Uniti (UNIT) 10-Q 13 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Nov. 10, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Trading Symbol	CSAL
Entity Registrant Name	COMMUNICATIONS SALES & LEASING, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,620,280
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		150,549,266

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (unaudited) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Assets:
Real estate investments	$ 6,026,679
Accumulated depreciation - real estate investments	(3,637,594)
Net real estate investments	2,389,085
Cash and cash equivalents	209,998
Accounts receivable, net	1,651
Customer list intangible assets, net	11,494
Straight-line rent receivable	7,497
Other assets	3,054
Total Assets	2,622,779
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	97,411
Derivative liability	13,993
Dividends payable	90,404
Deferred income taxes	6,252
Notes and other debt	3,506,905
Total liabilities	$ 3,714,965
Commitments and contingencies (Note 12)
Preferred stock, $0.0001 par value, 50,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding
Common stock, $0.0001 par value, 500,000 shares authorized, 149,836 shares issued and outstanding	$ 15
Additional paid-in capital	601
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,993)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,078,809)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,092,186)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	$ 2,622,779

Condensed Consolidated Balance3

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Parenthetical) (unaudited)	Sep. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares
Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Preferred stock, shares authorized	50,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0
Common stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.0001
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	149,835,627
Common stock, shares outstanding	149,835,627

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (unaudited) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 173,634	$ 302,382
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense	66,511	115,307
Depreciation and amortization	87,271	151,715
General and administrative expense	4,229	7,390
Acquisition and transaction related costs	804	877
Total costs and expenses	163,963	284,178
Income before income taxes	9,671	18,204
Income tax expense	268	500
Net income	9,403	17,704
Participating securities' share in earnings	(430)	(755)
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 8,973	$ 16,949
Earnings per common share:
Basic	$ 0.06	$ 0.11
Diluted	$ 0.06	$ 0.11
Weighted-average number of common shares outstanding
Basic	149,834	149,831
Diluted	149,834	149,831
Dividends declared per common share	$ 0.60	$ 1.04
Rental Revenues
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 166,959	$ 291,131
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	86,307	150,108
Consumer CLEC
Revenues:
Total revenues	6,675	11,251
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	964	1,607
CLEC operating expense	$ 5,148	$ 8,889

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 9,403	$ 17,704
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized loss on derivative contracts	(42,544)	(13,993)
Comprehensive (loss) income	$ (33,141)	$ 3,711

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Deficit (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss	Distributions in Excess of Accumulated Earnings
Beginning balance, value at Apr. 23, 2015	$ 2,508,420	$ 15			$ 2,508,405
Beginning balance, shares at Apr. 23, 2015		149,827,214
Net income	17,704				17,704
Distributions to Windstream related to Spin-Off	(3,447,879)				(3,447,879)
Other comprehensive loss	(13,993)			$ (13,993)
Common stock dividends	(156,926)				(156,926)
Equity issuance cost	(629)		$ (516)		(113)
Stock-based compensation	1,117		1,117
Stock-based compensation, shares		8,413
Ending balance, value at Sep. 30, 2015	(1,092,186)	$ 15	601	(13,993)	(1,078,809)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2015		149,835,627
Beginning balance, value at Jun. 30, 2015				28,551
Net income	9,403
Ending balance, value at Sep. 30, 2015	$ (1,092,186)	$ 15	$ 601	$ (13,993)	$ (1,078,809)
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2015		149,835,627

Condensed Consolidated Stateme7

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (unaudited) $ in Thousands	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Cash flow from operating activities
Net income	$ 17,704
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	151,715
Amortization of deferred financing costs	3,039
Amortization of debt discount	3,253
Deferred income taxes	(672)
Straight-line rental revenues	(7,497)
Stock-based compensation	1,117
Changes in:
Accounts receivable	217
Other assets	(1,664)
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	54,047
Net cash provided by operating activities	221,259
Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services, LLC	(1,035,029)
Capital expenditures	(712)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,035,741)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans	1,127,000
Deferred financing costs	(30,018)
Principal payment on debt	(5,350)
Common stock issuance costs	(629)
Dividends paid	(66,522)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares	(19)
Net cash provided by financing activities	1,024,462
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	209,980
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	18
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	209,998
Supplemental cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	58,600
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Issuance of notes and other debt to Windstream Services, LLC, net of deferred financing costs ($34,681)	2,412,829
Tenant capital improvements	41,289
Accrual of dividends declared	$ 90,404

Condensed Consolidated Stateme8

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) (unaudited) $ in Thousands	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Deferred financing costs	$ 30,018
Windstream Services LLC
Deferred financing costs	$ 34,681

Statement of Assets Contributed

Statement of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed (unaudited) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Consumer CLEC Business
Assets:
Accounts receivable (less allowance for doubtful accounts of $104)	$ 1,912
Customer list intangible assets, net	14,452
Other assets	301
Total Assets	16,665
Liabilities:
Advance payments and customer deposits	1,154
Accrued payroll and commissions	39
Accrued interconnection costs	1,209
Deferred taxes	5,483
Total liabilities	7,885
Net Assets Contributed	$ 8,780

Statement of Assets Contribut10

Statement of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed (Parenthetical) (unaudited) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Consumer CLEC Business
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 104

Statement of Revenues and Direc

Statement of Revenues and Direct Expenses (unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 23, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consumer CLEC Business
Revenues	$ 8,742	$ 10,149	$ 27,356
Direct expenses:
Cost of revenues	4,541	5,552	14,498
Selling, general, and administrative	20	22	45
Amortization	1,141	1,283	3,488
Total costs and expenses	5,702	6,857	18,031
Revenues in Excess of Direct Expenses	$ 3,040	$ 3,292	$ 9,325

Combined Balance Sheets (unaudi

Combined Balance Sheets (unaudited) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Distribution Systems
Assets:
Property, plant and equipment, net	$ 2,571,800
Total Assets	2,571,800
Equity
Invested equity	2,571,800
Total shareholders' deficit	$ 2,571,800

Organization and Description of

Organization and Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Organization and Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	Note 1. Organization and Description of Business and Basis of Presentation Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (the “Company,” “CS&L,” “we,” “us” or “our”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in February 2014 and reorganized in the state of Maryland on September 4, 2014 as a subsidiary of Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings” and, together with its consolidated subsidiaries “Windstream”). On April 24, 2015, in connection with the separation and spin-off of CS&L from Windstream (the “Spin-Off”), Windstream contributed certain telecommunications network assets, including fiber and copper networks and other real estate (the “Distribution Systems”) and a small consumer competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) business (the “Consumer CLEC Business”) to CS&L in exchange for certain consideration paid to Windstream. The assets and liabilities of the Distribution Systems and Consumer CLEC Business were recorded in our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements on a carryover basis as of the date of the Spin-Off. CS&L is an independent, internally managed triple-net-lease real estate investment trust engaged in the acquisition and construction of mission critical infrastructure in the communications industry. We generate revenues primarily by leasing communications distribution systems to telecommunications operators in triple-net lease arrangements, under which the tenant is primarily responsible for costs relating to the distribution systems (including property taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repair costs). We intend to elect on our U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015 to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”). The Consumer CLEC Business, which historically has been reported as an integrated operation within Windstream, offers voice, broadband, long-distance, and value-added services to residential customers located primarily in rural locations. Substantially all of the network assets used to provide these services to customers are contracted through interconnection agreements with other telecommunications carriers. We have elected to treat the Consumer CLEC Business as a “taxable REIT subsidiary” effective on the first day of the first taxable year that CS&L qualifies as a REIT.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation	4 Months Ended	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Basis of Presentation		Note 2. Basis of Presentation The accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information set forth in the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”), as published by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”), and with the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair statement of results for the interim period have been included. Operating results from any interim period are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year. The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in our information statement on Form 10 filed as Exhibit 99.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 26, 2015. All material intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.
Consumer CLEC Business
Basis of Presentation	Note 2. Basis of Presentation Subsequent to the Spin-Off, all financial results of the Consumer CLEC Business are reported within the consolidated financial statements of CS&L. The accompanying unaudited Statement of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed of the Consumer CLEC Business as of December 31, 2014 and the related Statements of Revenues and Direct Expenses for the period January 1, 2015 to April 24, 2015 (the “Spin Date”), and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 have been prepared for the purpose of complying with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), as permitted by the SEC and are not intended to be a complete presentation of the financial position or results of operations of the Consumer CLEC Business. Additionally, the interim financial statements have been prepared consistent with Article 10 of Regulation S-X. The elements of the financial statements are stated in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Certain information and footnote disclosures have been condensed or omitted as permitted by the SEC’s rules and regulations. In the opinion of management, all adjustments considered necessary for a fair statement of the results of the interim periods presented have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results for the full year. The accompanying Statements of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed include only certain assets and liabilities directly related to the Consumer CLEC Business that were transferred by Windstream to CS&L pursuant to the Separation and Distribution Agreement between CS&L and Windstream dated March 26, 2015. Windstream has retained certain assets and liabilities of the Consumer CLEC Business consisting of the following: cash and cash equivalents, intercompany receivables and payables, certain trade accounts payable, liabilities related to employee benefit plans, income taxes payable and deferred income taxes. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities retained by Windstream have been excluded from the Statements of Assets Contributed and Liabilities Assumed. In addition, the Consumer CLEC Business primarily uses leased network facilities to provide telecommunications services to its customers and does not hold legal title to any property, plant and equipment. The accompanying Statements of Revenues and Direct Expenses include all direct costs incurred in connection with the operation of the Consumer CLEC Business for which specific identification was practicable. In addition, direct costs incurred by Windstream to operate the Consumer CLEC Business for which specific identification was not practicable have been allocated based on assumptions that management believes reasonable under the circumstances as more fully discussed in Note 6. The Statements of Revenues and Direct Expenses exclude costs that are not directly related to the Consumer CLEC Business including general corporate overhead costs, interest expense and income taxes. These costs are incurred by the Consumer CLEC.
Distribution Systems
Basis of Presentation			2. Basis of Presentation The accompanying balance sheet reflects the Distribution System assets of Windstream that were transferred to CS&L in connection with the Spin-Off. The balance sheet presented herein is combined on the basis of common control. The accompanying balance sheet has been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”) and has been derived from the accounting records of Windstream. The Distribution System assets presented in the accompanying balance sheet reflects Windstream’s historical carrying value of the assets as of the balance sheet date consistent with the accounting for spin-off transactions in accordance with GAAP.

