Abstract: A modular plug and multi-pair cable assembly provides reduced near-end crosstalk between two signal pairs of the cable. A modular plug has a plurality of wire-receiving passages disposed in first and second planar arrays spaced one above the other, with the passages of one planar array being staggered in position with respect to the passages of the other planar array. An end of a first wire of each of two signal pairs is received in respective wire-receiving passages of the first planar array and an end of a second wire of the two signal pairs is received in respective wire-receiving passages of the second planar array. A first pair plane in which the wire ends of the first signal pair are situated intersects a second pair plane in which the wire ends of the second signal pair are situated. In this manner crosstalk between the two signal pairs resulting from magnetic and electric field coupling is reduced.