EXHIBIT 23
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
of U S WEST Communications, Inc. on Form S-3 (File No. 33-62845) of our report
dated February 12, 1996, on our audit of the consolidated financial statements
and consolidated financial statement schedule of U S WEST Communications, Inc.
for the year ended December 31, 1995, which report is included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
 
/s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Denver, Colorado
March 25, 1998

                                                                      EXHIBIT 23
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference of our reports dated February 6, 1998 on the consolidated financial
statements and related financial statement schedule of U S WEST Communications,
Inc., as of December 31, 1997 and 1996 and for the years then ended 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 25, 1998.