LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC., 10-Q filed on 5/5/2026
Quarterly Report
v3.26.1
Cover Page - shares
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
May 01, 2026
Document Information [Line Items]    
Document Type 10-Q  
Document Quarterly Report true  
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2026  
Document Transition Report false  
Entity File Number 001-7784  
Entity Registrant Name LUMEN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.  
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code LA  
Entity Tax Identification Number 72-0651161  
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 Current Reporting Status Yes  
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes  
Entity Filer Category Large Accelerated Filer  
Entity Small Business false  
Entity Emerging Growth Company false  
Entity Shell Company false  
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   1,030,311,070
Entity Central Index Key 0000018926  
Amendment Flag false  
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31  
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2026  
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1  
Common Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Common Stock, no par value per share  
Trading Symbol LUMN  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Preferred Stock    
Document Information [Line Items]    
Title of 12(b) Security Preferred Stock Purchase Rights  
Security Exchange Name NYSE  
Preferred Stock - No Trading Symbol true  
v3.26.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Income Statement [Abstract]    
OPERATING REVENUE $ 2,899 $ 3,182
OPERATING EXPENSES    
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 1,435 1,687
Selling, general and administrative 794 675
Net gain on sale of business (596) 0
Depreciation and amortization 664 713
Total operating expenses 2,297 3,075
OPERATING INCOME 602 107
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME    
Interest expense (225) (347)
Net loss on early retirement of debt (Note 5) (226) (35)
Other income, net 26 30
Total other expense, net (425) (352)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 177 (245)
Income tax expense (benefit) 377 (44)
NET LOSS $ (200) $ (201)
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER COMMON SHARE    
BASIC (in dollars per share) $ (0.20) $ (0.20)
DILUTED (in dollars per share) $ (0.20) $ (0.20)
WEIGHTED-AVERAGE COMMON SHARES OUTSTANDING    
BASIC (in shares) 998,891 991,269
DILUTED (in shares) 998,891 991,269
v3.26.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]    
NET LOSS $ (200) $ (201)
Items related to employee benefit plans:    
Change in net actuarial loss, net of $(8) and $(7) tax 23 22
Change in net prior service cost, net of $2 and $— tax (6) (2)
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of $— and $— tax 3 3
Other comprehensive income 20 23
COMPREHENSIVE LOSS $ (180) $ (178)
v3.26.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE LOSS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]    
Change in net actuarial loss, tax $ (8) $ (7)
Change in net prior service cost, tax 2 0
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax $ 0 $ 0
v3.26.1
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
CURRENT ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,625 $ 1,003
Accounts receivable, net of allowance of $74 and $67 1,603 1,314
Assets held for sale 0 4,285
Other current assets, net 893 1,307
Total current assets 4,121 7,909
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $24,042 and $23,744 19,926 19,575
OTHER ASSETS    
Intangible assets, net 4,240 4,463
Other assets, net 2,335 2,395
Total other assets 6,575 6,858
TOTAL ASSETS 30,622 34,342
CURRENT LIABILITIES    
Current maturities of long-term debt 35 88
Accounts payable 1,227 1,508
Accrued expenses and other liabilities    
Salaries and benefits 635 854
Income and other taxes 587 279
Current operating lease liabilities 290 266
Interest 113 149
Other current liabilities 229 203
Liabilities held for sale 0 38
Current portion of deferred revenue 1,055 1,005
Total current liabilities 4,171 4,390
LONG-TERM DEBT 12,925 17,353
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES    
Deferred income taxes, net 1,887 2,270
Benefit plan obligations, net 1,966 2,103
Deferred revenue 8,008 6,406
Other liabilities 2,982 2,937
Total deferred credits and other liabilities 14,843 13,716
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 11)
STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT    
Preferred stock—non-redeemable, $25.00 par value, authorized 2,000 and 2,000 shares, issued and outstanding 7 and 7 shares 0 0
Common stock, no par value, authorized 2,200,000 and 2,200,000 shares, issued and outstanding 1,029,980 and 1,025,446 shares 19,165 19,185
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (581) (601)
Accumulated deficit (19,901) (19,701)
Total stockholders' deficit (1,317) (1,117)
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' DEFICIT $ 30,622 $ 34,342
v3.26.1
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable, allowance $ 74 $ 67
Accumulated depreciation $ 24,042 $ 23,744
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, par value (in dollars per share) $ 25.00 $ 25.00
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, shares authorized (in shares) 2,000 2,000
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, shares issued (in shares) 7 7
Preferred stock-non-redeemable, shares outstanding (in shares) 7 7
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share) $ 0 $ 0
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares) 2,200,000 2,200,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares) 1,029,980 1,025,446
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares) 1,029,980 1,025,446
v3.26.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
Net loss $ (200) $ (201)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 664 713
Net gain on sale of business (596) 0
Deferred income taxes (383) (168)
Provision for uncollectible accounts 12 13
Net loss on early retirement of debt 226 35
Stock-based compensation 13 10
Changes in current assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable (298) 38
Accounts payable (172) 101
Accrued income and other taxes 769 133
Other current assets and liabilities, net (264) (138)
Retirement benefits (114) (2)
Change in deferred revenue 1,602 493
Changes in other assets and liabilities, net 70 30
Other, net (6) 38
Net cash provided by operating activities 1,323 1,095
INVESTING ACTIVITIES    
Capital expenditures (943) (791)
Proceeds from sale of business 4,977 0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment, and other assets 16 14
Other, net 0 8
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 4,050 (769)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES    
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt 656 2,279
Payments of long-term debt (5,375) (2,502)
Debt issuance and extinguishment costs and related fees 0 (80)
Other, net (32) (11)
Net cash used in financing activities (4,751) (314)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 622 12
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 1,014 1,900
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 1,636 1,912
Supplemental cash flow information:    
Income taxes paid, net (3) (1)
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $39 and $37) (249) (280)
Supplemental noncash information regarding financing activities:    
Cancellation of term loans as part of refinancings (Note 5) 0 (121)
Issuance of term loans as part of refinancings (Note 5) 0 121
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:    
Cash and cash equivalents 1,625 1,900
Restricted cash included in Other current assets, net 3 2
Restricted cash included in Other assets, net 8 10
Total $ 1,636 $ 1,912
v3.26.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]    
Capitalized interest $ 39 $ 37
v3.26.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT) EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
COMMON STOCK
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2024   $ 19,149 $ (723) $ (17,962)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity        
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings   (10)    
Stock-based compensation   10    
Other   3    
Other comprehensive income $ 23   23  
Net loss (201)     (201)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2025 289 19,152 (700) (18,163)
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2025 (1,117) 19,185 (601) (19,701)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity        
Shares withheld to satisfy tax withholdings   (32)    
Stock-based compensation   13    
Other   (1)    
Other comprehensive income 20   20  
Net loss (200)     (200)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2026 $ (1,317) $ 19,165 $ (581) $ (19,901)
v3.26.1
Background
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Background
Note 1— Background

General

We are a leading digital networking services company, empowering enterprise businesses to fuel growth in a multi-cloud, AI-first marketplace by connecting people, data, and applications quickly, securely, and effortlessly. We are unleashing the world's digital potential by providing a broad array of integrated products and services to our domestic and global Business customers and our domestic Mass Markets customers. On February 2, 2026, we completed the sale of our Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business in 11 states to AT&T, which impacted our Mass Markets customer base. For more information on the divestiture, see Note 2—Divestiture. We operate one of the world’s most interconnected communications networks. Our platform empowers our customers to swiftly adjust digital programs to meet immediate demands, create efficiencies, accelerate market access, and reduce costs, which allows our customers to rapidly evolve their IT programs to address dynamic changes. Our specific products and services are detailed in Note 4—Revenue Recognition.

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and the applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim financial reporting. Certain information and disclosures normally included in our audited annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. We believe these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated.

Noncontrolling Interests

To simplify the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements, when noncontrolling interests are present, we report immaterial amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries as follows:

•income attributable to noncontrolling interests in other income, net,

•equity attributable to noncontrolling interests in common stock, and

•cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests in other, net financing activities.

As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, we no longer had any noncontrolling interests.

Reclassifications

In the first quarter of 2026, we updated our product category framework for Business revenue, eliminating the previously disclosed Grow, Nurture, Harvest, and Other categories and replacing them with Strategic and Legacy categories. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
These changes had no impact on total operating revenue, total operating expenses, or net loss for any period. See Note 4—Revenue Recognition for additional information.

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 Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2025-12 “Codification Improvements.” The ASU represents changes to the Codification that clarify, correct errors, or make minor improvements. The amendments make the Codification easier to understand and apply. The amendments in ASU 2025-12 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Except for the amendments to Topic 260, "Earnings Per Share" this ASU can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively with transition method elected on an issue-by-issue basis. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2025-12 to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, "Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements." This ASU clarifies that the interim reporting requirements in Topic 270 apply to all entities that issue interim financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and consolidates such requirements within Topic 270. The amendments provide a comprehensive list within Topic 270 of required interim disclosures, establish a principle requiring disclosure of events or changes occurring after the end of the most recent annual reporting period that have a material impact on interim results and clarifies the form and content requirements applicable to interim financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2025-11 are effective for the interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. This ASU can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2025-11 to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-10, "Government Grants (Topic 832): Accounting for Government Grants Received by Business Entities." This ASU establishes authoritative guidance on the accounting for government grants received by business entities. The amendments in ASU 2025-10 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2028, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. This ASU can be applied using a modified prospective approach, a modified retrospective approach, or a retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2025-10 to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-09, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Hedge Accounting Improvements." This ASU introduces five targeted improvements to better align hedge accounting with entities’ risk management activities. The amendments in ASU 2025-09 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted and should be applied on a prospective basis for all hedging relationships. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-09 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-08, "Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Purchased Loans." This ASU requires that loans acquired without credit deterioration and deemed “seasoned” will be considered purchased seasoned loans and accounted for using the gross-up approach at acquisition (i.e., record the loan at its purchase price and separately record an allowance for expected credit losses). Seasoned loans include all loans acquired in a business combination, that do not have “more-than-insignificant” deterioration of credit quality since origination, as well as loans purchased at least 90 days after origination, where the purchaser was not involved in the origination of the loans. The amendments in ASU 2025-08 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. This ASU should be applied prospectively to loans that are acquired on or after the initial application date. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-08 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-07, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)" and "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." The guidance refines the scope of Topic 815 to clarify which contracts are subject to derivative accounting. This ASU also provides clarification under Topic 606 for share-based payments from a customer in a revenue contract. The amendments in ASU 2025-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. This ASU is permitted to be applied either prospectively to new contracts entered into on or after the date of adoption or on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-07 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, "Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software" which amends the guidance in ASC 350-40, "Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software." This ASU modernizes the recognition and disclosure framework for internal-use software costs, removing the previous “development stage” model and introducing a more judgment-based approach. The amendments in ASU 2025-06 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and for interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. This ASU is permitted to be applied prospectively, retrospectively or through a modified transition approach. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-06 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption of ASU 2025-06 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05 "Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets." This ASU provides entities with a practical expedient to simplify the estimation of expected credit losses on current accounts receivable and current contract assets that arise from transactions accounted for under ASC 606 by allowing the assumption that current conditions as of the balance sheet date will not change during the remaining life of the asset. The amendments in ASU 2025-05 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early prospective adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2025-05 effective January 1, 2026. The adoption of ASU 2025-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-04 "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Clarifications to Share-Based Consideration Payable to a Customer (“ASU 2025-04”)." This ASU clarifies the guidance on the accounting for share-based payment awards that are granted by an entity as consideration payable to its customer, with the intent to reduce diversity in practice and improve existing guidance by revising the definition of a “performance condition” and eliminating a forfeiture policy election for service conditions associated with share-based consideration payable to a customer. It also clarifies the guidance in Topic 606 on the variable consideration constraint does not apply to share-based consideration payable to a customer “regardless of whether an award’s grant date has occurred”. ASU 2025-04 will be effective for the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-04 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-03 "Business Combinations (Topic 805) and Consolidation (Topic 810): Determining the Accounting Acquirer in the Acquisition of a Variable Interest Entity." This ASU revises current guidance for determining the accounting acquirer for a transaction effected primarily by exchanging equity interests in which the legal acquiree is a variable interest entity that meets the definition of a business. The amendments require an entity to consider the same factors that are currently required for determining which entity is the accounting acquirer in other acquisition transactions. The amendments in ASU 2025-03 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early prospective adoption permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-03 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, "Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses." This ASU requires additional footnote disclosure of the details of certain income statement expense line items as well as additional disclosure about selling expenses. The amendments in ASU 2024-03 are effective for the annual period of fiscal 2027, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied prospectively, with the option for retrospective application. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2024-03 and the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our disclosures.
v3.26.1
Divestiture
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Divestiture
Note 2—Divestiture

On February 2, 2026, we and certain of our affiliates completed the sale of our Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business in 11 states to AT&T in exchange for pre-tax cash proceeds of $5.72 billion, which are subject to post-closing adjustments. During the three months ended March 31, 2026, we recorded a $596 million net pre-tax gain on the disposal associated with the sale of our Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business. This gain is reflected as operating income within the consolidated statements of operations.

In connection with the sale, Lumen entered into a transition services agreement under which it will provide to the purchaser various support services. Lumen and the purchaser also executed long-term agreements under which Lumen and the purchaser will provide to each other various network and other commercial services. In certain of these arrangements, Lumen identified contractual terms that are unfavorable compared to prevailing market terms. These agreements include an indefeasible right to use (“IRU”) arrangement under which Lumen granted the purchaser an IRU for specified Lumen retained fiber assets for an initial term of 20 years at no incremental charge.