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	4 Months Ended	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies		Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates Real Estate Investments Certain real estate investments are depreciated using a group composite depreciation method. Under this method, when property is retired, the original cost, net of salvage value, is charged against accumulated depreciation and no immediate gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of the property. For all other property, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective property. When the property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are written-off, with the corresponding gain or loss reflected in operating results. Tenant Capital Improvements Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Cash and Cash Equivalents Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives and Hedging Note 5 . Customer List Intangible Assets Revenue Recognition We evaluate the collectability of straight-line rent receivables and record a provision for doubtful accounts if management believes the receivables to be uncollectible. At September 30, 2015 no allowance was recorded related to our straight-line rent receivable. Consumer CLEC Business revenues are primarily derived from providing access to or usage of leased networks and facilities, and are recognized over the period that the corresponding services are rendered to customers. Revenues derived from other telecommunications services, including broadband, long distance and enhanced service revenues are recognized monthly as services are provided. Sales of customer premise equipment and modems are recognized when products are delivered to and accepted by customers. Stock-Based Compensation Income Taxes To maintain REIT status, we must distribute a minimum of 90% of our taxable income. We intend to make regular quarterly dividend payments of all or substantially all of our income to holders of our common stock, and therefore no provision is required in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for federal income taxes related to the activities of the REIT and its pass-through subsidiaries. We are subject to the statutory requirements of the locations in which we conduct business, and state and local income taxes are accrued as deemed required in the best judgment of management based on analysis and interpretation of respective tax laws. We have elected to treat certain subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”). Certain activities that we undertake must be conducted by a TRS, such as our Consumer CLEC Business, that we could otherwise not perform as a REIT, such as holding certain assets directly. A TRS is subject to both corporate level federal and state income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized in certain taxable entities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized under the asset and liability method for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax balances are adjusted to reflect tax rates based on currently enacted tax laws, which will be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period of the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized. We currently have no liabilities for uncertain income tax positions. We have not yet filed our initial corporate tax return and therefore are not yet subject to examination. The Company will be subject to a federal corporate level tax rate (currently 35%) on any gain recognized from the sale of assets occurring within a specified period (generally 10 years) after the Spin-Off up to the amount of the built in gain that existed on April 24, Earnings per Share Outstanding restricted stock awards that contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends are deemed to be participating securities, requiring the application of the two-class method of computing basic and dilutive earnings per share. Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the assessment date Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, derivative assets, our outstanding notes and other debt, accounts payable and interest payable. The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments at September 30, 2015: (Thousands) Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Prices with Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 209,998 $ 209,998 $ - $ - Accounts and other receivables 1,651 1,651 - - Total $ 211,649 $ 211,649 $ - $ - Liabilities Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023 $ 355,000 $ - $ 355,000 $ - Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023 946,275 - 946,275 - Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022 2,016,950 - 2,016,950 - Derivative liability 13,993 13,993 Accounts and interest payable 97,411 97,411 - - Total $ 3,429,629 $ 97,411 $ 3,332,218 $ - The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and interest payable approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The total principal balance of our Notes and other debt was $3.64 billion at September 30, 2015, with a fair value of $3.32 billion. The estimated fair value of Notes and other debt was based on available external pricing data and current market rates for similar debt instruments, among other factors, which are classified as Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. Derivative liabilities are carried at fair value. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivative liabilities fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; however the associated credit valuation adjustments utilized Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and its counterparties. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustment is not significant to the overall value of the derivatives. As such, the Company classifies its derivative liabilities valuation in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Concentration of Credit Risks Because substantially all of our revenue is derived from lease payments by Windstream pursuant to the Master Lease, there could be a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition if Windstream experiences operating difficulties and becomes unable to generate sufficient cash to make payments to us. In recent years, Windstream has experienced annual declines in its total revenue and sales. Accordingly, we monitor the credit quality of Windstream through numerous methods, including by (i) reviewing the credit ratings of Windstream by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, (ii) reviewing the financial statements of Windstream that are publicly available and that are required to be delivered to us pursuant to the Master Lease, (iii) monitoring news reports regarding Windstream and its businesses, (iv) conducting research to ascertain industry trends potentially affecting Windstream, and (v) monitoring the timeliness of its lease payments. Recently Issued Accounting Standards Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs Note 7 In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Consumer CLEC Business
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates Accounts Receivable Customer List Intangible Assets Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax balances are adjusted to reflect tax rates based on currently enacted tax laws, which will be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period of the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized. Revenue Recognition Recently Issued Accounting Standards Revenue from Contracts with Customers Subsequent Events
Distribution Systems
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies			3. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Use of Estimates Property, Plant and Equipment Certain property, plant and equipment is depreciated using a group composite depreciation method. Under this method, when property is retired, the original cost, net of salvage value, is charged against accumulated depreciation and no immediate gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of the property. For all other property, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective property, and when the property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are written-off, with the corresponding gain or loss reflected in operating results. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets Subsequent Events

Real Estate Investments

Real Estate Investments	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real Estate Investments	Note 4. Real Estate Investments The carrying value of real estate investments is as follows: (Thousands) Depreciable Lives September 30, 2015 Land $ 33,065 Building and improvements 3 - 40 years 310,591 Poles 13 - 40 years 226,899 Fiber 7 - 40 years 1,890,317 Copper 7 - 40 years 3,469,232 Conduit 13 - 47 years 89,460 Construction in progress 7,115 6,026,679 Less accumulated depreciation (3,637,594 ) Net real estate investments $ 2,389,085 Depreciation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015 was $86.2 million and $150.0 million, respectively. Construction in progress represents in process capital projects that were transferred to us at the time of the Spin-Off. As Windstream completes these projects, amounts are reclassified to depreciable assets. We currently do not engage in any construction or development activities.

Derivative Instruments and Hedg

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities	Note 5. Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities The Company uses derivative instruments to mitigate the effects of interest rate volatility inherent in our variable rate debt, which could unfavorably impact our future earnings and forecasted cash flows. The Company does not use derivative instruments for speculative or trading purposes. On April 27, 2015, we entered into interest rate swap agreements to mitigate the interest rate risk inherent in our variable rate Senior Secured Term Loan B facility. These interest rate swaps are designated as cash flow hedges and have a notional value of $2.13 billion and mature on October 24, 2022. The weighted average fixed rate paid is 2.105%, and the variable rate received resets monthly to the one-month LIBOR subject to a minimum rate of 1.0%. The Company does not currently have any master netting arrangements related to its derivative contracts. The following table summarizes the fair value and the presentation in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet: (Thousands) Location on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet September 30, 2015 Interest rate swaps Derivative liability $ 13,993 As of September 30, 2015, all of the interest rate swaps were valued in net unrealized loss positions and recognized as liability balances within the derivative liability balance. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, the amount recorded in other comprehensive income related to the unrealized loss on derivative instruments was $36.5 million and $3.7 million, respectively. The amount reclassified out of other comprehensive income into interest expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income Amounts reported in accumulated other comprehensive income related to derivatives will be reclassified to interest expense as interest payments are made on our variable-rate debt. During the next twelve months, beginning October 1, 2015, we estimate that $24.1 million will be reclassified as an increase to interest expense.

Customer List Intangible Assets

Customer List Intangible Assets	4 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer List Intangible Assets		Note 6. Customer List Intangible Assets The carrying value of the customer list intangible assets is as follows: September 30, 2015 Gross Accumulated Net Carrying (Thousands) Cost Amortization Value Customer lists $ 34,501 $ (23,007 ) $ 11,494 Amortization expense for the customer list intangible assets was $1.6 million for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015. Amortization expense is estimated to be $2.6 million for the full year of 2015, $3.3 million in 2016, $2.6 million in 2017, $2.0 million in 2018 and $1.4 million in 2019.
Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Customer List Intangible Assets	Note 4. Customer List Intangible Assets The carrying value of the customer list intangible assets at December 31, 2014 was as follows: December 31, 2014 Gross Accumulated Net Carrying (Thousands) Cost Amortization Value Customer lists $ 34,501 $ (20,049 ) $ 14,452 Amortization expense for the customer list intangible assets was $1.3 million for the period from January 1, 2015 to the Spin Date. Amortization expense for the customer list intangible assets was $1.1 million and $3.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively

Notes and Other Debt

Notes and Other Debt	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Long Term Debt [Abstract]
Notes and Other Debt	Note 7. Notes and Other Debt Notes and other debt is as follows: (Thousands) September 30, 2015 Principal amount $ 3,644,650 Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (137,745 ) Notes and other debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs $ 3,506,905 Notes and other debt at September 30, 2015 consisted of the following: (Thousands) Principal Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 6.29%) $ 400,000 $ (6,948 ) Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 9.06%) 1,110,000 (51,262 ) Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 5.66%) 2,134,650 (79,535 ) Senior secured revolving credit facility, variable rate, due April 24, 2020 - - Total $ 3,644,650 $ (137,745 ) On April 24, 2015 we, along with our wholly owned subsidiary CSL Capital, LLC (“CSL Capital”), co-issued $400 million aggregate principal amount of 6.00% Senior Secured Notes due April 15, 2023 (the “Secured Notes”) and $1.11 billion aggregate principal amount of 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due October 15, 2023 (the “Senior Notes” and together with the Secured Notes, the “Notes”). The Secured Notes were issued at an issue price of 100% of par value, while the Senior Notes were issued at an issue price of 97.055% of par value. The Notes are guaranteed by each of CS&L’s wholly-owned domestic subsidiaries that guarantee indebtedness under CS&L’s senior credit facilities. The Notes were issued to Windstream Services as partial consideration for the contribution of the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business in connection with the Spin-Off. As such, CS&L did not receive any proceeds from the issuance of the Notes. The issuance of the Notes and their exchange by Windstream Services for certain of its outstanding indebtedness were not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), but were exempt from registration under Rule 144A, Regulation S and other applicable exemptions of the Securities Act. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement entered into by the Company in connection with the sale of the Senior Notes, the Company subsequently filed with the SEC a registration statement relating to an exchange offer pursuant to which 8.25% Senior Notes due 2023 (the “Exchange Notes”) that were registered with the SEC, were offered in exchange for Senior Notes tendered by the holders of those notes. The terms of the Exchange Notes are substantially identical to the terms of the Senior Notes in all material respects, except that the Exchange Notes are registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest provision applicable to the Senior Notes do not apply to the Exchange Notes. The exchange offer was launched on August 5, 2015, and completed on September 2, 2015, with all outstanding Senior Notes being tendered and exchanged for Exchange Notes. The Notes contain customary high yield covenants limiting our ability to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness; incur or guarantee secured indebtedness; pay dividends or distributions on, or redeem or repurchase, capital stock; make certain investments or other restricted payments; sell assets; enter into transactions with affiliates; merge or consolidate or sell all or substantially all of our assets; and create restrictions on the ability of CS&L, CSL Capital and our restricted subsidiaries to pay dividends. The covenants are subject to a number of important and significant limitations, qualifications and exceptions. As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Notes. In addition, on April 24, 2015 the Company and CSL Capital entered into a credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which provides for a $2.14 billion Senior Secured Term Loan B facility due October 24, 2022 (the “Term Loan Facility”) and a $500 million senior secured revolving credit facility maturing April 24, 2020 (the “Revolving Credit Facility” and, together with the Term Loan Facility, the “Facilities”). The term loans under the Facilities were issued at an issue price of 98.00% of par value, bear interest at a rate equal to a Eurodollar rate, subject to a 1.0% floor, plus an applicable margin equal to 4.00%, and are subject to amortization of 1.0% per annum. The loans have been incurred by the Company and CSL Capital, are guaranteed by certain of CS&L’s wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Guarantors”), and are secured by substantially all of the assets of CS&L, CSL Capital and the Guarantors, subject to certain exceptions, which assets also secure the Secured Notes. The Revolving Credit Facility bears interest at a rate equal to LIBOR plus 1.75% to 2.25% based on our consolidated secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement. We are subject to customary covenants under the Credit Agreement, including an obligation to maintain a consolidated secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, not to exceed 5.00 to 1.00. We are permitted, subject to customary conditions, to incur incremental term loan borrowings and/or increased commitments under the Credit Agreement in an aggregate amount equal to $150 million plus, an unlimited amount, so long as, on a pro forma basis after giving effect to any such increases, our consolidated total leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, does not exceed 6.50 to 1.00 and our consolidated secured leverage ratio, as defined in the Credit Agreement, does not exceed 4.00 to 1.00. As of September 30, 2015, we were in compliance with all of the covenants under the Credit Agreement. The Company transferred $1.04 billion of cash proceeds under the Facilities to Windstream Services, the Company’s parent immediately preceding the Spin-Off, as partial consideration for the contribution of the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business in connection with the Spin-Off. After giving effect to the borrowings under the Facilities, the issuance of the Notes and the transfer of cash to Windstream Services, the Company retained net borrowing proceeds of $62.2 million, which are available to us for general corporate purposes. Deferred financing costs were incurred in connection with the issuance of the Notes and the Facilities. These costs are amortized using the effective interest method over the term of the related indebtedness, and are included in interest expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, we recognized $1.8 million and $3.0 million, respectively, of non-cash interest expense related to the amortization of deferred financing costs.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract]
Stock-Based Compensation	Note 8. Stock-Based Compensation The Company’s Board of Directors has adopted the 2015 Equity Incentive Plan (the “Equity Plan”), which is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. Awards issuable under the Equity Plan include incentive stock options, “non-qualified” stock options, stock appreciation rights, performance units and performance shares, restricted shares, and restricted stock units. In connection with the Spin-Off, the Company issued 538,819 restricted shares and 70,889 performance-based restricted stock units to employees of Windstream in accordance with the terms of the Employee Matters Agreement between the Company and Windstream. Under the Employee Matters Agreement, which governs the compensation and employee benefit obligations of CS&L and Windstream with respect to the current and former employees of each company, employees of Windstream who held equity awards as of the date of the Spin-Off were entitled to receive equity awards of CS&L in the same proportion as if the equity awards had been common shares on the date of the Spin-Off. The CS&L awards issued have the same form and vesting requirements as the underlying Windstream awards. For the purposes of vesting in the CS&L awards, continued service with Windstream is deemed to be continued service with CS&L. We do not recognize any compensation expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income related to these awards, as none of the employees granted awards provide service to CS&L. At September 30, 2015, 487,111 restricted shares and 58,395 performance-based restricted stock units issued to Windstream employees remained outstanding. Certain employees of CS&L have retained their unvested Windstream awards that were held prior to the Spin-Off. Unrecognized compensation expense related to these awards was $0.2 million at September 30, 2015, and will be amortized to compensation expense in our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, we recognized $72,000 and $125,000 of compensation expense, respectively, related to these awards, which is recorded in general and administrative expense on our Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income. Restricted Awards During the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, the Company granted 229,080 shares of restricted stock to employees, which had a fair value of $5.9 million as of the date of grant. The restricted stock awards are amortized on a straight-line basis to expense over the vesting period. The following table sets forth the number of unvested restricted stock awards and the weighted-average fair value of these awards at the date of grant: Restricted Awards Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date Unvested balance April 24, 2015 - $ - Granted 229,080 $ 26.13 Forfeited - $ - Vested - $ - Unvested balance, September 30, 2015 229,080 $ 26.13 As of September 30, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense on restricted awards was approximately $5.1 million, and the weighted average vesting period was 2.1 years. Performance Awards The Company grants long-term incentives to members of management in the form of performance-based restricted stock units (“PSUs”) under the Equity Plan. The number of PSUs earned is based on the Company’s achievement of specified performance goals, over a specified performance period, and may range from 0% to 150% of the target shares. The PSUs have a service condition that will expire at the end of the three-year performance period provided that the holder continues to be employed by the Company at the end of the performance period. Holders of PSUs are entitled to dividend equivalents, which will be accrued quarterly and paid in cash upon the vesting of a PSU. Dividend equivalents are forfeited to the extent that the underlying PSU is forfeited. On May 29, 2015, we issued 60,970 PSUs equal to 100% of the target amount, with an aggregate value of $1.3 million on the grant date. The PSUs, in addition to a service condition, are subject to the Company’s performance versus the total return version of the MSCI US REIT Index and a triple-net lease peer group, as defined by the Compensation Committee. Upon evaluating the results of the market conditions, the final number of shares is determined and such shares vest based on satisfaction of the service condition. The PSUs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. During the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, no PSUs were forfeited due to termination of service. As of September 30, 2015, total unrecognized compensation expense related to PSUs was approximately $1.2 million, and the weighted-average vesting period was 2.6 years. The fair value of each PSU award is estimated at the date of grant using a Monte Carlo simulation. The simulation requires assumptions for expected volatility, risk-free return, and dividend yield. Our assumptions include a 0% dividend yield, which is the mathematical equivalent to reinvesting the dividends over the three-year performance period as is consistent with the terms of the PSUs. The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value the PSUs granted during the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015: April 24 - September 30, 2015 Expected term (years) 2.9 Expected volatility 26.6 % Expected annual dividend 0.0 % Risk free rate 0.9 % For the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, we recognized $0.8 million and $1.1 million of compensation expense, respectively, related to restricted stock awards and performance-based awards, which is recorded in general and administrative expense on our condensed consolidated statement of income.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Note 9. Related Party Transactions In connection with the Spin-Off, we issued approximately 149.8 million shares of our common stock, par value $0.0001 per share, to Windstream as partial consideration for the contribution of the Distribution Systems and the Consumer CLEC Business. Windstream Holdings distributed approximately 80.4% of the CS&L shares it received to existing stockholders of Windstream Holdings and retained a passive ownership interest of approximately 19.6% of the common stock of CS&L. As a result of this ownership Windstream is deemed to be a related party. Our Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements reflect the following transactions with Windstream. Revenues General and Administrative Expenses CLEC Operating Expenses At September 30, 2015 there was a $17.6 million dividend payable to Windstream related to the dividend declared on August 11, 2015, based on Windstream ownership of CS&L shares as of the September 30, 2015 record date. In addition, there was $1.6 million accounts receivable from Windstream related to the collection of Consumer CLEC Business revenues, net of amounts owed to Windstream under the Wholesale Agreement and Master Services Agreement recorded in accounts receivable on our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note 10. Earnings Per Share Our restricted stock awards are considered participating securities as they receive non-forfeitable rights to dividends at the same rate as common stock. As participating securities, we included these instruments in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method described in FASB ASC 260, Earnings per Share We also issue PSUs; however these units contain forfeitable rights to receive dividends and are therefore considered non-participating restrictive shares and are not dilutive under the two-class method until performance conditions are met. The following sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method: Three Months Ended Period from (Thousands, except per share data) September 30, 2015 April 24 - September 30, 2015 Basic earnings per share: Numerator: Net income $ 9,403 $ 17,704 Less: Income allocated to participating securities (430 ) (755 ) Net income applicable to common shares $ 8,973 $ 16,949 Denominator: Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 149,834 149,831 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.11 Three Months Ended Period from (Thousands, except per share data) September 30, 2015 April 24 - September 30, 2015 Diluted earnings per share: Numerator: Net income $ 9,403 $ 17,704 Less: Income allocated to participating securities (430 ) (755 ) Net income applicable to common shares $ 8,973 $ 16,949 Denominator: Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 149,834 149,831 Effect of dilutive non-participating securities - - Weighted-average shares for dilutive earnings per common share 149,834 149,831 Dilutive earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.11

Segment Information

Segment Information	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note 11. Segment Information Our management, including our chief executive officer, who is our chief operating decision maker, manages our operations as two reportable business segments: Leasing and Consumer CLEC. Our Leasing segment represents our REIT operations and corporate expenses not directly attributable to the Consumer CLEC segment. The Consumer CLEC segment represents the operations of our Consumer CLEC Business and corporate expenses directly attributable to the operation of that business. We evaluate the performance of each segment based on Adjusted EBITDA, which is an operating performance measure defined as net income determined in accordance with GAAP, before interest expense, provision for income taxes, depreciation and amortization, stock-based compensation expense and the impact, which may be recurring in nature, of acquisition and transaction related expenses, the write off of unamortized deferred financing costs, costs incurred as a result of the early repayment of debt, changes in the fair value of contingent consideration and financial instruments, and other similar items. The Company believes that net income, as defined by GAAP, is the most appropriate earnings metric; however we believe that Adjusted EBITDA serves as a useful supplement to net income because it allows investors, analysts and management to evaluate the performance of our segments in a manner that is comparable period over period. Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income as determined in accordance with GAAP. Selected financial data related to our segments is presented below for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Thousands) Leasing Operations Consumer CLEC Subtotal of Reportable Segments Revenues $ 166,959 $ 6,675 $ 173,634 Adjusted EBITDA 163,509 1,527 165,036 Depreciation and amortization 86,307 964 87,271 Interest expense 66,511 Acquisition and transaction related costs 804 Stock-based compensation 779 Income tax expense 268 Net income $ 9,403 Capital expenditures 315 - 315 Period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015 (Thousands) Leasing Operations Consumer CLEC Subtotal of Reportable Segments Revenues $ 291,131 $ 11,251 $ 302,382 Adjusted EBITDA 284,858 2,362 287,220 Depreciation and amortization 150,108 1,607 151,715 Interest expense 115,307 Acquisition and transaction related costs 877 Stock-based compensation 1,117 Income tax expense 500 Net income $ 17,704 Capital expenditures 712 - 712 Total assets by business segment as of September 30, 2015 are as follows: (Thousands) Leasing Operations Consumer CLEC Subtotal of Reportable Segments Total assets 2,607,946 14,833 2,622,779

Commitment and Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Commitments And Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Note 12. Commitments and Contingencies In the ordinary course of our business, we are subject to claims and administrative proceedings, none of which we believe are material or would be expected to have, individually or in the aggregate, a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, cash flows or results of operations. Windstream has requested, and we have agreed, to fund up to $50 million of capital expenditures during the remainder of 2015. Monthly rent paid by Windstream will increase in accordance with the Master Lease effective as of the date of the funding. As of September 30, 2015, we have not funded any amounts under this commitment.

