QWEST CORP, 10-Q filed on 5/1/2025
Quarterly Report
v3.25.1
Cover
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
shares
Cover [Abstract]  
Document Type 10-Q
Document Quarterly Report true
Document Period End Date Mar. 31, 2025
Document Transition Report false
Entity File Number 001-03040
Entity Registrant Name QWEST CORPORATION
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code CO
Entity Tax Identification Number 84-0273800
Entity Address, Address Line One 931 14th Street,
Entity Address, City or Town Denver,
Entity Address, State or Province CO
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code 80202
City Area Code 318
Local Phone Number 388-9000
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Entity Current Reporting Status Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current Yes
Entity Filer Category Non-accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business false
Entity Emerging Growth false
Entity Shell Company false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares) 0
Entity Central Index Key 0000068622
Current Fiscal Year End Date --12-31
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2025
Document Fiscal Period Focus Q1
Amendment Flag false
6.5% Notes Due 2056  
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 6.5% Notes Due 2056
Trading Symbol(s) CTBB
Security Exchange Name NYSE
6.75% Notes Due 2057  
Entity Information [Line Items]  
Title of 12(b) Security 6.75% Notes Due 2057
Trading Symbol(s) CTDD
Security Exchange Name NYSE
v3.25.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
OPERATING REVENUE    
Total operating revenue $ 1,222 $ 1,392
OPERATING EXPENSES    
Cost of services and products (exclusive of depreciation and amortization) 354 370
Selling, general and administrative 104 128
Operating expenses—affiliates 185 212
Depreciation and amortization 191 187
Total operating expenses 834 897
OPERATING INCOME 388 495
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME    
Interest expense (22) (19)
Other income, net 4 1
Total other expense, net (5) (16)
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAX EXPENSE 383 479
Income tax expense 99 126
NET INCOME 284 353
Non-affiliates    
OPERATING REVENUE    
Total operating revenue 740 846
Affiliates    
OPERATING REVENUE    
Total operating revenue 482 546
OTHER (EXPENSE) INCOME    
Interest income—affiliate, net $ 13 $ 2
v3.25.1
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
CURRENT ASSETS    
Cash and cash equivalents $ 40 $ 26
Accounts receivable, less allowance of $29 and $29 224 227
Other current assets, net 131 152
Total current assets 1,539 1,307
Property, plant and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $9,069 and $8,910 8,830 8,865
GOODWILL AND OTHER ASSETS    
Goodwill 6,955 6,955
Intangible assets, net 95 84
Other assets, net 152 151
Total goodwill and other assets 7,202 7,190
TOTAL ASSETS 17,571 17,362
CURRENT LIABILITIES    
Current maturities of long-term debt 239 239
Accounts payable 138 221
Accrued expenses and other liabilities    
Salaries and benefits 110 130
Income and other taxes 128 106
Other current liabilities 113 117
Current portion of deferred revenue 154 153
Total current liabilities 882 966
LONG-TERM DEBT 1,688 1,688
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES    
Deferred income taxes, net 1,344 1,336
Other liabilities 698 685
Total deferred credits and other liabilities 2,474 2,465
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 7)
STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY    
Common stock - one share without par value, owned by Qwest Services Corporation 10,050 10,050
Retained earnings 2,477 2,193
Total stockholder's equity 12,527 12,243
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY 17,571 17,362
Affiliates    
CURRENT ASSETS    
Advances to affiliates 244 902
Note receivable - affiliates 900 0
DEFERRED CREDITS AND OTHER LIABILITIES    
Affiliate obligations, net $ 432 $ 444
v3.25.1
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]    
Accounts receivable, allowance $ 29 $ 29
PP&E, accumulated depreciation $ 9,069 $ 8,910
Common stock, share issued (in shares) 1 1
Common stock, share outstanding (in shares) 1 1
v3.25.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
OPERATING ACTIVITIES    
Net income $ 284 $ 353
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:    
Depreciation and amortization 191 187
Deferred income taxes 8 (8)
Provision for uncollectible accounts 10 20
Changes in current assets and liabilities:    
Accounts receivable (7) (30)
Accounts payable (61) (23)
Accrued income and other taxes 22 23
Other current assets and liabilities, net (4) (39)
Changes in other assets and liabilities, net 12 7
Changes in affiliate obligations, net (12) (14)
Other, net 10 (5)
Net cash provided by operating activities 453 471
INVESTING ACTIVITIES    
Capital expenditures (203) (277)
Changes in advances to affiliates 658 0
Net increase in note receivable - affiliates (900) 0
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets 6 3
Net cash used in investing activities (439) (274)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES    
Changes in advances from affiliates 0 (193)
Net cash used in financing activities 0 (193)
Net increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 14 4
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period 28 12
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period 42 16
Supplemental cash flow information:    
Income taxes paid, net (84) (126)
Interest paid, including affiliate interest (net of capitalized interest of $10 and $19) (25) (21)
Supplemental noncash information regarding financing activities:    
Repayment of long-term debt in exchange for reductions of advances from affiliates 0 215
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:    
Cash and cash equivalents 40 14
Restricted cash included in Other assets, net 2 2
Total $ 42 $ 16
v3.25.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED) (Parenthetical) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]    
Interest paid, capitalized interest $ 10 $ 19
v3.25.1
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY (UNAUDITED) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Total
COMMON STOCK
RETAINED EARNINGS
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2023   $ 10,050 $ 706
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity      
Net income     353
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2024 $ 11,109 10,050 1,059
Balance at beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2024 12,243 10,050 2,193
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholder's Equity      
Net income     284
Balance at end of period at Mar. 31, 2025 $ 12,527 $ 10,050 $ 2,477
v3.25.1
Background
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Background
Note 1—Background