Lumen recorded $729 million of liabilities initially measured at fair value, with an offset to the net gain on disposal, for contractual credits and commercial agreements. We estimated the initial fair value of the commercial agreements in the amount of $497 million using the income approach that considered the differential in revenue attributable to contractual and market pricing assumptions. The resulting cash flows were calculated on an after-tax basis and discounted using an estimated weighted average cost of capital. We also recorded an initial fair value liability of $232 million for contractual credits based on the expected use and resulting discounted cash flows. In addition, we agreed to reimburse the purchaser for certain matters for which future cash payments by Lumen could be required. Lumen has estimated the fair value of these payments to be $36 million, which is included in Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet and has reduced our net gain on the sale accordingly.

We determined that of the cash proceeds of $5.72 billion received, $729 million associated with the fair value of the contractual credits and commercial agreements described above should be classified as cash provided by operating activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows, based on the nature of those cash flows. The remaining proceeds are treated as cash flows from investing activities within the consolidated statements of cash flows.

These liabilities were recorded on our consolidated balance sheet at the fair value as of the transaction close date of February 2, 2026 as follows:

Balance Sheet Classification
Initial Fair Value Liabilities
(Dollars in millions)
Other current liabilities
$58 
Current portion of deferred revenue88 
Deferred revenue525 
Other liabilities94 
Total liabilities
$765 

We do not believe this divestiture transaction represents a strategic shift for Lumen and therefore, does not meet the criteria to be classified as a discontinued operation. As a result, we continued to report our operating results for the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business in the Territory (the "disposal group") in our consolidated operating results through the disposal date. As a result of closing the transaction on February 2, 2026, we derecognized net assets of $4.3 billion, primarily comprised of (i) property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation, of $2.8 billion, (ii) goodwill of $1.3 billion, and (iii) other net assets of $162 million.

As of May 21, 2025, the assets and liabilities of the disposal group were classified as held for sale and measured at the lower of (i) the carrying value when we classified the disposal group as held for sale or (ii) the fair value of the disposal group, less costs to sell. Effective with the designation of the disposal group as held for sale on May 21, 2025, we suspended recording depreciation of property, plant and equipment while these assets were classified as held for sale. We estimate that we would have recorded an additional $15 million of depreciation and amortization for the three months ended March 31, 2026 if the disposal group did not meet the held for sale criteria.
v3.26.1
Intangible Assets
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Intangible Assets
Note 3—Intangible Assets

Intangible assets, net is composed of the following:

March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
(Dollars in millions)
Customer relationships
$7,547 $5,094 2,453 7,547 4,945 2,602 
Capitalized software(1)
5,422 3,689 1,733 5,743 3,940 1,803 
Patents and other
158 104 54 158 100 58 
Total
$13,127 8,887 4,240 13,448 8,985 4,463 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)     Certain capitalized software with a gross carrying value of $259 million became fully amortized during 2025 and were retired during the first quarter of 2026.

Total amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in millions)
Amortization expense
$251 252 
v3.26.1
Revenue Recognition
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition
Note 4—Revenue Recognition

We categorize revenue from our operations within the products and services listed below based on the customers we serve, as follows: (i) revenue from Business customers is primarily reflected in the 'Strategic' and 'Legacy' categories, and (ii) revenue from Mass Markets customers is primarily reflected in 'Fiber Broadband', 'Other Broadband', and 'Voice and Other' categories.

Product and Service Categories

•Strategic: Includes existing and emerging products and services in which we are significantly investing, including offerings that leverage modernized infrastructure, higher-capacity technologies, and scalable or on-demand delivery models, such as dark fiber and conduit, IP, higher speed wavelength services, colocation facilities, certain Ethernet and VPN data network services, and digital services, such as Edge Fabric and Network-as-a-Service ("NaaS");

•Legacy: Includes our services that are generally provided over legacy platforms or lower-capacity configurations, such as traditional Ethernet, IP, and VPN data network services, delivered in locations or with technologies not currently suited for scalable or on-demand models, lower-speed wavelength services, voice and private line services, as well as managed and professional services and equipment sales;

•Fiber Broadband: Under which we provide high speed broadband services to residential and small business customers utilizing our fiber-based network infrastructure, representing the fiber-based business-to-customer products and services that remain following the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home divestiture;

•Other Broadband: Under which we provide primarily lower speed broadband services to residential and small business customers utilizing our copper-based network infrastructure; and

•Voice and Other: Under which we derive revenues from (i) providing local and long-distance voice services, professional services, and other ancillary services, and (ii) federal broadband and state support programs.

Sales Channels

Under our Business customer revenue, we provide products and services under five sales channels to meet the needs of our enterprise and commercial customers. The five sales channels, organized by customer focus, include:

•Large Enterprise: Large enterprise customers and carriers in North America.

•Mid-Market Enterprise: Medium-sized enterprises in North America, served directly and through indirect     channel partners.

•Public Sector: U.S. Federal government, state and local governments, and research and education institutions.

•Wholesale: Other communication companies providing wireline, wireless, cable, voice, and data center services.

•International and Other: Multinational and global enterprise customers and carriers, as well as customers under our remaining content delivery network ("CDN") contracts.

By organizing our offerings through these customer-focused sales channels, we streamline operations and deliver targeted solutions.
Reconciliation of Total Revenue to Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The following tables provide total revenue by sales channel and product category. They also provide the amount of revenue that is not subject to Topic 606, but is instead governed by other accounting standards. The amounts in the tables below include revenue for the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business prior to its sale on February 2, 2026:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2026
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Sales Channel and Product Category
Large Enterprise
Strategic$535 (131)404 
Legacy243 — 243 
Total Large Enterprise Revenue778 (131)647 
Mid-Market Enterprise
Strategic239 (6)233 
Legacy200 (1)199 
Total Mid-Market Enterprise Revenue439 (7)432 
Public Sector
Strategic179 (26)153 
Legacy327 (1)326 
Total Public Sector Revenue506 (27)479 
Wholesale
Strategic259 (76)183 
Legacy389 (39)350 
Total Wholesale Revenue648 (115)533 
International and Other
Strategic34 (1)33 
Legacy39 — 39 
Total International and Other73 (1)72 
Business Revenue by Product Category
Strategic1,246 (240)1,006 
Legacy1,198 (41)1,157 
Total Business Revenue2,444 (281)2,163 
Mass Markets by Product Category
Fiber Broadband92 (17)75 
Other Broadband205 (2)203 
Voice and Other158 (1)157 
Total Mass Markets Revenue455 (20)435 
Total Revenue$2,899 (301)2,598 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Sales Channel and Product Category
Large Enterprise
Strategic$463 (87)376 
Legacy306 — 306 
Total Large Enterprise Revenue769 (87)682 
Mid-Market Enterprise
Strategic232 (6)226 
Legacy255 (2)253 
Total Mid-Market Enterprise Revenue487 (8)479 
Public Sector
Strategic143 (24)119 
Legacy338 — 338 
Total Public Sector Revenue481 (24)457 
Wholesale
Strategic268 (75)193 
Legacy435 (40)395 
Total Wholesale Revenue703 (115)588 
International and Other
Strategic33 (1)32 
Legacy51 — 51 
Total International and Other84 (1)83 
Business Revenue by Product Category
Strategic1,139 (193)946 
Legacy1,385 (42)1,343 
Total Business Revenue2,524 (235)2,289 
Mass Markets by Product Category
Fiber Broadband209 (3)206 
Other Broadband257 (24)233 
Voice and Other192 (9)183 
Total Mass Markets Revenue658 (36)622 
Total Revenue$3,182 (271)2,911 
____________________________________________________________________
(1)Includes regulatory revenue and lease revenue not within the scope of ASC 606.

Operating Lease Revenue

We lease various dark fiber and conduit, office facilities, colocation facilities, switching facilities, other network sites, and service equipment to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease income are included in operating revenue in the consolidated statements of operations.
The following table provides details of our gross operating lease revenue:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in millions)
Operating lease revenue
$300 262
Percentage of Operating revenue
10 %8 %

Customer Receivables and Contract Balances

The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities, net of amounts classified as held for sale:

March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
 (Dollars in millions)
Customer receivables, less allowance of $65 and $57(1)
$1,597 1,316 
Contract assets
31 33 
Contract liabilities(2)
699 647 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)    As of December 31, 2025, this amount excluded $13 million of customer receivables, net associated with the disposal group classified as held for sale.
(2)     As of December 31, 2025, this amount excluded $32 million of contract liabilities associated with the disposal group classified as held for sale.

Contract liabilities are included within Deferred revenue on our consolidated balance sheets and 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 to five years depending on the service.

During the three months ended March 31, 2026, we recognized $255 million of revenue that was included in contract liabilities of $647 million as of January 1, 2026, including contract liabilities that were classified as held for sale. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we recognized $294 million of revenue that was included in contract liabilities of $733 million as of January 1, 2025.

Performance Obligations

As of March 31, 2026, we expect to recognize $5.9 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, 2026, the transaction price related to unsatisfied performance obligations that are expected to be recognized for the remainder of 2026, 2027, and thereafter was $2.2 billion, $1.9 billion and $1.8 billion, respectively.

These amounts exclude:

•the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts for which we recognize revenue in amounts for 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

•contracts that are classified as leasing arrangements or government assistance that are not subject to ASC 606.
Contract Costs

Acquisition Costs

•Includes commission fees paid to employees as a result of obtaining contracts.

•Amortized acquisition costs are included in Selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations.

Fulfillment Costs

•Includes third-party and internal costs associated with the provision, installation, and activation of services to customers, including labor and materials consumed for these activities.

•Amortized fulfillment costs are included in Cost of services and products in our consolidated statements of operations.

We amortize deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs based on the transfer of services on a straight-line basis over the average contract life of approximately 50 months for Mass Markets customers and 38 months for Business customers.

The following tables provide changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2026

Acquisition Costs
Fulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning of period balance(1)
$196 264 
Costs incurred34 52 
Amortization(31)(42)
Change in contract costs held for sale(2)— 
End of period balance
$197 274 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)    The beginning balance for the three months ended March 31, 2026 excluded $24 million and $21 million of acquisition costs and fulfillment costs, respectively, associated with the disposal group classified as held for sale.


Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Acquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning of period balance
$203 222 
Costs incurred40 51 
Amortization(33)(37)
End of period balance
$210 236 

We include deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs in Other current assets, net and Other assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets. We assess deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs for impairment on a quarterly basis.
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities
Note 5—Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

As of March 31, 2026, substantially all of our outstanding consolidated debt had been incurred by us or one of the following three subsidiaries, each of which has borrowed funds either on a standalone basis or as part of a separate restricted group with certain of its subsidiaries:

•Level 3 Financing, Inc. ("Level 3 Financing"), including its parent guarantor Level 3 Parent, LLC ("Level 3 Parent") and certain subsidiary guarantors;

•Qwest Corporation ("Qwest"); and

•Qwest Capital Funding, Inc., including its parent guarantor, Qwest Communications International Inc.

Each of these borrowers or borrowing groups has entered into a credit agreement with certain financial institutions or other institutional lenders or issued senior notes. Certain of these debt instruments are described further below or in Note 7—Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities to the consolidated financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.
The following table reflects the consolidated long-term debt of Lumen Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of the dates indicated below, including unamortized premiums (discounts) and unamortized debt issuance costs:

Interest Rates(1)
Maturities(1)
March 31, 2026December 31, 2025

  (Dollars in millions)
Senior Secured Debt: (2)
Lumen Technologies, Inc.
Series A Revolving Credit Facility
SOFR + 4.00%
2028$— — 
Series B Revolving Credit Facility
SOFR + 6.00%
2028— — 
Term Loan A(3)
N/A
N/A— 338 
Term Loan B-1(4)
N/A
N/A— 1,590 
Term Loan B-2(4)
N/A
N/A— 1,590 
Superpriority notes
N/A
N/A
— 1,247 
Subsidiaries
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Term Loan B-4(5)
SOFR + 3.25%
20322,400 2,400 
First Lien notes(6)
6.875% - 7.000%
2033 - 2034
4,425 4,425 
Unsecured Senior Notes and Other Debt:
    
Lumen Technologies, Inc.
Senior notes
4.500% - 7.650%
2028 - 2042
1,296 1,296 
Subsidiaries
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Senior notes
3.625% - 8.500%
2028 - 2036
2,794 2,144 
Second Lien notes (formerly secured)
3.875% - 4.875%
2029 - 2031
52 660 
Qwest Corporation
Senior notes
6.500% - 7.750%
2030 - 2057
1,736 1,736 
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
Senior notes
6.875% - 7.750%
2028 - 2031
165 169 
Finance lease and other obligationsVariousVarious223 220 
Unamortized premiums (discounts), net  3 (223)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(134)(151)
Total long-term debt  12,960 17,441 
Less current maturities   (35)(88)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities  $12,925 17,353 
______________________________________________________________________ 
(1)As of March 31, 2026. All references to "SOFR" refer to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate.
(2)The debt listed under the caption “Senior Secured Debt” was either secured by assets of the issuer, guaranteed on a secured or unsecured basis by certain affiliates of the issuer, or both.
(3)Lumen's Term Loan A had an interest rate of 9.916% as of December 31, 2025.
(4)Lumen's Term Loan B-1 and B-2 each had an interest rate of 6.380% as of December 31, 2025.
(5)Level 3 Financing's Term Loan B-4 had an interest rate of 6.923% and 7.166% as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.
(6)Reflects Level 3 Financing's (i) Senior Secured notes issued on March 31, 2023 and (ii) First Lien notes issued on March 22, 2024, June 30, 2025, August 18, 2025, and September 8, 2025.
Long-Term Debt Maturities

Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2026 (excluding unamortized premiums (discounts), net, and unamortized debt issuance costs), maturing during the following years:
 
(Dollars in millions)
2026 (remaining nine months)$31 
202720 
2028380 
20291,277 
2030141 
2031 and thereafter11,242 
Total long-term debt$13,091 

2026 Debt Transactions

Senior Secured Notes Issuance and Second Lien Tender Offers — First Quarter 2026

On January 9, 2026, Level 3 Financing, Inc. issued an additional $650 million aggregate principal amount of its 8.500% Senior Notes due 2036. Level 3 Financing, Inc. used the net proceeds from this offering primarily to fund the purchase of its outstanding Second Lien notes.