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note 13. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows for the three months ended September 30, 2015: (Thousands) Changes in Fair Value of Effective Cash Flow Hedge Total Beginning balance at July 1, 2015 $ 28,551 $ 28,551 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (36,511 ) (36,511 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (6,033 ) (6,033 ) Ending balance at September 30, 2015 $ (13,993 ) $ (13,993 ) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015: (Thousands) Changes in Fair Value of Effective Cash Flow Hedge Total Beginning balance at April 24, 2015 $ - $ - Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (3,690 ) (3,690 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (10,303 ) (10,303 ) Ending balance at September 30, 2015 $ (13,993 ) $ (13,993 )

Supplemental Guarantor Informat

Supplemental Guarantor Information	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Supplemental Guarantor Information	Note 14. Supplemental Guarantor Information In connection with the issuance of our 6.00% Senior Secured Notes due 2023, 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes due 2023 and Term Loan B Facility due 2022, the Guarantors provided guarantees of that indebtedness. These guarantees are full and unconditional as well as joint and several. All property assets and related operations of the Guarantors are pledged as collateral under these obligations and the Guarantors are subject to restrictions on certain investments and payments. Subject to the terms and provisions of the debt agreements, in certain circumstances, a Guarantor may be released from its guarantee obligation including, upon the sale or transfer of any portion of its equity interest or all or substantially all its property, and upon any Guarantor being designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary, as defined in the Credit Agreement, or otherwise no longer being required to remain a Guarantor given its size or regulatory restrictions. The following information summarizes our Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2015, Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, and the Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the period April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015: Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2015 (Thousands) CS&L CSL Capital Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Assets: Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation $ - $ - $ 1,854,241 $ 534,844 $ - $ 2,389,085 Cash and cash equivalents 17 - 208,776 1,205 - 209,998 Accounts receivable, net - - - 1,651 - 1,651 Affiliate receivable - - 68,732 77 (68,809 ) - Customer list intangible assets, net - - - 11,494 - 11,494 Straight-line rent receivable - - 7,497 - - 7,497 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 2,638,353 2,638,353 - - (5,276,706 ) - Other assets - - 2,570 484 - 3,054 Total Assets $ 2,638,370 $ 2,638,353 $ 2,141,816 $ 549,755 $ (5,345,515 ) $ 2,622,779 Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit: Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 50,445 $ 50,445 $ 29,479 $ 17,487 $ (50,445 ) $ 97,411 Derivative liability $ 13,993 $ 13,993 $ (13,993 ) $ 13,993 Affiliate payable 68,809 - - - (68,809 ) - Dividends payable 90,404 - - - - 90,404 Deferred income taxes - - 1,825 4,427 - 6,252 Notes and other debt 3,506,905 3,506,905 - - (3,506,905 ) 3,506,905 Total liabilities 3,730,556 3,571,343 31,304 21,914 (3,640,152 ) 3,714,965 Common Stock 15 - - - - 15 Additional paid-in capital 601 - - - - 601 Accumulated other comprehensive income (13,993 ) (13,993 ) - - 13,993 (13,993 ) Distributions in excess of earnings (1,078,809 ) (918,997 ) 2,110,512 527,841 (1,719,356 ) (1,078,809 ) Total shareholders' deficit (1,092,186 ) (932,990 ) 2,110,512 527,841 (1,705,363 ) (1,092,186 ) Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit $ 2,638,370 $ 2,638,353 $ 2,141,816 $ 549,755 $ (5,345,515 ) $ 2,622,779 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Thousands) CS&L CSL Capital Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental revenues $ - $ - $ 166,914 $ 45 $ - $ 166,959 Consumer CLEC - - - 6,675 - 6,675 Total revenues - - 166,914 6,720 - 173,634 Costs and Expenses: Interest expense 66,511 66,511 - - (66,511 ) 66,511 Depreciation and amortization - - 63,257 24,014 - 87,271 General and administrative expense 779 - 3,450 - - 4,229 CLEC operating expense - - - 5,148 - 5,148 Acquisition and transaction related costs - - 804 - - 804 Total costs and expenses 67,290 66,511 67,511 29,162 (66,511 ) 163,963 Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries 10,182 76,693 - - (86,875 ) - (Loss) Income before income taxes (57,108 ) 10,182 99,403 (22,442 ) (20,364 ) 9,671 Income tax expense - - 101 167 - 268 Net (loss) income $ (57,108 ) $ 10,182 $ 99,302 $ (22,609 ) $ (20,364 ) $ 9,403 Comprehensive (loss) income $ (99,652 ) $ (32,362 ) $ 99,302 $ (22,609 ) $ 22,180 $ (33,141 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the Period from April 24 - September 30, 2015 (Thousands) CS&L CSL Capital Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental revenues $ - $ - $ 291,086 $ 45 $ - $ 291,131 Consumer CLEC - - - 11,251 - 11,251 Total revenues - - 291,086 11,296 - 302,382 Costs and Expenses: Interest expense 115,307 115,307 - - (115,307 ) 115,307 Depreciation and amortization - - 110,001 41,714 - 151,715 General and administrative expense 1,117 - 6,273 - - 7,390 CLEC operating expense - - - 8,889 - 8,889 Acquisition and transaction related costs 877 877 Total costs and expenses 116,424 115,307 117,151 50,603 (115,307 ) 284,178 Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries 18,821 134,128 - - (152,949 ) - (Loss) Income before income taxes (97,603 ) 18,821 173,935 (39,307 ) (37,642 ) 18,204 Income tax expense - - 195 305 - 500 Net (loss) income $ (97,603 ) $ 18,821 $ 173,740 $ (39,612 ) $ (37,642 ) $ 17,704 Comprehensive Income $ (111,596 ) $ 4,828 $ 173,740 $ (39,612 ) $ (23,649 ) $ 3,711 Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Period from April 24 - September 30, 2015 (Thousands) CS&L CSL Capital Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash flow from operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities $ 10,584 $ - $ 209,470 $ 1,205 $ - $ 221,259 Cash flow from investing activities Consideration paid to Windstream Services (1,035,029 ) - - - - (1,035,029 ) Capital expenditures - - (712 ) - - (712 ) Net cash used in investing activities (1,035,029 ) - (712 ) - - (1,035,741 ) Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans 1,127,000 - - - - 1,127,000 Deferred financing costs (30,018 ) - - - - (30,018 ) Principal payment on debt (5,350 ) - - - - (5,350 ) Common stock issuance (629 ) - - - - (629 ) Dividends paid (66,522 ) (66,522 ) Cash in-lieu of fractional shares (19 ) - - - - (19 ) Net cash provided by investing activities 1,024,462 - - - - 1,024,462 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 17 - 208,758 1,205 - 209,980 Cash and cash equivalents, April 24, 2015 - - 18 - - 18 Cash and cash equivalents, September 30, 2015 $ 17 $ - $ 208,776 $ 1,205 $ - $ 209,998

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note 15. Subsequent Events On October 15, 2015 we paid the previously announced dividend of $0.60 per share payable to shareholders of record at the close of business on September 30, 2015. On November 6, 2015, our Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.60 per share, payable January 15, 2016, to stockholders of record on December 31, 2015.

Description of Business

Description of Business	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015
Consumer CLEC Business
Description of Business	Note 1. Description of Business Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (the “Company,” “CS&L,” “we,” “us” or “our”) was incorporated in the state of Delaware in February 2014 and reorganized in the state of Maryland on September 4, 2014. On April 24, 2015, in connection with the separation and spin-off of CS&L from Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings” and together with its consolidated subsidiaries “Windstream”), Windstream contributed certain telecommunications network assets, including fiber and copper networks and other real estate (the “Distribution Systems”) and a small consumer competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) business (the “Consumer CLEC Business”) to CS&L in exchange for cash, shares of common stock of CS&L and certain indebtedness of CS&L (the “Spin-Off”). CS&L is an independent, internally managed triple-net-lease real estate investment trust engaged in the acquisition and construction of mission critical infrastructure in the communications industry. We generate revenues primarily by leasing communications distribution systems to telecommunications operators in triple-net lease arrangements, under which the tenant is primarily responsible for costs relating to the distribution systems (including property taxes, insurance, and maintenance and repair costs). We intend to elect on our U.S. federal income tax return for the taxable year ending December 31, 2015 to be treated as a real estate investment trust (“REIT”). The Consumer CLEC Business, which historically has been reported as an integrated operation within Windstream, offers voice, broadband, long-distance, and value-added services to residential customers located primarily in rural locations. Substantially all of the network assets used to provide these services to customers are contracted through interconnection agreements with other telecommunications carriers. Prior to the Spin-Off, Windstream ceased accepting new residential customers in the service areas covered by the Consumer CLEC Business. We will elect to treat the Consumer CLEC Business as a “taxable REIT subsidiary” effective on the first day of the first taxable year that CS&L qualifies as a REIT.

Deferred Income Taxes

Deferred Income Taxes	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015
Consumer CLEC Business
Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]
Deferred Income Taxes	Note 5. Deferred Income Taxes The significant components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014 were as follows: (Thousands) December 31, 2014 Customer list intangible assets $ (5,523 ) Bad debt reserve 40 Deferred income taxes, net $ (5,483 ) Deferred tax assets $ 40 Deferred tax liabilities (5,523 ) Deferred income taxes, net $ (5,483 )

Allocations

Allocations	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015
Consumer CLEC Business
Allocations [Line Items]
Allocations	Note 6. Allocations As described in Note 2, the accompanying Statements of Revenues and Direct Expenses of the Consumer CLEC Business include all direct costs incurred in connection with the operation of the Consumer CLEC Business for which specific identification was practicable. In addition, certain costs incurred by Windstream to operate the Consumer CLEC Business for which specific identification was not practicable have been allocated based on revenues and sales. These allocated expenses are included in “Cost of services” and “Selling, general and administrative.” General and administrative costs incurred by Windstream not directly related to the Consumer CLEC Business have not been allocated to these operations. Costs not allocated include amounts related to executive management, accounting, treasury and cash management, data processing, legal, human resources and certain occupancy costs.

