TCI COMMUNICATIONS INC
424B5, 1998-04-23
CABLE & OTHER PAY TELEVISION SERVICES
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<PAGE>

                                                Filed pursuant to Rule 424(b)(5)
                                                      Registration No. 333-44745
 
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
+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 WITHOUT THE DELIVERY OF A FINAL PROSPECTUS          +
+SUPPLEMENT AND PROSPECTUS. THE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND 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 APRIL 22, 1998
 
            PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT TO PROSPECTUS DATED APRIL 22, 1998
 
                                     $
                            TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
                          % Senior Notes Due May   , 20
                    Interest Payable May    and November
                                    --------
The   Notes  are  being  offered  by  TCI  Communications,  Inc.,  a  Delaware
 corporation  (the "Company"),  for sale, subject  to applicable  law, in the
  United States, Europe  and Asia. See "Underwriting." The Notes will mature
   on May   , 20 . Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually on May
    and November     of each year, beginning November    , 1998. The Notes
     may not be  redeemed prior to maturity  (unless certain events occur
      involving  United States  taxation)  and are  not  subject to  any
       sinking  fund. See  "Description  of  Notes--Redemption for  Tax
        Reasons."
 
The Notes will be represented by one  or more global notes (the "Global Notes")
 registered in the  name of the  nominee of The Depository  Trust Company, New
  York, New  York, or  any successor  thereto (the  "Depository").  Beneficial
  interests in the Global Notes will  be shown on, and transfers thereof will
   be effected  only through, records  maintained by the  Depository and its
    participants, including the U.S.  Depositaries (as hereinafter  defined)
    for  Cedel  (as  hereinafter  defined) and  Euroclear  (as  hereinafter
     defined). Except as  described herein, Notes in  definitive form will
      not be issued. Owners of  beneficial interests in Notes  represented
      by  Global  Notes  will  not  be considered  the  holders  thereof.
       Settlement for  the Notes will  be made  in immediately available
        funds. The Notes will  trade in the Depository's Same-Day  Funds
        Settlement System  until maturity, and secondary market trading
         activity for the Notes will, therefore, settle in immediately
          available funds.  All  payments  of principal  and  interest
          will be made  in immediately available funds so long as the
           Notes are maintained in book-entry form. See "Depository;
            Book-Entry System" and "Global Clearance and  Settlement
            Procedures."  Beneficial interests in the  Notes may be
             acquired,  and   subsequently  transferred,  only  in
              denominations  of  $1,000  and  integral   multiples
              thereof.
 
 Application has been made to list the Notes on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
 
 FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN RISKS THAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED IN CONNECTION WITH
  AN INVESTMENT IN THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY SEE "RISK FACTORS" ON PAGE S-3 OF
                          THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
 
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 SUPPLEMENT OR THE
    PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       UNDERWRITING
                                            PRICE TO  DISCOUNTS AND   PROCEEDS TO
                                            PUBLIC(1) COMMISSIONS(2) COMPANY(1)(3)
                                            --------- -------------- -------------
<S>                                         <C>       <C>            <C>
Per Note...................................      %            %             %
Total......................................  $            $             $
</TABLE>
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from May  , 1998.
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
    certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of
    1933, as amended. See "Underwriting."
(3) Before deduction of expenses payable by the Company estimated at $200,000.
 
  The Notes are offered by the several Underwriters when, as and if issued by
the Company, delivered to and accepted by the Underwriters and subject to their
right to reject any order in whole or in part. It is expected that delivery of
the Notes in book-entry form will be made through the facilities of the
Depository, Cedel and Euroclear on or about May  , 1998, against payment in
immediately available funds.
 
                          JOINT BOOK-RUNNING MANAGERS
 
CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON                                       LEHMAN BROTHERS
BANCAMERICA ROBERTSON STEPHENS
   BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
      GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
          MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
             SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
                CREDIT LYONNAIS SECURITIES (USA) INC.
                    DEUTSCHE MORGAN GRENFELL
                       NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
                                         SOCIETE GENERALE SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
                   Prospectus Supplement dated        , 1998.
<PAGE>
 
  THE COMPANY ACCEPTS FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ACCURACY OF THE INFORMATION
CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS AND
CONFIRMS, HAVING MADE ALL REASONABLE INQUIRIES, THAT TO THE BEST OF ITS
KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF THERE ARE NO OTHER FACTS THE OMISSION OF WHICH WOULD MAKE
ANY STATEMENT HEREIN OR IN THE PROSPECTUS MISLEADING IN ANY MATERIAL RESPECT.
THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT SHOULD BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ACCOMPANYING
PROSPECTUS WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO.
 
  THE LISTING PARTICULARS PREPARED FOR LISTING PURPOSES INCLUDES THIS
PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT, THE ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS WHICH IS ATTACHED HERETO
AND THE COMPANY'S ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDED
DECEMBER 31, 1997.
 
  CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN THIS OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE NOTES OFFERED
HEREBY, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING TRANSACTIONS, SYNDICATE SHORT
COVERING TRANSACTIONS AND PENALTY BIDS. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES,
SEE "UNDERWRITING."
 
  OFFERS AND SALES OF THE NOTES ARE SUBJECT TO RESTRICTIONS IN RELATION TO THE
UNITED KINGDOM, DETAILS OF WHICH ARE SET OUT UNDER THE CAPTION "UNDERWRITING."
THE DISTRIBUTION OF THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND ACCOMPANYING PROSPECTUS AND
THE OFFERING OF THE NOTES IN CERTAIN OTHER JURISDICTIONS MAY ALSO BE
RESTRICTED BY LAW.
 
  In this Prospectus Supplement and accompanying Prospectus, unless otherwise
specified or the context otherwise requires, references to "dollars," "$" and
"U.S.$" are to United States dollars.
 
                                      S-2
<PAGE>
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
  Certain information concerning the Company may be obtained as described
under the captions "Available Information" and "Incorporation of Documents by
Reference" in the accompanying Prospectus. This Prospectus Supplement and the
accompanying Prospectus, together with the documents incorporated by reference
therein, are also available free of charge at the offices of Kredietbank S.A.
Luxembourgeoise, 43, Boulevard Royal--L, 2955 Luxembourg, the Company's
listing agent in Luxembourg (the "Luxembourg Listing Agent").
 
                                 RISK FACTORS
 
  Losses. The Company incurred net losses of $60 million, $438 million and
$132 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
respectively. 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, stock compensation
and restructuring charges) ($2,735 million, $2,230 million and $2,043 million
for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively) has
historically been sufficient to cover its interest expense ($1,064 million,
$1,041 million and $962 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996
and 1995, respectively). The Company's interest coverage ratios for the years
ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995 were 257%, 214% and 212%, 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 ($1,664 million, $1,259 million and $1,262
million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, 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 and
1995. However, during the year ended December 31, 1997 the Company's net cash
provided by operating activities exceeded amounts expended by its investing
activities. The amount of capital expended by the Company for property and
equipment was $571 million during 1997, as compared to $1,930 million and
$1,665 million during 1996 and 1995, respectively. In light of the Company's
plans to upgrade the capacity of its cable distribution systems, and its plans
to increase the number of customers subscribing to digital video services, the
Company anticipates that its annual capital expenditures during the next
several years will significantly exceed the amount expended during 1997. In
this regard, the Company estimates that it will expend approximately $1.7
billion to $1.9 billion over the next three years to expand the capacity of
its cable distribution systems. The Company expects that the actual amount of
capital that will be required in connection with its plans to increase the
number of digital video service customers will be significant. However, the
Company cannot reasonably estimate such actual capital requirement since such
capital requirement is dependent upon the extent of any customer increases and
the average installed per-unit cost of digital set-top devices.
 
  Risks of Holding Company Structure. 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 Notes, 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
 
                                      S-3
<PAGE>
 
of indebtedness of such subsidiary that is senior to that held by the
Company). At December 31, 1997, the Company's subsidiaries had total
indebtedness of approximately $5.221 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 Notes will be obligations exclusively of the Company. The Company's
ability to service its indebtedness, including the Notes, is dependent
primarily upon the earnings of its subsidiaries and the 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 Notes 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.
 
  Risks Associated with Governmental Regulations; Licenses. The construction,
ownership and operation of cable television systems in the United States are
subject to Federal laws and regulations administered by the United States
Federal Communications Commission. In addition, various legislative proposals
are brought before the United States Congress from time to time that, if
enacted, could substantially alter the regulation of cable television in the
United States. Changes in the laws and regulations governing the Company's
activities and those of its competitors (including in the area of licensing
requirements) could have a material adverse effect on the Company.
 
  Cable television systems are generally constructed and operated under the
authority of nonexclusive permits or "franchises" granted by local or State
governmental authorities (or both). Franchises contain varying provisions
relating to construction and operation of cable television systems. Subject to
applicable law, a franchise may be terminated prior to its expiration date if
the cable television operator fails to comply with the material terms and
conditions of the franchise. Federal law establishes an orderly process for
franchise renewal which protects cable operators against unfair denials of
renewals when the operator's past performance and proposal for future
performance meet certain standards established by Federal law. The Company
believes that its cable television systems have generally been operated in a
manner which satisfies such standards and allows for the renewal of such
franchises; however, there can be no assurance that the franchises for the
Company's cable systems will be successfully renewed as they expire.
 
  Most of the Company's present franchises have initial terms of approximately
10 to 15 years. The remaining duration of the Company's franchises presently
varies from a period of months to an indefinite period of term. Approximately
1,200 of the Company's franchises expire within the next five years. This
represents approximately 4.8 million basic cable subscribers.
 
                                      S-4
<PAGE>
 
                         CAPITALIZATION OF THE COMPANY
 
  The following table sets forth the consolidated capitalization of the
Company at December 31, 1997 and as adjusted to reflect the offering of the
Notes and the application of the estimated net proceeds received by the
Company in connection therewith as set forth under "Use of Proceeds." The
following should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated
financial statements and the notes thereto incorporated by reference herein.
See "Incorporation of Documents by Reference" in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        DECEMBER 31, 1997
                                                    ---------------------------
                                                    AS REPORTED  AS ADJUSTED(1)
                                                    -----------  --------------
                                                          (IN MILLIONS)
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>
Total Debt.........................................   $13,528        $
Minority interests in equity of consolidated
 subsidiaries......................................       787           787
Redeemable preferred stock.........................       232           232
Company-obligated mandatorily redeemable preferred
 securities of subsidiary
 trusts ("Trust Preferred Securities") holding
 solely subordinated debt securities
 of the Company....................................     1,500(2)      1,500(2)
                                                      -------        ------
Stockholders' deficit:
  Class A Common Stock.............................         1             1
  Class B Common Stock.............................       --            --
  Additional paid-in capital.......................     1,857         1,857
  Unrealized holding gains for available-for-sale
   securities, net of taxes........................         4             4
  Accumulated deficit..............................      (957)         (957)
  Investment in Tele-Communications, Inc., at
   cost............................................    (1,143)       (1,143)
  Due from related parties.........................      (563)         (563)
                                                      -------        ------
    Total stockholder's deficit....................      (801)         (801)
                                                      -------        ------
      Total capitalization.........................   $15,246        $
                                                      =======        ======
</TABLE>
- --------
(1) The numbers contained in the As Adjusted column (with the exception of
    changes to the Total Debt and Total capitalization numbers) are the same
    as those contained in the As Reported column because substantially all of
    the net proceeds of the offering will be used by the Company to refinance
    existing indebtedness.
(2) Certain subsidiary trusts (the "Trusts") of the Company had Trust
    Preferred Securities outstanding at December 31, 1997 as follows:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                      DISTRIBUTION RATE    LIQUIDATION AMOUNT
                                           OF TRUST              OF TRUST
           SUBSIDIARY TRUST          PREFERRED SECURITIES PREFERRED SECURITIES*
           ----------------          -------------------- ---------------------
                                                              (IN MILLIONS)
   <S>                               <C>                  <C>
   TCI Communications Financing I..          8.72%               $  500
   TCI Communications Financing
    II.............................         10.00%                  500
   TCI Communications Financing
    III............................          9.65%                  300
   TCI Communications Financing
    IV.............................          9.72%                  200
                                                                 ------
                                                                 $1,500
                                                                 ======
</TABLE>
  * Exclusive of accrued and unpaid distributions.
 
