has also entered into indemnification agreements with each of its
directors (each director, an "indemnitee"). The indemnification agreements
provide (i) for the prompt indemnification to the fullest extent permitted by
law against any and all expenses, including attorneys' fees and all other
costs, expenses and obligations paid or incurred in connection with
investigating, defending, being a witness or participating in (including on
appeal), or in preparing for ("Expenses"), any threatened, pending or
completed action, suit or proceeding, or any inquiry or investigation
("Claim"), related to the fact that such indemnitee is or was a director,
officer, employee, agent or fiduciary of the Parent or is or was serving at
the Parent's request as a director, officer, employee, trustee, agent or
fiduciary of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, employee benefit
plan, trust or other enterprise, or by reason of anything done or not done by
a director or officer in any such capacity, and against any and all judgments,
fines, penalties and amounts paid in settlement (including all interest,
assessments and other charges paid or payable in connection therewith) of any
Claim, unless the Reviewing Party (one or more members of the Board of
Directors or other person appointed by the Board of Directors, who is not a
party to the particular claim, or independent legal counsel) determines that
such indemnification is not permitted under applicable law and (ii) for the
prompt advancement of Expenses, and for reimbursement to the Parent if the
Reviewing Party determines that such indemnitee is not entitled to such
indemnification under applicable law. In addition, the indemnification
agreements provide (i) a mechanism through which an indemnitee may seek court
relief in the event the Reviewing Party determines that the indemnitee would
not be permitted to be indemnified under applicable law (and therefore is not
entitled to indemnification or expense advancement under the indemnification
agreement) and (ii) indemnification against all expenses (including attorneys'
fees), and advancement thereof if requested, incurred by the indemnitee in
seeking to collect an indemnity claim or advancement of expenses from the
Parent or incurred in seeking to recover under a directors' and officers'
liability insurance policy, regardless of whether successful or not.
Furthermore, the indemnification agreements provide that after there has been
a "change in control" in the Parent (as defined in the indemnification
agreements), other than a change in control approved by a majority of
directors who were directors prior to such change, then, with respect to all
determinations regarding a right to indemnity and the right to advancement of
Expenses, the Parent will seek legal advice only from independent legal
counsel selected by the indemnitee and approved by the Parent.
 
  The indemnification agreements impose upon the Parent the burden of proving
that an indemnitee is not entitled to indemnification in any particular case
and negate certain presumptions that may otherwise be drawn against an
indemnitee seeking indemnification in connection with the termination of
actions in certain circumstances. Indemnitees' rights under the
indemnification agreements are not exclusive of any other rights they may have
under Delaware law, the Parent's Bylaws or otherwise. Although not requiring
the maintenance of directors' and officers' liability insurance, the
indemnification agreements require that an indemnitee be provided with the
maximum coverage available for any director or officer of the Parent if there
is such a policy.
 
  The Parent may purchase liability insurance policies covering its directors
and officers.
 
  In addition, pursuant to Section 6 of the form of Equity Underwriting
Agreement, the Underwriters will agree to indemnify and hold harmless the
Parent and its directors and officers and each person, if any, who controls
the Parent within the meaning of either the Securities Act or the Exchange
Act, against certain liabilities, including civil liabilities under the
Securities Act or the Exchange Act.
 
                                     II-4
<PAGE>
 
ITEM 16. EXHIBITS
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBITS                              DESCRIPTION
 --------                              -----------
 <C>      <S>
  1.1     Form of Underwriting Agreement for Equity Securities.*
  1.2     Form of Underwriting Agreement for Debt Securities.*
  1.3     Form of Distribution Agreement.
  4.1     Indenture, dated as of      , 1998, between TCI Communications, Inc.
           and The Bank of New York, Trustee, with respect to Debt Securities
           (the "Senior Indenture").*
  4.2     Form of Indenture with respect to Senior Subordinated Debt Securities
           (the "Senior Subordinated Indenture").*
  4.3     Form of Indenture with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities (the
           "Subordinated Indenture").*
  4.4     Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Parent dated August 4,
           1994, as amended on August 4, 1994, August 16, 1994, October 11,
           1994, October 21, 1994, January 26, 1995, August 3, 1995, August 3,
           1995, January 25, 1996, January 25, 1996, April 7, 1997, August 28,
           1997, December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1997.*
  4.5     Bylaws of the Parent as adopted June 16, 1994 (Incorporated herein by
           reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Parent's Annual Report on Form 10-K
           for the year ended December 31, 1994, as amended by Form 10-K/A
           (Commission File No. 0-20421)).
  4.6     Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company dated as of
           January 11, 1996, as amended on January 11, 1996 and February 6,
           1996. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the
           Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
           1995 (Commission File No. 0-5550)).
  4.7     Bylaws of the Company as adopted August 4, 1994 (Incorporated herein
           by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company's Annual Report on Form
           10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, as amended by Form 10-K/A
           (Commission File No. 0-5550)).
  4.8     Specimen Stock Certificate for the Tele-Communications, Inc. Series A
           TCI Group Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (Incorporated
           herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the initial filing of Parent's
           registration statement on Form 8-A, which was subsequently amended
           by Form 8-A/A (Amendments Nos. 1, 2 and 3) (Commission File No. 0-
           20421)).
  4.9     Form of Deposit Agreement.
 4.10     Form of Depositary Receipt for Depositary Shares (included in Exhibit
           4.9).
 4.11     Form of Fixed Rate Medium-Term Note, Series D.
 4.12     Form of Floating Rate Medium-Term Note, Series D.
  5       Opinion of Stephen M. Brett, Esq.
  8       Opinion of Baker & Botts, L.L.P. regarding certain tax matters.
 12.1     Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
           Preferred Stock Dividends of the Company.*
 12.2     Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
           Preferred Stock Dividends of the Parent.*
 23.1     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
 23.2     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
 23.3     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
 23.4     Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
 23.5     Consent of KPMG Audit Plc.
 23.6     Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
</TABLE>    
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBITS                                             DESCRIPTION
 --------                                             -----------
 <S>       <C>
 23.7      Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
 23.8      Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
 23.9      Consent of Stephen M. Brett, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5).
 23.10     Consent of Baker & Botts, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8).
 24        Powers of Attorney.*
 25.1      Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York as Trustee under the Senior Indenture, on Form T-
            1.*
 25.2      Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Senior Subordinated Indenture, on Form T-1.+
 25.3      Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture, on Form T-1.+
</TABLE>    
- --------
+ To be filed separately pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture
  Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations prescribed by the
  Commission thereunder.
   
* Previously filed.     
 
ITEM 17. UNDERTAKINGS
 
  Each undersigned Registrant hereby undertakes:
 
  (1) To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made, a
post-effective amendment to this registration statement:
 
    (i) To include any prospectus required by section 10(a)(3) of the
  Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act");
 
    (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after the
  effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent post-
  effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
  represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in the
  registration statement. Notwithstanding the foregoing, any increase or
  decrease in volume of securities offered (if the total dollar value of
  securities offered would not exceed that which was registered) and any
  deviation from the low or high end of the estimated maximum offering range
  may be reflected in the form of the prospectus filed with the Commission
  pursuant to Rule 424(b) if, in the aggregate, the changes in volume and
  price represent no more than a 20% change in the maximum aggregate offering
  price set forth in the "Calculation of Registration Fee" table in the
  effective registration statement; and
 
    (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
  distribution not previously disclosed in the registration statement or any
  material change to such information in the registration statement;
 
provided, however, that paragraphs (1)(i) and (1)(ii) do not apply if the
information required to be included in a post-effective amendment by those
paragraphs is contained in periodic reports filed with or furnished to the
Commission by the Registrant pursuant to section 13 or section 15(d) of the
Exchange Act that are incorporated by reference in the registration statement.
 
  (2) That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be a new
registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial
bona fide offering thereof.
 
  (3) To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of
the offering.
 
  (4) That, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities
Act, each filing of the Registrant's annual report pursuant to section 13(a)
or section 15(d) of the Exchange Act that is incorporated by reference in
 
                                     II-6
<PAGE>
 
the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such
securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering
thereof.
 
  (5) To file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of
the trustee to act under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture
Act ("TIA") in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the
Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the TIA.
 
  Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
Registrants pursuant to the provisions described under Item 15 above, or
otherwise, each Registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the
Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for
indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by such
Registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling
person of such Registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, such Registrant will, unless
in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling
precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether
such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the
Securities Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
 
                                     II-7
<PAGE>
 
                                  SIGNATURES
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies
that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Greenwood Village, State of Colorado, on February
11, 1998.     
 
                                          TCI Communications, Inc.
                                                    
                                                 /s/ Stephen M. Brett     
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Stephen M. Brett
                                            Title: Executive Vice President
   
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, the Registrant certifies
that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Greenwood Village, State of Colorado, on February
11, 1998.     
 
                                          Tele-Communications, Inc.
                                                    
                                                 /s/ Stephen M. Brett     
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Stephen M. Brett
                                            Title: Executive Vice President
 
                                     II-8
<PAGE>
 
       
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 has been signed with respect to TCI Communications, Inc.
by the following persons (which persons constitute a majority of the Board of
Directors) in the capacities and on the dates indicated:
<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 
              SIGNATURE                        TITLE                 DATE
              ---------                        -----                 ----
<S>                                    <C>                       <C> 
      
                                       Chairman of the    
- -------------------------------------   Board and Director 
          (JOHN C. MALONE)            
                                            
               *                       President and Chief       February 11,
- -------------------------------------   Executive Officer         1998 
        (LEO J. HINDERY, JR.)           and Director       
                                        (Principal        
                                        Executive Officer) 
                                                       
               *                       Director                  February 11,
- -------------------------------------                             1998 
           (DONNE F. FISHER)                                       
 
               *                       Director                  February 11,
- -------------------------------------                             1998 
         (JOHN W. GALLIVAN)
                                      
               *                       Director                  February 11,
- -------------------------------------                             1998 
           (MARVIN JONES)                                         
 
               *                       Executive Vice            February 11,
- -------------------------------------   President and             1998 
       (BERNARD W. SCHOTTERS)           Treasurer          
                                        (Principal        
                                        Financial Officer) 
                                        
               *                       Executive Vice            February 11,
- -------------------------------------   President and             1998 
          (GARY K. BRACKEN)             Controller          
                                        (Principal         
                                        Accounting Officer) 

       /s/ Stephen M. Brett 
*By: ___________________________ 
        STEPHEN M. BRETT 
        ATTORNEY-IN-FACT 
</TABLE>      
 
                                     II-9
<PAGE>
 
       
  Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act, this Registration
Statement on Form S-3 has been signed with respect to Tele-Communications,
Inc. by the following persons (which persons constitute a majority of the
Board of Directors) in the capacities and on the dates indicated:

<TABLE>     
<CAPTION> 
 
              SIGNATURE                        TITLE                 DATE
              ---------                        -----                 ----
<S>                                    <C>                       <C> 
                                             
               *                       Chairman of the           February 11,
- -------------------------------------   Board, Chief              1998 
          (JOHN C. MALONE)              Executive Officer  
                                        and Director      
                                        (Principal        
                                        Executive Officer) 

                                             
               *                       President, Chief          February 11,
- -------------------------------------   Operating Officer         1998 
        (LEO J. HINDERY, JR.)           and Director      
 
                                                        
               *                       Director                  February 11,
- -------------------------------------                             1998 
          (DONNE F. FISHER)                                      
 
                                       Director
- -------------------------------------
            (KIM MAGNESS)
 
                                                    
               *                       Director                 February 11,
- -------------------------------------                            1998
         (JOHN W. GALLIVAN)                                       
 
                                                              
               *                       Director                  February 11,
- -------------------------------------                             1998 
          (ROBERT A. NAIFY)
 
                                                        
               *                       Director                  February 11,
- -------------------------------------                             1998 
          (JEROME H. KERN)
 
                                       Director
- -------------------------------------
           (J.C. SPARKMAN)
 
                                                     
               *                       Director                  February 11,
- -------------------------------------                             1998 
           (PAUL A. GOULD)
 
                                             
               *                       Senior Vice               February 11,
- -------------------------------------   President and             1998 
       (BERNARD W. SCHOTTERS)           Treasurer         
                                        (Principal       
                                        Financial Officer)

                                             
               *                       Executive Vice            February 11,
- -------------------------------------   President and             1998 
          (GARY K. BRACKEN)             Controller of TCI  
                                        Communications,   
                                        Inc. (Principal   
                                        Accounting Officer)

       /s/ Stephen M. Brett 
*By: ___________________________ 
        STEPHEN M. BRETT 
        ATTORNEY-IN-FACT

</TABLE>      
 
                                     II-10
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBITS                              DESCRIPTION
 --------                              -----------
 <C>      <S>
   1.1    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Equity Securities.*
   1.2    Form of Underwriting Agreement for Debt Securities.*
   1.3    Form of Distribution Agreement.
   4.1    Indenture, dated as of      , 1998, between TCI Communications, Inc.
           and The Bank of
           New York, Trustee, with respect to Debt Securities (the "Senior
           Indenture").*
   4.2    Form of Indenture with respect to Senior Subordinated Debt Securities
           (the "Senior Subordinated Indenture").*
   4.3    Form of Indenture with respect to Subordinated Debt Securities (the
           "Subordinated Indenture").*
   4.4    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Parent dated August 4,
           1994, as amended on August 4, 1994, August 16, 1994, October 11,
           1994, October 21, 1994, January 26, 1995, August 3, 1995, August 3,
           1995, January 25, 1996, January 25, 1996, April 7, 1997, August 28,
           1997, December 31, 1997 and December 31, 1997.*
   4.5    Bylaws of the Parent as adopted June 16, 1994 (Incorporated herein by
           reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Parent's Annual Report on Form 10-K
           for the year ended December 31, 1994, as amended by Form 10-K/A
           (Commission File No. 0-20421)).
   4.6    Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company dated as of
           January 11, 1996, as amended on January 11, 1996 and February 6,
           1996. (Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the
           Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
           1995 (Commission File No. 0-5550)).
   4.7    Bylaws of the Company as adopted August 4, 1994 (Incorporated herein
           by reference to Exhibit 3.4 of the Company's Annual Report on Form
           10-K for the year ended December 31, 1994, as amended by Form 10-K/A
           (Commission File No. 0-5550)).
   4.8    Specimen Stock Certificate for the Tele-Communications, Inc. Series A
           TCI Group Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share (Incorporated
           herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 of the initial filing of Parent's
           registration statement on Form 8-A, which was subsequently amended
           by Form 8-A/A (Amendments Nos. 1, 2 and 3) (Commission File No. 0-
           20421)).
   4.9    Form of Deposit Agreement.
   4.10   Form of Depositary Receipt for Depositary Shares (included in Exhibit
           4.9).
   4.11   Form of Fixed Rate Medium-Term Note, Series D.
   4.12   Form of Floating Rate Medium-Term Note, Series D.
   5      Opinion of Stephen M. Brett, Esq.
   8      Opinion of Baker & Botts, L.L.P. regarding certain tax matters.
  12.1    Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
           Preferred Stock Dividends of the Company.*
  12.2    Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Combined Fixed Charges and
           Preferred Stock Dividends of the Parent.*
  23.1    Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
  23.2    Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
  23.3    Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
  23.4    Consent of KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
  23.5    Consent of KPMG Audit Plc.
</TABLE>    
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>   
<CAPTION>
 EXHIBITS                              DESCRIPTION
 --------                              -----------
 <C>      <S>
  23.6    Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
  23.7    Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
  23.8    Consent of Price Waterhouse LLP.
  23.9    Consent of Stephen M. Brett, Esq. (included in Exhibit 5).
  23.10   Consent of Baker & Botts, L.L.P. (included in Exhibit 8).
  24      Powers of Attorney.*
  25.1    Statement of Eligibility of The Bank of New York as Trustee under the
           Senior Indenture, on Form T-1.*
  25.2    Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Senior Subordinated
           Indenture, on Form T-1.+
  25.3    Statement of Eligibility of the Trustee under the Subordinated
           Indenture, on Form T-1.+
</TABLE>    
- --------
+ To be filed separately pursuant to Section 305(b)(2) of the Trust Indenture
  Act of 1939, as amended, and the rules and regulations prescribed by the
  Commission thereunder.
   
* Previously filed.     

<PAGE>
 
                           TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                          MEDIUM-TERM NOTES, SERIES D
 
                            DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENT
 
                                                                         , 1998
 
Merrill Lynch & Co.
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
 Incorporated
North Tower, 10th Floor
World Financial Center
New York, New York 10281-1310
 
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
11 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10010
 
Lehman Brothers Inc.
American Express Tower
World Financial Center
New York, New York 10285-1800
 
Salomon Brothers Inc
Seven World Trade Center
New York, New York 10048
 
Dear Sirs:
 
  TCI Communications, Inc., a company duly incorporated under the laws of the
State of Delaware (the "Company"), confirms its agreement with Merrill Lynch &
Co., Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Credit Suisse First
Boston Corporation, Lehman Brothers Inc. and Salomon Brothers Inc (each, an
"Agent" and, collectively, the "Agents") with respect to the issue and sale by
the Company of Medium-Term Notes, Series D, described herein (the "Notes").
The Notes are to be issued pursuant to an indenture, dated as of         ,
1998 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and The Bank of New York, as
trustee (the "Trustee"). Securities issued or to be issued under the
Indenture, including the Notes, are herein called "Securities".
 
  As of the date hereof, the Company has authorized the issuance and sale of
up to U.S. $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of Notes through or to the
Agents pursuant to the terms of this Agreement. It is understood, however,
that the Company may from time to time authorize the issuance of additional
Notes and that such additional Notes may be sold through or to the Agents
pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, all as though the issuance of such
Notes were authorized as of the date hereof.
 
  This Agreement provides both for the sale of Notes by the Company directly
to purchasers, in which case an Agent will act as an agent of the Company in
soliciting Note purchases, and (as may from time to time be agreed to by the
Company and an Agent) to an Agent as principal for resale to purchasers.
 
  The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a registration statement on Form S-3 (No. 333-44745) relating
to, among other things, the Securities and the offering thereof from time to
time in accordance with Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "1933 Act"), and has filed such amendments thereto as may have been
required to the date hereof. Such registration statement, as amended, has been
declared effective by the Commission, and the Indenture has been qualified
under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "1939 Act"). Such
registration statement, as amended as of each
<PAGE>
 
respective Representation Date (as herein defined) (and any further
registration statements which may be filed by the Company for the purpose of
registering additional Notes), and the prospectus and prospectus supplement
relating to the Notes constituting a part thereof as amended and supplemented
as of each respective Representation Date, including in each case all
documents incorporated therein by reference and all exhibits thereto, as from
time to time amended or supplemented pursuant to the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the "1934 Act"), the 1933 Act or otherwise, are referred
to herein as the "Registration Statement" and the "Prospectus", respectively,
except that if any revised prospectus shall be provided to the Agents or any
of them by the Company for use in connection with the offering of the Notes
which is not required to be filed by the Company pursuant to Rule 424(b) under
the 1933 Act, the term "Prospectus" shall refer to such revised prospectus and
prospectus supplement from and after the time it is first provided to the
Agents or any of them for such use.
 
Section 1. Appointment as Agents.
 
  (a) Appointment of Agents. Subject to the terms and conditions stated
herein, the Company hereby appoints each of the Agents as agent of the Company
for the purpose of soliciting purchases of the Notes from the Company by
others and agrees that, except as otherwise contemplated herein, whenever the
Company determines to sell Notes directly to an Agent as principal for resale
to others, the Agent will enter into a Terms Agreement with the Company
(hereafter defined) relating to such sale in accordance with the provisions of
Section 3(b) hereof. Each Agent is authorized to engage the services of any
other broker or dealer in connection with the offer or sale of the Notes
purchased by the Agent as principal for resale to others but is not authorized
to appoint sub-agents. The Company may, from time to time, offer Notes for
sale otherwise than through an Agent; provided, however, that so long as this
Agreement shall be in effect the Company shall not solicit or accept offers to
purchase Notes through any agent other than an Agent, unless such agent shall
have entered into an agreement with the Company substantially similar to this
Agreement (including, but not limited to, Schedule A hereto). Written notice
of such agreement shall be given to the Agents within one day of the execution
thereof. In addition, the Company shall have the right at any time or from
time to time to sell Notes directly to investors.
 
  (b) Reasonable Best Efforts Solicitations; Right to Reject Offers. Upon
receipt of instructions from the Company, each Agent will use its reasonable
best efforts to solicit purchases of such principal amount of the Notes as the
Company and the Agents shall agree upon from time to time during the term of
this Agreement, it being understood that the Company from time to time may
allocate or reallocate the Notes which are to be sold by any Agent and that
the Company shall not approve the solicitation of purchases of Notes in excess
of the principal amount of Securities registered pursuant to the Registration
Statement that from time to time remain unsold. The Agents will have no
responsibility for maintaining records with respect to the aggregate principal
amount of Notes sold, or of otherwise monitoring the availability of Notes for
sale under the Registration Statement. Each Agent will communicate to the
Company, orally or in writing, each reasonable offer to purchase Notes. Each
Agent shall have the right, in its discretion reasonably exercised, to reject
any proposed purchase of Notes, as a whole or in part, and any such rejection
shall not be deemed a breach of the Agent's agreement contained herein. The
Company shall have the sole right to accept any offers to purchase the Notes
and may reject in its sole discretion any proposed purchase of the Notes, in
whole or in part.
 
  (c) Solicitations as Agent; Purchases as Principal. In soliciting purchases
of the Notes on behalf of the Company, each Agent shall act solely as agent
for the Company and not as principal. Each Agent shall make reasonable best
efforts to assist the Company in obtaining performance by each purchaser whose
offer to purchase Notes has been solicited by the Agent and accepted by the
Company. No Agent shall have any obligation to purchase Notes from the Company
as principal, but an Agent may agree from time to time to purchase Notes as
principal. Any such purchase of Notes by an Agent as principal shall be made
pursuant to a Terms Agreement in accordance with Section 3(b) hereof.
 
  (d) Reliance. The Company and each Agent agree that any Notes the placement
of which an Agent arranges shall be placed by the Agent, and any Notes
purchased by an Agent shall be purchased by such Agent, in reliance on the
representations, warranties, covenants and agreements of the Company contained
herein and
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
on the terms and conditions and in the manner provided herein, in the
Prospectus and in the Administrative Procedures (as defined in Section 3(c)).
 
Section 2. Representations and Warranties.
 
  The Company represents and warrants to each Agent as of the date hereof, as
of the date of each acceptance by the Company of an offer for the purchase of
Notes (whether through an Agent as agent or to an Agent as principal), as of
the date of each delivery of Notes (whether through an Agent as agent or to an
Agent as principal) (the date and time of each such delivery to an Agent as
principal being hereafter referred to as a "Settlement Time"), and as of any
time that the Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall be amended or
supplemented (other than by an amendment or supplement (i) providing solely
for the specification of or a change in the interest rates, maturities,
pricing or other similar terms of any Notes or a change in the principal
amount of Notes remaining to be sold or similar changes (each an "Excluded
Supplement") or (ii) relating to an offering of Securities other than the
Notes) or that there is filed with the Commission any document incorporated by
reference into the Prospectus (other than any Current Report on Form 8-K
relating exclusively to the issuance of Securities other than the Notes under
the Registration Statement) (each of the dates or times referenced above being
referred to herein as a "Representation Date") as follows:
 
    (a) Incorporated Documents. The documents incorporated by reference in
  the Registration Statement and the Prospectus, when they were filed (or, if
  an amendment with respect to any such document was filed, when such
  amendment was filed) with the Commission, conformed in all material
  respects to the requirements of the 1934 Act and the rules and regulations
  of the Commission promulgated thereunder (the "1934 Act Regulations"), and
  any further documents so filed and incorporated by reference will, when
  they are filed with the Commission, conform in all material respects to the
  requirements of the 1934 Act and the 1934 Act Regulations; none of such
  documents, when it was filed (or, if an amendment with respect to any such
  document was filed, when such amendment was filed), contained an untrue
  statement of a material fact or omitted 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; and no
  such further document, when it is filed, will contain an untrue statement
  of a material fact 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 are made, not misleading.
 
    (b) Registration Statement and Prospectus. The Registration Statement and
  the Prospectus, at the time the Registration Statement became effective,
  complied, and the Registration Statement and Prospectus, as then amended or
  supplemented as of each Representation Date, will comply in all material
  respects with the 1933 Act and the rules and regulations of the Commission
  thereunder (the "1933 Act Regulations") and the Indenture complies in all
  material respects with the requirements of the 1939 Act and the rules and
  regulations of the Commission thereunder (the "1939 Act Regulations"). The
  Registration Statement, at the time the Registration Statement became
  effective (or, if an amendment to the Registration Statement or an annual
  report on Form 10-K of the Company incorporated by reference into the
  Prospectus has been filed with the Commission subsequent to the
  effectiveness of the Registration Statement, then at the time of the most
  recent such filing) and as then amended or supplemented as of each
  Representation Date, did not and will not contain an untrue statement of a
  material fact or omit to state a material fact required to be stated
  therein or necessary to make the statements therein not misleading. The
  Prospectus, at the time the Registration Statement became effective and as
  then amended or supplemented as of each Representation Date, did not and
  will not contain an untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a
  material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein, in the
  light of the circumstances under which they were made, not misleading;
  provided, however, that the representations and warranties in this
  subsection shall not apply (i) with respect to an Agent, to statements or
  omissions from the Registration Statement or Prospectus made in reliance
  upon and in conformity with information furnished to the Company by or on
  behalf of such Agent expressly for use in the Registration Statement or
  Prospectus or (ii) to that part of the Registration Statement which shall
  constitute the Statement of Eligibility under the 1939 Act (Form T-1) of
  the Trustee under the Indenture.
 
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
    (c) The Notes and The Indenture. The Notes and the Indenture have been
  duly authorized by the Company and conform to the descriptions thereof in
  the Prospectus.
 
    (d) No Defaults. The issuance and sale of the Notes and the fulfillment
  of the terms of this Agreement will not result in a breach of any of the
  terms or provisions of, or constitute a default under, (i) the Company's
  charter or bylaws, (ii) any indenture, mortgage, deed of trust or other
  agreement or instrument to which the Company or any of its Significant
  Subsidiaries (as such term is defined in Rule 1.02(w) of Regulation S-X) is
  now a party or by which it is bound which would have a material adverse
  effect on the conduct of the business of the Company and its consolidated
  subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, or (iii) any order of any court
  or governmental agency or authority entered in any proceeding to which the
  Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries was or is now a party or by
  which it is bound.
 
    (e) Accountants. KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, the Company's auditors, or its
  successor, Deloitte & Touche LLP and Price Waterhouse LLP are independent
  accountants as required by the 1933 Act. The foregoing representation and
  warranty as to Deloitte & Touche LLP and Price Waterhouse LLP shall not be
  deemed made by the Company from and after such date as the financial
  results of the businesses of VII Cable, Sprint Spectrum Holding Company,
  L.P. and American PCS, L.P. have been included in the audited financial
  statements of the Company for a complete fiscal year (in the case of VII
  Cable) or are no longer included in the audited financial statements of the
  Company (in the case of Sprint Spectrum Holding Company, L.P. and American
  PCS, L.P.).
 
    (f) 1934 Act Filings. So long as may be required for the distribution of
  the Notes by the Agents or by any dealers that participate in the
  distribution thereof, the Company will comply with all requirements under
  the 1934 Act relating to the timely filing with the Commission of its
  reports pursuant to Section 13(a) and (c) of the 1934 Act and of its proxy
  statements pursuant to Section 14 of the 1934 Act.
 
    (g) Operating Permits, Certificates, etc. Except to the extent set forth
  in the Prospectus, the Company has not received any notice of, nor does it
  have any actual knowledge of, any failure by it or any of its Significant
  Subsidiaries to be in substantial compliance with all material existing
  statutes and regulations applicable to it or such Significant Subsidiaries,
  which failure would materially and adversely affect the conduct of the
  business of the Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one
  enterprise.
 
  Any certificate required hereby, signed by any executive officer of the
Company or Assistant Treasurer and delivered to an Agent or counsel for the
Agents, shall be deemed a representation and warranty by the Company as to the
matters covered thereby.
 
Section 3. Solicitations as Agent; Purchases as Principal.
 
  (a) Solicitations as Agent. On the basis of the representations and
warranties herein contained, but subject to the terms and conditions herein
set forth, each Agent agrees, as an agent of the Company, to use its
reasonable best efforts to solicit offers to purchase the Notes upon the terms
and conditions set forth herein, in the Prospectus and in the Administrative
Procedures.
 
  The Company reserves the right, in its sole discretion, to (i) suspend
solicitation of purchases of the Notes through the Agents, in each case as
agent, commencing at any time for any period of time or permanently, and (ii)
allocate or reallocate the Notes which are to be sold by any Agent. Upon
receipt of instructions from the Company, each Agent receiving such
instructions will forthwith suspend solicitation of purchases from the Company
until such time as the Company has advised said Agent that such solicitation
may be resumed.
 
  The Company agrees to pay each Agent a commission with respect to each
consummation of the sale of a Note by the Company as a result of a
solicitation made by such Agent, in the form of a discount, equal to the
applicable percentage as set forth in Schedule A hereto of the principal
amount of such Note or, in the case of an Original Issue Discount Note (as
defined in the Prospectus), of the Issue Price (as defined in the Prospectus)
of such Note.
 
  The purchase price, interest rate, maturity date and other terms of the
Notes in connection with each sale of Notes to or through an Agent shall be
agreed upon by the Company and the Agent and set forth in a pricing
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
supplement to the Prospectus to be prepared following each acceptance by the
Company of an offer for the purchase of Notes. Except as may be otherwise
provided in such supplement to the Prospectus, the Notes will be issued in
denominations of $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000. All Notes sold
through an Agent as agent will be sold at 100% of their principal amount
unless otherwise agreed to by the Company and the Agent.
 
  (b) Purchases as Principal. Each sale of Notes to an Agent as principal
shall be made in accordance with the terms contained herein and (unless the
Company and such Agent shall otherwise agree in writing) only pursuant to a
separate agreement which shall provide for the sale of such Notes to, and the
purchase and reoffering thereof by, such Agent. Each such separate agreement
(which may be an oral agreement, confirmed in writing which may be a facsimile
transmission) between an Agent and the Company is herein referred to as a
"Terms Agreement". Unless the context otherwise requires, each reference
contained herein to "this Agreement" shall be deemed to include any applicable
Terms Agreement between the Company and an Agent. Each such Terms Agreement,
whether oral, (confirmed in writing, which may be a facsimile transmission),
or in writing, shall be with respect to such information (as applicable) as is
specified in Exhibit A hereto. An Agent's commitment to purchase Notes as
principal pursuant to any Terms Agreement shall be deemed to have been made on
the basis of the representations and warranties of the Company herein
contained and shall be subject to the terms and conditions herein set forth.
Each Terms Agreement with an Agent shall specify the principal amount of Notes
to be purchased by the Agent pursuant thereto, the price to be paid to the
Company for such Notes (which shall be at a discount equivalent to the
applicable commission set forth in Schedule A hereto unless otherwise
specified in an applicable Terms Agreement), the Settlement Time and place of
delivery of and payment for such Notes, any provisions relating to rights of,
and default by, purchasers acting together with the Agent in the reoffering of
the Notes, and such other provisions (including further terms of the Notes) as
may be mutually agreed upon. Each Agent may utilize a selling or dealer group
in connection with the resale of the Notes purchased. The Terms Agreement
shall also specify the requirements for the officer's certificate, opinions of
counsel and comfort letter pursuant to Sections 7(b), 7(c) and 7(d) hereof
and, if applicable, the period of time referred to in Section 4(g). With
respect to any Notes purchased by an Agent as principal pursuant to a Terms
Agreement that have not been resold by such Agent prior to the earlier of (i)
the 90th day following the related Settlement Time and (ii) a date specified
in an applicable Terms Agreement, such Agent agrees (and by entering into such
Terms Agreement shall be deemed to have reconfirmed such agreement) that upon
receipt of written notice from the Company of its intention to bid for or
purchase any Notes or any security of the same class and series as the Notes
or to take any other action, directly or indirectly, the taking of which would
be proscribed by Regulation M under the 1934 Act (or any successor or
equivalent rule or regulation) during the reoffering of the Notes, such Agent
will, and will cause any selling or dealer group utilized by it in connection
with such reoffering to, cease reoffering such Notes for such period of time
as the Company may deem necessary so that the action or actions proposed to be
taken, directly or indirectly, by it may be taken in full compliance with such
Regulation (or any successor or equivalent rule or regulation).
 
