EXHIBIT 23
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our report dated February 12, 1997 on our audit of the consolidated
financial statements and related financial statement schedule of U S WEST
Communications, Inc., as of December 31, 1996 included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K, into U S WEST Communications, Inc.'s previously filed Registration
Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-62845)
 
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
March 27, 1997