General

We are a networking company with the goal of 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. Our specific products and services are detailed in Note 3—Revenue Recognition of this report.

We generate the majority of our total consolidated operating revenue from services provided in the 14-state region of Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. We refer to this region as our local service area.

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024, which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). However, in our opinion, the disclosures made therein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the first three months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations and cash flows that might be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

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 (Lumen Technologies and its other subsidiaries, referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated.

We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the recategorization of our Business revenue by product category. See Note 3—Revenue Recognition for additional information. These changes had no impact on total operating revenue, total operating expenses or net income for any period.

Segments

Our operations are integrated into and reported as part of Lumen Technologies. Lumen's CEO is our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") and reviews our financial information on an aggregate basis only in connection with our quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Our CODM assesses performance and allocates resources in conjunction with and based on the operations of Lumen Technologies. Consequently, we do not provide our discrete financial information to the CODM on a regular basis. As such, we have one reportable segment.
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Refer to the significant accounting policies and accounting pronouncements adopted in 2024 described in Note 1—Background and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies to the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes in Part II Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, "Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments." This ASU clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as induced conversions rather than as debt extinguishments. This standard is effective for the annual period of fiscal 2026, and early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2025, we did not have any outstanding convertible debt instruments and do not expect this ASU will have any 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. This standard is 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. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This ASU requires that public business entities must annually (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income or loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate). This ASU becomes effective for us for the annual period of fiscal 2025. We anticipate adopting this ASU for the year ended December 31, 2025, and expect the Income Taxes footnote 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 will align with the standard. We do not anticipate this standard will affect our operating results.
v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Goodwill and Intangible Assets
Note 2—Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Intangible assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets consisted of the following:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Goodwill, less accumulated impairment losses of $2,405 and $2,405
$6,955 6,955 
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $1,702 and $1,841
$95 84 

As of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, the gross carrying amount of goodwill and intangible assets was $8.8 billion and $8.9 billion.

Substantially all of our goodwill was derived from Lumen's acquisition of us in which the purchase price exceeded the fair value of the net assets acquired.

We are required to assess our goodwill for impairment annually, or under certain circumstances, more frequently, such as when events or changes in circumstances indicate there may be impairment. We are required to write down the value of goodwill only when our assessment determines the carrying value of equity of our reporting unit exceeds its fair value. Our annual impairment assessment date for goodwill is October 31, at which date we assess goodwill at our reporting unit. In reviewing the criteria for reporting units, we have determined that we are one reporting unit.

