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Redacted portions have been marked with asterisks (****). Confidential treatment
has been requested for the redacted portions. The confidential redacted portions
have been filed separately with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
CONFIDENTIAL TREATMENT
EXHIBIT 10.38
SYSTEM USE AND
SERVICE AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
WILTEL, INC. ("WILTEL")
AND
VYVX, INC. ("VYVX")
EFFECTIVE
AS OF
JANUARY 1, 1994
EXECUTION COPY
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 DEFINITIONS AND EXHIBITS....................................................1
Section 1.01 Definitions...................................................1
Section 1.02 Exhibits......................................................9
Section 1.03 Section References...........................................10
Section 2 PURCHASE AND USE OF THE WILTEL NETWORK.....................................10
Section 2.01 Network Purchase.............................................10
Section 2.02 Right to Use.................................................10
Section 2.03 Additional Purchase Price................................... 10
Section 2.04 Transition...................................................11
Section 2.05 Use by WilTel................................................11
Section 2.06 Rights-of-way................................................12
Section 2.07 Additional Vyvx Equipment....................................12
Section 2.08 WilTel Added Equipment.......................................14
Section 2.09 Replacement and Expansion of the WilTel Network..............14
Section 2.10 Addition of Drop Points......................................15
Section 2.11 Access.......................................................16
Section 2.12 Salvage Rights...............................................16
Section 3 SERVICES AND SERVICE COSTS.................................................17
Section 3.01 Agreement to Provide Services and Pay Service Costs..........17
Section 3.02 Description of Services......................................17
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Section 3.03 Payment of Service Costs.....................................18
Section 3.04 Rights Transfer Costs........................................18
Section 3.05 Shared Project Costs.........................................19
Section 3.06 Provisioning of Off-Network Services.........................20
Section 3.07 Commencement of Services and Term of Agreement...............20
Section 4 RISK OF LOSS, INDEMNIFICATION, AND
USE OF THE VYVX PROPERTY.......................................................21
Section 4.01 Risk of Loss and WilTel Liability............................21
Section 4.02 Vyvx Indemnification.........................................21
Section 4.03 WilTel Indemnification.......................................22
Section 4.04 Use of the Vyvx Property.....................................22
Section 5 INSPECTION OF FACILITIES AND AUDITS.......................................23
Section 5.01 Inspection of Equipment......................................23
Section 5.02 Audits.......................................................23
Section 5.03 Cooperation of the Parties...................................23
Section 6 BANKRUPTCY.................................................................24
Section 7 TAXES......................................................................25
Section 8 REGULATION.................................................................26
Section 9 OVERDUE PAYMENT CHARGES....................................................26
Section 10 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS...................................................27
Section 10.01 Limitation of Liability .....................................27
Section 10.02 Successors in Interest; Transfers ...........................28
Section 10.03 Resolution of Disputes ......................................29
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Section 10.04 Force Majeure ...............................................29
Section 10.05 Change in Technology ........................................30
Section 10.06 Payments ....................................................30
Section 10.07 Partial Network Operations ..................................30
Section 10.08 Disclosure ..................................................30
Section 10.09 Authority and Approval ......................................32
Section 10.10 Governing Law ...............................................33
Section 10.11 Execution in Counterparts ...................................33
Section 10.12 Integration; Amendments .....................................33
Section 10.13 Severability ................................................33
Section 10.14 Waivers .....................................................33
Section 10.15 Indemnification of Third Parties by WilTel...................34
Section 10.16 Headings ....................................................34
Section 10.17 Rights and Remedies Cumulative ..............................34
Section 10.18 Notices .....................................................34
Section 10.19 WilTel Abandonment of Service ...............................34
Section 10.20 Invoices and Access to Books and Records.....................36
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LIST OF EXHIBITS
EXHIBIT A WILTEL NETWORK
EXHIBIT B VYVX EQUIPMENT
EXHIBIT C VYVX FIBER
EXHIBIT D SYSTEM SEGMENTS
EXHIBIT E SYSTEM SERVICE STATEMENT
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SYSTEM USE AND SERVICE AGREEMENT
AGREEMENT executed this ___ day of _____________ 199_ and effective as
of January 1, 1994, by and between WilTel, Inc. ("WilTel"), a Delaware
corporation having its principal place of business at Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000; and Vyvx, Inc. ("Vyvx"), a Delaware corporation having
its principal place of business at Tulsa Union Depot, 000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx,
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000.
W I T N E S S E T H:
WHEREAS, WilTel sold a fiber strand and equipment to Vyvx effective as
of January 1, 1994, pursuant to an agreement (short form) as of that date (the
"Initial Agreement"); and
WHEREAS, WilTel and Vyvx acknowledge their continuing obligations to
each other under the Initial Agreement, but desire to further define their
respective rights and obligations thereunder and thereby permanently amend,
restate, and supersede in its entirety the Initial Agreement as it relates to
future rights and obligations of the Parties;
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants
contained herein, WilTel and Vyvx, intending legally to be bound, agree as
follows:
SECTION 1
DEFINITIONS AND EXHIBITS
Section 1.01. Definitions. Unless otherwise defined herein, the terms
used in this Agreement will have their normal or common meanings. In addition,
the following terms will have the following meanings for the purposes of this
Agreement including Exhibits A through E:
(a) "Additional Purchase Price" is as defined in Section 2.04.
(b) "Additional Purchase Price Credits" is as defined in Section 2.04.
(c) "Additional Service Costs" is as defined in Section 3.03.
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(d) "Additional Vyvx Fiber" is as defined in Section 2.09.
(e) "Affiliate" of Vyvx or WilTel, as the case may be, means any
person which directly or indirectly through one or more intermediaries controls,
or is controlled by, or is under common control with, such person. The term
"control" means the possession, directly or indirectly, of the power to direct
or cause the direction of any person, whether through the ownership of
securities, by contract, or otherwise. The term "person" means an individual,
partnership, joint venture, corporation, trust, unincorporated organization or a
government or any department or agency thereof.
(f) "Agreement" means this System Use and Service Agreement, of which
this Section 1.01 is a part, including the attached Exhibits.
(g) "Change of Control" means (i) any transaction in which WilTel, or
any direct or indirect parent corporation of WilTel, is, directly or indirectly,
acquired by, merged into or consolidated with, or reorganized into, another
corporation or other legal entity, and as a result of such acquisition, merger,
consolidation or reorganization less than a majority of the combined voting
power of the then-outstanding securities of WilTel, or any direct or indirect
parent corporation of WilTel, as the case may be, immediately after the
transaction are held in the aggregate by the persons holding such securities
immediately prior to the event; or (ii) any transaction in which WilTel, or any
direct or indirect parent corporation of WilTel, sells or otherwise transfers
all or substantially all of its assets to any other corporation or other person,
if less than a majority of the combined voting power of the then-outstanding
securities of such other person is held in the aggregate by the holders of
voting stock of WilTel, or any direct or indirect parent corporation of WilTel,
as the case may be; provided, however, that any such transactions will not
include a transaction where the other party to the transaction is a WilTel
Affiliate prior to the transaction in question.
(h) "Collocate Agreement" means the Collocate Agreement between Vyvx
and WilTel executed concurrently herewith whereby Vyvx may locate certain of its
own property inside a POP.
(i) "Common Facilities" means the common mechanical, electrical, and
environmental equipment, located in a Regenerator Location or POP, maintained by
WilTel as well as the building structures and areas surrounding them, and
includes, but is not limited to, batteries, generators, rectifiers, monitoring
and control equipment, and the environmental alarm system. Common Facilities
will include that equipment which provides, or contributes to, the environmental
control of the
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space and the provision of AC or DC power, but specifically does not include
either Parties' fiber optic transmission system equipment or equipment
specifically and uniquely deployed for the purpose of monitoring, controlling
and operating either Parties' fiber optic transmission system equipment.
(j) "Common Facilities Costs" means the Costs incurred by WilTel
associated with the addition of capital assets to the Common Facilities on the
WilTel Network in order to accommodate Vyvx's request to add Vyvx Equipment
pursuant to Section 2.07 hereof or WilTel's addition of electronics pursuant to
Section 2.08 hereof.
(k) "Confidential Information" means (i) all documents, materials and
other information (whether or not reduced to tangible form), including, but not
limited to, information transmitted over the WilTel Network, which either Party
acquires from the other Party, and which the receiving Party knows, or
reasonably should know, are confidential and proprietary; or (ii) all documents
and materials which either Party provides to the other Party and which the
disclosing Party clearly identifies in writing on such documents or materials as
being "Proprietary" or "Confidential". "Confidential Information" will not
include information generally employed by the communications industry which is
in the public domain or information which is independently developed, rightfully
acquired from third parties or approved for disclosure by the prior written
authorization of the disclosing Party.
(l) "Costs"
(i) WilTel's actual costs reasonably incurred and directly
attributable to the performance of a Project on the WilTel Network defined as
the sum of the following:
(A) "Direct Labor Costs" means the actual direct cost
(i.e., wages or salaries) of engineering, craft and immediate craft supervision
as specifically applicable to the performance of the Project as recorded through
WilTel's positive labor time reporting system, and will not include any WilTel
xxxx-up, margin or profit.
(B) "Direct Material Costs" means the actual invoiced cost
or material transfer cost (including freight costs) for material used in
performance of the Project and will not include any WilTel xxxx-up, margin or
profit.
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(C) "Overhead" means the overhead allocation on Direct
Labor Costs in accordance with the established accounting procedure used by
WilTel which it utilizes in billing third parties for Reimbursable Projects.
(D) "Subcontractor Payments" means the actual amounts paid
by WilTel to subcontractors for the performance of work included in a Project
and will not include any WilTel xxxx-up, margin or profit.
(ii) For the purposes of calculating the Costs, all trade
discounts, rebates and refunds and all returns from the sale of surplus
materials and supplies, will be deducted from the cost of Direct Material
described above.
(iii) Costs will not include any expenses or costs incurred that
are due to the negligence of WilTel, any WilTel subcontractor, or anyone
directly or indirectly employed by any of them, or for whose acts any of them
are liable.
(m) "Day" or "day" means any part or fraction of a calendar day
commencing at twelve (12) -------------- o'clock midnight, local time.
(n) "Demand Maintenance" means all corrective maintenance actions to
be performed by WilTel pursuant to this Agreement necessitated by indications,
either electrically, mechanically, or optically, that corrective measures are
clearly required in order to restore the affected system or subsystem to normal
operating condition, including but not limited to cable restoration, battery
failure, HVAC failure, etc.; provided, however, Demand Maintenance does not mean
improvements to Vyvx Property, except incidental improvements.
(o) "Demarcation Point" means a Xxxx within a POP, Fiber Distribution
Panel within a Regenerator Location and elsewhere at a Drop Point.
(p) "Drop Point" means the point other than at a Fiber Distribution
Panel where a Vyvx Fiber is terminated on the WilTel Network. Each Drop Point
will be at a Splice Location.
