Qwest Corp. NT (CTBB) 10-Q 3 May 23 2023 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Cover

Cover - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	May 03, 2023
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Document Quarterly Report	true
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2023
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-03040
Entity Registrant Name	QWEST CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	CO
Entity Tax Identification Number	84-0273800
Entity Address, Address Line One	100 CenturyLink Drive,
Entity Address, City or Town	Monroe,
Entity Address, State or Province	LA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	71203
City Area Code	318
Local Phone Number	388-9000
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		1
Entity Central Index Key	0000068622
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2023
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
6.5% Notes Due 2056
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	6.5% Notes Due 2056
Trading Symbol(s)	CTBB
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
6.75% Notes Due 2057
Entity Information [Line Items]
Title of 12(b) Security	6.75% Notes Due 2057
Trading Symbol(s)	CTDD
Security Exchange Name	NYSE

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
OPERATING REVENUE
Total operating revenue	$ 1,541	$ 1,656
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	387	408
Selling, general and administrative	128	109
Operating expenses—affiliates	191	176
Depreciation and amortization	197	210
Total operating expenses	903	903
OPERATING INCOME	638	753
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest expense	(27)	(27)
Interest income - affiliate, net	1
Interest expense - affiliate, net		(24)
Other income, net	1	5
Total other expense, net	(25)	(46)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE	613	707
Income tax expense	159	179
NET INCOME	454	528
Non-affiliate services
OPERATING REVENUE
Total operating revenue	981	1,075
Affiliate services
OPERATING REVENUE
Total operating revenue	$ 560	$ 581

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UN

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4	$ 8
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $34 and $36	338	309
Advances to affiliates	978	576
Other	169	120
Total current assets	1,489	1,013
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $7,789 and $7,617	8,338	8,273
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	9,360	9,360
Other intangible assets, net	129	138
Other, net	154	141
Total goodwill and other assets	9,643	9,639
TOTAL ASSETS	19,470	18,925
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	1	2
Accounts payable	305	213
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Salaries and benefits	116	127
Income and other taxes	116	89
Other	127	130
Current portion of deferred revenue	169	167
Total current liabilities	834	728
LONG-TERM DEBT	2,156	2,155
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred income taxes, net	1,272	1,282
Affiliate obligations, net	536	552
Other	664	654
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	2,472	2,488
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock - one share without par value, owned by Qwest Services Corporation	10,050	10,050
Retained earnings	3,958	3,504
Total stockholder's equity	14,008	13,554
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	$ 19,470	$ 18,925

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (_2

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance	$ 34	$ 36
PP&E, accumulated depreciation	$ 7,789	$ 7,617
Common stock, share issued (in shares)	1	1
Common stock, share outstanding (in shares)	1	1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 454	$ 528
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	197	210
Deferred income taxes	(10)	(2)
Provision for uncollectible accounts	13	7
Accrued interest on affiliate note	0	28
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(42)	15
Accounts payable	6	(33)
Accrued income and other taxes	27	22
Other current assets and liabilities, net	(34)	(56)
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	(4)	(5)
Changes in affiliate obligations, net	(16)	(29)
Other, net	5	2
Net cash provided by operating activities	596	687
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capital expenditures	(196)	(144)
Changes in advances to affiliates	(402)	(482)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	0	1
Net cash used in investing activities	(598)	(625)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Payments of long-term debt	(2)	0
Changes in advances from affiliates	0	(55)
Net cash used in financing activities	(2)	(55)
Net (decrease) increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	(4)	7
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	10	4
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	6	11
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net	(161)	(178)
Interest paid, including affiliate interest (net of capitalized interest of $10 and $6)	(30)	(31)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Cash and cash equivalents	4	9
Restricted cash - noncurrent	2	2
Total	$ 6	$ 11

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest paid, capitalized interest	$ 10	$ 6

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	COMMON STOCK	RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2021		$ 10,050	$ 1,585
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net income			528
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2022	$ 12,163	10,050	2,113
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2022	13,554	10,050	3,504
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Net income			454
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2023	$ 14,008	$ 10,050	$ 3,958