Total amortization expense for finite-lived intangible assets for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024 totaled $8 million and $13 million, respectively.
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Revenue Recognition
We categorize our revenue derived from our operations based on the customers we serve, as follows: (i) revenue derived from serving our Mass Markets customers are categorized primarily within the first three categories listed below, (ii) revenue derived from servicing our Business customers are categorized primarily in the 'Harvest', 'Nurture' and 'Grow' categories listed below, and (iii) revenue derived from serving our affiliates are categorized in the 'Affiliate Services' category listed:
•Other Broadband, under which we provide primarily lower speed broadband services to residential and small business customers utilizing our copper-based network infrastructure;

•Voice and Other, under which we derive revenues from (i) providing local and long-distance services, professional services, and other ancillary services, (ii) federal broadband and state support payments, and (iii) equipment, IT solutions and other services;

•Fiber Broadband, under which we provide high speed broadband services to residential and small business customers utilizing our fiber-based network infrastructure;

•Harvest, which includes our legacy services managed for cash flow, including Time Division Multiplexing voice and private line services;

•Nurture, which includes our more mature offerings, including primarily ethernet;

•Grow, which includes existing and emerging products and services in which we are significantly investing, including our dark fiber and wavelengths services; and

•Affiliate Services, which are (i) communications services that we provide to our affiliates and also provide to external customers and (ii) application development and support services that we provide to our affiliates, as described further in Note 6—Affiliate Transactions.

Reconciliation of Total Revenue to Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The following tables provide our total revenue by product and service category as well as the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606"), but is instead governed by other accounting standards:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Other Broadband$205 (18)187 
Voice and Other120 (4)116 
Fiber Broadband86 (3)83 
Harvest211 (29)182 
Nurture84 (2)82 
Grow34 (2)32 
Affiliate Services482 (12)470 
Total revenue$1,222 (70)1,152 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Other Broadband$252 (21)231 
Voice and Other133 (4)129 
Fiber Broadband99 (3)96 
Harvest239 (32)207 
Nurture89 (2)87 
Grow34 — 34 
Affiliate Services546 (12)534 
Total revenue$1,392 (74)1,318 
____________________________________________________________
(1)Includes regulatory revenue and lease revenue not within the scope of ASC 606.

Operating Lease Revenue

Qwest leases various data transmission capacity, office facilities, switching facilities, and other network sites to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease revenue are included in Operating Revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.

For the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024, our gross rental revenue was $67 million and $71 million, which represented approximately 5% of our operating revenue for both the three months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024.

Customer Receivables and Contract Balances

The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
 (Dollars in millions)
Customer receivables, less allowance of $21 and $23 (1)
$197 205 
Contract liabilities236 244 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)Customer receivables includes affiliate receivables.

Contract liabilities consist of consideration we have received from our customers or billed in advance of providing goods or services promised in the future. We defer recognizing this consideration as revenue until we have satisfied the related performance obligation to the customer. Contract liabilities include recurring services billed one month in advance and installation and maintenance charges that are deferred and recognized over the actual or expected contract term, which ranges from one to five years depending on the service. Contract liabilities are included within Deferred revenue in our consolidated balance sheets. During the three months ended March 31, 2025, we recognized $122 million of revenue that was included in contract liabilities of $244 million as of January 1, 2025. During the three months ended of March 31, 2024, we recognized $135 million of revenue that was included in contract liabilities of $269 million as of January 1, 2024.
Performance Obligations

As of March 31, 2025, we expect to recognize approximately $2.1 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, 2025, the transaction price related to unsatisfied performance obligations that are expected to be recognized for the remainder of 2025, 2026 and thereafter was $653 million, $709 million and $757 million, respectively.

These amounts exclude (i) the value of unsatisfied performance obligations for contracts for which we recognize revenue at the amount to which we have the right to invoice for services performed (for example, uncommitted usage or non-recurring charges associated with professional or technical services to be completed), and (ii) contracts that are classified as leasing arrangements that are not subject to ASC 606.

Contract Costs

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

Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Acquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning Balance$51 46 
Cost Incurred5 9 
Amortization(8)(8)
Ending Balances$48 47 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Acquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning Balance$58 46 
Cost incurred10 10 
Amortization(11)(9)
Ending Balances$57 47 

Acquisition costs include commission fees paid to employees as a result of obtaining contracts. Fulfillment costs include third party and internal costs associated with the provision, installation and activation of communications services to customers, including labor and materials consumed for these activities.