  The Trusts exist for the exclusive purpose of issuing the Trust Preferred
  Securities and investing the proceeds thereof in Subordinated Deferrable
  Interest Notes (the "Subordinated Debt Securities") of the Company. The
  Subordinated Debt Securities have interest rates equal to the distribution
  rate of the corresponding Trust Preferred Securities and have maturity
  dates ranging from 30 to 49 years from the date of issuance. The
  Subordinated Debt Securities are unsecured obligations of the Company and
  are subordinate and junior in right of payment to certain other
  indebtedness of the Company. Upon redemption of the Subordinated Debt
  Securities, the corresponding Trust Preferred Securities will be
  mandatorily redeemable. The Company effectively provides a full and
  unconditional guarantee of each Trust's obligations under its Trust
  Preferred Securities.
 
  There has been no material change in the consolidated capitalization of the
Company since December 31, 1997.
 
                                      S-5
<PAGE>
 
                    SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA OF THE COMPANY
 
  The following table sets forth selected historical financial data for the
Company for each of the five years in the period ended December 31, 1997. The
historical selected financial data are derived from the audited consolidated
financial statements of the Company. The following information is qualified in
its entirety by, and should be read in conjunction with, the consolidated
financial statements and notes thereto of the Company incorporated by
reference herein.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                 HISTORICAL(5)
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                            YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31,
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                        1997     1996    1995    1994    1993
                                      --------  ------  ------  ------  ------
                                      (IN MILLIONS, EXCEPT RATIO AMOUNTS)
<S>                                   <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS DATA:
  Revenue............................ $  6,167   5,954   4,878   4,116   3,977
  Operating income...................    1,228     753     803     818     916
  Earnings (loss) from continuing
   operations........................      (60)   (438)   (132)    123     (13)
  Dividend requirement on redeemable
   preferred stocks..................      (10)     (9)    --      --       (2)
                                      --------  ------  ------  ------  ------
  Net earnings (loss) attributable to
   common stockholders............... $    (70)   (447)   (132)    123     (15)
                                      ========  ======  ======  ======  ======
OTHER DATA:
  Ratio of earnings to fixed
   charges(1)........................      --      --      --     1.22x   1.23x
  Cash provided by operating
   activities........................ $  1,664   1,259   1,262   1,142   1,251
  Cash used in investing activities.. $   (402) (2,206) (2,713) (2,003) (1,170)
  Cash provided by (used in)
   financing activities.............. $ (1,226)    947   1,445     866    (114)
  Operating income before
   depreciation, amortization, stock
   compensation and restructuring
   charges(2)........................ $  2,735   2,230   2,043   1,801   1,858
  Consolidated basic cable
   subscribers.......................     13.9    13.9    12.5    11.2    10.3
<CAPTION>
                                                  DECEMBER 31,
                                      ----------------------------------------
                                        1997     1996    1995    1994    1993
                                      --------  ------  ------  ------  ------
<S>                                   <C>       <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
SUMMARY BALANCE SHEET DATA:
  Property and equipment, net........ $  6,524   7,192   6,988   5,579   4,935
  Franchise costs, net............... $ 14,443  14,794  11,563   9,297   9,197
  Total assets....................... $ 21,858  23,011  20,216  15,752  16,351
  Debt............................... $ 13,528  14,318  12,635  10,712   9,900
  Company-obligated mandatorily
   redeemable preferred securities of
   subsidiary trusts holding solely
   subordinated debt securities of
   the Company(3).................... $  1,500   1,000     --      --      --
  Stockholders' equity (deficit)..... $   (801)    (61)  1,640     606   2,010
  Shares outstanding (net of shares
   held by subsidiary in 1993)(4)
    Class A Common Stock.............        1       1       1       1     403
    Class B Common Stock.............      --      --      --      --       47
</TABLE>
 
                                      S-6
<PAGE>
 
- --------
(1) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges of the Company was 1.22 and 1.23
    for the years ended December 31, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The ratio of
    earnings to fixed charges of the Company was less than 1.00 for the years
    ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995; thus, earnings available for fixed
    charges were inadequate to cover fixed charges for such periods. The
    amounts of the coverage deficiencies were $80 million, $388 million and
    $167 million for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995,
    respectively. For the ratio calculations, earnings available for fixed
    charges 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) and minority
    interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries. Fixed charges
    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 Company's proportionate share of
    interest of 50%-owned affiliates, (iii) that portion of rental expense the
    Company believes to be representative of interest (one-third of rental
    expense), (iv) amortization of debt expense, (v) that portion of minority
    interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries that
    represents the amount of pretax earnings that would be required to cover
    preferred stock dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries, (vi)
    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 the Company, and (vii) the amount
    of pretax earnings that would be required to cover preferred stock
    dividend requirements of 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 $10 million, $13
    million, $5 million, $5 million and $14 million relating to such
    guarantees for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and
    1993, respectively, have not been included in fixed charges because the
    investment in such entities does not result in the recognition of a loss
    and it is not probable that the Company will be required to honor such
    guarantees.
(2) Operating income before depreciation, amortization, stock compensation and
    restructuring charges 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 income before depreciation,
    amortization, stock compensation and restructuring charges 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.
(3) See footnote (1) to the table appearing under the caption "Capitalization
    of the Company."
(4) On August 4, 1994, each 500.3735 shares of Class A Common Stock and
    500.3735 shares of Class B Common Stock issued and outstanding on that
    date were reclassified and changed into one share of Class A Common Stock
    and one share of Class B Common Stock, respectively.
(5) On March 4, 1998, subsidiaries of Tele-Communications, Inc., a Delaware
    corporation which owns all of the outstanding common stock of the Company
    (the "Parent" or "TCI"), including certain subsidiaries of the Company,
    contributed to Cablevision Systems Corporation, a Delaware corporation
    ("CSC"), certain of their cable television systems which serve
    approximately 830,000 basic cable customers in exchange for approximately
    24.5 million newly issued Class A shares of CSC (as adjusted for a stock
    dividend). Such shares represent an approximate 33% equity interest in
    CSC's total outstanding shares and an approximate 9% voting interest in
    CSC in all matters except for the election of directors, in which case the
    Parent has an approximate 47% voting interest in the election of one-
    fourth of CSC's directors. CSC also assumed approximately $669 million of
    the Parent's consolidated debt. As a part of such transaction, the
    Company's subsidiaries contributed cable television systems to CSC which
    served approximately 410,000 basic cable customers in exchange for
    approximately 14.0 million shares (or 19% of CSC's Class A shares) (as
    adjusted for a stock dividend), and CSC assumed approximately $78 million
    of intercompany debt owed to the Company. The Company has also entered
    into letters of intent with CSC which provide for the Company to acquire a
    cable system in the State of Michigan and an additional 3% of CSC's Class
    A shares and for CSC
 
                                      S-7
<PAGE>
 
   to (i) acquire cable systems serving approximately 250,000 basic customers
   in the State of Connecticut and (ii) assume $110 million of the Company's
   debt. The ability of the Company to sell or increase its investment in CSC
   is subject to certain restrictions and limitations set forth in a
   stockholders agreement with CSC.
 
    Since January 1, 1997, and including the transaction with CSC described
  above and other transactions that were consummated in 1998, the Company, as
  of February 28, 1998, has contributed, or signed agreements or letters of
  intent to contribute within the next twelve months, certain cable
  television systems (the "Contributed Cable Systems") which serve
  approximately 3.4 million basic cable customers to joint ventures in which
  the Company will retain non-controlling ownership interests (the
  "Contribution Transactions"). Following the completion of the Contribution
  Transactions, the Company will no longer consolidate the Contributed Cable
  Systems. Accordingly, it is anticipated that the completion of the
  Contribution Transactions, as currently contemplated, will result in
  aggregate estimated reductions (based on 1997 amounts) to the Company's
  debt, annual revenue and annual operating income before depreciation,
  amortization, stock compensation and other non-cash charges of
  approximately $4.0 billion, $1.5 billion and $700 million, respectively. No
  assurance can be given that any of the pending Contribution Transactions
  will be consummated.
 
                                      S-8
<PAGE>
 
           DIRECTORS AND PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
 
DIRECTORS
 
  The directors of the Company and their principal occupations as of the date
hereof are set forth below:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   NAME                                       PRINCIPAL OCCUPATION
   ----                                       --------------------
<S>                             <C>
Donne F. Fisher................ Business executive, consultant to TCI and former
                                 Executive Vice President of TCI.
John W. Gallivan............... Former Chairman of the Board and a Director of
                                 Kearns-Tribune Corporation, a newspaper
                                 publishing company.
Leo J. Hindery, Jr. ........... President and Chief Operating Officer of TCI;
                                 President and Chief Executive Officer of the
                                 Company.
Marvin L. Jones................ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating
                                 Officer of the Company.
John C. Malone................. Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
                                 Officer of TCI.
</TABLE>
 
  The business address of the directors of the Company is Terrace Tower II,
5619 DTC Parkway, Englewood, Colorado 80111-3000, U.S.A.
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
  In addition to the principal executive officers named under the caption "--
Directors" above, the principal executive officers of the Company, all of whom
are full-time employees of the Company, and their titles as of the date hereof
are set forth below. Certain of the principal executive officers of the
Company are also full-time employees of the Parent.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
   NAME                                                TITLE
   ----                                                -----
<S>                               <C>
Gary K. Bracken.................. Executive Vice President and Controller.
Stephen M. Brett................. Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
                                   Secretary.
William R. Fitzgerald............ Executive Vice President.
Ann M. Koets..................... Executive Vice President.
Bernard W. Schotters, II......... Executive Vice President and Treasurer.
</TABLE>
 
 
                                      S-9
<PAGE>
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
  The Company intends to use the net proceeds it receives from the sale of the
Notes ($   ) to repay indebtedness outstanding under bank credit facilities of
certain of its subsidiaries, as follows: (i) approximately $   million will be
used to repay outstanding indebtedness of a subsidiary of the Company under a
bank credit facility which at April 15, 1998 had a weighted average interest
rate of approximately 6.0875% and expected maturities between May 14, 1998 and
May 27, 1998, (ii) approximately $   million will be used to repay outstanding
indebtedness of a subsidiary of the Company under a bank credit facility which
at April 15, 1998 had an interest rate of 6.6875% and an expected maturity of
May 17, 1998, and (iii) approximately $   million will be used to repay
outstanding indebtedness of a subsidiary of the Company under a bank credit
facility which at April 15, 1998 had an interest rate of 6.8125% and an
expected maturity of June 1, 1998. Amounts repaid under the foregoing bank
credit facilities may subsequently be reborrowed. After taking the actions
described above, the Company intends to use any remaining net proceeds from
the sale of the Notes for general operations of the Company, including
acquisitions, capital expenditures and working capital requirements.
 
