Exhibit 10.1(a)
CENTURYTEL, INC.
EMPLOYEE STOCK OWNERSHIP PLAN
(As Amended and Restated February 28, 2002)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
SECTION 1.....................................................................3
DEFINITIONS AND EFFECTIVE DATES......................................3
1.1 Account............................................3
1.2 Active Participant.................................3
1.3 Adjustment Date....................................3
1.4 Approved Absence...................................3
1.5 Break in Service...................................3
1.6 Company Stock......................................4
1.7 Compensation.......................................4
1.8 Date of Employment.................................6
1.9 Date of Reemployment...............................6
1.10 Disability.........................................6
1.11 Eligibility Computation Periods....................6
1.12 Employee...........................................7
1.13 Employer...........................................7
1.14 Entry Date.........................................7
1.15 ESOP Account.......................................8
1.16 ESOP Trust.........................................8
1.17 Highly Compensated Employee........................8
1.18 Hour of Service....................................9
1.19 Leased Employee...................................11
1.20 Limitation Year...................................12
1.21 Merger Account....................................12
1