(q) "DS3" means a digital signal having a bit rate of 44.736 Mb/s in
accordance with ANSI Standard T1.102 (formerly AT&T Compatibility Bulletin 119
dated October 1979) and Technical
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Reference PUB 54014. As applied to the computation of the Vyvx Percentage, the
number of DS3s will be expressed as the total manufacturer's designed capacity
(including protection) of the installed equipment, whether or not fully
operational to the maximum designed capacity.
(r) "DS3 Mile" is a measure of optical transmitting capacity equal to
the transmission of (or ability to transmit) one (1) DS3 signal over a distance
of one (1) mile.
(s) "Expansion Fee" is the amount calculated by multiplying the Vyvx
Percentage by all Common Facilities Costs.
(t) "Expiration Date" is as defined in Section 3.08.
(u) "Fiber Distribution Panel" or "FDP" means the fiber distribution
panel, fiber organizing and storage cabinet, or such other similar demarcation
point.
(v) "Force Majeure" has the meaning set forth in Section 10.04 hereof.
(w) "GDP Index" means the "Fixed-Weighted Price Index for the Gross
Domestic Product, 1987 Weights" published by the United States Department of
Commerce.
(x) "Hurdle" is as defined in Section 3.06.
(y) "Inflation Adjustment" is as defined in Section 3.03.
(z) "Initial Service Costs" is as defined in Section 3.03.
(aa) "Xxxx" means a DS3 coaxial electrical interconnection point on a
DSX-3 cross-connect panel.
(ab) "Month" or "month" means a calendar month.
(ac) "Off-network Services" is as defined in Section 3.07.
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(ad) "Other Maintenance" means any maintenance requested by Vyvx to be
performed by WilTel which is not Routine Maintenance or Demand Maintenance but
that which Vyvx has deemed necessary for the proper operation of the Vyvx
Property, including, but not limited to, addition of a Drop Point, splicing of
Vyvx Fiber (excluding repair in a Demand Maintenance situation or reconnection
associated with a cable relocation) or any other manipulation of the Vyvx Fiber,
maintenance, assembly or disassembly of Vyvx Equipment, installation or removal
of Vyvx Equipment, wiring of installed Vyvx Equipment, testing and acceptance of
Vyvx Equipment, trouble resolution of installed systems or rearrangement and
splicing of fiber jumpers. Vyvx will provide WilTel a written request for Other
Maintenance along with a description of the maintenance requested and the
desired time frame for completion.
(ae) "Other Networks" means fiber-optic communications systems on the
WilTel Network, other than the Vyvx Property, owned by parties other than
WilTel.
(af) "Party" or "Parties" means either WilTel or Vyvx or both, as the
context requires.
(ag) "POP" means a WilTel "POP" or "Point of Presence" as that term is
used by WilTel to describe certain of its facilities.
(ah) "Project" means only the following described projects for which
Vyvx may be required to pay Costs in addition to the annual Service Costs:
(i) an acquisition of ROW's under Section 2.06; or
(ii) a Common Facility expansion required under Section 2.07 or
Section 2.08 in which an Expansion Fee is charged; or
(iii) a Network Replacement or WilTel Expansion under Section
2.09; or
(iv) Rights Transfer Costs under Section 3.04; or
(v) a Shared Project as described in Section 3.05; or
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(vi) provisioning of Off-network Services under Section 3.06; or
(vii) Other Maintenance in accordance with Section 2.07 and
Section 1.g. of the System Service Statement.
The above-defined Projects are intended to include all projects for which Vyvx
is required to pay Costs, but does not set forth all circumstances in which Vyvx
is required to make other payments (other than Costs) under this Agreement.
(ai) "Reconfiguration Date" is as defined in Section 2.04.
(aj) "Regenerator Location" means a controlled environmental vault,
regenerator hut or other facility other than a POP located on the WilTel Network
where optical communications signals are transmitted.
(ak) "Reimbursable Projects" means those projects, whether requested by
a third party or necessitated by the negligence or malfeasance of a third party
which the Costs of said project may be potentially reimbursable, either in whole
or in part, by such third party.
(al) "Renewal Term" is as defined in Section 3.07.
(am) "Rights Transfer" is as defined in Section 2.02.
(an) "Rights Transfer Costs" is as defined in Section 3.04.
(ao) "Routine Maintenance" means all routine prevention and routine
maintenance actions prescribed by either the original equipment manufacturer or
industry practice including, but not limited to, those actions that involve the
visual inspection and recording of meter readings on power equipment and other
ancillary support equipment, maintenance items necessary to the proper
operation, service and maintenance of a fiber optic transmission system, cable
locates, surveillance and cable relocates (except for cable relocates that
qualify as Shared Projects under Section 3.05 or are requested by Vyvx as Other
Maintenance).
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(ap) "ROW" means a right-of-way, right-of-occupancy, right-of-use,
easement, license or similar right obtained by WilTel over the WilTel Routes.
(aq) "Service Costs" means the Service Costs, including any Additional
Service Costs, for a Service Period charged to Vyvx by WilTel for the services
rendered by WilTel pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement and which is
calculated in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.03.
(ar) "Splice Location" means a point where cable ends are joined
together.
(as) "System Service Statement" means the "System Service Statement"
attached as Exhibit E.
(at) "V & H" means on a Vertical and Horizontal basis.
(au) "VGE" means Voice Grade Equivalent.
(av) "Video Use" is as defined in Section 4.04.
(aw) "Vyvx Contact" means the single point of contact(s) staffed
twenty-four (24) hours a day with a toll free telephone number identified in
Attachment 2 to the System Service Statement, to whom all notifications by
WilTel will be given.
(ax) "Vyvx Equipment" means the fiber optic transmission system
equipment identified on Exhibit B and all other articles of property hereafter
installed by Vyvx which is utilized by Vyvx to provide optical transmission over
the Vyvx Fiber.
(ay) "Vyvx Fiber" means the single mode optic fiber strand owned by
Vyvx contained in the WilTel Cable as solely identified in Exhibit C.
(az) "Vyvx Percentage" means the percentage derived by:
(i) as applied to the Vyvx Fiber, and all fiber related Costs,
dividing one by the number of total fibers (excluding fibers used for protect
channels) in the WilTel Cable along the applicable segment of the WilTel
Network, and multiplying the result by 100;
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(ii) as applied to Vyvx Equipment and all equipment-related
Costs, dividing the number of DS3s allocable to the Vyvx Equipment by the total
number of DS3s (excluding protect channels) on the WilTel Network at the
relevant Regenerator Location or POP and multiplying the result by 100.
(ba) "Vyvx Property" means the communications property on the WilTel
Network comprised entirely and only of the Vyvx Fiber and Vyvx Equipment.
(bb) "WilTel Cable" means the multifiber single mode optical fiber
cable located on the WilTel Route linking Regenerator Locations and POPs which
contains the Vyvx Fiber and fibers owned by WilTel and owners of Other Networks
and which specifically includes, but is not limited to, the sheath, conduit,
manholes/hand holes, splice closures, signage, splice vaults, protection
devices, markers and bounds associated with such cable.
(bc) "WilTel Expansion" is as defined in Section 2.09.
(bd) "WilTel Network" means the fiber-optic transmission systems,
including the Common Facilities, linked by the WilTel Cable, including the Vyvx
Property and all Other Networks constructed or managed by WilTel, which are,
except for the Vyvx Property and all Other Networks, owned by WilTel. The WilTel
Network is graphically represented in Exhibit A hereto. The WilTel Network is
bounded by the Demarcation Points.
(be) "WilTel Route" means the course over which the WilTel Network
runs on the ROWs.
Section 1.02. Exhibits. All of the exhibits to this Agreement are
hereby incorporated by reference in this Agreement and will, together with this
Agreement, be deemed one and the same instrument.
Section 1.03. Section References. Unless otherwise indicated, all
"Section" references are to the applicable Sections of this Agreement.
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SECTION 2
PURCHASE AND USE OF THE WILTEL NETWORK
Section 2.01 Network Purchase. Vyvx has purchased from WilTel and
WilTel has sold to Vyvx the fiber optic communication system which consist of
the Vyvx Equipment (as detailed in Exhibit B) and Vyvx Fiber (as detailed in
Exhibit C) along the routes described in Exhibit D. Except as provided by
Section 2.02, WilTel, by xxxx of sale to Vyvx, will deliver title to the Vyvx
Property on an "AS-IS, WHERE-IS" basis.
Section 2.02 Right to Use. Along any portion of any of the routes where
WilTel does not own fee title to the Vyvx property or where WilTel's contractual
obligations preclude a transfer of title, WilTel hereby assigns to Vyvx an
indefeasible right to use ("Rights Transfer") of the Vyvx Property which will
include all rights WilTel may legally and contractually transfer in the Vyvx
Property. Such Rights Transfer includes a proportionate assignment of purchase
options. If WilTel elects not to exercise any purchase option covering property
which includes any Vyvx Property at the end of a term of the contract, WilTel
will notify Vyvx in writing and by such written notice will assign to Vyvx such
purchase option in total.
****
Section 2.04. Transition. WilTel and Vyvx will each use its respective
best efforts to devise and implement by a date as soon as practical, but no
later than August 31, 1995 (the "Reconfiguration Date"), a plan of
reconfiguration that will place the telecommunications service requirements of
Vyvx on the Vyvx Property, or as otherwise provided by Section 2.05, in a manner
that
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will not interrupt the services provided to other customers by either WilTel or
Vyvx. Through the Reconfiguration Date, Vyvx grants WilTel the right to use and
manage the Vyvx Property, and if WilTel is utilizing any of the Vyvx Property
for its own use, WilTel will provide to Vyvx, within WilTel's normal
provisioning interval provided to its customers with capacity over the WilTel
Network similar in total amount to Vyvx, the use of any of WilTel's property on
the WilTel Network in order to provide to Vyvx the telecommunications services
necessary for Vyvx's operations.
Section 2.05. Use by WilTel. On and after the Reconfiguration Date:
(a) Each Party will provide to the other the use of any spare capacity
such Party may have over either the WilTel Network or Vyvx Property, as the case
may be, **** the purpose of providing protection switching and
redundancy to the other Party's customers.
(b) Vyvx will provide to WilTel, at WilTel's request, the use of any
spare capacity Vyvx may have over the Vyvx Property at a rate of **** per V&H
VGE mile/month for the purpose of WilTel's resale on a short-term basis to its
customers.
(c) Each Party will provide to the other fifteen (15) days prior to
the beginning of each quarter commencing on or after the Reconfiguration Date a
forecast of its spare capacity for such quarter.
(d) Nothing herein is intended to imply an obligation on the part of
either Party to maintain any spare capacity.
(e) In order to provide diversity for both Vyvx and WilTel, one Party
may request the other to swap capacity over the other's Network for an equal
amount of capacity over other working systems or fibers along the same route
over the WilTel Network.