  (c) Administrative Procedures. Administrative procedures with respect to the
sale of Notes shall be agreed upon from time to time by the Agents and the
Company (the "Administrative Procedures"). The Agents and the Company agree to
perform the respective duties and obligations specifically provided to be
performed by them in the Administrative Procedures.
 
Section 4. Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants with each Agent as
follows:
 
    (a) Notice of Certain Events. Prior to the termination of the offering of
  the Notes, the Company will notify the Agents promptly, and (if requested
  by the Agents in writing) will confirm such advice in writing, (1) of the
  effectiveness of any amendment to the Registration Statement and of the
  filing of any supplement to the Prospectus (other than an Excluded
  Supplement or an amendment or supplement providing solely for the inclusion
  of additional financial information, and, unless the Agents shall otherwise
  specify, an amendment or supplement which relates exclusively to an
  offering of Securities other than the Notes), (2) of any comments of the
  Commission regarding the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (or any
  of the documents incorporated by reference therein) or of any request by
  the Commission for amendments or
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
  supplements to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or for
  additional information, (3) of the issuance by the Commission of any stop
  order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or the
  initiation or threatening of any proceedings for that purpose, (4) of the
  receipt by the Company of any notification with respect to the suspension
  of the qualification of the Notes for offer or sale in any jurisdiction or
  the initiation or threatening of any proceedings for such purpose and (5)
  of the happening of any event during the period mentioned in paragraph (d)
  below which makes any statement of a material fact made in the Registration
  Statement or the Prospectus untrue or which requires the making of any
  changes in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus in order to make
  the statements therein, in light of the circumstances when the Prospectus
  is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading. Upon receipt of notice of an
  event described in (3), (4) or (5) above, the Agents shall cease
  solicitations of offers to purchase the Notes, as agent, and cease sales of
  Notes the Agents may own as principal; provided, however, that if such
  cessation arises out of an event described in (4) above, it shall be
  limited to cessation of solicitation of offers to purchase and sales in the
  jurisdiction or jurisdictions identified in such notice. The Company will
  use its reasonable best efforts to prevent the issuance of any order
  suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement or suspending
  the qualification of the Notes for offer or sale in any jurisdiction, and
  if any such order is issued, the Company will make every reasonable effort
  to obtain the withdrawal of such order at the earliest possible moment.
 
    (b) Registration Statement. The Company will furnish to each of the
  Agents, without charge, one copy of the Registration Statement (which may
  be conformed) and any post-effective amendment thereto, including all
  financial statements and schedules, exhibits and documents incorporated
  therein by reference (including exhibits incorporated therein by reference
  to the extent not previously furnished to the Agents).
 
    (c) Notice of Certain Proposed Filings. Prior to the termination of the
  offering of the Notes, the Company will not file any amendment or
  supplement to the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (except for (i)
  periodic or current reports filed under the 1934 Act, (ii) an Excluded
  Supplement, or (iii) a supplement relating to an offering of Securities
  other than the Notes) unless the Company has furnished each Agent a copy
  for its review prior to filing such proposed amendment or supplement.
 
    (d) Copies; Revisions of Prospectus--Material Changes. During the period
  of time that the Prospectus is required by law to be delivered, the Company
  will deliver to the Agents, without charge, as many copies of the
  Prospectus, as amended or supplemented, as the Agents may reasonably
  request. The Company consents to the use of the then current Prospectus, as
  amended or supplemented, by the Agents in connection with the offering or
  sale of the Notes and for such period of time thereafter as the Prospectus
  is required by law to be delivered in connection therewith. If during such
  period of time, any event shall occur which in the judgment of the Company
  should be set forth (or incorporated by reference) in the Prospectus in
  order to make the statements therein, in light of the circumstances when
  the Prospectus is delivered to a purchaser, not misleading, or if it is
  necessary to supplement the Prospectus or amend the Registration Statement
  to comply with law, immediate notice shall be given by the Company, and
  confirmed in writing, to the Agents to cease the solicitation of offers to
  purchase the Notes in the Agents' capacity as agents and to cease sales of
  any Notes the Agents may then own as principals pursuant to a Terms
  Agreement (and, if so notified by the Company, each Agent shall forthwith
  cease such solicitations and sales), and the Company will forthwith prepare
  and duly file with the Commission an appropriate supplement or amendment
  thereto, and forthwith file all reports and any definitive proxy statement
  or information statement required to be filed by the Company with the
  Commission pursuant to Section 13 or 14 of the 1934 Act subsequent to the
  date of the Prospectus, and will deliver to the Agents, without charge,
  such number of copies thereof as they may reasonably request. If during
  such period of time any event shall occur which in the Agents' judgment
  should be so set forth (or incorporated by reference), in the Prospectus,
  or which in the Agents' judgment makes it necessary to so supplement or
  amend the Prospectus, the Company will consult with the Agents concerning
  the necessity of filing with the Commission a supplement to the Prospectus,
  an amendment to the Registration Statement or a report pursuant to Section
  13 or 14 of the 1934 Act.
 
    (e) Blue Sky. Prior to any public offering of the Notes by the Agents,
  the Company will cooperate with the Agents and counsel for the Agents in
  connection with the registration or qualification of the Notes
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  for offer and sale under the securities or Blue Sky laws of, and the
  determination of the eligibility of the Notes for investment under the laws
  of, such jurisdictions as the Agents request (to the extent the Agents
  determine such actions are required by applicable law or are otherwise
  desirable); provided, that in no event shall the Company be obligated to
  qualify to do business as a foreign corporation or as a securities dealer
  in any jurisdiction where it is not now so qualified, to conform its
  capitalization or the composition of its assets to the securities or Blue
  Sky laws of any jurisdiction or to take any action which would subject it
  to taxation or general service of process in any jurisdiction where it is
  not now so subject. The Company will pay all reasonable fees and expenses
  (including reasonable counsel fees and expenses) relating to qualification
  of the Notes under such securities or Blue Sky laws and in connection with
  the determination of the eligibility of the Notes for investment under the
  laws of such jurisdictions as the Agents may designate.
 
    (f) Earnings Statements. The Company will make generally available to its
  security holders and to the Agents consolidated earnings statements (which
  need not be audited) that satisfy the provisions of Section 11(a) of the
  1933 Act and Rule 158 thereunder.
 
    (g) Stand-Off Agreement. Between the date of any Terms Agreement and the
  Settlement Time or such other time as is specified in the Terms Agreement,
  the Company will not offer or sell, or contract to sell, any debt
  securities of the Company substantially similar to those issued pursuant to
  the Terms Agreement, which may include substantially similar Notes,
  pursuant to a public offering of such similar debt securities without the
  prior written consent of the Agent party to such Terms Agreement, which
  shall not be unreasonably withheld.
 
    (h) Preparation of Pricing Supplements. The Company will prepare, with
  respect to each Note to be sold through or to an Agent pursuant to this
  Agreement, a pricing supplement with respect to such Notes in a general
  form previously approved by the Agents, and will file such pricing
  supplement pursuant to the applicable paragraph of Rule 424(b) under the
  1933 Act within the time period therein prescribed.
 
    (i) Suspension of Certain Obligations. The Company shall not be required
  to comply with the provisions of subsections (b), (c) or (d) of this
  Section during any period from the time (i) any Agent shall have suspended
  solicitation of purchases of the Notes in its capacity as agent pursuant to
  a request from the Company and (ii) any Agent shall not then hold any Notes
  as a principal, purchased pursuant to a Terms Agreement, to the time the
  Company shall determine that solicitation of purchases of the Notes should
  be resumed or shall subsequently enter into a new Terms Agreement with an
  Agent.
 
Section 5. Conditions of Obligations. The obligations of each Agent to solicit
offers to purchase the Notes as agent of the Company, the obligations of any
purchasers of the Notes sold through an Agent as agent, and any obligation of
an Agent to purchase Notes pursuant to a Terms Agreement will be subject to
the accuracy of the representations and warranties on the part of the Company
contained in Section 2 hereof and in any certificate furnished pursuant to the
provisions hereof, to the performance and observance by the Company of all of
its covenants and agreements herein contained and to the following additional
conditions precedent:
 
  (a) Legal Opinions. On the date hereof, the Agents shall have received:
 
    (1) The favorable opinions, dated as of the date hereof, from (A) special
  communications counsel for the Company with respect to matters of
  communications law, and (B) General Counsel of the Company, in form and
  substance satisfactory to the Agents, to the effect that:
 
      (i) the Company and each of its Significant Subsidiaries is a
    corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good standing
    under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation and has the
    corporate power and authority to carry on its business as described in
    the Prospectus and the Company has the corporate power and authority to
    execute and deliver and perform its obligations under this Agreement
    and to issue and sell the Notes as contemplated by this Agreement;
 
      (ii) the Company and each of its Significant Subsidiaries is duly
    qualified as a foreign corporation and is in good standing in each
    jurisdiction in which the failure to so qualify would, in the
    aggregate, have a material adverse effect upon the financial condition,
    results of operations, business or properties of the Company and its
    consolidated subsidiaries taken as a whole;
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
      (iii) all corporate proceedings legally required in connection with
    the authorization and issuance of the Notes and the sale of the Notes
    by the Company in accordance with the terms of this Agreement have been
    taken;
 
      (iv) to the best knowledge of such counsel, there is no legal or
    governmental proceeding pending or threatened against the Company or
    any of its subsidiaries which is required to be disclosed in the
    Prospectus and is not so disclosed and correctly summarized therein;
 
      (v) to the best knowledge of such counsel, there is no contract or
    other document known to such counsel of a character required to be
    described in the Prospectus or to be filed as an exhibit to the
    Registration Statement (or to a document incorporated by reference
    therein) that is not described or filed as required;
 
      (vi) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Indenture,
    the issuance of the Notes and the fulfillment of the terms herein and
    therein contained do not conflict with, or result in a breach of, or
    constitute a default under, the charter or by-laws of the Company or,
    to the best knowledge of such counsel, conflict in any material respect
    with, or result in a material breach of or constitute a material
    default under any material agreement or other instrument known to such
    counsel to which the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries is
    a party or by which it is bound, or result in a violation of any law,
    administrative regulation or court or governmental decree known to such
    counsel applicable to the Company or any of its subsidiaries, except
    that such counsel need not express any opinion with respect to (i)
    matters opined upon by other special counsel to the Company or (ii) the
    Blue Sky or securities laws of any jurisdiction; and
 
      (vii) such counsel has no reason to believe that either the
    Registration Statement or the Prospectus, as amended or supplemented,
    if applicable (except as to financial statements and schedules and any
    other financial and statistical data contained or incorporated by
    reference in the Registration Statement or Prospectus, as to which no
    opinion need be expressed), contained, as of the date the Prospectus
    was first filed with the Commission pursuant to Rule 424 under the 1933
    Act, or contains, as of the date hereof (or if such opinion is being
    delivered in connection with a Terms Agreement pursuant to Section 7(c)
    hereof, at the date of such Terms Agreement and at the Settlement Time
    with regard thereto, as the case may be), any untrue statement of a
    material fact or omitted or omits to state any material fact required
    to be stated therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in
    the case of the Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which
    they were made) not misleading.
 
    (2) The favorable opinion, dated as of the date hereof, from special
  counsel to the Company, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agents,
  to the effect that:
 
      (i) the execution and delivery of this Agreement and the Indenture,
    the issuance of the Notes and the fulfillment of the terms herein and
    therein contained do not, to the best knowledge of such counsel, result
    in a material breach of or constitute a material default under any
    material agreement for borrowed money known to such counsel to which
    the Company or any of its Significant Subsidiaries is a party or by
    which it is bound, and
 
      (ii) the Company is not an "investment company" within the meaning of
    the Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, and is not subject to
    regulation under such Act.
 
    (3) The favorable opinion, dated as of the date hereof, from special
  counsel to the Company, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agents,
  to the effect that:
 
      (i) this Agreement and the Indenture have been duly authorized,
    executed and delivered by the Company; and the Indenture is a legal,
    valid and binding agreement of the Company enforceable in accordance
    with its terms, except (A) as such enforceability may be limited by
    bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance,
    moratorium and other laws affecting creditors' rights generally,
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
    and (B) that the remedy of specific performance and injunctive and
    other forms of equitable relief are subject to certain equitable
    defenses and to the discretion of the court before which any proceeding
    therefor may be brought;
 
      (ii) the Indenture has been duly qualified under, and complies in all
    material respects with the requirements of, the 1939 Act;
 
      (iii) the Notes, when executed by the Company, completed,
    authenticated and delivered by the Trustee in accordance with the
    Indenture, issued and delivered by the Company and paid for, all as
    contemplated by and in accordance with the order of the Company, the
    procedures specified therein and this Agreement, will be legal, valid
    and binding obligations of the Company entitled to the benefits of the
    Indenture and enforceable in accordance with their terms, except (A) as
    such enforceability may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency,
    reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and other laws
    affecting creditors rights generally, and (B) that the remedy of
    specific performance and injunctive and other forms of equitable relief
    are subject to certain equitable defenses and to the discretion of the
    court before which any proceeding therefor may be brought;
 
      (iv) the Registration Statement is effective under the 1933 Act and,
    to the best knowledge of such counsel, no stop order suspending the
    effectiveness of the Registration Statement has been issued and no
    proceeding for that purpose is pending or threatened by the Commission;
    and
 
      (v) the Notes (subject to completion in accordance with the
    applicable pricing supplement) and the Indenture conform in all
    material respects as to legal matters to the descriptions thereof in
    the Prospectus.
 
  In addition, such counsel shall state that: "The Registration Statement and
the Prospectus (except as to (x) the financial statements and schedules and
any other financial and statistical data contained or incorporated by
reference therein and (y) the documents incorporated or deemed to be
incorporated by reference therein, as to which no opinion is expressed),
comply, as of the date hereof, as to form in all material respects with the
requirements of the 1933 Act and the 1933 Act Regulations. In passing upon the
form of such documents, we have necessarily assumed the correctness and
completeness of the statements made or included therein by the Company and
take no responsibility for the accuracy, completeness or fairness of the
statements contained therein except insofar as such statements relate to the
description of the Notes and the Indenture or relate to us. However, we had
conferences with certain officers and other representatives of the Company,
and our examination of the Registration Statement and the Prospectus and our
discussions in such conferences did not disclose to us any information
(relying as to the materiality of any such information primarily upon officers
and other representatives of the Company) which gave us reason to believe that
either the Registration Statement or the Prospectus (except as to (x) the
financial statements and schedules and any other financial and statistical
data contained or incorporated by reference in the Registration Statement or
Prospectus and (y) the documents incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by
reference therein, as to which no opinion is expressed, and except as to the
terms of the particular Notes which are to be provided in a pricing
supplement), contains, as of the date hereof, any untrue statement of a
material fact or omits to state any material fact required to be stated
therein or necessary to make the statements therein (in the case of the
Prospectus, in light of the circumstances under which they were made) not
misleading."
 
  In giving such opinions, such counsel may rely (x) as to matters of fact, to
the extent they deem proper, upon certificates of officers of the Company,
public officials and others, and (y) as to matters of law other than the
United States or Colorado (in the case of General Counsel of the Company) or
New York (in the case of special counsel to the Company), on the opinions of
local counsel retained by them or the Company, provided that such counsel are
satisfactory to the Agents and counsel for the Agents. In addition, it is
understood that the General Counsel of the Company may elect to provide
favorable opinions with respect to the matters set forth in clause (i) of
subsection (a)(2) of this Section and clause (iv) of subsection (a)(3) of this
Section in lieu of special counsel to the Company providing such opinions.
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
    (4) The favorable opinion, dated as of the date hereof, of counsel for
  the Agents, with respect to the matters set forth in clauses (i) and (iii)
  of subsection (a)(3) of this Section and to the effect that the
  Registration Statement and the Prospectus (except as to (x) the financial
  statements and schedules and any other financial and statistical data
  contained or incorporated by reference therein and (y) the documents
  incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference therein, as to which
  no opinion need be expressed) comply as to form in all material respects
  with the 1933 Act. In addition, the Agents shall have received on the date
  hereof from counsel for the Agents an opinion with respect to the
  Registration Statement and the Prospectus in the form customarily given by
  such firm.
 
    (b) Material Changes; Officer's Certificates. On the date hereof there
  shall not have been, since the respective dates as of which information is
  given in the Registration Statement, any material adverse change or any
  development resulting in the substantial possibility of a prospective
  material adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of the
  Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, or
  in the earnings or business affairs of the Company and its consolidated
  subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether or not arising in the
  ordinary course of business, and the Agents shall have received a
  certificate of the President, the Principal Financial Officer, an Executive
  Vice President or a Senior Vice President, the Treasurer or the Assistant
  Treasurer of the Company, dated as of the date hereof, to the effect that
  (i) there has been no such material adverse change with respect to the
  Company and its consolidated subsidiaries considered as a whole, (ii) no
  stop order suspending the effectiveness of the Registration Statement has
  been issued and no proceedings for that purpose are pending or threatened
  by the Commission, (iii) the representations and warranties of the Company
  contained in Section 2 are true and correct as of the date hereof, and (iv)
  the Company has performed or complied with all agreements and satisfied all
  conditions pursuant to this Agreement in connection with the issuance of
  the Notes on its part to be performed or satisfied at or prior to the date
  of such certificate.
 
    (c) Comfort Letter. On the date hereof, the Agents shall have received
  from each of (i) KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or its successors or other
  independent certified public accountants acceptable to the Agents and (ii)
  each of Deloitte & Touche LLP and Price Waterhouse LLP (but only during the
  period for which the Company's warranty with respect to such entities in
  Section 2(e) is made), a letter, dated as of the date hereof, in form and
  substance reasonably satisfactory to the Agents; provided, that the
  delivery of such letter by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (or its successors),
  Deloitte & Touche LLP and Price Waterhouse LLP shall be conditioned upon
  the receipt by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (or its successors), Deloitte & Touche
  LLP and Price Waterhouse LLP of: (i) an opinion of counsel for the Agents,
  in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to KPMG Peat Marwick LLP (or
  such successor), Deloitte & Touche LLP and Price Waterhouse LLP to the
  effect that the Agents would be entitled to assert the due diligence
  defense under the 1933 Act; or (ii) a representation letter from the Agents
  addressed to KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Deloitte & Touche LLP and Price
  Waterhouse LLP in the form set forth as Exhibit B hereto.
 
    (d) Other Matters. At each Settlement Time with respect to any Terms
  Agreement, counsel for the Agents shall have been furnished with such
  documents and opinions as they may reasonably require for the purpose of
  enabling them to pass upon the issuance and sale of the Notes as therein
  contemplated and related proceedings or in order to evidence the accuracy
  and completeness of any of the representations and warranties, or the
  fulfillment of any of the conditions, herein contained. All proceedings
  taken by the Company in connection with the issuance and sale of the Notes
  as herein contemplated shall be satisfactory in form and substance to the
  Agents.
 
  If any condition specified in this Section 5 shall not have been fulfilled
when and as required to be fulfilled, this Agreement (or, at the option of the
applicable Agent, any Terms Agreement) may be terminated by an Agent by notice
to the Company at any time (or, in the case of termination of a Terms
Agreement, at or at any time prior to the Settlement Time) and any such
termination shall be with the effect set forth in Section 12(c).
 
Section 6. Delivery of and Payment for Notes Sold through an Agent. Delivery
of Notes sold through an Agent as agent shall be made by the Company to the
Agent for the account of any purchaser only against payment therefor in
immediately available funds. In the event that a purchaser shall fail either
to accept delivery
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
of, or to make payment for, a Note on the date fixed for settlement, the Agent
that solicited such purchaser shall promptly notify the Company and deliver
the Note to the Company, and, if the Agent has theretofore paid the Company
for such Note, the Company will return such funds to the Agent within three
business days. If such failure occurred for any reason other than default by
the Agent in the performance of its obligations hereunder, the Company will
reimburse the Agent for its loss of the use of the funds for the period such
funds were credited to the Company's account. Such reimbursement shall be in
an amount equal to the lower of the Company's cost of funds and the Agent's
cost of funds.
 
Section 7. Additional Covenants of the Company. The Company covenants and
agrees with the Agents that:
 
    (a) Reaffirmation of Representations and Warranties. Each acceptance by
  it of an offer for the purchase of Notes, and each delivery of Notes to an
  Agent pursuant to a Terms Agreement, shall be deemed to be an affirmation
  that the representations and warranties of the Company contained in Section
  2 of this Agreement and in any certificate theretofore delivered to such
  Agent pursuant hereto are true and correct at the time of such acceptance
  or sale, as the case may be, and an undertaking that such representations
  and warranties will be true and correct at the time of delivery to the
  purchaser or his agent, or to such Agent, of the Note or Notes relating to
  such acceptance or sale, as the case may be, as though made at and as of
  each such time (and it is understood that such representations and
  warranties shall relate to the Registration Statement and Prospectus as
  amended and supplemented to each such time);
 
    (b) Subsequent Delivery of Certificates. Each time that (i) the
  Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall be amended or supplemented
  (other than by a pricing supplement, an Excluded Supplement or by an
  amendment or supplement providing solely for the inclusion of additional
  financial information, or, unless the Agents shall otherwise specify, other
  than by an amendment or supplement which relates exclusively to an offering
  of Securities other than the Notes), (ii) there is filed with the
  Commission any Report on Form 10-K, (iii) there is filed with the
  Commission any document incorporated by reference into the Prospectus
  (other than any proxy or information statement or Current Report on Form 8-
  K), (iv) there is filed with the Commission any proxy or information
  statement that pertains to matters other than, or in addition to, an
  election of directors, the adoption of a benefit plan, the ratification of
  the Company's auditors or other routine housekeeping matters, (v) there is
  filed with the Commission any Current Report on Form 8-K containing
  information that is reasonably deemed by the Company to be materially
  adverse to the business affairs or prospects of the Company, or (vi) (if
  required pursuant to the terms of a Terms Agreement) the Company sells
  Notes to an Agent pursuant to a Terms Agreement, the Company shall furnish
  or cause to be furnished to the Agents forthwith a certificate dated the
  date of filing with the Commission of such supplement or document, the date
  of effectiveness of such amendment, or the date of such sale, as the case
  may be, in form satisfactory to the Agent to the effect that the statements
  contained in the certificate of the Company referred to in Section 5(b)
  hereof which was last furnished to the Agent are true and correct at the
  time of such amendment, supplement, filing or sale, as the case may be, as
  though made at and as of such time (except that such statements shall be
  deemed to relate to the Registration Statement and the Prospectus as
  amended and supplemented to such time) or, in lieu of such certificate, a
  certificate of the same tenor as the certificate referred to in said
  Section 5(b), modified as necessary to relate to the Registration Statement
  and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented to the time of delivery of
  such certificate. In the case of certificates to be furnished pursuant to
  (iii), (iv) or (v) above, the Company may request that the Agents waive the
  requirement for the certificates, which request shall not be unreasonably
  refused;
 
    (c) Subsequent Delivery of Legal Opinions. Each time that (i) the
  Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall be amended or supplemented
  (other than by a pricing supplement, an Excluded Supplement or by an
  amendment or supplement providing solely for the inclusion of additional
  financial information, or, unless the Agents shall otherwise specify, other
  than by an amendment or supplement which relates exclusively to an offering
  of Securities other than the Notes), (ii) there is filed with the
  Commission any Report on Form 10-K, (iii) there is filed with the
  Commission any document incorporated by reference into the Prospectus
  (other than any proxy or information statement or Current Report on Form 8-
  K or a Quarterly
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  Report on Form 10-Q), (iv) there is filed with the Commission any proxy or
  information statement that pertains to matters other than, or in addition
  to, an election of directors, the adoption of a benefit plan, the
  ratification of the Company's auditors or other routine housekeeping
  matters, (v) there is filed with the Commission any Current Report on Form
  8-K containing information that is reasonably deemed by the Company to be
  materially adverse to the business affairs or prospects of the Company,
  (vi) (if required pursuant to the terms of a Terms Agreement) the Company
  sells Notes to an Agent pursuant to a Terms Agreement, the Company shall
  furnish or cause to be furnished forthwith to the Agents and to counsel to
  the Agents the written opinions of the General Counsel of the Company and
  special counsel to the Company or other counsel satisfactory to the Agent
  dated the date of filing with the Commission of such supplement or
  document, the date of effectiveness of such amendment, or the date of such
  sale, as the case may be, in form and substance satisfactory to the Agents,
  of the same tenor as the opinions referred to in Section 5(a)(1)(B) and
  5(a)(3) hereof, but modified, as necessary, to relate to the Registration
  Statement and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented to the time of
  delivery of such opinions, or (vi) in lieu of any such opinion required
  under Subsection (7)(c)(v) above, counsel last furnishing such opinion to
  the Agents shall furnish the Agents with a letter to the effect that the
  Agents may rely on such last opinion to the same extent as though it was
  dated the date of such letter authorizing reliance (except that statements
  in such last opinion shall be deemed to relate to the Registration
  Statement and the Prospectus as amended and supplemented to the time of
  delivery of such letter authorizing reliance). In the case of opinions to
  be furnished pursuant to (iii), (iv) or (v) above, the Company may request
  that Agents waive the requirement for the opinions, which request shall not
  be unreasonably refused; and
 
    (d) Subsequent Delivery of Comfort Letters. Each time that (i) the
  Registration Statement or the Prospectus shall be amended or supplemented
  to include additional financial information with respect to the Company,
  (ii) the Company files with the Commission any Report on Form 10-K, (iii)
  the Company files with the Commission any document incorporated by
  reference to the Prospectus which contains additional financial information
  (other than any Current Report on Form 8-K), (iv) the Company files with
  the Commission any Current Report on Form 8-K (containing additional
  information) which contains information that is reasonably deemed to be
  materially adverse to the business affairs or prospects of the Company, or
  (v) (if required pursuant to the terms of a Terms Agreement) the Company
  sells Notes to an Agent pursuant to a Terms Agreement, the Company shall
  cause KPMG Peat Marwick LLP or its successors forthwith to furnish the
  Agents a letter, dated the date of filing with the Commission of such
  amendment, supplement or document, the date of effectiveness of such
  amendment, or the date of such sale, as the case may be, in form
  satisfactory to the Agents, of the same tenor as the portions of the letter
  delivered pursuant to Section 5(c) but modified to relate to the
  Registration Statement and Prospectus, as amended and supplemented to the
  date of such letter, and as may be necessary to reflect changes in the
  financial statements and other information derived from the accounting
  records of the Company; provided, however, that if the Registration
  Statement or the Prospectus is amended or supplemented solely to include
  the financial information as of and for an interim period, KPMG Peat
  Marwick LLP or its successors may limit the scope of such letter to the
  unaudited financial statements included in such amendment or supplement
  unless any other information included therein of an accounting, financial
  or statistical nature is of such a nature that, in the reasonable judgment
  of the Agents, such letter should cover such other information, and
  provided, further, that the delivery of such letter by KPMG Peat Marwick
  LLP (or its successors) shall be conditioned upon the receipt by KPMG Peat
  Marwick LLP (or its successors) of: (i) an opinion of counsel for the
  Agents, in form and substance reasonably satisfactory to KPMG Peat Marwick
  LLP (or such successor) addressing whether the Agents can avail themselves
  of the due diligence defense under the 1933 Act; or (ii) a representation
  letter from the Agents addressed to KPMG Peat Marwick LLP in the form set
  forth as Exhibit C hereto. In the case of letters to be furnished pursuant
  to (iii) or (iv) above, the Company may request that the Agents waive the
  requirement for the letters, which request shall not be unreasonably
  refused.
 
Section 8. Payment of Expenses. The Company agrees to pay all expenses
incident to the performance of its obligations under this Agreement,
including:
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
    (a) the preparation and filing of the Registration Statement and all
  amendments thereto and the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements
  thereto;
 
    (b) the preparation, filing and reproduction of this Agreement;
 
    (c) the preparation, printing, issuance and delivery of the Notes,
  including any fees and expenses relating to the use of book-entry notes
  (excluding any fees payable by an Agent solely as member of The Depository
  Trust Company);
 
    (d) the fees and disbursements of the Company's accountants and counsel,
  of the Trustee and its counsel, and of any Calculation Agent or Exchange
  Rate Agent;
 
    (e) the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel to the Agents
  incurred from time to time in connection with the transactions contemplated
  hereby;
 
    (f) the qualification of the Notes under state securities laws in
  accordance with the provisions of Section 4(e) hereof, including filing
  fees and the reasonable fees and disbursements of counsel for the Agents in
  connection therewith and in connection with the preparation of any Blue Sky
  Survey and any Legal Investment Survey;
 
    (g) the printing and delivery to the Agents in quantities as hereinabove
  stated of copies of the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto,
  and of the Prospectus and any amendment or supplements thereto, and the
  delivery by the Agents of the Prospectus and any amendments or supplements
  thereto in connection with solicitations or confirmations of sales of the
  Notes;
 
    (h) the preparation, printing, reproducing and delivery to the Agents of
  copies of the Indenture and all supplements and amendments thereto;
 
    (i) any fees charged by rating agencies for the rating of the Notes;
 
    (j) the fees and expenses incurred in connection with the listing of the
  Notes on any securities exchange;
 
    (k) the fees and expenses, if any, incurred with respect to any filing
  with the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.;
 
    (l) any advertising and other out-of-pocket expenses of an Agent incurred
  with the approval of the Company; and
 
    (m) the fees and expenses of any Depository (as defined in the Indenture)
  and any nominees thereof in connection with Notes.
 