                     PRINCIPAL SUBSIDIARIES OF THE COMPANY
 
  The following table sets forth the name of each of the Company's principal
subsidiaries, the revenue from which represents at least 10% of the
consolidated revenue of the Company during 1997. With respect to each such
subsidiary the following information is included: (i) proportionate revenue
compared to the Company's total revenue, (ii) number of shares of common stock
issued, (iii) percentage of shares of such common stock held by the Company
and (iv) principal business activity. The principal executive office for each
subsidiary listed in the following table (as well as for those subsidiaries
listed in the footnotes thereto) is 5619 DTC Parkway, Englewood, Colorado
80111, U.S.A.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          PROPORTIONATE                PERCENTAGE OF
                         REVENUE COMPARED  SHARES OF   COMMON STOCK
        NAME OF          TO THE COMPANY'S COMMON STOCK  HELD BY THE      PRINCIPAL BUSINESS
       SUBSIDIARY         TOTAL REVENUE      ISSUED    COMPANY(/1/)           ACTIVITY
       ----------        ---------------- ------------ -------------  -------------------------
<S>                      <C>              <C>          <C>            <C>
TCI Holdings, Inc. .....        54%(/2/)     32,024          97%(/3/) Cable Television Services
United Artists Enter-
 tainment Company.......        19%             103          97%(/4/) Cable Television Services
</TABLE>
 
- --------
(1) Percentage is calculated based upon shares held by the Company and wholly-
    owned subsidiaries of the Company.
(2) The percentage for TCI Holdings, Inc. is based upon the revenue produced
    by subsidiaries of TCI Holdings, Inc. (TCI East, Inc., TCI Central, Inc.,
    TCI Northeast, Inc., TCI West, Inc., TCI Great Lakes, Inc., TCI North
    Central, Inc., TCI Southeast, Inc., and Westmarc Communications, Inc.) as
    well as revenue produced by TCI Holdings, Inc. All of such subsidiaries
    are wholly-owned by TCI Holdings, Inc. and are engaged in the provision of
    cable television services.
(3) 3% of such common stock is held by an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
    TCI.
(4) 3% of such common stock is held by an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of
    TCI.
 
                                     S-10
<PAGE>
 
                             DESCRIPTION OF NOTES
 
GENERAL
 
  The following description of the terms of the Notes offered hereby
supplements, and to the extent inconsistent therewith replaces, the
description of the general terms and provisions of Debt Securities set forth
in the accompanying Prospectus. The Notes are part of the Debt Securities
registered by the Company with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in
January 1998 to be issued on terms to be determined at the time of sale. The
Notes are to be issued under an Indenture, dated as of February 19, 1998 (the
"Indenture"), between the Company and The Bank of New York, as trustee (the
"Trustee"), and are a series of Senior Debt Securities described in the
accompanying Prospectus. Reference should be made to the accompanying
Prospectus for a detailed summary of additional terms and provisions of the
Notes and the Indenture. See "Depository; Book-Entry System" below and
"Description of Debt Securities--Amendment, Supplement, Waiver" and "--
Defaults and Remedies" in the accompanying Prospectus for a discussion of
those circumstances requiring the consent of the holders of Notes before
certain actions can be taken with respect to the Notes. Capitalized terms not
defined herein have the meanings ascribed to them in the accompanying
Prospectus and the Indenture.
 
  The Notes will be issued in an aggregate principal amount of $      and will
mature at the principal amount thereof on May  , 20  (the "Stated Maturity").
The Notes will bear interest at the rate per annum shown on the front cover of
this Prospectus Supplement from May  , 1998 or from the most recent interest
payment date to which interest has been paid or provided for, payable
semiannually on May   and November   of each year (each an "Interest Payment
Date"), commencing November  , 1998, and at Stated Maturity, to the persons in
whose names the Notes are registered at the close of business on the preceding
     and     , respectively. If any Interest Payment Date or the Stated
Maturity falls on a day that is not a Business Day, the related payment of
principal, interest or additional amounts (if any) will be made on the next
succeeding Business Day as if made on the date such payment was due, and no
interest will accrue on the amount so payable for the period from and after
such Interest Payment Date or Stated Maturity, as the case may be. "Business
Day" with respect to any place of payment means each Monday, Tuesday,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday which is not a day on which banking
institutions in such place of payment are authorized or obligated by law to
close. The amount of interest payable for any period will be computed on the
basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
 
  The Notes are not subject to redemption by the Company prior to Stated
Maturity unless certain events occur involving U.S. taxation. See "--
Redemption for Tax Reasons" below. There is no provision for a sinking fund
for the Notes.
 
  Except as set forth under "Depository; Book-Entry System," the Notes will be
represented by one or more Global Notes. Beneficial interests in the Notes may
be acquired, and subsequently transferred, only in denominations of $1,000 and
integral multiples thereof. Except as set forth under "Depository; Book-Entry
System," owners of beneficial interests in the Global Notes will not be
entitled to delivery of Notes in certificated form. All references herein to
holders of Global Notes will be to the Depository or its nominee.
 
  Any Notes issued in definitive form will be issued only in fully registered
form, without coupons, in denominations of $1,000 and in integral multiples
thereof, in the amount of each holder's registered holdings. Any Notes so
issued will be registered in such names, and in such denominations, as the
Depository shall request. Such Notes may be presented for registration of
transfer or exchange at the office of the Trustee in The City of New York and
principal thereof, interest thereon and additional amounts with respect
thereto (if any) will be payable at such office of the Trustee, provided that
interest thereon and additional amounts with respect thereto (if any) may be
paid by check mailed to the registered holders of the definitive Notes. In the
event definitive Notes are issued, the holders thereof will also be able to
receive payments of principal, interest and additional amounts (if any) on the
Notes and effect transfers thereof at the offices of Kredietbank S.A.
Luxembourgeoise or its successor as paying and transfer agent in Luxembourg
with respect to the Notes (the "Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent").
 
                                     S-11
<PAGE>
 
  All moneys paid by the Company to a paying agent for the payment of
principal of, interest on, or additional amounts (if any) with respect to a
Note which remain unclaimed at the end of two years after such principal,
interest or additional amounts shall have become due and payable will be
repaid to the Company and the holder of such Note will thereafter look only to
the Company for payment thereof unless otherwise provided by law.
 
  The Company has appointed the Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent as a paying
and transfer agent in Luxembourg with respect to the Notes, and as long as the
Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, the Company will (i)
maintain a paying and transfer agent in Luxembourg and (ii) publish any change
in the Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent in Luxembourg. See "--Notices" below.
 
  After giving effect to the sale of the Notes offered hereby, the Company
will have sold $    million of the $3 billion in maximum aggregate initial
offering price of securities that may be sold pursuant to the Registration
Statement of which this Prospectus Supplement, and the accompanying
Prospectus, form a part.
 
DEFAULTS, REMEDIES
 
  If an Event of Default occurs with respect to the Notes and is continuing,
the Trustee or the holders of at least 25% in aggregate principal amount of
the Notes may declare to be due and payable immediately (i) the principal
amount of the Notes and (ii) accrued interest, if any, thereon (including any
additional amounts). The Indenture provides for automatic acceleration of the
maturity of such amounts upon the occurrence of certain events of bankruptcy
or insolvency. See "Description of Debt Securities--Defaults and Remedies" in
the accompanying Prospectus. Holders of Notes may not enforce the Indenture or
the Notes except as provided in the Indenture. The Trustee may require
indemnity satisfactory to it before it enforces the Indenture or the Notes.
Subject to certain limitations, holders of a majority in aggregate principal
amount of the Notes may direct the Trustee in its exercise of any trust or
power with respect to the Notes. The Trustee may withhold from holders of
Notes notice of any continuing default (except a default in payment of
principal, premium, if any, interest (including any additional amounts) or
other amounts due) if it determines that withholding notice is in their
interest. The Company is required to file periodic reports with the Trustee as
to the absence of default. See "Description of Debt Securities--Defaults and
Remedies" in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
TRANSFERS OF CERTIFICATED NOTES, DELIVERY OF NEW CERTIFICATES
 
  Transfer of Certificated Notes. Notes in certificated form may be
transferred upon the surrender at the office of the Registrar or the
Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent of the certificate representing the Note to
be transferred, appropriately endorsed for transfer, and any other evidence
that the Registrar or the Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent may reasonably
require. In the case of a partial transfer of Notes represented by one
certificate, a new certificate shall be issued to the transferee in respect of
the part transferred and a further new certificate in respect of the balance
of the holding not transferred shall be issued to the transferor.
 
  Delivery of New Certificates. Each new certificate to be issued upon the
transfer of certificated Notes as described in the preceding paragraph shall
be available for delivery within a reasonable period of time after receipt of
such certificate by the Registrar or the Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent at
its specified office. Delivery of such new certificate(s) shall be made at the
specified office of the Registrar or the Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent (as
the case may be) to whom the transferred certificate shall have been
surrendered or delivered.
 
  Transfers Free from Service Charge. Transfers of certificated Notes will be
effected without service charge by or on behalf of the Company, the Registrar
or the Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent, but only upon payment of a sum
sufficient to cover any taxes or other governmental charges which may be
imposed in relation thereto.
 
                                     S-12
<PAGE>
 
  Periods During Which Certificated Notes May Not Be Transferred. No holder of
certificated Notes may require the transfer thereof to be registered during
the period beginning at the opening of business 15 days before the selection
of Notes for redemption and ending at the close of business on the date of
mailing of a notice of redemption with respect to the Notes.
 
  See "Description of Debt Securities--Registrar, Paying Agent, Conversion
Agent" and "--Transfer and Exchange" in the accompanying Prospectus.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
  The Notes and the Indenture are governed by, and are to be construed in
accordance with, the laws of the State of New York, United States of America,
applicable to agreements made and to be performed wholly within such
jurisdiction.
 
NOTICES
 
  Notices to holders of the Notes will be sent by mail to the registered
holders and will be published, whether the Notes are in global or definitive
form, and so long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, in
a daily newspaper of general circulation in Luxembourg. It is expected that
publication will be made in Luxembourg in the Luxemburger Wort. Any such
notice shall be deemed to have been given on the date of such publication or,
if published more than once, on the date of the first such publication. So
long as the Notes are listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, any change in
the Luxembourg Paying/Transfer Agent will be published in Luxembourg in the
manner set forth above.
 