Section 2.06. Rights-of-Way. In the event any problem arises
concerning either the adequacy or validity of such ROW's or their termination,
WilTel will obtain all ROW's necessary to permit the continuous operation of the
WilTel Network over the WilTel Route or an alternate route which provides
connectivity to the same major POP locations; provided, however, that WilTel
will not have any obligation to Vyvx under this Section 2.06 to the extent that
such problem is due to Vyvx's violation of this Agreement or to Vyvx's
intentional or negligent act or omission. Vyvx will pay the Vyvx Percentage
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of all Costs (not otherwise included in Rights Transfer Costs) incurred by
WilTel in obtaining the necessary ROW's.
Section 2.07. Additional Vyvx Equipment.
(a) Vyvx may, by written notice, at any time, request WilTel to allow
installation of additional Vyvx Equipment or reconfiguration of its existing
Vyvx Equipment (the "Initial Notice"). Vyvx will be authorized to use any type
of equipment offered by any supplier, provided, however, that due to space
restrictions and compatibility requirements, the equipment must be fiber optic
transmission system equipment (i) which has been recently (within the previous
eighteen months) purchased, (ii) which is of the current generation of
technology commercially available, (iii) which is compatible with WilTel's
operation and maintenance procedures and with the available space, common
facilities, and other equipment maintained by WilTel on the WilTel Network at
the location(s) designated for the additional Vyvx Equipment and (iv) the use of
which will not cause interference to others, including WilTel, on the WilTel
Network. In the Initial Notice, Vyvx will provide WilTel with a scope of work
(including locations and estimated in-service dates) and other technical data
necessary for the replacement, removal and/or installation of the Vyvx
Equipment. Following receipt of Vyvx's Initial Notice, WilTel and Vyvx will
determine the Vyvx Percentage, the estimated Common Facilities Costs and other
estimated expenses associated with expanding the WilTel Network.
(b) WilTel, or any party designated by WilTel will perform all work
involved in installing additional Vyvx Equipment, including Common Facilities
work, if such work impacts Common Facilities. Otherwise, Vyvx may perform such
installation work itself or request WilTel to perform pursuant to a request for
Other Maintenance.
(c) If the Parties agree upon the design, the Vyvx Percentage and
Common Facilities Costs and other expenses associated with the addition of Vyvx
Equipment and the in-service dates, Vyvx may notify WilTel in writing of its
decision to add the additional Vyvx Equipment (the "Second Notice") according to
the agreed upon plan.
(d) If Vyvx decides that the plan to which WilTel will agree is not
adequate to meet its future needs, it may volunteer and WilTel will accept
payment of one hundred percent (100%) of any additional Common Facilities Costs
required to implement a Vyvx plan ("Vyvx Plan"), which Vyvx Plan must be
acceptable to WilTel. If the plan is not acceptable to WilTel, then the Parties
will utilize the Dispute Resolution procedures provided in Section 10.03.
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(e) Within a reasonable time period after receipt of the Second Notice
or Vyvx Plan by WilTel, WilTel will commence and perform the work to be provided
according to the agreed upon design pursuant to Section 2.07(c) hereof or the
Vyvx Plan.
(f) The Second Notice or Vyvx Plan must be received by WilTel within
sixty (60) days from when an agreed upon design is reached or rejected by Vyvx.
Upon receipt of the Second Notice by WilTel, Vyvx will become obligated to pay
the Expansion Fee; upon receipt of the Vyvx Plan by WilTel, Vyvx will become
obligated to pay its one hundred percent (100%) of the estimated Common
Facilities Costs. Vyvx will pay the Expansion Fee within thirty (30) days of
receipt of an invoice from WilTel setting forth the Expansion Fee.
(g) In the event WilTel incurs any Costs, other than Common Facilities
Costs, in connection with the installation of Vyvx Property pursuant to the
provisions of this Section 2.07, Vyvx will make payment of such Costs within
thirty (30) days of the date of mailing or dispatch to Vyvx of an invoice from
WilTel for such Costs.
(h) In connection with its work, WilTel will also return to Vyvx, at
Vyvx's cost, any Vyvx Property that is no longer required for the operation of
the Vyvx Network. WilTel will provide Vyvx with available documentation
describing the returned property. Nothing in the preceding sentence, however,
will impose on WilTel any obligation to disclose any information which WilTel is
obligated either by law or by contract not to disclose.
(i) WilTel will have no liability for any delay in the installation of
any equipment pursuant to this Section 2.07, or for any portion of such a delay,
which is attributable to a Force Majeure event or which is attributable to Vyvx,
an Affiliate of Vyvx, the employees, agents or servants of either of the
foregoing, any party with whom the preceding parties have contracted and any
other cause within the control of or for which responsibility rests with any of
the preceding parties.
(j) If WilTel begins using any Common Facilities or Vyvx Equipment
added pursuant to a Vyvx Plan, for itself or its customer's other than Vyvx,
WilTel will pay Vyvx an amount equal to the net book value of such space or
equipment as recorded on the books of Vyvx, less the Vyvx Percentage.
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Section 2.08. WilTel Added Equipment.
(a) WilTel may, at its discretion, add equipment on the WilTel
Network. If Common Facilities Costs are to be incurred, WilTel will notify Vyvx
in writing of the estimated Common Facilities Costs, the Vyvx Percentage and the
estimated Expansion Fee sufficiently in advance of WilTel's plan to add
equipment so that Vyvx may determine whether it desires to add or reconfigure
equipment in conjunction with WilTel's intended plan.
(b) Vyvx and WilTel agree to cooperate in the performance of any
required Common Facilities work, including relocating and rearranging property,
in order to best utilize space and minimize cost.
(c) Vyvx will pay the Expansion Fee within thirty (30) days of receipt
of an invoice therefor.
(d) The payment by Vyvx required in this Section will not grant,
provide or otherwise transfer to Vyvx any ownership interest in any of the
Common Facilities, equipment or electronics installed by WilTel.
Section 2.09. Replacement and Expansion of the WilTel Network.
(a) Except as provided in Sections 2.09(a) and (b), if WilTel, or its
Affiliates, replaces any portion of the existing WilTel Network (e.g.,
substitution of last-mile facilities or replacement of the fiber optic cable
along the same or similar routes) (a "Network Replacement"), or expands the
WilTel Network (a "WilTel Expansion"), whether through installation of
additional fiber optic cable, purchasing a partial interest or right of use in a
fiber optic cable or multiple fiber optic strands or through acquisition of, or
merger with, a company with additional on-net fiber, WilTel will sell to Vyvx
one fiber strand (an "Additional Vyvx Fiber") ****.
(b) In the event of a WilTel Expansion where the purchase by Vyvx of
an Additional Vyvx Fiber would result in a capacity constraint over any
particular segment of such WilTel Expansion, and Vyvx desires to purchase an
Additional Vyvx Fiber over such segment, WilTel will use reasonable
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efforts to acquire sufficient capacity to remedy the constraint over such
segment, and Vyvx will reimburse WilTel the Costs of such remedial measures.
(c) Vyvx will have no rights to purchase, and WilTel and its
Affiliates will have no obligation to sell, an Additional Vyvx Fiber of any
portion of a WilTel Expansion which results from a Change of Control, and
following the date of any such Change of Control, Vyvx will have no rights to
purchase, and neither WilTel nor any of its Affiliates will have any obligation
to sell, an Additional Vyvx Fiber of any portion of a WilTel Expansion effected
by any Affiliate of WilTel which was not an Affiliate of WilTel immediately
prior to such Change of Control. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, Vyvx
will retain any of its rights for spare capacity as contemplated by Section 2.05
under any contract between WilTel and the acquiring party in any such Change of
Control in effect prior to the date of such Change of Control, or under a
replacement arrangement on the same terms and conditions in the event such
contract is terminated in conjunction with or after such a Change of Control.
(d) From and after the date of the acquisition of an Additional Vyvx
Fiber as a result of a WilTel Expansion, Vyvx will pay additional Service Costs
as provided in Section 3.03(d).
Section 2.10. Addition of Drop Points.
(a) Vyvx will have no right to access Vyvx Fiber located within the
WilTel Cable other than as provided herein. Vyvx will provide WilTel a request
for Other Maintenance. Such request will detail the Splice Location and set
forth the work required to be performed. Vyvx will provide a cable adequate to
reach the Splice Location with an additional length (minimum 25 meters)
sufficient for WilTel to splice into the Vyvx Fiber at the designated Splice
Location.
(b) Vyvx will obtain the necessary rights-of-way (or other rights) and
be responsible for the installation of fiber cable connecting to the Drop
Points.
(c) Vyvx will pay to WilTel all Costs incurred by WilTel associated
with the addition of Drop Points within thirty (30) days of receipt of an
invoice from WilTel setting forth the calculation of such Costs.
(d) WilTel will not be obligated to add a Drop Point at a particular
Splice Location if there is undue risk to the WilTel Cable or a significant
technical impediment involved at such Splice
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Location. At Vyvx's request, the nearest Splice Location at which such
conditions do not exist will be used as an alternate.
Section 2.11. Access. WilTel will provide Vyvx with reasonable access
to POPs and Regenerator Locations during regular business days between the hours
of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to the extent that such access is related to the
installation, operation, maintenance or repair of the Vyvx Equipment. WilTel
will make reasonable efforts to grant Vyvx access to the POPs and Regenerator
Locations and the Vyvx Equipment at other times upon twenty-four (24) hour
notice and to designate WilTel personnel. In case of emergency, WilTel will make
reasonable efforts to provide Vyvx access to the POPs and Regenerator Locations
and Vyvx Equipment upon two (2) hours notice to WilTel personnel. During such
access, WilTel personnel may be present at all times. Vyvx will reimburse WilTel
for all costs relating to such access, including labor, associated with
non-business day access as follows: **** for 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m., local time,
Monday - Friday and **** on weekends; such rates to be reasonably adjusted from
time to time to reflect changes in WilTel's labor Costs. WilTel will provide
"view only" electronic access for Vyvx to WilTel's Network Management System
subject to any technological limitations.
Section 2.12. Salvage Rights. Prior to the final expiration of any ROW
over which the Vyvx Property runs, WilTel will, at Vyvx's election and expense,
employ an independent consultant who will determine no later than six (6) months
before such expiration whether salvage of any or all of the WilTel Network
affected by such expiration, including the property owned by Vyvx and others, is
feasible. If salvage is feasible, then the consultant will determine whether
such salvage is economic, i.e., whether there are likely to be net salvage
proceeds after costs of salvage (including costs of hiring the consultant) are
deducted. To the extent practicable, WilTel will employ the independent
consultant no later than two (2) years prior to any such expiration of a ROW.
If either (i) the consultant, in accordance with the provisions of this
Section 2.12, concludes that salvage is either not feasible or not economic (as
defined above), or (ii) WilTel did not have adequate notice of a termination or
early expiration of the particular ROW, that portion of the Vyvx Property which
runs over that ROW will be abandoned upon expiration of that ROW.
Notwithstanding any provision in this Agreement to the contrary, if any
grantor of a ROW over which the Vyvx Property runs has the right to require the
removal of property comprising the WilTel Network at the expiration of the ROW,
and if such grantor exercises such right, WilTel xxxx
Xxxx 16 of 37
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remove and dispose of such property and take all other required actions
including restoration, if applicable, and Vyvx will pay its pro rata share
(based on an applicable percentage of DS3 Miles) of the attendant Costs within
thirty (30) days following receipt of the applicable WilTel invoice.
