Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]

Future Minimum Rental Commitments for All Long-Term Noncancelable Operating Leases

We conduct certain of our operations in leased premises and also lease certain equipment and other assets pursuant to operating leases. The lease arrangements have terms ranging from 1 to 99 years and several contain rent escalation clauses providing for increases in monthly rent at specific intervals. When rent escalation clauses exist, we record annual rental expense based on the total expected rent payments on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain leases also have renewal options. Renewal options that are reasonably assured are included in determining the lease term. Future minimum rental commitments for all long-term noncancelable operating leases as of December 31, 2012 are as follows:

($ in thousands)	Operating
	Leases
Year ending December 31:
2013	$	95,323
2014		20,096
2015		10,319
2016		8,157
2017		6,528
Thereafter		41,751
Total minimum lease payments	$	182,174

Noncancelable Arrangement for Services

In our normal course of business we have obligations under certain non-cancelable arrangements for services.  During the third quarter of 2012, we entered into a take or pay arrangement for the purchase of future long distance and carrier services.  Our total remaining commitments under the arrangement are as follows:

($ in thousands)
Year	Amount
2013	$	132,000
2014		141,800
2015		140,800
Total	$	414,600

Future Payments for Obligations under Noncancelable Long Distance Contracts and Service Agreements

At December 31, 2012, the estimated future payments for obligations under our noncancelable long distance contracts and service agreements are as follows:

($ in thousands)
Year	Amount
2013	$	48,338
2014		21,357
2015		15,442
2016		4,593
2017		4,275
Thereafter		1,200
Total	$	95,205

Outstanding Performance Letters of Credit

At December 31, 2012, we have outstanding performance letters of credit as follows:

($ in thousands)
Public Service Commission of West Virginia	$	40,000
CNA		45,659
All other		1,186
Total	$	86,845