ADDITIONAL ISSUES
 
  The Company may from time to time, without notice to or the consent of the
registered holders of the Notes, create and issue additional notes ranking
pari passu with the Notes in all respects (or in all respects except for the
payment of interest accruing prior to the issue date of such additional notes
or except for the first payment of interest following the issue date of such
additional notes) and such additional notes may be consolidated and form a
single series with the Notes and have the same terms as to status, redemption
or otherwise as the Notes.
 
PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS
 
  The Company will, subject to the exceptions and limitations set forth below,
pay as additional interest on a Note such additional amounts as are necessary
in order that the net payment by the Company or a paying agent of the
principal of and interest on the Note to a holder that is not a United States
person (as hereinafter defined), after deduction for any present or future
tax, assessment or other governmental charge of the United States, or a
political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein, imposed by
withholding with respect to the payment, will not be less than the amount
provided in the Note to be then due and payable; provided, however, that the
foregoing obligation to pay additional amounts shall not apply:
 
    (1) to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is
  imposed or withheld solely by reason of the holder, or a fiduciary,
  settlor, beneficiary, owner, member or shareholder of the holder, or a
  person holding a power over an estate or trust administered by a fiduciary
  holder, being considered as:
 
      (a) having a current or former relationship or connection with the
    United States, or a political subdivision thereof or therein,
    including, without limitation, being or having been a citizen or
    resident of, or treated as a resident of, the United States, being or
    having been present or engaged in a trade or business in the United
    States or having or having had a permanent establishment in the United
    States;
 
      (b) being or having been a foreign personal holding company, a
    personal holding company, a passive foreign investment company or a
    controlled foreign corporation for United States tax purposes, a
    corporation that has accumulated earnings to avoid United States
    federal income tax or a private foundation or other tax exempt
    organization;
 
                                     S-13
<PAGE>
 
      (c) being or having been a "10-percent shareholder" of the Company as
    defined in section 871(h)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code
    of 1986, as amended (the "Code"), or any successor provision; or
 
      (d) being or having been a bank receiving payments on an extension of
    credit made pursuant to a loan agreement entered into in the ordinary
    course of its trade or business;
 
    (2) to any holder that is not the sole beneficial owner of the Note, or a
  portion thereof, or that is a fiduciary or partnership, but only to the
  extent that a beneficial owner, a beneficiary or settlor with respect to
  the fiduciary or a member of the partnership would not have been entitled
  to the payment of an additional amount had the beneficial owner,
  beneficiary, settlor or member received directly its beneficial or
  distributive share of the payment;
 
    (3) to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is
  imposed or withheld solely by reason of the failure of the holder or any
  other person to comply with any certification, identification, information,
  documentation or other reporting requirements concerning the nationality,
  residence, identity, form of organization, status as a bank or other
  financial institution or relationship or connection with the United States,
  or any political subdivision thereof or therein, of the holder or
  beneficial owner of such Note, or concerning such holder's or beneficial
  owner's not being subject to United States withholding or backup
  withholding, if compliance is required by statute, by regulation, by an
  applicable tax treaty to which the United States is a party, or by an
  administrative or judicial interpretation thereof, as a condition to relief
  or exemption from such tax, assessment or other governmental charge;
 
    (4) to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is
  imposed or payable otherwise than by deduction withholding by the Company
  or a paying agent from the payment;
 
    (5) to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge that is
  imposed or withheld solely by reason of a newly issued or change in law,
  regulation or treaty, or administrative or judicial interpretation thereof,
  that becomes effective, or the presentation of the Note for payment, more
  than 10 days after the payment becomes due or is duly provided for,
  whichever occurs later;
 
    (6) to any estate, inheritance, gift, sales, excise, transfer, wealth,
  franchise, personal property or similar such tax, assessment or other
  governmental charge;
 
    (7) to any such tax, assessment or other governmental charge required to
  be withheld by any paying agent from any payment of principal of or
  interest on any Note, if such payment can be made without such withholding
  by any other paying agent; or
 
    (8) in the case of any combination of items (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6)
  and (7).
 
  The Notes are subject in all cases to any tax, fiscal or other law or
regulation or administrative or judicial interpretation applicable thereto.
Except as specifically provided under this heading "--Payment of Additional
Amounts" and under the heading "--Redemption for Tax Reasons" below, the
Company shall not be required to make any payment of additional amounts with
respect to any tax, assessment or other governmental charge imposed by any
government or a political subdivision or taxing authority thereof or therein.
 
  As used under this heading "--Payment of Additional Amounts" and under the
headings "--Redemption for Tax Reasons" below, "Certain United States Federal
Income Tax Documentation Requirements" and "United States Taxation of Holders
That Are Not United States Persons," (i) the term "United States" means the
United States of America (including the States and the District of Columbia)
and its territories, its possessions and other areas subject to its
jurisdiction, and (ii) the term "United States person" means any individual
who is a citizen or resident, or treated as a resident, of the United States,
a corporation, partnership or other entity created or organized in or under
the laws of the United States or of any political subdivision thereof (other
than a partnership that is not treated as a United States person under any
applicable United States Treasury regulations), a partnership not created or
organized in or under the laws of the United States or of any political
subdivision thereof if all of the members of such partnership are United
States persons, any estate the income of which is subject to United States
federal income taxation regardless of its source, or any trust if a court
within
 
                                     S-14
<PAGE>
 
the United States is able to exercise primary supervision over the
administration of the trust and one or more United States persons have the
authority to control all substantial decisions of the trust. Notwithstanding
the preceding sentence, to the extent provided in the United States Treasury
regulations, certain trusts in existence on August 20, 1996, and treated as
United States persons prior to such date that elect to continue to be treated
as United States persons will also be a United States person.
 
REDEMPTION FOR TAX REASONS
 
  If the Company determines that it has or will become, or receives a written
opinion of independent counsel selected by the Company to the effect that
there is a substantial possibility that it has or will become, obligated to
pay additional amounts as described herein under the heading "--Payment of
Additional Amounts" above, then the Company may, at its option redeem, in
whole, but not in part, the Notes on not less than 30 nor more than 60 days'
prior notice, at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount,
together with interest accrued but unpaid thereon to the date fixed for
redemption.
 
                                     S-15
<PAGE>
 
                         DEPOSITORY; BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
 
  Upon issuance, all Notes will be represented by one or more fully registered
Global Notes. Each such Global Note will be deposited with, or on behalf of,
The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") or any successor thereto, as Depository,
and registered in the name of Cede & Co. (DTC's partnership nominee). Unless
and until it is exchanged in whole or in part for Notes in definitive form, no
Global Note may be transferred except as a whole by the Depository to a
nominee of such Depository or by a nominee of such Depository to such
Depository or another nominee of such Depository or by such Depository or any
such nominee to a successor of such Depository or a nominee of such successor.
Investors may elect to hold interests in the Global Notes through either the
Depository (in the United States), Cedel Bank, societe anonyme ("Cedel"), or
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, Brussels Office, as operator of the
Euroclear System ("Euroclear"), if they are participants in such systems, or
indirectly through organizations which are participants in such systems. Cedel
and Euroclear will hold interests on behalf of their participants through
customers' securities accounts in Cedel's and Euroclear's names on the books
of their respective depositaries, which in turn will hold such interests in
customers' securities accounts in the depositaries' names on the books of the
Depository. Citibank, N.A. will act as depositary for Cedel and The Chase
Manhattan Bank will act as depositary for Euroclear (in such capacities, the
"U.S. Depositaries").
 
  So long as the Depository, or its nominee, is a registered owner of a Global
Note, the Depository or its nominee, as the case may be, will be considered
the sole owner or Holder of the Notes represented by such Global Note for all
purposes under the Indenture. Except as provided below, the actual owners of
the Notes represented by a Global Note (each, a "Beneficial Owner") will not
be entitled to have the Notes represented by such Global Notes registered in
their names, will not receive or be entitled to receive physical delivery of
the Notes in definitive form and will not be considered the owners or Holders
thereof under the Indenture, including for purposes of receiving any reports
delivered by the Company or the Trustee pursuant to the Indenture.
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in a Global Note must
rely on the procedures of the Depository and, if such person is not a
participant of the Depository (a "Participant"), on the procedures of the
Participant through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any
rights of a Holder under the Indenture. The Company understands that under
existing industry practices, in the event that the Company requests any action
of Holders or in the event that a Holder is entitled to give or take action
under the Indenture, the Depository would authorize the Participants holding
the relevant beneficial interests in the Global Notes to give or take such
action, and such Participants would authorize Beneficial Owners owning through
such Participants to give or take such action or would otherwise act upon the
instructions of Beneficial Owners. Conveyance of notices and other
communications by the Depository to Participants, by Participants to Indirect
Participants (as hereinafter defined) and by Participants and Indirect
Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by arrangements among them,
subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from
time to time.
 
  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 the
Global Notes.
 
  If the Depository 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 definitive Notes in
exchange for the Global Notes. In addition, the Company may at any time and in
its sole discretion determine not to have the Notes represented by Global
Notes and, in such event, will issue definitive Notes in exchange for the
Global Notes. Definitive Notes issued in exchange for Global Notes shall be of
like tenor and aggregate principal amount as such Global Notes and shall be in
denominations of $1,000 and integral multiples thereof. Definitive Notes
issued in exchange for Global Notes shall be registered in such name or names
as the Depository shall instruct the Trustee. It is expected that such
instructions may be based upon directions received by the Depository from
Participants with respect to ownership of beneficial interests in such Global
Notes.
 
  DTC has advised the Company and the Underwriters that, upon the issuance by
the Company of the Global Notes, DTC will credit on its book-entry
registration and transfer system the respective principal amounts of the Notes
represented by Global Notes to the accounts of Participants. The accounts to
be credited shall be designated by the Underwriters.
 
                                     S-16
<PAGE>
 
  The following nine paragraphs are based on information furnished by DTC:
 
  DTC will act as securities depositary for the Notes. The Notes will be
issued as fully registered Global Notes registered in the name of Cede & Co.
(DTC's partnership nominee). One or more fully registered Global Notes will be
issued for the Notes in the aggregate principal amount of such issue, and will
be deposited with DTC.
 
  DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking
Law, a "banking organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law,
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 United States
Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. DTC holds securities that its
Participants deposit with DTC. DTC also facilitates the settlement among
Participants of securities transactions, such as transfers and pledges, in
deposited securities through electronic computerized book-entry changes in
Participants' accounts, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement of
securities certificates. Direct Participants of DTC ("Direct Participants")
include securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing
corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is owned by a number of its
Direct Participants and by The New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American
Stock Exchange, Inc., and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc.
Access to DTC's system is also available to others such as securities brokers
and dealers, banks and trust companies that clear through or maintain a
custodial relationship with a Direct Participant, either directly or
indirectly ("Indirect Participants"). The rules applicable to DTC and its
Participants are on file with the United States Securities and Exchange
Commission.
 