If the consultant, in accordance with the provisions of this Section
2.12, determines that salvage of the affected portion of the WilTel Network is
both feasible and economic (as defined above), WilTel will undertake the
appropriate salvage and deduct all costs of salvage from the salvage proceeds,
unless prior to the expiration of the affected ROW, WilTel, pursuant to Section
3.08, notifies Vyvx that the ROW has been extended or renewed. Each owner of
salvaged property will receive the net salvage proceeds of its property as
determined by the independent consultant, whose determination will be final and
binding on each such owner.
SECTION 3
SERVICES AND SERVICE COSTS
Section 3.01. Agreement to Provide Services and Pay Service Costs.
During the term of this Agreement, WilTel will provide the services specified in
Section 3.02 to Vyvx with respect to the Vyvx Property, and Vyvx will pay
monthly an amount equal to the Service Costs for such services. Payment of the
Service Costs will be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 3.03.
Section 3.02. Description of Services. The services to be provided by
WilTel are as set forth in the System Service Statement attached as Exhibit E or
as provided in Section 3.07. Vyvx will cooperate with WilTel in connection with
WilTel's performance of its responsibilities under this Agreement with respect
to the Vyvx Property. WilTel will not be in breach of this Agreement (including
the System Service Statement) if its failure to provide services is attributable
to (i) a Force Majeure event, (ii) any defective performance of any equipment
selected or supplied by Vyvx which defective performance is not caused by WilTel
or its subcontractors, or (iii) any installation or maintenance of Vyvx
Equipment by Vyvx or its own subcontractors (other than WilTel or its
subcontractors).
Section 3.03. Payment of Service Costs.
(a) Beginning January 1, 1994, Vyvx will pay to WilTel Service Costs
at the initial rate of **** **** ("Initial Service Costs") annually in
arrears. Effective for the three year period beginning January 1, 1997, and for
every three year period thereafter the Service Costs will be adjusted (the
"Inflation Adjustment") based on the percentage
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increase (decrease) during the preceding three year period in the GDP Index. In
the event that the base year used as part of the calculation of the GDP Index is
changed, the calculation of Service Costs will be adjusted to ensure that WilTel
receives the same Service Costs amounts as it would have had the base year not
been changed. In the event the Department of Commerce or any successor
organization no longer publishes the GDP Index, the Parties will designate the
statistical index they reasonably and mutually agree to be most appropriate for
calculation of Service Costs adjustments, and from the date the GDP Index ceased
to be published, such index will be used to make adjustments in Service Costs
under this Section 3.03.
(b) Payment of Service Costs by Vyvx described in this Section 3.03
for any particular year will be due in full on December 31st of such year.
(c) During 1997, and every third year thereafter, Vyvx and WilTel will
review the cost savings and/or increases realized by WilTel in providing the
services which result solely from technology advances. WilTel and Vyvx will
negotiate in good faith appropriate revisions to the Service Costs provided,
however, that if the Parties fail to reach an agreement, then the then existing
Service Costs plus or minus any Inflation Adjustment provided above, would
remain in effect.
(d) Following the acquisition of any Additional Vyvx Fiber as a result
of a WilTel Expansion pursuant to Section 2.09, Vyvx will pay additional Service
Costs in an amount equal to **** (as adjusted by the Inflation Adjustment) per
route mile of Additional Vyvx Fiber per year ("Additional Service Costs").
Section 3.04. Rights Transfer Costs. Vyvx will pay an amount equal to
the Vyvx Percentage of all current and actual charges, recurring or otherwise,
paid by WilTel relating to Vyvx Property transferred by means of a Rights
Transfer ("Rights Transfer Costs"). This is intended to include lease payments
or purchase price under a purchase option pursuant to a leveraged lease
facility.
Section 3.05. Shared Project Costs.
(a) Except as otherwise expressly provided 2.07, 2.08 and 2.09 and the
System Service Statement attached as Exhibit E, in the event that WilTel
undertakes a Shared Project (as defined below) in connection with the
restoration, repair, relocation or replacement (including any incidental
improvement) of any portion of the WilTel Network (excluding any portion of the
WilTel Network which does not include any Vyvx Property), then Vyvx will
reimburse WilTel for the Vyvx Percentage of those
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Net Costs incurred by WilTel in connection with such Shared Project, if
such Net Costs exceed the Hurdle in effect as of the date of substantial
completion of an individual Shared Project. For purposes of this Section, the
"Hurdle" will be established at **** and will escalate by the Inflation
Adjustment at the same time the Service Costs are adjusted under Section 3.03.
"Net Costs" will, for purposes of this Section 3.05, include all Costs
applicable to the Shared Project less any amounts for which WilTel has actually
received reimbursement from a third party where such reimbursement is reduced by
the amount of the direct expenses incurred by WilTel in collecting such third
party reimbursement, including legal expenses.
(b) For purposes of this Section 3.05, "Shared Project" means any work
consisting of the restoration, repair, relocation or replacement of any portion
of the WilTel Network undertaken by means of a single project or a group of
related projects arising out of a single event or occurrence, a cause of common
origin or a common scheme or plan. Such event or occurrence will include, but
not be limited to a natural catastrophe, calamitous event or other similar
circumstance such as Acts of God (including, but not limited to, a hurricane,
flood, tornado, earthquake or fire), explosion, collisions or derailment.
(c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, it is expressly understood by the
Parties that this Section 3.06 is not intended to provide WilTel with an
opportunity to unilaterally decide to effect improvements of the WilTel Network
at the expense of Vyvx, except incidental improvements. Instead, this provision
is intended to cover situations where there is an interruption of service or
other dysfunction or where there is an outside influence that would or might
require a major restoration, repair, relocation or replacement of a portion of
the WilTel Network (such as, for example, where a governmental agency requires
the relocation of a portion of the WilTel Network to accommodate a new highway)
and could cause such a disturbance or interruption or a threat to the continued
operation of the WilTel Network.
(d) WilTel will invoice Vyvx for the Vyvx Percentage of the Net Costs
upon final completion of the Shared Project. Vyvx will pay such invoice within
thirty (30) days of receipt thereof.
Section 3.06. Provisioning of Off-network Services. WilTel will use its
best efforts to obtain for Vyvx, upon Vyvx's request, telecommunications
services other than over the WilTel Network ("Off-network Services") through
service providers with whom WilTel has a then-existing arrangement whereby
WilTel may place a service order for service to be resold to WilTel's customers.
Vyvx will pay
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to WilTel an amount equal to ****.
Section 3.07. Commencement of Services and Term of Agreement.
(a) The services to be provided by WilTel pursuant to this Agreement
will commence on January 1, 1994. This Agreement will automatically renew for
one year terms each January 1st unless Vyvx provides six months prior written
notice of its intent to terminate. The last day of this Agreement (i.e., the
date upon which Vyvx's termination becomes effective) will be referred to in
this Section as the "Expiration Date."
(b) The WilTel Network, which includes the Vyvx Property and all Other
Networks, constitutes an integrated telecommunications system and the integrity
of the WilTel Network must be preserved. Accordingly, Vyvx will, upon the
Expiration Date, be deemed to have abandoned its right, title and interest in
all Vyvx Fiber on the WilTel Network and Vyvx's right, title and interest
therein will be deemed to be conveyed to WilTel without any further action on
behalf of either Party. Nevertheless, Vyvx further agrees to execute any
documents which WilTel may reasonably request to reflect this conveyance. As to
any abandoned Vyvx Fiber, Vyvx will retain its rights to salvage proceeds (if
any) pursuant to Section 2.12 hereof upon final expiration of the applicable
ROWs.
(c) WilTel will, within one hundred twenty (120) days following the
Expiration Date, deliver to one or more mutually agreed upon location(s) for
Vyvx to pick up all affected Vyvx Property (excluding Vyvx Fiber) on the WilTel
Network that readily can be removed without disturbing the operation of the rest
of the WilTel Network (the "Returned Property"). WilTel will have no
responsibility for any Returned Property that is not picked up by Vyvx within
ninety (90) days following the date of WilTel's advice to Vyvx of the
availability of the Returned Property for pick up. Any affected Vyvx Property on
the WilTel Network not readily removable will be deemed to have been abandoned
and Vyvx's right, title and interest therein will be deemed to be conveyed to
WilTel without any further action on behalf of either Party. Nonetheless, Vyvx
further agrees to execute any documents which WilTel may reasonably request to
reflect this conveyance. Any such Vyvx Property which is not readily removable
will remain subject to the provisions of Section 2.12 upon the final expiration
of the ROWs.
(d) Except for claims by WilTel or Vyvx for payments due under this
Agreement (which claims must be presented in writing within one (1) year of the
Expiration Date), upon final
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termination of this Agreement, all of the respective rights and obligations of
Vyvx and WilTel hereunder will terminate and be null and void and of no force
and effect. Neither Party will have any further obligation or liability whether
in contract, tort, warranty or otherwise, to the other related to the Vyvx
Property or arising out of this Agreement, except that all provisions in this
Agreement relating to salvage, disclosures, limitations of liability,
indemnification or waivers of rights and any other provisions that survive the
expiration of this Agreement will continue in force in accordance with their
terms.
(e) Any nonvested interest, if any, under this agreement including,
but not limited to, interests under this Section 3.07 and Section 2.09, which
has not vested within twenty-one (21) years after the death of the last to die
of the descendants of Xxxx Xxxxxxx (Mother of Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx Xxxxxxx, former
38th President of the United States) alive at the execution of this Agreement,
will terminate and the property in which such nonvested interest existed will
vest in WilTel, Inc., its successors and assigns.
SECTION 4
RISK OF LOSS, INDEMNIFICATION, AND
USE OF THE VYVX PROPERTY
Section 4.01. Risk of Loss and WilTel Liability. Vyvx will bear any
risk of loss or damage to Vyvx property; provided, however, that if in
connection with the performance of its obligations under this Agreement, WilTel
damages or destroys Vyvx Equipment as a result of negligent or willful acts of
WilTel, then WilTel will, at Vyvx's election, either (i) repair the damaged Vyvx
Equipment (or replace the destroyed Vyvx Equipment) or (ii) reimburse Vyvx for
any reasonable costs incurred by Vyvx in repairing or replacing such Vyvx
Equipment.
Section 4.02. Vyvx Indemnification.
(a) Vyvx will indemnify, defend, release and hold WilTel, its
officers, directors and employees, WilTel Affiliates and directors, officers and
employees of such Affiliates, harmless against any claim by, judgment for, or
liability to any person using part or all of the Vyvx Property for transmission
purposes to the extent such claim, judgment, liability or costs are related to
such use of the Vyvx Property.