We amortize deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs based on the transfer of services on a straight-line basis over the average contract life of 47 months for Mass Markets customers and 34 months for Business customers, respectively. We include amortized fulfillment costs in cost of services and products and amortized acquisition costs are included in selling, general and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations. We include the amount of these deferred costs that are anticipated to be amortized in the next 12 months in Other current assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets. We include the amount of deferred costs expected to be amortized beyond the next 12 months in Other assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets. We assess deferred acquisition and fulfillment costs for impairment on a quarterly basis.
v3.25.1
Long-Term Debt
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Long-Term Debt
Note 4—Long-Term Debt

The following table reflects our consolidated long-term debt as of the dates indicated below, including unamortized discounts and premiums and unamortized debt issuance costs:

Interest Rates (1)
Maturities (1)
March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
   (Dollars in millions)
Senior notes
6.50% - 7.75%
2025-2057$1,973 1,973 
Finance leases
VariousVarious3 3 
Unamortized premiums, net  1 1 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(50)(50)
Total long-term debt  1,927 1,927 
Less current maturities(239)(239)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities$1,688 1,688 
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)As of March 31, 2025.

Long-Term Debt Maturities

Set forth below is the aggregate principal amount of our long-term debt as of March 31, 2025 (excluding unamortized premiums, net and unamortized debt issuance costs) maturing during the following years:

(Dollars in millions)
2025 (remaining nine months)$238 
20261 
20271 
2028— 
2029— 
2030 and thereafter1,736 
Total long-term debt$1,976 
Qwest Guarantees of Lumen Debt

Lumen’s obligations under its credit agreements entered into on March 22, 2024 and its superpriority secured senior notes issued on and after March 22, 2024 are unsecured, but Qwest Corporation and certain of its subsidiaries have provided an unsecured guarantee of Lumen’s obligations under these agreements and senior notes. See Note 6—Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Other Related Information

For information about our senior notes, our 2024 debt transactions and our intercompany debt arrangement, see Note 6—Long-Term Debt and Note Payable - Affiliate to the financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

Compliance

As of March 31, 2025, we believe we were in compliance with the financial covenants contained in our material debt agreements in all material respects.
v3.25.1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Fair Value of Financial Instruments
Note 5—Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Our financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, advances to and from affiliates, note receivable - affiliates, accounts payable, and long-term debt, excluding finance leases. Due to their short-term nature, the carrying amounts of our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, advances to and from affiliates, note receivable - affiliates, 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 of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:

  March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
 
Input Level
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
  (Dollars in millions)
Liabilities—Long-term debt (excluding finance leases)
2$1,924 1,410 1,924 1,462 
v3.25.1
Affiliate Transactions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Affiliate Transactions
Note 6—Affiliate Transactions

We provide incumbent local exchange carrier telecommunications services to our affiliates that we also provide to external customers. We periodically review and update our prices for affiliate network services to align with regulated rates, where applicable, or competitive market-based rates charged to external customers, taking into consideration the average third party customer contract term to which those affiliate services pertain. These services are billed directly to our affiliates and recognized as affiliate revenue on our consolidated statements of operations.

We also provide to our affiliates shared services in the form of application development and support services, as well as network support and technical services, and administrative and corporate support. In this regard, we function as a service company to other Lumen affiliates, and correspondingly recognize affiliate revenue based on the costs for the services that we provide to those affiliates.

Whenever possible, costs for shared services are incurred directly by our affiliates for the services they use. When these shared costs are not directly incurred, they are allocated among all affiliates based upon what we determine to be the most reasonable method, first using cost causative measures, or, if no cost causative measure is available, using a general allocator. From time to time, we may adjust the basis for allocating the costs of a shared service among affiliates. Any such changes in allocation methodologies are generally applied prospectively.
On March 31, 2025, we entered into an unsecured revolving promissory note with our ultimate parent Lumen Technologies, under which Lumen Technologies is permitted to borrow up to $3.0 billion from us at an 8.3% interest rate per annum. The principal amount is payable upon demand by us and prepayable by Lumen Technologies at any time, but no later than March 31, 2030, which will automatically renew on the maturity date for successive 12-month periods unless we elect otherwise. The facility has covenants and is subject to other limitations. As of March 31, 2025, we had $900 million due from Lumen Technologies under this promissory note.

The following table provides details of affiliate revenue:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
 (Dollars in millions)
Direct affiliate revenue
$345 401 
Allocated affiliate revenue
137 145 
Total operating revenue—affiliates
$482 546 
We also purchase services from our affiliates including telecommunication services, insurance, flight services and other support services such as legal, regulatory, finance administration and executive support. Our affiliates charge us for these services using the allocation methodology described above.
v3.25.1
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]  
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items
Note 7—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, at both March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 we had accrued $17 million, in the aggregate for our litigation and non-income tax contingencies, which are included in Other current liabilities or Other liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets as of such dates. We cannot at this time estimate the reasonably possible loss or range of loss, if any in excess of this $17 million accrual due to the inherent uncertainties and speculative nature of contested proceedings. The establishment of an accrual does not mean that actual funds have been set aside to satisfy a given contingency. Thus, the resolution of a particular contingency for the amount accrued could have no effect on our results of operations but nonetheless could have an adverse effect on our cash flows.