Section 9. Indemnification. The Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless
each Agent, and each person, if any, who controls each Agent within the
meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the 1934 Act,
from and against any and all losses, claims, damages, liabilities and expenses
(including reasonable costs of investigation), as incurred, arising out of or
based upon any untrue statement or alleged untrue statement of a material fact
contained in the Registration Statement or the Prospectus or in any amendment
or supplement thereto or in any preliminary prospectus, or arising out of or
based upon any omission or alleged omission to state therein 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, except
insofar as such losses, claims, damages, liabilities or expenses arise out of
or are based upon any such untrue statement or omission or allegation thereof
based upon information furnished in writing to the Company by such Agent
expressly for use, therein; provided, however, the Company shall not indemnify
such Agent or any person who controls such Agent from any such losses, claims,
damages or liabilities alleged by any person who purchased Notes from such
Agent if the untrue statement, omission or allegation thereof upon which such
losses, claims, damages or liabilities are based was made in: (i) any
preliminary prospectus or Prospectus, if a copy of the Prospectus, or the
Prospectus as then amended or supplemented (if the Company shall have
furnished any amendments or supplements thereto), as the case may be, was not
sent or given by or on behalf of such Agent to such person at or prior to the
written confirmation of the sale of the Notes to such person, and if the
Prospectus, or the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented, as the case may
be, corrected the untrue statement or omission giving rise to such
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
loss, claim, damage or liability; (ii) any Prospectus used by such Agent (or
any broker or dealer appointed or engaged by such Agent) or any person who
controls such Agent, after such time as the Company advised such Agent that
the filing of a post-effective amendment or supplement thereto was required,
except the Prospectus as so amended or supplemented; or (iii) any Prospectus
used by such Agent (or any broker or dealer appointed or engaged by such
Agent) or any person who controls such Agent, after the termination of the
offering of the Notes. This indemnity will be in addition to any liability
which the Company may otherwise have.
 
  If any action or proceeding (including any governmental investigation) shall
be brought or asserted against an Agent or any person controlling an Agent in
respect of which indemnity may be sought from the Company, such Agent or such
controlling person shall promptly notify the Company in writing, and the
Company shall assume the defense thereof, including the employment of counsel
reasonably satisfactory to the Agent's party to such action or proceeding and
the payment of all expenses. Any omission so to notify the Company shall not,
however, relieve the Company from any liability which it may have to any
indemnified party otherwise than under this Section 9. Such Agent or any such
controlling person shall have the right to employ separate counsel in any such
action or proceeding and to participate in the defense thereof, but the fees
and expenses of such separate counsel shall be such Agent's expense or the
expense of such controlling person unless (a) the Company has agreed to pay
such fees and expenses, (b) the Company shall have failed to assume the
defense of such action or proceeding and employ counsel reasonably
satisfactory to the Agents in any such action or proceeding within a
reasonable time after notice of the commencement of such action or proceeding
or (c) the named parties to any such action or proceeding (including any
impleaded parties) include an Agent or any such controlling person and the
Company, and such Agent or such controlling person shall have been advised by
such counsel that there may be a conflict of interest between such Agent or
such controlling person and the Company in the conduct of the defense of such
action (in which case, if such Agent or such controlling person notifies the
Company in writing that it elects to employ separate counsel at the expense of
the Company, the Company shall not have the right to assume the defense of
such action or proceeding on such Agent's behalf or on behalf of such
controlling person, it being understood, however, that the Company shall not,
in connection with any one such action or proceeding or separate but
substantially similar or related actions or proceedings arising out of the
same general allegations or circumstances, be liable for the reasonable fees
and expenses of more than one separate firm of attorneys (unless the members
of such firm are not admitted to practice in a jurisdiction where an action is
pending, in which case the Company shall pay the reasonable fees and expenses
of one additional firm of attorneys to act as local counsel in such
jurisdiction, provided the services of such counsel are substantially limited
to that of appearing as attorneys of record) at any time for all indemnified
parties, which firm shall be designated in writing by such Agent). The Company
shall not be liable for any settlement of any such action or proceeding
effected without its written consent, but if settled with its written consent,
or if there be a final judgment for the plaintiff in any such action or
proceeding, the Company agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Agent and
any such controlling person from and against any loss or liability by reason
of such settlement or judgment.
 
  Each Agent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the Company, its directors
and each of its officers, and each person, if any, who controls the Company
within the meaning of either Section 15 of the 1933 Act or Section 20 of the
1934 Act, to the same extent as the foregoing indemnity from the Company to
the Agents, but only with respect to information furnished in writing by such
Agent expressly for use in the Registration Statement, the Prospectus, or any
amendment or supplement thereto, or any amendment or supplement thereto, or
any preliminary prospectus. In case any action or proceeding shall be brought
against the Company or its directors or officers or any such controlling
person, in respect of which indemnity may be sought against an Agent, such
Agent shall have the rights and duties given to the Company, and the Company
or its directors or officers or such controlling person shall have the rights
and duties given to the Agents, by the preceding paragraph.
 
Section 10. Contribution. If the indemnification provided for in Section 9 is
unavailable to an indemnified party under the first or third paragraph thereof
in respect of any losses, claims, damages or liabilities referred to therein
(other than by reason of such indemnified party's failure to comply with the
first sentence or the last sentence of the second paragraph of Section 9),
then each applicable indemnifying party, in lieu of indemnifying
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
such indemnified party, shall contribute to the amount paid or payable by such
indemnified party as a result of such losses, claims, damages or liabilities,
as incurred (i) in such proportion as is appropriate to reflect the relative
benefits received by the Company on the one hand and by each Agent on the
other hand from the offering of the Notes to which such loss, claim, damage or
liability (or action in respect thereof) relates, or (ii) if the allocation
provided by clause (i) above is not permitted by applicable law, in such
proportion as is appropriate to reflect not only the relative benefits
referred to in clause (i) above but also the relative fault of the Company on
the one hand and of each Agent on the other in connection with the statements
or omissions which resulted in such losses, claims, damages or liabilities, as
well as any other relevant equitable considerations. The relative benefits
received by the Company on the one hand and by each Agent on the other in
connection with the offering of the Notes shall be deemed to be such that each
Agent shall be responsible for the aggregate losses, claims, damages and
liabilities represented by the percentage that the total underwriting
discounts and agency commissions received by such Agent with respect to the
Notes giving rise to such losses, claims, damages or liabilities bears to the
total net proceeds for the sale of such Notes, and the Company shall be
responsible for the balance. The relative fault of the Company on the one hand
and of each Agent on the other shall be determined by reference to, among
other things, whether the untrue or alleged untrue statement of a material
fact or the omission or alleged omission to state a material fact relates to
information supplied by the Company or by each Agent and the parties' relative
intent, knowledge, access to information and opportunity to correct or prevent
such statement or omission. The amount paid or payable by a party as a result
of the losses, claims, damages and liabilities referred to above shall be
deemed to include, subject to the limitations set forth in the second
paragraph of Section 9, any legal or other fees or expenses reasonably
incurred by such party in connection with investigating or defending any
action or claim.
 
  The Company and each Agent agree that it would not be just and equitable if
contribution pursuant to this Section 10 were determined by pro rata
allocation or by any other method of allocation which does not take account of
the equitable considerations referred to in the immediately preceding
paragraph. Notwithstanding the provisions of this Section 10, each Agent shall
not be required to contribute any amount in excess of the amount by which the
total price at which the Notes were offered to the public exceeds the amount
of any damages which such Agent has otherwise been required to pay by reason
of such untrue statement or omission or alleged untrue statement or omission.
No person guilty of fraudulent misrepresentation (within the meaning of
Section 11(f) of the 1933 Act) shall be entitled to contribution from any
person who was not guilty of such fraudulent misrepresentation.
 
Section 11. Representations, Warranties and Agreements to Survive
Delivery. All representations, warranties and agreements contained in this
Agreement by the Company and the Agents, or contained in certificates of
executive officers of the Company submitted pursuant hereto, shall remain
operative and in full force and effect regardless of any investigation made by
or on behalf of any Agent or controlling person, or by or on behalf of the
Company, and shall survive each delivery of and payment for any Notes.
 
Section 12. Termination.
 
  (a) Termination of this Agreement. This Agreement (excluding any Terms
Agreement) may be terminated for any reason, at any time by the Company with
respect to any of the Agents, and any Agent may resign as Agent hereunder,
upon the giving of 1 day written notice of such termination to the other
parties hereto; provided, however, that in the event this Agreement is
terminated with respect to only one of the Agents, this Agreement shall remain
in full force and effect between the Company and other Agents.
 
  (b) Termination of a Terms Agreement. An Agent may terminate any Terms
Agreement between such Agent and the Company, immediately upon notice to the
Company, at any time at or prior to the Settlement Time relating thereto (i)
if there has been since the date of the Terms Agreement or since the
respective dates as of which information is given in the Prospectus (as
amended or supplemented to the date of the Terms Agreement), any material
adverse change in the condition, financial or otherwise, of the Company and
its consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, or in the
earnings, business affairs or business prospects of the Company and its
consolidated subsidiaries considered as one enterprise, whether not arising in
the ordinary
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
course of business, (ii) if there shall have occurred any material adverse
change in the financial markets in the United States or any outbreak or
escalation of hostilities or other national or international calamity or
crisis the effect of which on the financial markets of the United States is
such as to make it, in the judgment of such Agent, impracticable to market the
Notes or enforce contracts for the sale of the Notes, (iii) if the rating
assigned by any nationally recognized securities rating organization in the
United States to any debt securities of the Company as of the date of the
Terms Agreement or if any such rating organization shall have publicly
announced that it has placed any debt securities of the Company on what is
commonly termed a "watch list" for possible downgrading, or (iv) if there
shall have come to such Agent's attention any facts that would cause such
Agent reasonably to believe that the Prospectus contains an untrue statement
of a material fact or omits to state a material fact necessary in order to
make the statements therein, in the light of the circumstances then existing,
not misleading.
 
  (c) General. In the event of any such termination pursuant to subsection (a)
or (b) above or Section 5 hereof, the resigning or terminating party will have
no liability to the other parties hereto and no other remaining party hereto
will have any liability to the resigning or terminating party, except that (i)
each Agent shall be entitled to any commission earned in accordance with the
third paragraph of Section 3(a) hereof, (ii) if at the time of termination by
the Company (a) an Agent shall own any Notes purchased pursuant to a Terms
Agreement with the intention of reselling them or (b) an offer to purchase any
of the Notes has been accepted by the Company but the time of delivery to the
purchaser or his agent of the Note or Notes relating thereto has not occurred,
the covenants set forth in Sections 4 and 7 hereof shall remain in effect
until (A) the earlier of the date such Notes are so resold or at the 90th day
following the related Settlement Time or (B) such Notes are delivered, as the
case may be, and (iii) the last sentence of Section 3(b), the covenant
regarding provision of an earnings statement set forth in Section 4(f) hereof,
the provisions concerning payment of expenses set forth in Section 4(e) and
Section 8 hereof, the indemnity and contribution agreements set forth in
Section 9 and 10 hereof and the provisions of Section 11 (but only as such
Sections relates to representations and warranties) and Section 14 hereof
shall remain effect.
 
Section 13. Notices. Unless otherwise provided herein, all notices required
under the terms and provisions hereof shall be in writing, either delivered by
hand, by mail or by telex, facsimile transmission, receipt acknowledged, or
telegram, and any such notice shall be effective when received at the address
specified below.
 
  If to the Company:
    TCI Communications, Inc.
    Terrace Tower II
    5619 DTC Parkway
    Englewood, Colorado 80111-3000
    Attention:Bernard W. Schotters
    Telephone:(303) 267-5500
    Facsimile:(303) 488-3200
 
  with a copy (similarly addressed) to the attention of the General Counsel.
 
  If to the Agents:
    Merrill Lynch & Co.
    Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith
     Incorporated
    North Tower, 10th Floor
    World Financial Center
    New York, New York 10281-1310
    Attention:MTN Product Management
    Telephone:(212) 449-7476
    Facsimile:(212) 449-2234
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
  or, as the case may be,
    Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
    11 Madison Avenue
    New York, New York 10010
    New York, New York 10055
    Attention:New Issue Processing,
                Joseph D. Fashano
    Telephone:(212) 909-2107
    Facsimile:(212) 318-0532
 
  or, as the case may be,
    Lehman Brothers, Inc.
    American Express Tower
    World Financial Center
    New York, New York 10285-1800
    Attention:Medium-Term Note Department
    Telephone:(212) 640-8400
    Facsimile:(212) 528-7035
 
  or, as the case may be,
 
    Salomon Brothers Inc
    Seven World Trade Center
    New York, New York 10048
    Attention:Medium-Term Note Department
    Telephone:(212) 783-6848
    Facsimile:(212) 783-3350
 
or at such other address as such party may designate from time to time by
notice duly given in accordance with the terms of this Section 13.
 
Section 14. Parties. This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of and be
binding upon the Agents and the Company, and their respective successors.
Nothing expressed or mentioned in any Terms Agreement or this Agreement is
intended or shall be construed to give any person, firm or corporation, other
than the parties hereto or thereto and their respective successors and the
controlling persons and officers and directors referred to in Sections 9 and
10 and their heirs and legal representatives, any legal or equitable right,
remedy or claim under, or in respect of, this Agreement or any provision
herein contained. This Agreement and all conditions and provisions thereof and
hereof are intended to be for the sole and exclusive benefit of the parties
and their respective successors and said controlling persons and officers and
directors and their heirs and legal representatives, and for the benefit of no
other person, firm or corporation. No purchaser of Notes from any Agent shall
be deemed to be a successor by reason merely of such purchase.
 
Section 15. Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the
State of New York applicable to agreements made and performed in such State.
 
  If the foregoing is in accordance with the Agents' understanding of our
agreement, please sign and return to the Company a counterpart hereof,
whereupon this instrument along with all counterparts will become a binding
agreement among the Agents and the Company in accordance with its terms.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          TCI Communications, Inc.
 
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name: Bernard W. Schotters
                                            Title: Executive Vice President
                                                   and Treasurer
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
Accepted:
 
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated
 
By: ___________________________
   Authorized Signatory
 
Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation
 
By: ___________________________
   Authorized Signatory
 
Salomon Brothers Inc
 
By: ___________________________
   Authorized Signatory
 
Lehman Brothers Inc.
 
By: ___________________________
   Authorized Signatory
 
                                       18
<PAGE>
 
                                  SCHEDULE A
 
  As compensation for the services of the Agents hereunder, the Company shall
pay, on a discount basis, at the Settlement Time to each Agent a commission in
connection with each original issuance of Notes by the Company for the sale of
each Note resulting from a placement made by such Agent equal to the principal
amount of such Note (or, if such Note is an Original Issue Discount Note, the
Issue Price of such Note) multiplied by the appropriate percentage set forth
below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    PERCENT OF PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
                                                    ----------------------------
  MATURITY RANGES                                   SPLIT RATED INVESTMENT GRADE
  ---------------                                   ----------- ----------------
<S>                                                 <C>         <C>
From 9 months to less than 1 year..................    .150%          .125%
From 1 year to less than 18 months.................    .200           .150
From 18 months to less than 2 years................    .250           .200
From 2 years to less than 3 years..................    .350           .250
From 3 years to less than 4 years..................    .450           .350
From 4 years to less than 5 years..................    .550           .450
From 5 years to less than 6 years..................    .600           .500
From 6 years to less than 7 years..................    .600           .550
From 7 years to less than 8 years..................    .700           .600
From 8 years to less than 9 years..................    .700           .600
From 9 years to less than 10 years.................    .700           .600
From 10 years to less than 12 years................    .800           .625
From 12 years to less than 15 years................    .800           .625
From 15 years to less than 20 years................    .875           .700
From 20 years to 30 years..........................    .925           .750
</TABLE>
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                                                             EXHIBIT A
                                                             TO
                                                             DISTRIBUTION
                                                             AGREEMENT
 
                           TERMS AGREEMENT PROVISIONS
 
  The following terms, if applicable, shall be agreed to by the applicable
Agent and the Company pursuant to each Terms Agreement:
 
  Principal Amount:       $
    (or principal amount of foreign currency)
  Interest Rate:
    If Fixed Rate Note, Interest Rate:
    Interest Payment Dates (if other than February 15 and August 15):
    If Floating Rate Note:
      Interest Rate Basis or Bases:
      Initial Interest Rate:
      Initial Interest Reset Date:
      Spread or Spread Multiplier, if any:
      Interest Reset Dates:
      Interest Reset Period:
      Interest Payment Dates:
      Interest Payment Period:
      Index Maturity:
      Maximum Interest Rate, if any:
      Minimum Interest Rate, if any:
      Interest Determination Dates:
      Calculation Agent:
      Calculation Date:
 
    If Redeemable by the Company:
      Initial Redemption Date:
      Initial Redemption Percentage:
      Annual Redemption Percentage Reduction:
 
    If Repayable at option of the holder thereof:
      Optional Repayment Date(s):
 
  Stated Maturity:
  Purchase Price:   %
  Settlement Time:
  Currency of Denomination:
 
  Denominations (if currency is other than solely United States dollars):
  Currency Payment:
  Additional Terms:
 
  Also, agreement as to whether the following will be required:
 
    Officer's Certificates pursuant to Section 7(b) of the Distribution
    Agreement.
 
    Accountant's Comfort Letters pursuant to Section 7(d) of the
    Distribution Agreement.
 
    Legal Opinions pursuant to Section 7(c) of the Distribution Agreement.
 
    Stand-Off Agreement pursuant to Section 4(g) of the Distribution
    Agreement.
 
 
                                       20
<PAGE>
 
                                                             EXHIBIT B
                                                             TO
                                                             DISTRIBUTION
                                                             AGREEMENT
 
                                          (Date)
 
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
707 17th Street
Suite 2300
Denver, CO 80202
 
Deloitte & Touche LLP
1010 Grand Avenue, Suite 400
Kansas City, Missouri 64106
 
Price Waterhouse LLP
1301 K Street, N.W.
800 West
Washington, D.C. 20005
 
Price Waterhouse LLP
150 Almaden Blvd.
Suite 1200
San Jose, CA 95113
 
Dear KPMG Peat Marwick LLP, Deloitte & Touche LLP and Price Waterhouse LLP:
 
  (Name of financial intermediary), as Agents, in the placement of (identify
securities) to be issued by TCI Communications, Inc., will be reviewing
certain information relating to TCI Communications, Inc. that will be included
(incorporated by reference) in the (identify document), which may be delivered
to investors and utilized by them as a basis for their investment decision.
This review process, applied to the information relating to the issuer, is
substantially consistent with the due diligence review process that an
underwriter would perform in connection with this placement of securities. We
are knowledgeable with respect to the due diligence review process that an
underwriter would perform in connection with a placement of securities
registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933. We hereby request that you
deliver to us a "comfort" letter concerning the financial statements of the
issuer and certain statistical and other data included in the offering
document. We will contact you to identify the procedures we wish you to follow
and the form we wish the comfort letter to take.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          (Name of Financial Intermediary)
<PAGE>
 
                                                             EXHIBIT C
                                                             TO
                                                             DISTRIBUTION
                                                             AGREEMENT
 
 
                                          (Date)
 
KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
707 17th Street
Suite 2300
Denver, CO 80202
 
Dear KPMG Peat Marwick LLP:
 
  (Name of financial intermediary), as Agents, in the placement of (identify
securities) to be issued by TCI Communications, Inc., will be reviewing
certain information relating to TCI Communications, Inc. that will be included
(incorporated by reference) in the (identify document), which may be delivered
to investors and utilized by them as a basis for their investment decision.
This review process, applied to the information relating to the issuer, is
substantially consistent with the due diligence review process that an
underwriter would perform in connection with this placement of securities. We
are knowledgeable with respect to the due diligence review process that an
underwriter would perform in connection with a placement of securities
registered pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933. We hereby request that you
deliver to us a "comfort" letter concerning the financial statements of the
issuer and certain statistical and other data included in the offering
document. We will contact you to identify the procedures we wish you to follow
and the form we wish the comfort letter to take.
 
                                          Very truly yours,
 
                                          (Name of Financial Intermediary)

<PAGE>
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 4.9
 
                               DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
 
                                     AMONG
 
                           TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                                      AND
 
                                  [DEPOSITARY]
 
                                      AND
 
                        THE HOLDERS FROM TIME TO TIME OF
                    THE DEPOSITARY RECEIPTS DESCRIBED HEREIN
 
                             DATED AS OF    , 199
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
                               ----------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Section                             Heading                               Page
 <C>     <S>                                                               <C>
                                    ARTICLE I
 DEFINITIONS.............................................................    4
                                    ARTICLE II
 FORM OF RECEIPTS, DEPOSIT OF PREFERRED STOCK, EXECUTION AND DELIVERY,
 TRANSFER AND SURRENDER OF RECEIPTS......................................    5
  2.1.   Form and Transferability of Receipts...........................     5
          Deposit of Preferred Stock, Execution and Delivery of Receipts
  2.2.   in Respect Thereof.............................................     6
  2.3.   Redemption of Preferred Stock..................................     7
  2.4.   Transfer of Receipts...........................................     8
  2.5.   Combination and Split-ups of Receipts..........................     8
  2.6.   Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Preferred Stock........     8
  2.7.   Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, Split-up,
         Combination, Surrender and Exchange of Receipts................     9
  2.8.   Lost Receipts, etc.............................................     9
  2.9.   Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts...........     9
  2.10.  Conversion of Preferred Stock into Series A Stock..............     9
                                   ARTICLE III
 CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS OF HOLDERS OF RECEIPTS AND THE COMPANY..............   11
  3.1.   Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information..............    11
  3.2.   Payment of Taxes or Other Governmental Charges.................    11
  3.3.   Representations and Warranties as to Preferred Stock...........    11
                                    ARTICLE IV
 THE PREFERRED STOCK, NOTICES............................................   12
  4.1.   Cash Distributions.............................................    12
  4.2.   Distributions Other Than Cash..................................    12
  4.3.   Subscription Rights, Preferences or Privileges.................    12
               Notice of Dividends; Fixing of Record Date for Holders of
  4.4.   Receipts.......................................................    13
  4.5.   Voting Rights..................................................    13
                Changes Affecting Preferred Stock and Reclassifications,
  4.6.   Recapitalizations, etc.........................................    13
  4.7.   Inspection of Reports..........................................    14
  4.8.   List of Receipt Holders........................................    14
                                    ARTICLE V
 THE DEPOSITARY AND THE COMPANY..........................................   14
                 Maintenance of Offices, Agencies, Transfer Books by the
  5.1.   Depositary, the Registrar......................................    14
  5.2.   Prevention of or Delay in Performance by the Depositary, the
         Depositary's Agents or the Company.............................    14
         Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary's Agents, and the
  5.3.   Company........................................................    15
               Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of
  5.4.   Successor Depositary...........................................    16
  5.5.   Corporate Notices and Reports..................................    16
  5.6.   Deposit of Preferred Stock by the Company......................    16
  5.7.   Indemnification by the Company.................................    16
  5.8.   Fees, Charges and Expenses.....................................    17
</TABLE>
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 Section                              Heading                               Page
 <C>     <S>                                                                <C>
                                     ARTICLE VI
 AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.................................................  17
  6.1.   Amendment........................................................   17
  6.2.   Termination......................................................   17
                                    ARTICLE VII
 MISCELLANEOUS.............................................................  18
  7.1.   Counterparts.....................................................   18
  7.2.   Exclusive Benefits of Parties....................................   18
  7.3.   Invalidity of Provisions.........................................   18
  7.4.   Notices..........................................................   18
  7.5.   Depositary's Agents..............................................   19
  7.6.   Holders of Receipts Are Parties..................................   19
  7.7.   Governing Law....................................................   19
  7.8.   Headings.........................................................   19
</TABLE>
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
                               DEPOSIT AGREEMENT
 
  DEPOSIT AGREEMENT dated as of    , 199 , among TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a
Delaware corporation (including any successor, the "Company"),    , as
Depositary (including any successor, the "Depositary"), and all holders from
time to time of Depositary Receipts (as defined below) executed and delivered
hereunder.
 
  WHEREAS, it is desired to provide, as hereinafter set forth in this Deposit
Agreement, for the deposit of up to    shares of [title of preferred stock],
par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), of the Company with the
Depositary, as agent for the beneficial owners of the Preferred Stock, for the
purposes set forth in this Deposit Agreement and for the execution and
delivery hereunder of the Receipts (as defined below) evidencing Depositary
Shares (as defined below) in respect of the Preferred Stock so deposited; and
 
  WHEREAS, the Receipts are to be substantially in the form of the Depositary
Receipt annexed hereto as Exhibit A, with appropriate insertions,
modifications and omissions, as hereinafter provided in this Deposit
Agreement;
 
  NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises contained herein, and for
other good and valuable consideration, the receipt and sufficiency of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as follows:
 
                                   ARTICLE I
 
                                  Definitions
 
  The following definitions shall apply to the respective terms (in the
singular and plural forms of such terms) used in this Deposit Agreement and
the Depositary Receipts:
 
  "Business Day" shall mean any day other than a Saturday, Sunday or a day on
which banking institutions in The City of New York, New York are authorized or
obligated by law or executive order to close.
 
  "Certificate of Designations" shall mean the Certificate of Designations of
the [title of preferred stock] par value $.01 per share, as filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware, establishing and setting forth
the designations, rights, powers, qualifications, limitations and restrictions
of the Preferred Stock.
 
  "Certificate of Incorporation" shall mean the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended from time to time, of the Company.
 
  "Company" shall have the meaning set forth in the preamble to this Deposit
Agreement.
 
  "Deposit Agreement" shall mean this agreement, as the same may be amended,
modified or supplemented from time to time.
 
  "Depositary" shall mean        , as Depositary hereunder, and any successor
as Depositary hereunder.
 
  "Depositary Share" shall mean an interest in       of a share of the
Preferred Stock deposited with the Depositary hereunder, as evidenced by the
Receipts executed and delivered hereunder, and the same proportional interest
in any and all other property received by the Depositary in respect of such
share of Preferred Stock and held under this Deposit Agreement. Subject to the
terms of this Deposit Agreement, each owner of a
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
Depositary Share is entitled, proportionately, to all the rights, preferences
and privileges of the Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Share,
including the dividend, voting and liquidation rights contained in the
Certificate of Designations, and to the benefits of all obligations of the
Company under the Certificate of Designations.
 
  "Depositary's Agent" shall mean an agent appointed by the Depositary as
provided, and for the purposes specified, in Section 7.5.
 
  "Depositary's Office" shall mean the office of the Depositary in the city of
     ,     , at which at any particular time its business in respect of
matters governed by this Deposit Agreement shall be administered, which at the
date of this Deposit Agreement is located at         ,         ,        .
 
  "Preferred Stock" shall have the meaning set forth in the recitals to this
Deposit Agreement.
 
  "Receipt" or "Depositary Receipt" shall mean a Depositary Receipt executed
and delivered hereunder to evidence one or more Depositary Shares, whether in
definitive or temporary form.
 
  "Record holder" as applied to a Receipt shall mean the person in whose name
a Receipt is registered on the books maintained by the Depositary for such
purpose.
 
  "Registrar" shall mean any bank or trust company appointed to register
Receipts as herein provided.
 
  "Securities Act" shall mean the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
 
  "Series A Stock" shall mean the Tele-Communications, Inc. Series A TCI Group
Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share, of the Company.
 
                                  ARTICLE II
 
                 Form of Receipts, Deposit of Preferred Stock,
          Execution and Delivery, Transfer and Surrender of Receipts
 
  Section 2.1. Form and Transferability of Receipts. Definitive Receipts shall
be engraved or printed or lithographed with steel-engraved borders and shall
be substantially in the form set forth in Exhibit A annexed to this Deposit
Agreement, with appropriate insertions, modifications and omissions, as
hereinafter provided. Pending preparation of definitive Receipts, the
Depositary, upon the written order of the Company or any holder of Preferred
Stock, as the case may be, delivered for deposit in compliance with Section
2.2, shall execute and deliver temporary Receipts which are printed,
lithographed, typewritten, mimeographed or otherwise substantially of the
tenor of the definitive Receipts in lieu of which they are executed and
delivered and with such appropriate insertions, omissions, substitutions and
other variations as the persons executing such Receipts may determine, as
evidenced by their execution of such Receipts. If temporary Receipts are
executed and delivered, the Company and the Depositary will cause definitive
Receipts to be prepared without unreasonable delay. After the preparation of
definitive Receipts, the temporary Receipts shall be exchangeable for
definitive Receipts upon surrender of the temporary Receipts at an office
described in the second to last paragraph of Section 2.2, without charge to
the holder. Upon surrender for cancellation of any one or more temporary
Receipts, the Depositary shall execute and deliver in exchange therefor
definitive Receipts representing the same number of Depositary Shares as
represented by the surrendered temporary Receipt or Receipts. Such exchange
shall be made at the Company's expense and without any charge therefor. Until
so exchanged, the temporary Receipts shall in all respects be entitled to the
same benefits under this Agreement, and with respect to the Preferred Stock
deposited hereunder, as definitive Receipts.
 
  Receipts shall be executed by the Depositary by the manual signature of a
duly authorized signatory of the Depositary; provided, however, that such
signature may be a facsimile if a Registrar (other than the Depositary)
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
shall have countersigned the Receipts by the manual signature of a duly
authorized signatory of the Registrar. No Receipt shall be entitled to any
benefits under this Deposit Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any
purpose unless it shall have been executed as provided in the preceding
sentence. The Depositary shall record on its books each Receipt executed as
provided above and delivered as hereinafter provided.
 
  Except as the Depositary may otherwise determine, Receipts shall be in
denominations of any number of whole Depositary Shares. All receipts shall be
dated the date of their execution.
 
  Receipts may be endorsed with or have incorporated in the text thereof such
legends or recitals or changes not inconsistent with the provisions of this
Deposit Agreement as may be required by the Depositary or required to comply
with any applicable law or regulation or with the rules and regulations of any
securities exchange upon which the Preferred Stock or the Depositary Shares
may be listed to conform with any usage with respect thereto, or to indicate
any special limitations or restrictions to which any particular receipts are
subject by reason of the date of issuance of the Preferred Stock or otherwise.
 
  Ownership of any Receipt (and of the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
Receipt) that is properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed
instrument of transfer or endorsement, or other instrument satisfactory to the
Depositary, shall be transferable by delivery; provided, however, that until a
Receipt shall be transferred on the books of the Depositary as provided in
Section 2.4, the Depositary and the Company may, notwithstanding any notice to
the contrary, treat the record holder thereof at such time as the absolute
owner thereof for the purpose of determining the person entitled to
distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any notice provided for
in this Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes.
 
  Section 2.2. Deposit of Preferred Stock, Execution and Delivery of Receipts
in Respect Thereof. Subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit
Agreement, the Company or any holder of Preferred Stock may deposit shares of
Preferred Stock under this Deposit Agreement by delivery to the Depositary of
a certificate or certificates for the shares of Preferred Stock to be
deposited, properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument
of transfer or endorsement in form satisfactory to the Depositary, together
with (i) all such certifications as may be required by the Depositary in
accordance with the provisions of this Deposit Agreement and (ii) a written
order directing the Depositary to execute and deliver to or upon the written
order of the person or persons stated in such order a Receipt or Receipts for
the number of Depositary Shares representing such deposited Preferred Stock.
 
  If required by the Depositary, Preferred Stock presented for deposit at any
time, whether or not the register of holders of Receipts is closed, shall also
be accompanied by an agreement or assignment, or other instrument satisfactory
to the Depositary, that will provide for the prompt transfer to the Depositary
or its nominee of any dividend or right to subscribe for additional Preferred
Stock or to receive other property that any person in whose name the Preferred
Stock is or has been registered may thereafter receive upon or in respect of
such deposited Preferred Stock, or in lieu thereof such agreement of indemnity
or other agreement as shall be satisfactory to the Depositary.
 
  Upon receipt by the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for the
shares of Preferred Stock to be deposited hereunder, together with the other
documents specified above, the Depositary shall, as soon as transfer and
registration can be accomplished, present such certificates to the registrar
and transfer agent of the Preferred Stock for transfer and registration in the
name of the Depositary or its nominee of the shares of Preferred Stock being
deposited. Deposited Preferred Stock shall be held by the Depositary in an
account to be established by the Depositary at the Depositary's Office.
 
