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                                                                    EXHIBIT 10.9

                            FIRST AMENDMENT TO LEASE


        THIS AMENDMENT, made and entered into this 23rd day of October, 1996, by
and between CROWN WEST REALTY, L.L.C., hereinafter called "Lessor" and TELECT,
INC., A WASHINGTON CORPORATION herein called "Lessee."

                                    RECITALS

        THAT WHEREAS, on July 5, 1995, the Lessor and Lessee entered into an
agreement of lease covering those certain premises, situated in the County of
Spokane, the State of Washington, and more particularly described as follows:

        3808 N. Sullivan Road, Building #5 and #12, within an organized
        industrial district called "Spokane Business & Industrial Park" Spokane,
        Washington, comprising approximately 56,000 and 60,000 square feet
        respectively (both buildings totaling 116,000 square feet), for a five
        year period commencing on the first day of October, 1995.

        WHEREAS, the said Lessee now desires to lease on a month-to-month basis
an additional 8,000 square feet in Building #12 effective October 14, 1996 with
additional monthly rent of $1,581.00. Lessor shall assume responsibility for all
utilities in the entire East Center Bay of Building #12.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the Premises and agreements herein
contained, it is hereby agreed as follows:

        1.      Additional Premises: 8,000 square feet on the West side of the
                East Center Bay of Building #12.

        2.      Rent: Additional monthly rent shall be 1,581.00.

        3.      Term: The additional monthly rent shall commence on October 14,
                1996 and continue on a month-to-month basis.

        EXCEPT for the new terms and conditions listed above, all other terms
and conditions shall remain in full force and effect per the July 5, 1995 lease
agreement.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the said Lessor and Lessee have executed this
amendment to lease in duplicate the day and year first written above.

LESSOR                              LESSEE

CROWN WEST REALTY, L.L.C.           TELECT, INC., A WASHINGTON CORPORATION



        /s/                                        /s/
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Rob B. Gragg,  Its: Asset Manager   Wayne E. Williams      Its: President