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

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.

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.

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 9th Circuit reversed and remanded. Class certification was contested and ultimately granted in 2023. The 9th 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 Lumen has appealed the judgment to the 9th 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.

Huawei Network Deployment Investigations

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

•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 naming various defendants and asserting various claims for relief have been filed. To date, three of those name Qwest Corporation as being at fault: Allstate Fire and Casualty Insurance Company, et al., v. Qwest Corp., et al., Case 2023-cv-3048, and Wallace, et al. v. Qwest Corp., et al., Case 2023-cv-30488, both of which have been consolidated with Kupfner et al., v. Public Service Company of Colorado, et al., Case 2022-cv-30195. The consolidated proceeding is pending in Colorado District Court, Boulder, Colorado, Preliminary estimates of potential damage claims exceed $2 billion.

911 Surcharge

In June 2021, the Company was served with a complaint filed in the Santa Fe County District Court by Phone Recovery Services, LLC (“PRS”), acting on behalf of the State of New Mexico. The complaint claims Qwest Corporation and CenturyTel of the Southwest have violated the New Mexico Fraud Against Taxpayers Act since 2004 by failing to bill, collect, and remit certain 911 surcharges from customers. Through pre-trial proceedings, the Court narrowed the issues to be resolved by jury. On August 21, 2024, a jury decided the remaining issues, and consequently all claims asserted, in Lumen's favor. The plaintiff has filed a Notice of Appeal and Lumen submitted a cross-appeal as to the original motion to dismiss and motion for summary judgment.

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 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 of our contingencies. For additional information on our contingencies, see Note 14—Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items to the financial statements included in Item 8 of Part II of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024. 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.
v3.25.1
Other Financial Information
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Other Financial Information
Note 8—Other Financial Information

Other Current Assets, net

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

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses$79 98
Contract acquisition costs25 26
Contract fulfillment costs27 26
Other— 2
Total Other current assets, net$131 152

Other Current Liabilities

The following table presents details of Other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Current affiliate obligation$48 48 
Current operating lease liability15 15 
Other50 54 
Total Other current liabilities$113 117 

Included in accounts payable at March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024 were $38 million and $57 million, respectively, associated with capital expenditures.

Other Liabilities

The following table presents details of Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Unrecognized tax benefits$461 453
Deferred revenue103 97
Operating lease liability52 49
Other82 86
Total Other liabilities$698 685
v3.25.1
Labor Union Contracts
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]  
Labor Union Contracts
Note 9—Labor Union Contracts
    
As of March 31, 2025, approximately 42% of our employees were represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA) or the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW). 99% of our represented employees are subject to collective bargaining agreements that are scheduled to expire within the twelve-month period ending March 31, 2026.
v3.25.1
Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Pay vs Performance Disclosure    
Net income $ 284 $ 353
v3.25.1
Insider Trading Arrangements
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
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
v3.25.1
Background (Policies)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis of Presentation
Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2024, which was derived from our audited consolidated financial statements, and our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements provided herein have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q. Certain information and note disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") have been condensed or omitted pursuant to rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). However, in our opinion, the disclosures made therein are adequate to make the information presented not misleading. We believe these consolidated financial statements include all normal recurring adjustments necessary to fairly present the results for the interim periods. The consolidated results of operations and cash flows for the first three months of the year are not necessarily indicative of the consolidated results of operations and cash flows that might be expected for the entire year. These consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024.

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 (Lumen Technologies and its other subsidiaries, referred to herein as affiliates) have not been eliminated.
Reclassification
We reclassified certain prior period amounts to conform to the current period presentation, including the recategorization of our Business revenue by product category. See Note 3—Revenue Recognition for additional information. These changes had no impact on total operating revenue, total operating expenses or net income for any period.
Segments
Segments

Our operations are integrated into and reported as part of Lumen Technologies. Lumen's CEO is our chief operating decision maker ("CODM") and reviews our financial information on an aggregate basis only in connection with our quarterly and annual reports that we file with the SEC. Our CODM assesses performance and allocates resources in conjunction with and based on the operations of Lumen Technologies. Consequently, we do not provide our discrete financial information to the CODM on a regular basis. As such, we have one reportable segment.
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU 2024-04, "Debt—Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20): Induced Conversions of Convertible Debt Instruments." This ASU clarifies the requirements for determining whether certain settlements of convertible debt instruments should be accounted for as induced conversions rather than as debt extinguishments. This standard is effective for the annual period of fiscal 2026, and early adoption is permitted. As of March 31, 2025, we did not have any outstanding convertible debt instruments and do not expect this ASU will have any 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. This standard is 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. We are currently evaluating the impact the adoption of this standard will have on our disclosures.