(b) Vyvx will indemnify, defend, release and hold WilTel, its
directors, officers and employees, WilTel Affiliates, and directors, officers,
and employees of such WilTel Affiliates, harmless against any claim, judgment,
liability or costs that results from any claim by, judgment for, or liability
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to third parties (including Vyvx Affiliates) arising out of property damage or
bodily injury caused directly or indirectly by Vyvx's acts or omissions related
to this Agreement.
Section 4.03. WilTel Indemnification.
(a) WilTel will indemnify, defend, release and hold Vyvx, its
directors, officers and employees, Vyvx Affiliates, or Vyvx parent or partners,
and directors, officers and employees of such partners, parents or Affiliates,
harmless against any claim by, judgment for, or liability to any person using
part or all of the WilTel Network, other than that portion of the WilTel Network
comprised of the Vyvx Property, for transmission purposes, to the extent such
claim, judgment, liability or costs are related to such use of the WilTel
Network.
(b) WilTel also will indemnify, defend, release and hold Vyvx, its
directors, officers and employees, any Vyvx Affiliates, or its partners or
parents, and directors, officers, and employees of such partners or parents and
Affiliates, harmless against any liability, claim, judgment, or costs that
result from any claim by, judgment for, or liability to third parties (including
WilTel Affiliates) arising out of property damage or bodily injury caused
directly or indirectly by WilTel's acts or omissions related to this Agreement.
Section 4.04. Use of the Vyvx Property.
(a) Vyvx agrees to use the Vyvx Property, and will reasonably restrict
its customers to use of Vyvx services, only for video and radio transmission
services and/or related applications (including, but not limited to, graphic,
visual, imaging, interactive and multimedia) ("Video Use"). Unless Vyvx and
WilTel agree otherwise in writing, Vyvx may not use the Vyvx Property for or in
conjunction with cellular and personal communications service applications or
long distance data and voice applications unless the data and voice applications
are incidental to the video or radio transmission services provided for in the
preceding sentence.
(b) All owners and users of the WilTel Network, including Vyvx, will
comply with ANSI Standard T1.102 (formerly AT&T Compatibility Bulletin No. 119
dated October 1979) and Technical Reference PUB 54014, and the system
performance specifications relevant to their operations over the WilTel Network
at all times. Vyvx also agrees to connect to any electronic equipment associated
with the Vyvx Fiber, only apparatus that will operate in accordance with the
limits specified in ANSI Standard T1.102 (formerly AT&T Compatibility Bulletin
No. 119 dated October 1979) and Technical Reference PUB 54014. Vyvx further
agrees to release WilTel, and any Affiliates, and hold
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WilTel and any Affiliates harmless from any claim, liability, judgment or costs
which result from Vyvx's misuse, abuse, misapplication or improper use of the
Vyvx Property.
SECTION 5
INSPECTION OF FACILITIES AND AUDITS
Section 5.01. Inspection of Equipment. In order for WilTel to perform
its service obligations set forth in Sections 3.01 and 3.02, Vyvx agrees to make
the Vyvx Property and, to the extent necessary, other Vyvx property directly
connected (whether electrically, optically or otherwise) to the Vyvx Property,
available to WilTel for inspection, measurements and evaluation at all
reasonable times. Vyvx and WilTel will mutually agree on the timing of any
inspection, measurement or evaluation of the Vyvx Property.
Vyvx also agrees to provide WilTel a single telephone point of contact,
the Vyvx Contact, designed to be available on a twenty-four (24) hour per day
basis to receive and respond to communications from WilTel concerning the Vyvx
Property.
Section 5.02. Audits. If Vyvx so requests and at Vyvx's expense, WilTel
will perform an audit to determine the condition and location of the equipment
that constitutes the Vyvx Property. Such audit will be performed with an
observer from Vyvx or an independent consultant appointed by Vyvx and approved
by WilTel, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 5.03. Cooperation of the Parties. WilTel and Vyvx each agree to
reasonably cooperate with each other in the performance of WilTel of its
services hereunder including its performance of Routine Maintenance, Demand
Maintenance and Other Maintenance. Such cooperation will extend, but not be
limited to, (i) allowing an observer of the other Party to be present during the
performance by a Party of its respective services, so long as such observer does
not interfere with the Party's performance of such services, and (ii) the
allowing of Vyvx to perform tests of Vyvx Fiber, so long as Vyvx accesses the
Vyvx Fiber on the Vyvx side of a Demarcation Point.
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SECTION 6
BANKRUPTCY
In the event that WilTel, under state insolvency laws, will commit an
act of insolvency or bankruptcy or make an assignment for the benefit of
creditors, or WilTel will become subject to any bankruptcy or insolvency
proceeding under federal laws, and if WilTel rejects this Agreement under state
insolvency law or federal bankruptcy law, or if WilTel's interest in this
Agreement is assigned under state insolvency law or federal bankruptcy law, the
Parties hereto acknowledge and agree (a) that continued access to the Vyvx
Property on the part of a qualified servicing agent will be necessary to the
continued operation of the WilTel Network and to the continued use by Vyvx of
the Vyvx Property; and (b) that because of the physical proximity of the Vyvx
Property to other parts of the WilTel Network, it would be inappropriate for
there to be a multiplicity of servicing agents; and, accordingly, in such event,
it would be in the best interests of Vyvx and the owners of the Other Networks
if a single servicing agent assumed the remaining obligations hereunder and
under other system purchase and service agreements with terms similar to the
terms of this Agreement relating to any part of the WilTel Network. To the
extent not inconsistent with applicable bankruptcy law, such a servicing agent
may be selected by a vote of the owners of the Networks managed by WilTel under
this Agreement and other similar agreements ("Network Owners"), by majority
vote, with each Network Owner being entitled to cast the number of votes equal
to the number of DS3 Miles in such owner's network. Where applicable, any such
substitute operator, however selected, will be vested with such rights of access
to the WilTel Network as will be assigned to it by order of any court having
jurisdiction over any WilTel bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings. The Parties
agree that herein and no owners will be entitled to any votes for any DS3 Miles
derived from protection fibers.
Nothing in this Section will be construed to prohibit Vyvx from
exercising its discretion to petition any court having jurisdiction over any
WilTel bankruptcy or insolvency proceeding to take action Vyvx deems advisable
on any matter whatsoever pertaining to this Agreement.
SECTION 7
TAXES
(a) Vyvx will be fully responsible for the payment of any and all ad
valorem, property, franchise, gross receipts, value-added, sales, use, and other
taxes directly applicable to the Vyvx Property and the services it purchases
pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement (except income taxes
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on the revenue of WilTel), notwithstanding that the incidence thereof may be on
WilTel. Vyvx will be responsible for such taxes applicable to the Vyvx Property.
Vyvx will be responsible for such taxes applicable to the services purchased
under this Agreement from the date WilTel commences to provide such services. To
the extent that WilTel is billed for or actually pays any ad valorem, property,
franchise, gross receipts, sales, use or other such taxes in respect of the Vyvx
Property or the services purchased by Vyvx pursuant to this Agreement, Vyvx will
make payment to WilTel of the full amount of any such taxes (including any
interest and penalties) which have been paid or are due. Vyvx will make payments
required under this Section 7 prior to the later of (i) thirty (30) days from
the date of mailing or dispatch of a WilTel invoice billing Vyvx for the amount
of such taxes or (ii) thirty (30) days prior to the due date of such taxes.
Without limiting the other remedies available to WilTel, if any payments under
this Section 7, including any applicable overdue payment charges, are more than
one hundred twenty (120) days late, WilTel may discontinue the provision of
services with respect to the Vyvx Property and Vyvx will not be entitled to use
the Vyvx Property until such payment, including any applicable overdue payment
charge calculated pursuant to Section 9 hereof, has been made.
In the event, and only to the extent, WilTel will have received a
refund or credit of taxes described in this Section 7 and attributable to taxes
paid, directly or indirectly, by Vyvx with respect to the Vyvx Property or the
services it purchases pursuant to Section 3 of this Agreement, WilTel will
either make payment to Vyvx of, or, if WilTel so chooses, credit against any
payment due or the next payment to become due under this Agreement to WilTel
from Vyvx, the amount of the refund or credit together with any interest
received by WilTel in connection with the taxes in question.
WilTel agrees to cooperate with Vyvx, at Vyvx's sole expense, in the
protest of or prosecution of any claim for refund, rebate, reduction or
abatement of taxes for which Vyvx is responsible for payment under this Section
7.
(b) WilTel will be fully responsible for the payment of any and all ad
valorem, property, franchise, gross receipts, value-added, sales, use and other
taxes directly applicable to any and all property owned by WilTel which is part
of the WilTel Network. To the extent that Vyvx is billed for or actually pays
any ad valorem, property, franchise, gross receipts, sales, use or other such
taxes in respect of property owned by WilTel which is part of the WilTel
Network, WilTel will make payment to Vyvx of the full amount of any such taxes
(including any interest and penalties, but only to the extent WilTel is
responsible) which have been paid or are due. WilTel will make payments required
under this
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Section 7 prior to the later of (i) thirty (30) days from the date of mailing or
dispatch of a Vyvx invoice billing WilTel for the amount of such taxes of (ii)
thirty (30) days prior to the due date of such taxes.
SECTION 8
REGULATION
WilTel and Vyvx agree that this Agreement is for the provision by
WilTel to Vyvx of non-common carrier services, and therefore it is not subject
to the filing requirements of Section 211(a) of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. ' 211(a)) as implemented in 47 C.F.R. Section 43.51. WilTel believes
that it is a nondominant common carrier authorized to construct domestic
facilities and provide domestic interstate services pursuant to 47 C.F.R. '
63.07; as such, it believes it is not required to obtain specific authorization
from the Federal Communications Commission to construct the domestic WilTel
Network. Vyvx represents that the Vyvx Property will be used to provide
interstate services and that interstate and intrastate message signal bits will
be commingled over the Vyvx Property.
SECTION 9
OVERDUE PAYMENT CHARGES
In the event that any payment due under this Agreement is not paid by
the required date, the payee-Party will be entitled to an overdue payment charge
at the rate of one and one-half percent (12%) per month or, if less, the maximum
allowable interest rate under applicable law, on the unpaid portion of such
payment through and including the day on which the final payment for such
overdue amount (including the overdue payment charge) is received by the
payee-Party.
SECTION 10
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS
Section 10.01. Limitation of Liability. EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY
PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, WILTEL'S LIABILITY TO VYVX UNDER THIS AGREEMENT Will
BE LIMITED TO SPECIFIC PERFORMANCE OR, WHERE SUCH REMEDY IS NOT REASONABLY
AVAILABLE, TO MONETARY DAMAGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 3.05 OF THE AGREEMENT.
WILTEL AND VYVX ACKNOWLEDGE AND AGREE THAT ANY DAMAGES APPLICABLE TO THE
PROVISIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT ARE DIFFICULT, IF
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NOT IMPOSSIBLE, TO CALCULATE AND THAT THE PAYMENT ADJUSTMENTS UNDER SECTION 3.05
HEREOF Will CONSTITUTE LIQUIDATED DAMAGES AND ARE (i) BASED ON GOOD FAITH
ESTIMATES OF, AND BEAR A REASONABLE RELATIONSHIP TO, THE ACTUAL DAMAGES
ANTICIPATED AND (ii) DO NOT REPRESENT A PENALTY OF ANY KIND. SUCH PAYMENT Will,
EXCEPT AS OTHERWISE EXPRESSLY PROVIDED IN THIS AGREEMENT, BE VYVX'S SOLE AND
EXCLUSIVE REMEDY.
