Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - shares	Mar. 31, 2016	May. 09, 2016
Document and Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	QWEST CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0000068622
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
OPERATING REVENUES
Operating revenues	$ 1,599	$ 1,636
Operating revenues - affiliates	654	581
Total operating revenues	2,253	2,217
OPERATING EXPENSES
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization)	708	692
Selling, general and administrative	250	270
Operating expenses - affiliates	251	248
Depreciation and amortization	419	462
Total operating expenses	1,628	1,672
OPERATING INCOME	625	545
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME
Interest expense	(121)	(118)
Interest expense - affiliates, net	(14)	(13)
Other income, net	2	0
Total other expense, net	(133)	(131)
Income before income tax expense	492	414
Income tax expense	188	167
NET INCOME	$ 304	$ 247

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
NET INCOME	$ 304	$ 247
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS:
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of $- and $- tax	(3)	0
Other comprehensive income	(3)	0
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$ 301	$ 247

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Foreign currency translation adjustment, tax	$ 0	$ 0

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
CURRENT ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 4	$ 3
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $49 and $47	676	688
Advances to affiliates	1,186	788
Other	146	123
Total current assets	2,012	1,602
NET PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
Property, plant and equipment	12,379	12,182
Accumulated depreciation	(4,974)	(4,808)
Net property, plant and equipment	7,405	7,374
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS
Goodwill	9,354	9,354
Other intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $1,432 and $1,383	577	613
Other, net	92	92
Total goodwill and other assets	12,314	12,494
TOTAL ASSETS	21,731	21,470
CURRENT LIABILITIES
Current maturities of long-term debt	243	242
Accounts payable	445	369
Note payable - affiliate	855	855
Accrued expenses and other liabilities
Salaries and benefits	145	211
Income and other taxes	220	189
Other	187	135
Current affiliate obligations, net	96	97
Advance billings and customer deposits	326	324
Total current liabilities	2,517	2,422
LONG-TERM DEBT	7,218	6,997
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES
Deferred revenues	124	137
Deferred income taxes, net	1,878	1,896
Affiliate obligations, net	1,030	1,051
Other	56	60
Total deferred credits and other liabilities	$ 3,088	$ 3,144
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 5)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Common stock - one share without par value, owned by Qwest Services Corporation	$ 10,050	$ 10,050
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(3)	0
Accumulated deficit	(1,139)	(1,143)
Total stockholder's equity	8,908	8,907
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY	21,731	21,470
Customer Relationships
Customer relationships, less accumulated amortization of $3,408 and $3,264	$ 2,291	$ 2,435

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other intangible assets, accumulated amortization	$ 1,432	$ 1,383
Accounts receivable, allowance (dollars)	$ 49	$ 47
Common stock, shares, issued (in shares)	1	1
Common stock, share outstanding (in shares)	1	1
Common stock share outstanding	$ 10,050	$ 10,050
Customer Relationships
Customer relationships, accumulated amortization	$ 3,408	$ 3,264

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 304	$ 247
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	419	462
Deferred income taxes	(18)	(93)
Provision for uncollectible accounts	23	23
Net long-term debt issuance costs and premium amortization	(4)	(6)
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(11)	8
Accounts payable	78	36
Accrued income and other taxes	31	33
Other current assets and liabilities, net	(55)	12
Other current assets and liabilities - affiliates, net	14	13
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	(17)	(6)
Change in affiliates obligations, net	(22)	(2)
Other, net	5	0
Net cash provided by operating activities	747	727
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Payments for property, plant and equipment and capitalized software	(271)	(260)
Changes in advances to affiliates	(398)	(260)
Net cash used in investing activities	(669)	(520)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	227	99
Payments of long-term debt	(4)	(6)
Dividends paid to Qwest Services Corporation	(300)	(300)
Net cash used in financing activities	(77)	(207)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	1	0
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3	6
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	4	6
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes paid, net	(206)	(261)
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $4 and $5)	$ (101)	$ (99)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Interest paid, capitalized interest	$ 4	$ 5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Millions	Total	COMMON STOCK	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS	ACCUMULATED DEFICIT
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 10,050	$ 0	$ (867)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Other comprehensive loss			0
Net income	$ 247			247
Dividends declared to Qwest Services Corporation				(300)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	9,130	10,050	0	(920)
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	8,907	10,050	0	(1,143)
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity
Other comprehensive loss			(3)
Net income	304			304
Dividends declared to Qwest Services Corporation	(300)			(300)
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 8,908	$ 10,050	$ (3)	$ (1,139)