In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU 2023-09, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures.” This ASU requires that public business entities must annually (1) disclose specific categories in the rate reconciliation and (2) provide additional information for reconciling items that meet a quantitative threshold (if the effect of those reconciling items is equal to or greater than 5 percent of the amount computed by multiplying pretax income or loss by the applicable statutory income tax rate). This ASU becomes effective for us for the annual period of fiscal 2025. We anticipate adopting this ASU for the year ended December 31, 2025, and expect the Income Taxes footnote 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 will align with the standard. We do not anticipate this standard will affect our operating results.
Operating Lease Revenue
Operating Lease Revenue

Qwest leases various data transmission capacity, office facilities, switching facilities, and other network sites to third parties under operating leases. Lease and sublease revenue are included in Operating Revenue in our consolidated statements of operations.
v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Intangible Assets and Goodwill
Goodwill and Intangible assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets consisted of the following:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Goodwill, less accumulated impairment losses of $2,405 and $2,405
$6,955 6,955 
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $1,702 and $1,841
$95 84 
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Schedule of Revenue
The following tables provide our total revenue by product and service category as well as the amount of revenue that is not subject to ASC 606, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606"), but is instead governed by other accounting standards:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue (1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Other Broadband$205 (18)187 
Voice and Other120 (4)116 
Fiber Broadband86 (3)83 
Harvest211 (29)182 
Nurture84 (2)82 
Grow34 (2)32 
Affiliate Services482 (12)470 
Total revenue$1,222 (70)1,152 
Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Total Revenue
Adjustments for Non-ASC 606 Revenue(1)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers
(Dollars in millions)
Other Broadband$252 (21)231 
Voice and Other133 (4)129 
Fiber Broadband99 (3)96 
Harvest239 (32)207 
Nurture89 (2)87 
Grow34 — 34 
Affiliate Services546 (12)534 
Total revenue$1,392 (74)1,318 
____________________________________________________________
(1)Includes regulatory revenue and lease revenue not within the scope of ASC 606.
Customer Receivables and Contract Balances
The following table provides balances of customer receivables, contract assets, and contract liabilities:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
 (Dollars in millions)
Customer receivables, less allowance of $21 and $23 (1)
$197 205 
Contract liabilities236 244 
______________________________________________________________________
(1)Customer receivables includes affiliate receivables.
Contract Costs
The following tables provide changes in our contract acquisition costs and fulfillment costs:

Three Months Ended March 31, 2025
Acquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning Balance$51 46 
Cost Incurred5 9 
Amortization(8)(8)
Ending Balances$48 47 

Three Months Ended March 31, 2024
Acquisition CostsFulfillment Costs
(Dollars in millions)
Beginning Balance$58 46 
Cost incurred10 10 
Amortization(11)(9)
Ending Balances$57 47 
v3.25.1
Long-Term Debt (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Long-Term Debt
The following table reflects our consolidated long-term debt as of the dates indicated below, including unamortized discounts and premiums and unamortized debt issuance costs:

Interest Rates (1)
Maturities (1)
March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
   (Dollars in millions)
Senior notes
6.50% - 7.75%
2025-2057$1,973 1,973 
Finance leases
VariousVarious3 3 
Unamortized premiums, net  1 1 
Unamortized debt issuance costs(50)(50)
Total long-term debt  1,927 1,927 
Less current maturities(239)(239)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities$1,688 1,688 
_______________________________________________________________________________
(1)As of March 31, 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, 2025 (excluding unamortized premiums, net and unamortized debt issuance costs) maturing during the following years:
(Dollars in millions)
2025 (remaining nine months)$238 
20261 
20271 
2028— 
2029— 
2030 and thereafter1,736 
Total long-term debt$1,976 
v3.25.1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]  
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values
The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial liabilities as of March 31, 2025 and December 31, 2024, as well as the input level used to determine the fair values indicated below:

  March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
 
Input Level
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
Carrying
Amount
Fair Value
  (Dollars in millions)
Liabilities—Long-term debt (excluding finance leases)
2$1,924 1,410 1,924 1,462 
v3.25.1
Affiliate Transactions (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]  
Schedule of Affiliate Revenue
The following table provides details of affiliate revenue:

Three Months Ended March 31,
20252024
 (Dollars in millions)
Direct affiliate revenue
$345 401 
Allocated affiliate revenue
137 145 
Total operating revenue—affiliates
$482 546 
v3.25.1
Other Financial Information (Tables)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]  
Schedule of Other Current Assets, Net
The following table presents details of Other current assets, net on our consolidated balance sheets:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Prepaid expenses$79 98
Contract acquisition costs25 26
Contract fulfillment costs27 26
Other— 2
Total Other current assets, net$131 152
Schedule of Other Current Liabilities
The following table presents details of Other current liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Current affiliate obligation$48 48 
Current operating lease liability15 15 
Other50 54 
Total Other current liabilities$113 117 
Schedule of Other Noncurrent Liabilities
The following table presents details of Other liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets:

March 31, 2025December 31, 2024
(Dollars in millions)
Unrecognized tax benefits$461 453
Deferred revenue103 97
Operating lease liability52 49
Other82 86
Total Other liabilities$698 685
v3.25.1
Background - General (Details)
Mar. 31, 2025
state
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Number of states in which entity operates 14
v3.25.1
Background - Segments (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
segment
Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Number of reportable segments 1
v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Schedule of Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Goodwill, less accumulated impairment losses of $2,405 and $2,405 $ 6,955 $ 6,955
Intangible assets, less accumulated amortization of $1,702 and $1,841 95 84
Goodwill, accumulated impairment losses 2,405 2,405
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization $ 1,702 $ 1,841
v3.25.1
Goodwill and Intangible Assets - Additional Information (Details)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
USD ($)
reporting_unit
Mar. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]      
Intangible assets, gross (including goodwill) $ 8,800   $ 8,900
Number of reporting units | reporting_unit 1    
Amortization of intangible assets $ 8 $ 13  
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue $ 1,222 $ 1,392
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (70) (74)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers 1,152 1,318
Other Broadband    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 205 252
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (18) (21)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers 187 231
Voice and Other    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 120 133
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (4) (4)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers 116 129
Fiber Broadband    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 86 99
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (3) (3)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers 83 96
Harvest    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 211 239
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (29) (32)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers 182 207
Nurture    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 84 89
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (2) (2)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers 82 87
Grow    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 34 34
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (2) 0
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers 32 34
Affiliate Services    
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]    
Total Revenue 482 546
Adjustments for non-ASC 606 revenue (12) (12)
Total Revenue from Contracts with Customers $ 470 $ 534
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition - Operating Lease Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]    
Lease income $ 67 $ 71
Percent of operating revenue 5.00% 5.00%
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition - Customer Receivables and Contract Balances (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Jan. 01, 2024
Jan. 01, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]        
Customer receivables, less allowance of $21 and $23 $ 197 $ 205    
Contract liabilities 236 244 $ 244 $ 269
Allowance for credit losses $ 21 $ 23    
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition - Additional Information, Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Dec. 31, 2024
Jan. 01, 2024
Jan. 01, 2023
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]          
Revenue recognized from prior year contract liability $ 122 $ 135      
Contract liabilities $ 236   $ 244 $ 244 $ 269
Minimum          
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]          
Contract term 1 year        
Maximum          
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]          
Contract term 5 years        
Weighted Average | Mass Markets Customers, Average Contract Life          
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]          
Length of customer life 47 months        
Weighted Average | Business Customer, Average Contract Life          
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]          
Length of customer life 34 months        
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition - Additional Information, Performance Obligation (Details)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 2,100