IN NO EVENT Will EITHER PARTY, ITS RESPECTIVE DIRECTORS, OFFICERS,
SHAREHOLDERS AND EMPLOYEES, AFFILIATES, OR ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, SHAREHOLDER OR
EMPLOYEE OF SUCH AFFILIATES, BE LIABLE TO THE OTHER OR IT'S CUSTOMERS FOR ANY
INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, WHETHER FORESEEABLE OR NOT, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGE OR LOSS OF PROPERTY OR EQUIPMENT, LOSS OF PROFITS OR
REVENUE, COST OF CAPITAL, COST OF REPLACEMENT PROPERTY OR SERVICES, OR CLAIMS OF
CUSTOMERS FOR SERVICE INTERRUPTIONS OR TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS, OCCASIONED BY ANY
DEFECT IN THE WILTEL NETWORK, DELAY IN DELIVERY, FAILURE OF THE VYVX PROPERTY TO
PERFORM OR ANY OTHER CAUSE WHATSOEVER.
WILTEL MAKES NO WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, TO ANY
OTHER PERSON OR ENTITY CONCERNING THE VYVX PROPERTY AND VYVX Will DEFEND,
INDEMNIFY AND HOLD WILTEL, ITS DIRECTORS, OFFICERS, SHAREHOLDERS AND EMPLOYEES,
AFFILIATES OF WILTEL OR ANY DIRECTOR, OFFICER, SHAREHOLDER OR EMPLOYEE OF SUCH
AFFILIATES, HARMLESS FROM ANY CLAIMS MADE UNDER ANY WARRANTY OR REPRESENTATION
BY VYVX TO ANY THIRD PARTY.
VYVX AND WILTEL EACH ACKNOWLEDGES THAT IT HAS NOT RELIED ON ANY WRITTEN
OR ORAL REPRESENTATIONS BY THE OTHER PARTY CONCERNING THE SUBJECT OF THIS
AGREEMENT OTHER THAN THOSE EXPRESSED IN THIS AGREEMENT.
Section 10.02. Successors in Interest; Transfers.
(a) Vyvx may assign or transfer (hereafter "transfer") its rights and
obligations under this Agreement to a third party, including an Affiliate,
provided that at least thirty (30) days prior to such transfer Vyvx delivers to
WilTel a binding agreement in writing from the transferee to WilTel stating that
the transferee will assume all current, future, and outstanding past obligations
of Vyvx under this
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Agreement as if such transferee had originally executed this agreement in Vyvx's
place. Notwithstanding such delivery and assumption of obligations, unless
WilTel agrees otherwise in writing (which agreement WilTel will not unreasonably
withhold), Vyvx will remain primarily liable for all obligations under this
Agreement. WilTel will have no responsibility for any liabilities which result
from any such transfer by Vyvx. Vyvx will indemnify, defend and release WilTel
and hold WilTel harmless from any claim, liability, judgment or costs which
result from any such transfer, but will not release WilTel or hold WilTel
harmless from any claim, liability, judgment or costs which arise out of any of
WilTel's obligations under this Agreement that are owed to a transferee of Vyvx
following transfer in accordance with this Section.
(b) WilTel may transfer or assign (hereafter "transfer") its rights
and obligations under this Agreement to any third party, including an Affiliate,
provided that, in the case of a transfer of obligations, at least thirty (30)
days prior to such transfer, WilTel delivers to Vyvx a binding agreement from
the transferee to Vyvx stating that the transferee will assume all current,
future and outstanding past obligations of WilTel under this Agreement that are
being transferred as if such transferee originally had executed this Agreement
in WilTel's place. Notwithstanding such delivery and assumption of obligations,
unless Vyvx agrees otherwise in writing (which agreement Vyvx will not
unreasonably withhold), WilTel will remain primarily liable for all obligations
under this Agreement. Vyvx will have no responsibility for any liabilities which
result from any such transfer by WilTel. WilTel will indemnify, defend and
release Vyvx and hold Vyvx harmless from any claim, liability, judgment or costs
which result from any such transfer, but will not release Vyvx or hold Vyvx
harmless from any claim, liability, judgment or costs which arise out of any of
Vyvx's obligations under this Agreement that are owed to a transferee of WilTel
following transfer in accordance with this Section.
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Section 10.03. Resolution of Disputes.
(a) Negotiations. Vyvx and WilTel will attempt in good faith to
resolve any dispute arising out of or relating to the Agreement (a "Dispute") by
negotiations between senior executives of the ultimate parent entity of each of
such Parties. Such negotiations may be commenced by either such Party by written
notice to the other Party (the "Negotiation Request"). In the event that such
Dispute has not been resolved by such negotiations within 30 days of the
delivery of the Negotiation Request, and one Party hereto requests non-binding
mediation by written notice to the other Party given prior to the end of such
30-day period, Vyvx and WilTel will attempt in good faith to resolve such
Dispute by non-binding mediation before a mediator mutually agreeable to Vyvx
and WilTel in their reasonable judgment. Neither Party will be required to
continue with such negotiations or with such non-binding mediation for more than
180 days after the delivery of the Negotiation Request. All such negotiations
and mediation proceedings will be confidential, and will be treated as
compromise and settlement negotiations for all evidentiary purposes, including
but not limited to for purposes of the Federal Rules of Evidence and any state
rules of evidence.
(b) Other Remedies. The Parties hereto will not initiate litigation
with respect to the Dispute unless the Dispute has not been resolved within 180
days of the delivery of the Negotiation Request, and will not initiate
litigation with respect to such Dispute except upon 5 days' prior written notice
to the other Party; provided that (i) if one such Party has delivered a
Negotiation Request or has so requested non-binding mediation and the other such
Party has not responded to any such request within 10 days of its receipt or is
failing to participate in good faith in the procedures specified in Section
10.03(a), the requesting Party may initiate litigation prior to the expiration
of such 180-day period, and (ii) either such Party may at any time or without
notice file a complaint or seek an injunction or provisional judicial relief, if
in such Party's sole judgment such action is necessary to avoid irreparable
damage or to preserve the status quo (including but not limited to for statute
of limitations reasons or to preserve any defense based upon the passage of
time). Despite such action Vyvx and WilTel will continue to participate in the
procedures specified in this Section 10.03 for so long and to the extent so
specified.
Section 10.04. Force Majeure. Any failure of a Party to perform its
obligations under this Agreement will not be a breach of this Agreement, will
not trigger any rights or remedies, and will not subject WilTel to any liability
whatsoever if such failure results from, without limitations, Acts of God,
governmental action (whether in sovereign or contractual capacity), adverse
weather conditions not reasonably anticipatable (including, but not limited to a
hurricane, flood, tornado, earthquake or fire),
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explosions, train collisions or derailments, animal infestation, labor strikes,
failure of supplies or supplier, third party negligence or malfeasance or any
other circumstance, including cable cuts not directly or proximately caused by
WilTel's negligence or wanton conduct, which is reasonably beyond the control of
WilTel.
Section 10.05 Change in Technology. The Parties recognize that
technology may change, rendering obsolete the use of a DS3 (whether for actual
capacity transmission or protection) on the WilTel Network as a measurement
basis for the Vyvx Percentage as well as other Agreement provisions using DS3's.
In the event advances in technology do make the use of DS3's inappropriate or
obsolete, WilTel or Vyvx may propose a method of measuring relative bandwidth
capacity as a substitute for DS3's and request the other's consent to use such
substitute measurement which consent will not be unreasonably withheld.
Section 10.06. Payments. Unless otherwise provided for in this
Agreement, all payments required under this Agreement will be made by the
deposit of immediately available funds in a bank account designated by the
payee-Party, or, in the absence of such designation, full payment by check. Any
payment required under this Agreement for which a specific due date is not
specified will be due thirty (30) days after the date on which the payor-Party
either became aware or should have become aware of its obligation to make such
payment.
Section 10.07. Partial Network Operations. If, as a result of an event
of Force Majeure, operation of the WilTel Network must be curtailed in any
manner, WilTel, in its reasonable discretion, will determine how the WilTel
Network will be operated and affected by such curtailment of operations. Vyvx
agrees to release WilTel and hold WilTel harmless from any claim, liability,
judgment or cost made by Vyvx or Vyvx customer which result from any reasonable
action or decision taken by WilTel under this Section 10.07 related to the Vyvx
Property. Notwithstanding anything in this Agreement to the contrary, nothing in
this Section 10.07 will affect the remedies available to Vyvx under Section
3.05.
Section 10.08. Disclosure.
(a) If either Party to this Agreement acquires or is exposed to the
other Party's Confidential Information, such receiving Party will hold in
confidence such Confidential Information, and will neither (i) directly or
indirectly reveal, report, publish, disclose or transfer any such Confidential
Information to any person or entity, except personnel of the receiving Party who
have a need to know such Confidential Information for the purpose of enabling
the receiving Party to perform its obligations
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or exercise its rights under this Agreement; nor (ii) utilize any such
Confidential Information for its own benefit or for any other purpose, except
for the purpose of enabling it to perform its obligations or exercise its rights
under this Agreement. In maintaining the confidentiality of the disclosing
Party's Confidential Information, the receiving Party will use the greater of
(i) the standard of care that would be used by a reasonably prudent man under
similar circumstances, or (ii) the same standard of care as the receiving Party
generally applies to its own confidential or proprietary information.
The Parties' rights and obligations under this Section 10.08(a) will
remain in full force and effect for a period of five (5) years from the date on
which the receiving Party acquires or is exposed to such Confidential
Information, except with respect to information transmitted over the WilTel
Network, for which such rights and obligations will not expire.
(b) All materials and records which constitute Confidential
Information will be and remain the property of and belong exclusively to the
disclosing Party, and the receiving Party agrees to return or to destroy all
such materials and records which it may possess or control upon request of the
disclosing Party.
(c) Notwithstanding any provision in Section 10.08(a) to the contrary,
the receiving Party may disclose to its Affiliates or employees of such
Affiliates the other Party's Confidential Information to the extent that such
disclosure is required to enable the receiving Party to perform its obligations
or exercise its rights under this Agreement, provided that each such Affiliate
will have first agreed in writing, with respect to such other Party's
Confidential Information, to be bound by the applicable terms and conditions of
this Section.
(d) The Parties agree that the terms and conditions of this Agreement
will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed to the public or to any
persons other than directors, officers, employees or agents of the Parties
pursuant to this Section 10.08 or to such other person who has entered into a
Confidentiality Agreement with the disclosing Party, unless otherwise mutually
agreed by the Parties in writing, except as required by applicable law or stock
exchange regulations. The Parties further agree that any news or press releases
or other announcements to be made public with respect to the existence of, or
the matters set forth in, this Agreement will either be jointly made or will be
approved in writing by the Party not making the news or press release or other
announcement, such approval not to be unreasonably withheld.
