EXHIBIT 12.1 BTI TELECOM CORP. COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS) YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, ------------------------- 1994 1995 1996 ------ ------ ------ Income (loss) before taxes...................... $2,702 $ 371 $2,606 Less interest capitalized to inventories during the period.................................... - - - ------ ------ ------ Adjusted income (loss) before taxes............. 2,702 371 2,606 ------ ------ ------ Fixed Charges: Other interest expense........................ 750 1,297 1,695 Amortization of financing costs............... 16 25 99 Rental expense(1)............................. 410 947 1,305 ------ ------ ------ Total fixed charges............................. 1,176 2,269 3,099 ------ ------ ------ Earnings........................................ 3,878 2,640 5,705 ------ ------ ------ Ratio (shortfall) of earnings to fixed charges.. 3.3x 1.2x 1.8x ------ ------ ------ 1997 1998 ---- ---- Income (loss) before taxes...................... $(10,639) $(38,233) Less interest capitalized to inventories during the period.................................... - - ----- ----- Adjusted income (loss) before taxes............. (10,639) (38,233) ------- ------- Fixed Charges: Other interest expense........................ 8,805 25,430 Amortization of financing costs............... 421 1,469 Rental expense(1)............................. 611 761 ------ ------ Total fixed charges............................. 9,837 27,660 ----- ------ Earnings........................................ (802) (10,573) ---- ------- Ratio (shortfall) of earnings to fixed charges.. - - === === - --------------- (1) 15% of rental expense related to operating losses representing an appropriate interest factor.