  Purchases of Notes under DTC's system must be made by or through Direct
Participants, which will receive a credit for the Notes on DTC's records. The
ownership interest of each Beneficial Owner is in turn to be recorded on the
records of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants. Beneficial Owners
will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase, but
Beneficial Owners are expected to receive written confirmations providing
details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings,
from the Direct Participants or Indirect Participants through which such
Beneficial Owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership
interests in the Notes are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of
Participants acting on behalf of Beneficial Owners. Beneficial Owners will not
receive certificates representing their ownership interests in Notes, except
as provided above.
 
  To facilitate subsequent transfers, all Notes deposited with DTC are
registered in the name of DTC's partnership nominee, Cede & Co. The deposit of
Notes with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. effect no
change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual Beneficial
Owners of the Notes; DTC's records reflect only the identity of the Direct
Participants to whose accounts such Notes are credited, which may or may not
be the Beneficial Owners. The Participants will remain responsible for keeping
account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.
 
  Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to Direct
Participants, by Direct Participants to Indirect Participants, and by Direct
Participants and Indirect Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed
by arrangements among them, subject to any statutory or regulatory
requirements as may be in effect from time to time.
 
  Neither DTC nor Cede & Co. will consent or vote with respect to the Notes.
Under its usual procedures, DTC mails an "Omnibus Proxy" to the Company as
soon as possible after the applicable record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns
Cede & Co.'s consenting or voting rights to those Direct Participants to whose
accounts the Notes are credited on the record date (identified in a listing
attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
 
  Principal, additional amounts, if any, and/or interest payments on the Notes
will be made in immediately available funds to DTC. DTC's practice is to
credit Direct Participants' accounts on the applicable payment date in
accordance with their respective holdings shown on the Depository's records
unless DTC has reason to believe that it will not receive payment on such
date. Payments by Participants to Beneficial Owners will be governed by
standing instructions and customary practices, as is 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 Participant and not of DTC, the
Trustee or the Company, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as
may be in effect from time to time. Payment of principal, additional amounts,
if any, and/or interest to DTC is the responsibility of the Company or the
Trustee, disbursement of such payments to Direct Participants shall be the
responsibility of
 
                                     S-17
<PAGE>
 
DTC, and disbursement of such payments to the Beneficial Owners shall be the
responsibility of Direct Participants and Indirect Participants.
 
  DTC may discontinue providing its services as securities depositary with
respect to the Notes at any time by giving reasonable notice to the Company or
the Trustee. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor
securities depositary is not obtained, Note certificates are required to be
printed and delivered.
 
  The Company may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry
transfers through DTC (or a successor securities depositary). In that event,
Note certificates will be printed and delivered.
 
  Cedel advises that it is incorporated under the laws of Luxembourg as a
professional depositary. Cedel holds securities for its participating
organizations ("Cedel Participants") and facilitates the clearance and
settlement of securities transactions between Cedel Participants through
electronic book-entry changes in accounts of Cedel Participants, thereby
eliminating the need for physical movement of certificates. Cedel provides to
Cedel Participants, among other things, services for safekeeping,
administration, clearance and settlement of internationally traded securities
and securities lending and borrowing. Cedel interfaces with domestic markets
in several countries. As a professional depositary, Cedel is subject to
regulation by the Luxembourg Monetary Institute. Cedel Participants are
recognized financial institutions around the world, including underwriters,
securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations
and certain other organizations and may include the Underwriters. Indirect
access to Cedel is also available to others, such as banks, brokers, dealers
and trust companies that clear through, or maintain a custodial relationship
with, a Cedel Participant either directly or indirectly.
 
  Distributions with respect to the Notes held beneficially through Cedel will
be credited to cash accounts of Cedel Participants in accordance with its
rules and procedures, to the extent received by the U.S. Depositary for Cedel.
 
  Euroclear advises that it was created in 1968 to hold securities for
participants of Euroclear ("Euroclear Participants") and to clear and settle
transactions between Euroclear Participants through simultaneous electronic
book-entry delivery against payment, thereby eliminating the need for physical
movement of certificates and any risk from lack of simultaneous transfers of
securities and cash. Euroclear includes various other services, including
securities lending and borrowing and interfaces with domestic markets in
several countries. Euroclear is operated by the Brussels, Belgium office of
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York (the "Euroclear Operator"), under
contract with Euro-clear Clearance Systems S.C., a Belgian cooperative
corporation (the "Cooperative"). All operations are conducted by the Euroclear
Operator, and all Euroclear securities clearance accounts and Euroclear cash
accounts are accounts with the Euroclear Operator, not the Cooperative. The
Cooperative establishes policy for Euroclear on behalf of Euroclear
Participants. Euroclear Participants include banks (including central banks),
securities brokers and dealers and other professional financial intermediaries
and may include the Underwriters. Indirect access to Euroclear is also
available to other firms that clear through or maintain a custodial
relationship with a Euroclear Participant, either directly or indirectly.
 
  The Euroclear Operator is the Belgian branch of a New York banking
corporation which is a member bank of the United States Federal Reserve
System. As such, it is regulated and examined by the Board of Governors of the
Federal Reserve System and the New York State Banking Department, as well as
the Belgian Banking Commission.
 
  Securities clearance accounts and cash accounts with the Euroclear Operator
are governed by the Terms and Conditions Governing Use of Euroclear and the
related Operating Procedures of the Euroclear System, and applicable Belgian
law (collectively, the "Terms and Conditions"). The Terms and Conditions
govern transfers of securities and cash within Euroclear, withdrawals of
securities and cash from Euroclear, and receipts of payments with respect to
securities in Euroclear. All securities in Euroclear are held on a fungible
basis without attribution of specific certificates to specific securities
clearance accounts. The Euroclear Operator acts under the Terms and Conditions
only on behalf of Euroclear Participants, and has no record of or relationship
with persons holding through Euroclear Participants.
 
  Distributions with respect to Notes held beneficially through Euroclear will
be credited to the cash accounts of Euroclear Participants in accordance with
the Terms and Conditions, to the extent received by the U.S. Depositary for
Euroclear.
 
                                     S-18
<PAGE>
 
                  GLOBAL CLEARANCE AND SETTLEMENT PROCEDURES
 
  Initial settlement for the Notes will be made in immediately available
funds. Secondary market trading between Participants will occur in the
ordinary way in accordance with the Depository's rules and will be settled in
immediately available funds using the Depository's Same-Day Funds Settlement
System. Secondary market trading between Cedel Participants and/or Euroclear
Participants will occur in the ordinary way in accordance with the applicable
rules and operating procedures of Cedel and Euroclear, respectively, and will
be settled using the procedures applicable to conventional eurobonds in
immediately available funds.
 
  Cross-market transfers between persons holding directly or indirectly
through the Depository on the one hand, and directly or indirectly through
Cedel Participants or Euroclear Participants, on the other, will be effected
in the Depository in accordance with the Depository's rules on behalf of the
relevant European international clearing system by its U.S. Depositary;
however, such cross-market transactions will require delivery of instructions
to the relevant European international clearing system by the counterparty in
such system in accordance with its rules and procedures and within its
established deadlines (European time). The relevant European international
clearing system will, if the transaction meets its settlement requirements,
deliver instructions to its U.S. Depositary to take action to effect final
settlement on its behalf by delivering or receiving Notes in the Depository,
and making or receiving payment in accordance with normal procedures for same-
day funds settlement applicable to the Depository. Cedel Participants and
Euroclear Participants may not deliver instructions directly to the
Depository.
 
  Because of time-zone differences, credits of Notes received in Cedel or
Euroclear as a result of a transaction with a Participant will be made during
subsequent securities settlement processing and will be credited the business
day following the Depository settlement date. Such credits or any transactions
in such Notes settled during such processing will be reported to the relevant
Cedel Participants or Euroclear Participants on such business day. Cash
received in Cedel or Euroclear as a result of sales of Notes by or through a
Cedel Participant or a Euroclear Participant to a Participant will be received
with value on the Depository settlement date but will be available in the
relevant Cedel or Euroclear cash account only as of the business day following
settlement in the Depository.
 
  Although the Depository, Cedel and Euroclear have agreed to the foregoing
procedures in order to facilitate transfers of Notes among participants of the
Depository, Cedel and Euroclear, they are under no obligation to perform or
continue to perform such procedures and such procedures may be discontinued at
any time.
 
                                     S-19
<PAGE>
 
      CERTAIN UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS
 
  A Beneficial Owner of a Note will generally be subject to the 30% United
States federal withholding tax that generally applies to payments of interest
on a registered form debt obligation issued by a United States person, unless
one of the following steps is taken to obtain an exemption from or reduction
of the tax (as used herein the term "IRS" shall mean the Internal Revenue
Service of the United States Department of Treasury):
 
  Exemption for Beneficial Owners that are not United States persons (IRS Form
W-8). A Beneficial Owner of a Note that is not a United States person (other
than a Beneficial Owner that is described in clause (1)(c) or (d) under
"Description of Notes--Payment of Additional Amounts" or that is a controlled
foreign corporation for United States tax purposes which is related to the
Company, actually or constructively, through stock ownership, can obtain an
exemption from the withholding tax by providing a properly completed IRS Form
W-8 (Certificate of Foreign Status). Copies of IRS Form W-8 may be obtained
from the Luxembourg Listing Agent.
 
  Exemption for Beneficial Owners that are not United States persons and that
have effectively connected income (IRS Form 4224). A Beneficial Owner of a
Note that is not a United States person, including a Non-United States
corporation or bank with a United States branch, that conducts a trade or
business in the United States with which interest income on a Note is
effectively connected, can obtain an exemption from the withholding tax by
providing a properly completed IRS Form 4224 (Exemption from Withholding of
Tax on Income Effectively Connected With the Conduct of a Trade or Business in
the United States).
 
  Exemption or reduced rate for Beneficial Owners that are not United States
persons and that are entitled to the benefits of a tax treaty (IRS Form
1001). A Beneficial Owner of a Note that is not a United States person and
that is entitled to the benefits of a tax treaty to which the United States is
a party can obtain an exemption from or reduction of the withholding tax
(depending on the terms of the treaty) by providing a properly completed IRS
Form 1001 (Ownership, Exemption, or Reduced Rate Certificate).
 
  Exemption for United States persons (IRS Form W-9). A Beneficial Owner of a
Note that is a United States person can obtain a complete exemption from the
withholding tax by providing a properly completed IRS Form W-9 (Request for
Taxpayer Identification Number and Certification).
 
  United States federal income tax reporting procedure. A Beneficial Owner of
a Note, or, in the case of IRS Forms 1001 and 4224, its agent, is required to
submit the appropriate IRS Form under applicable procedures to the person
through which the owner directly holds the Note. For example, if the
Beneficial Owner is listed directly on the books of Euroclear or Cedel as the
holder of the Note, the IRS Form must be provided to Euroclear or Cedel, as
the case may be. Each other person through which a Note is held must submit,
on behalf of the Beneficial Owner, the IRS Form (or in certain cases a copy
thereof) under applicable procedures to the person through which it holds the
Note, until the IRS Form is received by the person that would otherwise be
required to withhold United States federal income tax from interest on the
Note. For example, in the case of Notes held through Euroclear or Cedel, the
IRS Form (or a copy thereof) must be received by the U.S. Depositary of such
clearing agency. Applicable procedures include, in the case of a Beneficial
Owner holding the Note through 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"), the financial
institution's certifying to the United States person otherwise required to
withhold United States federal income tax from the interest, under penalties
of perjury, that the IRS Form W-8 has been received from the Beneficial Owner
by it or by a financial institution between it and the Beneficial Owner and
furnishing the payor with a copy of the IRS Form W-8.
 
