Revenues from Contracts with Customers

The Company adopted Topic 606 beginning on April 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. We earn revenue from contracts with customers, primarily through the provision of telecommunications and other services and the sale or rental of wireless devices and accessories. Net operating revenues primarily consist of Wireless and Wireline service revenues, revenues generated from device and accessory sales, revenues from wholesale operators and third-party affiliates. Our contracts with customers may involve multiple performance obligations, which include services, wireless devices or a combination thereof, and we allocate the transaction price between each performance obligation based on its relative standalone selling price. Upon adoption, the Company applied the standard only to contracts that were not completed, referred to as open contracts.

We operate two reportable segments: Wireless and Wireline. For additional information regarding our business and segments, see "Part I, Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."

Contracts with Customers

Service-related components of the total transaction price typically consist of fixed monthly recurring charges, variable usage charges and miscellaneous fees such as activation fees, international long distance and roaming, commissions on the device insurance program, late payment and administrative fees, and certain regulatory-related fees, net of service credits. For contracts involving multiple performance obligations, such as equipment and service, revenue is allocated based on relative standalone selling price of each performance obligation. We generally recognize revenue allocated to service performance obligations as those services are rendered. As a result of the timing of our multiple billing cycles throughout each month, we are required to estimate the amount of subscriber revenues earned but not billed from the end of each billing cycle to the end of each reporting period, and to estimate and defer amounts billed but not earned as of the end of each reporting period. These estimates are based primarily on rate plans in effect and our historical usage and billing patterns. Regulatory fees and costs are recorded gross. The largest component of regulatory fees is the Universal Service Fund, which represented no more than 1% of net operating revenues for the three- and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2018 and no more than 2% and 1%, respectively, for the three- and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 in the consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.

We recognize equipment sales and corresponding costs of equipment sales when title and risk of loss passes to the indirect dealer or end-use subscriber, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met. This typically occurs at the point of sale for direct channel sales and freight-on-board dealer destination for indirect channel sales. For the three- and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2018, equipment sales to our indirect dealers were approximately $1.0 billion and $2.6 billion, respectively. In subsidized postpaid and prepaid Wireless contracts, we subsidize the cost of the device as an incentive to retain and acquire subscribers.

We recognize revenue on equipment rentals subject to leasing contracts in accordance with the classification of the lease, which is over the lease term for operating leases or upon transfer of control over the equipment for most capital leases.

The accounting estimates related to the recognition of revenue require us to make assumptions about numerous factors such as future billing adjustments, future returns, and the total contract consideration (e.g., for contracts which include customer incentives or consideration payable to the customer).

We use output methods to recognize revenue for performance obligations satisfied over time (i.e., service performance obligations). Output methods measure progress toward satisfying a performance obligation on the basis of direct measurements of the goods or services transferred to date, relative to the remaining goods or services promised under a contract. Management asserts that this method most reasonably represents the transfer of goods or services to the customer. For prepaid contracts which provide the customer with the ability to redeem fixed prepayments for future goods or services, we utilize the proportional amount of redemptions from the customer in comparison to the total expected amount of redemptions as an estimate of our progress toward satisfaction of our performance obligations. For postpaid contracts with unlimited amounts of monthly service and for Wireline contracts, we utilize the time elapsed in relation to the total contract duration as an estimate of our progress toward satisfaction of our performance obligations.

In determining the amounts of revenue to recognize, we use the following methods, inputs, and assumptions:

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Determination of transaction price - we include any fixed and determinable charges per our contracts as part of the total transaction price. To the extent that variable consideration is not constrained, we include a probability-weighted estimate of the variable amount within the total transaction price and update our assumptions over the duration of the contract. We do not accept non-cash consideration from our customers as direct payment for the purchase of equipment at contract inception or for the purchase of ongoing services. Subject to certain restrictions, we may purchase used equipment from customers entering into a new subscriber contract. Our payment for the purchase of this used equipment may not equal its market value. In those circumstances, the expected difference between the purchase price and the market value of the used equipment is treated as an adjustment to the total transaction price of the customer's contract at contract inception.

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Assessment of estimates of variable consideration - our Wireless contracts generally do not involve variable consideration which must be allocated amongst performance obligations at contract inception, other than expected adjustments to the total transaction price related to (a) customer equipment rebates; (b) customer retention credits; and (c) product returns and service refunds, all of which we are able to reasonably estimate at contract inception based upon historical experience with similar or identical contracts and similar or identical customers. Our Wireline contracts are generally not subject to significant amounts of variable consideration. We do not consider any of our variable consideration to be constrained for the purpose of estimating the total transaction price to be allocated to our performance obligations.