Background

Background	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Background	Background General We are an integrated facilities-based technology and communications company focused on providing our business and mass markets customers with a broad array of integrated communications products and services necessary to fully participate in our ever-evolving digital world. Our specific products and services are detailed in Note 3—Revenue Recognition of this report. We generate the majority of our total consolidated operating revenue from services provided in the 14-state region of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. We refer to this region as our local service area. Basis of Presentation Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022, which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). However, in our opinion, the disclosures made therein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the first three months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations and cash flows that might be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. Transactions with our non-consolidated affiliates (referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated. Operating lease assets are included in Other, net under goodwill and other assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Current operating lease liabilities are included in Other under accrued expenses and other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. Noncurrent operating lease liabilities are included in Other under deferred credits and other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets. We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including our revenue by product and service categories. See Note 3—Revenue Recognition for additional information. These changes had no impact on total operating revenue, total operating expenses or net income for any period. Segments Our operations are integrated into and reported as part of Lumen Technologies. Lumen's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is our CODM but reviews our financial information on an aggregate basis only in connection with our quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Consequently, we do not provide our discrete financial information to the CODM on a regular basis. As such, we have one reportable segment. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Refer to the significant accounting policies described in Note 1—Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Supplier Finance Programs On January 1, 2023, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-04, “ Liabilities-Supplier Finance Program (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations ” (“ASU 2022-04”). These amendments require that a company that uses a supplier finance program in connection with the purchase of goods or services disclose sufficient information about the program to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature, program activity during the period, changes from period to period and potential magnitude of program transactions. The adoption of ASU 2022-04 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements. Credit Losses On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-02, " Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) and Vintage Disclosures ” (“ASU 2022-02”). The ASU eliminates the TDR recognition and measurement guidance, enhances existing disclosure requirements and introduces new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements. Derivatives and Hedging On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-01, “ Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging-Portfolio Layer Method ” ("ASU 2022-01"). The ASU expands the current single-layer method to allow multiple hedged layers of a single closed portfolio under the method. The adoption of ASU 2022-01 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements. Business Combinations On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2021-08, “ Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers ” (“ASU 2021-08”). This ASU requires entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The adoption of ASU 2021-08 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements . Government Assistance On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2021-10, " Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance ” (“ASU 2021-10”). This ASU requires business entities to disclose information about certain types of government assistance they receive. The ASU only impacts annual financial statement note disclosures. The adoption of ASU 2021-10 did not have an impact to our consolidated financial statements . Leases On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2021-05, Leases (Topic 842): Lessors—Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments ” (“ASU 2021-05”). This ASU (i) amends the lease classification requirements for lessors to align them with practice under ASC Topic 840, (ii) provides criteria for lessors to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or a rate as an operating lease; and (iii) provides guidance with respect to net investments by lessors under operating leases and other related topics. The adoption of ASU 2021-05 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements . Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In March 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-02, “ Investments-Equity method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method ” (“ASU 2023-02”). These amendments allow reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. ASU 2023-02 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-02 to have an impact to our consolidated financial statements. In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, “ Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements ” (“ASU 2023-01”). These amendments require all entities to amortize leasehold improvements associated with common control leases over the useful life to the common control group. ASU 2023-01 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-01 to have an impact to our consolidated financial statements. In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions” (“ASU 2022-03”). These amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sales of an investment in an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. ASU 2022-03 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2022-03 to have an impact to our consolidated financial statements.

Goodwill, Customer Relationship

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Goodwill $ 9,360 9,360 Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $1,938 and $1,924 $ 129 138 Substantially all of our goodwill was derived from Lumen's acquisition of us where the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired. We are required to assess our goodwill for impairment annually, or under certain circumstances, more frequently, such as when events or changes in circumstances indicate there may be impairment. We are required to write down the value of goodwill only when our assessment determines the carrying value of equity of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Our annual impairment assessment date for goodwill is October 31, at which date we assess goodwill at our reporting unit. In reviewing the criteria for reporting units, we have determined that we are one reporting unit. As of March 31, 2023, the gross carrying amount of goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets was $11.4 billion. The amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022 totaled $17 million and $19 million, respectively. We estimate that total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2023 through 2027 will be as follows: (Dollars in millions) 2023 (remaining nine months) $ 48 2024 32 2025 16 2026 10 2027 7