  Regulations recently issued by the IRS, which will be effective for payments
made after December 31, 1999, make certain modifications to the certification
procedures applicable to Beneficial Owners of Notes that are not United States
persons.
 
  Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the
certification requirements for investors that are not United States persons.
 
                                     S-20
<PAGE>
 
  EACH HOLDER OF A NOTE SHOULD BE AWARE THAT IF IT DOES NOT PROPERLY PROVIDE
THE REQUIRED IRS FORM, OR IF THE IRS FORM (OR, IF PERMISSIBLE, A COPY OF SUCH
FORM) IS NOT PROPERLY TRANSMITTED TO AND RECEIVED BY THE PERSON OTHERWISE
REQUIRED TO WITHHOLD UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX, INTEREST ON THE NOTE
MAY BE SUBJECT TO UNITED STATES WITHHOLDING TAX AT A 30% RATE AND THE HOLDER
(INCLUDING THE BENEFICIAL OWNER) WILL NOT BE ENTITLED TO ANY ADDITIONAL
AMOUNTS FROM THE COMPANY DESCRIBED UNDER THE HEADING "DESCRIPTION OF NOTES--
PAYMENT OF ADDITIONAL AMOUNTS" WITH RESPECT TO SUCH TAX. SUCH TAX, HOWEVER,
MAY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES BE ALLOWED AS A REFUND OR AS A CREDIT AGAINST
SUCH HOLDER'S UNITED STATES FEDERAL INCOME TAX. THE FOREGOING DOES NOT DEAL
WITH ALL ASPECTS OF FEDERAL INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING THAT MAY BE RELEVANT TO
HOLDERS OF THE NOTES. INVESTORS ARE ADVISED TO CONSULT THEIR OWN TAX ADVISORS
FOR SPECIFIC ADVICE CONCERNING THE OWNERSHIP AND DISPOSITION OF NOTES,
INCLUDING THE SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS AND PROCEDURES FOR AVOIDING WITHHOLDING
AND OTHER TAX WITH RESPECT TO THE NOTES.
 
                                     S-21
<PAGE>
 
     UNITED STATES TAXATION OF HOLDERS THAT ARE NOT UNITED STATES PERSONS
 
  In the opinion of Baker & Botts, L.L.P., counsel to the Company, under
United States federal tax law as of the date of this Prospectus Supplement:
 
    (1) Payments of principal of and interest on a Note to, and proceeds or
  gain from the sale or other disposition of a Note by, a holder that is not
  a United States person will not be subject to United States federal income
  or withholding tax if (a) neither the holder, the Beneficial Owner, a
  fiduciary, settlor, beneficiary, member, owner or shareholder of the holder
  or Beneficial Owner, nor a person holding a power over an estate or trust
  administered by a fiduciary holder, has any relationship, connection or
  status with respect to the United States described in subparagraph (1)
  under "Description of Notes--Payment of Additional Amounts," and (b) if
  required, it has been established that the holder or the Beneficial Owner
  is not a United States person or is not subject to United States
  withholding tax or backup withholding tax.
 
    (2) A Note owned by an individual who at the time of death was not a
  citizen or resident, or treated as a resident of the United States or an
  expatriate of the United States will not be subject to United States
  federal estate tax as a result of such individual's death if (i) such
  individual was not a "10-percent shareholder" of the Company as defined in
  Section 871(h)(3) of the Code or any successor provision and (ii) the
  interest received by such individual on the Note was not effectively
  connected with a United States trade or business.
 
BACKUP WITHHOLDING AND INFORMATION REPORTING
 
  In general, information reporting requirements will apply to payments of
principal and interest made on a Note and the proceeds of the sale of a Note
within the United States, and "backup withholding" at a rate of 31% will apply
to such payments, if the holder or Beneficial Owner fails to provide an
accurate taxpayer identification number in the manner required or to report
all interest and dividends required to be shown on its federal income tax
returns and otherwise fails to qualify for an exemption from such information
reporting and backup withholding.
 
  Information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to payments made
by the Company or a paying agent on a Note to a holder that is not a United
States person if, in the case of interest, a properly completed IRS Form 1001
or 4224 has been provided under applicable procedures, or, in the case of
interest or principal, a properly completed IRS Form W-8 has been supplied
under applicable procedures, provided that the payor does not have actual
knowledge that the certifications are incorrect.
 
  Payments of the proceeds from the sale of a Note made 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 effectively connected with a
United States trade or business for a specified three-year period, information
reporting may apply to such payments unless the holder or Beneficial Owner
provides a properly completed IRS Form W-8 under applicable procedures or
otherwise establishes an exemption. Payments of the proceeds from the sale of
a Note to or through the United States office of a broker are subject to
information reporting and backup withholding unless the holder or Beneficial
Owner provides a properly completed IRS Form W-8 under applicable procedures
or otherwise establishes an exemption.
 
  Regulations recently issued by the IRS, which will be effective for payments
made after December 31, 1999, make certain modifications to the requirements
for obtaining exemption from information reporting and backup withholding
applicable to holders or Beneficial Owners that are not United States persons.
 
   Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors regarding the
procedures for obtaining an exemption from information reporting and backup
withholding.
 
  Backup withholding is not a separate tax, but is allowed as a refund or
credit against the holder's or Beneficial Owner's United States federal income
tax, provided the necessary information is furnished to the IRS.
 
  Interest on a Note whose Beneficial Owner is not a United States person will
be reported annually by the Company on IRS Form 1042S, which must be filed by
the Company with the IRS and furnished to such Beneficial Owner.
 
                                     S-22
<PAGE>
 
                                 UNDERWRITING
 
  Under the terms and subject to the conditions contained in an underwriting
agreement, dated   , 1998 (the "Underwriting Agreement"), the Underwriters
named below (the "Underwriters") for whom Credit Suisse First Boston
Corporation and Lehman Brothers Inc. are acting as representatives (the
"Representatives"), have severally but not jointly agreed to purchase from the
Company the following principal amount of Notes:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     PRINCIPAL
                                                                     AMOUNT OF
           UNDERWRITER                                                 NOTES
           -----------                                              ------------
      <S>                                                           <C>
      Credit Suisse First Boston Corporation......................  $
      Lehman Brothers Inc. .......................................
      BancAmerica Robertson Stephens..............................
      Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc. ...................................
      Credit Lyonnais Securities (USA) Inc. ......................
      Deutsche Morgan Grenfell....................................
      Goldman, Sachs & Co. .......................................
      Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated..........
      Nationsbanc Montgomery Securities LLC.......................
      Salomon Brothers Inc........................................
      Societe Generale Securities Corporation.....................
                                                                    ------------
           Total..................................................  $
                                                                    ============
</TABLE>
 
  The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the Underwriters
are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the Underwriters will be
obligated to purchase all the Notes, if any are purchased. The Underwriting
Agreement provides that, in the event of a default by an Underwriter, in
certain circumstances the purchase commitments of non-defaulting Underwriters
may be increased, additional Underwriters may be added, or the Underwriting
Agreement may be terminated.
 
  The Company has been advised by the Representatives that the Underwriters
propose to offer the Notes to the public initially at the public offering
price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus Supplement, and, through
the Representatives, to certain dealers at such price less concessions of   %
of the principal amount per Note, and the Underwriters and such dealers may
allow a discount of   % of principal amount per Note on sales to certain other
dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price and
concessions and discounts to dealers may be changed by the Representatives.
 
  Although application has been made to list the Notes on the Luxembourg Stock
Exchange, the Notes are a new issue of securities with no established trading
market. The Representatives have advised the Company that they intend to act
as market makers for the Notes. However, the Representatives are not obligated
to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. No
assurances can be given as to the liquidity of, or the trading markets for,
the Notes.
 
   Purchasers of Notes may be required to pay stamp taxes and other charges in
accordance with the laws and practices of the country of purchase in addition
to the issue price set forth on the cover page hereof.
 
  The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
liabilities, including civil liabilities under the United States Securities
Act of 1933, as amended, or contribute to payments which the Underwriters may
be required to make in respect thereof.
 
  The Representatives, on behalf of the Underwriters, may engage in over-
allotment, stabilizing transactions, syndicate covering transactions and
penalty bids. Over-allotment involves syndicate sales in excess of the
offering size, which creates a syndicate short position. Stabilizing
transactions permit bids to purchase the underlying security so long as the
stabilizing bids do not exceed a specified maximum. Syndicate covering
transactions involve purchases of the Notes in the open market after the
distribution has been completed in order
 
                                     S-23
<PAGE>
 
to cover syndicate short positions. Penalty bids permit the Representatives to
reclaim a selling concession from a syndicate member when the Notes originally
sold by such syndicate member are purchased in a syndicate covering
transaction to cover syndicate short positions. Such stabilizing transactions,
syndicate covering transactions and penalty bids may cause the price of the
Notes to be higher than it would otherwise be in the absence of such
transactions. These transactions, if commenced, may be discontinued at any
time.
 
  The Notes are offered for sale in those jurisdictions in the United States,
Europe and Asia where it is legal to make such offers.
 
  Each of the Underwriters severally represents and agrees that it has not and
will not offer, sell or deliver any of the Notes directly or indirectly, or
distribute this Prospectus Supplement or the Prospectus or any other offering
material relating to the Notes, in or from any jurisdiction except under
circumstances that will result in compliance with the applicable laws and
regulations thereof and that will not impose any obligations on the Company
except as set forth in the Underwriting Agreement.
 
  In particular, each of the Underwriters severally represents and agrees
that:
 
    (i)  it has not offered or sold and prior to the date six months after
         the date of issue of the Notes will not offer or sell any Notes to
         persons in the United Kingdom except to persons whose ordinary
         activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing or disposing
         of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their
         businesses or otherwise in circumstances which have not resulted and
         will not result in an offer to the public in the United Kingdom
         within the meaning of the Public Offers of Securities Regulations
         1995;
 
    (ii) it has complied and will comply with all applicable provisions of
         the Financial Services Act 1986 with respect to anything done by it
         in relation to the Notes in, from or otherwise involving the United
         Kingdom; and
 
    (iii) it has only issued or passed on and will only issue or pass on in
          the United Kingdom any document received by it in connection with
          the issue of the Notes to a person who is of a kind described in
          Article 11(3) of the Financial Services Act 1986 (Investment
          Advertisements) (Exemptions) Order 1996 (as amended) or is a person
          to whom such document may otherwise lawfully be issued or passed
          on.
 
  Certain of the Underwriters and certain of their affiliates engage in
transactions with and perform services for the Parent and the Company and
certain of their respective subsidiaries and affiliates in the ordinary course
of business.
 