Separation from Windstream Hold

Separation from Windstream Holdings Inc and Description of Transferred Assets	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Distribution Systems
Separation from Windstream Holdings Inc and Description of Transferred Assets	1. Separation from Windstream Holdings, Inc. and Description of Transferred Assets On April, 24, 2015, in connection with the separation and spin-off of Communications Sales & Leasing, Inc. (“CS&L”), from Windstream Holdings, Inc. (“Windstream Holdings” and together with its subsidiaries, “Windstream”), Windstream contributed certain telecommunications network assets, including fiber and copper network and other real estate (the “Distribution Systems”), and a small competitive local exchange carrier (“CLEC”) business to CS&L in exchange for cash, shares of common stock of CS&L and certain indebtedness of CS&L. Windstream Holdings distributed approximately 80.4% of the outstanding common stock of CS&L that it received to existing stockholders of Windstream Holdings in a tax-free spin-off (the “Spin-Off”). As a result of the Spin-Off, CS&L is an independent, internally managed triple-net-lease real estate investment trust engaged in the acquisition and construction of mission critical infrastructure in the communications industry.

Property, Plant and Equipment

Property, Plant and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Distribution Systems
Property, Plant and Equipment	4. Property, Plant and Equipment Net property, plant and equipment consisted of the following: ($ in Millions) Depreciable Lives December 31, 2014 Land $ 33.0 Building and Improvements 3 - 40 years 305.5 Poles 13 - 40 years 223.0 Fiber 7 - 40 years 1,841.2 Copper 7 - 40 years 3,430.8 Conduit 13 - 47 years 89.2 Construction in progress 34.0 5,956.7 Less accumulated depreciation (3,384.9 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 2,571.8

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	4 Months Ended	5 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Use of Estimates		Use of Estimates
Real Estate Investments		Real Estate Investments Certain real estate investments are depreciated using a group composite depreciation method. Under this method, when property is retired, the original cost, net of salvage value, is charged against accumulated depreciation and no immediate gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of the property. For all other property, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective property. When the property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are written-off, with the corresponding gain or loss reflected in operating results.
Tenant Capital Improvements		Tenant Capital Improvements
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets		Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Cash and Cash Equivalents		Cash and Cash Equivalents
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities		Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities Derivatives and Hedging Note 5 .
Customer List Intangible Assets		Customer List Intangible Assets
Revenue Recognition		Revenue Recognition We evaluate the collectability of straight-line rent receivables and record a provision for doubtful accounts if management believes the receivables to be uncollectible. At September 30, 2015 no allowance was recorded related to our straight-line rent receivable. Consumer CLEC Business revenues are primarily derived from providing access to or usage of leased networks and facilities, and are recognized over the period that the corresponding services are rendered to customers. Revenues derived from other telecommunications services, including broadband, long distance and enhanced service revenues are recognized monthly as services are provided. Sales of customer premise equipment and modems are recognized when products are delivered to and accepted by customers.
Stock-Based Compensation		Stock-Based Compensation
Income Taxes		Income Taxes To maintain REIT status, we must distribute a minimum of 90% of our taxable income. We intend to make regular quarterly dividend payments of all or substantially all of our income to holders of our common stock, and therefore no provision is required in the accompanying Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements for federal income taxes related to the activities of the REIT and its pass-through subsidiaries. We are subject to the statutory requirements of the locations in which we conduct business, and state and local income taxes are accrued as deemed required in the best judgment of management based on analysis and interpretation of respective tax laws. We have elected to treat certain subsidiaries as taxable REIT subsidiaries (“TRS”). Certain activities that we undertake must be conducted by a TRS, such as our Consumer CLEC Business, that we could otherwise not perform as a REIT, such as holding certain assets directly. A TRS is subject to both corporate level federal and state income taxes. Deferred income taxes are recognized in certain taxable entities. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized under the asset and liability method for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax balances are adjusted to reflect tax rates based on currently enacted tax laws, which will be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period of the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized. We currently have no liabilities for uncertain income tax positions. We have not yet filed our initial corporate tax return and therefore are not yet subject to examination. The Company will be subject to a federal corporate level tax rate (currently 35%) on any gain recognized from the sale of assets occurring within a specified period (generally 10 years) after the Spin-Off up to the amount of the built in gain that existed on April 24,
Earnings per Share		Earnings per Share Outstanding restricted stock awards that contain rights to non-forfeitable dividends are deemed to be participating securities, requiring the application of the two-class method of computing basic and dilutive earnings per share.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments		Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Measurements Level 1 – Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the assessment date Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included within Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly Level 3 – Unobservable inputs for the asset or liability Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, derivative assets, our outstanding notes and other debt, accounts payable and interest payable. The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments at September 30, 2015: (Thousands) Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Prices with Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 209,998 $ 209,998 $ - $ - Accounts and other receivables 1,651 1,651 - - Total $ 211,649 $ 211,649 $ - $ - Liabilities Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023 $ 355,000 $ - $ 355,000 $ - Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023 946,275 - 946,275 - Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022 2,016,950 - 2,016,950 - Derivative liability 13,993 13,993 Accounts and interest payable 97,411 97,411 - - Total $ 3,429,629 $ 97,411 $ 3,332,218 $ - The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts and other receivables, accounts payable and interest payable approximate fair values due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments. The total principal balance of our Notes and other debt was $3.64 billion at September 30, 2015, with a fair value of $3.32 billion. The estimated fair value of Notes and other debt was based on available external pricing data and current market rates for similar debt instruments, among other factors, which are classified as Level 2 inputs within the fair value hierarchy. Derivative liabilities are carried at fair value. The Company has determined that the majority of the inputs used to value its derivative liabilities fall within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; however the associated credit valuation adjustments utilized Level 3 inputs, such as estimates of credit spreads, to evaluate the likelihood of default by the Company and its counterparties. As of September 30, 2015, the Company has assessed the significance of the impact of the credit valuation adjustments on the overall valuation of its derivative positions and has determined that the credit valuation adjustment is not significant to the overall value of the derivatives. As such, the Company classifies its derivative liabilities valuation in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.
Concentration of Credit Risks		Concentration of Credit Risks Because substantially all of our revenue is derived from lease payments by Windstream pursuant to the Master Lease, there could be a material adverse impact on our consolidated results of operations, liquidity and/or financial condition if Windstream experiences operating difficulties and becomes unable to generate sufficient cash to make payments to us. In recent years, Windstream has experienced annual declines in its total revenue and sales. Accordingly, we monitor the credit quality of Windstream through numerous methods, including by (i) reviewing the credit ratings of Windstream by nationally recognized credit rating agencies, (ii) reviewing the financial statements of Windstream that are publicly available and that are required to be delivered to us pursuant to the Master Lease, (iii) monitoring news reports regarding Windstream and its businesses, (iv) conducting research to ascertain industry trends potentially affecting Windstream, and (v) monitoring the timeliness of its lease payments.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards		Recently Issued Accounting Standards Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs Note 7 In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Consumer CLEC Business
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
Customer List Intangible Assets	Customer List Intangible Assets
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition
Income Taxes	Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are recognized in accordance with guidance on accounting for income taxes under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax balances are adjusted to reflect tax rates based on currently enacted tax laws, which will be in effect in the years in which the temporary differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in the results of operations in the period of the enactment date. A valuation allowance is recorded to reduce the carrying amounts of deferred tax assets unless it is more likely than not that such assets will be realized.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards Revenue from Contracts with Customers
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
Distribution Systems
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Use of Estimates			Use of Estimates
Impairment of Long-Lived Assets			Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
Subsequent Events			Subsequent Events
Property, Plant and Equipment			Property, Plant and Equipment Certain property, plant and equipment is depreciated using a group composite depreciation method. Under this method, when property is retired, the original cost, net of salvage value, is charged against accumulated depreciation and no immediate gain or loss is recognized on the disposition of the property. For all other property, depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of the respective property, and when the property is retired or otherwise disposed of, the related cost and accumulated depreciation are written-off, with the corresponding gain or loss reflected in operating results.

Summary of Significant Accoun34

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Schedule of Valuation of Financial Instruments	The following table summarizes the valuation of our financial instruments at September 30, 2015: (Thousands) Total Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1) Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Prices with Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Assets Cash and cash equivalents $ 209,998 $ 209,998 $ - $ - Accounts and other receivables 1,651 1,651 - - Total $ 211,649 $ 211,649 $ - $ - Liabilities Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023 $ 355,000 $ - $ 355,000 $ - Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023 946,275 - 946,275 - Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022 2,016,950 - 2,016,950 - Derivative liability 13,993 13,993 Accounts and interest payable 97,411 97,411 - - Total $ 3,429,629 $ 97,411 $ 3,332,218 $ -

Real Estate Investments (Tables

Real Estate Investments (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Value of Real Estate Investments	The carrying value of real estate investments is as follows: (Thousands) Depreciable Lives September 30, 2015 Land $ 33,065 Building and improvements 3 - 40 years 310,591 Poles 13 - 40 years 226,899 Fiber 7 - 40 years 1,890,317 Copper 7 - 40 years 3,469,232 Conduit 13 - 47 years 89,460 Construction in progress 7,115 6,026,679 Less accumulated depreciation (3,637,594 ) Net real estate investments $ 2,389,085

Derivative Instruments and He36

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosure [Abstract]
Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Presentation in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	The following table summarizes the fair value and the presentation in our Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet: (Thousands) Location on Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet September 30, 2015 Interest rate swaps Derivative liability $ 13,993

Customer List Intangible Asse37

Customer List Intangible Assets (Tables)	4 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Carrying Value of the Intangible Assets		The carrying value of the customer list intangible assets is as follows: September 30, 2015 Gross Accumulated Net Carrying (Thousands) Cost Amortization Value Customer lists $ 34,501 $ (23,007 ) $ 11,494
Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Schedule of Carrying Value of the Intangible Assets	The carrying value of the customer list intangible assets at December 31, 2014 was as follows: December 31, 2014 Gross Accumulated Net Carrying (Thousands) Cost Amortization Value Customer lists $ 34,501 $ (20,049 ) $ 14,452

Notes and Other Debt (Tables)

