CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net (loss) income	$ (5,269)	$ (1,733)	$ 1,389
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	4,829	5,120	3,936
Impairment of goodwill and other assets	6,506	2,746	0
Deferred income taxes	440	522	(931)
Loss on the sale of data centers and colocation business	0	0	82
Provision for uncollectible accounts	145	153	176
Net (gain) loss on early retirement and modification of debt	(72)	7	5
Share-based compensation	162	186	111
Changes in current assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(5)	25	31
Accounts payable	(261)	124	(123)
Accrued income and other taxes	20	75	54
Other current assets and liabilities, net	(32)	127	(614)
Retirement benefits	(12)	(667)	(202)
Changes in other noncurrent assets and liabilities, net	245	329	(174)
Other, net	16	(18)	(138)
Net cash provided by operating activities	6,680	7,032	3,878
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Capitalized expenditures	(3,628)	(3,175)	(3,106)
Cash paid for Level 3 acquisition, net of $2.3 billion cash acquired	0	0	(7,289)
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment and other assets	93	158	1,529
Other, net	(35)	(61)	(5)
Net cash used in investing activities	(3,570)	(3,078)	(8,871)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt	3,707	130	8,398
Proceeds from financing obligation (Note 3)	0	0	356
Payments of long-term debt	(4,157)	(1,936)	(1,963)
Net proceeds (payments) on credit facility and revolving line of credit	(300)	145	35
Dividends paid	(1,100)	(2,312)	(1,453)
Other, net	(61)	(50)	(17)
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(1,911)	(4,023)	5,356
Net increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash	1,199	(69)	363
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period	518	587	224
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period	1,717	518	587
Supplemental cash flow information:
Income taxes received (paid), net	34	674	(392)
Interest paid (net of capitalized interest of $72, $53 and $78)	(2,028)	(2,138)	(1,401)
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash:
Total	$ 1,717	$ 587	$ 587