                                     S-24
<PAGE>
 
                         NOTICE TO CANADIAN RESIDENTS
 
RESALE RESTRICTIONS
 
  The distribution of the Notes in Canada is being made only on a private
placement basis exempt from the requirement that the Company prepare and file
a prospectus with the securities' regulatory authorities in each province
where trades of Notes are effected. Accordingly, any resale of the Notes in
Canada must be made in accordance with applicable securities laws which will
vary depending on the relevant jurisdiction, and which may require resales to
be made in accordance with available statutory exemptions or pursuant to a
discretionary exemption granted by the applicable Canadian securities
regulatory authority. Purchasers are advised to seek legal advice prior to any
resale of the Notes.
 
REPRESENTATIONS OF PURCHASERS
 
  Each purchaser of Notes in Canada who receives a purchase confirmation will
be deemed to represent to the Company and the dealer from whom such purchase
confirmation is received that (i) such purchaser is entitled under applicable
provincial securities laws to purchase such Notes without the benefit of a
prospectus qualified under such securities laws, (ii) where required by law,
that such purchaser is purchasing as principal and not as agent, and (iii)
such purchaser has reviewed the text above under "--Resale Restrictions."
 
RIGHTS OF ACTION (ONTARIO PURCHASERS)
 
  The securities being offered are those of a foreign issuer and Ontario
purchasers will not receive the contractual right of action prescribed by
section 32 of the Regulation under the Securities Act (Ontario). As a result,
Ontario purchasers must rely on other remedies that may be available,
including common law rights of action for damages or rescission or rights of
action under the civil liability provisions of the U.S. federal securities
laws.
 
ENFORCEMENT OF LEGAL RIGHTS
 
  All of the issuer's directors and officers as well as the experts named
herein and in the accompanying Prospectus may be located outside of Canada
and, as a result, it may not be possible for Canadian purchasers to effect
service of process within Canada upon the issuer or such persons. All or a
substantial portion of the assets of the issuer and such persons may be
located outside of Canada and, as a result, it may not be possible to satisfy
a judgment against the issuer or such persons in Canada or to enforce a
judgment obtained in Canadian courts against such issuer or persons outside of
Canada.
 
NOTICE TO BRITISH COLUMBIA RESIDENTS
 
  A purchaser of Notes to whom the Securities Act (British Columbia) applies
is advised that such purchaser is required to file with the British Columbia
Securities Commission a report within ten days of the sale of any Notes
acquired by such purchaser pursuant to this offering. Such report must be in
the form attached to British Columbia Securities Commission Blanket Order BOR
#95/17, a copy of which may be obtained from the Company. Only one such report
must be filed in respect of Notes acquired on the same date and under the same
prospectus exemption.
 
TAXATION AND ELIGIBILITY FOR INVESTMENT
 
  Canadian purchasers of Notes should consult their own legal and tax advisors
with respect to the tax consequence of an investment in the Notes in their
particular circumstances and with respect to the eligibility of the Notes for
investment by the purchaser under relevant Canadian legislation.
 
                                     S-25
<PAGE>
 
                             VALIDITY OF THE NOTES
 
  The validity of the Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for the Company
by Baker & Botts, L.L.P., 599 Lexington Avenue, New York, New York 10022.
Jerome H. Kern, a special counsel to Baker & Botts, L.L.P., is a director of
the Parent, which owns all of the outstanding common stock of the Company.
Certain partners of Baker & Botts, L.L.P. and Mr. Kern hold shares, restricted
shares and/or options to purchase shares of the common stock of the Parent.
Certain legal matters in connection with the offering will be passed upon for
the Underwriters by Brown & Wood LLP, One World Trade Center, New York, New
York 10048.
 
                              GENERAL INFORMATION
 
LISTING
 
  Application has been made to list the Notes on the Luxembourg Stock
Exchange. In connection with the listing application, the Restated Certificate
of Incorporation and the bylaws of the Company and a legal notice relating to
the issuance of the Notes have been deposited prior to listing with the
Greffier en Chef du Tribunal d'Arrondissement de et a Luxembourg, where copies
thereof may be obtained upon request. Copies of the above documents together
with this Prospectus Supplement, the accompanying Prospectus, the Indenture
and the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
1997 (the "1997 Form 10-K") and the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K,
dated February 24, 1998, as well as all future annual reports, quarterly
reports and current reports of the Company, so long as any of the Notes are
outstanding and listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange, will be made
available at the main office of the Luxembourg Listing Agent. The Underwriting
Agreement will be available for inspection at the Luxembourg Listing Agent.
The Luxembourg Listing Agent will act as intermediary between the Luxembourg
Stock Exchange and the Company and the holders of the Notes.
 
  The consolidated financial statements of the Company contained in the 1997
Form 10-K have been audited by KPMG Peat Marwick LLP.
 
AUTHORIZATION
 
  The Notes will be issued pursuant to authority granted by the Board of
Directors of the Company on February 10, 1998 and by the Executive Committee
of the Board of Directors on    , 1998, as each such authority may be
supplemented from time to time.
 
NO MATERIAL ADVERSE CHANGE
 
  There has been no material adverse change in the financial position or
operations of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated basis since
December 31, 1997.
 
LITIGATION
 
  Other than as disclosed under the caption "Legal Proceedings" in the 1997
Form 10-K (which is incorporated by reference herein), neither the Company nor
any of its subsidiaries is involved in any litigation, arbitration or
administrative proceedings, nor, to the Company's knowledge, are any such
proceedings pending or threatened involving the Company or any of its
subsidiaries, which may have or have had a material adverse effect on the
financial position of the Company and its subsidiaries on a consolidated
basis.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
  The Notes, the Indenture and the Underwriting Agreement are governed by, and
shall be construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York,
United States of America, applicable to agreements made and to be performed
wholly within such jurisdiction.
 
IDENTIFICATION NUMBERS
 
  Application will be made to clear the Notes through the accounts of Cedel
and Euroclear. The Notes have been assigned Euroclear and Cedel Common Code
No.   , International Security Identification Number (ISIN) US     and CUSIP
No.    .
 
                                     S-26
<PAGE>
 
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 April 22, 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.
 
                                       2
<PAGE>
 
                    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, 1997.
 
   2. The Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company for the fiscal year
      ended December 31, 1997.
 
   3. The Current Reports on Form 8-K of the Parent dated February 25, 1998
      and March 6, 1998.
 
   4. The Current Report on Form 8-K of the Company dated February 24, 1998.
 
  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 United States. 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.
 
  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 1.22 and 1.23 for the years ended December 31,
1994 and 1993, respectively. 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, 1997, 1996 and 1995; 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 $80 million, $388 million and $167 million for
the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996 and 1995, respectively. 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) and minority interests in
earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries. 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 Company's
proportionate share of interest of 50%-owned affiliates, (iii) that portion of
rental expense the Company believes to be representative of interest (one-
third of rental expense), (iv) amortization of debt expense, (v) that portion
of minority interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated subsidiaries that
represents the amount of pretax earnings that would be required to cover
preferred stock dividend requirements of consolidated subsidiaries, (vi) 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 the Company, and (vii) the amount of
pretax earnings that would be required to cover preferred stock dividend
requirements of 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 $10 million, $13 million, $5 million, $5
million and $14 million relating to such guarantees for the years ended
December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively, have not been
included in fixed charges because the investment in such entities does not
result in the recognition of a loss and it is not probable that the Company
will be required to honor such guarantees.
 
  Parent. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed charges and preferred stock
dividends of the Parent was 1.46, 1.18 and 1.23 for the years ended December
31, 1996, 1994 and 1993, respectively. The ratio of earnings to combined fixed
charges and preferred stock dividends of the Parent was less than 1.00 for the
years ended December 31, 1997 and 1995; 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 $158 million and $217 million for the years
ended December 31, 1997 and 1995, respectively. 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) and minority interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated
subsidiaries. Combined fixed charges and preferred stock dividends consist of
(i) interest (including capitalized interest) on debt, including 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 Parent's proportionate share of interest of 50%-owned affiliates,
(iii) that portion of rental expense the Parent believes to be representative
of interest (one-third of rental expense), (iv) amortization of debt expense,
(v) that portion of minority interests in earnings (losses) of consolidated
subsidiaries that represents the amount of pretax earnings that would be
required to cover preferred stock dividend requirements of consolidated
subsidiaries, (vi) 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, and (vii) the
amount of pretax earnings that would be required to cover preferred stock
dividend requirements of 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 $19 million, $8 million, $8
million, $6 million and $14 million relating to such
 
                                       5
<PAGE>
 
guarantees for the years ended December 31, 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994, and 1993,
respectively, have not been included in fixed charges because the investment
in such entities does not result in the recognition of a loss and it is not
probable that the Parent will be required to honor such guarantees.
 
                        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 December 31, 1997, the Company had an aggregate of approximately
$13.869 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 $1.4
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 December 31, 1997, the Company's subsidiaries had total Debt
of approximately $5.221 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
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.
 
                                       6
<PAGE>
 
  The Senior Debt Securities will be issued under an Indenture, dated as of
February 19, 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 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
 
                                       7
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                       8
<PAGE>
 
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;
 
    (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
 
                                       9
<PAGE>
 
  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, 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 and determining Events of
Default, (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
 
                                      10
<PAGE>
 
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, intangible 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.
 
  "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
 
                                      11
<PAGE>
 
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.
 
  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
 
                                      12
<PAGE>
 
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
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)
 
                                      13
<PAGE>
 
  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 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
 
                                      14
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      15
<PAGE>
 
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)
 
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
 
                                      16
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      17
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      18
<PAGE>
 
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 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.
 
                                      19
<PAGE>
 
  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 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
 
                                      20
<PAGE>
 
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,
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)
 
                                      21
<PAGE>
 
  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
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
 
                                      22
<PAGE>
 
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)
 
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
 
                                      23
<PAGE>
 
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, 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. On April 1, 1998, all of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred
Stock were redeemed to the extent not previously converted by the holders
thereof pursuant to the terms thereof, with the effect that all shares so
redeemed or converted 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 D
Preferred Stock. The Parent does not intend to issue any additional shares of
Series D Preferred Stock and intends to remove any remaining shares of Series
Preferred Stock designated as Series D 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 December 31, 1997, (i) 468,674,163 shares of Series A TCI Group Common
Stock (net of treasury stock and shares held by subsidiaries of the Parent),
38,213,778 shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock (net of treasury stock
and shares held by subsidiaries of the Parent), 313,225,982 shares of Series A
Liberty Media Group Common Stock (net of treasury stock and shares held by
subsidiaries of the Parent), 31,681,124 shares of Series B Liberty Media Group
Common Stock (net of treasury stock and shares held by subsidiaries of
 
                                      31
<PAGE>
 
the Parent), 377,386,032 shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock
and 32,194,604 shares of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (net of
treasury stock) had been issued and were outstanding, (ii) 11,296,324 shares
of Series A TCI Group Common Stock, 30,876,766 shares of Series B TCI Group
Common Stock, 25,082,172 shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock,
82,074 shares of Series B Liberty Media Group Common Stock and 338,196 shares
of Series B TCI Ventures Group Common Stock were held by the Parent as
treasury stock, and (iii) 125,645,656 shares of Series A TCI Group Common
Stock, 9,112,500 shares of Series B TCI Group Common Stock, 6,654,367 shares
of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and 3,417,187 shares of Series B
Liberty Media Group Common Stock were held by subsidiaries of the Parent (all
as adjusted for stock dividends issued with respect to the Liberty Media Group
Common Stock and the TCI Ventures Group Common Stock on February 6, 1998). As
of that date, 113,221,305 shares of Series A TCI Group Common Stock,
46,015,274 shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and 36,237,250
shares of Series A TCI Ventures Group Common Stock (as adjusted for stock
dividends issued with respect to the Liberty Media Group Common Stock and the
TCI Ventures Group Common Stock on February 6, 1998) 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
 
                                      32
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      33
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      34
<PAGE>
 
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 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 Committee shall designate the Second Appraiser. Not later than 20
days after the Selection Date, the First
 
                                      50
<PAGE>
 
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 Common Stock at the TCI
Ventures Group Optional Conversion Ratio, such conversion will occur on a
 
                                      51
<PAGE>
 
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
 
      (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
 
                                      52
<PAGE>
 
    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.
 