  Upon receipt by the Depositary of a certificate or certificates for
Preferred Stock to be deposited hereunder, together with the other documents
specified above, the Depositary, subject to the terms and conditions of this
Deposit Agreement, shall execute and deliver to or upon the order of the
person or persons named in the written order delivered to the Depositary
referred to in the first paragraph of this Section 2.2 a Receipt or Receipts
for the number of whole Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Stock so
deposited and registered in such
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
name or names as may be requested by such person or persons. The Depositary
shall execute and deliver such Receipt or Receipts at the Depositary's Office,
except that, at the request, risk and expense of any person requesting such
delivery, such delivery may be made at such other place as may be designated
by such person. In each case, delivery will be made only upon payment by such
person to the Depositary of all taxes and other governmental charges and any
fees payable in connection with such deposit and the transfer of the deposited
Preferred Stock.
 
  The Company shall deliver to the Depositary from time to time such
quantities of Receipts as the Depositary may request to enable the Depositary
to perform its obligations under this Deposit Agreement.
 
  Section 2.3. Redemption of Preferred Stock. Whenever the Company shall elect
to redeem shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with the Certificate of
Designations it shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Depositary)
give the Depositary in its capacity as Depositary notice of the date of such
proposed redemption of the Preferred Stock, which notice shall (i) be given
not less than    Business Days prior to the date the Depositary is to mail
notice of the redemption to the record holders of Receipts, in the case of a
redemption of all outstanding Depositary Shares, and not less than    calendar
days prior to the date the Depositary is to mail notice of the redemption to
the record holders of Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares to be
redeemed, in the case of a partial redemption of outstanding Depositary
Shares, and (ii) be accompanied by a certificate from the Company stating that
such redemption of the Preferred Stock is in accordance with the provisions of
the Certificate of Designations. Such notice shall be in addition to the
notice required for redemption pursuant to the Certificate of Designations. On
the date of any such redemption of Preferred Stock, provided that the Company
shall then have deposited with the Depositary the redemption price of the
Preferred Stock to be redeemed, plus an amount sufficient to pay any accrued
and unpaid dividends thereon, the Depositary shall redeem the number of
Depositary Shares representing such redeemed Preferred Stock. Subject to the
penultimate sentence of this Paragraph, the Depositary, at the expense of the
Company, shall mail, first class postage prepaid, notice of the redemption of
Preferred Stock and the proposed simultaneous redemption of the Depositary
Shares representing the Preferred Stock held by the Depositary to be redeemed,
not less than    and not more than    days prior to the date fixed for
redemption of such Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares (the "Redemption
Date"), to the record holders of the Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares
to be so redeemed, at the addresses of such holders as they appear on the
records of the Depositary; but neither failure to mail any such notice to one
or more such holders nor any defect in any notice to one or more such holders
shall affect the sufficiency of the proceedings for redemption as to other
holders. Each such notice shall state: (i) the Redemption Date; (ii) the
number of Depositary Shares to be redeemed and, if less than all the
Depositary Shares held by any such holder are to be redeemed, the number of
such Depositary Shares held by such holder to be so redeemed; (iii) the
redemption price, (iv) the place or places where Receipts evidencing
Depositary Shares are to be surrendered for payment of the redemption price
and (v) that dividends in respect of the shares of Preferred Stock represented
by the Depositary Shares to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and
after such Redemption Date. Any such notices shall be mailed in the same
manner as notices of redemption of the Preferred Stock are required to be
mailed pursuant to section    of the Certificate of Designations and published
in the same manner as notices of redemption of the Preferred Stock are
required to be published pursuant to said section, if so required. In case
fewer than all the outstanding Depositary Shares are to be redeemed, the
Depositary Shares to be redeemed shall be selected by lot or pro rata (as
nearly as may be) or by any other equitable method determined by the
Depositary to be consistent with the method determined by the Board of
Directors of the Company with respect to the Preferred Stock.
 
  Notice having been mailed and published, at the expense of the Company, by
the Depositary as aforesaid, from and after the Redemption Date (unless the
Company shall have failed to redeem the shares of Preferred Stock to be
redeemed by it, as set forth in the Company's notice provided for in the
preceding paragraph), the Depositary Shares called for redemption shall be
deemed no longer to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of Receipts
evidencing such Depositary Shares (except the right to receive the redemption
price) shall, to the extent of such Depositary Shares, cease and terminate.
Upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the Receipts evidencing such
Depositary Shares (properly endorsed or assigned for transfer, if the
Depositary shall
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
so require), such Depositary Shares shall be redeemed at a redemption price
per Depositary Share equal to one-     of the redemption price paid for a
share of Preferred Stock pursuant to the Certificate of Designations. The
foregoing shall be subject further to the terms and conditions of the
Certificate of Designations.
 
  If fewer than all of the Depositary Shares evidenced by a Receipt are called
for redemption, the Depositary will deliver to the holder of such Receipt upon
its surrender to the Depositary, together with the redemption price for the
Depositary Shares called for redemption, a new Receipt evidencing the
Depositary Shares evidenced by such prior Receipt and not called for
redemption.
 
  The Depositary shall not be required (a) to execute and deliver, transfer or
exchange any receipts for a period beginning at the opening of business 15
days next preceding any selection of Depositary Shares and Preferred Stock to
be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of
notice of redemption of Depositary Shares or (b) to transfer or exchange for
another Receipt any Receipt evidencing Depositary Shares called or being
called for redemption in whole or in part, except as provided in the third
paragraph of this Section 2.3.
 
  Section 2.4. Transfer of Receipts. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary shall make transfers on its books from
time to time of Receipts upon any surrender thereof at the Depositary's Office
or such other office as the Depositary may designate for such purpose, by the
holder in person or by a duly authorized attorney, properly endorsed or
accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer or endorsement, or
other instrument satisfactory to the Depositary, together with evidence of the
payment of any transfer taxes as may be required by law. Upon such surrender,
the Depositary shall execute a new Receipt or Receipts and deliver the same to
or upon the order of the person or persons entitled thereto evidencing the
same aggregate number of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or
Receipts surrendered.
 
  Section 2.5. Combination and Split-ups of Receipts. Upon surrender of a
Receipt or Receipts at the Depositary's Office or such other office as the
Depositary may designate for the purposes of effecting a split-up or
combination of Receipts, subject to the terms and conditions of this Deposit
Agreement, the Depositary shall execute and deliver a new Receipt or Receipts
in the authorized denominations requested evidencing the same aggregate number
of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered;
provided, however, that the Depositary shall not execute and deliver any
Receipt evidencing a fractional Depositary Share.
 
  [Section 2.6. Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Preferred Stock. Any
holder of a Receipt or Receipts may withdraw any or all of the Preferred Stock
(but only in whole shares of Preferred Stock) represented by the Depositary
Shares evidenced by such Receipts and all money and other property, if any,
represented by such Depositary Shares by surrendering such Receipt or
Receipts, properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument
of transfer or endorsement, or other instrument satisfactory to the
Depositary, at the Depositary's Office or such other office as the Depositary
may designate for such withdrawals. After such surrender, without unreasonable
delay, the Depositary shall deliver to such holder, or to the person or
persons designated by such holder as hereinafter provided, the whole number of
shares of Preferred Stock and other property, if any, represented by the
Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts so surrendered for
withdrawal. If the Receipt or Receipts delivered by the holder to the
Depositary in connection with such withdrawal shall evidence a number of
Depositary Shares in excess of the number of whole Depositary Shares
representing the whole number of shares of Preferred Stock to be withdrawn,
the Depositary shall at the same time, in addition to such whole number of
shares of Preferred Stock and such money and other property, if any, to be
withdrawn, deliver to such holder, or (subject to Section 2.4) upon his order,
a new Receipt or Receipts evidencing such excess number of whole Depositary
Shares. Delivery of the Preferred Stock and such money and other property
being withdrawn may be made by the delivery of such certificates, documents of
title, and other instruments as the Depositary may deem appropriate, which, if
required by the Depositary, shall be properly endorsed or accompanied by
proper instruments of transfer.
 
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
  If the Preferred Stock and the money and other property being withdrawn are
to be delivered to a person or persons other than the record holder of the
Receipt or Receipts being surrendered for withdrawal of Preferred Stock, such
holder shall execute and deliver to the Depositary a written order so
directing the Depositary and the Depositary may require that the Receipt or
Receipts surrendered by such holder for withdrawal of such shares of Preferred
Stock be properly endorsed in blank or accompanied by a properly executed
instrument of transfer or endorsement in blank.
 
  The Depositary shall deliver the Preferred Stock and the money and other
property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by Receipts
surrendered for withdrawal at the Depositary's Office, except that, at the
request, risk and expense of the holder surrendering such Receipt or Receipts
and for the account of the holder thereof, such delivery may be made at such
other place as may be designated by such holder.]
 
  Section 2.7. Limitations on Execution and Delivery, Transfer, Split-up,
Combination, Surrender and Exchange of Receipts. As a condition precedent to
the execution and delivery, transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or
exchange of any Receipt, the Depositary, the Depositary's Agent or the Company
may require any or all of the following: (i) payment to it of a sum sufficient
for the payment (or, in the event that the Depositary or the Company shall
have made such payment, the reimbursement to it) of any tax or earlier
governmental charge with respect thereto (including any such tax or charge
with respect to the Preferred Stock being deposited or withdrawn or with
respect to [the Series A Stock or] other securities or property of the Company
being issued upon [conversion or] redemption); (ii) the production of proof
satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature; and
(iii) compliance with such regulations, if any, as the Depositary or the
Company may establish not inconsistent with the provisions of this Deposit
Agreement.
 
  The deposit of Preferred Stock may be refused, the delivery of Receipts
against Preferred Stock may be suspended, the transfer of Receipts may be
refused, and the transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or exchange of
outstanding Receipts may be suspended (i) during any period when the register
of holders of Receipts is closed, (ii) if any such action is deemed necessary
or advisable by the Depositary, any of the Depositary's Agents or the Company
at any time or from time to time because of any requirement of law or of any
government or governmental body or commission, or under any provision of this
Deposit Agreement, or (iii) except for the transfer of Receipts, with the
approval of the Company, for any other reason.
 
  Section 2.8. Lost Receipts, etc. In case any Receipt shall be mutilated,
destroyed, lost or stolen, the Depositary in its discretion may execute and
deliver a Receipt of like form and tenor in exchange and substitution for such
mutilated Receipt or in lieu of and in substitution for such destroyed, lost
or stolen Receipt; provided, however, that the holder thereof provides the
Depositary with (i) evidence satisfactory to the Depositary of such
destruction, loss or theft of such Receipt, of the authenticity thereof and of
his ownership thereof, (ii) reasonable indemnification satisfactory to the
Depositary and (iii) payment of any expense (including fees, charges and
expenses of the Depositary) in connection with such execution and delivery.
 
  Section 2.9. Cancellation and Destruction of Surrendered Receipts. All
Receipts surrendered to the Depositary or any Depositary's Agent shall be
cancelled by the Depositary. Except as prohibited by applicable law or
regulation, the Depositary is authorized to destroy such cancelled Receipts.
 
  [Section 2.10. Conversion of Preferred Stock into Series A Stock. Receipts
may be surrendered with written instructions to the Depositary to instruct the
Company to cause the conversion of any specified number of shares, or
fractions of shares, of Preferred Stock represented by whole Depositary Shares
evidenced by such Receipts into whole shares of Series A Stock and cash for
any fractional share of Series A Stock at the conversion price then in effect
for the Preferred Stock pursuant to the Certificate of Designations as such
conversion price may be adjusted by the Company from time to time as provided
in the Certificate of Designations. Subject to the terms and conditions of
this Deposit Agreement and the Certificate of Designations, a holder of a
Receipt or Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares representing whole or
fractional shares of Preferred Stock may surrender such Receipt or Receipts at
the Depositary's Office or at such office or to such Depositary's Agent, as
the Depositary may designate for such purpose, together with a notice of
conversion duly
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
completed and executed, thereby directing the Depositary to instruct the
Company to cause the conversion of the number of shares, or fractions of
shares, of underlying Preferred Stock specified in such notice of conversion
into shares of Series A Stock, and an assignment of such Receipt or Receipts
to the Company or in blank, duly completed and executed. To the extent that a
holder delivers to the Depositary for conversion a Receipt or Receipts which
in the aggregate are convertible into less than one whole share of Series A
Stock, the holder shall receive payment in cash in lieu of such fractional
share of Series A Stock otherwise issuable, if more than one Receipt shall be
delivered for conversion at one time by the same holder, the number of whole
shares of Series A Stock issuable upon conversion thereof shall be computed on
the basis of the aggregate number of Depositary Shares represented by the
Receipts so delivered.
 
  Upon receipt by the Depositary of a Receipt or Receipts, together with
notice of conversion, duly completed and executed, directing the Depositary to
instruct the Company to cause the conversion of a specified number of shares
of Preferred Stock, and an assignment of such Receipt or Receipts to the
Company or in blank, duly completed and executed, the Depositary shall
instruct the Company (i) to cause the conversion of the number of shares, or
fractions of shares, of Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares
evidenced by the Receipts so surrendered for conversion as specified in the
written notice to the Depositary and (ii) to cause the delivery to the holders
of such Receipts of a certificate or certificates evidencing the number of
whole shares of Series A Stock and the amount of money, if any, to be
delivered to the holders of Receipts surrendered for conversion in lieu of
fractional shares of Series A Stock otherwise issuable. The Company shall as
promptly as practicable after receipt thereof cause the delivery of (i) a
certificate or certificates evidencing the number of whole shares of Series A
Stock into which the Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares
evidenced by such Receipt or Receipts has been converted, and (ii) any money
or other property to which the holder is entitled by reason of such
conversion. Upon such conversion, the Depositary (i) shall deliver to the
holder a Receipt evidencing the number of Depositary Shares, if any, that
equals that excess of the number of Depositary Shares evidenced by the
surrendered Receipt over the number of Depositary Shares evidenced by such
converted Receipt, (ii) shall cancel the Depositary Shares evidenced by
Receipts surrendered for conversion and (iii) shall deliver to the Company or
its transfer agent for the Preferred Stock for cancellation the shares of
Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts
so surrendered and converted. Upon the delivery of the shares of Preferred
Stock to be cancelled due to such conversion by the Depositary to the Company,
the Company shall deliver to the Depositary a certificate or certificates
evidencing the number of shares, or fractions of shares, of Preferred Stock,
if any, that equals the excess of the number of shares of Preferred Stock
evidenced by the surrendered certificate over the number of shares of
Preferred Stock evidenced by that converted certificate.
 
  If Preferred Stock shall be called by the Company for redemption, the
Depositary Shares representing such Stock may be converted into Series A Stock
as provided in this Deposit Agreement until, but not after, the close of
business on the Redemption Date unless the Company shall fail to deposit with
the Depositary the amounts required to redeem the Preferred Stock held by the
Depositary, in which case the Depositary Shares representing such Preferred
Stock may continue to be converted into Series A Stock until, but not after,
the close of business on the date on which the Company deposits with the
Depositary such amounts as are required by the Certificate of Designations to
make full payment of the amounts payable upon such redemption. Upon receipt by
the Depositary of a Receipt or Receipts, together with a properly completed
and executed notice of conversion, representing any Preferred Stock called for
redemption, the shares of Preferred Stock held by the Depositary represented
by such Depositary Shares for which conversion is requested shall be deemed to
have been received by the Company for conversion as of immediately prior to
the close of business on the date of such receipt by the Depositary.
 
  Upon the conversion of any share of Preferred Stock for which a request for
conversion has been made by the holder of Depositary Shares representing such
share, all dividends in respect of such Depositary Shares shall cease to
accrue, such Depositary Shares shall be deemed no longer outstanding, all
rights of the holder of the Receipt with respect to such Depositary Shares
(except the right to receive the Series A Stock, any cash payable with respect
to any fractional shares of Series A Stock as provided herein and any cash
payable on account of
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
accrued dividends as provided herein and any Receipts evidencing Depositary
Shares not so converted) shall terminate, and the Receipt evidencing such
Depositary Shares shall be cancelled in accordance with Section 2.9 hereof.
 
  No fractional shares of Series A Stock shall be issuable upon conversion of
Preferred Stock underlying the Depositary Shares. If any holder of Receipts
surrendered with instructions to the Depositary for conversion of the
underlying Preferred Stock would be entitled to a fractional share of Series A
Stock upon such conversion, the Company shall cause to be delivered to such
holder an amount in cash for such fractional share as provided in the
Certificate of Designations.]
 
                                  ARTICLE III
 
          Certain Obligations of Holders of Receipts and the Company
 
  Section 3.1. Filing Proofs, Certificates and Other Information. Any person
presenting Preferred Stock for deposit or any holder of a Receipt may be
required from time to time to file such proof of residence or other
information, to execute such certificates and to make such representations and
warranties as the Depositary or the Company may reasonably deem necessary or
proper. The Depositary or the Company, as the case may be, may withhold or
delay the delivery of any Receipt, the transfer, redemption, conversion, or
exchange of any Receipt, the withdrawal of the Preferred Stock or money or
other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by any
Receipt or the distribution of any dividend or other distribution until such
proof or other information is filed, such certificates are executed or such
representations and warranties are made.
 
  Section 3.2. Payment of Taxes or Other Governmental Charges. If any tax or
other governmental charge shall become payable by or on behalf of the
Depositary with respect to any Receipt, the Depositary Shares evidenced by
such Receipt, the Preferred Stock (or fractional interest therein) represented
by such Depositary Shares or any transaction referred to in Section 4.6, such
tax (including transfer, issuance or acquisition taxes, if any) or
governmental charge shall be payable by the holder of such Receipt. Until such
payment is made, transfer, redemption, conversion, or exchange of any Receipt
or any withdrawal of the Preferred Stock or money or other property, if any,
represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt may be refused,
any dividend or other distribution with respect to such Receipt or the
Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such receipt
may be withheld and any part or all of the Preferred Stock or other property
represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt may be sold for
the account of the holder thereof (after attempting by reasonable means to
notify such holder prior to such sale). Any dividend or other distribution so
withheld and the proceeds of any such sale may be applied to any payment of
such tax or other governmental charge, the holder of such Receipt remaining
liable for any deficiency. The Depositary shall act as the withholding agent
for any payments, distributions, and exchanges made with respect to the
Depositary Shares and Receipts, and the Preferred Stock[, Series A Stock] or
other securities or assets represented thereby (collectively, the
"Securities"). The Depositary shall be responsible with respect to the
Securities for the timely (i) collection and deposit of any required
withholding or backup withholding tax, and (ii) filing of any information
returns or other documents with federal (and other applicable) taxing
authorities. In the event the Depositary is required to pay any such amounts,
the Company shall reimburse the Depositary for payment thereof upon the
request of the Depositary and the Depositary shall, upon the Company's request
and as instructed by the Company, pursue its rights against such holder at the
Company's expense.
 
  Section 3.3. Representations and Warranties as to Preferred Stock. Each
person depositing Preferred Stock under this Deposit Agreement shall be deemed
thereby to represent and warrant that such Preferred Stock and each
certificate therefor are valid and that the person making such deposit is duly
authorized to do so. Such representations and warranties shall survive the
deposit of the Preferred Stock and the execution and delivery of Receipts.
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
                                  ARTICLE IV
 
                         The Preferred Stock, Notices
 
  Section 4.1. Cash Distributions. Whenever the Depositary shall receive any
cash dividend or other cash distribution on the Preferred Stock, the
Depositary shall, subject to Section 3.2, distribute to record holders of
Receipts on the record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.4 such portions of
such sum as are, as nearly as practicable, proportionate to the respective
numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipts held by such holders;
provided, however, that in case the Company or the Depositary shall be
required to withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in
respect of the Preferred Stock an amount on account of taxes or as otherwise
required by law, regulation or court order, the amount made available for
distribution or distributed in respect of Depositary Shares shall be reduced
accordingly. The Depositary shall distribute or make available for
distribution, as the case may be, only such amount, however, as can be
distributed without attributing to any owner of Depositary Shares a fraction
of one cent and any balance not so distributable shall be held by the
Depositary (without liability for interest thereon) and shall be added to and
be treated as part of the next sum received by the Depositary for distribution
to record holders of Receipts then outstanding.
 
  Section 4.2. Distributions Other Than Cash. Whenever the Depositary shall
receive any distribution other than cash on the Preferred Stock, the
Depositary shall, subject to Section 3.2, distribute to record holders of
Receipts on the record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.4 such portions of the
securities or property received by it as are, as nearly as practicable,
proportionate to the respective numbers of Depositary Shares evidenced by the
Receipts held by such holders, in any manner that the Depositary and the
Company may deem equitable and practicable for accomplishing such
distribution. If, in the opinion of the Company after consultation with the
Depositary, such distribution cannot be made proportionately among such record
holders, or if for any other reason (including any requirement that the
Company or the Depositary withhold an amount on account of taxes or as
otherwise required by law, regulation or court order) the Depositary deems,
after consultation with the Company, such distribution not to be feasible, the
Depositary may, with the approval of the Company and subject to applicable
provisions of law, adopt such method as it deems equitable and practicable for
the purpose of effecting such distribution, including the sale (at public or
private sale) of the securities or property thus received, or any part
thereof, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper.
The net proceeds of any such sale shall, subject to Section 3.2, be
distributed or made available for distribution, as the case may be, by the
Depositary to record holders of Receipts as provided by Section 4.1 in the
case of a distribution received in cash.
 
  Section 4.3. Subscription Rights, Preferences or Privileges. If the Company
shall at any time offer or cause to be offered to the persons in whose names
Preferred Stock is registered on the books of the Company any rights,
preferences or privileges to subscribe for or to purchase any securities or
any rights, preferences or privileges of any other nature, such rights,
preferences or privileges shall in each such instance be made available by the
Depositary to the record holders of Receipts if the Company so directs in such
manner as the Company shall instruct (including by the execution and delivery
to such record holders of warrants representing such rights, preferences or
privileges); provided, however, that (a) if at the time of issue or offer of
any such rights, preferences or privileges the Company determines that it is
not lawful or feasible to make such rights, preferences or privileges
available to some or all holders of Receipts (by the execution and delivery of
warrants or otherwise) or (b) if and to the extent instructed by holders of
Receipts who do not desire to exercise such rights, preferences or privileges,
the Depositary shall then, if so instructed by the Company, and if applicable
laws and the terms of such rights, preferences or privileges so permit, sell
such rights, preferences or privileges of such holders at public or private
sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it may deem proper, the
net proceeds of any such sale shall, subject to Section 3.2, be distributed by
the Depositary to the record holders of Receipts entitled thereto in
accordance with the withholding and fractional amount provisions of Section
4.1.
 
  If registration under the Securities Act of the securities to which any
rights, preferences or privileges relate is required in order for holders of
Receipts to be offered or sold such securities, the Company shall promptly
file a registration statement pursuant to the Securities Act with respect to
such securities and use its best efforts and
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
take all steps available to it to cause such registration statement to become
effective sufficiently in advance of the expiration of such rights,
preferences or privileges to enable such holders to exercise such rights,
preferences or privileges. In no event shall the Depositary make available to
the holders of Receipts any right, preference or privilege to subscribe for or
to purchase any securities unless and until notified by the Company in writing
that such registration statement has become effective or that the offering and
sale of such securities to such holders are exempt from registration under the
provisions of the Securities Act.
 
  If any other action under the law of any jurisdiction or any governmental or
administrative authorization, consent or permit is required in order for such
rights, preferences or privileges to be made available to holders of Receipts,
the Company agrees with the Depositary that the Company will use its best
efforts to take such action or obtain such authorization, consent or permit
sufficiently in advance of the expiration of such rights, preferences or
privileges to enable such holders to exercise such rights, preferences or
privileges.
 
  Section 4.4. Notice of Dividends; Fixing of Record Date for Holders of
Receipts. Whenever any cash dividend or other cash distribution shall become
payable, or any distribution other than cash shall be made, or any rights,
preferences or privileges shall at any time be offered, with respect to the
Preferred Stock, or whenever the Depositary shall receive notice of (i) any
meeting at which holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote or of which
holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to notice or (ii) any election on the
part of the Company to call for redemption any shares of Preferred Stock, the
Depositary shall in each such instance fix a record date (which shall be the
same date as the record date fixed by the Company with respect to the
Preferred Stock) for the determination of the holders of Receipts (x) who
shall be entitled to receive such dividend, distribution, rights, preferences
or privileges or the net proceeds of the sale thereof, or to give instructions
for the exercise of voting rights at any such meeting or to receive notice of
such meeting or (y) whose Depositary Shares are to be so redeemed.
 
  Section 4.5. Voting Rights. Upon issuance of notice of any meeting at which
the holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, the Company shall direct
the Depositary, as soon as practicable thereafter, to mail to the record
holders of Receipts a notice, which shall be provided by the Company and which
shall contain (i) such information as is contained in such notice of meeting
(and, if applicable, such information as is provided together with such notice
of meeting), (ii) a statement that the holders of Receipts at the close of
business on a specified record date fixed pursuant to Section 4.4 will be
entitled, subject to any applicable provision of law, the Certificate of
Incorporation or the Certificate of Designations, to instruct the Depositary
as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the amount of Preferred
Stock represented by their respective Depositary Shares and (iii) a brief
statement as to the manner in which such instructions may be given. Upon the
written request of a holder of a Receipt on such record date, the Depositary
shall endeavor insofar as practicable to vote or cause to be voted the amount
of Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
Receipt in accordance with the instructions set forth in such request. The
Company hereby agrees to take all reasonable action that may be deemed
necessary by the Depositary in order to enable the Depositary to vote such
Preferred Stock or cause such Preferred Stock to be voted. In the absence of
specific instructions from the holder of a Receipt, the Depositary will
abstain from voting to the extent of the Preferred Stock represented by the
Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt. After aggregating all voting
Depositary Shares, the Depositary will disregard for voting purposes any
fractional share of Preferred Stock remaining.
 
  Section 4.6. Changes Affecting Preferred Stock and Reclassifications,
Recapitalizations, etc. Upon any split-up, consolidation or any other
reclassification of Preferred Stock, or upon any recapitalization,
reorganization, merger, amalgamation or consolidation affecting the Company or
to which it is a party or sale of all or substantially all of the Company's
assets, the Depositary shall, upon the instructions of the Company, treat any
shares of stock or other securities or property (including cash) that shall be
received by the Depositary in exchange for or upon conversion of or in respect
of the Preferred Stock as new deposited property under this Deposit Agreement,
and Receipts then outstanding shall thenceforth represent the proportionate
interests of holders thereof in the new deposited shares of stock, other
securities or other property so received in exchange
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
for or upon conversion or in respect of such Preferred Stock. In any such case
the Depositary may, in its discretion, with the approval of the Company,
execute and deliver additional Receipts, or may call for the surrender of all
outstanding Receipts to be exchanged for new Receipts specifically describing
such new deposited shares, other securities or other property.
 
  Section 4.7. Inspection of Reports. The Depositary shall make available for
inspection by holders of Receipts at the Depositary's Office and at such other
places as it may from time to time deem advisable during normal business hours
any reports and communications received from the Company that are both
received by the Depositary as the holder of Preferred Stock and made generally
available to the holders of Preferred Stock by the Company.
 
  Section 4.8. List of Receipt Holders. Promptly upon request from time to
time by the Company and at the Company's expense, the Depositary shall furnish
to it a list, as of a recent date, of the names, addresses and holdings of
Depositary Shares of all persons in whose names Receipts are registered on the
books of the Depositary.
 
                                   ARTICLE V
 
                        The Depositary and the Company
 
  Section 5.1. Maintenance of Offices, Agencies, Transfer Books by the
Depositary, the Registrar. Upon execution of this Deposit Agreement in
accordance with its terms, the Depositary shall maintain (i) at the
Depositary's Office, facilities for the execution and delivery, transfer,
surrender and exchange, split-up and combination of Receipts and deposit and
withdrawal of Preferred Stock and (ii) at the offices of the Depositary's
Agents, if any, facilities for the delivery, transfer, surrender and exchange,
split-up, combination and redemption of Receipts and deposit and withdrawal of
Preferred Stock, all in accordance with the provisions of this Deposit
Agreement.
 
  The Depositary shall keep books at the Depositary's Office for the
registration and transfer of Receipts, which books during normal business
hours shall be open for inspection by the record holders of Receipts, as
provided by applicable law, and by the Company. The Depositary shall consult
with the Company upon receipt of any request for inspection. The Depositary
may close such books, at any time or from time to time, when deemed expedient
by it in connection with the performance of its duties hereunder.
 
  If the Receipts or the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby or the Preferred
Stock represented by such Depositary Shares shall be listed on the Nasdaq
National Market, the Depositary may, with the approval of the Company, appoint
a Registrar for registry of such Receipts or Depositary Shares in accordance
with the requirements of the Nasdaq National Market. Such Registrar (which may
be the Depositary if so permitted by the requirements of the Nasdaq National
Market) may be removed and a substitute registrar appointed by the Depositary
upon the request or with the approval of the Company. If the Receipts, such
Depositary Shares or such Preferred Stock are listed on one or more other
stock exchanges, the Company will, with the assistance or the Depositary,
arrange such facilities for the delivery, transfer, surrender and exchange of
such Receipts, such Depositary Shares or Preferred Stock as may be required by
law or applicable stock exchange regulations.
 
  Section 5.2. Prevention of or Delay in Performance by the Depositary, the
Depositary's Agents or the Company. Neither the Depositary nor any
Depositary's Agent nor the Company shall incur any liability to any holder of
any Receipt if, by reason of any provision of any present or future law or
regulation thereunder of the United States of America or of any other
governmental authority or, in the case of the Depositary or any Depositary's
Agent, by reason of any provision, present or future, of the Certificate of
Incorporation or the Certificate of Designations or, in the case of the
Company, the Depositary or any Depositary's Agent, by reason of any act of God
or war or other circumstance beyond the control of the relevant party, the
Depositary, any Depositary's Agent or the Company shall be prevented or
forbidden from doing or performing any act or thing
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
that the terms of this Deposit Agreement provide shall be done or performed;
nor shall the Depositary, any Depositary's Agent or the Company incur any
liability to any holder of a Receipt by reason of any nonperformance or delay,
caused as aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing that the terms of
this Deposit Agreement provide shall or may be done or performed or by reason
of any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in
this Deposit Agreement.
 
  Section 5.3. Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary's Agents, and the
Company. Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor the Company
assumes any obligation or shall be subject to any liability under this Deposit
Agreement or any Receipt to holders of Receipts other than that each of them
agrees to use good faith in the performance of such duties as are specifically
set forth in this Deposit Agreement.
 
  Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor the Company shall be
under any obligation to appear in, prosecute or defend any action, suit or
other proceeding with respect to the Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares,
Receipts [or Series A Stock] that in its opinion may involve it in expense or
liability, unless indemnity satisfactory to it against all expense and
liability be furnished as often as may be required.
 
  Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor the Company shall be
liable for any action or any failure to act by it in reliance upon the advice
of, or information from, legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting
Preferred Stock for deposit, any holder of a Receipt or any other person
believed by it in good faith to be competent to give such advice or
information. The Depositary, any Depositary's Agent and the Company may each
rely and shall each be protected in acting upon any written notice, request,
direction or other document believed by it to be genuine and to have been
signed or presented by the proper party or parties.
 