Notes and Other Debt (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Long Term Debt [Abstract]
Schedule of Notes and Other Debt	Notes and other debt is as follows: (Thousands) September 30, 2015 Principal amount $ 3,644,650 Less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs (137,745 ) Notes and other debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs $ 3,506,905 Notes and other debt at September 30, 2015 consisted of the following: (Thousands) Principal Unamortized Discount and Debt Issuance Costs Senior secured notes - 6.00% , due April 15, 2023 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 6.29%) $ 400,000 $ (6,948 ) Senior unsecured notes - 8.25%, due October 15, 2023 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 9.06%) 1,110,000 (51,262 ) Senior secured term loan B - variable rate, due October 24, 2022 (discount is based on imputed interest rate of 5.66%) 2,134,650 (79,535 ) Senior secured revolving credit facility, variable rate, due April 24, 2020 - - Total $ 3,644,650 $ (137,745 )

Stock-Based Compensation (Table

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Awards	The following table sets forth the number of unvested restricted stock awards and the weighted-average fair value of these awards at the date of grant Restricted Awards Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date Unvested balance April 24, 2015 - $ - Granted 229,080 $ 26.13 Forfeited - $ - Vested - $ - Unvested balance, September 30, 2015 229,080 $ 26.13
Performance Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Schedule of Assumptions used to Value PSUs Granted	The following table summarizes the assumptions used to value the PSUs granted during the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015 April 24 - September 30, 2015 Expected term (years) 2.9 Expected volatility 26.6 % Expected annual dividend 0.0 % Risk free rate 0.9 %

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted	The following sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share under the two-class method: Three Months Ended Period from (Thousands, except per share data) September 30, 2015 April 24 - September 30, 2015 Basic earnings per share: Numerator: Net income $ 9,403 $ 17,704 Less: Income allocated to participating securities (430 ) (755 ) Net income applicable to common shares $ 8,973 $ 16,949 Denominator: Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 149,834 149,831 Basic earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.11 Three Months Ended Period from (Thousands, except per share data) September 30, 2015 April 24 - September 30, 2015 Diluted earnings per share: Numerator: Net income $ 9,403 $ 17,704 Less: Income allocated to participating securities (430 ) (755 ) Net income applicable to common shares $ 8,973 $ 16,949 Denominator: Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding 149,834 149,831 Effect of dilutive non-participating securities - - Weighted-average shares for dilutive earnings per common share 149,834 149,831 Dilutive earnings per common share $ 0.06 $ 0.11

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Reporting Information	Selected financial data related to our segments is presented below for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015: Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Thousands) Leasing Operations Consumer CLEC Subtotal of Reportable Segments Revenues $ 166,959 $ 6,675 $ 173,634 Adjusted EBITDA 163,509 1,527 165,036 Depreciation and amortization 86,307 964 87,271 Interest expense 66,511 Acquisition and transaction related costs 804 Stock-based compensation 779 Income tax expense 268 Net income $ 9,403 Capital expenditures 315 - 315 Period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015 (Thousands) Leasing Operations Consumer CLEC Subtotal of Reportable Segments Revenues $ 291,131 $ 11,251 $ 302,382 Adjusted EBITDA 284,858 2,362 287,220 Depreciation and amortization 150,108 1,607 151,715 Interest expense 115,307 Acquisition and transaction related costs 877 Stock-based compensation 1,117 Income tax expense 500 Net income $ 17,704 Capital expenditures 712 - 712
Summary of Total Assets by Business Segment	Total assets by business segment as of September 30, 2015 are as follows: (Thousands) Leasing Operations Consumer CLEC Subtotal of Reportable Segments Total assets 2,607,946 14,833 2,622,779

Accumulated Other Comprehensi42

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component	Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows for the three months ended September 30, 2015: (Thousands) Changes in Fair Value of Effective Cash Flow Hedge Total Beginning balance at July 1, 2015 $ 28,551 $ 28,551 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (36,511 ) (36,511 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (6,033 ) (6,033 ) Ending balance at September 30, 2015 $ (13,993 ) $ (13,993 ) Changes in accumulated other comprehensive income by component is as follows for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015: (Thousands) Changes in Fair Value of Effective Cash Flow Hedge Total Beginning balance at April 24, 2015 $ - $ - Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (3,690 ) (3,690 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (10,303 ) (10,303 ) Ending balance at September 30, 2015 $ (13,993 ) $ (13,993 )

Supplemental Guarantor Inform43

Supplemental Guarantor Information (Tables)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Condensed Financial Information Of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet	The following information summarizes our Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet as of September 30, 2015, Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three months ended September 30, 2015 and for the period from April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015, and the Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows for the period April 24, 2015 to September 30, 2015: Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet As of September 30, 2015 (Thousands) CS&L CSL Capital Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Assets: Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation $ - $ - $ 1,854,241 $ 534,844 $ - $ 2,389,085 Cash and cash equivalents 17 - 208,776 1,205 - 209,998 Accounts receivable, net - - - 1,651 - 1,651 Affiliate receivable - - 68,732 77 (68,809 ) - Customer list intangible assets, net - - - 11,494 - 11,494 Straight-line rent receivable - - 7,497 - - 7,497 Investment in consolidated subsidiaries 2,638,353 2,638,353 - - (5,276,706 ) - Other assets - - 2,570 484 - 3,054 Total Assets $ 2,638,370 $ 2,638,353 $ 2,141,816 $ 549,755 $ (5,345,515 ) $ 2,622,779 Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit: Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 50,445 $ 50,445 $ 29,479 $ 17,487 $ (50,445 ) $ 97,411 Derivative liability $ 13,993 $ 13,993 $ (13,993 ) $ 13,993 Affiliate payable 68,809 - - - (68,809 ) - Dividends payable 90,404 - - - - 90,404 Deferred income taxes - - 1,825 4,427 - 6,252 Notes and other debt 3,506,905 3,506,905 - - (3,506,905 ) 3,506,905 Total liabilities 3,730,556 3,571,343 31,304 21,914 (3,640,152 ) 3,714,965 Common Stock 15 - - - - 15 Additional paid-in capital 601 - - - - 601 Accumulated other comprehensive income (13,993 ) (13,993 ) - - 13,993 (13,993 ) Distributions in excess of earnings (1,078,809 ) (918,997 ) 2,110,512 527,841 (1,719,356 ) (1,078,809 ) Total shareholders' deficit (1,092,186 ) (932,990 ) 2,110,512 527,841 (1,705,363 ) (1,092,186 ) Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit $ 2,638,370 $ 2,638,353 $ 2,141,816 $ 549,755 $ (5,345,515 ) $ 2,622,779
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the Three Months Ended September 30, 2015 (Thousands) CS&L CSL Capital Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental revenues $ - $ - $ 166,914 $ 45 $ - $ 166,959 Consumer CLEC - - - 6,675 - 6,675 Total revenues - - 166,914 6,720 - 173,634 Costs and Expenses: Interest expense 66,511 66,511 - - (66,511 ) 66,511 Depreciation and amortization - - 63,257 24,014 - 87,271 General and administrative expense 779 - 3,450 - - 4,229 CLEC operating expense - - - 5,148 - 5,148 Acquisition and transaction related costs - - 804 - - 804 Total costs and expenses 67,290 66,511 67,511 29,162 (66,511 ) 163,963 Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries 10,182 76,693 - - (86,875 ) - (Loss) Income before income taxes (57,108 ) 10,182 99,403 (22,442 ) (20,364 ) 9,671 Income tax expense - - 101 167 - 268 Net (loss) income $ (57,108 ) $ 10,182 $ 99,302 $ (22,609 ) $ (20,364 ) $ 9,403 Comprehensive (loss) income $ (99,652 ) $ (32,362 ) $ 99,302 $ (22,609 ) $ 22,180 $ (33,141 ) Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income For the Period from April 24 - September 30, 2015 (Thousands) CS&L CSL Capital Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Revenues: Rental revenues $ - $ - $ 291,086 $ 45 $ - $ 291,131 Consumer CLEC - - - 11,251 - 11,251 Total revenues - - 291,086 11,296 - 302,382 Costs and Expenses: Interest expense 115,307 115,307 - - (115,307 ) 115,307 Depreciation and amortization - - 110,001 41,714 - 151,715 General and administrative expense 1,117 - 6,273 - - 7,390 CLEC operating expense - - - 8,889 - 8,889 Acquisition and transaction related costs 877 877 Total costs and expenses 116,424 115,307 117,151 50,603 (115,307 ) 284,178 Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries 18,821 134,128 - - (152,949 ) - (Loss) Income before income taxes (97,603 ) 18,821 173,935 (39,307 ) (37,642 ) 18,204 Income tax expense - - 195 305 - 500 Net (loss) income $ (97,603 ) $ 18,821 $ 173,740 $ (39,612 ) $ (37,642 ) $ 17,704 Comprehensive Income $ (111,596 ) $ 4,828 $ 173,740 $ (39,612 ) $ (23,649 ) $ 3,711
Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows	Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows For the Period from April 24 - September 30, 2015 (Thousands) CS&L CSL Capital Guarantors Non-Guarantors Eliminations Consolidated Cash flow from operating activities Net cash provided by operating activities $ 10,584 $ - $ 209,470 $ 1,205 $ - $ 221,259 Cash flow from investing activities Consideration paid to Windstream Services (1,035,029 ) - - - - (1,035,029 ) Capital expenditures - - (712 ) - - (712 ) Net cash used in investing activities (1,035,029 ) - (712 ) - - (1,035,741 ) Cash flow from financing activities Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans 1,127,000 - - - - 1,127,000 Deferred financing costs (30,018 ) - - - - (30,018 ) Principal payment on debt (5,350 ) - - - - (5,350 ) Common stock issuance (629 ) - - - - (629 ) Dividends paid (66,522 ) (66,522 ) Cash in-lieu of fractional shares (19 ) - - - - (19 ) Net cash provided by investing activities 1,024,462 - - - - 1,024,462 Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 17 - 208,758 1,205 - 209,980 Cash and cash equivalents, April 24, 2015 - - 18 - - 18 Cash and cash equivalents, September 30, 2015 $ 17 $ - $ 208,776 $ 1,205 $ - $ 209,998

Deferred Income Taxes (Tables)

Deferred Income Taxes (Tables)	4 Months Ended
	Apr. 23, 2015
Consumer CLEC Business
Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]
Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability	The significant components of the net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014 were as follows: (Thousands) December 31, 2014 Customer list intangible assets $ (5,523 ) Bad debt reserve 40 Deferred income taxes, net $ (5,483 ) Deferred tax assets $ 40 Deferred tax liabilities (5,523 ) Deferred income taxes, net $ (5,483 )