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Revenue Recognition	Revenue Recognition We categorize our revenue derived from our operations serving our mass markets customers, primarily within the first three categories listed below, and our revenue derived from our operations servicing our business customers, primarily in the 'Harvest', 'Nurture' and 'Grow' categories listed below: • Other Broadband , under which we provide primarily lower speed broadband services to residential and small business customers utilizing our copper-based network infrastructure; • Voice and Other, under which we derive revenues from (i) providing local and long-distance services, professional services, and other ancillary services, (ii) federal broadband and state support payments, and (iii) equipment, IT solutions and other services; • Fiber Broadband , under which we provide high speed broadband services to residential and small business customers utilizing our fiber-based network infrastructure; • Harvest , which includes our legacy services managed for cash flow, including Time Division Multiplexing ("TDM") voice, private line and other legacy services; • Nurture , which includes our more mature offerings, including primarily ethernet; • Grow , which includes products and services that we anticipate will grow, including dark fiber and wavelengths services; and • Affiliate Services , which are communications services that we also provide to external customers. In addition, we provide to our affiliates application development and support services and network support. Reconciliation of Total Revenue to Revenue from Contracts with Customers The following table provides our total revenue by product and service category as well as the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606"), but is instead governed by other accounting standards: Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Total Revenue Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers Total Revenue Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Dollars in millions) Other Broadband $ 293 (25) 268 334 (28) 306 Voice and Other 156 (4) 152 194 (16) 178 Fiber Broadband 121 (3) 118 110 (3) 107 Harvest 267 (37) 230 287 (41) 246 Nurture 105 (2) 103 112 (2) 110 Grow 39 — 39 38 (3) 35 Affiliate Services 560 (11) 549 581 (11) 570 Total revenue $ 1,541 (82) 1,459 1,656 (104) 1,552 ____________________________________________________________ (1) Includes regulatory revenue and lease revenue not within the scope of ASC 606. Operating Lease Revenue Qwest leases various data transmission capacity, office facilities, switching facilities and other network sites to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease revenue are included in operating revenue in our consolidated statements of operations. For the three months ended March 31, 2023 and 2022, our gross rental income was $80 million and $88 million, respectively, which represents approximately 5% of our operating revenue for both periods. Customer Receivables and Contract Balances The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Customer receivables (1) $ 332 297 Contract assets 9 9 Contract liabilities 343 343 ______________________________________________________________________ (1) Reflects gross customer receivables, including gross affiliate receivables, of $357 million and $324 million, net of allowance for credit losses of $25 million and $27 million, at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Contract liabilities consist of consideration we have received from our customers or billed in advance of providing goods or services promised in the future. We defer recognizing this consideration as revenue until we have satisfied the related performance obligation to the customer. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed one month in advance and installation and maintenance charges that are deferred and recognized over the actual or expected contract term, which typically ranges from one Performance Obligations As of March 31, 2023, we expect to recognize approximately $1.7 billion of revenue in the future related to performance obligations associated with existing customer contracts that are partially or wholly unsatisfied. As of March 31, 2023, the transaction price related to unsatisfied performance obligations that are expected to be recognized for the remainder of 2023, 2024 and thereafter was $711 million, $436 million and $545 million, respectively. These amounts exclude (i) the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed (for example, uncommitted usage or non-recurring charges associated with professional or technical services to be completed), and (ii) contracts that are classified as leasing arrangements that are not subject to ASC 606. Contract Costs The following tables provide changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs: Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs (Dollars in millions) Beginning Balance $ 61 $ 46 64 $ 47 Cost incurred 9 10 13 9 Amortization (12) (10) (14) (9) Ending Balances $ 58 46 63 47 Acquisition costs include commission fees paid to employees as a result of obtaining contracts. Fulfillment costs include third party and internal costs associated with the provision, installation and activation of communications services to customers, including labor and materials consumed for these activities. Deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs are amortized based on the transfer of services on a straight-line basis over the average contract life of 36 months for mass markets customers and average contract life of 33 months for business customers. Amortized fulfillment costs are included in cost of services and products and amortized acquisition costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. The amount of these deferred costs that are anticipated to be amortized in the next 12 months are included in other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. The amount of deferred costs expected to be amortized beyond the next 12 months is included in other non-current assets on our consolidated balance sheets. Deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs are assessed for impairment on a quarterly basis.

Credit Losses on Financial Inst

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	Credit Losses on Financial Instruments To assess our expected credit losses on financial instruments, we aggregate financial assets with similar risk characteristics to monitor their credit quality or deterioration over the life of such assets. We periodically monitor certain risk characteristics within our aggregated financial assets and revise their composition accordingly, to the extent internal and external risk factors change. We separately evaluate financial assets that do not share risk characteristics with other financial assets. Our financial assets measured at amortized cost primarily consist of accounts receivable. We use a loss rate method to estimate our allowance for credit losses. Our determination of the current expected credit loss rate begins with our review of historical loss experience as a percentage of accounts receivable. We measure our historical loss period based on the average days to recognize accounts receivable as credit losses. When asset specific characteristics and current conditions change from those in the historical period, due to changes in our credit and collections strategy, certain classes of aged balances, or credit loss and recovery policies, we perform a qualitative and quantitative assessment to adjust our historical loss rate. We use regression analysis to develop an expected loss rate using historical experience and economic data over a forecast period. We measure our forecast period based on the average days to collect payment on billed accounts receivable. To determine our current allowance for credit losses, we combine the historical and expected credit loss rates and apply them to our period end accounts receivable. If there is an unexpected deterioration of a customer's financial condition or an unexpected change in economic conditions, including macroeconomic events, we assess the need to adjust the allowance for credit losses. Any such resulting adjustments would affect earnings in the period that adjustments are made. The assessment of the correlation between historical observed default rates, current conditions and forecasted economic conditions requires judgment. Alternative interpretations of these factors could have resulted in different conclusions regarding our allowance for credit losses. The amount of credit loss is sensitive to changes in circumstances and forecasted economic conditions. Our historical credit loss experience, current conditions and forecast of economic conditions may also not be representative of the customers' actual default experience in the future, and we may use methodologies that differ from those used by other companies. Business Mass Markets Total (Dollars in millions) As of December 31, 2022 $ 20 16 36 Provision for expected losses 3 10 13 Write-offs charged against the allowance (3) (12) (15) Ending balance at March 31, 2023 $ 20 14 34