  The Depositary, its parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, officers, directors or
employees and any Depositary's Agent may own, buy, sell or deal in any class
of securities of the Company and its affiliates and Receipts or Depositary
Shares, or become pecuniarily interested in any transaction in which the
Company or its officers may be interested, or contract with or lend money to
the Company or any of its affiliates or officers, or otherwise act as fully or
as freely as if it were not the Depositary or the Depositary's Agent
hereunder. The Depositary may also act as transfer agent or registrar of any
of the securities of the Company and its affiliates.
 
  It is intended that neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent shall
be deemed to be an "issuer" of securities under the federal securities laws or
applicable state securities laws, it being expressly understood and agreed
that the Depositary and any Depositary's Agent are acting only in a
ministerial capacity as Depositary for the Preferred Stock; provided, however,
that the Depositary agrees to comply with all information reporting and
withholding requirements applicable to it under law or this Deposit Agreement
in its capacity as Depositary.
 
  The Depositary assumes no responsibility for the correctness of the
description that appears in the Receipts, which can be taken as a statement of
the Company summarizing certain provisions of this Deposit Agreement.
Notwithstanding any other provision herein or in the Receipts, the Depositary
makes no warranties or representations as to the validity, genuineness or
sufficiency of any Preferred Stock at any time deposited with the Depositary
hereunder or of the Depositary Shares, as to the validity or sufficiency of
this Deposit Agreement, as to the value of the Depositary Shares, or as to any
right, title or interest of the record holders of Receipts in and to the
Depositary Shares, except that the Depositary hereby represents and warrants
as follows: (i) the Depositary has been duly organized and is validly existing
and in good standing under the laws of the United States with full power,
authority and legal right under such laws to execute, deliver and carry out
the terms of this Deposit Agreement; (ii) this Deposit Agreement has been duly
authorized, executed and delivered by the Depositary; and (iii) this Deposit
Agreement constitutes a valid and binding obligation of the Depositary,
enforceable against the Depositary in accordance with its terms, except as
enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization
or other similar laws affecting enforcement of creditors rights generally and
except as enforcement thereof is subject to general principles of equity
(regardless of whether enforcement is considered in a proceeding in equity or
at law). The Depositary shall not be accountable for the use or application by
the Company of the Depositary Shares or the Receipts or the proceeds of the
sale thereof.
 
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
  Section 5.4. Resignation and Removal of the Depositary; Appointment of
Successor Depositary. The Depositary may at any time resign as Depositary
hereunder by notice of its election to do so delivered to the Company, such
resignation to take effect upon the appointment of a successor depositary and
its acceptance of such appointment as hereinafter provided.
 
  The Depositary may at any time be removed by the Company by notice of such
removal delivered to the Depositary, such removal to take effect upon the
appointment of a successor depositary and its acceptance of such appointment
as hereinafter provided.
 
  In case at any time the Depositary acting hereunder shall resign or be
removed, the Company shall, within 45 days after the delivery of the notice of
resignation or removal, as the case may be, appoint a successor depositary,
which shall be a bank or trust company, or an affiliate of a bank or trust
company having its principal office in the United States of America and having
a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000. If a successor
depositary shall not have been appointed in 45 days, the resigning Depositary
may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to appoint a successor
depositary. Every successor depositary shall execute and deliver to its
predecessor and to the Company an instrument in writing accepting its
appointment hereunder, and thereupon such successor depositary, without any
further act or deed, shall become fully vested with all the rights, powers,
duties and obligations of its predecessor and for all purposes shall be the
Depositary under this Deposit Agreement, and such predecessor, upon payment of
all sums due it and on the written request of the Company, shall promptly
execute and deliver an instrument transferring to such successor all rights
and powers of such predecessor hereunder, shall duly assign, transfer and
deliver all rights, title and interest in the Preferred Stock and any moneys
or property held hereunder to such successor and shall deliver to such
successor a list of the record holders of all outstanding Receipts and such
other records respecting the Receipts, the Depositary Shares and the Preferred
Stock as the successor shall require in order to perform its duties. Any
successor depositary shall promptly mail notice of its appointment to the
record holders of Receipts.
 
  Any corporation into or with which the Depositary may be merged,
consolidated or converted, or to which the Depositary transfers all or
substantially all of its corporate trust business, shall be the successor of
such Depositary without the execution or filing of any document or any further
act. Such successor depositary may execute the Receipts either in the name of
the predecessor depositary or in the name of the successor depositary.
 
  Section 5.5. Corporate Notices and Reports. The Company agrees that it will
deliver to the Depositary, and the Depositary will, promptly after receipt
thereof, and as directed by the Company transmit to the record holders of
Receipts, in each case at the most recent address recorded in the Depositary's
books, copies of all notices and reports (including financial statements)
required by law, by the rules of any national securities exchange or national
market system, if any, upon which the Preferred Stock, the Depositary Shares
or the Receipts are listed, or by the Certificate of Incorporation and the
Certificate of Designations to be furnished by the Company to holders of
Preferred Stock. Such transmission will be at the Company's expense and the
Company will provide the Depositary with such number of copies of such
documents as the Depositary may reasonably request. In addition, the
Depositary will transmit to the record holders of Receipts at the Company's
expense such other documents as may be requested by the Company.
 
  Section 5.6. Deposit of Preferred Stock by the Company. Neither the Company
nor any company controlled by the Company will at any time deposit any
Preferred Stock if such Preferred Stock is required to be registered under the
provisions of the Securities Act and no registration statement is at such time
in effect as to such Preferred Stock.
 
  Section 5.7. Indemnification by the Company. The Company shall indemnify
Depositary, any Depositary's Agent and any Registrar for, and hold each of
them harmless against, any loss, liability or expense (including reasonable
attorneys' fees) incurred without gross negligence or intentional misconduct
on the part of any such person, arising out of or in connection with this
Deposit Agreement and the Receipts, including the costs and expenses of any of
its duties under this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts. Anything in this
Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding, in no event shall the Depositary,
any Depositary's Agent or Registrar be liable
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
for special, indirect or consequential loss or damage of any kind whatsoever
(including but not limited to lost profits) even if the Depositary, any
Depositary's Agent or Registrar has been advised of the likelihood of such
loss or damage and regardless of the form of the action. The obligations of
the Company to the Depositary, any Depositary's Agent or Registrar shall
survive the termination of this Agreement.
 
  Section 5.8. Fees, Charges and Expenses. No fees, charges and expenses of
the Depositary or any Depositary's Agent hereunder or of any Registrar shall
be payable by any person other than the Company, except for any taxes and
other governmental charges and except as provided in this Deposit Agreement.
If the Depositary incurs fees, charges or expenses for which it is not
otherwise liable hereunder at the election of a holder of a Receipt or other
person, such holder or other person will be liable for such fees, charges and
expenses. All other fees, charges and expenses of the Depositary and any
Depositary's Agent hereunder and of any Registrar (including, in each case,
reasonable fees and expenses of counsel) incident to the performance of their
respective obligations hereunder will be paid from time to time upon
consultation and agreement between the Depositary and the Company as to the
amount and nature of such fees, charges and expenses.
 
                                  ARTICLE VI
 
                           Amendment and Termination
 
  Section 6.1. Amendment. The form of the Receipts and any provisions of this
Deposit Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by
agreement between the Company and the Depositary in any respect that they may
deem necessary or desirable. Any amendment that shall impose any fees, taxes
or charges payable by holders of Receipts (other than taxes and other
governmental charges, fees and other expenses provided for herein or in the
Receipts), or that shall otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of
holders of Receipts, shall not become effective as to outstanding Receipts
until the expiration of 90 days after notice of such amendment shall have been
given to the record holders of outstanding Receipts. Every holder of an
outstanding Receipt at the time any such amendment becomes effective shall be
deemed, by continuing to hold such Receipt, to consent and agree to such
amendment and to be bound by this Deposit Agreement as amended thereby. In no
event shall any amendment impair the right, subject to the provisions of
Sections 2.3, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.10 and Article III, of any owner of any
Depositary Shares to surrender the Receipt evidencing such Depositary Shares
with instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the holder the Preferred
Stock and all money and other property, if any, represented thereby, [or to
cause the conversion of the underlying Preferred Stock into Series A Stock and
cash for any fractional share amount,] except in order to comply with
mandatory provisions of applicable law. The Depositary shall sign any
amendment authorized pursuant to this Section 6.1 if the amendment does not
adversely affect the rights, duties, liabilities or immunities of the
Depositary. If it does, the Depositary may but need not sign it. In signing
such amendment the Depositary shall be entitled to receive indemnity
reasonably satisfactory to it and to receive, and shall be fully protected in
relying upon, an opinion of counsel stating that such amendment is permitted
by this Agreement, that all conditions precedent, if any, provided for in this
Agreement relating to the proposed amendment have been complied with, and that
such amendment complies with all applicable laws.
 
  Section 6.2. Termination. Whenever so directed by the Company upon at least
five Business Days' prior notice, the Depositary will terminate this Deposit
Agreement, provided, that notice of such termination has been given by mailing
notice of such termination to the record holders of all Receipts then
outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for such
termination. The Depositary may likewise terminate this Deposit Agreement if
at any time 45 days shall have expired after the Depositary shall have
delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign and a
successor depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its
appointment as provided in Section 5.4.
 
  If any Receipts shall remain outstanding after the date of termination of
this Deposit Agreement, the Depositary thereafter shall discontinue the
transfer of Receipts, shall suspend the distribution of dividends to the
holders thereof and shall not give any further notices (other than notice of
such termination) or perform any
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
further acts under this Deposit Agreement, except as hereinafter provided in
this paragraph and except that the Depositary shall continue to collect
dividends and other distributions pertaining to Preferred Stock and shall
continue to deliver the Preferred Stock and any money and other property
represented by Receipts, without liability for interest thereon, upon
surrender thereof by the holders thereof. At any time after the expiration of
two years from the date of termination, the Depositary may, subject to
applicable provisions of law, sell Preferred Stock then held hereunder at
public or private sale, at such place or places and upon such terms as it
deems proper and may thereafter hold the net proceeds of any such sale,
together with any money and other property held by it hereunder, without
liability for interest, for the benefit, pro rata in accordance with their
holdings, of the holders of Receipts that have not theretofore been
surrendered. After making such sale, the Depositary shall be discharged from
all obligations under this Deposit Agreement except to account for such net
proceeds and money and other property. Upon the termination of this Deposit
Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all obligations under this
Deposit Agreement except for its obligations to the Depositary, any Depositary
Agent and any Registrar under Sections 5.7 and 5.8. In the event this Deposit
Agreement is terminated and a sufficient number of shares of Preferred Stock
remain outstanding, the Company hereby agrees to use its best efforts to cause
the shares of Preferred Stock to be split   to 1 (so that each Depositary
Share then represents one share of Preferred Stock) and to have the Preferred
Stock included for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market (unless the holders
of a majority of the outstanding shares of Preferred Stock shall consent to
the Company not effecting such listing).
 
                                  ARTICLE VII
 
                                 Miscellaneous
 
  Section 7.1. Counterparts. This Deposit Agreement may be executed by the
Company and the Depositary in separate counterparts, each of which
counterpart, when so executed and delivered, shall be deemed an original, but
all such counterparts taken together shall constitute one and the same
instrument. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to this
Deposit Agreement by facsimile transmission shall be effective as delivery of
a manually executed counterpart of this Deposit Agreement. Copies of this
Deposit Agreement shall be filed with the Depositary and each Depositary's
Agent, if any, and shall be open to inspection during business hours at the
Depositary's Office and the respective offices of the Depositary's Agents, if
any, by any holder of a Receipt.
 
  Section 7.2. Exclusive Benefits of Parties. This Deposit Agreement is for
the exclusive benefit of the parties hereto, and their respective successors
hereunder, and shall not be deemed to give any legal or equitable right,
remedy or claim to any other person whatsoever.
 
  Section 7.3. Invalidity of Provisions. In case any one or more of the
provisions contained in this Deposit Agreement or in the Receipts should be or
become invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect, the validity,
legality and enforceability of the remaining provisions contained herein or
therein shall in no way be affected, prejudiced or disturbed thereby.
 
  Section 7.4. Notices. Any notices to be given to the Company hereunder or
under the Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly
given if personally delivered or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid or
by telegram or telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed
to the Company at Terrace Tower II, 5619 DTC Parkway, Englewood, Colorado
80111-3000, Attention: General Counsel, or at any other place to which the
Company may have transferred its principal executive office.
 
  Any notices to be given to the Depositary hereunder or under the Receipts
shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if personally
delivered or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, or by telegram or
telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed to the
Depositary at the Depositary's Office.
 
  Any notices given to any record holder of a Receipt hereunder or under the
Receipts shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been duly given if
personally delivered or sent by first class mail, postage prepaid, or
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
by telegram or telex or facsimile transmission confirmed by letter, addressed
to such record holder at the most recent address of such record holder as it
appears on the books of the Depositary or, if such holder shall have timely
filed with the Depositary a written request that notices intended for such
holder be mailed to some other address, at the address designated in such
request.
 
  Delivery of a notice sent by mail, or by telegram or telex or facsimile
transmission, shall be deemed to be effected at the time when a duly addressed
letter containing the same (or a duly addressed letter confirming an earlier
notice in the case of a facsimile transmission, telegram or telex) is
deposited, postage prepaid, in a post office letter box. The Depositary or the
Company may, however, act upon any facsimile transmission received by it from
the other or from any holder of a Receipt, notwithstanding that such facsimile
transmission shall not subsequently be confirmed by letter as aforesaid.
Delivery of a notice delivered personally shall be deemed to be effected on
the date of delivery (or the date delivery is refused by the addressee upon
presentation).
 
  Section 7.5. Depositary's Agents. The Depositary may from time to time
appoint Depositary's Agents to act in any respect for the Depositary for the
purposes of this Deposit Agreement and may at any time appoint additional
Depositary's Agents and vary or terminate the appointment of such Depositary's
Agents. The Depositary will promptly notify the Company of any such action.
 
  Section 7.6. Holders of Receipts Are Parties. Notwithstanding that holders
of Receipts have not executed and delivered this Deposit Agreement or any
counterpart thereof, the holders of Receipts from time to time shall be deemed
to be parties to this Deposit Agreement and shall be bound by all of the terms
and conditions hereof and of the Receipts by acceptance of delivery of
Receipts.
 
  Section 7.7. Governing Law. This Deposit Agreement and the Receipts and all
rights hereunder and thereunder and provisions hereof and thereof shall be
governed by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New
York without giving effect to principles of conflict of laws.
 
  Section 7.8. Headings. The headings of articles and sections in this Deposit
Agreement and in the form of the Receipt set forth in Exhibit A hereto have
been inserted for convenience only and are not to be regarded as a part of
this Deposit Agreement or the Receipts or to have any bearing upon the meaning
or interpretation of any provision contained herein or in the Receipts.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Tele-Communications, Inc. and       have duly executed
this agreement as of the day and year first above set forth and all holders of
Receipts shall become parties hereto by and upon acceptance by them of
delivery of Receipts executed and delivered in accordance with the terms
hereof.
 
                                          Tele-Communications, Inc.
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:
 
                                          [Depositary]
                                          as Depositary
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                            Name:
                                            Title:
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT A
 
                              DEPOSITARY RECEIPT
                                      FOR
                              DEPOSITARY SHARES,
                     EACH REPRESENTING      OF A SHARE OF
                     [TITLE OF UNDERLYING PREFERRED STOCK]
                           PAR VALUE $.01 PER SHARE 
                                      OF
 
                           TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
            (INCORPORATED UNDER THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE)
 
No.
 
                               DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
                                  CUSIP
 
          , as Depositary (the "Depositary"), hereby certifies that       is
the registered owner of       Depositary Shares (the "Depositary Shares"),
each Depositary Share representing one-hundredth of a share of       [title of
underlying preferred stock], par value $.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"),
of Tele-Communications, Inc., a corporation duly organized and existing under
the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Company"), and the same proportionate
interest in any and all other property received by the Depositary in respect
of such shares of Preferred Stock and held by the Depositary under the Deposit
Agreement (as defined on the reverse hereof). Subject to the terms of the
Deposit Agreement, each owner of a Depositary Share is entitled,
proportionately, to all the rights, preferences and privileges of the
Preferred Stock represented thereby, including the dividend, voting,
[conversion,] liquidation and other rights contained in the Certificate of
Designations, establishing the rights, preferences, privileges and limitations
of the Preferred Stock (the "Certificate of Designations"), copies of which
are on file at the office of the Depositary at which at any particular time
its business in respect of matters governed by the Deposit Agreement shall be
administered, which at the time of the execution of the Deposit Agreement is
located at      ,            , (the "Depositary's Office").
 
  THE DEPOSITARY IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE VALIDITY OF ANY DEPOSITED STOCK.
THE DEPOSITARY ASSUMES NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE CORRECTNESS OF THE
DESCRIPTION SET FORTH IN THIS RECEIPT, WHICH CAN BE TAKEN AS A STATEMENT OF
THE COMPANY SUMMARIZING CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT. UNLESS
EXPRESSLY SET FORTH IN THE DEPOSIT AGREEMENT, THE DEPOSITARY MAKES NO
WARRANTIES OR REPRESENTATIONS AS TO THE VALIDITY, GENUINENESS OR SUFFICIENCY
OF ANY STOCK AT ANY TIME DEPOSITED WITH THE DEPOSITARY UNDER THE DEPOSIT
AGREEMENT OR OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES OR RECEIPTS (EXCEPT FOR ITS
COUNTERSIGNATURES THEREON), AS TO THE VALIDITY OR SUFFICIENCY OF THE DEPOSIT
AGREEMENT, AS TO THE VALUE OF THE DEPOSITARY SHARES OR AS TO ANY RIGHT, TITLE
OR INTEREST OF THE RECORD HOLDERS OF THE RECEIPTS IN AND TO THE DEPOSITARY
SHARES.
 
  The Company will furnish to any holder of a Receipt without charge, upon
request addressed to its executive office or the office of its transfer agent,
a statement or summary of the powers, designations, preferences and relative,
participating, optional or other special rights of each authorized class of
capital stock of the Company, and of each class and series of preferred stock
of the Company authorized to be issued, so far as the same may have been
fixed, and of the qualifications, limitations or restrictions of such
preferences and/or rights.
 
                                      A-1
<PAGE>
 
  This Depositary Receipt is continued on the reverse hereof and the additional
provisions therein set forth for all purposes have the same effect as if set
forth at this place.
 
Dated:
 
                                             [Insert Name of Depositary and
                                                       Registrar]
                                                Depositary and Registrar
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                  Authorized Signatory
 
 
                                      A-2
<PAGE>
 
                                [FORM OF REVERSE
 
                             OF DEPOSITARY RECEIPT]
 
  1. The Deposit Agreement. Depositary Receipts (the "Receipts"), of which this
Receipt is one, are made available upon the terms and conditions set forth in
the Deposit Agreement, dated as of     , 199  (the "Deposit Agreement") among
the Company, the Depositary and all holders from time to time of Receipts. The
Deposit Agreement (copies of which are on file at the Depositary's Office and
at the office of any Depositary's Agent) sets forth the rights of holders of
Receipts and the rights and duties of the Depositary. The statements made on
the face and the reverse of this Receipt are summaries of certain provisions of
the Deposit Agreement and are subject to the detailed provisions thereof, to
which reference is hereby made. In the event of any conflict between the
provisions of this Receipt and the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, the
provisions of the Deposit Agreement will govern.
 
  2. Definitions. Unless otherwise expressly herein provided, all defined terms
used herein shall have the meanings ascribed thereto in the Deposit Agreement.
 
  3. Redemption of Preferred Stock. Whenever the Company shall elect to redeem
shares of Preferred Stock in accordance with the Certificate of Designations,
it shall (unless otherwise agreed in writing with the Depositary) give the
Depositary in its capacity as Depositary the notice required by the Deposit
Agreement. The Depositary shall mail, first class postage prepaid, notice of
such redemption and the proposed simultaneous redemption of the number of
Depositary Shares representing the Preferred Stock held by the Depositary to be
redeemed, not less than   and not more than   days prior to the date fixed for
redemption of such Preferred Stock and Depositary Shares (the "Redemption
Date"), to the record holders of the Receipts evidencing the Depositary Shares
to be so redeemed, at the addresses of such holders as they appear on the
records of the Depositary; but neither failure to mail any such notice to one
or more such holders nor any defect in any notice to one or more such holders
shall affect the sufficiency of the proceedings for redemption as to other
holders. Each such notice shall state: (i) the Redemption Date; (ii) the number
of Depositary Shares to be redeemed and, if less than all the Depositary Shares
held by any such holder are to be redeemed, the number of such Depositary
Shares held by such holder to be so redeemed; (iii) the redemption price; (iv)
the place or places where Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares are to be
surrendered for payment of the redemption price; and (v) that dividends in
respect of the shares of Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares
to be redeemed will cease to accumulate from and after such Redemption Date.
Any such notices shall be mailed in the same manner as notices of redemption of
the Preferred Stock are required to be mailed pursuant to Section   of the
Certificate of Designations and published in the same manner as notices of
redemption of the Preferred Stock are required to be published pursuant to said
section, if so required. In case fewer than all the outstanding Depositary
Shares are to be redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed shall be
selected by lot or pro rata (as nearly as may be) or by any other equitable
method determined by the Depositary to be consistent with the method determined
by the Board of Directors of the Company with respect to the Preferred Stock.
 
  Notice having been mailed and published by the Depositary as aforesaid, from
and after the Redemption Date (unless the Company shall have failed to redeem
the shares of Preferred Stock to be redeemed by it, as set forth in the
Company's notice provided for above), the Depositary Shares called for
redemption shall be deemed no longer to be outstanding and all rights of the
holders of Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (except the right to
receive the redemption price) shall, to the extent of such Depositary Shares,
cease and terminate. Upon surrender in accordance with said notice of the
Receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares (properly endorsed or assigned for
transfer, if the Depositary shall so require), such Depositary Shares shall be
redeemed for a redemption price at a rate per Depositary Share equal to one-
of the redemption price delivered upon redemption of a share of Preferred Stock
pursuant to the Certificate of Designations. The foregoing shall be subject
further to the terms and conditions of the Certificate of Designations and the
Deposit Agreement.
 
  If fewer than all of the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt are
called for redemption, the Depositary will deliver to the holder of this
Receipt upon its surrender to the Depositary, together with the
 
                                      A-3
<PAGE>
 
redemption price for the Depositary Shares called for redemption, a new
receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares evidenced by such prior Receipt and
not called for redemption.
 
  [4. Surrender of Receipts and Withdrawal of Preferred Stock. Upon surrender
of this Receipt to the Depositary at the Depositary's Office or such other
offices as the Depositary may designate, and subject to the provisions of the
Deposit Agreement, the holder hereof is entitled to withdraw, and to obtain
delivery of, to or upon the order of such holder, any or all of the Preferred
Stock (but only in whole shares of Preferred Stock) and any or all money and
other property, if any, at the time represented by the Depositary Shares
evidenced by this Receipt; provided, however, that, in the event this Receipt
shall evidence a number of Depositary Shares in excess of the number of
Depositary Shares representing the whole number of shares of Preferred Stock
to be withdrawn, the Depositary shall, in addition to such whole number of
shares of Preferred Stock and such money and other property, if any, to be
withdrawn, deliver, to or upon the order of such holder, a new Receipt or
Receipts evidencing such excess number of whole Depositary Shares.]
 
  [5. Conversion of Preferred Stock into Common Stock. Subject to the terms
and conditions of the Deposit Agreement and the Certificate of Designations,
this Receipt may be surrendered with written instructions to the Depositary to
instruct the Company to cause the conversion of any specified number of whole
shares of Preferred Stock represented by whole Depositary Shares evidenced
hereby into whole shares of Tele-Communications, Inc. Series A TCI Group
Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Series A Stock"), and cash for any
fractional share of Series A Stock at the conversion price then in effect for
the Preferred Stock pursuant to the Certificate of Designations as such
conversion price may be adjusted by the Company from time to time as provided
in the Certificate of Designations. Subject to the terms and conditions of the
Deposit Agreement and the Certificate of Designations, a holder of a Receipt
or Receipts evidencing Depositary Shares representing whole or fractional
shares of Preferred Stock may surrender such Receipt or Receipts at the
Depositary's Office or at such office or to such Depositary's Agents as the
Depositary may designate for such purpose, together with a notice of
conversion duly completed and executed, thereby directing the Depositary to
instruct the Company to cause the conversion of the number of shares, or
fractions of shares, of underlying Preferred Stock specified in such notice of
conversion into shares of Series A Stock, and an assignment of such Receipt or
Receipts to the Company or in blank, duly completed and executed. To the
extent that a holder delivers to the Depositary for conversion a Receipt or
Receipts which in the aggregate are convertible into less than one whole share
of Series A Stock, the holder shall receive payment in cash in lieu of such
fractional share of Series A Stock otherwise issuable. If more than one
Receipt shall be delivered for conversion at one time by the same holder, the
number of whole shares of Series A Stock issuable upon conversion thereof
shall be computed on the basis of the aggregate number of Depositary Shares
represented by the Receipts so delivered.
 
  If Preferred Stock shall be called by the Company for redemption, the
Depositary Shares representing such Preferred Stock may be converted into
Series A Stock as provided in the Deposit Agreement until, but not after, the
close of business on the Redemption Date unless the Company shall fail to
deposit with the Depositary the amounts required to redeem the Preferred Stock
held by the Depositary, in which case the Depositary Shares representing such
Preferred Stock may continue to be converted into Series A Stock until, but
not after, the close of business on the date on which the Company deposits
with the Depositary such amounts as are required by the Certificate of
Designations to make full payment of the amounts payable upon such redemption.
Upon receipt by the Depositary of a Receipt or Receipts, together with a
properly completed and executed notice of conversion, representing any
Preferred Stock called for redemption, the shares of Preferred Stock held by
the Depositary represented by such Depositary Shares for which conversion is
requested shall be deemed to have been received by the Company for conversion
as of immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such receipt
by the Depositary.]
 
  6. Transfers, Split-ups, Combinations. Subject to Paragraphs 7, 8 and 9
below, this Receipt is transferable on the books of the Depositary upon
surrender of this Receipt to the Depositary at the Depositary's Office or such
other offices as the Depositary may designate, properly endorsed or
accompanied by a properly executed instrument of transfer or endorsement, and
upon such surrender the Depositary shall execute and deliver a Receipt to or
upon the order of the person entitled thereto, all as provided in and subject
to the Deposit
 
                                      A-4
<PAGE>
 
Agreement. This Receipt may be split into other Receipts or combined with
other Receipts into one Receipt evidencing the same aggregate number of
Depositary Shares evidenced by the Receipt or Receipts surrendered; provided,
however, that the Depositary shall not execute and deliver any Receipt
evidencing a fractional Depositary Share.
 
  7. Conditions to Signing and Delivery, Transfer, etc., of Receipts. Prior to
the execution and delivery, transfer, split-up, combination, surrender or
exchange of this Receipt, the Depositary, any of the Depositary's Agents or
the Company may require any or all of the following: (i) payment to it of a
sum sufficient for the payment (or, in the event that the Depositary or the
Company shall have made such payment, the reimbursement to it) of any tax or
other governmental charge with respect thereto (including any such tax or
charge with respect to Preferred Stock being deposited or withdrawn or with
respect to [Series A Stock or] other securities or property of the Company
being issued upon [conversion or] redemption); (ii) the production of proof
satisfactory to it as to the identity and genuineness of any signature; and
(iii) compliance with such regulations, if any, as the Depositary or the
Company may establish not inconsistent with the Deposit Agreement. Any person
presenting Preferred Stock for deposit, or any holder of this Receipt, may be
required to file such proof of information, to execute such certificates and
to make such representations and warranties as the Depositary or the Company
may reasonably deem necessary or proper. The Depositary or the Company may
withhold or delay the delivery of any Receipt, the transfer, redemption[,
conversion] or exchange of any Receipt, the withdrawal of [the Preferred Stock
or] money or other property, if any, represented by the Depositary Shares
evidenced by this Receipt or the distribution of any dividend or other
distribution until such proof or other information is filed, such certificates
are executed or such representations and warranties are made.
 
  8. Suspension of Delivery, Transfer, etc. The deposit of Preferred Stock may
be refused, the delivery of Receipts against Preferred Stock may be suspended,
the transfer of Receipts may be refused and the transfer, split-up,
combination, surrender or exchange of this Receipt may be suspended (i) during
any period when the register of holders of Receipts is closed; (ii) if any
such action is deemed necessary or advisable by the Depositary, any of the
Depositary's Agents or the Company at any time or from time to time because of
any requirement of law or of any government or governmental body or
commission, or under any provision of the Deposit Agreement; or (iii) except
for the transfer of Receipts, with the approval of the Company, for any other
reason. [Except with respect to a conversion of Depositary Shares which may
occur pursuant to Section   of the Certificate of Designations,] the
Depositary shall not be required (a) to execute and deliver, transfer or
exchange any Receipts for a period beginning at the opening of business 15
days next preceding any selection of Depositary Shares and Preferred Stock to
be redeemed and ending at the close of business on the day of the mailing of
notice of redemption of Depositary Shares or (b) to transfer or exchange for
another Receipt any Receipt evidencing Depositary Shares called or being
called for redemption in whole or in part, except as provided in the second
paragraph of Paragraph 3 above.
 
  9. Payment of Taxes or other Governmental Charges. If any tax or other
governmental charge shall become payable by or on behalf of the Depositary
with respect to this Receipt, the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt,
the Preferred Stock (or any fractional interest therein) represented by such
Depositary Shares or any transaction referred to in Section 4.6 of the Deposit
Agreement, such tax (including transfer, issuance or acquisition taxes, if
any) or governmental charge shall be payable by the holder hereof. Until such
payment is made, transfer, redemption, [conversion] or exchange of this
Receipt or any withdrawal of the Preferred Stock or money and other property,
if any, represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt may be
refused, any dividend or other distribution may be withheld and any part or
all of the Preferred Stock or other property represented by the Depositary
Shares evidenced by this Receipt may be sold for the account of the holder
hereof (after attempting by reasonable means to notify such holder prior to
such sale). Any dividend or other distribution so withheld and the proceeds of
any such sale may be applied to any payment of such tax or other governmental
charge, the holder of this Receipt remaining liable for any deficiency.
 
  10. Amendment. The form of the Receipts and any provision of the Deposit
Agreement may at any time and from time to time be amended by agreement
between the Company and the Depositary in any respect that they may deem
necessary or desirable. Any amendment that shall impose any fees, taxes or
charges payable by
 
                                      A-5
<PAGE>
 
holders of Receipts (other than taxes and other governmental charges, fees and
other expenses provided for herein or in the Deposit Agreement), or that shall
otherwise prejudice any substantial existing right of holders of Receipts,
shall not become effective as to outstanding Receipts until the expiration of
90 days after notice of such amendment shall have been given to the record
holders of outstanding Receipts. The holder of this Receipt at the time any
such amendment becomes effective shall be deemed, by continuing to hold this
Receipt, to consent and agree to such amendment and to be bound by the Deposit
Agreement as amended thereby. In no event shall any amendment impair the
right, subject to the provisions of Paragraphs 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 and 10 hereof
and of Sections 2.3, 2.6, 2.7 and 2.10 and Article III of the Deposit
Agreement, of the owner of the Depositary Shares evidenced by this Receipt to
surrender this Receipt with instructions to the Depositary to deliver to the
holder the Preferred Stock and all money and other property, if any,
represented hereby, [or to cause the conversion of the underlying Preferred
Stock into Series A Stock and cash for any fractional share amount], except in
order to comply with mandatory provisions of applicable law.
 