The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount of each series of Second Lien notes purchased as part of this transaction:

Debt
Principal Amount Purchased
(Dollars in millions)
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
4.875% Second Lien Notes due 2029
$595 
4.500% Second Lien Notes due 2030
8 
3.875% Second Lien Notes due 2030
4 
Total$607 

Repurchases of Debt Instruments — First Quarter 2026

On February 2, 2026, we applied $4.8 billion of the proceeds from the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home divestiture and cash on hand to fund the repurchase of the following debt:

Debt
Principal Amount Repurchased
(Dollars in millions)
Lumen Technologies, Inc.
4.125% Superpriority Senior Secured Notes due 2029
$331 
4.125% Superpriority Senior Secured Notes due 2030
477 
10.000% Secured Notes due 2032
439 
Superpriority Term Loan A
338 
Superpriority Term Loan B-1
1,590 
Superpriority Term Loan B-2
1,590 
Total$4,765 
In March 2026, we repurchased the following debt instruments on the open market. These repurchases resulted in an immaterial loss which is included in our aggregate Net (loss) gain on early retirement of debt in Other income (expense), net in our consolidated statement of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026.

The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount of each repurchase:

Debt
Principal Amount Repurchased
(Dollars in millions)
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
4.875% Second Lien Notes due 2029
$1 
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
6.875% Senior Notes due 2028
4 
Total$5 

2025 Debt Transactions

For information on various debt transactions during 2025, see Note 7—Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

Lumen Credit Agreements

As of March 31, 2026, no borrowings were outstanding under Lumen’s (i) Series A Revolving Credit Facility, with commitments of $489 million, or (ii) Series B Revolving Credit Facility, with commitments of $465 million, and we had $769 million of borrowing capacity available (net of undrawn letters of credit).

Level 3 Financing Credit Agreement

As of March 31, 2026, Level 3 Financing had $2.4 billion of non-amortizing secured Term Loan B-4 outstanding under the term loan facility established by the Level 3 Credit Agreement.

Borrowings under the Term Loan B-4 facility will be, at Level 3 Financing’s option, either (i) the base rate (which is the highest of (x) the overnight federal funds rate, plus 0.50%, (y) the prime rate on such day, and (z) the one-month SOFR published on such date, plus 1.00%), plus an applicable margin, or (ii) one-, three- or six-month SOFR, plus an applicable margin. The applicable margin for SOFR loans under the Term Loan B-4 will be 3.25%. The Term Loan B-4 is subject to a SOFR floor of 0.00%.

Level 3 Financing may voluntarily prepay loans or reduce commitments under the Level 3 Credit Agreement, in whole or in part, subject to minimum amounts, with prior notice, but without premium or penalty. Level 3 Financing is required to prepay borrowings under the term loan facility with 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain asset sales and 100% of the net cash proceeds of certain debt issuances, in each case subject to certain exceptions.

Senior Notes of Lumen and its Subsidiaries

The Company’s consolidated indebtedness related to the senior notes of Lumen and its subsidiaries as of March 31, 2026 included:

•first lien secured notes issued by Level 3 Financing; and

•senior unsecured notes issued by Lumen, Level 3 Financing, Qwest, and Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. and second lien notes (unsecured) issued by Level 3 Financing.

All of these notes carry fixed interest rates and all principal is due on the notes’ respective maturity dates, which rates and maturity dates are summarized in the table above.
Except for a limited number of senior notes issued by Qwest Corporation, the issuer generally can redeem the notes, at its option, in whole or in part, (i) pursuant to a fixed schedule of pre-established redemption prices, (ii) pursuant to a “make whole” redemption price, or (iii) under certain other specified limited conditions.

Revolving Letters of Credit

We use various financial instruments in the normal course of business. These instruments include letters of credit, which are conditional commitments issued on our behalf in accordance with specified terms and conditions. Lumen may draw letters of credit under (i) an uncommitted $225 million revolving letter of credit facility and (ii) the Lumen Revolving Credit Facilities.

As of March 31, 2026, we had $188 million of undrawn letters of credit outstanding, (i) $185 million of which were issued under the Lumen Revolving Credit Facilities and (ii) $3 million of which were issued under a separate facility maintained by Lumen subsidiaries (the full amount of which is collateralized by cash that is reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash within Other assets, net).

Certain Guarantees and Security Interests

Credit Agreements

Lumen’s obligations under its Superpriority Revolving/Term Loan A Credit Agreement are unsecured, but certain of Lumen’s subsidiaries have provided an unconditional guarantee of payment of Lumen’s obligations (such entities, the “Lumen Guarantors”) and certain of such guarantees are secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of the applicable Lumen Guarantors. Level 3 Parent, Level 3 Financing, and certain of Level 3 Financing’s subsidiaries have provided an unconditional guarantee of payment of Lumen’s obligations under each of its Series A Revolving Credit Facility of up to $150 million and its Series B Revolving Credit Facility of up to $150 million, in each case secured by a lien on substantially all of their assets (such entities, the “Level 3 Collateral Guarantors”). The guarantee by the Level 3 Collateral Guarantors may be reduced or terminated under certain circumstances. Qwest Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries have provided an unsecured guarantee of collection of Lumen’s obligations under the Revolving Credit Facilities and Lumen TLA (such entities, the “Qwest Guarantors”).

Level 3 Financing’s obligations under the Level 3 Credit Agreement are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of its assets. In addition, the other Level 3 Collateral Guarantors have provided an unconditional guarantee of Level 3 Financing’s obligations under the Level 3 Credit Agreement secured by a lien on substantially all of their assets.

Secured Senior Debt

Level 3 Financing’s obligations under its first lien notes are secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of its assets (subject, in certain cases, to receipt of necessary regulatory approvals), and are guaranteed by the other Level 3 Collateral Guarantors (or, for certain such guarantors, for certain notes, will be guaranteed upon the receipt of required regulatory approvals) on the same basis as the guarantees provided by such entities under the Level 3 Credit Agreement.

Lumen's reimbursement obligations under its outstanding letters of credit are secured by guarantees issued by certain of its subsidiaries.

Unsecured Senior Notes

Level 3 Financing's obligations under its unsecured notes are guaranteed on an unsecured basis by the same affiliated entities that guarantee the Level 3 Credit Agreement and secured notes. The senior unsecured notes issued by Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. are guaranteed by its parent, Qwest Communications International Inc.
Covenants

Lumen

Under its Superpriority Revolving/Term Loan A Credit Agreement, Lumen may not permit:

•its maximum total net leverage ratio to exceed 5.50 to 1.00 with respect to each fiscal quarter ending after December 31, 2024 and further stepping down to 5.25 to 1.00 with respect to each fiscal quarter ending after December 31, 2025; or

•its interest coverage ratio as of the last day of any test period to be less than 2.00 to 1.00.

Lumen’s superpriority credit agreements contain various representations and warranties and extensive affirmative and negative covenants. Such covenants include, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions, restrictions on our ability to declare or pay dividends, repurchase stock, repay certain other indebtedness, create liens, incur additional indebtedness, make investments, engage in transactions with our affiliates, dispose of assets, and merge or consolidate with other persons.

Lumen’s senior unsecured notes were issued under four separate indentures. These indentures restrict Lumen’s ability to (i) incur, issue, or create liens upon its property and (ii) consolidate with or merge into, or transfer or lease all or substantially all of its assets to, any other party.

Under certain circumstances in connection with a “change of control” of Lumen, Lumen will be required to make an offer to repurchase substantially all of these senior notes at a price of 101% of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Level 3 Financing

The Level 3 Credit Agreement and Level 3 Financing's first lien notes, second lien (unsecured) notes, and unsecured notes contain various representations and extensive affirmative and negative covenants. Such covenants include, among other things and subject to certain significant exceptions, restrictions on their ability to declare or pay dividends, repay certain other indebtedness, create liens, incur additional indebtedness, make investments, dispose of assets, and merge or consolidate with other persons. Also, under certain circumstances in connection with a “change of control” of Level 3 Parent or Level 3 Financing, Level 3 Financing will be required to make an offer to repurchase each series of its outstanding senior notes at a price of 101% of the principal amount redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest.

Qwest Corporation and Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.

The senior notes of Qwest Corporation were issued under indentures dated April 15, 1990 and October 15, 1999. These indentures contain restrictions on the incurrence of liens and the consummation of certain transactions substantially similar to the above-described covenants in the indentures governing Lumen’s senior unsecured notes (but contain no mandatory repurchase provisions). The senior notes of Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. were issued under an indenture dated June 29, 1998 containing terms substantially similar to those set forth in Qwest Corporation's indentures.

Compliance

As of March 31, 2026, Lumen Technologies, Inc. believes it and its subsidiaries were in compliance with the provisions and financial covenants in their respective material debt agreements in all material respects.
Guarantees

Lumen does not guarantee the debt of any unaffiliated parties, but, as noted above, as of March 31, 2026, certain of its key subsidiaries have guaranteed on either a secured or unsecured basis (i) Lumen's debt outstanding under its superpriority credit agreements, its superpriority senior secured notes and unsecured senior notes issued by certain other subsidiaries and its $225 million letter of credit facility and (ii) the outstanding term loans, senior secured notes and senior unsecured notes issued by certain other subsidiaries. As further noted above, several of the subsidiaries guaranteeing these obligations have pledged substantially all of their assets to secure certain of their respective guarantees.

Subsequent Events

Revolving Credit Agreement

On April 14, 2026, Lumen Technologies, Inc. entered into the Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) providing for a revolving credit facility with commitments of $825 million. In connection with entry into the Credit Agreement, the revolving commitments outstanding under our Superpriority Revolving/Term A Credit Agreement were permanently reduced to zero and terminated.

Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a rate equal to, at Lumen’s option, for the Credit Agreement, Term SOFR (subject to a 0.00% floor) plus 2.75% for Term SOFR loans or a base rate plus 1.75% for base rate loans. The foregoing interest rates are subject to adjustment based on Lumen’s total net leverage ratio in accordance with the pricing grid in the Credit Agreement. Interest is payable at the end of each interest period. Lumen may prepay amounts outstanding under the Credit Agreement at any time without premium or penalty. The revolving credit facility established under the Credit Agreement matures on April 14, 2029 (subject to a springing maturity in certain circumstances). Under the Credit Agreement and commencing with the fiscal quarter ended June 30, 2026, Lumen may not permit (i) its maximum total net leverage ratio to exceed 5.25 to 1.00 as of the last day of each fiscal quarter or (ii) its interest coverage ratio as of the last day of any test period to be less than
2.00 to 1.00.

Lumen does not provide security under the Credit Agreement but certain of Lumen’s subsidiaries have provided or, in certain cases after receiving necessary regulatory approvals, will provide an unconditional guarantee of payment of Lumen’s obligations (such entities, the “Lumen Guarantors”) and certain of such guarantees will be secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of the applicable Lumen Guarantors. Level 3 Parent, LLC, Level 3 Financing, and certain of Level 3’s subsidiaries have provided or, in certain cases after receiving necessary regulatory approvals, will provide, an unconditional guarantee of payment of Lumen’s obligations under the Credit Agreement of up to $150 million, secured by a lien on substantially all of their assets (such entities, the “Level 3 Collateral Guarantors”). The guarantee by the Level 3 Collateral Guarantors may be reduced or terminated under certain circumstances. Qwest Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries will provide an unsecured guarantee of collection of Lumen’s obligations under the Credit Agreement.

Exchange Offers and Consent Solicitations

On April 20, 2026, Qwest Corporation (“Qwest”), Lumen’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, commenced offers to exchange (the “Exchange Offers”) $978 million aggregate principal amount of 6.500% Notes due 2056 (the “2056 Notes”) and $660 million aggregate principal amount of 6.750% Notes due 2057 (the “2057 Notes” and, together with the 2056 Notes, the “Old Qwest Notes”) issued by Qwest for 6.500% Notes due 2056 (the “New 2056 Notes”) and 6.750% Notes due 2057 (the “New 2057 Notes” and, together with the New 2056 Notes, the “New Qwest Notes”) to be issued by Qwest, respectively, and to be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on an unsecured basis by Lumen, in each case upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in a Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the SEC on April 16, 2026 and declared effective on April 20, 2026. Each New Qwest Note issued in exchange for an Old Qwest Note will have an interest rate, maturity, interest payment dates and redemption prices that are the same as the tendered Old Qwest Note, and will accrue interest from and including the most recent interest payment date of the tendered Old Qwest Note.
In connection with the Exchange Offers, Qwest and Lumen are also soliciting consents from holders of each series of the Old Qwest Notes to certain proposed amendments to the indentures governing the Old Qwest Notes (the “Proposed Amendments”). To adopt the Proposed Amendments related to a series of Old Qwest Notes, Qwest must receive consents from holders representing at least a majority of the outstanding aggregate principal amount of such series of Old Qwest Notes (the “Requisite Consents”). Receipt of the Requisite Consents is not a condition to the consummation of the Exchange Offers. The Proposed Amendments would, among other things, eliminate substantially all of the restrictive covenants in the applicable indenture governing such series of Old Qwest Notes. If the requisite consents are received, a supplemental indenture giving effect to the Proposed Amendments will be executed and become effective on the settlement date, and the Proposed Amendments will bind all holders of the applicable series of Old Qwest Notes, including holders who did not consent to such amendments.

As part of simplifying its reporting obligations, Lumen intends to delist the Old Qwest Notes from the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") and deregister the Old Qwest Notes under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Qwest intends to cease filing reports with the SEC under the Exchange Act with respect to the New Qwest Notes, in reliance on Rule 12h-5 under the Exchange Act, subject to Lumen's periodic reports containing the disclosures required by Rule 13-01 of Regulation S-X. Lumen has applied to list the New Qwest Notes on the NYSE. On April 30, 2026, Qwest filed a Notification of Removal from Listing on Form 25 with the SEC in connection with the delisting of the Old Qwest Notes from the NYSE. The delisting of the Old Qwest Notes is expected to become effective on or about May 11, 2026, and Lumen intends to file a Certification and Notice of Termination on Form 15 with the SEC to deregister the Old Qwest Notes and suspend Qwest’s reporting obligations under Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act.