Long-Term Debt and Note Payable

Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate	Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate The following chart reflects the consolidated long-term debt of Qwest Corporation and its subsidiaries, including finance lease and other obligations, unamortized premiums, net and unamortized debt issuance costs: Interest Rates (1) Maturities (1) March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Senior notes 6.500% - 7.750% 2025 - 2057 $ 1,986 1,986 Term loan (2) LIBOR + 2.50% 2027 215 215 Finance lease and other obligations Various Various 4 3 Unamortized premiums, net 4 5 Unamortized debt issuance costs (52) (52) Total long-term debt $ 2,157 2,157 Less current maturities (1) (2) Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $ 2,156 2,155 _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) As of March 31, 2023. (2) Qwest Corporation's Term Loan had interest rates of 7.422% and 6.640% as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Long-Term Debt Maturities Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2023 (excluding unamortized premiums, net, unamortized debt issuance costs and note payable-affiliate) maturing during the following years: (Dollars in millions) 2023 (remaining nine months) $ — 2024 1 2025 251 2026 — 2027 215 2028 and thereafter 1,738 Total long-term debt $ 2,205 Note Payable - Affiliate On June 30, 2022, Qwest Corporation entered into an amended and restated revolving promissory note ("Note Payable - Affiliate") with an affiliate of our ultimate parent company, Lumen Technologies, Inc. ("Lender"), that replaces the previous revolving promissory agreement that was scheduled to mature on June 30, 2022 ("Prior Note Payable - Affiliate"). The Note Payable - Affiliate, as amended, provides Qwest Corporation with a funding commitment of up to $2.0 billion. Any outstanding principal balance owed by Qwest Corporation under the Note Payable - Affiliate and the accrued interest thereon is due and payable on demand, but if no demand is made, then on the maturity date. The Note Payable - Affiliate has an initial maturity date of June 30, 2027, but will automatically renew for an unlimited number of successive twelve In accordance with the terms of the amended Note Payable - Affiliate, interest is assessed every six months ending on June 30th and December 31st (an "Interest Period") and is payable within 30 days of the end of the respective Interest Period. Interest is accrued on the outstanding principal balance during the respective Interest Period using a weighted average per annum interest rate on the consolidated outstanding debt of Lumen Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries. On September 30, 2022, Qwest Corporation repaid the outstanding principal and interest on the Note Payable - Affiliate of approximately $1.2 billion and $43 million, respectively. As of March 31, 2023, there was no outstanding principal or accrued interest under the Note Payable - Affiliate. Compliance As of March 31, 2023, we believe we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our material debt agreements in all material respects.

Fair Value Disclosure

Fair Value Disclosure	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Disclosure	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, advances to and from affiliates, accounts payable, note payable-affiliate and long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, advances to and from affiliates, accounts payable and note payable-affiliate approximate their fair values. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between independent and knowledgeable parties who are willing and able to transact for an asset or liability at the measurement date. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value and then we rank the estimated values based on the reliability of the inputs used following the fair value hierarchy. We determined the fair values of our long-term debt, including the current portion, based on quoted market prices where available or, if not available, based on inputs other than quoted market prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable such as discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates. The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows: Input Level Description of Input Level 1 Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets. Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable. Level 3 Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists. The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial liabilities as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Input Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (Dollars in millions) Liabilities—Long-term debt (excluding finance lease and other obligations) 2 $ 2,153 1,476 2,154 1,691