  11. Fees, Charges and Expenses. The Company will pay all fees, charges and
expenses of the Depositary, except for taxes (including transfer taxes, if
any) and other governmental charges and such charges as are expressly provided
in the Deposit Agreement to be at the expense of persons depositing Preferred
Stock, holders of Receipts or other persons.
 
  12. Ownership of Receipts. It is a condition of this Receipt, and every
successive holder hereof by accepting or holding the same consents and agrees,
that ownership of this Receipt (and of the Depositary Shares evidenced hereby)
when properly endorsed or accompanied by a properly executed instrument of
transfer or endorsement, is transferable by delivery; provided, however, that
until this Receipt shall be transferred on the books of the Depositary as
provided in Section 2.4 of the Deposit Agreement, the Depositary may,
notwithstanding any notice to the contrary, treat the record holder hereof at
such time as the absolute owner hereof for the purpose of determining the
person entitled to distribution of dividends or other distributions or to any
notice provided for in the Deposit Agreement and for all other purposes.
 
  13. Dividends and Distributions. Whenever the Depositary receives any cash
dividend or other cash distribution on the Preferred Stock, the Depositary
will, subject to the provisions of the Deposit Agreement, distribute such
portions of such sum to record holders of Receipts as are, as nearly as
practicable, proportionate to the respective number of Depositary Shares
evidenced by the Receipts held by such holders; provided, however, that in
case the Company or the Depositary shall be required to withhold and does
withhold from any cash dividend or other cash distribution in respect of the
Preferred Stock an amount on account of taxes or as otherwise required by law,
regulation or court order, the amount made available for distribution or
distributed in respect of Depositary Shares shall be reduced accordingly. The
Depositary shall distribute or make available for distribution, as the case
may be, only such amount, however, as can be distributed without attributing
to any owner of Depositary Shares a fraction of one cent and any balance not
so distributable shall be held by the Depositary (without liability for
interest thereon) and shall be added to and be treated as part of the next sum
received by the Depositary for distribution to record holders of Receipts then
outstanding.
 
  14. Subscription Rights, Preferences or Privileges. If the Company shall at
any time offer or cause to be offered to the persons in whose names Preferred
Stock is registered on the books of the Company any rights, preferences or
privileges to subscribe for or to purchase any securities or any rights,
preferences or privileges of any other nature, such rights, preferences or
privileges shall in each such instance, subject to the provisions of the
Deposit Agreement, be made available by the Depositary to the record holders
of receipts if the Company so directs in such manner as the Company shall
instruct.
 
  15. Notice of Dividends; Fixing of Record Date. Whenever any cash dividend
or other cash distribution shall become payable, any distribution other than
cash shall be made, or any rights, preferences or privileges shall at any time
be offered, with respect to the Preferred Stock, or whenever the Depositary
shall receive notice of (i) any meeting at which holders of Preferred Stock
are entitled to vote or of which holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to
notice or (ii) any election on the part of the Company to call for redemption
any shares of Preferred Stock, the Depositary shall in each such instance fix
a record date (which shall be the same date as the record
 
                                      A-6
<PAGE>
 
date fixed by the Company with respect to the Preferred Stock) for the
determination of the holders of Receipts (i) who shall be entitled to receive
such dividend, distribution, rights, preferences or privileges or the net
proceeds of the sale thereof, or to give instructions for the exercise of
voting rights at any such meeting or to receive notice of such meeting or (ii)
whose Depositary Shares are to be so redeemed.
 
  16. Voting Rights. Upon issuance of notice of any meeting at which the
holders of Preferred Stock are entitled to vote, the Company shall direct the
Depositary, as soon as practicable thereafter, to mail to the record holders
of Receipts a notice, which shall contain (i) such information as is contained
in such notice of meeting (and, if applicable, such information as is provided
together with such notice of meeting), (ii) a statement that the holders of
Receipts at the close of business on a specified record date determined as
provided in Paragraph 15 will be entitled, subject to any applicable provision
of law, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Certificate of Designations,
to instruct the Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining
to the amount of Preferred Stock represented by their respective Depositary
Shares, and (iii) a brief statement as to the manner in which such
instructions may be given. Upon the written request of a holder of a Receipt
on such record date, the Depositary shall endeavor insofar as practicable to
vote or cause to be voted the amount of Preferred Stock represented by the
Depositary Shares evidenced by such Receipt in accordance with the
instructions set forth in such request. The Company has agreed to take all
reasonable action that may be deemed necessary by the Depositary in order to
enable the Depositary to vote such Preferred Stock or cause such Preferred
Stock to be voted. In the absence of specific instructions from the holder of
a Receipt, the Depositary will abstain from voting to the extent of the
Preferred Stock represented by the Depositary Shares evidenced by such
Receipt. After aggregating all voting Depositary Shares, the Depositary will
disregard for voting purposes any fractional share of Preferred Stock
remaining.
 
  17. Reports, Inspection of Transfer Books. The Depositary shall make
available for inspection by holders of Receipts at the Depositary's Office and
at such other places as it may from time to time deem advisable during normal
business hours any reports and communications received from the Company that
are both received by the Depositary as the holder of Preferred Stock and made
generally available to the holders of Preferred Stock by the Company. The
Depositary shall keep books at the Depositary's Office for the registration
and transfer of Receipts, which books during normal business hours will be
open for inspection by the record holders of receipts as provided by
applicable law.
 
  18. Liability of the Depositary, the Depositary's Agents and the
Company. Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor the Company
shall incur any liability to any holder of any Receipt if, by reason of any
provision of any present or future law or regulation of any governmental
authority or, in the case of the Depositary or any Depositary's Agent, by
reason of any provision, present or future, of the Restated Certificate of
Incorporation or the Certificate of Designations or, in the case of the
Company, the Depositary or any Depositary's Agent, by reason of any act of God
or war or other circumstance beyond the control of the relevant party, the
Depositary, any Depositary's Agent or the Company shall be prevented or
forbidden from doing or performing any act or thing that the terms of the
Deposit Agreement provide shall or may be done or performed; nor shall the
Depositary, any Depositary's Agent or the Company incur any liability to any
holder of a Receipt by reason of any nonperformance or delay, caused as
aforesaid, in the performance of any act or thing that the terms of the
Deposit Agreement provide shall or may be done or performed or by reason of
any exercise of, or failure to exercise, any discretion provided for in the
Deposit Agreement.
 
  19. Obligations of the Depositary, the Depositary's Agents and the
Company. Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor the Company
assumes any obligation or shall be subject to any liability hereunder or under
the Deposit Agreement to holders of Receipts other than that each of them
agrees to use good faith in the performance of such duties as are specifically
set forth in the Deposit Agreement. Neither the Depositary nor any
Depositary's Agent nor the Company shall be under any obligation to appear in,
prosecute or defend any action, suit or other proceeding with respect to
Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Receipts [or Series A Stock] that in its
opinion may involve it in expense or liability, unless indemnity satisfactory
to it against all expense and liability be furnished as often as may be
required. Neither the Depositary nor any Depositary's Agent nor the Company
will be liable for any action or failure to act by it in reliance upon the
advice of or information
 
                                      A-7
<PAGE>
 
from legal counsel, accountants, any person presenting Preferred Stock for
deposit, any holder of a Receipt or any other person believed by it in good
faith to be competent to give such advice or information.
 
  20. Termination of Deposit Agreement. Whenever so directed by the Company
upon at least five Business Days' prior notice, the Depositary will terminate
the Deposit Agreement, provided that notice of such termination has been given
by mailing notice of such termination to the record holders of all Receipts
then outstanding at least 30 days prior to the date fixed in such notice for
such termination. The Depositary may likewise terminate the Deposit Agreement
if at any time 45 days shall have expired after the Depositary shall have
delivered to the Company a written notice of its election to resign and a
successor Depositary shall not have been appointed and accepted its
appointment as provided in Section 5.4 of the Deposit Agreement. Upon the
termination of the Deposit Agreement, the Company shall be discharged from all
obligations thereunder except for its obligations to the Depositary, any
Depositary's Agent and any Registrar under Sections 5.7 and 5.8 of the Deposit
Agreement.
 
  If any Receipts remain outstanding after the date of termination, the
Depositary thereafter shall discontinue all functions and be discharged from
all obligations as provided in the Deposit Agreement, except as specifically
provided therein.
 
  21. Governing Law. The Deposit Agreement and this Receipt and all rights
thereunder and hereunder and provisions thereof and hereof shall be governed
by, and construed in accordance with, the law of the State of New York without
giving effect to principles of conflict of laws.
 
  This Receipt shall not be entitled to any benefits under the Deposit
Agreement or be valid or obligatory for any purpose, unless this Receipt shall
have been executed manually or, if a Registrar for the Receipts (other than
the Depositary) shall have been appointed, by facsimile by the Depositary by
the signature of a duly authorized signatory and, if executed by facsimile
signature of the Depositary, shall have been countersigned manually by such
Registrar by the signature of a duly authorized signatory.
 
Dated:
 
                                             [Insert Name of Depositary and
                                                       Registrar]
                                                Depositary and Registrar
 
                                          By: _________________________________
                                                  Authorized Signatory
 
 
                                      A-8
<PAGE>
 
                             [NOTICE OF CONVERSION
 
  The undersigned holder of this Receipt for Depositary Shares hereby
irrevocably exercises the option to convert that number of shares, or
fractions of shares, of [title of underlying preferred stock] of the Company
represented by      Depositary Shares into shares of Series A Stock of the
Company and cash for any fraction of Series A Stock in accordance with the
terms of and subject to the conditions of the Preferred Stock, including the
Certificate of Designations in respect thereof and the Deposit Agreement, and
directs the Depositary to instruct the Company that the shares of Series A
Stock deliverable upon such conversion be registered in the name of, and
delivered together with a check in payment for any fractional shares of Series
A Stock to, the undersigned unless a different name has been indicated below.
If the shares of Series A Stock are to be registered in the name of a person
other than the undersigned, the undersigned will pay all transfer and similar
taxes payable with respect thereto. If the number of shares of Preferred
Stock, represented by the number of Depositary Shares set forth above, is less
than the number of shares of Preferred Stock on deposit in respect of this
Receipt, the undersigned directs that the Depositary execute and deliver to
the undersigned, unless a different name is indicated below, a new receipt
evidencing Depositary Shares for the balance of such Preferred Stock not to be
converted.
 
Dated:
 
                                          Signature: __________________________
                                                        (              )
 
                                          NOTE: The signature on this notice
                                          of conversion must correspond with
                                          the name as written upon the face of
                                          this Receipt in every particular
                                          without alteration or enlargement or
                                          any change whatsoever, and must be
                                          guaranteed by a commercial bank,
                                          trust company, securities broker or
                                          dealer, credit union, savings
                                          association or other eligible
                                          guarantor institution which is a
                                          member of or participant in a
                                          signature guarantee program
                                          acceptable to the Depositary.
 
                                          Name: _______________________________
 
                                          Address: ____________________________
                                                     (Please print name and
                                                      address of Registered
                                                             Holder)
 
                                          Name: _______________________________
 
                                          Address: __________________________ ]
                                                     (Please indicate other
                                                    delivery instructions, if
                                                           applicable)
 
                                      A-9

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.11
 
  UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE COMPANY
(AS DEFINED BELOW) OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR
PAYMENT, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH
OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY
TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR
OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE
THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
 
REGISTERED                                                   PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
No. FX-                                                      [$]
 
CUSIP No.
 
                           TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                          MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES D
                                 (FIXED RATE)
 
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:         INTEREST RATE:                  STATED MATURITY
                                                             DATE:
 
 
 
INTEREST PAYMENT             INITIAL REDEMPTION              INITIAL
DATES (If other than FebruaryDATE:                           REDEMPTION
15 and August 15):                                           PERCENTAGE:
 
 
 
ANNUAL REDEMPTION            OPTIONAL REPAYMENT                EXTENSION
PERCENTAGE REDUCTION:        DATE(S):                        PERIOD(S):
 
 
 
FINAL MATURITY               OTHER TERMS:
DATE:
 
 
 
  TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company," which term
includes any successor corporation permitted by the terms hereof), for value
received, hereby promises to pay to    , or registered assigns, the principal
sum of     [DOLLARS] on the Stated Maturity Date specified above (except to
the extent redeemed or repaid prior to the Stated Maturity Date and except to
the extent extended as provided herein), and to pay interest thereon at the
Interest Rate per annum specified above, from the Original Issue Date
specified above until the principal hereof is paid or duly made available for
payment. The Company shall pay interest semi-annually on the dates specified
above or, if none are specified, February 15 and August 15 (each an "Interest
Payment Date") in each year commencing on the first Interest Payment Date next
succeeding the Original Issue Date specified above, and on the Stated Maturity
Date, or any Redemption Date, Purchase Date or Optional Repayment Date (in
each case as defined herein) on which this Note is redeemed, repurchased or
repaid prior to the Stated Maturity Date in whole or in part (each such Stated
Maturity Date, Redemption Date, Purchase Date and Optional Repayment Date
being referred to hereinafter as a "Maturity Date" with respect to principal,
premium, if any, and interest payable on such date); provided, however, unless
otherwise specified herein, if the Original Issue Date specified above is
between a Regular Record Date (as defined below) and the next succeeding
Interest Payment Date or on an Interest Payment Date, interest payments hereon
will commence on the Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding
Regular Record Date to the registered Holder of this Note on such next
succeeding Regular Record Date. Interest on this Note shall accrue from the
most recent Interest Payment Date in respect of which interest has been paid
or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid, from and including the
Original Issue Date specified above, until the principal hereof has been paid
or made available for payment in full. If a Maturity Date or an Interest
Payment Date falls on a day that is not a Business Day (as defined below), the
related payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest payable with
respect to such Maturity Date or Interest Payment Date shall be paid on the
next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as if made on such
Maturity Date or Interest Payment Date, as the case may be, and no interest
shall
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after such Maturity
Date or Interest Payment Date, as the case may be. The interest (except
defaulted interest) so payable or duly provided for on any Interest Payment
Date shall be paid to the person in whose name this Note or one or more
predecessor Notes is registered at the close of business on the Regular Record
Date for such Interest Payment Date, which shall be the date fifteen (15)
calendar days (whether or not a Business Day) prior to the applicable Interest
Payment Date; provided, however, that interest payable on any Maturity Date
shall be payable to the person to whom the principal hereof shall be payable.
As used herein, "Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or Sunday,
that is not a day on which banking institutions are authorized or required by
law, regulation or executive order to be closed in The City of New York, New
York.
 
  Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Note
shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at
the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private
debts to the Holder hereof upon presentation and surrender of this Note at the
office of the Paying Agent, which is currently the corporate trust department
of the Trustee (as defined herein), 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New
York, New York 10286, or at such other office or agency of the Company in The
City of New York, New York as the Company shall designate by written notice to
the Holder hereof; provided, however, that payment of interest on any Interest
Payment Date (but not on the Maturity Date) without presentation of this Note
(i) may be made by check mailed to the address of the Holder hereof as of the
close of business on the immediately preceding Regular Record Date at such
address as shall appear in the security register or (ii) upon receipt by the
Paying Agent of appropriate instructions in writing from the Holder hereof
(provided such Holder is the holder of an aggregate principal amount of Notes,
including this Note, in excess of $10,000,000 having the same Interest Payment
Dates) not less than sixteen (16) calendar days prior to such Interest Payment
Date, shall be made in the United States dollars by the wire transfer of
immediately available funds to such account at a bank in The City of New York,
New York (or other bank consented to by the Company and the Paying Agent) as
the Holder hereof shall have designated in such instructions so long as such
bank has appropriate facilities therefor. Payment of the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on this Note will be made on a Maturity Date,
upon presentation and surrender of this Note to the Paying Agent as provided
above, (a) in immediately available funds, provided that this Note is so
presented and surrendered in time for the Paying Agent to make such payment in
immediately available funds in accordance with its normal procedures, or (b)
by the wire transfer of immediately available funds to such account at a bank
in The City of New York, New York (or other bank consented to by the Company
and the Paying Agent) as the Holder hereof shall have designated, provided
that such bank has appropriate facilities therefor and that wire transfer
instructions in writing have been received by the Paying Agent not less than
sixteen (16) calendar days prior to such Maturity Date. If required by
applicable law or instructed by the Company or any governmental agency that
taxes or other governmental charges should be withheld, the Paying Agent shall
withhold any such taxes or other governmental charges on any payments made in
connection with this Note.
 
  This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company
issued and to be issued under an Indenture dated as of       , 1998 (the
"Indenture"), between the Company, as issuer, and The Bank of New York, as
trustee (herein called the "Trustee," which term includes any successor
trustee under the Indenture) which securities may be issued in one or more
series (therein called the "Securities"). The terms of the Notes (as defined
below) include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of the
Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Act").
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental
thereto and the Act for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of
rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and
are to be, authenticated and delivered. All terms used and not defined in this
Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to
them in the Indenture. This Note is one of the series of Securities designated
"Medium-Term Notes, Series D" (Securities of such series being herein called
the "Notes"). The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company.
 
  This Note shall not be subject to any sinking fund and, except as may be
provided in the next two paragraphs, shall not be redeemable or repayable
prior to its Stated Maturity Date. If an Event of Default with respect to the
Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal amount of and accrued
interest on the Notes may be declared or may become due and payable in the
manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
  If so provided above, this Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company
on any date on and after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, specified above.
If no Initial Redemption Date is set forth above, this Note may not be
redeemed at the option of the Company prior to its Stated Maturity Date. On
and after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, this Note may be redeemed at
any time in whole or from time to time in part in denominations of $1,000
principal amount hereof or any integral multiple of $1,000 (provided that any
remaining principal amount hereof shall be at least $1,000) at the option of
the Company at the applicable Redemption Price (as defined below), together
with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount to be redeemed at the
applicable rate to but excluding the date of redemption (each such date, a
"Redemption Date"), on notice given by the Company or the Trustee to the
Holder hereof not more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to the Redemption
Date. Whenever less than all the Notes at any time outstanding are to be
redeemed, the particular Notes to be so redeemed shall be selected by the
Company, provided that if less than all the Notes with identical terms at any
time outstanding are to be redeemed, the Notes to be so redeemed shall be
selected by the Trustee by lot or such other method as the Trustee considers
fair and appropriate. In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a
new Note for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the
Holder hereof upon the surrender hereof. The "Redemption Price" shall
initially be the Initial Redemption Percentage, if any, specified above, of
the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed and, if the Initial
Redemption Percentage is greater than 100%, shall decline at each anniversary
of the Initial Redemption Date, shown above, by the Annual Redemption
Percentage Reduction, if any, of the principal amount to be redeemed until the
Redemption Price is 100% of such principal amount.
 
  This Note may be subject to repayment at the option of the Holder hereof on
each Optional Repayment Date, if any, indicated above. If no Optional
Repayment Date is set forth above, this Note may not be so repaid at the
option of the Holder hereof prior to its Stated Maturity Date. On any Optional
Repayment Date this Note shall be repayable in whole or in part in
denominations of $1,000 principal amount hereof or any integral multiple of
$1,000 (provided that any remaining principal hereof shall be at least
$1,000), at the option of the Holder hereof at a repayment price equal to 100%
of the principal amount to be repaid, together with accrued and unpaid
interest thereon at the applicable rate to but excluding the date of
repayment. For this Note to be repaid in whole or in part at the option of the
Holder hereof, either (i) this Note must be surrendered, not more than 60 nor
less than 30 days prior to an Optional Repayment Date, with the form entitled
"Option to Elect Repayment" below duly completed, at the office of the Paying
Agent (currently the corporate trust department of the Trustee at 101 Barclay
Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286), or at such other office or
offices in The City of New York, New York of which the Company from time to
time notifies the Holder of this Note or (ii) the Paying Agent must receive at
such office, within such period of time prior to an Optional Repayment Date, a
telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter from a member of a national
securities exchange or the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. or
a commercial bank or trust company in the United States setting forth the name
of the Holder of this Note, the principal amount of this Note, the principal
amount of this Note to be repaid, the certificate number or a description of
the tenor and terms hereof, a statement that the option to elect repayment is
being exercised thereby and a guarantee that this Note with the form entitled
"Option to Elect Repayment" below duly completed will be surrendered to the
Paying Agent not later than five business Days after the date of such
telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter and this Note, with such
form duly completed, are received by the Paying Agent by such fifth Business
Day. Exercise of such repayment option by the Holder hereof shall be
irrevocable. No transfer or exchange of this Note (or, in the event that this
Note is to be repaid in part, the portion of this Note to be repaid) will be
permitted after exercise of a repayment option. All questions as to the
validity, eligibility (including time or receipt) and acceptance of this Note
for repayment will be determined by the Company, which determination will be
fixed, binding and non-appealable.
 
  This Note may be subject to an extension of its Stated Maturity Date at the
option of the Company for one or more whole year periods, if any, indicated
above (each an "Extension Period") up to but not beyond the Final Maturity
Date, if any, indicated above. If this Note is subject to an extension of its
Stated Maturity Date, the interest rate for such Extension Period will be as
indicated above.
 
  The Company may exercise such option with respect to this Note by notifying
the Trustee of such exercise not more than 60 nor less than 45 days prior to
the Stated Maturity Date in effect prior to the exercise of such option (the
"Original Stated Maturity Date"). No later than 40 days prior to the Original
Stated Maturity Date,
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
the Trustee will mail to the Holder hereof a notice (the "Extension Notice")
relating to such Extension Period, by first class mail, postage prepaid,
setting forth (i) the election of the Company to extend the Stated Maturity
Date, (ii) the new Stated Maturity Date, (iii) the interest rate applicable to
the Extension Period, (iv) the provisions, if any, for redemption at the
option of the Company during the Extension Period, including the date or dates
on which or the period or periods during which and the price or prices at
which such redemption may occur during the Extension Period and (v) if this
Note is subject to repayment at the option of the Holder hereof, the
provisions, if any, for repayment of this Note at the option of the Holder on
the Original Stated Maturity Date, the price at which such repurchase shall
occur, and the period within which this Note, with the "Option to Elect
Repayment" form completed, must be surrendered to the Paying Agent. Upon the
mailing by the Trustee of an Extension Notice to the Holder hereof, the Stated
Maturity Date of this Note shall be extended automatically as set forth in the
Extension Notice, and except as modified by the Extension Notice and as
described in the next paragraph, such Note will have the same terms as prior
to the mailing of such Extension Notice.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 days prior to the Original
Stated Maturity Date, the Company may, at its option, revoke the interest rate
provided for in the Extension Notice and establish a higher interest rate for
the Extension Period by mailing or causing the Trustee to mail notice of such
higher interest rate by first class mail, postage prepaid, to the Holder
hereof. Such notice shall be irrevocable. All Notes with identical terms with
respect to which the Stated Maturity Date is extended will bear such higher
interest rate for the Extension Period.
 
  Interest payments on this Note shall include interest accrued from, and
including, the most recent date to which interest has been paid or duly
provided for (or from and including the Original Issue Date specified above,
if no interest has been paid), to, but excluding, the related Interest Payment
Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be. Interest shall be computed and paid
on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
 
  This Note, and any Note or Notes issued upon transfer or exchange hereof,
may be issued only in fully registered form, without coupons, in denominations
of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000.
 
  As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth (including without limitation the restrictions on transfer under
Sections 2.02, 2.08 and 2.10 of the Indenture in the event this Note is a
global Security), the transfer of this Note is registrable in the security
register, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the
office of the Registrar in The City of New York, New York designated for such
purpose, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer
in form satisfactory to the Company and the Registrar duly executed by, the
Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or
more new registered Notes, of authorized denominations and of a like aggregate
principal amount and otherwise bearing identical terms and provisions, will be
issued in the name of the designated transferee or transferees.
 
  Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes of this Note, whether or not this Note shall be overdue, and none of
the Company, the Trustee or any such agent shall be affected by notice to the
contrary.
 
  As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth (including without limitation the restrictions on exchange under
Sections 2.02, 2.08 and 2.10 of the Indenture in the event this Note is a
global Security), Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount
of Notes of a different authorized denomination and otherwise bearing
identical terms and provisions, as requested by the Holder surrendering the
same at the office of the Registrar in The City of New York, New York
designated for such purpose.
 
  No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or
exchange, but the Company or the Registrar may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection
therewith. Initially, the Trustee will act as Registrar and the office at
which Notes must be surrendered for registration of transfer or exchange is
currently the corporate trust department of the Trustee, 101 Barclay Street,
Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286.
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
  The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
Indenture (insofar as the Notes are concerned) or the Notes to be amended or
supplemented and the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of
the Holders of Notes to be modified by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding
Notes, on behalf of all the holders of Notes, to waive compliance by the
Company with certain provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults
under the Indenture and their consequences, in each case insofar as the Notes
are concerned. Any such consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be
conclusive and binding upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this
Note and of any Note issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in
exchange herefor or in lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or
waiver is made upon this Note. Without the consent of any Holder, the Company
and the Trustee may amend or supplement the Indenture or the Notes to cure any
ambiguity, defect or inconsistency or to make certain other specified changes
or any change that does not materially adversely affect the rights of any
Holder. Holders of Notes may not enforce their rights pursuant to the
Indenture or the Notes, except as permitted in the Indenture.
 
  No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the
Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the manner and coin
or currency, herein prescribed.
 
  When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor
under the Notes and the Indenture as provided in the Indenture, the
predecessor corporation will be released from those obligations.
 
  A director, officer, employee, or stockholder, as such, of the Company or
the Trustee shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or
the Trustee under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in
respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by
accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Notes.
 
  The Indenture and the Notes shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be
performed in such State.
 
  Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories, this
Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture (as defined
herein) or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
 
  IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed, manually or by facsimile.
 
                                          TCI Communications, Inc.
 
                                          By: _________________________________
 
Attest: _____________________________
Secretary
 
Dated:
 
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION:
 
This is one of the
Securities of the series
designated herein
referred to in the
within-mentioned
Indenture.
 
The Bank of New York
               as Trustee
 
By: _________________________________
        Authorized Signatory
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
                                 ABBREVIATIONS
 
  The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations.
 
     TEN COM--as tenants in common
 
     UNIF GIFT MIN ACT--..................... Custodian.....................
 
                       Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
                          ..........................
 
     TEN ENT--as tenants by the entireties
 
     JT TEN--as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as
     tenants in common
 
  Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
 
                           OPTION TO ELECT REPAYMENT
 
  The undersigned hereby irrevocably request(s) and instruct(s) the Company to
repay this Note (or portion hereof specified below) pursuant to its terms at a
price equal to 100% of the principal amount of this Note (or of such specified
portion) together with interest on the amount to be repaid to the repayment
date, to the undersigned, at:
 
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
(Please print or typewrite name and address of the undersigned.)
 
  For this Note to be repaid in whole or in part, the Paying Agent must
receive at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286 (or at
such other office or offices in The City of New York, New York of which the
Company shall from time to time notify the Holder of this Note), not more than
60 nor less than 30 days prior to an Optional Repayment Date, if any, shown on
this Note, either (i) this Note with this "Option to Elect Repayment" form
duly completed or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter
from a member of a national securities exchange or the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company in the United
States setting forth the name of the Holder of this Note, the principal amount
of this Note, the principal amount of this Note to be repaid, the certificate
number or a description of the tenor and terms hereof, a statement that the
option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby and a guarantee that this
Note with this "Option to Elect Repayment" form duly completed will be
surrendered to the Paying Agent not later than five Business Days after the
date of such telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter and this Note,
with this form duly completed, are received by the Paying Agent by such fifth
Business Day.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  If less than the entire principal amount of this Note is to be repaid,
specify the portion hereof (which must be in denominations of $1,000 principal
amount) which the Holder elects to have repaid and specify the denomination or
denominations (which shall be $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of the
Notes to be reissued to the Holder for the portion of this Note not being
repaid (in the absence of any such specification, one such Note will be issued
for the portion not being repaid).
 
Portion to be repaid:
 
                                                Signature: ____________________
 
$ _____________________________                 NOTICE: The signature on this
                                                Option to Elect Repayment must
                                                correspond with the name as
                                                written upon the face of this
                                                Note in every particular,
                                                without alteration or
                                                enlargement or any change
                                                whatsoever.
 
Denomination(s) of Notes to be
reissued to Holder:
 
$ _____________________________
 
Date __________________________
 
 
Signature Guarantee: __________
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
                                ASSIGNMENT FORM
 
  FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and
transfer(s) unto
 
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
 
_______________________________________________________________________________
(Please print or typewrite name and address including zip code of assignee and
insert Taxpayer Identification No.)
 
the attached Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting
and appointing        attorney and agent to transfer said Note on the books of
the issuer, with full power of substitution in the premises.
 
Dated: ________________________                 Signature: ____________________
 
                                                NOTICE: The signature of the
                                                registered owner to this
                                                assignment must correspond
                                                with the name as written upon
                                                the face of the Note in every
                                                particular, without alteration
                                                or enlargement or any change
                                                whatsoever.
 
Signature Guarantee: ___________________________
 
                                       8

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 4.12
 
  UNLESS THIS NOTE IS PRESENTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE
DEPOSITORY TRUST COMPANY (55 WATER STREET, NEW YORK, NEW YORK) TO THE COMPANY
(AS DEFINED BELOW) OR ITS AGENT FOR REGISTRATION OF TRANSFER, EXCHANGE OR
PAYMENT, AND ANY NOTE ISSUED IS REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF CEDE & CO. OR SUCH
OTHER NAME AS REQUESTED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE DEPOSITORY
TRUST COMPANY AND ANY PAYMENT IS MADE TO CEDE & CO., ANY TRANSFER, PLEDGE OR
OTHER USE HEREOF FOR VALUE OR OTHERWISE BY OR TO ANY PERSON IS WRONGFUL SINCE
THE REGISTERED OWNER HEREOF, CEDE & CO., HAS AN INTEREST HEREIN.
 
                                                             PRINCIPAL AMOUNT
REGISTERED                                                   [$]
No. FLR-
 
CUSIP No.
 