Supplemental Indentures and Lumen Parent Guarantee

On April 30, 2026, Lumen and certain of its subsidiaries entered into supplemental indentures (the “Supplemental Indentures”) relating to (i) the indenture, dated June 30, 2025, governing the 6.875% first lien notes due 2033 issued by Level 3 Financing and (ii) the indenture, dated August 18, 2025, governing the 7.000% first lien notes due 2034 issued by Level 3 Financing (collectively, the “1L Indentures”). Pursuant to the Supplemental Indentures, Lumen provided unconditional guarantees on a senior unsecured basis of Level 3 Financing’s obligations under the 1L Indentures, in each case on the terms and conditions set forth in the 1L Indentures, subject to release as provided therein.

On April 30, 2026, Lumen also entered into a parent guarantee agreement pursuant to which Lumen provided an unconditional guarantee on a senior unsecured basis of Level 3 Financing’s obligations under the credit facilities under its credit agreement, dated March 22, 2024 (as amended, restated, amended and restated or otherwise modified, the “Level 3 Credit Agreement”).

The guarantees described above were entered into to simplify the reporting obligations of Lumen and its subsidiaries. As a result, Level 3 Parent will no longer file reports with the SEC and will instead satisfy its reporting obligations under the 1L Indentures, the indentures governing its senior unsecured notes, and the Level 3 Credit Agreement by furnishing Lumen’s Exchange Act filings. Lumen’s Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q will include certain summary financial information of Level 3 Parent on a consolidated basis.
v3.26.1
Severance
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Severance
Note 6—Severance

Periodically, we reduce our workforce and accrue liabilities for the related severance costs. These workforce reductions result primarily from the progression or completion of our post-acquisition integration plans, increased competitive pressures, cost reduction initiatives, process improvements through automation, and reduced workloads due to reduced demand for certain services.

Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses were as follows:

Severance

(Dollars in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2025$34 
Accrued to expense29 
Payments, net(18)
Balance as of March 31, 2026$45 
v3.26.1
Employee Benefits
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Employee Benefits
Note 7—Employee Benefits

For detailed descriptions of the various defined benefit pension plans (qualified and non-qualified), post-retirement benefits plan, and defined contribution plan we sponsor, see Note 11—Employee Benefits 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, 2025.

Net periodic benefit expense for the Lumen Combined Pension Plan (the "Combined Pension Plan" or the "Plan") includes the following components:

Combined Pension Plan
 Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
 (Dollars in millions)
Service cost$4 5 
Interest cost51 60 
Expected return on plan assets(64)(63)
Settlement charges9 — 
Curtailment loss5 — 
Recognition of actuarial loss28 35 
Net periodic pension expense$33 37 

Net periodic benefit expense for our post-retirement benefit plan includes the following components:

 
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20262025
 (Dollars in millions)
Service cost$1 1 
Interest cost19 22 
Recognition of prior service credit(1)(2)
Recognition of actuarial gain(7)(6)
Curtailment gain(10)— 
Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense$2 15 
Service costs for our pension and post-retirement benefit plan are included in the Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) and Selling, general and administrative line items in our consolidated statements of operations and all other costs listed above are included in Other income, net in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025.

In connection with the sale of our Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home business described in Note 2—Divestiture, the pension liability for certain employees and an immaterial amount of pension assets was transferred to a pension plan sponsored by the purchaser. This transaction triggered a settlement charge for the Combined Pension Plan of $9 million that was recognized as part of the gain on the sale of the business, within our operating income in our consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2026. In addition, the transfer of employees as part of the sale and the related termination of other employees related to the sale resulted in a curtailment loss for the Combined Pension Plan of $5 million, including the recognition of $1 million in prior service costs and a curtailment gain of $10 million for our post-retirement benefit plan, including the recognition of $6 million of prior service credits. This net curtailment gain was also recognized as part of the gain on the sale of the business, reflected in our consolidated statements of operations as described above.

Our Combined Pension Plan contains provisions that allow us, from time to time, to offer lump sum payment options to certain former employees in settlement of their future retirement benefits. We record an accounting settlement charge, consisting of the recognition of certain deferred costs of the pension plan associated with these lump sum payments, only if in the aggregate they exceed or are probable to exceed the sum of the annual service and interest costs for the plan’s net periodic pension benefit cost, which represents the settlement accounting threshold. The amount of any future non-cash settlement charges will be dependent on several factors, including the total amount of our future lump sum benefit payments.

Benefits paid by the Combined Pension Plan are paid through a trust that holds the Plan's assets. The amount of required contributions to the Combined Pension Plan in 2026 and beyond will depend on a variety of factors, most of which are beyond our control, including earnings on plan investments, prevailing interest rates, demographic experience, changes in plan benefits, and changes in funding laws and regulations. We made a voluntary contribution of $101 million to the trust for the Combined Pension Plan during the first quarter of 2026. Based on current laws and circumstances, we do not expect to be required to make any additional contributions in 2026.
v3.26.1
Loss Per Common Share
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Loss Per Common Share
Note 8—Loss Per Common Share

Basic and diluted loss per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 were calculated as follows:

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20262025
 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)
Loss (numerator)
Net loss$(200)(201)
Net loss applicable to common stock for computing basic loss per common share(200)(201)
Net loss as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted loss per common share(200)(201)
Shares (denominator):
Weighted-average number of shares:
Outstanding during period1,026,823 1,018,252 
Non-vested restricted stock(27,932)(26,983)
Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic loss per common share998,891 991,269 
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Shares issuable under convertible securities— — 
Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans— — 
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted loss per common share998,891 991,269 
Basic loss per common share$(0.20)(0.20)
Diluted loss per common share(1)
$(0.20)(0.20)
______________________________________________________________________ 
(1)For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, we excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share 14 million and 12 million shares, respectively, potentially issuable under incentive compensation plans or convertible securities, as their effect, if included, would have been anti-dilutive due to our net loss position.

Our calculation of diluted loss per common share excludes non-vested restricted stock awards that are anti-dilutive based upon the terms of the award. Such shares were 4.9 million and 13.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, respectively.
v3.26.1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Note 9—Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, long-term debt (excluding finance lease and other obligations), certain equity investments, and certain indemnification obligations. Due primarily to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of our cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, and accounts payable 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 using the below-described 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 LevelDescription of Input
Level 1Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
Level 2Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3Unobservable 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 well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:

  March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
 Input
Level		Carrying
Amount		Fair
Value		Carrying
Amount		Fair
Value
 (Dollars in millions)
Long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations
2$12,737 12,406 17,221 17,101 
Indemnifications related to the sale of the Latin American business(1)
385 8286 82 
Regulatory cost liability related to the sale of the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business(2)
336 36— — 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)Nonrecurring fair value is measured as of August 1, 2022.
(2)Nonrecurring fair value is measured as of February 2, 2026.
v3.26.1
Segment Information
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Segment Information
Note 10—Segment Information

Historically, we disclosed two reportable segments, Business and Mass Markets, based on customer-facing sales channels, reflecting how the business was managed and how we supported our customers. In connection with the sale of the Mass Markets Fiber‑to‑the‑Home business in 11 states to AT&T, which closed on February 2, 2026, our Chief Executive Officer, who serves as the Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), changed how the business is managed beginning in January 2026. The CODM now makes operating decisions and assesses performance and profitability on a consolidated basis and does not regularly review discrete financial information for individual business components.

As a result, we manage our business, make operating decisions, and evaluate financial performance based on one operating segment, which also represents our single reportable segment. The CODM primarily uses net income (loss), as well as a secondary non-GAAP financial measure of adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"), to assess financial performance and allocate resources. These financial measures are used by the CODM to make key operating decisions.

Although our revenue is disaggregated by product and sales channel, which aligns with the customer markets in which the revenues are generated, we do not allocate significant operating expenses, assets, or debt to those sales channels. See Note 4—Revenue Recognition for additional information regarding revenue disaggregation.

The following tables present selected financial information with respect to our single operating segment:

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20262025
 (Dollars in millions)
Revenue$2,899 3,182 
Operating expenses
Cost of services and products related to network expenses837 1,018 
Headcount costs643 619 
Non-headcount costs736 715 
Net gain on sale of business(596)— 
Stock-based compensation13 10 
Depreciation and amortization664 713 
Total operating expenses
2,297 3,075 
Total operating income602 107 
Total other expense, net(425)(352)
Income (loss) before income taxes
177 (245)
Income tax expense (benefit)377 (44)
Net loss$(200)(201)

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in millions)
Revenue$2,899 3,182 
Operating expenses
Cost of services and products related to network expenses837 1,018 
Headcount costs643 619 
Non-headcount costs736 715 
Net gain on sale of business(596)— 
Adjusted EBITDA
$1,279 830 
Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in millions)
Net loss
$(200)(201)
Stock-based compensation13 10 
Depreciation and amortization664 713 
Total other expense, net(425)(352)
Income tax expense (benefit)377 (44)
Adjusted EBITDA
$1,279 830 
v3.26.1
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items
Note 11—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.

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, as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, we had accrued $57 million and $71 million, respectively, in the aggregate for our litigation and non-income tax contingencies, which is included in Other current liabilities or Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets as of such dates. Although we quantify our exposure for certain matters below, we cannot at this time estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, if any, in excess of our $57 million accrual as of March 31, 2026 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.

In this Note, a reference to a "putative" class action means a class has been alleged, but not certified, in that matter.

Principal Proceedings

Houser Shareholder Suit

Lumen and certain of its current and former officers and directors were named as defendants in a putative shareholder class action lawsuit filed on June 12, 2018 in the Boulder County District Court of the state of Colorado, captioned Houser et al. v. CenturyLink, et al. The original complaint asserted claims on behalf of a putative class of former Level 3 Communications, Inc. ("Level 3") shareholders who became CenturyLink, Inc. shareholders as a result of our acquisition of Level 3. It alleged that the proxy statement provided to the Level 3 shareholders failed to disclose various material information, including information about strategic revenue, customer loss rates, and customer account issues, among other items. The original complaint sought damages, costs and fees, rescission, rescissory damages, and other equitable relief. In May 2020, the court dismissed the original complaint. The plaintiffs appealed that decision, and in March 2022, the appellate court affirmed the district court's order in part and reversed it in part. It then remanded the case to the district court for further proceedings. The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint asserting the same claims and prayer for relief, and we filed a motion to dismiss. The court granted our motion to dismiss in May 2023 and the plaintiffs appealed that dismissal. In August 2024, the appellate court set aside the trial court's dismissal. In October 2024, we filed a petition with the Colorado Supreme Court. In April 2026, the Colorado Supreme Court affirmed the decision of the appellate court.

Lead-Sheathed Cable Litigation

Disclosure Litigation

On September 15, 2023, a purported shareholder of Lumen filed a putative class action complaint originally captioned Glauber, et al. v. Lumen Technologies (now captioned In re Lumen Technologies, Inc. Securities Litigation II, Case 3:23-cv-01290), in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The complaint alleged that Lumen and certain of its current and former officers violated the federal securities laws by omitting or misstating material information related to Lumen’s responsibility for environmental degradation allegedly caused by the lead sheathing of certain telecommunications cables. The court appointed lead plaintiffs who filed an amended complaint, seeking money damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and other relief. On March 31, 2025, the court granted Lumen's motion to dismiss plaintiffs' claims with prejudice. On April 30, 2025, the plaintiffs filed an appeal which is captioned McLemore v. Lumen Technologies, Case 25-30264, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit. On January 30, 2026, the Fifth Circuit reversed on prejudice only and modified the dismissal to be without prejudice. On April 23, 2026, the plaintiffs filed a second amended complaint.
Derivative Litigation

On June 11, 2024, a purported shareholder of Lumen filed a shareholder derivative complaint on behalf of Lumen captioned Brown v. Johnson, et al., Case 3:24-cv-00798-TAD-KDM, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. The complaint alleges claims for breach of fiduciary duty, violations of the federal securities laws, and other causes of action against current and former officers and directors of Lumen relating to placement or presence of lead-sheathed telecommunications cables. The complaint seeks damages, injunctive relief, and attorneys' fees. Substantially similar derivative cases have been filed as follows: (i) on August 9, 2024, Pourarian v. Johnson, et al., Case 3:24-cv-01071-TAD-KMM in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana; (ii) on September 9, 2024, Capistrano v. Johnson, et al., Case 3:24-cv-01234-TAD-KMM in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana; (iii) on September 16, 2024, Vogel v. Perry, et al., Case 2024-3360 in the 4th Judicial District Court for the Parish of Ouachita, State of Louisiana, subsequently removed on September 17, 2024 to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana as Case 3:24-cv-01274-TAD-KMM; and (iv) on September 25, 2024, Murray v. Allen, et al., Case 3:24-cv-01320 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana. In April 2025, the court consolidated the Brown, Pourarian, Capistrano, and Murray actions and stayed the consolidated action pending further developments in In re Lumen Technologies, Inc. Securities Litigation II. In July 2025, the court similarly stayed the Vogel action.

Environmental Litigation

Parish of St. Mary

On July 9, 2024, a putative class action complaint was filed in the 16th Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, Case 138575, asserting claims on behalf of all parishes, municipalities, and citizens owning real properties in the State of Louisiana that have been affected by lead-sheathed telecommunications cables installed by AT&T and Lumen or their predecessors. The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief under Louisiana state law. The case was removed to the United States District Court Western District of Louisiana Lafayette Division, Case 6:24-CV-01001-RRS-DJA. On December 6, 2024, the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the class action complaint without prejudice. On December 13, 2024, St. Mary’s Parish along with other parishes, municipalities, and two individuals served a notice of intent to file citizen suit under the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act, asserting claims identical to the class action which the plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed. In April 2025, the Village of Parks (one of the municipalities which had served a notice of intent to file a citizen suit) served Lumen with a petition in an action captioned Village of Parks v. Lumen Technologies, Inc., Case 95026, in the 16th Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. Martin, State of Louisiana. The Village of Parks petition seeks damages and injunctive relief under Louisiana state law relating to the above-described allegations about lead-sheathed telecommunications cables.