  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
 
                                      53
<PAGE>
 
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 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,
 
                                      54
<PAGE>
 
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
    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
 
                                      55
<PAGE>
 
    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 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
 
                                      56
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      57
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      58
<PAGE>
 
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.
 
  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
 
                                      59
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      60
<PAGE>
 
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
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
 
                                      61
<PAGE>
 
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. 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.
 
                                      62
<PAGE>
 
  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, 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
 
                                      63
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      64
<PAGE>
 
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, 1,552,490 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, 994,797 shares of Series D Preferred
Stock, 278,307 shares of Series F Preferred Stock, 6,567,344 shares of Series
G Preferred Stock and 6,567,894 shares of Series H Preferred Stock were
outstanding. On December 31, 1997, all of the issued and outstanding shares of
Convertible Preferred Stock, Series C were retired and on February 26, 1998
such series was eliminated from the Charter. On April 1, 1998, all of the
outstanding shares of Series D Preferred Stock were redeemed to the extent not
previously converted by the holders thereof pursuant to the terms thereof. 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
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.
 
                                      65
<PAGE>
 
  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 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.
 
 Series C-TCI Group Preferred Stock and Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred
Stock
 
  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.
 
                                      66
<PAGE>
 
  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 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
 
                                      67
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      68
<PAGE>
 
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.
 
  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
 
                                      69
<PAGE>
 
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 (as adjusted for a stock dividend issued with
respect to the Liberty Media Group Common Stock on February 6, 1998), 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
(i) 37.5 shares of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock and (ii) upon
conversion of shares of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock each
holder of Series C-Liberty Media Group Preferred Stock is entitled to receive
one additional share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock for every
two such shares issued 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 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.
 
  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
 
                                      70
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      71
<PAGE>
 
(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
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
 
                                      72
<PAGE>
 
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
 
  TCI will not issue any additional shares of Series D Preferred Stock and
will remove any remaining shares of Series Preferred Stock designated as
Series D Preferred Stock from such designation as soon as practicable.
 
 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.
 
  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 all other currently
outstanding classes and series of 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
 
                                      73
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
                                      74
<PAGE>
 
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 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
 
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<PAGE>
 
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, 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 (as adjusted for a stock dividend issued with
respect to the Liberty Media Group Common Stock on February 6, 1998), subject
to antidilution adjustments, each share of Series H Preferred Stock is
convertible, at the option of the holder, into (i) .2625 of one share of
Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock, and (ii) 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, and
(iii) upon such conversion each such holder is entitled to receive one
additional share of Series A Liberty Media Group Common Stock for every two
shares of such stock held after calculating the number of such shares issuable
upon conversion of the Series H Preferred Stock as described in clauses (i)
and (ii) above. Subject to the provisions described in the immediately
following paragraph, if
 
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<PAGE>
 
(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 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,
 
                                      77
<PAGE>
 
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 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 or Series C-Liberty Media Group 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
 
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<PAGE>
 
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," 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
 
                                      79
<PAGE>
 
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 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 33,815,381 remain available for issuance as of December 31,
1997. On April 1, 1998, all of the outstanding shares of Series D Preferred
Stock were redeemed to the extent not previously converted by the holders
thereof pursuant to the terms thereof, with the effect that such retired or
converted 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 D 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
1,216,635,813 shares of TCI Group Common Stock, 444,857,094 shares of Liberty
Media Group Common Stock and 415,081,168 shares of TCI Ventures Group Common
Stock remain available for issuance as of December 31, 1997, as adjusted for
stock dividends issued with respect to the Liberty Media Group Common Stock
and TCI Ventures Group Common Stock on February 6, 1998 (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.
 
                                      80
<PAGE>
 
  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).
 
                                      81
<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
 
                                      82
<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, 1997 and 1996, 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, 1997, and all related
financial statement schedules, which appear in the December 31, 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Tele-Communications, Inc., have been incorporated by
reference herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the
reports, dated March 20, 1998, 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, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of
operations, common stockholder's equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of
the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997, and all related
financial statement schedules, which appear in the December 31, 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of TCI Communications, Inc., have been incorporated by
reference herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the
reports, dated March 20, 1998, 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, 1997 and 1996,
and the related combined statements of operations, equity (deficit), and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997,
which appear in the December 31, 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tele-
Communications, Inc., have been incorporated by reference herein and in the
Registration Statement in reliance upon the report, dated March 20, 1998, 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 and TCI Ventures Group for all
periods that TCI Group has an interest in Liberty Media Group and TCI Ventures
Group.
 
  The combined balance sheets of Liberty Media Group as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, and the related combined statements of operations, equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997,
which appear in the December 31, 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tele-
Communications, Inc., have been incorporated by reference herein and in the
Registration Statement in reliance upon the report, dated March 20, 1998, 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.
 
                                      83
<PAGE>
 
  The combined balance sheets of TCI Ventures Group as of December 31, 1997
and 1996, and the related combined statements of operations, equity, and cash
flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 1997,
which appear in the December 31, 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K of Tele-
Communications, Inc., have been incorporated by reference herein and in the
Registration Statement in reliance upon the report, dated March 20, 1998, 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, 1997 and 1996, and the related consolidated
statements of operations and cash flows for each of the years in three-year
period ended December 31, 1997, which appear in the December 31, 1997 Annual
Report on Form 10-K of Tele-Communications, Inc., have been incorporated by
reference herein and in the Registration Statement in reliance upon the
report, dated March 19, 1998, 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 as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and the related consolidated
statements of operations, changes in partners' capital and cash flows for each
of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1997 incorporated in this
prospectus by reference from Tele-Communications, Inc. Annual Report on Form
10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997 have been audited by Deloitte &
Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report, 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 consolidated financial statements of InterMedia Capital Partners IV,
L.P. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the years
then ended, incorporated in this Prospectus by reference to TCI
Communications, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December
31, 1997, have been so incorporated in reliance on the report of Price
Waterhouse LLP, independent accountants, given on the authority of said firm
as experts in auditing and accounting.
 
                                      84
<PAGE>
 
                              PRINCIPAL OFFICES OF
                                  THE COMPANY
 
                                Terrace Tower II
                                5619 DTC Parkway
                           Englewood, Colorado 80111
                                     U.S.A.
 
                            AUDITORS TO THE COMPANY
 
                             KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
                                2300 Arco Tower
                             707 Seventeenth Street
                             Denver, Colorado 80202
                                     U.S.A.
 
               TRUSTEE                                 PRINCIPAL
 
                                                 PAYING/TRANSFER AGENT
        The Bank of New York                      The Bank of New York
         101 Barclay Street                        101 Barclay Street
      New York, New York 10286                  New York, New York 10286
               U.S.A.                                    U.S.A.
 
                        LUXEMBOURG PAYING/TRANSFER AGENT
 
                        Kredietbank S.A. Luxembourgeoise
                             43, Boulevard Royal--L
                                2955 Luxembourg
                                   Luxembourg
 
                                 LEGAL ADVISERS
 
           To the Company                          To the Underwriters
      as to United States Law:                  as to United States Law:
        BAKER & BOTTS, L.L.P.                       BROWN & WOOD LLP
        599 Lexington Avenue                     One World Trade Center
      New York, New York 10022                  New York, New York 10048
               U.S.A.                                    U.S.A.
 
                                 LISTING AGENT
 
                        Kredietbank S.A. Luxembourgeoise
                             43, Boulevard Royal--L
                                2955 Luxembourg
                                   Luxembourg
<PAGE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
 NO DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON HAS BEEN AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFOR-
MATION OR TO MAKE ANY REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLE-
MENT OR THE PROSPECTUS AND, IF GIVEN OR MADE, SUCH INFORMATION OR REPRESENTA-
TION MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR ANY
UNDERWRITER. THIS PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT AND THE PROSPECTUS DO NOT CONSTITUTE
AN OFFER TO SELL OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY ANY OF THE SECURITIES
OFFERED HEREBY IN ANY JURISDICTION TO ANY PERSON TO WHOM IT IS UNLAWFUL TO
MAKE SUCH OFFER IN SUCH JURISDICTION. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS
SUPPLEMENT OR THE PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER OR THEREUNDER SHALL,
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION HEREIN OR
IN THE PROSPECTUS 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
SUCH DATE.
 
                                  -----------
 
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           PAGE
                                                                           ----
                             PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
<S>                                                                        <C>
Available Information.....................................................  S-3
Risk Factors..............................................................  S-3
Capitalization of the Company.............................................  S-5
Selected Financial Data of the Company....................................  S-6
Directors and Principal Executive
 Officers of the Company..................................................  S-9
Use of Proceeds........................................................... S-10
Principal Subsidiaries of the Company..................................... S-10
Description of Notes...................................................... S-11
Depository; Book-Entry System............................................. S-16
Global Clearance and Settlement Procedures................................ S-19
Certain United States Federal Income
 Tax Documentation Requirements........................................... S-20
United States Taxation of Holders That
 Are Not United States Persons............................................ S-22
Underwriting.............................................................. S-23
Notice to Canadian Residents.............................................. S-25
Validity of the Notes..................................................... S-26
General Information....................................................... S-26
 
                                  PROSPECTUS
 
Available Information.....................................................    2
Incorporation of Documents by Reference...................................    3
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......................................................   82
Legal Matters.............................................................   83
Experts...................................................................   83
</TABLE>
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                           TCI COMMUNICATIONS, INC.
 
                                    $
 
                         % Senior Notes Due May   , 20
 
                             PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT
 
                          CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON
                                LEHMAN BROTHERS
                        BANCAMERICA ROBERTSON STEPHENS
                           BEAR, STEARNS & CO. INC.
                             GOLDMAN, SACHS & CO.
                              MERRILL LYNCH & CO.
                             SALOMON SMITH BARNEY
                     CREDIT LYONNAIS SECURITIES (USA) INC.
                           DEUTSCHE MORGAN GRENFELL
                     NATIONSBANC MONTGOMERY SECURITIES LLC
                    SOCIETE GENERALE SECURITIES CORPORATION
 
 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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