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation General We are an integrated communications company engaged primarily in providing an array of communications services to our residential and business customers. Our communications services include local voice, high-speed Internet, private line (including special access), network access, Ethernet, information technology, video, wireless and other ancillary services. In certain local and regional markets, we also provide local access and fiber transport services to competitive local exchange carriers. We generate the majority of our total consolidated operating revenues from services provided in the 14-state region of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. We refer to this region as our local service area. Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015, which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"); however, in our opinion, the disclosures made are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe that these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations for the first three months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations that might be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. Transactions with our non-consolidated affiliates (referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated. Connect America Fund In 2015, CenturyLink accepted funding from the Federal Communications Commission's ("FCC") Connect America Fund ("CAF") of approximately $500 million per year for six years to fund the deployment of voice and high-speed Internet capable infrastructure for approximately 1.2 million rural households and businesses in 33 states under the CAF Phase 2 high-cost support program. The funding from the CAF Phase 2 support program in these 33 states will substantially supplant funding from the interstate Universal Service Fund ("USF") high-cost program that we previously utilized to support voice services in high-cost rural markets. Of these amounts, approximately $150 million is attributable to our service area, to provide service to approximately 0.3 million rural households and businesses in 13 states. In late 2015, we began receiving these support payments from the FCC under the new CAF Phase 2 support program, which included monthly support payments at a higher rate than under the interstate USF support program. During the first quarter of 2016, we recorded $24 million more revenue than in the first quarter of 2015 for the 13 states. We received a substantial one-time cumulative catch-up payment from the FCC in the third quarter of 2015, and, as a result, we do not expect funding from the CAF Phase 2 support program to materially change our operating revenues for the full year 2016 when compared to the full year 2015. Recent Accounting Pronouncements Share-based Compensation On March 30, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 modifies the accounting and associated income tax accounting for share-based compensation in order to reduce the cost and complexity associated with current generally accepted accounting principles. ASU 2016-09 is effective for us as of January 1, 2017, but early adoption may be elected. ASU 2016-09 includes different transition requirements for the different changes implemented, including some provisions which allow retrospective application. We have not determined when we will implement this standard or if we will retrospectively apply the requirements when allowed. The primary provisions of ASU 2016-09 that we expect will affect our financial statements are: 1) a reclassification of the tax effect associated with the difference between the expense recognized for share-based payment and the associated tax deduction from additional paid-in capital to income tax expense; 2) a reclassification of the tax effect associated with the difference between compensation expense and associated deduction from financing cash flow to operating cash flow; and 3) an optional accounting policy election to account for forfeitures of share-based payment grants as they occur as opposed to our current policy of estimating the forfeitures on the grant date. These provisions would not have had a material impact on our previously issued financial statements; however, this is not necessarily representative of future impacts. Adoption of ASU 2016-09 may increase the volatility of income tax expense and cash flow from operating activities. Leases On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The core principle of ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to present right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on their balance sheets for operating leases, which are currently not reflected on their balance sheets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 is permitted. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, we are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented in our consolidated financial statements using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that we may elect to apply. We have not yet decided when we will adopt ASU 2016-02 or which practical expedient options we will elect. We are currently evaluating and assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on us and our consolidated financial statements. As of the date of this report, we cannot provide any estimate of the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02. Revenue Recognition On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 replaces virtually all existing generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) on revenue recognition and replaces them with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition using a new five step model. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. We currently do not defer any contract acquisition costs and we defer contract fulfillment costs only up to the extent of any revenue deferred. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year until January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2017. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted by applying the provisions of this standard on a retrospective basis to the periods included in the financial statements or on a modified retrospective basis which would result in the recognition of a cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2017, if adopting early, otherwise in the first quarter of 2018. We have not yet decided which implementation method we will adopt. We are studying ASU 2014-09 and are assessing the impact this standard will have on us and our consolidated financial statements. We cannot at this time, however, provide any estimate of the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09.