Commitments, Contingencies and

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items	Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items We are subject to various claims, legal proceedings and other contingent liabilities, including the matters described below, which individually or in the aggregate could materially affect our financial condition, future results of operations or cash flows. As a matter of course, we are prepared to both litigate these matters to judgment as needed, as well as to evaluate and consider reasonable settlement opportunities. We review our litigation accrual liabilities on a quarterly basis, but in accordance with applicable accounting guidelines only establish accrual liabilities when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable and only revise previously-established accrual liabilities when warranted by changes in circumstances, in each case based on then-available information. As such, as of any given date we could have exposure to losses under proceedings as to which no liability has been accrued or as to which the accrued liability is inadequate. Subject to these limitations, at March 31, 2023 we had accrued $19 million in the aggregate for our litigation and non-income tax contingencies, which is included in “Other” current liabilities and “Other Liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheet as of such date. We cannot at this time estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss in excess of this $19 million accrual due to the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature of contested proceedings. The establishment of an accrual does not mean that actual funds have been set aside to satisfy a given contingency. Thus, the resolution of a particular contingency for the amount accrued could have no effect on our results of operations but nonetheless could have an adverse effect on our cash flows. Principal Proceedings Billing Practices Suits In June 2017, a former employee of a Lumen Technologies subsidiary filed an employment lawsuit against Lumen Technologies (at the time named CenturyLink, Inc.) claiming that she was wrongfully terminated for alleging that Lumen charged some of its retail customers for products and services they did not authorize. Thereafter, based in part on the allegations made by the former employee, several legal proceedings were filed, including consumer class actions in federal and state courts, a series of securities investor class actions in federal courts, and several shareholder derivative actions in federal and Louisiana state courts. The derivative cases were brought on behalf of CenturyLink, Inc. against certain current and former officers and directors of the Company and seek damages for alleged breaches of fiduciary duties. The consumer class actions, the securities investor class actions, and the federal derivative actions were transferred to the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota for coordinated and consolidated pretrial proceedings as In Re: CenturyLink Sales Practices and Securities Litigation. Lumen Technologies has settled the consumer and securities investor class actions. Those settlements are final. The derivative actions remain pending. Lumen has engaged in discussions regarding related claims with a number of state attorneys general, and has entered into agreements settling certain of the consumer practices claims asserted by state attorneys general. While Lumen Technologies does not agree with allegations raised in these matters, it has been willing to consider reasonable settlements where appropriate. AT&T Proceedings In August 2022, certain of our indirect affiliates filed a complaint in federal district court in Colorado captioned Central Telephone Company of Virginia, et al, v. AT&T Corp., et al. The suit seeks relief and damages for AT&T’s failure to pay amounts for services it receives. AT&T disputes those claims and has asserted counterclaims alleging breach of contract and seeking declaratory relief. It has requested the court to enjoin the plaintiffs (including us) from terminating services for its failure to pay, and it has requested the court transfer the case to federal court in the southern district of New York for further proceedings. Also in August 2022, AT&T filed a separate lawsuit in federal court in the western district of Louisiana against Central Telephone Company of Virginia, us, and other of our indirect affiliates alleging, among other claims, breach of contract provisions pertaining to network architecture. We and the other plaintiff entities dispute AT&T’s claims. Other Proceedings, Disputes and Contingencies From time to time, we are involved in other proceedings incidental to our business, including patent infringement allegations, regulatory hearings relating primarily to our rates or services, actions relating to employee claims, various tax issues, environmental law issues, grievance hearings before labor regulatory agencies and miscellaneous third-party tort actions or commercial disputes. We are currently defending several patent infringement lawsuits asserted against us by non-practicing entities, many of which are seeking substantial recoveries. These cases have progressed to various stages and one or more may go to trial within the next twelve months if they are not otherwise resolved. Where applicable, we are seeking full or partial indemnification from our vendors and suppliers. As with all litigation, we are vigorously defending these actions and, as a matter of course, are prepared to litigate these matters to judgment, as well as to evaluate and consider all reasonable settlement opportunities. We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental protection and health and safety laws. From time to time, we are subject to judicial and administrative proceedings brought by various governmental authorities under these laws. Several such proceedings are currently pending, but none is reasonably expected to exceed $300,000 in fines and penalties. The outcome of these other proceedings described under this heading is not predictable. However, based on current circumstances, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these other proceedings, after considering available defenses and any insurance coverage or indemnification rights, will have a material adverse effect on us. The matters listed in this Note do not reflect all of our contingencies. For additional information on our contingencies, see Note 14—Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items to the financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. The ultimate outcome of the above-described matters may differ materially from the outcomes anticipated, estimated, projected or implied by us in certain of our statements appearing above in this Note, and proceedings currently viewed as immaterial by us may ultimately materially impact us.

Dividends

Dividends	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends	Dividends From time to time we may declare and pay dividends to our direct parent company, QSC, sometimes in excess of our earnings to the extent permitted by applicable law. Our debt covenants do not currently limit the amount of dividends we can pay to QSC. During the three months ended March 31, 2023 and March 31, 2022, we declared and paid no dividends to QSC. Dividends paid, when applicable, are reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows as financing activities.

Other Financial Information

Other Financial Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Other Financial Information	Other Financial Information Other Current Assets The following table presents details of other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Prepaid expenses $ 68 46 Contract acquisition costs 37 38 Contract fulfillment costs 30 30 Other 34 6 Total other current assets $ 169 120 Other Current Liabilities The following table presents details of other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Affiliate obligations $ 57 57 Operating lease liabilities 22 21 Other 48 52 Total other current liabilities $ 127 130 Other Noncurrent Liabilities The following table presents details of other noncurrent liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Unrecognized tax benefits $ 434 427 Operating lease liabilities 58 58 Other 172 169 Total other noncurrent liabilities $ 664 654

Labor Union Contracts

Labor Union Contracts	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Labor Union Contracts	Labor Union Contracts As of March 31, 2023, approximately 43% of our employees were represented by the Communications Workers of America ("CWA") or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers ("IBEW"). None of our represented employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements that are scheduled to expire within the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2024. We believe relations with our employees continue to be generally good.

Background (Policies)