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Allocation of transaction price - we allocate the total transaction price in our contracts amongst performance obligations based upon the relative standalone selling prices of those performance obligations. We use observable external pricing of performance obligations when sold on a standalone basis as evidence of standalone selling prices. Discounts and premiums built into our transaction prices are typically allocated proportionately to all performance obligations within the contracts, exclusive of performance obligations for the delivery of accessories, which are consistently sold at a standalone selling price regardless of bundling, and with the exception of estimated Wireless customer retention credits, which are treated as a reduction in the portion of the total transaction price allocated to service revenue.

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Measurement of returns, refunds, and other similar obligations are estimated separately for separate product and service types based upon historical experience with similar contracts and similar types of customers. The total transaction price is reduced by the amount estimated as a return, refund, or other similar obligation in relation to the sale. This amount is recorded as a current liability, unless and until our estimates have changed or the relevant obligation has been satisfied.

Disaggregation of Revenue

We disaggregate revenue based upon differences in accounting for underlying performance obligations. Accounting differences related to our performance obligations are driven by various factors, including the type of product offering provided, the type of customer, and the expected timing of payment for goods and services.

The following table presents disaggregated reported revenue by category:



	Three Months Ended		Nine Months Ended
	December 31, 2018		December 31, 2018
	(in millions)
Service revenue
Postpaid	$	4,236	$	12,679
Prepaid	924		2,860
Wholesale, affiliate and other	294		881
Wireline	245		781
Total service revenue	5,699		17,201
Equipment sales	1,589		4,180
Equipment rentals	1,313		3,778
Total revenue	$	8,601	$	25,159

Contract Assets and Liabilities

Performance obligations related to our Wireless segment involve the provision of equipment and service. In most circumstances, equipment performance obligations provided to the customer as part of subsidized and installment billing contracts, or as part of standalone equipment sales, are satisfied when title and risk of loss passes to the indirect dealer or end-use subscriber, assuming all other revenue recognition criteria are met. This typically occurs at the point of sale for direct channel sales and freight-on-board dealer destination for indirect channel sales. We recognize revenue on equipment rentals subject to leasing contracts in accordance with the classification of the lease, which is over the lease term for operating leases or upon transfer of control over the equipment for most capital leases. Wireless service performance obligations are typically satisfied over 24 months for subsidized and installment billing contracts with substantive termination penalties such as Buy-One-Get-One (BOGO) contracts, over 18 to 30 months for leasing contracts, and over one month for traditional installment billing contracts. Amounts due for subsidized equipment are due at point of sale. Amounts due for equipment subject to an operating or capital lease are invoiced and collected monthly over the term of the lease. Amounts due for equipment subject to an installment billing note are invoiced and collected monthly over the term of the note, typically between 24 and 30 months for handsets and 12 to 18 months for accessories. A financing component exists in relation to subsidized and installment billing Wireless contracts. However, we do not consider the financing component to be quantitatively or qualitatively significant for installment billing contracts with durations longer than one year. For those installment billing contracts with durations of one year or less, we have elected to apply the practical expedient and not adjust the transaction price for the effects of a financing component. Amounts due for Wireless services are typically invoiced and collected monthly over the relevant service period. Wireless contracts generally do not involve variable consideration, other than expected adjustments to the total transaction price related to expected future price concessions and product returns and service refunds. Our Wireless contracts include consideration resulting from monthly customer charges intended to partially recover taxes imposed on the Company, including fees related to the Universal Service Fund. These fees are based on the customer's estimated monthly voice usage and are therefore allocated to corresponding distinct months of Wireless services. We update our estimates related to return and refund obligations for Wireless equipment and services on a quarterly basis. Returns and refunds are typically provided for up to 14 days after contract inception for individual customers and for 30 days for business customers.

Performance obligations related to our Wireline business involve the provision of services to corporate customers. Wireline service performance obligations are satisfied typically over a period between 24 and 36 months. Amounts due for services are invoiced and collected periodically over the relevant service period. Wireline contracts are not subject to significant amounts of variable consideration, other than charges intended to partially recover taxes imposed on the Company, including fees related to the Universal Service Fund. Such fees are based on the customer's estimated monthly usage and are therefore allocated to corresponding distinct months of Wireline services. Our Wireline contracts do provide the customer with monthly options to purchase goods or services at prices commensurate with the standalone selling prices for those goods or services, as determined at contract inception.