Property, Plant and Equipment (

Property, Plant and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Distribution Systems
Summary of Net Property, Plant and Equipment	Net property, plant and equipment consisted of the following: ($ in Millions) Depreciable Lives December 31, 2014 Land $ 33.0 Building and Improvements 3 - 40 years 305.5 Poles 13 - 40 years 223.0 Fiber 7 - 40 years 1,841.2 Copper 7 - 40 years 3,430.8 Conduit 13 - 47 years 89.2 Construction in progress 34.0 5,956.7 Less accumulated depreciation (3,384.9 ) Net property, plant and equipment $ 2,571.8

Summary of Significant Accoun46

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	5 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 23, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of property			$ 0
Provision for doubtful accounts			0
Current liabilities for uncertain income tax positions			$ 0
Federal corporate level tax rate			35.00%
Specified Period For Federal Corporate Tax			10 years
Principal amount of notes and other debt			$ 3,644,650,000
Consumer CLEC Business
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Provision for doubtful accounts	$ 118,000	$ 111,000		$ 301,000
Unbilled receivables					$ 94,000
Distribution Systems
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on disposition of property			0
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Notes and other debt, fair value			$ 3,320,000,000
Minimum
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Percentage of REIT taxable income distributed			90.00%
Real Estate Investments
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Tenant funded capital improvements			$ 41,100,000

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Valuation of Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 209,998
Accounts and other receivables	1,651
Total	211,649
Liabilities
Derivative liability	13,993
Accounts and interest payable	97,411
Total	3,429,629
6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Liabilities
Senior notes	355,000
8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
Liabilities
Senior notes	946,275
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Liabilities
Senior secured term loan	2,016,950
Quoted Prices in Active Markets (Level 1)
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	209,998
Accounts and other receivables	1,651
Total	211,649
Liabilities
Accounts and interest payable	97,411
Total	97,411
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)
Liabilities
Derivative liability	13,993
Total	3,332,218
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | 6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Liabilities
Senior notes	355,000
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | 8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
Liabilities
Senior notes	946,275
Prices with Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) | Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Liabilities
Senior secured term loan	$ 2,016,950

Summary of Significant Accoun48

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Schedule of Valuation of Financial Instruments (Parenthetical) (Details)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 15, 2023
8.25% Senior Unsecured Notes
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 15, 2023
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 24, 2022

Real Estate Investments - Sched

Real Estate Investments - Schedule of Carrying Value of Real Estate Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	$ 6,026,679
Accumulated depreciation - real estate investments	(3,637,594)
Net real estate investments	2,389,085
Land
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	33,065
Building and Improvements
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	310,591
Poles
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	226,899
Fiber
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	1,890,317
Copper
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	3,469,232
Conduit
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	89,460
Construction in progress
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Real estate investments	$ 7,115
Minimum | Building and Improvements
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Minimum | Poles
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Minimum | Fiber
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Minimum | Copper
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Minimum | Conduit
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Maximum | Building and Improvements
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum | Poles
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum | Fiber
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum | Copper
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum | Conduit
Real Estate Investments [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	47 years

Real Estate Investments - Addit

Real Estate Investments - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Real Estate [Abstract]
Real estate investment, depreciation expense	$ 86.2	$ 150

Derivative Instruments and He51

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Apr. 27, 2015
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Unrealized gain on derivative instruments	$ 36,500,000	$ 3,700,000
Ineffective portion of change in fair value derivatives		0
Increase decrease in estimated interest expense		24,100,000
Interest Expense
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Reclassification of other comprehensive income	$ 6,000,000	$ 10,300,000
Interest Rate Swap
Derivative Instruments And Hedging Activities Disclosures [Line Items]
Derivative, notional value			$ 2,130,000,000
Derivative, maturity date		Oct. 24, 2022
Derivative, weighted average fixed rate paid			2.105%
LIBOR, minimum variable rate			1.00%

Derivative Instruments and He52

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities - Summary of Fair Value of Derivative Instruments and Presentation in Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ 13,993
Interest Rate Swap
Derivatives Fair Value [Line Items]
Derivative liability	$ 13,993

Customer List Intangible Asse53

Customer List Intangible Assets - Schedule of Carrying Value of the Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Value	$ 11,494
Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Net Carrying Value		$ 14,452
Customer Lists
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost	34,501
Accumulated Amortization	(23,007)
Net Carrying Value	$ 11,494
Customer Lists | Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Cost		34,501
Accumulated Amortization		(20,049)
Net Carrying Value		$ 14,452

Customer List Intangible Asse54

Customer List Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	4 Months Ended	5 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Apr. 23, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization	$ 1,141	$ 1,283		$ 3,488
Customer Lists
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization			$ 1,600
Estimated amortization expense for 2015			2,600
2,016			3,300
2,017			2,600
2,018			2,000
2,019			$ 1,400
Customer Lists | Consumer CLEC Business
Finite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization	$ 1,100	$ 1,300		$ 3,500

Notes and Other Debt - Schedule

Notes and Other Debt - Schedule of Notes and Other Debt (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of notes and other debt	$ 3,644,650
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(137,745)
Notes and other debt less unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	3,506,905
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of notes and other debt	400,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(6,948)
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of notes and other debt	1,110,000
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	(51,262)
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Principal amount of notes and other debt	2,134,650
Unamortized discount and debt issuance costs	$ (79,535)

Notes and Other Debt - Schedu56

Notes and Other Debt - Schedule of Notes and Other Debt (Parenthetical) (Details)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Apr. 15, 2023
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 15, 2023
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date	Oct. 24, 2022
Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, expiration date	Apr. 24, 2020

Notes and Other Debt - Addition

Notes and Other Debt - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	Apr. 25, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Amortization of deferred financing costs		$ 1,800,000	$ 3,039,000
Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate borrowing amount	$ 150,000,000
Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated secured leverage ratio	500.00%
Consolidated total leverage ratio	650.00%
Maximum | Pro Forma
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated secured leverage ratio	400.00%
6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage		6.00%	6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date			Apr. 15, 2023
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage		8.25%	8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date			Oct. 15, 2023
Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity date			Oct. 24, 2022
CSL Capital, LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 62,200,000
Term loan issue price as a percentage of par	98.00%
CSL Capital, LLC | Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of debt	$ 0
CSL Capital, LLC | 6.00% Senior Secured Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of senior notes, principal amount	$ 400,000,000
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	6.00%
Debt instrument, maturity date			Apr. 15, 2023
Notes issued price percentage at par	100.00%
CSL Capital, LLC | Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of senior notes, principal amount	$ 1,110,000,000
Issuance senior notes, stated percentage	8.25%
Debt instrument, maturity date			Oct. 15, 2023
Notes issued price percentage at par	97.055%
CSL Capital, LLC | Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuance of senior notes, principal amount	$ 2,140,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity period			2022-10
Debt amortization percentage	1.00%
CSL Capital, LLC | Senior Secured Term Loan B Facility | Eurodollar
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, floor rate	1.00%
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	4.00%
CSL Capital, LLC | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, maturity period			2020-04
Aggregate borrowing amount	$ 500,000,000
CSL Capital, LLC | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Minimum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	1.75%
CSL Capital, LLC | Senior Secured Revolving Credit Facility | Maximum | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, basis spread on variable rate	2.25%
Windstream Services LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Issuers transferred cash proceeds to parent	$ 1,040,000,000

Stock-Based Compensation - Addi

Stock-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)	May. 29, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Restricted Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense		$ 5,100,000	$ 5,100,000
Number of shares granted			229,080
Fair value of shares granted			$ 5,900,000
Weighted average vesting period			2 years 1 month 6 days
Performance Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense		1,200,000	$ 1,200,000
Number of shares granted	60,970
Weighted average vesting period			2 years 7 months 6 days
Performance period			3 years
Percentage of target amount	100.00%
Aggregate value	$ 1,300,000
Number of shares forfeited			0
Dividend yield			0.00%
Performance Awards | Minimum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target shares			0.00%
Performance Awards | Maximum
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of target shares			150.00%
Unvested Windstream Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation expense		200,000	$ 200,000
Unvested Windstream Awards | General And Administrative Expense
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense recognized during the period		72,000	125,000
Restricted Stock Awards and Performance-Based Awards | General And Administrative Expense
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation expense recognized during the period		$ 800,000	$ 1,100,000
Windstream | Restricted Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued			538,819
Shares issued to employees remained outstanding		487,111	487,111
Windstream | Performance Awards
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued			70,889
Shares issued to employees remained outstanding		58,395	58,395

Stock-Based Compensation - Sche

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Unvested Restricted Stock Awards (Details) - Restricted Awards	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015$ / sharesshares
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares granted | shares	229,080
Unvested balance, Restricted Awards | shares	229,080
Granted, Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date	$ 26.13
Unvested balance, Weighted Average Fair Value at Grant Date	$ 26.13

Stock-Based Compensation - Sc60

Stock-Based Compensation - Schedule of Assumptions used to Value PSUs Granted (Details) - Performance Awards	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (years)	2 years 10 months 24 days
Expected volatility	26.60%
Expected annual dividend	0.00%
Risk free rate	0.90%

Related Party Transactions - Ad

Related Party Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Apr. 25, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued		149,835,627	149,835,627
Common stock, par value		$ 0.0001	$ 0.0001
General and administrative expense		$ 4,229	$ 7,390
Dividends payable		90,404	90,404
Windstream
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Dividends payable		17,600	$ 17,600
Dividend declared date			Aug. 11, 2015
Dividend record date			Sep. 30, 2015
Accounts receivable from related party to the collection of revenues of consumer CLEC business revenues		1,600	$ 1,600
Windstream | Master Lease
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Leasing revenue		167,000	291,100
Windstream | Transitional Service Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
General and administrative expense		55,000	88,000
Windstream | Consumer CLEC Business | Wholesale Master Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
CLEC operating expense		3,800	6,500
Windstream | Consumer CLEC Business | Master Services Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
CLEC operating expense		$ 400	$ 700
Spinoff | Windstream | Consumer CLEC Business
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Common stock, shares issued	149,800,000
Common stock, par value	$ 0.0001
Common stock, ownership interest percentage	19.60%
Spinoff | Windstream | Consumer CLEC Business | Share Distribution
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of stock distributed	80.40%