Background (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2022, which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). However, in our opinion, the disclosures made therein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the first three months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations and cash flows that might be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. Transactions with our non-consolidated affiliates (referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated.
Segments	SegmentsOur operations are integrated into and reported as part of Lumen Technologies. Lumen's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is our CODM but reviews our financial information on an aggregate basis only in connection with our quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Consequently, we do not provide our discrete financial information to the CODM on a regular basis.
Recently Adopted and Issued Accounting Pronouncements	Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements Supplier Finance Programs On January 1, 2023, we adopted Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2022-04, “ Liabilities-Supplier Finance Program (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations ” (“ASU 2022-04”). These amendments require that a company that uses a supplier finance program in connection with the purchase of goods or services disclose sufficient information about the program to allow a user of financial statements to understand the program’s nature, program activity during the period, changes from period to period and potential magnitude of program transactions. The adoption of ASU 2022-04 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements. Credit Losses On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-02, " Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings (“TDR”) and Vintage Disclosures ” (“ASU 2022-02”). The ASU eliminates the TDR recognition and measurement guidance, enhances existing disclosure requirements and introduces new requirements related to certain modifications of receivables made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty. The adoption of ASU 2022-02 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements. Derivatives and Hedging On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2022-01, “ Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Fair Value Hedging-Portfolio Layer Method ” ("ASU 2022-01"). The ASU expands the current single-layer method to allow multiple hedged layers of a single closed portfolio under the method. The adoption of ASU 2022-01 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements. Business Combinations On January 1, 2023, we adopted ASU 2021-08, “ Business Combinations (Topic 805): Accounting for Contract Assets and Contract Liabilities from Contracts with Customers ” (“ASU 2021-08”). This ASU requires entities to apply Topic 606 to recognize and measure contract assets and contract liabilities in a business combination. The adoption of ASU 2021-08 did not have any impact to our consolidated financial statements . Government Assistance On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2021-10, " Government Assistance (Topic 832): Disclosures by Business Entities about Government Assistance ” (“ASU 2021-10”). This ASU requires business entities to disclose information about certain types of government assistance they receive. The ASU only impacts annual financial statement note disclosures. The adoption of ASU 2021-10 did not have an impact to our consolidated financial statements . Leases On January 1, 2022, we adopted ASU 2021-05, Leases (Topic 842): Lessors—Certain Leases with Variable Lease Payments ” (“ASU 2021-05”). This ASU (i) amends the lease classification requirements for lessors to align them with practice under ASC Topic 840, (ii) provides criteria for lessors to classify and account for a lease with variable lease payments that do not depend on a reference index or a rate as an operating lease; and (iii) provides guidance with respect to net investments by lessors under operating leases and other related topics. The adoption of ASU 2021-05 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements . Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements In March 2023, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued ASU 2023-02, “ Investments-Equity method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Accounting for Investments in Tax Credit Structures Using the Proportional Amortization Method ” (“ASU 2023-02”). These amendments allow reporting entities to elect to account for qualifying tax equity investments using the proportional amortization method, regardless of the program giving rise to the related income tax credits. ASU 2023-02 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-02 to have an impact to our consolidated financial statements. In March 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-01, “ Leases (Topic 842): Common Control Arrangements ” (“ASU 2023-01”). These amendments require all entities to amortize leasehold improvements associated with common control leases over the useful life to the common control group. ASU 2023-01 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2023-01 to have an impact to our consolidated financial statements. In June 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2022-03, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Fair Value Measurement of Equity Securities Subject to Contractual Sale Restrictions” (“ASU 2022-03”). These amendments clarify that a contractual restriction on the sales of an investment in an equity security is not considered part of the unit of account of the equity security and, therefore, is not considered in measuring fair value. ASU 2022-03 will become effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2024 and early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2023, we do not expect ASU 2022-03 to have an impact to our consolidated financial statements.
Goodwill	We are required to assess our goodwill for impairment annually, or under certain circumstances, more frequently, such as when events or changes in circumstances indicate there may be impairment. We are required to write down the value of goodwill only when our assessment determines the carrying value of equity of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Our annual impairment assessment date for goodwill is October 31, at which date we assess goodwill at our reporting unit. In reviewing the criteria for reporting units, we have determined that we are one reporting unit.
Operating Lease Revenue	Operating Lease Revenue Qwest leases various data transmission capacity, office facilities, switching facilities and other network sites to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease revenue are included in operating revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.
Credit Losses on Financial Instruments	To assess our expected credit losses on financial instruments, we aggregate financial assets with similar risk characteristics to monitor their credit quality or deterioration over the life of such assets. We periodically monitor certain risk characteristics within our aggregated financial assets and revise their composition accordingly, to the extent internal and external risk factors change. We separately evaluate financial assets that do not share risk characteristics with other financial assets. Our financial assets measured at amortized cost primarily consist of accounts receivable.If there is an unexpected deterioration of a customer's financial condition or an unexpected change in economic conditions, including macroeconomic events, we assess the need to adjust the allowance for credit losses. Any such resulting adjustments would affect earnings in the period that adjustments are made.

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_2

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill	Goodwill, customer relationships and other intangible assets consisted of the following: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Goodwill $ 9,360 9,360 Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $1,938 and $1,924 $ 129 138
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	We estimate that total amortization expense for intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2023 through 2027 will be as follows: (Dollars in millions) 2023 (remaining nine months) $ 48 2024 32 2025 16 2026 10 2027 7

Revenue Recognition (Tables)

Revenue Recognition (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Schedule of Revenue	The following table provides our total revenue by product and service category as well as the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606"), but is instead governed by other accounting standards: Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Total Revenue Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers Total Revenue Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Dollars in millions) Other Broadband $ 293 (25) 268 334 (28) 306 Voice and Other 156 (4) 152 194 (16) 178 Fiber Broadband 121 (3) 118 110 (3) 107 Harvest 267 (37) 230 287 (41) 246 Nurture 105 (2) 103 112 (2) 110 Grow 39 — 39 38 (3) 35 Affiliate Services 560 (11) 549 581 (11) 570 Total revenue $ 1,541 (82) 1,459 1,656 (104) 1,552 ____________________________________________________________ (1) Includes regulatory revenue and lease revenue not within the scope of ASC 606.
Customer Receivables and Contract Balances	The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets and contract liabilities as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Customer receivables (1) $ 332 297 Contract assets 9 9 Contract liabilities 343 343 ______________________________________________________________________ (1) Reflects gross customer receivables, including gross affiliate receivables, of $357 million and $324 million, net of allowance for credit losses of $25 million and $27 million, at March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Contract Costs	The following tables provide changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs: Three Months Ended March 31, 2023 Three Months Ended March 31, 2022 Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs Acquisition Costs Fulfillment Costs (Dollars in millions) Beginning Balance $ 61 $ 46 64 $ 47 Cost incurred 9 10 13 9 Amortization (12) (10) (14) (9) Ending Balances $ 58 46 63 47