Blum

On November 6, 2023, a putative class action complaint was filed in the 16th Judicial District Court for the Parish of St. Mary, State of Louisiana, Case 137935, asserting claims on behalf of all citizens owning real properties in the State of Louisiana that have been affected by lead-sheathed telecommunications cables installed by AT&T, BellSouth, Verizon, and Lumen or their predecessors. The complaint seeks damages and injunctive relief under Louisiana state law. The case has been removed to Federal Court in the United States District Court Western District of Louisiana Lafayette Division, Case 6:23-CV-01748. In December 2024, the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint and a motion for remand. In September 2025, the motion to remand was denied.
FCRA Litigation

In November 2014, a putative class action complaint captioned Bultemeyer v. CenturyLink, Inc. was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Arizona, Case CV-14-02530-PHX-SPL, alleging violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the "FCRA"). In February 2017, the case was dismissed for lack of standing. The plaintiff appealed and the Ninth Circuit reversed and remanded. Class certification was contested and ultimately granted in 2023. The Ninth Circuit denied Lumen’s request to appeal the class certification ruling. A jury trial was conducted in September 2024. The jury found that CenturyLink willfully violated the FCRA and awarded each class member $500 for statutory damages and $2,000 for punitive damages. The district court denied Lumen’s post-trial motions for relief, and on October 16, 2024, Lumen filed an appeal which is captioned Bultemeyer v. CenturyLink, Inc., Case 24-6413, in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. We have not accrued a contingent liability for this matter. While liability is possible, we have not determined it to be probable, and damages exposure, if any, is uncertain.

Latin American Tax Indemnification Claims

In connection with the 2022 divestiture of our Latin American business, the purchaser assumed responsibility for the Brazilian tax claims described in our prior periodic reports filed with the SEC. However, we agreed to indemnify the purchaser for amounts paid with respect to the Brazilian tax claims. The value of this indemnification and others associated with the Latin American business divestiture are included in the indemnification amount as disclosed in Note 9—Fair Value of Financial Instruments. In addition, there remain other pending proceedings in Brazil, Peru, and other Latin America countries, that, if upheld, could result in a reasonably possible loss of up to approximately $83 million in excess of the amount accrued as of March 31, 2026.

December 2018 Outage Proceedings

We experienced an outage on one of our transport networks that impacted voice, IP, 911, and transport services for some of our customers between the 27th and 29th of December 2018. We believe that the outage was caused by a faulty network management card from a third-party equipment vendor.

The FCC and four states initiated formal investigations. In November 2020, following the FCC's release of a public report on the outage, we negotiated a settlement which was disclosed by the FCC in December 2020. The amount of the settlement was not material to our financial statements.

In December 2020, the Staff of the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission ("WUTC") filed a complaint against us based on the December 2018 outage, seeking penalties of approximately $7 million for alleged violations of Washington regulations and laws. The Washington Attorney General's office sought penalties of $27 million. Following trial, the WUTC issued an order imposing a penalty of approximately $1 million. On April 15, 2024, we appealed that decision to the Washington State Court of Appeals. In August 2025, the Court of Appeals denied the appeal. In September 2025, we filed a petition for review with the Washington State Supreme Court. In January 2026, the Washington State Supreme Court denied our petition for review.
Huawei Network Deployment Investigations

Lumen has received requests from the following federal agencies for information relating to the use of equipment manufactured by Huawei Technologies Company ("Huawei") in Lumen’s networks.

•DOJ. Lumen has received a civil investigative demand from the U.S. Department of Justice in the course of a False Claims Act investigation alleging that Lumen Technologies, Inc. and Lumen Technologies Government Solutions, Inc. failed to comply with certain specified requirements in federal contracts concerning their use of Huawei equipment.

•FCC. The FCC’s Enforcement Bureau issued a Letter of Inquiry to Lumen Technologies, Inc. regarding its written certifications to the FCC that Lumen has complied with FCC rules governing the use of resources derived from the High Cost Program, Lifeline Program, Rural Health Care Program, E-Rate Program, Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, and the Affordable Connectivity Program. Under these programs, federal funds may not be used to facilitate the deployment or maintenance of equipment or services provided by Huawei, a company the FCC has determined poses a national security threat to the integrity of U.S. communications networks or the communications supply chain.

•Team Telecom. The Committee for the Assessment of Foreign Participation in the United States Telecommunications Service Sector (comprised of the U.S. Attorney General, and the Secretaries of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Defense), commonly referred to as Team Telecom, issued questions and requests for information relating to Lumen’s FCC licenses and its use of Huawei equipment.

Marshall Fire Litigation

On December 30, 2021, a wildfire referred to as the Marshall Fire ignited near Boulder, Colorado. The Marshall Fire killed two people, and it burned thousands of acres, including entire neighborhoods. Approximately 300 lawsuits seeking substantial monetary relief have been filed naming as defendants our affiliate Qwest Corporation, an additional telecommunications company, and certain power companies. The complaints involving Qwest have been consolidated with Kupfner et al., v. Public Service Company of Colorado, et al., Case 2022-cv-30195 pending in Colorado District Court, Boulder, Colorado. In September 2025, the court vacated the trial date because the defendants reached agreements in principle to settle with virtually all of the plaintiffs, which have been finalized. The court scheduled a trial involving the last remaining individual plaintiff for September 2026.

Minnesota State Income Tax Appeal

In May 2025, the Minnesota Department of Revenue issued an order (the "Order") denying the Company's petition for a separate allocation or separate apportionment of the taxable gain resulting from the 2022 divestiture of a portion of our incumbent local exchange carrier ("ILEC") business and making other minor adjustments. The Order seeks to assess additional income tax, penalties, and interest for the 2021 and 2022 tax years. On August 4, 2025, Lumen filed an appeal of the Order disputing this assessment, which is captioned Lumen Technologies, Inc. v. Commissioner of Revenue, Docket No. 9744-R., in the Minnesota Tax Court. The Company previously established an uncertain tax position for this item.

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, tax issues, or environmental law issues, grievance hearings before labor regulatory agencies, miscellaneous third-party tort actions, or commercial disputes.

We are currently defending several patent infringement lawsuits asserted against us by non-practicing entities 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.
We are subject to various foreign, 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. In addition, in the past we acquired companies that had installed lead-sheathed cables several decades earlier, or had operated certain manufacturing companies in the first part of the 1900s. Under applicable environmental laws, we could be named as a potentially responsible party for a share of the remediation of environmental conditions arising from the historical operations of our predecessors.

The outcomes of these other proceedings described under this heading are 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 our contingencies. For additional information on our contingencies, see Note 17—Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. 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 we currently consider insignificant may ultimately affect us materially.
v3.26.1
Other Financial Information
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Financial Information
Note 12—Other Financial Information

Other Current Assets, Net

The following table presents details of other current assets, net reflected on our consolidated balance sheets:

March 31, 2026December 31, 2025

(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses$473 404 
Income tax receivable9 468 
Materials, supplies and inventory132 165 
Contract assets17 18 
Contract acquisition costs93 98 
Contract fulfillment costs141 136 
Other28 18 
Total other current assets, net(1)
$893 1,307 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)    As of December 31, 2025, this amount excludes $30 million of other current assets associated with the disposal group classified as held for sale.

Current Liabilities

Included in accounts payable as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025 were $348 million and $463 million, respectively, associated with capital expenditures.
v3.26.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Note 13—Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Information Relating to 2026

The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheet by component:

Pension PlansPost-Retirement Benefit PlansForeign Currency Translation Adjustment and OtherTotal
 (Dollars in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2025$(848)271 (24)(601)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications— — 3 3 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss27 (10)— 17 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)27 (10)3 20 
Balance as of March 31, 2026$(821)261 (21)(581)

The table below presents further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2026Decrease (Increase)
in Net Income		Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
 (Dollars in millions) 
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans(1)
  
Net actuarial loss$31 Other income, net
Prior service credit(8)Other income, net
Total before tax23  
Income tax benefit(6)Income tax expense (benefit)
Net of tax$17  
________________________________________________________________________
(1)See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information on our net periodic benefit expense related to our pension and post-retirement plans.
Information Relating to 2025

The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component:

Pension PlansPost-Retirement Benefit PlansForeign Currency Translation Adjustment and OtherTotal
 (Dollars in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2024$(1,003)320 (40)(723)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
— — 3 3 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss26 (6)— 20 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)26 (6)3 23 
Balance as of March 31, 2025$(977)314 (37)(700)

The table below presents further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2025Decrease (Increase)
in Net Income		Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
 (Dollars in millions) 
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans(1)
  
Net actuarial loss$29 Other income, net
Prior service credit(2)Other income, net
Total before tax27  
Income tax benefit(7)Income tax expense (benefit)
Net of tax$20  
________________________________________________________________________
(1)See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information on our net periodic benefit expense related to our pension and post-retirement plans.
v3.26.1
Labor Union Contracts
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]  
Labor Union Contracts
Note 14—Labor Union Contracts

As of March 31, 2026, approximately 16% of our employees were represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). Approximately 8% of our represented employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements that are scheduled to expire over the 12-month period ending March 31, 2027.
v3.26.1
Subsequent Event
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Subsequent Events [Abstract]  
Subsequent Event Subsequent Event
Pending Acquisition

On May 4, 2026, our wholly owned subsidiary, Level 3 Communications, LLC ("Level 3 Communications"), entered into an agreement and plan of merger to acquire Alkira, Inc. ("Alkira"). Pursuant to the merger agreement, Apollo Sub, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Level 3 Communications, will be merged with and into Alkira, with Alkira surviving the merger as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Level 3 Communications, for $475 million in cash subject to customary working capital and other post-closing adjustments. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory review. We currently expect the transaction to close in the third quarter of 2026.
v3.26.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Trading Arrangements, by Individual  
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated false
v3.26.1
Background (Policies)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and the applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") for interim financial reporting. Certain information and disclosures normally included in our audited annual financial statements have been condensed or omitted. We believe these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries in which we have a controlling interest. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated.

Noncontrolling Interests

To simplify the overall presentation of our consolidated financial statements, when noncontrolling interests are present, we report immaterial amounts attributable to noncontrolling interests in certain of our subsidiaries as follows:

•income attributable to noncontrolling interests in other income, net,

•equity attributable to noncontrolling interests in common stock, and

•cash flows attributable to noncontrolling interests in other, net financing activities.

As of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, we no longer had any noncontrolling interests.
Reclassifications
Reclassifications

In the first quarter of 2026, we updated our product category framework for Business revenue, eliminating the previously disclosed Grow, Nurture, Harvest, and Other categories and replacing them with Strategic and Legacy categories. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.
These changes had no impact on total operating revenue, total operating expenses, or net loss for any period.
Recently Accounting Pronouncements
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In December 2025, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2025-12 “Codification Improvements.” The ASU represents changes to the Codification that clarify, correct errors, or make minor improvements. The amendments make the Codification easier to understand and apply. The amendments in ASU 2025-12 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, including interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. Except for the amendments to Topic 260, "Earnings Per Share" this ASU can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively with transition method elected on an issue-by-issue basis. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2025-12 to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-11, "Interim Reporting (Topic 270): Narrow-Scope Improvements." This ASU clarifies that the interim reporting requirements in Topic 270 apply to all entities that issue interim financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP and consolidates such requirements within Topic 270. The amendments provide a comprehensive list within Topic 270 of required interim disclosures, establish a principle requiring disclosure of events or changes occurring after the end of the most recent annual reporting period that have a material impact on interim results and clarifies the form and content requirements applicable to interim financial statements. The amendments in ASU 2025-11 are effective for the interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. This ASU can be applied either prospectively or retrospectively to any or all prior periods presented in the financial statements. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2025-11 to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In December 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-10, "Government Grants (Topic 832): Accounting for Government Grants Received by Business Entities." This ASU establishes authoritative guidance on the accounting for government grants received by business entities. The amendments in ASU 2025-10 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2028, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. This ASU can be applied using a modified prospective approach, a modified retrospective approach, or a retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2025-10 to determine the impact it may have on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-09, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815): Hedge Accounting Improvements." This ASU introduces five targeted improvements to better align hedge accounting with entities’ risk management activities. The amendments in ASU 2025-09 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted and should be applied on a prospective basis for all hedging relationships. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-09 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In November 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-08, "Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Purchased Loans." This ASU requires that loans acquired without credit deterioration and deemed “seasoned” will be considered purchased seasoned loans and accounted for using the gross-up approach at acquisition (i.e., record the loan at its purchase price and separately record an allowance for expected credit losses). Seasoned loans include all loans acquired in a business combination, that do not have “more-than-insignificant” deterioration of credit quality since origination, as well as loans purchased at least 90 days after origination, where the purchaser was not involved in the origination of the loans. The amendments in ASU 2025-08 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. This ASU should be applied prospectively to loans that are acquired on or after the initial application date. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-08 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-07, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)" and "Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)." The guidance refines the scope of Topic 815 to clarify which contracts are subject to derivative accounting. This ASU also provides clarification under Topic 606 for share-based payments from a customer in a revenue contract. The amendments in ASU 2025-07 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. This ASU is permitted to be applied either prospectively to new contracts entered into on or after the date of adoption or on a modified retrospective basis through a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-07 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, "Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software" which amends the guidance in ASC 350-40, "Intangibles — Goodwill and Other — Internal-Use Software." This ASU modernizes the recognition and disclosure framework for internal-use software costs, removing the previous “development stage” model and introducing a more judgment-based approach. The amendments in ASU 2025-06 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, and for interim periods within those annual reporting periods, with early adoption permitted. This ASU is permitted to be applied prospectively, retrospectively or through a modified transition approach. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-06 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption of ASU 2025-06 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05 "Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses for Accounts Receivable and Contract Assets." This ASU provides entities with a practical expedient to simplify the estimation of expected credit losses on current accounts receivable and current contract assets that arise from transactions accounted for under ASC 606 by allowing the assumption that current conditions as of the balance sheet date will not change during the remaining life of the asset. The amendments in ASU 2025-05 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2025, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early prospective adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2025-05 effective January 1, 2026. The adoption of ASU 2025-05 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In May 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-04 "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Clarifications to Share-Based Consideration Payable to a Customer (“ASU 2025-04”)." This ASU clarifies the guidance on the accounting for share-based payment awards that are granted by an entity as consideration payable to its customer, with the intent to reduce diversity in practice and improve existing guidance by revising the definition of a “performance condition” and eliminating a forfeiture policy election for service conditions associated with share-based consideration payable to a customer. It also clarifies the guidance in Topic 606 on the variable consideration constraint does not apply to share-based consideration payable to a customer “regardless of whether an award’s grant date has occurred”. ASU 2025-04 will be effective for the annual periods beginning after December 15, 2026 with early adoption permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-04 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-03 "Business Combinations (Topic 805) and Consolidation (Topic 810): Determining the Accounting Acquirer in the Acquisition of a Variable Interest Entity." This ASU revises current guidance for determining the accounting acquirer for a transaction effected primarily by exchanging equity interests in which the legal acquiree is a variable interest entity that meets the definition of a business. The amendments require an entity to consider the same factors that are currently required for determining which entity is the accounting acquirer in other acquisition transactions. The amendments in ASU 2025-03 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods within those annual reporting periods, with early prospective adoption permitted. The Company early adopted ASU 2025-03 prospectively, effective January 1, 2026. The adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-03, "Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses." This ASU requires additional footnote disclosure of the details of certain income statement expense line items as well as additional disclosure about selling expenses. The amendments in ASU 2024-03 are effective for the annual period of fiscal 2027, and early adoption is permitted. The guidance is to be applied prospectively, with the option for retrospective application. The Company is currently evaluating ASU 2024-03 and the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our disclosures.
v3.26.1
Divestiture (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]  
Schedule of Balance Sheet Components at Fair Value as of Transaction Close Date
These liabilities were recorded on our consolidated balance sheet at the fair value as of the transaction close date of February 2, 2026 as follows:

Balance Sheet Classification
Initial Fair Value Liabilities
(Dollars in millions)
Other current liabilities
$58 
Current portion of deferred revenue88 
Deferred revenue525 
Other liabilities94 
Total liabilities
$765 
v3.26.1
Intangible Assets (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Intangible Assets, Net
Intangible assets, net is composed of the following:

March 31, 2026
December 31, 2025
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
Gross Carrying Amount
Accumulated Amortization
Net Carrying Amount
(Dollars in millions)
Customer relationships
$7,547 $5,094 2,453 7,547 4,945 2,602 
Capitalized software(1)
5,422 3,689 1,733 5,743 3,940 1,803 
Patents and other
158 104 54 158 100 58 
Total
$13,127 8,887 4,240 13,448 8,985 4,463 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)     Certain capitalized software with a gross carrying value of $259 million became fully amortized during 2025 and were retired during the first quarter of 2026.
Schedule of Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets
Total amortization expense for intangible assets was as follows:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in millions)
Amortization expense
$251 252 
v3.26.1
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers by Products and Services
The following tables provide total revenue by sales channel and product category. They also provide the amount of revenue that is not subject to Topic 606, but is instead governed by other accounting standards. The amounts in the tables below include revenue for the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business prior to its sale on February 2, 2026:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2026
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Sales Channel and Product Category
Large Enterprise
Strategic$535 (131)404 
Legacy243 — 243 
Total Large Enterprise Revenue778 (131)647 
Mid-Market Enterprise
Strategic239 (6)233 
Legacy200 (1)199 
Total Mid-Market Enterprise Revenue439 (7)432 
Public Sector
Strategic179 (26)153 
Legacy327 (1)326 
Total Public Sector Revenue506 (27)479 
Wholesale
Strategic259 (76)183 
Legacy389 (39)350 
Total Wholesale Revenue648 (115)533 
International and Other
Strategic34 (1)33 
Legacy39 — 39 
Total International and Other73 (1)72 
Business Revenue by Product Category
Strategic1,246 (240)1,006 
Legacy1,198 (41)1,157 
Total Business Revenue2,444 (281)2,163 
Mass Markets by Product Category
Fiber Broadband92 (17)75 
Other Broadband205 (2)203 
Voice and Other158 (1)157 
Total Mass Markets Revenue455 (20)435 
Total Revenue$2,899 (301)2,598 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Sales Channel and Product Category
Large Enterprise
Strategic$463 (87)376 
Legacy306 — 306 
Total Large Enterprise Revenue769 (87)682 
Mid-Market Enterprise
Strategic232 (6)226 
Legacy255 (2)253 
Total Mid-Market Enterprise Revenue487 (8)479 
Public Sector
Strategic143 (24)119 
Legacy338 — 338 
Total Public Sector Revenue481 (24)457 
Wholesale
Strategic268 (75)193 
Legacy435 (40)395 
Total Wholesale Revenue703 (115)588 
International and Other
Strategic33 (1)32 
Legacy51 — 51 
Total International and Other84 (1)83 
Business Revenue by Product Category
Strategic1,139 (193)946 
Legacy1,385 (42)1,343 
Total Business Revenue2,524 (235)2,289 
Mass Markets by Product Category
Fiber Broadband209 (3)206 
Other Broadband257 (24)233 
Voice and Other192 (9)183 
Total Mass Markets Revenue658 (36)622 
Total Revenue$3,182 (271)2,911 
____________________________________________________________________
(1)Includes regulatory revenue and lease revenue not within the scope of ASC 606.
Schedule of Operating Lease Revenue
The following table provides details of our gross operating lease revenue:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in millions)
Operating lease revenue
$300 262
Percentage of Operating revenue
10 %8 %
Schedule of Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability
The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities, net of amounts classified as held for sale:

March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
 (Dollars in millions)
Customer receivables, less allowance of $65 and $57(1)
$1,597 1,316 
Contract assets
31 33 
Contract liabilities(2)
699 647 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)    As of December 31, 2025, this amount excluded $13 million of customer receivables, net associated with the disposal group classified as held for sale.
(2)     As of December 31, 2025, this amount excluded $32 million of contract liabilities associated with the disposal group classified as held for sale.
Schedule of Capitalized Contract Cost
The following tables provide changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2026

Acquisition Costs
Fulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning of period balance(1)
$196 264 
Costs incurred34 52 
Amortization(31)(42)
Change in contract costs held for sale(2)— 
End of period balance
$197 274 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)    The beginning balance for the three months ended March 31, 2026 excluded $24 million and $21 million of acquisition costs and fulfillment costs, respectively, associated with the disposal group classified as held for sale.


Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Acquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning of period balance
$203 222 
Costs incurred40 51 
Amortization(33)(37)
End of period balance
$210 236 
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-term Debt Including Unamortized Discounts and Premiums
The following table reflects the consolidated long-term debt of Lumen Technologies, Inc. and its subsidiaries as of the dates indicated below, including unamortized premiums (discounts) and unamortized debt issuance costs:

Interest Rates(1)
Maturities(1)
March 31, 2026December 31, 2025

  (Dollars in millions)
Senior Secured Debt: (2)
Lumen Technologies, Inc.
Series A Revolving Credit Facility
SOFR + 4.00%
2028$— — 
Series B Revolving Credit Facility
SOFR + 6.00%
2028— — 
Term Loan A(3)
N/A
N/A— 338 
Term Loan B-1(4)
N/A
N/A— 1,590 
Term Loan B-2(4)
N/A
N/A— 1,590 
Superpriority notes
N/A
N/A
— 1,247 
Subsidiaries
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Term Loan B-4(5)
SOFR + 3.25%
20322,400 2,400 
First Lien notes(6)
6.875% - 7.000%
2033 - 2034
4,425 4,425 
Unsecured Senior Notes and Other Debt:
    
Lumen Technologies, Inc.
Senior notes
4.500% - 7.650%
2028 - 2042
1,296 1,296 
Subsidiaries
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
Senior notes
3.625% - 8.500%
2028 - 2036
2,794 2,144 
Second Lien notes (formerly secured)
3.875% - 4.875%
2029 - 2031
52 660 
Qwest Corporation
Senior notes
6.500% - 7.750%
2030 - 2057
1,736 1,736 
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
Senior notes
6.875% - 7.750%
2028 - 2031
165 169 
Finance lease and other obligationsVariousVarious223 220 
Unamortized premiums (discounts), net  3 (223)
Unamortized debt issuance costs(134)(151)
Total long-term debt  12,960 17,441 
Less current maturities   (35)(88)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities  $12,925 17,353 
______________________________________________________________________ 
(1)As of March 31, 2026. All references to "SOFR" refer to the Secured Overnight Financing Rate.
(2)The debt listed under the caption “Senior Secured Debt” was either secured by assets of the issuer, guaranteed on a secured or unsecured basis by certain affiliates of the issuer, or both.
(3)Lumen's Term Loan A had an interest rate of 9.916% as of December 31, 2025.
(4)Lumen's Term Loan B-1 and B-2 each had an interest rate of 6.380% as of December 31, 2025.
(5)Level 3 Financing's Term Loan B-4 had an interest rate of 6.923% and 7.166% as of March 31, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.
(6)Reflects Level 3 Financing's (i) Senior Secured notes issued on March 31, 2023 and (ii) First Lien notes issued on March 22, 2024, June 30, 2025, August 18, 2025, and September 8, 2025.
Schedule of Maturities of Long-Term Debt
Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2026 (excluding unamortized premiums (discounts), net, and unamortized debt issuance costs), maturing during the following years:
 
(Dollars in millions)
2026 (remaining nine months)$31 
202720 
2028380 
20291,277 
2030141 
2031 and thereafter11,242 
Total long-term debt$13,091 
Schedule of Debt Repurchases
The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount of each series of Second Lien notes purchased as part of this transaction:

Debt
Principal Amount Purchased
(Dollars in millions)
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
4.875% Second Lien Notes due 2029
$595 
4.500% Second Lien Notes due 2030
8 
3.875% Second Lien Notes due 2030
4 
Total$607 
On February 2, 2026, we applied $4.8 billion of the proceeds from the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home divestiture and cash on hand to fund the repurchase of the following debt:

Debt
Principal Amount Repurchased
(Dollars in millions)
Lumen Technologies, Inc.
4.125% Superpriority Senior Secured Notes due 2029
$331 
4.125% Superpriority Senior Secured Notes due 2030
477 
10.000% Secured Notes due 2032
439 
Superpriority Term Loan A
338 
Superpriority Term Loan B-1
1,590 
Superpriority Term Loan B-2
1,590 
Total$4,765 
The following table sets forth the aggregate principal amount of each repurchase:

Debt
Principal Amount Repurchased
(Dollars in millions)
Level 3 Financing, Inc.
4.875% Second Lien Notes due 2029
$1 
Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.
6.875% Senior Notes due 2028
4 
Total$5 
v3.26.1
Severance (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Restructuring and Related Activities [Abstract]  
Schedule of Changes in Accrued Liabilities for Severance Expenses
Changes in our accrued liabilities for severance expenses were as follows:

Severance

(Dollars in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2025$34 
Accrued to expense29 
Payments, net(18)
Balance as of March 31, 2026$45 
v3.26.1
Employee Benefits (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Net Periodic Pension Benefit Expense and Post-retirement Benefit Expense
Net periodic benefit expense for the Lumen Combined Pension Plan (the "Combined Pension Plan" or the "Plan") includes the following components:

Combined Pension Plan
 Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
 (Dollars in millions)
Service cost$4 5 
Interest cost51 60 
Expected return on plan assets(64)(63)
Settlement charges9 — 
Curtailment loss5 — 
Recognition of actuarial loss28 35 
Net periodic pension expense$33 37 

Net periodic benefit expense for our post-retirement benefit plan includes the following components:

 
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan
 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20262025
 (Dollars in millions)
Service cost$1 1 
Interest cost19 22 
Recognition of prior service credit(1)(2)
Recognition of actuarial gain(7)(6)
Curtailment gain(10)— 
Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense$2 15 
v3.26.1
Loss Per Common Share (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]  
Schedule of Basic and Diluted (Loss) Earnings Per Common Share
Basic and diluted loss per common share for the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025 were calculated as follows:

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20262025
 (Dollars in millions, except per share amounts, shares in thousands)
Loss (numerator)
Net loss$(200)(201)
Net loss applicable to common stock for computing basic loss per common share(200)(201)
Net loss as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted loss per common share(200)(201)
Shares (denominator):
Weighted-average number of shares:
Outstanding during period1,026,823 1,018,252 
Non-vested restricted stock(27,932)(26,983)
Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic loss per common share998,891 991,269 
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:
Shares issuable under convertible securities— — 
Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans— — 
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted loss per common share998,891 991,269 
Basic loss per common share$(0.20)(0.20)
Diluted loss per common share(1)
$(0.20)(0.20)
______________________________________________________________________ 
(1)For the three months ended March 31, 2026 and 2025, we excluded from the calculation of diluted loss per share 14 million and 12 million shares, respectively, potentially issuable under incentive compensation plans or convertible securities, as their effect, if included, would have been anti-dilutive due to our net loss position.
v3.26.1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Fair Value Measurement Inputs and Valuation Techniques
The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows:

Input LevelDescription of Input
Level 1Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
Level 2Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Assets and Liabilities
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial liabilities, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:

  March 31, 2026December 31, 2025
 Input
Level		Carrying
Amount		Fair
Value		Carrying
Amount		Fair
Value
 (Dollars in millions)
Long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations
2$12,737 12,406 17,221 17,101 
Indemnifications related to the sale of the Latin American business(1)
385 8286 82 
Regulatory cost liability related to the sale of the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business(2)
336 36— — 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)Nonrecurring fair value is measured as of August 1, 2022.
(2)Nonrecurring fair value is measured as of February 2, 2026.
v3.26.1
Segment Information (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Segment Reporting [Abstract]  
Schedule of Segment Information
The following tables present selected financial information with respect to our single operating segment:

 Three Months Ended March 31,
 20262025
 (Dollars in millions)
Revenue$2,899 3,182 
Operating expenses
Cost of services and products related to network expenses837 1,018 
Headcount costs643 619 
Non-headcount costs736 715 
Net gain on sale of business(596)— 
Stock-based compensation13 10 
Depreciation and amortization664 713 
Total operating expenses
2,297 3,075 
Total operating income602 107 
Total other expense, net(425)(352)
Income (loss) before income taxes
177 (245)
Income tax expense (benefit)377 (44)
Net loss$(200)(201)

Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in millions)
Revenue$2,899 3,182 
Operating expenses
Cost of services and products related to network expenses837 1,018 
Headcount costs643 619 
Non-headcount costs736 715 
Net gain on sale of business(596)— 
Adjusted EBITDA
$1,279 830 
Three Months Ended March 31,
20262025
(Dollars in millions)
Net loss
$(200)(201)
Stock-based compensation13 10 
Depreciation and amortization664 713 
Total other expense, net(425)(352)
Income tax expense (benefit)377 (44)
Adjusted EBITDA
$1,279 830 
v3.26.1
Other Financial Information (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Components of Other Current Assets, Net
The following table presents details of other current assets, net reflected on our consolidated balance sheets:

March 31, 2026December 31, 2025

(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses$473 404 
Income tax receivable9 468 
Materials, supplies and inventory132 165 
Contract assets17 18 
Contract acquisition costs93 98 
Contract fulfillment costs141 136 
Other28 18 
Total other current assets, net(1)
$893 1,307 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)    As of December 31, 2025, this amount excludes $30 million of other current assets associated with the disposal group classified as held for sale.
v3.26.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]  
Schedule of the Entity's Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheet by component:

Pension PlansPost-Retirement Benefit PlansForeign Currency Translation Adjustment and OtherTotal
 (Dollars in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2025$(848)271 (24)(601)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications— — 3 3 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss27 (10)— 17 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)27 (10)3 20 
Balance as of March 31, 2026$(821)261 (21)(581)
The table below summarizes changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss recorded on our consolidated balance sheets by component:

Pension PlansPost-Retirement Benefit PlansForeign Currency Translation Adjustment and OtherTotal
 (Dollars in millions)
Balance as of December 31, 2024$(1,003)320 (40)(723)
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications
— — 3 3 
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss26 (6)— 20 
Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss)26 (6)3 23 
Balance as of March 31, 2025$(977)314 (37)(700)
Schedule of Reclassifications Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss by Component
The table below presents further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2026Decrease (Increase)
in Net Income		Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
 (Dollars in millions) 
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans(1)
  
Net actuarial loss$31 Other income, net
Prior service credit(8)Other income, net
Total before tax23  
Income tax benefit(6)Income tax expense (benefit)
Net of tax$17  
________________________________________________________________________
(1)See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information on our net periodic benefit expense related to our pension and post-retirement plans.
The table below presents further information about our reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive loss by component:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2025Decrease (Increase)
in Net Income		Affected Line Item in Consolidated Statement of Operations
 (Dollars in millions) 
Amortization of pension & post-retirement plans(1)
  