                           TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                          MEDIUM-TERM NOTE, SERIES D
                                (FLOATING RATE)
 
<TABLE>
 <C>                           <S>                      <C>
 INTEREST RATE BASIS OR BASES: ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE:     STATED MATURITY DATE:
 INDEX MATURITY:               INITIAL INTEREST RATE:   INTEREST PAYMENT PERIOD:
 SPREAD:                       INITIAL INTEREST RESET   INTEREST PAYMENT DATES:
                               DATE:
 SPREAD MULTIPLIER:            INTEREST RESET PERIOD:   INTEREST RESET DATES:
 MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE:        MINIMUM INTEREST RATE:   INITIAL REDEMPTION DATE:
 INITIAL REDEMPTION            ANNUAL REDEMPTION        OPTIONAL REPAYMENT
 PERCENTAGE:                   PERCENTAGE REDUCTION:    DATE(S):
 CALCULATION AGENT             EXTENSION PERIOD(S):     FINAL MATURITY DATE:
 (if other than
 The Bank of New York):                                 OTHER TERMS:
</TABLE>
 
  TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC., a Delaware corporation (the "Company," which term
includes any successor corporation permitted by the terms hereof), for value
received, hereby promises to pay to    , or registered assigns, the principal
sum of     [DOLLARS] on the Stated Maturity Date specified above (except to
the extent redeemed or repaid prior to the Stated Maturity Date and except to
the extent extended as provided herein), and to pay interest thereon, at a
rate per annum equal to the Initial Interest Rate specified above from the
Original Issue Date specified above until the Initial Interest Reset Date
specified above and thereafter at the rate or rates per annum determined in
accordance with the provisions hereof, including the provisions under the
heading "Determination of Commercial Paper Rate," "Determination of CD Rate,"
"Determination of Federal Funds Rate," "Determination of LIBOR,"
"Determination of Prime Rate," "Determination of Treasury Rate" or
"Determination of CMT Rate," as applicable depending upon whether the Interest
Rate Basis specified above is Commercial Paper Rate, CD Rate, Federal Funds
Rate, LIBOR, Prime Rate, Treasury Rate, CMT Rate or the lowest of any two or
more of such Interest Rate Bases, as indicated above, until the principal
hereof is paid or duly made available for payment.
 
  The Company shall pay interest monthly, quarterly, semiannually or annually
as specified above under "Interest Payment Period," on each Interest Payment
Date specified above, commencing with the first Interest Payment Date
specified above next succeeding the Original Issue Date specified above, and
on the Stated Maturity Date, or any Redemption Date, Purchase Date or Optional
Repayment Date (in each case as defined herein) on which this Note is
redeemed, repurchased or repaid prior to the Stated Maturity Date in whole or
in part (each such Stated Maturity Date, Redemption Date, Purchase Date and
Optional Repayment Date are
 
                                       1
<PAGE>
 
referred to hereinafter as a "Maturity Date" with respect to principal,
premium, if any, and interest payable on such date); provided, however, unless
otherwise specified herein, if the Original Issue Date specified above is
between a Regular Record Date (as defined herein) and the next succeeding
Interest Payment Date or on an Interest Payment Date, interest payments hereon
shall commence on the Interest Payment Date following the next succeeding
Regular Record Date to the registered Holder of this Note on such next
succeeding Regular Record Date. If any Maturity Date falls on a day that is
not a Business Day (as defined herein), the related payment of principal,
premium, if any, and interest payable with respect to such Maturity Date shall
be paid on the next succeeding Business Day with the same force and effect as
if made on such Maturity Date, and no interest shall accrue on the amount so
payable for the period from and after such Maturity Date. If any day specified
above as an Interest Payment Date (that is not a Maturity Date) is not a
Business Day, then such Interest Payment Date shall be the next succeeding day
that is a Business Day, except that if the Interest Rate Basis or one of the
Interest Rate Bases specified above is LIBOR and such next succeeding Business
Day falls in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Payment Date
shall be the next preceding day that is a Business Day. Except as provided
above, interest payments shall be made on the Interest Payment Dates specified
above. Except as indicated above, each "Regular Record Date" shall be the date
fifteen (15) calendar days (whether or not a Business Day) prior to the
applicable Interest Payment Date. Interest on this Note shall accrue from the
most recent Interest Payment Date in respect of which interest has been paid
or duly provided for or, if no interest has been paid, from and including the
Original Issue Date specified above, at the rates determined from time to time
as specified herein, until the principal hereof has been paid or made
available for payment in full. The interest (except defaulted interest) so
payable or duly provided for on any Interest Payment Date shall be paid to the
person in whose name this Note (or one or more predecessor Notes) is
registered at the close of business on the Regular Record Date for such
Interest Payment Date; provided, however, that interest payable on any
Maturity Date shall be payable to the person to whom the principal hereof
shall be payable.
 
  Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on this Note
shall be made in such coin or currency of the United States of America as at
the time of payment is legal tender for the payment of public and private
debts to the Holder hereof upon presentation and surrender of this Note at the
office of the Paying Agent, which is currently the corporate trust department
of the Trustee (as defined herein), 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New
York, New York 10286, or at such other office or agency of the Company in The
City of New York as the Company shall designate by written notice to the
Holder hereof; provided, however, that payment of interest on any Interest
Payment Date (other than a Maturity Date) without presentation of this Note
(i) may be made on each Interest Payment Date by check mailed to the address
of the Holder hereof as of the close of business on the immediately preceding
Regular Record Date at such address as shall appear in the security register
or (ii) upon receipt by the Paying Agent of appropriate payment instructions
in writing from the Holder hereof (provided such Holder is the Holder of an
aggregate principal amount of Notes, including this Note, of $10,000,000 or
more having the same Interest Payment Dates) not less than sixteen (16)
calendar days prior to such Interest Payment Date, shall be made in United
States dollars by the wire transfer of immediately available funds to such
account at a bank in The City of New York, New York (or other bank consented
to by the Company and the Paying Agent) as the Holder hereof shall have
designated in such instructions so long as such bank has appropriate
facilities therefor. Payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on this Note will be made on a Maturity Date, upon presentation and
surrender of this Note to the Paying Agent as provided above, (a) in
immediately available funds, provided that this Note is so presented and
surrendered in time for the Paying Agent to make such payment in immediately
available funds in accordance with its normal procedures, or (b) by the wire
transfer of immediately available funds to such account at a bank in The City
of New York, New York (or other bank consented to by the Company and the
Paying Agent) as the Holder hereof shall have designated, provided that such
bank has appropriate facilities therefor and that wire transfer instructions
in writing have been received by the Paying Agent not less than sixteen (16)
calendar days prior to such Maturity Date. If required by applicable law or
instructed by the Company or any governmental agency that taxes or other
governmental charges should be withheld, the Paying Agent shall withhold any
such taxes or other governmental charges on any payments made in connection
with this Note.
 
  This Note is one of a duly authorized issue of securities of the Company
issued and to be issued under an Indenture dated as of       , 1998 (the
"Indenture"), between the Company, as issuer, and The Bank of
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
New York, as trustee (herein called the "Trustee," which term includes any
successor trustee under the Indenture), which securities may be issued in one
or more series (therein called the "Securities"). The terms of the Notes (as
defined below) include those stated in the Indenture and those made part of
the Indenture by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Act").
Reference is hereby made to the Indenture and all indentures supplemental
thereto and the Act for a statement of the respective rights, limitations of
rights, duties and immunities thereunder of the Company, the Trustee and the
Holders of the Securities, and of the terms upon which the Securities are, and
are to be, authenticated and delivered. All terms used and not defined in this
Note which are defined in the Indenture shall have the meanings assigned to
them in the Indenture. This Note is one of the series of Securities designated
"Medium-Term Notes, Series D" (Securities of such series being herein called
the "Notes"). The Notes are general unsecured obligations of the Company.
 
  This Note shall not be subject to any sinking fund and, except as may be
provided in the next two paragraphs, shall not be redeemable or repayable
prior to the Stated Maturity Date. If an Event of Default with respect to the
Notes shall occur and be continuing, the principal amount of, and accrued
interest on, the Notes may be declared or may become due and payable in the
manner and with the effect provided in the Indenture.
 
  If so provided above, this Note may be redeemed at the option of the Company
on any date on and after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, specified above.
If no Initial Redemption Date is set forth above, this Note may not be
redeemed at the option of the Company prior to its Stated Maturity Date. On
and after the Initial Redemption Date, if any, this Note may be redeemed at
any time in whole or from time to time in part in denominations of $1,000
principal amount hereof or any integral multiple of $1,000 (provided that any
remaining principal amount hereof shall be at least $1,000) at the option of
the Company at the applicable Redemption Price (as defined below), together
with accrued and unpaid interest on the principal amount to be redeemed at the
applicable rate to but excluding the date of redemption (each such date a
"Redemption Date"), on notice given by the Company or the Trustee to the
Holder hereof not more than 60 nor less than 30 days prior to the Redemption
Date. Whenever less than all the Notes at any time outstanding are to be
redeemed, the particular Notes to be so redeemed shall be selected by the
Company, provided that if less than all the Notes with identical terms at any
time outstanding are to be redeemed, the Notes to be so redeemed shall be
selected by the Trustee by lot or such other method as the Trustee considers
fair and appropriate. In the event of redemption of this Note in part only, a
new Note for the unredeemed portion hereof shall be issued in the name of the
Holder hereof upon the surrender hereof. The "Redemption Price" shall
initially be the Initial Redemption Percentage, if any, specified above, of
the principal amount of this Note to be redeemed and, if the Initial
Redemption Percentage is greater than 100%, shall decline at each anniversary
of the Initial Redemption Date, specified above, by the Annual Redemption
Percentage Reduction, if any, specified above, of the principal amount to be
redeemed until the Redemption Price is 100% of such principal amount.
 
  This Note may be subject to repayment at the option of the Holder hereof on
each Optional Repayment Date, if any, indicated above. If no Optional
Repayment Date is set forth above, this Note may not be so repaid at the
option of the Holder hereof prior to its Stated Maturity Date. On any Optional
Repayment Date this Note shall be repayable in whole or in part in
denominations of $1,000 principal amount hereof or any integral multiple of
$1,000 (provided that any remaining principal amount hereof shall be at least
$1,000), at the option of the Holder hereof at a repayment price equal to 100%
of the principal amount to be repaid, together with accrued and unpaid
interest thereon at the applicable rate to but excluding the date of
repayment. For this Note to be repaid in whole or in part at the option of the
Holder hereof, either (i) this Note must be surrendered, not more than 60 nor
less than 30 days prior to an Optional Repayment Date, with the form entitled
"Option to Elect Repayment" below duly completed, at the office of the Paying
Agent (currently the corporate trust department of the Trustee at 101 Barclay
Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286), or at such other office or
offices in the City of New York, New York of which the Company shall from time
to time notify the Holder of this Note or (ii) the Paying Agent must receive
at such office, within such period of time prior to an Optional Repayment
Date, a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter from a member of a
national securities exchange or the National Association of Securities
Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company in the United States
setting forth the name of the Holder of this Note, the principal amount of
this
 
                                       3
<PAGE>
 
Note, the principal amount of this Note to be repaid, the certificate number
or a description of the tenor and terms hereof, a statement that the option to
elect repayment is being exercised thereby and a guarantee that this Note with
the form entitled "Option to Elect Repayment" below duly completed will be
surrendered to the Paying Agent not later than five Business Days after the
date of such telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter and this Note,
with such form duly completed, are received by the Paying Agent by such fifth
Business Day. Exercise of such repayment option by the Holder hereof shall be
irrevocable. No transfer or exchange of this Note (or, in the event that this
Note is to be repaid in part, the portion of this Note to be repaid) shall be
permitted after exercise of a repayment option. All questions as to the
validity, eligibility (including time of receipt) and acceptance of this Note
for repayment will be determined by the Company, which determination shall be
final, binding and non-appealable.
 
  This Note may be subject to an extension of its Stated Maturity Date at the
option of the Company for one or more whole year periods, if any, indicated
above (each an "Extension Period") up to but not beyond the Final Maturity
Date, if any, indicated above. If this Note may be extended, the basis or
formula, if any, for setting the Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, if any, for
such Extension Period will be as indicated above.
 
  The Company may exercise such option with respect to this Note by notifying
the Trustee of such exercise not more than 60 nor less than 45 days prior to
the Stated Maturity Date in effect prior to the exercise of such option (the
"Original Stated Maturity Date"). No later than 40 days prior to the Original
Stated Maturity Date, the Trustee will mail to the Holder hereof a notice (the
"Extension Notice") relating to such Extension Period, by first class mail,
postage prepaid, setting forth (i) the election of the Company to extend the
Stated Maturity Date, (ii) the new Stated Maturity Date, (iii) any Spread
and/or Spread Multiplier applicable to the Extension Period, (iv) the
provisions, if any, for redemption at the option of the Company during the
Extension Period, including the date or dates on which or the period or
periods during which and the price or prices at which such redemption may
occur during the Extension Period and (v) if this Note is subject to repayment
at the option of the Holder hereof, the provisions, if any, for repayment of
this Note at the option of the Holder on the Original Stated Maturity Date,
the price at which such repurchase shall occur, and the period within which
this Note, with the "Option to Elect Repayment" form completed, must be
surrendered to the Paying Agent. Upon the mailing by the Trustee of an
Extension Notice to the Holder hereof, the Stated Maturity Date of this Note
shall be extended automatically as set forth in the Extension Notice, and
except as modified by the Extension Notice and as described by the next
paragraph, such Note will have the same terms as prior to the mailing of such
Extension Notice.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, not later than 20 days prior to the Original
Stated Maturity Date, the Company may, at its option, revoke the Spread and/or
Spread Multiplier in each case, if any, provided for in the Extension Notice
and establish a higher Spread and/or Spread Multiplier in each case, if any,
for the Extension Period by mailing or causing the Trustee to mail notice of
such higher Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, by first class mail, postage
prepaid, to the Holder hereof. Such notice shall be irrevocable. All Notes
with identical terms with respect to which the Stated Maturity Date is
extended will bear such higher Spread and/or Spread Multiplier, as the case
may be, for the Extension Period.
 
  This Note shall bear interest at the rate per annum equal to the Initial
Interest Rate specified above from the Original Issue Date specified above
until the Initial Interest Reset Date specified above and thereafter, subject
to the limitations set forth herein, at the rate or rates per annum determined
by reference to the Interest Rate Basis shown above or, if two or more
Interest Rate Bases (other than the Treasury Rate) are shown above, then by
reference to one or more such Interest Rate Bases, in either case adjusted by
(i) adding or subtracting (as indicated above) the Spread, if any, or (ii)
multiplying by the Spread Multiplier, if any, as specified above. The Interest
Rate Basis or Bases shall be the rate determined in accordance with the
applicable provision below. Commencing with the Initial Interest Reset Date
specified above following the Original Issue Date specified above, the rate at
which interest on this Note is payable shall be reset daily, weekly, monthly,
quarterly, semi-annually or annually, as shown above under "Interest Reset
Period," as of each Interest Reset Date specified above. If any Interest Reset
Date would otherwise be a day that is not a Business Day, such Interest Reset
Date
 
                                       4
<PAGE>
 
shall be postponed to the next succeeding day that is a Business Day, except
that if an Interest Rate Basis specified above is LIBOR and such next Business
Day is in the next succeeding calendar month, such Interest Reset Date shall
be the next preceding Business Day.
 
  Interest payable on this Note on any Interest Payment Date shall be equal to
the amount of interest accrued from and including the most recent date to
which interest has been paid or duly provided for (or from and including the
Original Issue Date specified above, if no interest has been paid), to but
excluding the Interest Payment Date for such payment; and provided that the
interest payments on a Maturity Date shall include interest accrued to but
excluding such Maturity Date. Accrued interest hereon shall be an amount
calculated by multiplying the principal amount hereof by an accrued interest
factor. Such accrued interest factor shall be computed by adding the interest
factors calculated for each day in the period for which accrued interest is
being calculated. The interest factor (expressed as a decimal) for each such
day shall be computed by dividing the interest rate in effect for such day by
360 in the case of Notes having as their Interest Rate Basis the Commercial
Paper Rate, the CD Rate, the Federal Funds Rate, LIBOR or the Prime Rate, or
by the actual number of days in the year in the case of Notes having as their
Interest Rate Basis the Treasury Rate or the CMT Rate. The interest factor for
Notes for which the interest rate is calculated with reference to two or more
Interest Rate Bases shall be calculated in each period in the same manner as
if only one of the applicable Interest Rate Bases applied.
 
  The interest rate in effect on each day shall be (a) if such day is an
Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined on the Interest
Determination Date (as defined below) pertaining to such Interest Reset Date
or (b) if such day is not an Interest Reset Date, the interest rate determined
on the Interest Determination Date pertaining to the next preceding Interest
Reset Date, provided that the interest rate in effect for the period from the
Original Issue Date to the Initial Interest Reset Date shall be the Initial
Interest Rate specified above.
 
  The "Interest Determination Date" with respect to the Commercial Paper Rate,
the CD Rate, the Federal Funds Rate, the Prime Rate and the CMT Rate shall be
the second Business Day preceding each Interest Reset Date. The "Interest
Determination Date" with respect to LIBOR shall be the second London Business
Day (as defined below) preceding each Interest Reset Date. The "Interest
Determination Date" with respect to the Treasury Rate (unless otherwise
specified above) shall be the day of the week in which the related Interest
Reset Date falls on which Treasury bills (as defined below), of the Index
Maturity specified above, are auctioned. Treasury Bills are normally sold at
auction on Monday of each week, unless that day is a legal holiday, in which
case the auction is normally held on the following Tuesday, except that such
auction may be held on the preceding Friday. If, as a result of a legal
holiday, an auction is held on the Friday of the week preceding the related
Interest Reset Date, the related Interest Determination Date shall be such
preceding Friday. If an auction date shall fall on any Interest Reset Date,
then the Interest Reset Date shall instead be the first Business Day following
such auction date. If the interest rate hereon is determined with reference to
two or more Interest Rate Bases, the Interest Determination Date pertaining to
this Note shall be the first Business Day which is at least two Business Days
prior to the related Interest Reset Date on which each Interest Rate Basis
shall be determinable. Each Interest Rate Basis shall be determined on such
date, and the applicable interest rate shall take effect on the related
Interest Reset Date.
 
  Notwithstanding the foregoing, the interest rate on this Note (i) shall not
be greater than the Maximum Interest Rate, if any, or less than the Minimum
Interest Rate, if any, specified above, and (ii) shall in no event be greater
than the maximum rate permitted by New York law, as the same may be modified
by United States law of general application.
 
  The "Calculation Date," if applicable, pertaining to any Interest
Determination Date will be the earlier of (i) the tenth calendar day after
such Interest Determination Date or, if such day is not a Business Day, the
next succeeding Business Day or (ii) the Business Day immediately preceding
the applicable Interest Payment Date or Maturity Date, as the case may be.
 
  All percentages resulting from any calculation on this Note shall be
rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage
point, with five one-millionths of a percentage point rounded upward
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
(e.g., 9.876545% (or .09876545) would be rounded to 9.87655% (or .0987655)),
and all dollar amounts used in or resulting from such calculation shall be
rounded to the nearest cent (with one-half cent being rounded upward).
 
  As used herein, "Business Day" means any day, other than a Saturday or
Sunday, that is not a day on which banking institutions are authorized or
required by law, regulation or executive order to be closed in The City of New
York, New York and, if an Interest Rate Basis for this Note, as indicated
above, is LIBOR, is also a London Business Day. "London Business Day" means
any day on which dealings in deposits in U.S. Dollars are transacted in the
London interbank market.
 
  Determination of Commercial Paper Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this
Note is the Commercial Paper Rate, as indicated above, the Commercial Paper
Rate determined with respect to the applicable Interest Determination Date (a
"Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date") shall be the Money Market
Yield (as defined below) of the rate on such date for commercial paper having
the Index Maturity specified above as published by the Board of Governors of
the Federal Reserve System in "Statistical Release H.15(519), Selected
Interest Rates" or any successor publication of the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve ("H.15(519)") under the caption "Commercial Paper--Non-
financial." In the event such rate is not so published by 3:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Commercial Paper Rate
Interest Determination Date, then the Commercial Paper Rate shall be the Money
Market Yield of the rate on such Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination
Date for commercial paper having the Index Maturity shown above as published
by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York in its daily statistical release
"Composite 3:30 p.m. Quotations for U.S. Government Securities" or any
successor publication of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York ("Composite
Quotations") under the heading "Commercial Paper." If by 3:00 p.m., New York
City time, on the related Calculation Date such rate is not yet published in
either H.15(519) or Composite Quotations, then the Commercial Paper Rate for
such Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by
a calculation agent which shall be the Trustee or, if another calculation
agent is named above, such calculation agent (the "Calculation Agent") and
shall be the Money Market Yield of the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary,
to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point) of the offered
rates as of approximately 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such Commercial
Paper Rate Interest Determination Date of three leading dealers of commercial
paper (which, unless otherwise specified above, may include an affiliate of
the Calculation Agent or a selling agent or an underwriter hereof) in The City
of New York, New York selected by the Calculation Agent for commercial paper
having the Index Maturity specified above placed for a non-financial entity
whose bond rating is "AA," or its equivalent, from a nationally recognized
securities rating organization; provided, however, that if the dealers
selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in
this sentence, the Commercial Paper Rate determined with respect to such
Commercial Paper Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the Commercial
Paper Rate determined with respect to the immediately preceding Commercial
Paper Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case of the first Commercial
Paper Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate specified
above.
 
  "Money Market Yield" shall be a yield (expressed as a percentage rounded, if
necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point)
calculated in accordance with the following formula:
 
            Money Market Yield =  D X 360  X 100
 
                             360 -- (D x M)
 
where "D" refers to the applicable per annum rate for commercial paper quoted
on a bank discount basis and expressed as a decimal and "M" refers to the
actual number of days in the interest period for which interest is being
calculated.
 
  Determination of CD Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is the CD
Rate, as indicated above, the CD Rate determined with respect to the
applicable Interest Determination Date (a "CD Rate Interest Determination
Date") shall be the rate on such date for negotiable certificates of deposit
having the Index Maturity specified above as published in H.15(519), under the
heading "CDs (Secondary Market)" or, if not so
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining
to such CD Rate Interest Determination Date, the rate on such CD Rate Interest
Determination Date for negotiable certificates of deposit of the Index
Maturity specified above as published in Composite Quotations under the
heading "Certificates of Deposit." If such rate is not yet published in either
H.15(519) or Composite Quotations by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date, then the CD Rate for such CD Rate Interest Determination
Date shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and shall be the arithmetic
mean (rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a
percentage point) of the secondary market offered rates as of approximately
10:00 a.m., New York City time, on such CD Rate Interest Determination Date of
three leading nonbank dealers (which, unless otherwise specified above, may
include an affiliate of the Calculation Agent or a selling agent or an
underwriter hereof) in negotiable U.S. Dollar certificates of deposit in The
City of New York, New York selected by the Calculation Agent for negotiable
certificates of deposit of major United States money center banks (in the
market for negotiable U.S. Dollar certificates of deposit) with a remaining
maturity closest to the Index Maturity designated above in the denomination of
U.S. $5,000,000; provided, however, that if the dealers selected as aforesaid
by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence, the CD
Rate determined with respect to such CD Rate Interest Determination Date shall
be the CD Rate determined with respect to the immediately preceding CD Rate
Interest Determination Date or, in the case of the first CD Rate Interest
Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate specified above.
 
  Determination of Federal Funds Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note
is the Federal Funds Rate, as indicated above, the Federal Funds Rate
determined with respect to the applicable Interest Determination Date (a
"Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date"), shall be the rate on that
date for Federal Funds as published in H.15(519) under the heading "Federal
Funds (Effective)" or, if not so published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time,
on the Calculation Date pertaining to such Federal Funds Rate Interest
Determination Date, the rate on such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination
Date for Federal Funds as published in Composite Quotations under the heading
"Federal Funds/Effective Rate." If such rate is not yet published in either
H.15(519) or Composite Quotations by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
related Calculation Date, the Federal Funds Rate for such Federal Funds Rate
Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent and
shall be the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one
hundred-thousandth of a percentage point) of the rates as of approximately
9:00 a.m., New York City time, on such Federal Funds Rate Interest
Determination Date for the last transaction in overnight Federal Funds
arranged by three leading brokers of Federal Funds transactions in The City of
New York, New York selected by the Calculation Agent; provided, however, that
if the brokers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting
as mentioned in this sentence, the Federal Funds Rate determined with respect
to such Federal Funds Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the Federal
Funds Rate determined with respect to the immediately preceding Federal Funds
Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case of the first Federal Funds
Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate specified above.
 
  Determination of LIBOR. (i) If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is
LIBOR, as indicated above, LIBOR determined with respect to any applicable
Interest Determination Date (a "LIBOR Interest Determination Date"), shall be
the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-
thousandth of a percentage point) of the offered rates, as calculated by the
Calculation Agent, for deposits in the Designated LIBOR Currency (as defined
below) of not less than U.S. $1,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof in one or
more other currencies) having the Index Maturity specified above, commencing
on the second London Business Day immediately following such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date, which appear on the Designated LIBOR Page (as defined
below) as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London time, on such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date, if at least two such offered rates appear on the
Designated LIBOR Page. If fewer than two offered rates appear on the
Designated LIBOR Page, LIBOR in respect of that LIBOR Interest Determination
Date will be determined as if the parties had specified the rate described in
(ii) below.
 
  (ii) With respect to a LIBOR Interest Determination Date on which fewer than
two offered rates appear on the Designated LIBOR Page as specified in (i)
above, the Calculation Agent shall request the principal London offices of
each of four major reference banks in the London interbank market selected by
the Calculation Agent
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
to provide the Calculation Agent with a quotation of the rate at which
deposits in the Designated LIBOR Currency for the period of the Index Maturity
specified above, commencing on the second London Business Day immediately
following such LIBOR Interest Determination Date, are offered by it to prime
banks in the London interbank market as of approximately 11:00 a.m., London
time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date and in a principal amount
equal to an amount of not less than U.S. $1,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof
in one or more other currencies) that is representative for a single
transaction in such market at such time. If at least two such quotations are
provided, LIBOR with respect to such LIBOR Interest Determination Date shall
be the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-
thousandth of a percentage point) of such quotations as calculated by the
Calculation Agent. If fewer than two quotations are provided, LIBOR for such
LIBOR Interest Determination Date shall be the arithmetic mean (rounded, if
necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point), as
calculated by the Calculation Agent, of the rates quoted as of approximately
11:00 a.m., New York City time, on such LIBOR Interest Determination Date by
three major banks in The City of New York, New York selected by the
Calculation Agent (after consultation with the Company) for loans in the
Designated LIBOR Currency to leading European banks, having the Index Maturity
specified above commencing on the second London Business Day immediately
following such LIBOR Interest Determination Date and in a principal amount
equal to an amount of not less than U.S. $1,000,000 (or the equivalent thereof
in one or more other currencies) that is representative for a single
transaction in such market at such time; provided, however, that if the banks
selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as mentioned in
this sentence, LIBOR determined with respect to such LIBOR Interest
Determination Date shall be LIBOR determined with respect to the immediately
preceding LIBOR Interest Determination Date or, in the case of the first LIBOR
Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate specified above.
 
    As used herein the following terms have the following definitions:
 
    "Designated LIBOR Page" means (a) if "LIBOR Reuters" is specified above,
  the display on the Reuters Monitor Money Rates Service (or any successor
  service) on the page specified above (or any other page as may replace such
  page on such service) for the purpose of displaying the London interbank
  rates of major banks for the Designated LIBOR Currency, or (b) if "LIBOR
  Telerate" is specified above or neither "LIBOR Reuters" nor "LIBOR
  Telerate" is specified as the method for calculating LIBOR, the display on
  the Dow Jones Markets Limited (or any successor service) on the page
  specified above (or any other page as may replace such page on such
  service), or if no such page is specified the applicable page, for the
  purpose of displaying the London interbank rates of major banks for the
  Designated LIBOR Currency.
 
    "Designated LIBOR Currency" means the currency or composite currency
  specified above as to which LIBOR shall be calculated or, if no such
  currency or composite currency is specified, U.S. Dollars.
 
  Determination of Prime Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is the
Prime Rate, as indicated above, the Prime Rate determined with respect to the
applicable Interest Determination Date (a "Prime Rate Interest Determination
Date") shall be the rate on such date for the prime rate as published in
H.15(519) under the heading "Bank Prime Loan." In the event that such rate is
not so published prior to 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the Calculation
Date pertaining to such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date, the Prime Rate
shall be the arithmetic mean of the rates of interest publicly announced by
each bank that appears on the Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page (as defined below)
as such bank's prime rate or base lending rate as in effect for such Prime
Rate Interest Determination Date. If fewer than four such rates appear on the
Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page for such Prime Rate Interest Determination Date,
then the Prime Rate shall be the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary, to
the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point), as calculated by
the Calculation Agent, of the prime rates quoted on the basis of the actual
number of days in the year divided by 360 as of the close of business on such
Prime Rate Interest Determination Date by four major money center banks in The
City of New York, New York, selected by the Calculation Agent (after
consultation with the Company). If fewer than four such quotations are so
provided, the Prime Rate shall be calculated by the Calculation Agent (as
described above) on the basis of the prime rates quoted by the major money
center banks so selected and the prime rates quoted in The City of New York,
New York by the appropriate number of substitute banks or trust companies
organized and doing business under the laws of the United States of America,
or any state thereof, each having total equity capital of at least U.S.
$500,000,000 and being subject to supervision or examination by a federal or
state
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
authority, selected by the Calculation Agent (after consultation with the
Company) to quote such rate or rates; provided, however, that if the banks or
trust companies selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent (after
consultation with the Company) are not quoting as mentioned in this sentence,
the Prime Rate determined with respect to such Prime Rate Interest
Determination Date shall be the Prime Rate determined with respect to the
immediately preceding Prime Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case
of the first Prime Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate
specified above. The "Reuters Screen USPRIME1 Page" means the display
designated as page "USPRIME1" on the Reuter Monitor Money Rates Service (or
such other page as may replace the USPRIME1 page on that service for the
purpose of displaying prime rates or base lending rates of major United States
banks).
 
  Determination of Treasury Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is
the Treasury Rate, as indicated above, the Treasury Rate determined with
respect to the applicable Interest Determination Date (a "Treasury Rate
Interest Determination Date") shall be the rate for the most recent auction of
direct obligations of the United States ("Treasury Bills") having the Index
Maturity specified above, as such rate is published in H.15(519), under the
heading "U.S. Government Securities--Treasury Bills--auction average
(investment)" or, if not so published by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date relating to such Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date,
the auction average rate (expressed as a bond equivalent rounded, if
necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point, on the
basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable, and applied on a daily
basis) as otherwise announced by the United States Department of the Treasury.
In the event that the results of the auction of Treasury bills having the
Index Maturity specified above are not published or announced as described
above by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on such Calculation Date, or if no
such auction is held in a particular week, then the Treasury Rate for such
Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date shall be calculated by the
Calculation Agent and shall be a yield to maturity (expressed as a bond
equivalent rounded, if necessary, to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a
percentage point, on the basis of a year of 365 or 366 days, as applicable,
and applied on a daily basis) of the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary,
to the nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point) of the secondary
market bid rates, as of approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such
Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date of three leading primary United
States government securities dealers (which, unless otherwise specified above,
may include an affiliate of the Calculation Agent or a selling agent or an
underwriter hereof) selected by the Calculation Agent (after consultation with
the Company), for the issue of Treasury Bills with a remaining maturity
closest to the Index Maturity specified above; provided, however, that if the
dealers selected as aforesaid by the Calculation Agent are not quoting as
mentioned in this sentence, the Treasury Rate determined with respect to such
Treasury Rate Interest Determination Date shall be the Treasury Rate
determined with respect to the immediately preceding Treasury Rate Interest
Determination Date or, in the case of the first Treasury Rate Interest
Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate specified above.
 