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(e) Subject to the provisions of Section 10.08(f), the restrictions on
disclosure stated above in this Section 10.08 will not prevent the receiving
Party from disclosing any Confidential Information or information where such
disclosure is required by law or legal process or is made in a judicial
proceeding to enforce a Party's rights under this Agreement.
(f) If either Party is required to disclose Confidential Information
which is subject to the non-disclosure provisions of Section 10.08(a), or
information which is subject to the non-disclosure provisions of Section
10.08(d), to any regulatory or judicial authority, or pursuant to legal process,
the disclosing Party will notify the other Party in writing prior to such
disclosure in order to allow the other Party the opportunity to request from the
relevant regulatory or judicial authority protection against public disclosure
of any such information.
(g) Either Party's violation of the provisions of this Section 10.08
will subject such Party to suit by the other Party, provided, however, that
neither Party will be liable for any incidental or consequential damages
relating to its obligations under this Section.
(h) The Parties acknowledge that, because of the special and unique
nature of the Confidential Information and the information which is subject to
the non-disclosure provisions of Section 10.08(d), it would be difficult to
measure the damage to either Party, its customers and/or the owners of the Other
Networks as the case may be, from any breach of the provisions of this Section
10.08 by the other Party, and that such aggrieved Party, its customers and/or
the owners of the Other Networks will suffer irreparable harm in the event that
the other Party fails to comply with such provisions. Accordingly, the Parties
agree that, in the event of a breach of any provision of this Section 10.08 by
either Party, the other Party will be entitled, in addition to other remedies it
may have in law or in equity, to injunctive or other appropriate orders to
restrain any such breach without showing or providing any actual damage
sustained by itself, its customers and/or the owners of the Other Networks.
(i) The rights and obligations of the Parties contained in this
Section 10.08 regarding non-disclosure of Confidential Information and
information described in Section 10.08(d) will survive any expiration or
termination of this Agreement until such rights and obligations expire according
to their own terms.
Section 10.09. Authority and Approval. Each Party represents and
warrants to the other that it has the right, power and authority to enter into,
and perform its obligations under this Agreement.
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Each Party further represents and warrants to the other that it has taken all
requisite corporate and other necessary action to approve the execution,
delivery and performance of this Agreement and that this Agreement constitutes a
legal, valid and binding obligation upon itself in accordance with the terms of
this Agreement.
Section 10.10. Governing Law. This Agreement will be construed in
accordance with, and governed in all respects by, the laws of the State of New
York without regard to its choice of law principles.
Section 10.11. Execution in Counterparts. This Agreement may be
executed in one or more counterparts, but in such event each counterpart will
constitute an original agreement and all of such counterparts will constitute
one agreement.
Section 10.12. Integration; Amendments. This Agreement together with
the Exhibits hereto and the Collocate Agreement executed concurrently herewith
constitutes the entire agreement between the Parties pertaining to the subject
matter hereof and supersedes all prior and contemporaneous agreements and
understandings of such Parties, including the Initial Agreement. Any amendment
or supplement made to this Agreement will not be valid and binding unless it is
in writing signed by both Parties.
Section 10.13. Severability. Any provisions of this Agreement which is
invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect in any jurisdiction will be,
as to such jurisdiction, ineffective to the extent of such invalidity,
illegality or unenforceability without in any way affecting the validity,
legality or enforceability of the remaining provisions hereof, and any such
invalidity, illegality or unenforceability in any jurisdiction will not
invalidate or in any way affect the validity, legality or enforceability of such
provisions in any other jurisdiction.
Section 10.14. Waivers. The failure of either Party to seek redress for
violations, or to insist upon the strict performance, of any covenant or
condition of this Agreement will not prevent a subsequent act, which otherwise
would have constituted a violation, from having such effect. No waiver of any of
the terms, conditions or provisions of this Agreement will be effective unless
it is in writing signed by the waiving Party.
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Section 10.15. Indemnification of Third Parties by WilTel. To the
extent that WilTel indemnifies any third party who has granted WilTel ROWs upon
which the Vyvx Property is located against a claim by, or liability to, or
judgment in favor of Vyvx with respect to acts which occur on or adjacent to
ROWs, Vyvx waives its right to make any claims or obtain relief against such
third party except to the extent it could make such claim or obtain such relief
against WilTel under this Agreement.
Section 10.16. Headings. The headings in this Agreement are inserted
for convenience and identification only and are in no way intended to describe,
interpret, define, or limit the scope, extent, or intent of this Agreement of
any provision thereof.
Section 10.17. Rights and Remedies Cumulative. Except as otherwise
provided in this Agreement, the rights and remedies provided by this Agreement
are cumulative and the use of any one right or remedy by any Party will not
preclude or waive its rights to use any or all other remedies. Said rights and
remedies are given in addition to any other rights such Party may have by laws,
statute, ordinance or otherwise.
Section 10.18. Notices. All notices and other communications from
either Party to the other hereunder will be in writing and will be deemed
received upon actual receipt. Unless changed by either Party by notice in
writing to the other, all notices will be addressed to the other Party as
follows:
If to WilTel: Xxx X. Xxxxxxx
Chairman and CEO
Xxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx 0000 (00-0)
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
If to Vyvx: Del Xxxxxx
President
Tulsa Union Depot
000 Xxxx Xxxxx Xxxxxx
Xxxxx, Xxxxxxxx 00000
Section 10.19. WilTel Abandonment of Service. In the event that WilTel
or any assignee of WilTel abandons its maintenance and repair services to a
particular part or all of the WilTel Network ("Non-Serviced Property"), any
person owning an interest in part or all of the Non-Serviced Property to whom
WilTel was providing such services ("Network Owner") may call a meeting for the
purpose of selecting a single servicing agent to assume WilTel's remaining
maintenance and repair obligations related
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to the Non-Serviced Property ("Servicing Agent"), by sending written notice to
all other Network Owners at least twenty-one (21) days before the date of such
meeting. The notice will state the purpose, date, time and place of the meeting.
At the meeting described in the preceding paragraph, each Network Owner
present or represented will be entitled to propose a Servicing Agent. A
Servicing Agent will be selected by a majority vote of the Network Owners who
attend or send a representative to the meeting, with each such Network Owner
being entitled to cast the number of votes equal to the number of DS3 Miles
derived from its property in the Non-Serviced Property; provided, however, that
no Servicing Agent will be selected without the prior approval of those owners
of ROW's whose approval is required under the terms of their property right
grants to WilTel related to the WilTel Network. The Parties agree that for
purposes of determining the number of Vyvx's votes under this paragraph, Vyvx
will not be entitled to any votes for DS3 Miles derived from subtending and
distribution fibers, and no Network Owner will be entitled to any votes for any
DS3 Miles derived from protection fibers.
WilTel will transfer to such Servicing Agent all WilTel rights related
to the Non-Serviced Property necessary to allow the Servicing Agent to assume
WilTel's maintenance and repair obligations related to the Non-Serviced
Property.
WilTel will have no responsibility for any liabilities related to the
development or performance of such alternative servicing arrangements, except
that WilTel will be responsible for any failure to meet its obligations under
the preceding paragraph. Vyvx will indemnify and release WilTel and defend and
hold WilTel harmless from any claim, liability, judgment or costs in favor of
Vyvx or Vyvx customers which arise out of any such servicing arrangement in
which Vyvx participates that do not arise out of WilTel's failure to meet its
obligations under this Agreement.
This Section 10.19 will not be triggered by any transfer by WilTel
under Section 10.02, or by any events covered under Section 6.
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Section 10.20. Invoices and Access to Books and Records.
(a) All invoices sent by WilTel to Vyvx for Costs or Common Facilities
Costs will contain a description of the project.
(b) Upon written notice received by WilTel within thirty (30) days
after the end of a calendar year, WilTel will, within a reasonable period of
time, provide to Vyvx access to WilTel's records, receipts, invoices, time cards
and other documentation reasonably related to the calculation of Common
Facilities Costs or Costs for such year. Information provided to Vyvx under this
Section will be designated as "Confidential Information." If Vyvx's review of
the WilTel documentation reveals, and WilTel concurs, that any cost item
comprising the Common Facilities Costs or Costs, respectively are inappropriate,
were improperly classified, such cost item or items will be removed.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the size, magnitude, reasonableness, prudence or
necessity of any cost item will not be subject to question or challenge by Vyvx.
The only inquiry will be whether the cost item or items were properly placed or
accounted for in one or more of the accounts comprising the Common Facilities
Costs or Costs, respectively. If Vyvx fails to notify WilTel in writing within
ninety (90) days of the end of the subject Service Period that any cost item or
items have been improperly classified in the Common Facilities Costs or Costs,
respectively, the Parties will be deemed to have agreed on the calculation of
Common Facilities Costs or Costs, respectively, for such year.
(c) If Vyvx and WilTel do not agree as to whether a cost item has been
properly placed in either Common Facilities Costs or Costs, respectively; WilTel
will engage a nationally recognized firm of independent outside certified public
accountants to review the questioned cost item or items to determine whether
such cost item(s) could have been reasonably placed or accounted for in Common
Facilities Costs or Costs, respectively, in accordance with the definitions of
such terms in this Agreement. The independent accountants will act as an
arbitrator and their determination will be final, binding and conclusive. Vyvx
will pay the costs of the accountants' special report.
(d) Other than the access to records specifically permitted pursuant
to subsection (b) hereof, Vyvx agrees that it will not have access to, or the
right to review any of WilTel's books, records, receipts, invoices, time cards
or other documentation relating to any other cost, charge or fee under this
Agreement.
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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, each of the Parties hereto has duly executed and
delivered this Agreement as of the date first above written.
ATTEST: WILTEL, INC.
/s/ [ILLEGIBLE] BY: /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
----------------------------- --------------------------------
Vice President
ATTEST: VYVX, INC.
/s/ [ILLEGIBLE] BY: /s/ [ILLEGIBLE]
----------------------------- --------------------------------
President
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EXHIBIT D
SYSTEM SEGMENTS
Xxx Xxxx Xxxx, XX - Xxxxx Xxxxxx, XX DeQuincy, LA - Shreveport, LA
Stamford, CT - White Plains, NY Beaumont, TX - DeQuincy, LA
Hartford, CT - Springfield, MA Beaumont, TX - Houston, TX
Boston, MA - Springfield, MA Houston, TX - San Antonio, TX
*New York City, NY - Newark, NJ Dallas, TX - Panova, OK
*Newark, NJ - Trenton, NJ Panova, OK - Oklahoma City, OK
*Philadelphia, PA - Trenton, NJ Panova, OK - Tulsa, OK
*Philadelphia, PA - Baltimore, MD Tulsa, OK (ONEOK POP) - Tulsa, OK (WLMS. CTR.)