Net actuarial loss$29 Other income, net
Prior service credit(2)Other income, net
Total before tax27  
Income tax benefit(7)Income tax expense (benefit)
Net of tax$20  
________________________________________________________________________
(1)See Note 7—Employee Benefits for additional information on our net periodic benefit expense related to our pension and post-retirement plans.
v3.26.1
Background (Details)
Feb. 02, 2026
state
Disposed of by sale | Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business  
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]  
Number of states in which the business is conducted 11
v3.26.1
Divestiture - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
Feb. 02, 2026
USD ($)
state
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
IRU term 20 years  
Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business    
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Additional depreciation and amortization if held for sale criteria is not met $ 15  
Disposed of by sale | Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business    
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]    
Number of states in which the business is conducted | state   11
Cash consideration of planned divestiture   $ 5,720
Pre-tax gain on the disposal $ 596  
Contractual credits and commercial agreements liabilities   729
Commercial agreements   497
Contractual credits   232
Potential future cost obligations   36
Net assets   4,300
Property, plant and equipment, accumulated depreciation   2,800
Goodwill   1,300
Other net assets   $ 162
v3.26.1
Divestiture - Balance Sheet at Fair Value (Details) - Disposed of by sale - Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business
$ in Millions
Feb. 02, 2026
USD ($)
Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures by Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations [Line Items]  
Other current liabilities $ 58
Current portion of deferred revenue 88
Deferred revenue 525
Other liabilities 94
Total liabilities $ 765
v3.26.1
Intangible Assets - Schedule of Intangible Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount $ 13,127 $ 13,448
Accumulated Amortization 8,887 8,985
Net Carrying Amount 4,240 4,463
Customer relationships    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 7,547 7,547
Accumulated Amortization 5,094 4,945
Net Carrying Amount 2,453 2,602
Capitalized software    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 5,422 5,743
Accumulated Amortization 3,689 3,940
Net Carrying Amount 1,733 1,803
Patents and other    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount 158 158
Accumulated Amortization 104 100
Net Carrying Amount 54 $ 58
Fully Amortized and Retired Capitalized Software    
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]    
Gross Carrying Amount $ 259  
v3.26.1
Intangible Asset - Schedule of Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Amortization expense $ 251 $ 252
v3.26.1
Revenue Recognition - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
sales_channel
Mar. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]        
Revenue recognized $ 255 $ 294    
Contract liabilities     $ 647 $ 733
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      
Business Customers        
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]        
Number of revenue sales channel | sales_channel 5      
Business Customers | Weighted Average        
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]        
Length of customer life 38 months      
Mass Market Customers | Weighted Average        
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]        
Length of customer life 50 months      
v3.26.1
Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Revenue by Segment, Sales Channel and Product Category (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue $ 2,899 $ 3,182
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (301) (271)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 2,598 2,911
Operating Segments | Business    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 2,444 2,524
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (281) (235)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 2,163 2,289
Operating Segments | Business | Large Enterprise    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 778 769
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (131) (87)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 647 682
Operating Segments | Business | Mid-Market Enterprise    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 439 487
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (7) (8)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 432 479
Operating Segments | Business | Public Sector    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 506 481
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (27) (24)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 479 457
Operating Segments | Business | Wholesale    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 648 703
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (115) (115)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 533 588
Operating Segments | Business | International and Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 73 84
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) (1)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 72 83
Operating Segments | Business | Strategic    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 1,246 1,139
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (240) (193)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 1,006 946
Operating Segments | Business | Strategic | Large Enterprise    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 535 463
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (131) (87)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 404 376
Operating Segments | Business | Strategic | Mid-Market Enterprise    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 239 232
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (6) (6)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 233 226
Operating Segments | Business | Strategic | Public Sector    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 179 143
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (26) (24)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 153 119
Operating Segments | Business | Strategic | Wholesale    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 259 268
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (76) (75)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 183 193
Operating Segments | Business | Strategic | International and Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 34 33
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) (1)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 33 32
Operating Segments | Business | Legacy    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 1,198 1,385
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (41) (42)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 1,157 1,343
Operating Segments | Business | Legacy | Large Enterprise    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 243 306
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue 0 0
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 243 306
Operating Segments | Business | Legacy | Mid-Market Enterprise    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 200 255
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) (2)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 199 253
Operating Segments | Business | Legacy | Public Sector    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 327 338
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) 0
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 326 338
Operating Segments | Business | Legacy | Wholesale    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 389 435
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (39) (40)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 350 395
Operating Segments | Business | Legacy | International and Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 39 51
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue 0 0
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 39 51
Operating Segments | Mass Market    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 455 658
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (20) (36)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 435 622
Operating Segments | Mass Market | Fiber Broadband    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 92 209
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (17) (3)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 75 206
Operating Segments | Mass Market | Other Broadband    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 205 257
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (2) (24)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers 203 233
Operating Segments | Mass Market | Voice and Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 158 192
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1) (9)
Total revenue from Contracts with Customers $ 157 $ 183
v3.26.1
Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Operating Lease Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Operating lease revenue $ 300 $ 262
Percentage of Operating revenue 10.00% 8.00%
v3.26.1
Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Contract with Customer, Asset and Liability (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Customer receivables, less allowance $ 1,597 $ 1,316
Contract assets 31 33
Contract liabilities 699 647
Allowance $ 65 57
Held for sale | Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business    
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]    
Customer receivables, less allowance   13
Contract liabilities   $ 32
v3.26.1
Revenue Recognition - Remaining Performance Obligation (Details)
$ in Billions
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 5.9
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-04-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 2.2
Remaining performance obligation, satisfaction period 9 months
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 1.9
Remaining performance obligation, satisfaction period 1 year
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2028-01-01  
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 1.8
Remaining performance obligation, satisfaction period 1 year
v3.26.1
Revenue Recognition - Schedule of Capitalized Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Acquisition Costs    
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]    
Beginning of period balance $ 196 $ 203
Costs incurred 34 40
Amortization (31) (33)
Change in contract costs held for sale (2)  
End of period balance 197 210
Acquisition Costs | Held for sale | Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business    
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]    
Beginning of period balance 24  
Fulfillment Costs    
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]    
Beginning of period balance 264 222
Costs incurred 52 51
Amortization (42) (37)
Change in contract costs held for sale 0  
End of period balance 274 $ 236
Fulfillment Costs | Held for sale | Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business    
Capitalized Contract Cost [Roll Forward]    
Beginning of period balance $ 21  
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Long Term Debt (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
subsidiary
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]    
Number of subsidiaries | subsidiary 3  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Finance lease and other obligations $ 223,000,000 $ 220,000,000
Unamortized premiums (discounts), net 3,000,000 (223,000,000)
Unamortized debt issuance costs (134,000,000) (151,000,000)
Total long-term debt 12,960,000,000 17,441,000,000
Less current maturities (35,000,000) (88,000,000)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities $ 12,925,000,000 17,353,000,000
Line of Credit | Series A Revolving Credit Facility    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 4.00%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 0 0
Line of Credit | Series B Revolving Credit Facility    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 6.00%  
Long-term debt, gross $ 0 0
Term Loan | Term Loan A    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross 0 $ 338,000,000
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate   9.916%
Term Loan | Term Loan B-1    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross 0 $ 1,590,000,000
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate   6.38%
Term Loan | Term Loan B-2    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 0 $ 1,590,000,000
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate   6.38%
Term Loan | Term Loan B-4    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 3.25%  
Term Loan | Term Loan B-4 | Level 3 Financing, Inc.    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 2,400,000,000 $ 2,400,000,000
Long-term debt, weighted average interest rate 6.923% 7.166%
Senior Notes | Superpriority Notes    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 0 $ 1,247,000,000
Senior Notes | First Lien Notes | Level 3 Financing, Inc.    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 4,425,000,000 4,425,000,000
Senior Notes | First Lien Notes | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Minimum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.875%  
Senior Notes | First Lien Notes | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Maximum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 7.00%  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2042    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,296,000,000 1,296,000,000
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2042 | Minimum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.50%  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2042 | Maximum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 7.65%  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2036 | Level 3 Financing, Inc.    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 2,794,000,000 2,144,000,000
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2036 | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Minimum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 3.625%  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2036 | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Maximum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 8.50%  
Senior Notes | Second Lien Notes | Level 3 Financing, Inc.    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 52,000,000 660,000,000
Senior Notes | Second Lien Notes | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Minimum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 3.875%  
Senior Notes | Second Lien Notes | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Maximum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.875%  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2030-2057 | Qwest Corporation    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,736,000,000 1,736,000,000
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2030-2057 | Qwest Corporation | Minimum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.50%  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2030-2057 | Qwest Corporation | Maximum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 7.75%  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2031 | Qwest Capital Funding, Inc.    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 165,000,000 $ 169,000,000
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2031 | Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. | Minimum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.875%  
Senior Notes | Senior Notes Maturing 2028-2031 | Qwest Capital Funding, Inc. | Maximum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 7.75%  
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Long-Term Debt Maturities (Details)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
2026 (remaining nine months) $ 31
2027 20
2028 380
2029 1,277
2030 141
2031 and thereafter 11,242
Total long-term debt $ 13,091
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - 2026 Debt Transaction (Details) - 8.500% Senior Notes due 2036 - Senior Notes - Level 3 Financing, Inc.
$ in Millions
Jan. 09, 2026
USD ($)
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Debt instrument, face amount $ 650
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 8.50%
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - 2026 Debt Transactions - Senior Secured Notes Issuance and Second Lien Tender Offers (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
Feb. 02, 2026
Jan. 09, 2026
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Repurchased face amount $ 5 $ 4,765  
Level 3 Financing, Inc.      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Repurchased face amount     $ 607
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Senior Notes | 4.875% Second Lien Notes due 2029      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Repurchased face amount $ 1   $ 595
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.875%   4.875%
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Senior Notes | 4.500% Second Lien Notes due 2030      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Repurchased face amount     $ 8
Stated interest rate (as a percent)     4.50%
Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Senior Notes | 3.875% Second Lien Notes due 2030      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Repurchased face amount     $ 4
Stated interest rate (as a percent)     3.875%
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - 2026 Debt Transactions - Repurchases of Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
Feb. 02, 2026
Jan. 09, 2026
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Principal Amount Repurchased $ 5 $ 4,765  
Level 3 Financing, Inc.      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Principal Amount Repurchased     $ 607
Senior Notes | 4.125% Superpriority Senior Secured Notes Due 2029      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   4.125%  
Principal Amount Repurchased   $ 331  
Senior Notes | 4.125% Superpriority Senior Secured Notes Due 2030      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   4.125%  
Principal Amount Repurchased   $ 477  
Senior Notes | 10.000% Secured Notes due 2032      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   10.00%  
Principal Amount Repurchased   $ 439  
Senior Notes | 4.875% Second Lien Notes due 2029 | Level 3 Financing, Inc.      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 4.875%   4.875%
Principal Amount Repurchased $ 1   $ 595
Senior Notes | 6.875% Senior Notes due 2028 | Qwest Corporation      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.875%    
Principal Amount Repurchased $ 4    
Term Loan | Superpriority Term Loan A      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Principal Amount Repurchased   338  
Term Loan | Superpriority Term Loan B-1      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Principal Amount Repurchased   1,590  
Term Loan | Superpriority Term Loan B-2      
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities      
Principal Amount Repurchased   $ 1,590  
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Lumen Credit Agreements (Details) - USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Available borrowing capacity $ 769,000,000  
Series A Revolving Credit Facility    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Maximum borrowing capacity 489,000,000  
Series A Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross 0 $ 0
Series B Revolving Credit Facility    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Maximum borrowing capacity 465,000,000  
Series B Revolving Credit Facility | Line of Credit    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 0 $ 0
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Level 3 Financing Credit Agreement (Details) - Term Loan - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Term Loan B-4    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 3.25%  
Term Loan B-4 | Level 3 Financing, Inc.    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Long-term debt, gross $ 2,400 $ 2,400
Term Loan B-3 | Level 3 Financing, Inc.    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Debt instrument, floor interest rate (as a percent) 0.00%  
Prepayment from net cash proceeds of certain asset sales (as a percent) 100.00%  
Prepayment from net cash proceeds of certain debt issuances (as a percent) 100.00%  
Term Loan B-3 | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | Federal Funds Rate    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 0.50%  
Term Loan B-3 | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | One Month SOFR Rate    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 1.00%  
Term Loan B-3 | Level 3 Financing, Inc. | SOFR    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 3.25%  
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Revolving Letters of Credit (Details)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Letters of credit outstanding $ 188
Facility Maintained By a Subsidiary  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Letters of credit outstanding 3
Letter of Credit | Uncommitted Letter of Credit Facility  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Maximum borrowing capacity 225
Revolving Credit Facility  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Letters of credit outstanding $ 185
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Certain Guarantees and Security Interests (Details) - Financial Guarantee
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
Series A Revolving Credit Facility  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Guaranteed amount $ 150
Series B Revolving Credit Facility  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Guaranteed amount $ 150
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Covenants and Guarantees (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
indenture
Letter of Credit | Uncommitted Letter of Credit Facility  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Maximum borrowing capacity | $ $ 225
Line of Credit and Term Loan | Minimum  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Interest coverage ratio 2.00
Senior Notes  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Number of indentures | indenture 4
Redemption price (as a percent) 101.00%
Senior Notes | Level 3 Financing, Inc.  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Redemption price (as a percent) 101.00%
Fiscal Quarter Ending After December 31, 2024 | Line of Credit and Term Loan  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Maximum total net leverage ratio 5.50
Fiscal Quarter Ending After December 31, 2025 | Line of Credit and Term Loan  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Maximum total net leverage ratio 5.25
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Subsequent Event - Revolving Credit Agreement and Exchange Offers (Details) - Subsequent Event
$ in Millions
Apr. 14, 2026
USD ($)
Apr. 20, 2026
USD ($)
Financial Guarantee | Level 3 Collateral Guarantors    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Guaranteed amount $ 150  
Line of Credit | Maximum    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Interest coverage ratio 2.00  
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Maximum borrowing capacity $ 825  
Debt instrument, floor interest rate (as a percent) 0.00%  
Maximum total net leverage ratio 5.25  
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | SOFR    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 2.75%  
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Base Rate    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Basis spread (as a percent) 1.75%  
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility | Superpriority Revolving/Term A Credit Agreement    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Outstanding debt $ 0  
Senior Notes | Old Notes - 6.500% Notes Due 2056 | Qwest Corporation    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Debt instrument, face amount   $ 978
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   6.50%
Senior Notes | Old Notes - 6.75% Notes Due 2057 | Qwest Corporation    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Debt instrument, face amount   $ 660
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   6.75%
Senior Notes | New Notes - 6.500% Notes Due 2056 | Qwest Corporation    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   6.50%
Senior Notes | New Notes - 6.750% Notes Due 2057 | Qwest Corporation    
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities    
Stated interest rate (as a percent)   6.75%
v3.26.1
Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities - Supplemental Indentures and Lumen Parent Guarantee (Details) - Level 3 Financing, Inc. - Subsequent Event - Senior Notes
Apr. 30, 2026
First Lien Notes Due 2033  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 6.875%
First Lien Notes Due 2034  
Long-term Debt and Credit Facilities  
Stated interest rate (as a percent) 7.00%
v3.26.1
Severance - (Details) - Severance
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
Restructuring reserve  
Balance as of beginning of the period $ 34
Accrued to expense 29
Payments, net (18)
Balance as of end of the period $ 45
v3.26.1
Employee Benefits - Schedule of Net Periodic Benefit (Income) Expense (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Components of net periodic (benefit) expense    
Recognition of prior service credit $ (6)  
Combined Pension Plan    
Components of net periodic (benefit) expense    
Service cost 4 $ 5
Interest cost 51 60
Expected return on plan assets (64) (63)
Settlement charges 9 0
Curtailment gain (loss) 5 0
Recognition of actuarial gain (loss) 28 35
Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense 33 37
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan    
Components of net periodic (benefit) expense    
Service cost 1 1
Interest cost 19 22
Curtailment gain (loss) (10) 0
Recognition of actuarial gain (loss) (7) (6)
Recognition of prior service credit (1) (2)
Net periodic post-retirement benefit expense $ 2 $ 15
v3.26.1
Employee Benefits - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Employee Benefits    
Recognition of prior service costs (credits) $ (6)  
Combined Pension Plan    
Employee Benefits    
Settlement charges 9 $ 0
Curtailment gain (loss) 5 0
Service cost 4 5
Contributions 101  
Post-Retirement Benefit Plan    
Employee Benefits    
Curtailment gain (loss) (10) 0
Recognition of prior service costs (credits) (1) (2)
Service cost $ 1 $ 1
v3.26.1
Loss Per Common Share (Details) - USD ($)
$ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Loss (numerator)    
Net loss $ (200) $ (201)
Net loss applicable to common stock for computing basic loss per common share (200) (201)
Net loss as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted loss per common share $ (200) $ (201)
Weighted-average number of shares:    
Outstanding during period (in shares) 1,026,823 1,018,252
Non-vested restricted stock (in shares) (27,932) (26,983)
Weighted average shares outstanding for computing basic loss per share of common share (in shares) 998,891 991,269
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:    
Shares issuable under convertible securities (in shares) 0 0
Shares issuable under incentive compensation plans (in shares) 0 0
Number of shares as adjusted for purposes of computing diluted loss per common share (in shares) 998,891 991,269
Basic loss per common share (in dollars per share) $ (0.20) $ (0.20)
Diluted loss per common share (in dollars per share) $ (0.20) $ (0.20)
Incentive compensation plans or convertible securities    
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:    
Number of shares of common stock excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) 14,000 12,000
Restricted stock    
Incremental common shares attributable to dilutive securities:    
Number of shares of common stock excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share (in shares) 4,900 13,500
v3.26.1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments - Carrying Amounts (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Fair Value Inputs, Level 2 | Carrying Amount    
Fair value disclosure    
Long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations $ 12,737 $ 17,221
Fair Value Inputs, Level 2 | Fair Value    
Fair value disclosure    
Long-term debt, excluding finance lease and other obligations 12,406 17,101
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Carrying Amount    
Fair value disclosure    
Indemnifications related to the sale of the Latin American business 85 86
Regulatory cost liability related to the sale of the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business 36 0
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 | Fair Value    
Fair value disclosure    
Indemnifications related to the sale of the Latin American business 82 82
Regulatory cost liability related to the sale of the Mass Markets Fiber-to-the-Home business $ 36 $ 0
v3.26.1
Segment Information - Additional Information (Details)
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
segment
Dec. 31, 2025
segment
Feb. 02, 2026
state
Segment Reporting [Abstract]      
Number of operating segments 1    
Number of reportable segments 1 2  
Disposed of by sale | Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business      
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]      
Number of states in which the business is conducted | state     11
v3.26.1
Segment Information - Schedule of Segment Results (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]    
Revenues $ 2,899 $ 3,182
Operating expenses    
Cost of services and products related to network expenses 1,435 1,687
Net gain on sale of business (596) 0
Depreciation and amortization 664 713
Total operating expenses 2,297 3,075
OPERATING INCOME 602 107
Total other expense, net (425) (352)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 177 (245)
Income tax expense (benefit) 377 (44)
NET LOSS (200) (201)
Reportable Segment    
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,899 3,182
Operating expenses    
Cost of services and products related to network expenses 837 1,018
Headcount costs 643 619
Non-headcount costs 736 715
Net gain on sale of business (596) 0
Stock-based compensation 13 10
Depreciation and amortization 664 713
Total operating expenses 2,297 3,075
OPERATING INCOME 602 107
Total other expense, net (425) (352)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES 177 (245)
Income tax expense (benefit) 377 (44)
NET LOSS $ (200) $ (201)
v3.26.1
Segment Information - Revenue to EBITDA (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]    
Revenues $ 2,899 $ 3,182
Operating expenses    
Cost of services and products related to network expenses 1,435 1,687
Net gain on sale of business (596) 0
Reportable Segment    
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]    
Revenues 2,899 3,182
Operating expenses    
Cost of services and products related to network expenses 837 1,018
Headcount costs 643 619
Non-headcount costs 736 715
Net gain on sale of business (596) 0
Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,279 $ 830
v3.26.1
Segment Information - Net Loss to EBITDA (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]    
NET LOSS $ (200) $ (201)
Depreciation and amortization 664 713
Total other expense, net (425) (352)
Income tax expense (benefit) 377 (44)
Reportable Segment    
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]    
NET LOSS (200) (201)
Stock-based compensation 13 10
Depreciation and amortization 664 713
Total other expense, net (425) (352)
Income tax expense (benefit) 377 (44)
Adjusted EBITDA $ 1,279 $ 830
v3.26.1
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Details)
 1 Months Ended 3 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2021
lawsuit
People
Sep. 30, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2020
USD ($)
Mar. 31, 2026
USD ($)
patent
Dec. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies          
Estimate of possible loss       $ 57,000,000 $ 71,000,000
Number of people killed in fire | People 2        
Number of patents allegedly infringed | patent       1  
Latin American Tax Litigation and Claims          
Loss Contingencies          
Estimate of possible loss       $ 83,000,000  
Unfavorable Regulatory Action          
Loss Contingencies          
Estimate of possible loss       $ 300,000  
Penalties for Violation of Washington Regulations and Laws Filed by Staff of WUTC          
Loss Contingencies          
Loss contingency, damages sought, value     $ 7,000,000    
Penalties Sought by Washington Attorneys General Office          
Loss Contingencies          
Loss contingency, damages sought, value     27,000,000    
Penalties Sought for Violation of Regulations and Laws of WUTC          
Loss Contingencies          
Loss contingency, damages awarded, value     $ 1,000,000    
FCPA Litigation | Judicial Ruling | Statutory Damages          
Loss Contingencies          
Litigation settlement amount   $ 500      
FCPA Litigation | Judicial Ruling | Punitive Damages          
Loss Contingencies          
Litigation settlement amount   $ 2,000      
Marshall Fire Litigation | Pending Litigation          
Loss Contingencies          
Number of lawsuits filed | lawsuit 300        
v3.26.1
Other Financial Information - Schedule of Other Current Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]    
Prepaid expenses $ 473 $ 404
Income tax receivable 9 468
Materials, supplies and inventory 132 165
Contract assets 17 18
Other 28 18
Total other current assets, net 893 1,307
Held for sale | Mass Markets Fiber-to-the Home Business    
Other Current Assets [Line Items]    
Other current assets, net   30
Acquisition Costs    
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]    
Contract costs 93 98
Fulfillment Costs    
Prepaid Expenses and Other Current Assets [Abstract]    
Contract costs $ 141 $ 136
v3.26.1
Other Financial Information - Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Dec. 31, 2025
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Capital expenditures included in accounts payable $ 348 $ 463
v3.26.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Schedule of AOCI Activity (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period $ (1,117)  
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 3 $ 3
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 17 20
Other comprehensive income 20 23
Balance at end of period (1,317) 289
Total    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period (601) (723)
Other comprehensive income 20 23
Balance at end of period (581) (700)
Defined Benefit Plan | Pension Plans    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period (848) (1,003)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 0 0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 27 26
Other comprehensive income 27 26
Balance at end of period (821) (977)
Defined Benefit Plan | Post-Retirement Benefit Plans    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period 271 320
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 0 0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss (10) (6)
Other comprehensive income (10) (6)
Balance at end of period 261 314
Foreign Currency Translation Adjustment and Other    
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of period (24) (40)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 3 3
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss 0 0
Other comprehensive income 3 3
Balance at end of period $ (21) $ (37)
v3.26.1
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss - Schedule of Reclassifications (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Mar. 31, 2025
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component    
Other income, net $ (26) $ (30)
Total before tax (177) 245
Income tax expense (benefit) 377 (44)
Net of tax 200 201
Decrease (Increase) in Net Income | Defined Benefit Plan    
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component    
Total before tax 23 27
Income tax expense (benefit) (6) (7)
Net of tax 17 20
Decrease (Increase) in Net Income | Net actuarial loss    
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component    
Other income, net 31 29
Decrease (Increase) in Net Income | Prior service credit    
Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income loss by component    
Other income, net $ (8) $ (2)
v3.26.1
Labor Union Contracts (Details) - Unionized Employees Concentration Risk
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2026
Total Number of Employees  
Concentration risk  
Concentration risk (as a percent) 16.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year  
Concentration risk  
Concentration risk (as a percent) 8.00%
v3.26.1
Subsequent Event (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2026
USD ($)
Subsequent Event | Forecast | Level 3 Communications, LLC | Alkira, Inc.  
Subsequent Event [Line Items]  
Cash consideration $ 475