Credit Losses on Financial In_2

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Credit Loss [Abstract]
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss	The following table presents the activity of our allowance for credit losses by accounts receivable portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2023: Business Mass Markets Total (Dollars in millions) As of December 31, 2022 $ 20 16 36 Provision for expected losses 3 10 13 Write-offs charged against the allowance (3) (12) (15) Ending balance at March 31, 2023 $ 20 14 34

Long-Term Debt and Note Payab_2

Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Long-Term Debt	The following chart reflects the consolidated long-term debt of Qwest Corporation and its subsidiaries, including finance lease and other obligations, unamortized premiums, net and unamortized debt issuance costs: Interest Rates (1) Maturities (1) March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Senior notes 6.500% - 7.750% 2025 - 2057 $ 1,986 1,986 Term loan (2) LIBOR + 2.50% 2027 215 215 Finance lease and other obligations Various Various 4 3 Unamortized premiums, net 4 5 Unamortized debt issuance costs (52) (52) Total long-term debt $ 2,157 2,157 Less current maturities (1) (2) Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $ 2,156 2,155 _______________________________________________________________________________ (1) As of March 31, 2023. (2) Qwest Corporation's Term Loan had interest rates of 7.422% and 6.640% as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt	Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2023 (excluding unamortized premiums, net, unamortized debt issuance costs and note payable-affiliate) maturing during the following years: (Dollars in millions) 2023 (remaining nine months) $ — 2024 1 2025 251 2026 — 2027 215 2028 and thereafter 1,738 Total long-term debt $ 2,205

Fair Value Disclosure (Tables)

Fair Value Disclosure (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial liabilities as of March 31, 2023 and December 31, 2022, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 Input Carrying Fair Carrying Fair (Dollars in millions) Liabilities—Long-term debt (excluding finance lease and other obligations) 2 $ 2,153 1,476 2,154 1,691

Other Financial Information (Ta

Other Financial Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Other Current Assets	The following table presents details of other current assets on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Prepaid expenses $ 68 46 Contract acquisition costs 37 38 Contract fulfillment costs 30 30 Other 34 6 Total other current assets $ 169 120
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities	The following table presents details of other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Affiliate obligations $ 57 57 Operating lease liabilities 22 21 Other 48 52 Total other current liabilities $ 127 130
Schedule of Other Noncurrent Liabilities	The following table presents details of other noncurrent liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets: March 31, 2023 December 31, 2022 (Dollars in millions) Unrecognized tax benefits $ 434 427 Operating lease liabilities 58 58 Other 172 169 Total other noncurrent liabilities $ 664 654

Accounting Policies - General (

Accounting Policies - General (Details)	Mar. 31, 2023 state
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of states in which entity operates	14

Accounting Policies- Segments (

Accounting Policies- Segments (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023 segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments	1

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_3

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 9,360	$ 9,360
Other Intangible Assets
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization	129	138
Accumulated amortization	$ 1,938	$ 1,924

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_4

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($) reporting_unit	Mar. 31, 2022 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of reporting units | reporting_unit	1
Intangible assets, gross (including goodwill)	$ 11,400
Amortization of intangible assets	$ 17	$ 19

Goodwill, Customer Relationsh_5

Goodwill, Customer Relationships and Other Intangible Assets - Schedule of Future Amortization Expense (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2023 (remaining nine months)	$ 48
2024	32
2025	16
2026	10
2027	$ 7

Revenue Recognition - Disaggreg

Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	$ 1,541	$ 1,656
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	(82)	(104)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers	1,459	1,552
Other Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	293	334
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	(25)	(28)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers	268	306
Voice and Other
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	156	194
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	(4)	(16)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers	152	178
Fiber Broadband
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	121	110
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	(3)	(3)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers	118	107
Harvest
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	267	287
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	(37)	(41)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers	230	246
Nurture
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	105	112
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	(2)	(2)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers	103	110
Grow
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	39	38
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	0	(3)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers	39	35
Affiliate Services
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Total Revenue	560	581
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue	(11)	(11)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers	$ 549	$ 570

Revenue Recognition - Operating

Revenue Recognition - Operating Lease Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Lease income	$ 80	$ 88
Percent of operating revenue	5%	5%

Revenue Recognition - Customer

Revenue Recognition - Customer Receivables and Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Jan. 01, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Customer receivables	$ 332		$ 297
Contract assets	9		9
Contract liabilities	343	$ 343	343	$ 317
Gross affiliate receivables	357		324
Allowance for credit losses	$ 25		$ 27