Long-Term Debt and Revolving Promissory Note

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt and Revolving Promissory Note

Long-term debt, including unamortized discounts and premiums, unamortized debt issuance costs and note payable - affiliate, were as follows:



	Interest Rates	Maturities	As of March 31, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
			(Dollars in millions)
Senior notes	6.125% - 8.375%	2016 - 2056	$	7,464		7,229
Term loan	2.190%	2025	100			100
Capital lease and other obligations	Various	Various	17			17
Unamortized premiums, net			11			16
Unamortized debt issuance costs			(131		)	(123	)
Total long-term debt			7,461			7,239
Less current maturities			(243		)	(242	)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities			$	7,218		6,997
Note payable - affiliate	6.758%	2022	$	855		855

New Issuance

In January 2016, QC issued $235 million aggregate principal amount of 7% Notes due 2056, in exchange for net proceeds, after deducting underwriting discounts and other expenses, of approximately $227 million. All of the 7% Notes are unsecured obligations and may be redeemed by QC, in whole or in part, on or after February 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed plus accrued and unpaid interest to the redemption date.

Revolving Promissory Note

We are currently indebted to an affiliate of our ultimate parent company, CenturyLink, under a revolving promissory note that provides us with a funding commitment of up to $1.0 billion aggregate principal amount through June 30, 2022, of which $855 million was outstanding as of March 31, 2016. As of March 31, 2016, the weighted average interest rate was 6.758%. As of March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, this revolving promissory note is reflected on our consolidated balance sheets as a current liability under note payable - affiliate. As of March 31, 2016, $19 million of accrued interest is reflected in other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheet. In accordance with the note agreement, all accrued interest and unpaid interest is capitalized to the unpaid principal balance on June 1 and December 1 of each year.

Covenants

The indentures governing our notes contain certain covenants including, but not limited to: (i) a prohibition on certain liens on our assets; and (ii) a limitation on mergers or sales of all, or substantially all, of our assets, which limitation requires that a successor assume the obligation with regard to these notes. These indentures do not contain any cross-default provisions.

Our senior notes were issued under indentures dated April 15, 1990 and October 15, 1999. These indentures do not contain any financial covenants, but do include restrictions that limit our ability to (i) incur, issue or create liens upon our property and (ii) consolidate with or merge into, transfer or lease all or substantially all of our assets to any other party.

As of March 31, 2016, we believe we were in compliance with the provisions and covenants of our debt agreements.

Subsequent Events

On May 2, 2016, QC paid at maturity the $235 million principal amount and accrued and unpaid interest due under its 8.375% Notes.

Fair Value Disclosure

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Disclosure

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, advances to affiliates, accounts payable, note payable - affiliate and long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, advances to affiliates, accounts payable, and note payable - affiliate approximate their fair values.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between independent and knowledgeable parties who are willing and able to transact for an asset or liability at the measurement date. We use valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when determining fair value and then we rank the estimated values based on the reliability of the inputs used following the fair value hierarchy set forth by the FASB. 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 discounted future cash flows using current market interest rates.