Earnings Per Share - Schedule o

Earnings Per Share - Schedule of Earnings Per Share Basic and Diluted (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Numerator:
Net income	$ 9,403	$ 17,704
Less: Income allocated to participating securities	(430)	(755)
Net income applicable to common shareholders	$ 8,973	$ 16,949
Denominator:
Basic	149,834	149,831
Basic earnings per common share	$ 0.06	$ 0.11
Numerator:
Net income	$ 9,403	$ 17,704
Less: Income allocated to participating securities	(430)	(755)
Net income applicable to common shares	$ 8,973	$ 16,949
Denominator:
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	149,834	149,831
Weighted-average shares for dilutive earnings per common share	149,834	149,831
Dilutive earnings per common share	$ 0.06	$ 0.11

Segment Information - Additiona

Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015Segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of Reportable Segments	2

Segment Information - Schedule

Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 173,634	$ 302,382
Adjusted EBITDA	165,036	287,220
Depreciation and amortization	87,271	151,715
Interest expense	66,511	115,307
Acquisition and transaction related costs	804	877
Stock-based compensation	779	1,117
Income tax expense	268	500
Net income	9,403	17,704
Capital expenditures	315	712
Leasing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	166,959	291,131
Adjusted EBITDA	163,509	284,858
Depreciation and amortization	86,307	150,108
Capital expenditures	315	712
Consumer CLEC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Revenues	6,675	11,251
Adjusted EBITDA	1,527	2,362
Depreciation and amortization	$ 964	$ 1,607

Segment Information - Summary o

Segment Information - Summary of Total Assets by Business Segment (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 2,622,779
Leasing Operations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	2,607,946
Consumer CLEC
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total assets	$ 14,833

Commitments and Contingencies -

Commitments and Contingencies - Additional Information (Details) - Windstream	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Capital expenditures commitment	$ 0
Maximum
Commitments And Contingencies [Line Items]
Capital expenditures commitment remainder of fiscal year	$ 50,000,000

Accumulated Other Comprehensi67

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income - Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income by Component (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance, value		$ 2,508,420
Ending balance, value	$ (1,092,186)	(1,092,186)
Accumulated Net Gain Loss From Designated Or Qualifying Cash Flow Hedges
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance, value	28,551
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(36,511)	(3,690)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(6,033)	(10,303)
Ending balance, value	(13,993)	(13,993)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance, value	28,551
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(36,511)	(3,690)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(6,033)	(10,303)
Ending balance, value	$ (13,993)	$ (13,993)

Supplemental Guarantor Inform68

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Additional Information (Details)	Sep. 30, 2015
Senior Secured Notes - 6.00% Due April 15, 2023
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, stated percentage	6.00%
Senior Unsecured Notes - 8.25% Due October 15, 2023
Condensed Financial Statements Captions [Line Items]
Senior notes, stated percentage	8.25%

Supplemental Guarantor Inform69

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Apr. 23, 2015
Assets:
Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation	$ 2,389,085
Cash and cash equivalents	209,998	$ 18
Accounts receivable, net	1,651
Customer list intangible assets, net	11,494
Straight-line rent receivable	7,497
Other assets	3,054
Total Assets	2,622,779
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	97,411
Derivative liability	13,993
Dividends payable	90,404
Deferred income taxes	6,252
Notes and other debt	3,506,905
Total liabilities	3,714,965
Common Stock	15
Additional paid-in capital	601
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,993)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,078,809)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,092,186)	2,508,420
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,622,779
Eliminations
Assets:
Affiliate receivable	(68,809)
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	(5,276,706)
Total Assets	(5,345,515)
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	(50,445)
Derivative liability	(13,993)
Affiliate payable	(68,809)
Notes and other debt	(3,506,905)
Total liabilities	(3,640,152)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	13,993
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,719,356)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,705,363)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	(5,345,515)
CS&L, Inc.
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	17
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	2,638,353
Total Assets	2,638,370
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	50,445
Derivative liability	13,993
Affiliate payable	68,809
Dividends payable	90,404
Notes and other debt	3,506,905
Total liabilities	3,730,556
Common Stock	15
Additional paid-in capital	601
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,993)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(1,078,809)
Total shareholders' deficit	(1,092,186)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,638,370
CSL Capital, LLC
Assets:
Investment in consolidated subsidiaries	2,638,353
Total Assets	2,638,353
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	50,445
Derivative liability	13,993
Notes and other debt	3,506,905
Total liabilities	3,571,343
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(13,993)
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	(918,997)
Total shareholders' deficit	(932,990)
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,638,353
Guarantors
Assets:
Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation	1,854,241
Cash and cash equivalents	208,776	$ 18
Affiliate receivable	68,732
Straight-line rent receivable	7,497
Other assets	2,570
Total Assets	2,141,816
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	29,479
Deferred income taxes	1,825
Total liabilities	31,304
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	2,110,512
Total shareholders' deficit	2,110,512
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	2,141,816
Non-Guarantors
Assets:
Real estate investments, net of accumulated depreciation	534,844
Cash and cash equivalents	1,205
Accounts receivable, net	1,651
Affiliate receivable	77
Customer list intangible assets, net	11,494
Other assets	484
Total Assets	549,755
Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit:
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	17,487
Deferred income taxes	4,427
Total liabilities	21,914
Distributions in excess of accumulated earnings	527,841
Total shareholders' deficit	527,841
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Deficit	$ 549,755

Supplemental Guarantor Inform70

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Condensed Consolidating Statement of Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenues:
Total revenues	$ 173,634	$ 302,382
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense	66,511	115,307
Depreciation and amortization	87,271	151,715
General and administrative expense	4,229	7,390
Acquisition and transaction related costs	804	877
Total costs and expenses	163,963	284,178
Income before income taxes	9,671	18,204
Income tax expense	268	500
Net income	9,403	17,704
Comprehensive (loss) income	(33,141)	3,711
Eliminations
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense	(66,511)	(115,307)
Total costs and expenses	(66,511)	(115,307)
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries	(86,875)	(152,949)
Income before income taxes	(20,364)	(37,642)
Net income	(20,364)	(37,642)
Comprehensive (loss) income	22,180	(23,649)
CS&L, Inc.
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense	66,511	115,307
General and administrative expense	779	1,117
Total costs and expenses	67,290	116,424
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries	10,182	18,821
Income before income taxes	(57,108)	(97,603)
Net income	(57,108)	(97,603)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(99,652)	(111,596)
CSL Capital, LLC
Costs and Expenses:
Interest expense	66,511	115,307
Total costs and expenses	66,511	115,307
Earnings (losses) from consolidated subsidiaries	76,693	134,128
Income before income taxes	10,182	18,821
Net income	10,182	18,821
Comprehensive (loss) income	(32,362)	4,828
Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues	166,914	291,086
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	63,257	110,001
General and administrative expense	3,450	6,273
Acquisition and transaction related costs	804	877
Total costs and expenses	67,511	117,151
Income before income taxes	99,403	173,935
Income tax expense	101	195
Net income	99,302	173,740
Comprehensive (loss) income	99,302	173,740
Non-Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues	6,720	11,296
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	24,014	41,714
Total costs and expenses	29,162	50,603
Income before income taxes	(22,442)	(39,307)
Income tax expense	167	305
Net income	(22,609)	(39,612)
Comprehensive (loss) income	(22,609)	(39,612)
Rental Revenues
Revenues:
Total revenues	166,959	291,131
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	86,307	150,108
Rental Revenues | Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues	166,914	291,086
Rental Revenues | Non-Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues	45	45
Consumer CLEC
Revenues:
Total revenues	6,675	11,251
Costs and Expenses:
Depreciation and amortization	964	1,607
CLEC operating expense	5,148	8,889
Consumer CLEC | Non-Guarantors
Revenues:
Total revenues	6,675	11,251
Costs and Expenses:
CLEC operating expense	$ 5,148	$ 8,889

Supplemental Guarantor Inform71

Supplemental Guarantor Information - Condensed Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	5 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities		$ 221,259
Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services, LLC		(1,035,029)
Capital expenditures	$ (315)	(712)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,035,741)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans		1,127,000
Deferred financing costs		(30,018)
Principal payment on debt		(5,350)
Common stock issuance costs		(629)
Dividends paid		(66,522)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares		(19)
Net cash provided by financing activities		1,024,462
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		209,980
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		18
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	209,998	209,998
CS&L, Inc.
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities		10,584
Cash flow from investing activities
Consideration paid to Windstream Services, LLC		(1,035,029)
Net cash used in investing activities		(1,035,029)
Cash flow from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Term Loans		1,127,000
Deferred financing costs		(30,018)
Principal payment on debt		(5,350)
Common stock issuance costs		(629)
Dividends paid		(66,522)
Cash in-lieu of fractional shares		(19)
Net cash provided by financing activities		1,024,462
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		17
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	17	17
Guarantors
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities		209,470
Cash flow from investing activities
Capital expenditures		(712)
Net cash used in investing activities		(712)
Cash flow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		208,758
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		18
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	208,776	208,776
Non-Guarantors
Cash flow from operating activities
Net cash provided by operating activities		1,205
Cash flow from financing activities
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents		1,205
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 1,205	$ 1,205

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Details) - Subsequent Event - $ / shares	Nov. 06, 2015	Oct. 15, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend payable to shareholders		$ 0.60
Cash dividend declared per share	$ 0.60
Dividend declared date	Nov. 6, 2015
Cash dividend payable date	Jan. 15, 2016
Dividend record date	Dec. 31, 2015

Deferred Income Taxes - Schedul

Deferred Income Taxes - Schedule of Components of Net Deferred Tax Liability (Details) - Consumer CLEC Business $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Deferred Tax Liability [Line Items]
Customer list intangible assets	$ (5,523)
Bad debt reserve	40
Deferred income taxes, net	(5,483)
Deferred tax assets	40
Deferred tax liabilities	$ (5,523)

Separation from Windstream Ho74

Separation from Windstream Holdings Inc and Description of Transferred Assets (Details)	Apr. 25, 2015
Share Distribution | Distribution Systems | Windstream
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of stock distributed	80.40%

Property, Plant and Equipment -

Property, Plant and Equipment - Summary of Net Property, Plant and Equipment (Details) - Distribution Systems $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 5,956.7
Less accumulated depreciation	(3,384.9)
Net property, plant and equipment	2,571.8
Land
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	33
Building and Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	305.5
Poles
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	223
Fiber
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	1,841.2
Copper
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	3,430.8
Conduit
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	89.2
Construction in progress
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 34
Minimum | Building and Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	3 years
Minimum | Poles
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Minimum | Fiber
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Minimum | Copper
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	7 years
Minimum | Conduit
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	13 years
Maximum | Building and Improvements
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum | Poles
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum | Fiber
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum | Copper
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	40 years
Maximum | Conduit
Property Plant And Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciable Lives	47 years