Modular plug offering improved near-end crosstalk (NEXT) performance including a housing defining a plurality of terminal-receiving slots, wire-receiving channels each situated in communication with a slot and a longitudinal cavity extending from a rear surface of housing to the channels and which is in communication with the channels. The plug includes contact terminals situated in the slots and a load bar arranged in the cavity. The load bar defines wire-receiving channels for receiving the wires of the cable. At least first and second wire-receiving channels are arranged in a first plane parallel to the upper and lower faces of the load bar and at least third and fourth channels are arranged in a second plane parallel to the first plane. The first and second channels are adapted to receive two of the wires of the cable which operatively form part of a first circuit during use. A cable-plug assembly including a cable terminated at one or both ends by such plugs is also disclosed.