The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows:



Input Level		Description of Input

Level 1		Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
Level 2		Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3		Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:



		As of March 31, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
	Input Level	Carrying Amount		Fair Value	Carrying Amount	Fair Value
		(Dollars in millions)
Liabilities—Long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations	2	$	7,444	7,704	7,222	7,456

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

Products and Services Revenues

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Products and Services Revenues

We are an integrated communications company engaged primarily in providing an array of communications services, including local voice, high-speed Internet, private line (including special access), network access, Ethernet, information technology, wireless, video and other ancillary services. We strive to maintain our customer relationships by, among other things, bundling our service offerings to provide our customers with a complete offering of integrated communications services. We categorize our products, services and revenues among the following three categories:


•	Strategic services, which include primarily high-speed Internet, private line (including special access), Ethernet, Verizon Wireless and other ancillary services;


•	Legacy services, which include primarily local voice, Integrated Services Digital Network ("ISDN") (which use regular telephone lines to support voice, video and data applications), switched access and traditional wide area network ("WAN") services (which allow a local communications network to link to networks in remote locations); and

•

Affiliates and other services, which consist primarily of CAF support payments, USF support payments, USF surcharges and services we provide to our affiliates. We receive federal support payments from both CAF Phase 1 and CAF Phase 2 programs, and support payments from both federal and state USF programs. These support payments are government subsidies designed to reimburse us for various costs related to certain telecommunications services, including the costs of deploying, maintaining and operating voice and high-speed Internet infrastructure in high-cost rural areas where we are not able to recover our costs from our customers. USF surcharges are the amounts we collect based on specific items we list on our customers' invoices to fund the FCC's universal service programs. We provide to our affiliates, telecommunication services that we also provide to external customers. In addition, we provide to our affiliates, computer system development and support services, network support and technical services.

From time to time, we may change the categorization of our products and services.

Our operating revenues for our products and services consisted of the following categories:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Strategic services	$	859	857
Legacy services	655		712
Affiliates and other services	739		648
Total operating revenues	$	2,253	2,217

We do not have any single external customer that provides more than 10% of our total consolidated operating revenues. Substantially all of our consolidated revenues come from customers located in the United States.

We recognize revenues in our consolidated statements of operations for certain USF surcharges and transaction taxes that we bill to our customers. Our consolidated statements of operations also reflect the related expense for the amounts we remit to the government agencies. The total amount of such surcharges and transaction taxes that we included in revenues aggregated approximately $38 million and $37 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively. These USF surcharges, where we record revenue, are included in "other" operating revenues and these transaction tax surcharges are included in "legacy services" revenues. We also act as a collection agent for certain other USF and transaction taxes that we are required by government agencies to bill our customers, for which we do not record any revenue or expense because we only act as a pass-through agent.

Our operations are integrated into and reported as part of the consolidated segment data of CenturyLink. CenturyLink's chief operating decision maker ("CODM") is our CODM, but reviews our financial information on an aggregate basis only in connection with our quarterly and annual reports that we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Consequently, we do not provide our discrete financial information to the CODM on a regular basis. As such, we believe we have one reportable segment.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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+ Details

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
Commitments and Contingencies	Mar. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Pending Matters We are among hundreds of defendants nationwide in dozens of lawsuits filed by Sprint Communications Company and affiliates of Verizon Communications Inc. The plaintiffs in these suits have challenged the right of local exchange carriers to bill interexchange carriers for switched access charges for certain calls between mobile and wireline devices that are routed through an interexchange carrier. In the lawsuits, the plaintiffs are seeking refunds of access charges previously paid and relief from future access charges. In addition, these and some other interexchange carriers have ceased paying switched access charges on these calls. These lawsuits involving us and many other carriers have been consolidated for pretrial purposes in the United States District Court for the District of Northern Texas. In November 2015, the Court dismissed the plaintiffs' federal law claims and granted them leave to file state law claims, if any. Some of the defendants, including us, have petitioned the Federal Communications Commission to address these issues on an industry-wide basis. The outcome of these disputes and suits, as well as any related regulatory proceedings that could ensue, are currently not predictable. If we are required to stop assessing these charges or to pay refunds of any such charges, our financial results could be negatively affected. Other Proceedings and Disputes From time to time, we are involved in other proceedings incidental to our business, including patent infringement allegations, administrative hearings of state public utility commissions relating primarily to our rates or services, actions relating to employee claims, various tax issues, environmental law issues, grievance hearings before labor regulatory agencies and miscellaneous third party tort actions. We are currently defending several patent infringement lawsuits asserted against us by non-practicing entities, many of whom are seeking substantial recoveries. These cases have progressed to various stages and one or more may go to trial in the coming 24 months if they are not otherwise resolved. Where applicable, we are seeking full or partial indemnification from our vendors and suppliers. As with all litigation, we are vigorously defending these actions and, as a matter of course, are prepared to litigate these matters to judgment, as well as to evaluate and consider all reasonable settlement opportunities. We are subject to various federal, state and local environmental protection and health and safety laws. From time to time, we are subject to judicial and administrative proceedings brought by various governmental authorities under these laws. Several such proceedings are currently pending, but none is reasonably expected to exceed $100,000 in fines and penalties. The outcome of these other proceedings is not predictable. However, based on current circumstances, we do not believe that the ultimate resolution of these other proceedings, after considering available defenses and any insurance coverage or indemnification rights, will have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows. CenturyLink and its affiliates are involved in several legal proceedings to which we are not a party that, if resolved against them, could have a material adverse effect on their business and financial condition. As an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of CenturyLink, our business and financial condition could be similarly affected. You can find descriptions of these legal proceedings in CenturyLink's quarterly and annual reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Because we are not a party to any of the matters, we have not accrued any liabilities for the matters.