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Remaining performance obligation 2,100
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2025-04-01  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 653
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of satisfaction, period 9 months
Remaining performance obligation $ 653
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2026-01-01  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 709
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Remaining performance obligation $ 709
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction, Start Date [Axis]: 2027-01-01  
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]  
Remaining performance obligation $ 757
Revenue, Remaining Performance Obligation, Expected Timing of Satisfaction [Line Items]  
Expected timing of satisfaction, period 1 year
Remaining performance obligation $ 757
v3.25.1
Revenue Recognition - Contract Costs (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Acquisition Costs    
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]    
Beginning Balance $ 51 $ 58
Cost Incurred 5 10
Amortization (8) (11)
Ending Balances 48 57
Fulfillment Costs    
Capitalized Contract Cost [Line Items]    
Beginning Balance 46 46
Cost Incurred 9 10
Amortization (8) (9)
Ending Balances $ 47 $ 47
v3.25.1
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Long Term Debt (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Long-term debt    
Unamortized premiums, net $ 1 $ 1
Unamortized debt issuance costs (50) (50)
Total long-term debt 1,927 1,927
Less current maturities (239) (239)
Long-term debt, excluding current maturities 1,688 1,688
Senior notes    
Long-term debt    
Long-term debt, gross $ 1,973 1,973
Senior notes | Minimum    
Long-term debt    
Stated interest rate 6.50%  
Senior notes | Maximum    
Long-term debt    
Stated interest rate 7.75%  
Finance leases    
Long-term debt    
Long-term debt, gross $ 3 $ 3
v3.25.1
Long-Term Debt - Schedule of Debt Maturity (Details)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]  
2025 (remaining nine months) $ 238
2026 1
2027 1
2028 0
2029 0
2030 and thereafter 1,736
Total long-term debt $ 1,976
v3.25.1
Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) - Fair value measurements, nonrecurring - Fair value inputs, Level 2 - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Carrying Amount    
Fair Value Disclosure    
Liabilities—Long-term debt (excluding finance leases) $ 1,924 $ 1,924
Fair Value    
Fair Value Disclosure    
Liabilities—Long-term debt (excluding finance leases) $ 1,410 $ 1,462
v3.25.1
Affiliate Transactions - Additional Information (Details) - Affiliates - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Note receivable - affiliates $ 900 $ 0
Lumen Technologies, Inc.    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Notes receivable, amount permitted to borrow $ 3,000  
Interest rate (as a percent) 8.30%  
Note receivable - affiliates $ 900  
v3.25.1
Affiliate Transactions - Affiliate Revenue (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Mar. 31, 2024
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenue $ 1,222 $ 1,392
Affiliates    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenue 482 546
Affiliates | Direct affiliate revenue    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenue 345 401
Affiliates | Allocated affiliate revenue    
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]    
Total revenue $ 137 $ 145
v3.25.1
Commitments, Contingencies and Other Items (Details)
 3 Months Ended
Dec. 30, 2021
People
lawsuit
Mar. 31, 2025
USD ($)
patent
lawsuit
Dec. 31, 2024
USD ($)
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Estimate of possible loss   $ 17,000,000 $ 17,000,000
Number of people killed | People 2    
Number of patent infringement lawsuits | patent   1  
Marshall Fire Litigation | Pending Litigation      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Number of lawsuits | lawsuit 300    
Number of pending lawsuits | lawsuit   3  
Marshall Fire Litigation | Pending Litigation | Minimum      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Estimate of possible loss   $ 2,000,000,000  
Statutory Damages | FCPA Litigation | Judicial Ruling      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Amount awarded to other party   500  
Punitive Damages | FCPA Litigation | Judicial Ruling      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Amount awarded to other party   2,000  
Unfavorable Regulatory Action      
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]      
Estimate of possible loss   $ 300,000  
v3.25.1
Other Financial Information - Other Current Assets, Net (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Prepaid expenses $ 79 $ 98
Contract acquisition costs 25 26
Contract fulfillment costs 27 26
Other 0 2
Total Other current assets, net $ 131 $ 152
v3.25.1
Other Financial Information - Other Current Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
 3 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Current affiliate obligation $ 48 $ 48
Current operating lease liability 15 15
Other 50 54
Total Other current liabilities 113 117
Capital expenditures $ 38 $ 57
v3.25.1
Other Financial Information - Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)
$ in Millions
Mar. 31, 2025
Dec. 31, 2024
Deferred Costs, Capitalized, Prepaid, and Other Assets Disclosure [Abstract]    
Unrecognized tax benefits $ 461 $ 453
Deferred revenue 103 97
Operating lease liability 52 49
Other 82 86
Total Other liabilities $ 698 $ 685
v3.25.1
Labor Union Contracts (Details) - Union employees concentration risk
 3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2025
Employees covered under collective bargaining agreements  
Labor Union Contracts  
Concentration risk percentage 42.00%
Workforce Subject to Collective-Bargaining Arrangements Expiring within One Year  
Labor Union Contracts  
Concentration risk percentage 99.00%