Revenue Recognition - Additiona

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information, Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Revenue recognized from prior year contract liability	$ 139	$ 150
Contract liabilities	$ 343		$ 343	$ 343	$ 317
Minimum
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract term	1 year
Maximum
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Contract term	5 years
Weighted Average | Mass Markets Customers, Average Contract Life
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Length of customer life	36 months
Weighted Average | Business Customer, Average Contract Life
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Length of customer life	33 months

Revenue Recognition - Additio_2

Revenue Recognition - Additional Information, Performance Obligation (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 1,700
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Remaining performance obligation	1,700
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2023-04-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 711
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	9 months
Remaining performance obligation	$ 711
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2024-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 436
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	1 year
Remaining performance obligation	$ 436
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-01-01
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Remaining performance obligation	$ 545
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]
Expected timing of satisfaction, period	3 years
Remaining performance obligation	$ 545

Revenue Recognition - Contract

Revenue Recognition - Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Acquisition Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	$ 61	$ 64
Cost incurred	9	13
Amortization	(12)	(14)
Ending Balances	58	63
Fulfillment Costs
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]
Beginning Balance	46	47
Cost incurred	10	9
Amortization	(10)	(9)
Ending Balances	$ 46	$ 47

Credit Losses on Financial In_3

Credit Losses on Financial Instruments (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss
Beginning balance	$ 36
Provision for expected losses	13
Write-offs charged against the allowance	(15)
Ending balance	34
Business Portfolio
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss
Beginning balance	20
Provision for expected losses	3
Write-offs charged against the allowance	(3)
Ending balance	20
Mass Market Portfolio
Financing Receivable, Allowance for Credit Loss
Beginning balance	16
Provision for expected losses	10
Write-offs charged against the allowance	(12)
Ending balance	$ 14

Long-Term Debt and Note Payab_3

Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Long-term debt
Unamortized premiums, net	$ 4	$ 5
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(52)	(52)
Total long-term debt	2,157	2,157
Less current maturities	(1)	(2)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	2,156	2,155
Senior notes
Long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	$ 1,986	1,986
Senior notes | Minimum
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate	6.50%
Senior notes | Maximum
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate	7.75%
Term loan
Long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	$ 215	$ 215
Weighted average interest rate	7.422%	6.64%
Term loan | London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)
Long-term debt
Basis spread on variable rate	2.50%
Finance lease and other obligations
Long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	$ 4	$ 3

Long-Term Debt and Note Payab_4

Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate - Schedule of Debt Maturity (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2023 (remaining nine months)	$ 0
2024	1
2025	251
2026	0
2027	215
2028 and thereafter	1,738
Total long-term debt	$ 2,205

Long-Term Debt and Note Payab_5

Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate - Additional Information (Details) - Note payable - affiliate - Affiliated entity - Qwest Corporation - USD ($) $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2022	Mar. 31, 2023
Long-term debt
Note Payable - Affiliate, funding commitment (up to)		$ 2,000
Note Payable - Affiliate, term subject to automatic renewal		12 months
Note Payable - Affiliate, period to provide notice of intent not to renew		30 days
Note Payable - Affiliate, period to pay interest from end of Interest Period		30 days
Note Payable - Affiliate, outstanding principal repaid	$ 1,200
Note Payable - Affiliate, interest repaid	$ 43
Note Payable - Affiliate, outstanding		$ 0

Fair Value Disclosure (Details)

Fair Value Disclosure (Details) - Fair value measurements, nonrecurring - Fair value inputs, Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Carrying Amount
Fair Value Disclosure
Liabilities—Long-term debt (excluding finance lease and other obligations)	$ 2,153	$ 2,154
Fair Value
Fair Value Disclosure
Liabilities—Long-term debt (excluding finance lease and other obligations)	$ 1,476	$ 1,691

Commitments, Contingencies an_2

Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023 USD ($) patent
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss	$ 19,000,000
Number of patent infringement lawsuits expected to go to trial within the next twelve months | patent	1
Unfavorable Regulatory Action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss	$ 300,000

Dividends (Details)

Dividends (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023	Mar. 31, 2022
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared and paid to Qwest Services Corporation	$ 0	$ 0

Other Financial Information- Ot

Other Financial Information- Other Current Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 68	$ 46
Contract acquisition costs	37	38
Contract fulfillment costs	30	30
Other	34	6
Total other current assets	$ 169	$ 120

Other Financial Information - O

Other Financial Information - Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Affiliate obligations	$ 57	$ 57
Operating lease liabilities	22	21
Other	48	52
Total other current liabilities	$ 127	$ 130

Other Financial Information -_2

Other Financial Information - Other Noncurrent Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 434	$ 427
Noncurrent operating lease liability	58	58
Other	172	169
Total other noncurrent liabilities	$ 664	$ 654

Labor Union Contracts (Details)

Labor Union Contracts (Details) - Union employees concentration risk	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2023
Employees covered under collective bargaining agreements
Labor Union Contracts
Concentration risk percentage	43%
Workforce Subject to Collective-Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year
Labor Union Contracts
Concentration risk percentage	0%