*Baltimore, MD - Washington, DC Tulsa, OK - Joplin, MO
New York City, NY - Bear Creek, PA Kansas City, MO - Joplin, MO
Bear Creek, PA - Cleveland, OH Columbia, MO - Kansas City, MO
Cleveland, OH - Toledo, OH Columbia, MO - St. Louis, MO
South Bend, IN - Toledo, OH *Chicago, IL - Fostoria, OH
Chicago, IL - South Bend, IN *Akron, OH - Fostoria, OH
Bear Creek, PA - Pittsburgh, PA *Akron, OH - Cleveland, OH
Detroit, MI - Toledo, OH *Akron, OH - Pittsburgh, PA
*Richmond, VA - Washington, DC *Pittsburgh, PA - Washington, DC
*Richmond, VA - Raleigh, NC *Detroit, MI - Fostoria, OH
*Columbia, SC - Raleigh, NC Chicago, IL - Xxxxxxx, IA
*Columbia, SC - Fairfax, SC Cedar Rapids, IA - Coralville, IA
*Augusta, GA - Fairfax, SC Coralville, IA - Xxxxxxx, IA
*Augusta, GA - Atlanta, GA Coralville, IA - Pleasant Hill, IA
*Fairfax, GA - Savannah, GA Coralville, IA - Iowa City, IA
Jacksonville, FL - Savannah, GA Davenport, IA - Xxxxxxx, IA
*Jacksonville, FL - Orlando, FL Des Moines, IA - Pleasant Hill, IA
*Auburndale, FL - Orlando, FL Fairfax, KS - Pleasant Hill, IA
*Auburndale, FL - Tampa, FL Omaha, NE - Pleasant Hill, IA
*Auburndale, FL - West Palm Beach, FL Fairfax, KS - Kansas City, MO
*Xxxx Xxxxxxxxxx, XX - Xxxx Xxxx Xxxxx, XX Alden, IA - Pleasant Hill, LA
*Fort Lauderdale, FL - Miami, FL Alden, IA - Minneapolis, MN
*Chicago, IL - Indianapolis, IN Fairfax, KS - Tecumseh, KS
*Evansville, IN - Indianapolis, IN Tecumseh, KS - Topeka, KS
*Evansville, IN - Nashville, TN Houston, KS - Tecumseh, KS
*Chattanooga, TN - Nashville, TN Houston, KS - Wichita, KS
*Atlanta, GA - Chattanooga, TX Houston, KS - Xxxxx Ranch, WY
*Atlanta, GA - Montgomery, AL Evanston, WY - Xxxxx Ranch, WY
*Mobile, AL - Montgomery, XX Xxxxxxxx, XX - Xxxx Xxxx Xxxx, XX
*Mobile, AL - New Orleans, LA Las Vegas, NV - Salt Lake City, UT
Baton Rouge, LA - New Orleans, LA Los Angeles, CA - Las Vegas, NV
Baton Rouge, LA - DeQuincy, LA Los Angeles, CA - Santa Clara, CA
Dallas, TX - Longview, TX Xxx Xxxxxxxxx, XX - Xxxxx Xxxxx, XX
Longview, TX - Shreveport, LA Denver, CO - Xxxxx Ranch, WY
- Detroit, MI
- Windsor, Ontario
(*) Indicates segments upon which an Additional Purchase Price may be required
to upgrade equipment.
(/) Indicates Vyvx cross border system.
44
EXHIBIT E
SYSTEM SERVICE STATEMENT
This System Service Statement specifies terms and conditions for the
maintenance, repair and provision of services for the Vyvx Property and Common
Facilities.
1. GENERAL
a. WilTel will operate and maintain a Network Control Center
("NCC") staffed twenty-four (24) hours a day by trained and qualified
personnel. WilTel will maintain a toll-free telephone number to contact
personnel at the NCC. WilTel's NCC personnel will dispatch maintenance
and repair personnel along the Vyvx Fibers to handle repair and other
problems detected through the NCC's remote surveillance equipment or
otherwise.
b. WilTel maintenance employees will be available for dispatch
twenty-four (24) hours a day, seven (7) days a week. WilTel will use
reasonable efforts to have its first maintenance employee at the site
requiring Demand Maintenance within two (2) hours from the time of
alarm identification by WilTel's NCC or from the time of notification
by Vyvx's Network Operations Center (NOC), whichever occurs first.
c. Vyvx will utilize Attachment 1, WilTel Operations
Escalation List, to report and seek immediate initial redress of
exceptions noted in the performance of WilTel in meeting maintenance
service objectives.
d. In performing its services hereunder, WilTel will take
workmanlike care to prevent impairment to the signal continuity and
performance of the Vyvx Property. The precautions to be taken by WilTel
will include notification to the Vyvx Contact. In addition, WilTel will
reasonably cooperate with Vyvx in sharing information and analyzing the
disturbances regarding Vyvx Property or the WilTel Network. This
cooperation will include providing a summary of alarms relating to a
specific event within 5 business days of a request by Vyvx. Nothing
contained herein will make WilTel responsible for the Vyvx Equipment.
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e. WilTel will avoid taking any maintenance action between
0700-2400 local time, Monday through Friday, inclusive, and on Sundays
during the National Football League season, that will have a disruptive
impact on the continuity or performance level of the Vyvx Property.
Restricted activities will include manually initiated actions that will
cause operation of the automatic fiber electronics protection switching
equipment. However, specifically excluded from restricted activities
are any actions required to restore continuity to a severed or
partially severed fiber optic cable, restore dysfunctional power and
ancillary support equipment, and to correct any potential jeopardy
conditions.
f. WilTel will coordinate with the Vyvx Contact no later than
two (2) business days prior to the date of any planned non-emergency
maintenance activity to be accomplished that is reasonably expected to
produce any signal discontinuity including that imposed by the
operation of fiber electronics protection switching equipment. In the
event that a WilTel planned activity is canceled or delayed for
whatever reason as previously notified, WilTel will notify the Vyvx
Contact at WilTel's earliest opportunity and will comply with the
provisions of the previous sentence to reschedule any delayed
activity.
g. Upon written request by Vyvx to the Outside Plant Contact
identified in Attachment 1, WilTel will perform Other Maintenance.
WilTel will have twenty (20) business days to respond with a firm
scheduled completion date. The timely approval, scheduling and
completion of all Other Maintenance requests will not be unreasonably
withheld. Vyvx will pay WilTel the Costs of Other Maintenance.
h. WilTel will provide access to Vyvx to as-built drawings for
outside plant and will provide Vyvx redline as-built drawings
reflecting engineering changes affecting Vyvx Equipment within sixty
(60) days of a request by Vyvx.
2. COMMON FACILITIES
a. WilTel will maintain all Common Facilities at Regenerator
Locations and POPs in a manner which will permit the normal operation
of the Vyvx Property.
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b. WilTel will provide all power and associated environmental
control systems necessary at POP's (subject to provisions of applicable
Collocate Agreements) and Regenerator Locations for the operation of
Vyvx Equipment associated with the Vyvx Fiber in accordance with the
Common Facilities Specifications provided in Attachment 3. In addition,
WilTel will maintain battery backup for POPs and Regenerator Locations
as follows:
i. Each POP will be supplied with an emergency battery
power supply having a reserve equal to the reserve required by the
practices and procedures of WilTel in effect at the commencement
of the Agreement.
ii. Each Regenerator Location will be supplied with an
emergency battery power supply having a reserve equal to the
reserve required by the practices and procedures of WilTel in
effect at the commencement of the Agreement. In addition, WilTel
will use its best efforts to provide within four (4) hours after a
power outage at a Regenerator Location emergency generators with
sufficient capability to restore one (1) unit of all redundant
HVAC systems and one (1) rectifier.
c. WilTel will perform appropriate Routine Maintenance on
Common Facilities and POPs in accordance with WilTel's then current
preventive maintenance procedures which will not substantially deviate
from industry practice and will be responsible for correcting Common
Facilities dysfunctions.
d. At a minimum, WilTel's NCC will monitor alarms for
intrusion, high/low temperature, fire or smoke, toxic/explosive gas
(where applicable), DC and commercial AC power, and high water (where
applicable). Upon receipt of an alarm, WilTel will take appropriate
action.
3. VYVX FIBERS
a. Subject to the provisions of Paragraph 3.b. hereof, WilTel
will maintain the Vyvx Fibers in good and operable condition, will
repair the Vyvx Fibers in a workmanlike manner, and will comply with
the Splicing Specifications as provided in Attachment 4, as may be
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reasonably modified by WilTel. However, WilTel responsibilities with
respect to the maintenance and repair of Vyvx Fibers will end at the
Demarcation Point(s).
b. WilTel will have no obligation (including, but not limited
to, any obligation for any cost of repair or replacement) with respect
to defects in the material or workmanship of the Vyvx Fibers
(excluding the workmanship of splices which workmanship will meet the
standards provided in paragraph 3.a.). WilTel agrees, however, to
perform replacements or make any reasonable repairs required to the
Vyvx Fibers due to defects in the material or workmanship of the Vyvx
Fibers. Vyvx will pay WilTel the Costs of such replacements or
repairs, even if such replacement or repair is initiated through a
request for Routine Maintenance or Demand Maintenance.
c. WilTel will perform any maintenance or repair work as
required under this System Service Statement on the Vyvx Fibers if such
work is necessitated by Vyvx's negligent or improper use of Vyvx
Fibers. However, Vyvx will pay WilTel the Costs of such maintenance or
repairs including any maintenance or repairs to the WilTel Network, or
any portion thereof.
d. WilTel maintenance employees will be responsible for
correcting or repairing Vyvx Fiber discontinuity or damage, including
but not limited to the emergency repair of the Vyvx Fibers within the
WilTel Cable between the Demarcation Points. Wiltel will use reasonable
efforts to repair Vyvx Fiber traffic affecting discontinuity within six
(6) hours after the WilTel maintenance employee's arrival at the
problem site. WilTel will maintain sufficient capability to
teleconference with the Vyvx Contact during an emergency repair in
order to provide continuous communication. Within twenty-four (24)
hours after completion of an emergency repair, WilTel will commence its
planning for permanent repair, will notify the Vyvx Contact of such
plans, and will implement such permanent repair within an appropriate
time thereafter.
e. WilTel will prioritize the Routine Maintenance and Demand
Maintenance to be performed by WilTel on Vyvx Fibers and other fibers
within the WilTel Cable predicated on overall expediency regardless of
ownership.
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4. VYVX EQUIPMENT
a. WilTel will maintain the Vyvx Equipment so as to permit the
effective transmission of communications signals over the Vyvx
Equipment so that the one-way quality of transmissions over the Vyvx
Property will meet the technical standards for DS3 Service as provided
in Attachment 5. Upon a reasonable request by Vyvx, WilTel will perform
additional specific Routine Maintenance functions. WilTel's
responsibility to maintain Vyvx Equipment ends at Demarcation Points.
b. WilTel will provide protection switching for the Vyvx
Equipment. Vyvx will have priority for access to protection
transmission equipment to the extent of the Vyvx Percentage. WilTel
will provide a level of protection switching capability in accordance
with the manufacturer's specifications.
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