  Determination of CMT Rate. If an Interest Rate Basis for this Note is the
CMT Rate, as indicated above, the CMT Rate determined with respect to the
applicable Interest Determination Date (a "CMT Rate Interest Determination
Date") shall be the rate that appears on the Designated CMT Telerate Page (as
defined below) under the caption "....Treasury Constant Maturities ... Federal
Reserve Board Release H.15(519)... Monday Approximately 3:45 p.m.," under the
column for the Designated CMT Maturity Index (as defined below) for (i) such
CMT Rate Interest Determination Date, if the Designated CMT Telerate Page is
7055, or (ii) the week or the month, as applicable, ended immediately
preceding the week in which such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date occurs,
if the Designated CMT Telerate Page is 7052. In the event such rate is not
displayed on the applicable page by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date pertaining to such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date, the
CMT Rate for such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date will be the treasury
constant maturity rate on such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date for the
Designated CMT Maturity Index as published in H.15(519) under the heading
"Treasury Constant Maturities." If by 3:00 p.m., New York City time, on the
Calculation Date pertaining to such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date such
rate is not published in H.15(519), the CMT Rate for such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date will be the treasury constant maturity rate for the
Designated CMT Maturity Index (or other United States treasury rate for the
Designated CMT Maturity Index if the treasury constant maturity rate is not
published) with respect to such date as published by
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
either the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System or the United
States Department of the Treasury that the Calculation Agent determines to be
comparable to the rate previously displayed on the Designated CMT Telerate
Page or published in H.15(519). If such rate is not so published by 3:00 p.m.,
New York City time, on the Calculation Date pertaining to such CMT Rate
Interest Determination Date, then the CMT Rate for such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date will be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be a
yield to maturity, based on the arithmetic mean (rounded, if necessary, to the
nearest one hundred-thousandth of a percentage point) of the secondary market
offered rates as of approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such CMT
Rate Interest Determination Date of three leading primary United States
government securities dealers (which may include an affiliate of the
Calculation Agent) (each, a "Reference Dealer") in The City of New York
selected by the Calculation Agent (such three Reference Dealers to be selected
from a pool of five Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent (after
consultation with the Company), with the Reference Dealers providing the
highest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the highest) and the
lowest quotation (or, in the event of equality, one of the lowest) being
eliminated), for the most recently issued direct noncallable fixed rate
obligations of the United States ("Treasury Notes") with an original maturity
of approximately the Designated CMT Maturity Index and a remaining term to
maturity of not less than such Designated CMT Maturity Index minus one year.
If the Calculation Agent is unable to obtain three such Treasury Note
quotations, the CMT Rate for such CMT Rate Interest Determination Date shall
be calculated by the Calculation Agent and will be a yield to maturity based
on the arithmetic mean of the secondary market offered rates as of
approximately 3:30 p.m., New York City time, on such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date of three Reference Dealers in The City of New York (such
three Reference Dealers to be selected from a pool of five References Dealers
selected by the Calculation Agent (after consultation with the Company), with
the Reference Dealers providing the highest quotation (or, in the event of
equality, one of the highest) and the lowest quotation (or, in the event of
equality, one of the lowest) being eliminated) for Treasury Notes with an
original maturity of the number of years that is the next highest to the
Designated CMT Maturity Index and a remaining term to maturity closest to the
Designated CMT Maturity Index and in an amount of at least $100 million. If at
least three (but not five) of such Reference Dealers are quoting as described
above, then the CMT Rate will be based on the arithmetic mean of the offer
side prices obtained as provided in the preceding sentence and neither the
highest nor the lowest of such quotes shall be eliminated; provided however,
that if at least three Reference Dealers selected by the Calculation Agent
(after consultation with the Company), are not quoting as described in this
sentence, the CMT Rate determined with respect to such CMT Rate Interest
Determination Date shall be the CMT Rate determined with respect to the
immediately preceding CMT Rate Interest Determination Date or, in the case of
the first CMT Rate Interest Determination Date, the Initial Interest Rate. If
two Treasury Notes with an original maturity as described in the second
preceding sentence have remaining terms to maturity equally close to the
Designated CMT Maturity Index, the Calculation Agent will obtain from the
Reference Dealers selected in the manner described quotations for the Treasury
Note with the shorter remaining term to maturity. "Designated CMT Telerate
Page" means the display on the Dow Jones Markets Limited (or any successor
service) on the page specified above for the purpose of displaying "Treasury
Constant Maturities" as reported in H.15(519) (or any other page as may
replace such page on such service for the purpose of displaying "Treasury
Constant Maturities" as reported in H.15(519)). If no such page is specified
above, the Designated CMT Telerate Page shall be 7052. "Designated CMT
Maturity Index" means the original period to maturity of the U.S. Treasury
securities (either 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 20 or 30 years) specified above with
respect to which the CMT Rate will be calculated. If no such maturity is
specified, the Designated CMT Maturity Index shall be 2 years.
 
  The Calculation Agent shall calculate the interest rate hereon in accordance
with the foregoing on or before each Calculation Date. All acts taken by the
Calculation Agent under the Calculation Agency Agreement dated as of       ,
1998, between the Company and The Bank of New York (the "Calculation Agent"),
as the Calculation Agent referred to above, shall be deemed to have been taken
by the Calculation Agent solely in its capacity as an agent of the Company and
shall not create or imply any obligation to, or any agency or trust
relationship with, the beneficial owners or Holder hereof.
 
  At the request of the Holder hereof, the Calculation Agent shall provide to
the Holder hereof the interest rate hereon then in effect and, if determined,
the interest rate which shall become effective as of the next Interest Reset
Date. Any such calculation shall, absent manifest error, be conclusive and
binding for all purposes.
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
  This Note, and any Note or Notes issued upon transfer or exchange hereof,
may be issued only in fully registered form, without coupons, in denominations
of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000.
 
  As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth (including without limitation the restrictions on exchange under
Sections 2.02, 2.08 and 2.10 of the Indenture in the event this Note is a
global Security), Notes are exchangeable for a like aggregate principal amount
of Notes of a different authorized denomination and otherwise bearing
identical terms and provisions, as requested by the Holder surrendering the
same at the office of the Registrar in The City of New York, New York
designated for such purpose.
 
  As provided in the Indenture and subject to certain limitations therein set
forth (including without limitation the restrictions on transfer under
Sections 2.02, 2.08 and 2.10 of the Indenture in the event this Note is a
global Security), the transfer of this Note is registrable in the security
register, upon surrender of this Note for registration of transfer at the
office of the Registrar in The City of New York, New York designated for such
purpose, duly endorsed by, or accompanied by a written instrument of transfer
in form satisfactory to the Company and the Registrar duly executed by, the
Holder hereof or his attorney duly authorized in writing, and thereupon one or
more new registered Notes, of authorized denominations and of a like aggregate
principal amount and otherwise bearing identical terms and provisions, will be
issued in the name of the designated transferee or transferees.
 
  No service charge shall be made for any such registration of transfer or
exchange, but the Company or the Registrar may require payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any tax or other governmental charge that may be imposed
in connection therewith. Initially, the Trustee will act as Registrar and the
office at which Notes must be surrendered for registration of transfer or
exchange is currently the corporate trust department of the Trustee, 101
Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286.
 
  Prior to due presentment of this Note for registration of transfer, the
Company, the Trustee and any agent of the Company or the Trustee may treat the
person in whose name this Note is registered as the owner hereof for all
purposes of this Note, whether or not this Note shall be overdue, and none of
the Company, the Trustee or any such agent shall be affected by notice to the
contrary.
 
  The Indenture permits, with certain exceptions as therein provided, the
Indenture (insofar as the Notes are concerned) or the Notes to be amended or
supplemented and the rights and obligations of the Company and the rights of
the Holders of Notes to be modified by the Company and the Trustee with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes at the
time outstanding. The Indenture also contains provisions permitting the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes, on behalf
of all the Holders of Notes, to waive compliance by the Company with certain
provisions of the Indenture and certain past defaults under the Indenture and
their consequences, in each case insofar as the Notes are concerned. Any such
consent or waiver by the Holder of this Note shall be conclusive and binding
upon such Holder and upon all future Holders of this Note and of any Note
issued upon the registration of transfer hereof or in exchange herefor or in
lieu hereof, whether or not notation of such consent or waiver is made upon
this Note. Without the consent of any Holder, the Company and the Trustee may
amend or supplement the Indenture or the Notes to cure any ambiguity, defect
or inconsistency or to make certain other specified changes or any change that
does not materially adversely affect the rights of any Holder. Holders of
Notes may not enforce their rights pursuant to the Indenture or the Notes
except as provided in the Indenture.
 
  No reference herein to the Indenture and no provision of this Note or of the
Indenture shall alter or impair the obligation of the Company, which is
absolute and unconditional, to pay the principal of, premium, if any, and
interest on this Note at the times, place and rate, and in the manner and coin
or currency, herein prescribed.
 
  When a successor corporation assumes all the obligations of its predecessor
under the Notes and the Indenture as provided in the Indenture, the
predecessor corporation will be released from these obligations.
 
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
  A director, officer, employee, or stockholder, as such, of the Company or
the Trustee shall not have any liability for any obligations of the Company or
the Trustee under the Notes or the Indenture or for any claim based on, in
respect of, or by reason of such obligations or their creation. Each Holder by
accepting a Note waives and releases all such liability. The waiver and
release are part of the consideration for the issue of the Notes.
 
  The Indenture and the Notes shall be governed by and construed in accordance
with the laws of the State of New York applicable to agreements made and to be
performed in such State.
 
  Unless the certificate of authentication hereon has been executed by the
Trustee by the manual signature of one of its authorized signatories, this
Note shall not be entitled to any benefit under the Indenture (as defined
herein) or be valid or obligatory for any purpose.
 
  In Witness Whereof, the Company has caused this instrument to be duly
executed, manually or by facsimile.
 
                                          TCI Communications, Inc.
 
                                          By: _________________________________
 
Attest: _____________________________
 
              Secretary
 
Dated:
 
CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICATION: This
 is one of the Securities of the
 series designated herein referred
 to in the within-mentioned
 Indenture.
 
The Bank of New York
         as Trustee
 
By: _________________________________
 
        Authorized Signatory
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
                                 ABBREVIATIONS
 
  The following abbreviations, when used in the inscription on the face of
this instrument, shall be construed as though they were written out in full
according to applicable laws or regulations.
 
    TEN COM--as tenants in common
 
    UNIF GIFT MIN ACT-- ..................... Custodian.....................
 
      Under Uniform Gifts to Minors Act
      ...........................
 
    TEN ENT--as tenants by the entireties
    JT TEN--as joint tenants with right of survivorship and not as tenants
         in common
 
  Additional abbreviations may also be used though not in the above list.
 
                           OPTION TO ELECT REPAYMENT
 
  The undersigned hereby irrevocably request(s) and instruct(s) the Company to
repay this Note (or portion hereof specified below) pursuant to its terms at a
price equal to 100% of the principal amount of this Note (or of such specified
portion) together with interest on the amount to be repaid to the repayment
date, to the undersigned, at:
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print or typewrite name and address of the undersigned.)
 
  For this Note to be repaid in whole or in part, the Paying Agent must
receive at 101 Barclay Street, Floor 21 West, New York, New York 10286 (or at
such other office or offices in The City of New York, New York of which the
Company shall from time to time notify the Holder of this Note), not more than
60 nor less than 30 days prior to an Optional Repayment Date, if any, shown on
this Note, either (i) this Note with this "Option to Elect Repayment" form
duly completed or (ii) a telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter
from a member of a national securities exchange or the National Association of
Securities Dealers, Inc. or a commercial bank or trust company in the United
States setting forth the name of the Holder of this Note, the principal amount
of this Note, the principal amount of this Note to be repaid, the certificate
number or a description of the tenor and terms hereof, a statement that the
option to elect repayment is being exercised thereby and a guarantee that this
Note with this "Option to Elect Repayment" form duly completed will be
surrendered to the Paying Agent not later than five Business Days after the
date of such telegram, telex, facsimile transmission or letter and this Note,
with this form duly completed, are received by the Paying Agent by such fifth
Business Day.
 
  If less than the entire principal amount of this Note is to be repaid,
specify the portion hereof (which must be in denominations of $1,000 principal
amount) which the Holder elects to have repaid and specify the denomination or
denominations (which shall be $1,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000) of the
Notes to be reissued to the Holder for the portion of this Note not being
repaid (in the absence of any such specification, one such Note will be issued
for the portion not being repaid).
 
Portion to be repaid:                     Signature: __________________________
 
 
$ ___________________________________     Notice: The signature on this Option
                                           to Elect Repayment must correspond
                                           with the name as written upon the
                                           face of this Note in every
                                           particular, without alteration or
                                           enlargement or any change
                                           whatsoever.
 
Denomination(s) of Notes to be
reissued to Holder:
 
$ ___________________________________
 
 
Date ________________________________
                                          Signature Guarantee: ________________
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
                                ASSIGNMENT FORM
 
  For Value Received, the undersigned hereby sell(s), assign(s) and
transfer(s) unto
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(Please print or typewrite name and address including zip code of assignee and
insert Taxpayer Identification No.)
 
the attached Note and all rights thereunder, hereby irrevocably constituting
and appointing        attorney and agent to transfer said Note on the books of
the issuer, with full power of substitution in the premises.
 
Dated: ______________________________     Signature: __________________________
 
                                          Notice: The signature of the
                                           registered owner to this assignment
                                           must correspond with the name as
                                           written upon the face of the Note
                                           in every particular, without
                                           alteration or enlargement or any
                                           change whatsoever.
 
Signature Guarantee: ________________
 
 
                                      14

<PAGE>
 
                                                                       EXHIBIT 5

                           TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                               Terrace Tower II
                               5619 DTC Parkway
                        Englewood, Colorado  80111-3000


                                                            EXHIBIT 5
                                                            ---------

                               February 11, 1998



Board of Directors
TCI Communications, Inc.
Terrace Tower II
5619 DTC Parkway
Englewood, Colorado 80111-3000

Board of Directors
Tele-Communications, Inc.
Terrace Tower II
5619 DTC Parkway
Englewood, Colorado 80111-3000

Gentlemen:

     I am Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Tele-Communications,
Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Parent"), and Executive Vice President of TCI
Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company").  This opinion
letter is being delivered in connection with the filing of the registration
statement on Form S-3 (File No. 333-44745) (the "Registration Statement"), by
the Parent and the Company in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as
amended (the "Act"), with respect to the proposed offering from time to time of:
(i) debentures, notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of the Company
("Debt Securities"), (ii) shares of the Series Preferred Stock, par value $.01
per share, of the Parent ("Series Preferred Stock"), which may be issued in the
form of depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts ("Depositary Shares")
if the Parent elects to issue fractional interests in shares of a series of
Series Preferred Stock, (iii) shares of the Parent's Tele-Communications, Inc.
Series A TCI Group Common Stock, par value $1.00 per share ("Series A TCI Group
Common Stock"), (iv) shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock which may be
issuable upon conversion of Debt Securities or upon conversion of Series
Preferred Stock and (v) guarantees, if any, of the Parent with respect to Debt
Securities ("Guarantees") (the Debt Securities, Series Preferred Stock,
Depositary Shares, and Series A TCI Group Common Stock are collectively referred
to herein as the "Offered Securities"), or any combination of the foregoing, at
an aggregate initial offering price not to exceed $3 billion, at prices and on
terms to be determined at or prior to the time of sale thereof.

     As described in the Registration Statement, the Series A TCI Group Common
Stock is to be issued under the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the
Parent, as amended (the "Parent 
<PAGE>
 
TCI Communications Inc.
Tele-Communications, Inc.
Page 2

Restated Certificate of Incorporation"). The Series Preferred Stock is to be
issued in series under the Parent Restated Certificate of Incorporation pursuant
to resolutions to be adopted by the Board of Directors of the Parent, or an
authorized committee thereof, and set forth in one or more certificates of
designations (each a "Certificate of Designations") to be filed with the
Secretary of State of the State of Delaware (the "Delaware Secretary of State")
pursuant to Section 151 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware.
The Depositary Shares are to be issued under a deposit agreement (the "Deposit
Agreement") to be entered into between the Parent, a depositary to be named by
the Parent (the "Depositary") and the holders from time to time of depositary
receipts evidencing Depositary Shares. The Company may issue, in series, senior
Debt Securities under an Indenture between the Company and The Bank of New York
as trustee (the "Senior Indenture"), senior subordinated Debt Securities under
an Indenture between the Company and a trustee to be named therein (the "Senior
Subordinated Indenture"), or subordinated Debt Securities under an Indenture
between the Company and a trustee to be named therein (the "Subordinated
Indenture"), or any combination of senior, senior subordinated and subordinated
Debt Securities. The Senior Indenture, the Senior Subordinated Indenture and the
Subordinated Indenture are herein referred to individually as an "Indenture" and
collectively as the "Indentures". The Senior Indenture has been qualified under
the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, as amended (the "Trust Indenture Act").

     Certain terms of the Offered Securities and the Guarantees to be issued
from time to time will be approved by the Board of Directors of the Parent
and/or the Board of Directors of the Company, as applicable, or by authorized
committees thereof, as part of the corporate action to be taken (the "Corporate
Proceedings") in connection with the issuance of such securities.  In the event
that the Parent elects to guarantee any series of Debt Securities, the Parent,
the Company and the trustee under the Indenture covering such Debt Securities,
will enter into a supplemental indenture to such Indenture (a "Supplemental
Indenture"), and the terms of such Guarantee will be set forth therein.

     In connection herewith, I have examined, among other things, the originals,
certified copies or copies otherwise identified to my satisfaction as being
copies of originals, of the Parent Restated Certificate of Incorporation; the
By-Laws of the Parent, as amended; the Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
the Bylaws of the Company, each as amended; resolutions adopted by the Parent's
Board of Directors and the Company's Board of Directors, including committees
thereof, with respect to the filing of the Registration Statement and related
matters (collectively, the "Board Resolutions"); the form of each Indenture; the
form of underwriting agreement for equity securities; the form of underwriting
agreement for Debt Securities; the form of distribution agreement; the form of
Deposit Agreement; and such other documents, records, certificates of public
officials and questions of law as I deemed necessary or appropriate for the
purpose of this opinion.  In rendering this opinion, I have relied, to the
extent I deemed such reliance appropriate, on certificates of officers of the
Parent or the Company, as the case may be, as to factual matters.  I have
assumed the authenticity of all documents submitted to me as originals and the
conformity to authentic original 
<PAGE>
 
TCI Communications Inc.
Tele-Communications, Inc.
Page 3


documents of all documents submitted to me as certified, conformed or
reproduction copies. I have further assumed that (i) the definitive Indentures
and Deposit Agreement will not differ materially from the forms of such
documents included as exhibits to the Registration Statement and (ii) there will
be no changes in applicable law between the date of this opinion and any date of
issuance of Offered Securities or Guarantees, or any date of issuance or
delivery of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock which may be issuable upon
the conversion of Series Preferred Stock or Debt Securities.

     Based upon the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

     1.  When, in the case of shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock, all
Corporate Proceedings have been completed, certificates representing such shares
of Series A TCI Group Common Stock have been duly executed by the proper
officers of the Parent and the transfer agent and such shares have been sold as
contemplated by the Registration Statement, the prospectus included therein and
the applicable supplement to such prospectus, such shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-
assessable.

     2.  When, in the case of shares of a series of Series Preferred Stock, all
Corporate Proceedings have been completed, the applicable Certificate of
Designations is executed, delivered and filed with the Delaware Secretary of
State, certificates representing shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock
have been duly executed by the proper officers of the Parent and the transfer
agent and such shares have been issued and sold in accordance with the terms of
the applicable Certificate of Designations and as contemplated by the
Registration Statement, the prospectus included therein and the applicable
supplement to such prospectus, such shares of Series Preferred Stock will be
duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

     3.  When, in the case of Depositary Shares, the Deposit Agreement relating
to such Depositary Shares has been executed and delivered by the Parent and the
Depositary, all Corporate Proceedings relating to such Depositary Shares and the
series of Series Preferred Stock to be represented thereby have been completed,
the shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock to be represented by such
Depositary Shares have been issued and delivered to the Depositary against
receipt of depositary receipts evidencing such Depositary Shares, executed by
the Depositary, and such Depositary Shares have been issued and sold as
contemplated by the Registration Statement, the prospectus contained therein and
the applicable supplement to such prospectus, such Depositary Shares will be
legal, valid and binding obligations of the Parent, entitled to the benefits of
the Deposit Agreement relating to such Depositary Shares, except as enforcement
thereof may be limited by bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent
conveyance, moratorium and other laws affecting the rights of creditors
generally and except that equitable remedies may not be available.
<PAGE>
 
TCI Communications Inc.
Tele-Communications, Inc.
Page 4

     4.  When, in the case of Debt Securities and Guarantees, if any, issued
under any of the Indentures, (i) the applicable Indenture (and, if applicable,
any Supplemental Indenture) has been executed and delivered by the parties
thereto (and provided that the trustee named therein is eligible to act as such
under the Trust Indenture Act) and been qualified under the Trust Indenture Act
if not so qualified on the date hereof, (ii) the definitive form and terms of
such Debt Securities and Guarantees, if any, and of their issue and sale have
been duly established in accordance with the Board Resolutions, the Corporate
Proceedings and the provisions of the applicable Indenture (and, if applicable,
any Supplemental Indenture) so as not to violate any applicable law or agreement
or instrument then binding on the Company (in the case of the Debt Securities)
or the Parent (in the case of any Guarantee), (iii) such Debt Securities (with
the Guarantees, if any, duly executed and endorsed thereon) have been duly
executed by the proper officers of the Company and authenticated by the Trustee
or Trustees for the series to be issued in accordance with the applicable
Indenture (and, if applicable, any Supplemental Indenture) and (iv) such Debt
Securities and Guarantees, if any, have been issued and sold as contemplated in
the Registration Statement, the prospectus contained therein and the applicable
supplement to the prospectus, such Debt Securities and Guarantees, if any, will
be legal, valid and binding obligations of the Company and the Parent,
respectively, except as enforcement thereof may be limited by bankruptcy,
insolvency, reorganization, fraudulent conveyance, moratorium and other laws
affecting the rights of creditors generally and except that equitable remedies
may not be available.

     5.  When, in the case of a series of Series Preferred Stock that is
convertible into shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock, such series of
Series Preferred Stock has been issued in accordance with Paragraph 2 above,
shares of such series of Series Preferred Stock have been surrendered to the
Parent for conversion in accordance with the applicable Certificate of
Designations and certificates representing the shares of Series A TCI Group
Common Stock issuable upon such conversion have been duly executed by the proper
officers of the Parent and the transfer agent and delivered against receipt of
such shares of Series Preferred Stock, such shares of Series A TCI Group Common
Stock will be duly authorized, validly issued, fully paid and non-assessable.

     6.  When, in the case of any Debt Securities that are convertible into
shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock such Debt Securities have been issued
in accordance with Paragraph 4 above, such Debt Securities have been surrendered
to the Company for conversion in accordance with the applicable Indenture (and
any applicable Supplemental Indenture) and certificates representing the shares
of Series A TCI Group Common Stock issuable upon such conversion have been duly
executed by the proper officers of the Parent and the transfer agent and
delivered against receipt of such Debt Securities from shares of Series A TCI
Group Common Stock reserved therefor in accordance with the Board Resolutions,
such shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock will be duly authorized, validly
issued, fully paid and non-assessable.
<PAGE>
 
TCI Communications Inc.
Tele-Communications, Inc.
Page 5

     I hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 5 to the
Registration Statement (and to any registration statement that may be filed in
connection therewith pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Act) and to the reference
to me contained therein under the heading "Legal Matters".  In giving the
foregoing consent, I do not admit that I am in the category of persons whose
consent is required under Section 7 of the Act, as amended, or the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission promulgated thereunder.

                              Very truly yours,

                              /s/ Stephen M. Brett

                              Stephen M. Brett, Esq.
                              Executive Vice President and
                                General Counsel of Tele-Communications, Inc.
                              Executive Vice President of TCI Communications,
                                Inc.

<PAGE>
 
                             Baker & Botts, L.L.P.
                                  The Warner
                        1299 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
                          Washington, D.C. 20004-2400

                                                   
                                                            EXHIBIT 8
                                                            ---------


                               February 11, 1998


TCI Communications, Inc.
Terrace Tower II
5619 DTC Parkway
Englewood, Colorado 80111-3000

Gentlemen:

          Reference is made to the registration statement on Form S-3 (File No.
333-44745) (the "Registration Statement") filed by Tele-Communications, Inc., a
Delaware corporation (the "Parent"), and TCI Communications, Inc., a Delaware
corporation (the "Company"), with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"SEC") in accordance with the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules
and regulations of the SEC promulgated thereunder (collectively, the "Act") in
connection with the proposed offering from time to time of: (i) debentures,
notes, bonds or other evidences of indebtedness of the Company ("Debt
Securities"), (ii) shares of the Series Preferred Stock, par value $.01 per
share, of the Parent ("Series Preferred Stock"), which may be issued in the form
of depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts if the Parent elects to
issue fractional interests in shares of a series of Series Preferred Stock,
(iii) shares of the Parent's Tele-Communications, Inc. Series A TCI Group Common
Stock, par value $1.00 per share, and (iv) any guarantees of the Parent with
respect to Debt Securities.

          Reference is also made to the prospectus (the "Basic Prospectus")
forming a part of the Registration Statement and to the prospectus supplement
thereto included in the Registration Statement (the "Prospectus Supplement" and,
together with the Basic Prospectus, the "Prospectus") relating to the offering
of a series of the Company's senior Debt Securities designated as its "Medium-
Term Notes, Series D" (the "Medium-Term Notes").  The Medium-Term Notes will be
denominated in U.S. Dollars or, subject to the filing pursuant to Rule 424(b)
under the Act of an additional supplement to the Prospectus (a "Multi-Currency
Prospectus Supplement"), in one or more foreign currencies or currency units.

          In connection therewith, we have examined, among other things, the
Registration Statement and the Prospectus, and we have conducted such research
as we have deemed necessary 
<PAGE>
 
TCI Communications, Inc.
February 11, 1998
Page 2


or appropriate for the purpose of this opinion. We are also familiar with the
discussion in the Prospectus Supplement appearing under the caption "Certain
United States Tax Considerations".

          Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the summary in the
Prospectus Supplement under the caption "Certain United States Tax
Considerations" correctly describes the material United States federal income
tax consequences of the ownership of Medium-Term Notes denominated in U.S.
Dollars as of the date hereof.

          Except as stated above, we express no opinion with respect to any
other matter including, without limitation, any additional tax consequences
specific to the ownership of Medium-Term Notes denominated in one or more
foreign currencies or currency units.  We understand that any additional
material United States federal income tax consequences that are specific to the
ownership of Medium-Term Notes denominated in one or more foreign currencies or
currency units will be summarized in a Multi-Currency Prospectus Supplement
relating to such Medium-Term Notes.  We are furnishing this opinion to you
solely in connection with the offering, issuance and sale of the Medium-Term
Notes in the manner described in the Prospectus Supplement and subject to your
taking any other necessary actions in connection therewith including the filing
with the SEC of one or more pricing supplements to the Prospectus, and this
opinion is not to be relied upon, circulated, quoted, or otherwise referred to
for any other purpose without our prior written consent.

          We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as Exhibit 8 to the
Registration Statement.  In giving the foregoing consent, we do not admit that
we are in the category of persons whose consent is required under Section 7 of
the Act.


                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ Baker & Botts, L.L.P.

                                    BAKER & BOTTS, L.L.P.

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Tele-Communications, Inc.:
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 of TCI Communications, Inc. and Tele-
Communications, Inc. of our reports, dated March 24, 1997, relating to the
consolidated balance sheets of Tele-Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, and all related financial statement
schedules, which reports appear in the December 31, 1996 Annual Report on Form
10-K of Tele-Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No.
1), and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
prospectus.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
February 9, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.2
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
TCI Communications, Inc.:
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 of TCI Communications, Inc. and Tele-
Communications, Inc. of our reports, dated March 24, 1997, relating to the
consolidated balance sheets of TCI Communications, Inc. and subsidiaries as of
December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, stockholder's equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the
three-year period ended December 31, 1996, and all related financial statement
schedules, which reports appear in the December 31, 1996 Annual Report on Form
10-K of TCI Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1),
and to the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the
prospectus.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
February 9, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.3
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Tele-Communications, Inc.:
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 of TCI Communications, Inc. and Tele-
Communications, Inc. of our report, dated March 24, 1997, relating to the
combined balance sheets of TCI Group as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the
related combined statements of operations, equity, and cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996, which report
appears in the December 31, 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tele-
Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), and to the
reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus. Our
report covering the combined financial statements refers to the effects of not
consolidating TCI Group's interest in Liberty Media Group for all periods that
TCI Group has an interest in Liberty Media Group.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
February 9, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.4
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Tele-Communications, Inc.:
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 of TCI Communications, Inc. and Tele-
Communications, Inc. of our report, dated March 24, 1997, relating to the
combined balance sheets of Liberty Media Group as of December 31, 1996 and
1995, and the related combined statements of operations, equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1996,
which report appears in the December 31, 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K of
Tele-Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), and to
the reference to our firm under the heading "Experts" in the prospectus.
 
                                          /s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
                                          KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
February 9, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.5
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Board of Directors and Shareholders of
Telewest Communications plc:
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statement
on Amendment No. 1 to Form S-3 of TCI Communications, Inc. and Tele-
Communications, Inc. of our report, dated March 11, 1997, relating to the
consolidated balance sheet of Telewest Communications plc and subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated statements of
operations and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended
December 31, 1996, which report appears in the December 31, 1996 Annual Report
on Form 10-K of Tele-Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A
(Amendment No. 1), and to the reference to our firm under the heading
"Experts" in the prospectus.
 
/s/ KPMG Audit Plc
KPMG Audit Plc
Chartered Accountants
Registered Auditors
 
London, England
February 9, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.6
 
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
 
  We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Amendment No. 1 to
Registration Statement No. 333-44745 of TCI Communications, Inc. and Tele-
Communications, Inc. on Form S-3 of our report dated March 14, 1997 on the
consolidated financial statements of Sprint Spectrum Holding Company, L.P. and
subsidiaries (which expresses an unqualified opinion and includes an
explanatory paragraph referring to the developmental stage of Sprint Spectrum
Holding Company, L.P. and subsidiaries) for each of the two years in the
period ended December 31, 1996, for the period from October 24, 1994 (date of
inception) to December 31, 1994 and for the cumulative period from October 24,
1994 (date of inception) to December 31, 1996, included and incorporated by
reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tele-Communications, Inc., as
amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1), for the year ended December 31,
1996, and to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in the
Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
 
/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Kansas City, Missouri
February 9, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.7
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Amendment No. 1)
of TCI Communications, Inc. and Tele-Communications, Inc. of our report dated
March 7, 1997 on the financial statements of American PCS, L.P. (A Delaware
Limited Partnership) as of and for the year ended December 31, 1996 referred
to in the consolidated financial statements of Sprint Spectrum Holding
Company, L.P. and subsidiaries, which appears in the Annual Report on Form 10-
K of Tele-Communications, Inc., as amended by Form 10-K/A (Amendment No. 1),
for the year ended December 31, 1996. We also consent to the reference to us
under the heading "Experts" in such Prospectus.
 
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
Washington, D.C.
February 9, 1998

<PAGE>
 
                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.8
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Prospectus
constituting part of this Registration Statement on Form S-3 of TCI
Communications, Inc. and Tele-Communications, Inc. of our report dated
February 14, 1996, relating to the combined financial statements of VII Cable
which appears in the report on Form 8-K of Tele-Communications, Inc. dated
June 19, 1996. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in such Prospectus.
 
/s/ Price Waterhouse LLP
PRICE WATERHOUSE LLP
 
San Jose, California
February 9, 1998


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