Dividends	3 Months Ended
Dividends	Mar. 31, 2016
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends	Dividends During the three months ended March 31, 2016, we declared and paid dividends of $300 million to our direct parent company, Qwest Services Corporation. Dividends paid are reflected on our consolidated statements of cash flows as financing activities.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for shareholders' equity comprised of portions attributable to the parent entity and noncontrolling interest, including other comprehensive income. Includes, but is not limited to, balances of common stock, preferred stock, additional paid-in capital, other capital and retained earnings, accumulated balance for each classification of other comprehensive income and amount of comprehensive income.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
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-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(d),(e))
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Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

Other Financial Information

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Other Financial Information

Other Current Assets

The following table presents details of other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets:



	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses	$	62	46
Other	84		77
Total other current assets	$	146	123

Selected Current Liabilities

Current liabilities reflected in our consolidated balance sheets include accounts payable:

Included in accounts payable at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, were $26 million and $29 million, respectively, associated with capital expenditures.

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	3 Months Ended
Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Policies)	Mar. 31, 2016
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Consolidation policy	The accompanying consolidated financial statements include our accounts and the accounts of our subsidiaries. Intercompany amounts and transactions with our consolidated subsidiaries have been eliminated. Transactions with our non-consolidated affiliates (referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated.
Recent accounting pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Share-based Compensation On March 30, 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-09, “Improvement to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 modifies the accounting and associated income tax accounting for share-based compensation in order to reduce the cost and complexity associated with current generally accepted accounting principles. ASU 2016-09 is effective for us as of January 1, 2017, but early adoption may be elected. ASU 2016-09 includes different transition requirements for the different changes implemented, including some provisions which allow retrospective application. We have not determined when we will implement this standard or if we will retrospectively apply the requirements when allowed. The primary provisions of ASU 2016-09 that we expect will affect our financial statements are: 1) a reclassification of the tax effect associated with the difference between the expense recognized for share-based payment and the associated tax deduction from additional paid-in capital to income tax expense; 2) a reclassification of the tax effect associated with the difference between compensation expense and associated deduction from financing cash flow to operating cash flow; and 3) an optional accounting policy election to account for forfeitures of share-based payment grants as they occur as opposed to our current policy of estimating the forfeitures on the grant date. These provisions would not have had a material impact on our previously issued financial statements; however, this is not necessarily representative of future impacts. Adoption of ASU 2016-09 may increase the volatility of income tax expense and cash flow from operating activities. Leases On February 25, 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases” (“ASU 2016-02”). The core principle of ASU 2016-02 will require lessees to present right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on their balance sheets for operating leases, which are currently not reflected on their balance sheets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2019. Early adoption of ASU 2016-02 is permitted. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-02, we are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented in our consolidated financial statements using a modified retrospective approach. The modified retrospective approach includes a number of optional practical expedients that we may elect to apply. We have not yet decided when we will adopt ASU 2016-02 or which practical expedient options we will elect. We are currently evaluating and assessing the impact ASU 2016-02 will have on us and our consolidated financial statements. As of the date of this report, we cannot provide any estimate of the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02. Revenue Recognition On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 replaces virtually all existing generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) on revenue recognition and replaces them with a principles-based approach for determining revenue recognition using a new five step model. The core principle of ASU 2014-09 is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also includes new accounting principles related to the deferral and amortization of contract acquisition and fulfillment costs. We currently do not defer any contract acquisition costs and we defer contract fulfillment costs only up to the extent of any revenue deferred. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year until January 1, 2018. Early adoption is permitted as of January 1, 2017. ASU 2014-09 may be adopted by applying the provisions of this standard on a retrospective basis to the periods included in the financial statements or on a modified retrospective basis which would result in the recognition of a cumulative effect of adopting ASU 2014-09 in the first quarter of 2017, if adopting early, otherwise in the first quarter of 2018. We have not yet decided which implementation method we will adopt. We are studying ASU 2014-09 and are assessing the impact this standard will have on us and our consolidated financial statements. We cannot at this time, however, provide any estimate of the impact of adopting ASU 2014-09.