The relationship between the satisfaction of our performance obligations and collection of payments from the customer will vary depending upon the type of contract. In Wireless subsidized contracts, payment related to equipment performance obligations is partially collected upfront and partially collected over the related service period resulting in a contract asset position at contract inception. In traditional Wireless installment billing contracts, the full amount of consideration related to equipment performance obligations is recognized as a receivable at contract inception and collected ratably in accordance with payment terms attached to the installment note. Traditional Wireless installment billing contracts are subject to an accounting contract duration of one month, and therefore do not result in the recognition of a contract position. In Wireless installment billing contracts that include a substantive termination penalty such as when customers receive a monthly service credit to offset monthly payments against applicable installment billing notes, the amount of the total transaction price that is allocated to equipment performance obligations is less than the amount recognized as a noncontingent receivable from the customer at contract inception, resulting in a contract liability position. In Wireless leasing contracts, the amount of cash received at inception is generally larger than the amount of upfront revenue allocated and recognized as rental income. This results in a contract liability at contract inception, which is often partially composed of deferred rental income. In prepaid contracts initiated in our indirect channel, customers may purchase a device at a discount. The Company will often reimburse the dealer some portion of this discount, which is expected to be recovered through future sales of monthly service. This results in a contract asset position at contract inception. In circumstances where prepaid customers prepay account balances, which can be used to purchase future Wireless goods or services, those amounts are recognized as a contract liability until the point where prepayments are redeemed for goods or services and the related performance obligations have been satisfied. In Wireline contracts, we record a contract position, either a contract asset or a contract liability depending upon the specific facts and circumstances of the contract, including to reflect differences between the amount of revenue allocated to equipment delivered upfront and the contractually stated price for that equipment, or if we collect nonrefundable upfront payments from customers related to installation and activation.

We capitalize incremental commissions directly related to the acquisition or renewal of customer contracts, to the extent that the costs are expected to be recovered. Capitalized costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of the expected customer life or the expected benefit related directly to those costs.

We assess our capitalized contract acquisition asset for impairment on a quarterly basis. We impair our capitalized costs to the extent that the carrying amount of a capitalized cost exceeds (a) the remaining amount of consideration we expect to receive in exchange for the goods and services related to the cost, less (b) the expected costs related directly to providing those goods and services that have not yet been recognized as expenses.

The following table presents the opening and closing balances of our contract assets, contract liabilities, and receivables balances, as well as capitalized costs associated with contracts with customers:



	December 31,			April 1,
	2018			2018
	(in millions)
Contract assets and liabilities
Contract assets⁽¹⁾	$	806		$	432
Billed trade receivables	2,591			2,559
Unbilled trade receivables	918			1,250
Contract liabilities⁽²⁾	1,011			1,104

Other related assets and liabilities
Other related assets:
Capitalized costs to acquire a customer contract:
Sales commissions - opening balance	$	1,219
Sales commissions - additions	874
Amortization of capitalized sales commissions	(596		)
Net costs to acquire a customer contract	$	1,497


(1)	The fluctuation correlates directly to the execution of new customer contracts and invoicing and collections from customers in the normal course of business.


(2)	Revenue recognized during the nine-month period ended December 31, 2018, which was included within the beginning contract liability balance, amounts to $986 million.

Remaining Performance Obligations

The aggregate amount of total transaction price allocated to performance obligations in contracts existing as of the balance sheet date, which are wholly or partially unsatisfied as of the end of the reporting period, and the expected time frame for satisfaction of those wholly or partially unsatisfied performance obligations, are as follows (in millions):




Remainder of year ending March 31, 2019	$	2,898
Year ending March 31, 2020	6,558
Thereafter	319
Total	$	9,775

The amounts disclosed above relate to the allocation of revenue amongst performance obligations in contracts existing as of the balance sheet date, and not to any differences between the timing of revenue recognition and recognition of receivables or cash collection. As a result, those amounts are not necessarily reflected as a contract liability as of the balance sheet date. Included in the above amounts are $1.1 billion for the year ending March 31, 2019 and $2.5 billion for the year ending March 31, 2020, respectively, related to the allocation of the total transaction price to future operating lease revenues. Additionally, amounts disclosed above include estimates of variable consideration, where applicable.

Our Wireless contracts generally do not involve variable consideration, other than expected adjustments to the total transaction price related to future price concessions and product returns and service refunds, all of which we are able to reasonably estimate at contract inception based upon historical experience with similar contracts and similar types of customers. In accordance with the practical expedients:


•	The amounts disclosed above do not include revenue allocated to wholly or partially unsatisfied performance obligations for which the accounting contract duration at contract inception is less than 12 months, which includes expected revenues from traditional installment billing contracts with a one-month accounting contract duration.


•	The amounts disclosed above do not include variable consideration resulting from monthly customer charges intended to partially recover taxes imposed on the Company, including fees related to the Universal Service Fund. Such fees are based on the customer's estimated monthly voice usage and are therefore allocated to corresponding distinct months of Wireless services.


•	The amounts disclosed above do not include variable consideration resulting from monthly charges to Wireless wholesale customers. Such fees are based on the customer's monthly usage of capacity and are therefore allocated to corresponding distinct months of Wireless services.

Wireline contracts are generally not subject to significant amounts of variable consideration, other than charges intended to partially recover taxes imposed on the Company, including fees related to the Universal Service Fund. Such fees are based on the customer's estimated monthly usage and are therefore allocated to corresponding distinct months of Wireline services, and recognized as revenue when invoiced in accordance with the practical expedient. Our Wireline contracts do typically provide the customer with monthly options to purchase goods or services at prices commensurate with the standalone selling prices for those goods or services as determined at contract inception.