Long-Term Debt and Revolving Promissory Note (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt

Long-term debt, including unamortized discounts and premiums, unamortized debt issuance costs and note payable - affiliate, were as follows:



	Interest Rates	Maturities	As of March 31, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
			(Dollars in millions)
Senior notes	6.125% - 8.375%	2016 - 2056	$	7,464		7,229
Term loan	2.190%	2025	100			100
Capital lease and other obligations	Various	Various	17			17
Unamortized premiums, net			11			16
Unamortized debt issuance costs			(131		)	(123	)
Total long-term debt			7,461			7,239
Less current maturities			(243		)	(242	)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities			$	7,218		6,997
Note payable - affiliate	6.758%	2022	$	855		855

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
-Publisher FASB
-Name Accounting Standards Codification
-Topic 210
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-Section S99
-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)
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-Paragraph 1
-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))
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+ Details

Fair Value Disclosure (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of the three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements

The three input levels in the hierarchy of fair value measurements are defined by the FASB generally as follows:



Input Level		Description of Input

Level 1		Observable inputs such as quoted market prices in active markets.
Level 2		Inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable.
Level 3		Unobservable inputs in which little or no market data exists.

Schedule of carrying amounts and estimated fair values of long-term debt, excluding capital lease obligations, and input level to determine fair values

The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:



		As of March 31, 2016			As of December 31, 2015
	Input Level	Carrying Amount		Fair Value	Carrying Amount	Fair Value
		(Dollars in millions)
Liabilities—Long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations	2	$	7,444	7,704	7,222	7,456

Products and Services Revenues (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of operating revenues by products and services

Our operating revenues for our products and services consisted of the following categories:



	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2016		2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Strategic services	$	859	857
Legacy services	655		712
Affiliates and other services	739		648
Total operating revenues	$	2,253	2,217

Other Financial Information (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2016

Additional Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of components other current assets

The following table presents details of other current assets in our consolidated balance sheets:



	As of March 31, 2016		As of December 31, 2015
	(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses	$	62	46
Other	84		77
Total other current assets	$	146	123

Schedule of selected current liabilities

Current liabilities reflected in our consolidated balance sheets include accounts payable:

Basis of Presentation (Details)	Mar. 31, 2016 state
Geographic Areas, Revenues from External Customers [Abstract]
Number of states in which entity operates (states)	14

Basis of Presentation Basis of Presentation (Details 2) number in Millions, $ in Millions		3 Months Ended
	Aug. 27, 2015 USD ($) state	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) state
Products and Services Revenues
Number of states in which entity operates (states) \| state		14
CAF Phase 2 Support \| CenturyLink, Inc.
Products and Services Revenues
Federal support, total amount per agreement \| $	$ 500
Agreement term (in years)	6 years
Number of rural households and businesses	1.2
Number of states in which entity operates (states) \| state	33
CAF Phase 2 Support \| Qwest Corporation
Products and Services Revenues
Federal support, total amount per agreement \| $	$ 150
Number of rural households and businesses	0.3
Number of states in which entity operates (states) \| state	13	13
Incremental increase in other operating revenues - CAF Phase II \| $		$ 24

Long-Term Debt and Revolving Promissory Note (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Long-term debt
Capital lease and other obligations	$ 17	$ 17
Unamortized premiums, net	11	16
Unamortized debt issuance costs	(131)	(123)
Total long-term debt	7,461	7,239
Less current maturities	(243)	(242)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities	7,218	6,997
Note payable - affiliate	855	855
Senior notes
Long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	$ 7,464	7,229
Senior notes \| Minimum
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (percent)	6.125%
Senior notes \| Maximum
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (percent)	8.375%
Medium-term loan
Long-term debt
Long-term debt, gross	$ 100	100
Interest rate at end of period - Term loan (percent)	2.19%
Note payable - affiliate \| Loans payable \| Affiliated entity
Long-term debt
Weighted average interest rate (percent)	6.758%
Note payable - affiliate	$ 855	$ 855

Long-Term Debt and Revolving Promissory Note Long-Term Debt and Revolving Promissory Note (Details 2) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Jan. 31, 2016	May. 02, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Senior notes \| 7.00% Notes due 2056
Long-term debt
Debt instrument face amount	$ 235
Stated interest rate (percent)	7.00%
Proceeds from debt, net of issuance costs	$ 227
Affiliated entity \| Loans payable \| Note payable - affiliate
Long-term debt
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity			$ 1,000
Note payable - affiliate			$ 855
Weighted average interest rate (percent)			6.758%
Accrued interest payable on affiliate note payable			$ 19
Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One \| Senior notes \| 7.00% Notes due 2056
Long-term debt
Debt instrument, redemption, period one	on or after February 1, 2021, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount redeemed
Subsequent Event \| Senior notes \| 8.375% Notes due 2016
Long-term debt
Stated interest rate (percent)		8.375%
Face amount of repurchased debt		$ 235

Fair Value Disclosure (Details) - Fair value measurements, nonrecurring - Fair value inputs, Level 2 - USD ($) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Carrying Amount
Liabilities
Liabilities—Long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations	$ 7,444	$ 7,222
Fair Value
Liabilities
Liabilities—Long-term debt, excluding capital lease and other obligations	$ 7,704	$ 7,456

Products and Services Revenues (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Products and Services Revenues (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) category segment	Mar. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Products and Services Revenues
Number of categories of products and services (categories) \| category	3
Operating revenues	$ 2,253	$ 2,217
USF surcharges included in operating revenues	$ 38	37
Number of reportable segments (segments) \| segment	1
Strategic services
Products and Services Revenues
Operating revenues	$ 859	857
Legacy services
Products and Services Revenues
Operating revenues	655	712
Affiliates and other services
Products and Services Revenues
Operating revenues	$ 739	$ 648
Customer concentration risk \| Operating revenues
Products and Services Revenues
Concentration risk, percentage	10.00%

Commitments and Contingencies Commitments and Contingencies (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($) lawsuit
Unfavorable regulatory action
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimate of possible loss (per proceeding) \| $	$ 100,000
Pending litigation
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of patents allegedly infringed (minimum) \| lawsuit	1

Dividends (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
Dividends (Details) $ in Millions	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Dividends [Abstract]
Dividends declared and paid to Qwest Services Corporation	$ 300

Other Financial Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid expenses	$ 62	$ 46
Other	84	77
Total other current assets	146	123
Accounts Payable, Current [Abstract]
Accounts payable	445	369
Capital expenditures incurred but not paid	$ 26	$ 29

As of March 31, 2016

As of December 31, 2015

(Dollars in millions)

Accounts payable