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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2022
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Basis Of Presentation And Use Of Estimates Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates:

Frontier Communications Parent, Inc. and its subsidiaries are referred to as “we,” “us,” “our,” “Frontier,” or the “Company” in this report. Our interim unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. These interim unaudited consolidated financial statements include all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary, in the opinion of Frontier’s management, to present fairly the results for the interim periods shown. Revenues, net income (loss), and cash flows for any interim periods are not necessarily indicative of results that may be expected for the full year.

We operate in one reportable segment. Frontier provides both regulated and unregulated voice, data and video services to consumer, business, and wholesale customers and is typically the incumbent voice services provider in its service areas.

In 2021, we recategorized our previous operating expenses categories (“Network access expenses” and “Network related expense”) into one expense line: “Cost of service”. All historical periods presented have been updated to conform to the new categorization. In addition, certain reclassifications of prior period balances have been made to conform to the current period presentation. For our interim financial statements as of and for the period ended June 30, 2022, we evaluated subsequent events and transactions for potential recognition or disclosure through the date that we filed this Form 10-Q with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

The preparation of our interim financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect (i) the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, (ii) the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities, and (iii) the reported amounts of revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates. Estimates and judgments are used when accounting for the application of fresh start accounting, allowance for credit losses, asset impairments, indefinite-lived intangibles, depreciation and amortization, income taxes, and pension and other postretirement benefits, among others.

Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Emergence

As described in Note 3 Emergence from the Chapter 11 Cases, and Note 4 Fresh Start Accounting, to our consolidated financial statements included in our annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, on April 30, 2021, (the “Effective Date”), the Company emerged from bankruptcy. Accordingly, the consolidated financial information has been prepared in conformity with Accounting Standards Codification Subtopic 852-10 (ASC 852), Reorganizations, for the Successor as a new entity with assets, liabilities, and a capital structure having carrying amounts not comparable with prior periods.


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Reorganization items incurred in the first four months of 2021 as a result of the Chapter 11 Cases included a gain on settlement of liabilities subject to compromise of $5,274 million, fresh start valuation adjustment charges of $1,038 million, debtor-in-possession financing costs of $15 million and $50 million in professional fees and other bankruptcy related costs presented separately in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.

The Company incurred significant costs associated with the reorganization, primarily legal and professional fees. Subsequent to April 14, 2020 (the “Petition Date”), these costs were expensed as incurred and significantly affected our consolidated results of operations. From the Petition Date to the Effective date, these costs were included in “Reorganization items, net” on our consolidated statement of income. For the periods prior to the Petition date and following the Effective Date, these costs have been included in “Restructuring costs and other charges” on our consolidated statement of income. Refer to Note 9.

Fresh Start Accounting

Upon emergence from bankruptcy, we adopted fresh start accounting in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 852 – Reorganizations (ASC 852) and became a new entity for financial reporting purposes. As a result, the consolidated financial statements after the Effective Date are not comparable with the consolidated financial statements on or before that date as indicated by the “black line” division in the financial statements and footnote tables, which emphasizes the lack of comparability between amounts presented. References to “Successor” relate to our financial position and results of operations after the Effective Date. References to “Predecessor” refer to the financial position and results of operations of Frontier Communications Corporation and its subsidiaries on or before the Effective Date (“Old Frontier”).

Changes In Accounting Policies Changes in Accounting Policies:

The accounting policy differences between Predecessor and Successor include:

Universal Service Fund and Other Surcharges - Frontier collects various taxes, Universal Service Fund (“USF”) surcharges (“primarily federal USF”), and certain other taxes, from its customers and subsequently remits them to governmental authorities. The Predecessor recorded USF and other taxes on a gross basis on the consolidated statement of income, included within “Revenue” and “Cost of service expense”. After emergence, the Successor records these USF and other taxes on a net basis.

Provision for Bad Debt – The Predecessor reported the provision for bad debt as a reduction of revenue. After emergence, the Successor reports bad debt expense as an operating expense included in “Selling, general, and administrative expenses”.

Contract Acquisition Costs - During the Predecessor period, certain commissions to obtain new customers were deferred and amortized over four years, which represented the estimated customer contract period. As a result of fresh start accounting, that assumption was reevaluated and the period of benefit for our retail customers was determined to be less than one year. As such, these costs are now expensed as incurred.

Actuarial Losses on Defined Benefit Plans - Historically, actuarial gains (losses) were recognized as they occurred and included in “Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)” and were subject to amortization over the estimated average remaining service period of participants. As part of fresh start accounting, Frontier has made an accounting policy election to recognize these gains and losses immediately in the period they occur as “Investment and other income (loss)” on the consolidated statement of income.

Government Grants Revenue - Certain governmental grants that were historically presented on a net basis as part of capital expenditures, are now presented on a gross basis and included in ”Revenue” on the consolidated statement of income.

Administrative Expenses – Historically, the Predecessor capitalized certain administrative expenses, that following emergence, are expensed during the period incurred and included in “Selling, general, and administrative expense” on the consolidated statement of income.
Revenue Recognition Revenue Recognition:
Revenue for data & Internet services, voice services, video services, and switched and non-switched access services is recognized as services are provided to customers. Services that are billed in advance include monthly recurring network access services (including data services), special access services, and monthly recurring voice, video, and related charges. Revenue is recognized by measuring progress toward the complete satisfaction of the Company’s performance obligations. The unearned portion of these fees is deferred as a component of “Advanced billings” on our consolidated balance sheet and recognized as revenue over the period that the services are provided. Services that are billed in arrears include non-recurring network access services (including data services), switched access services, and non-recurring voice and video services. The earned but unbilled portion of these fees is recognized as revenue in our consolidated statements of income and accrued in “Accounts receivable” on our consolidated balance sheet in the period that services are provided. Excise taxes are recognized as a liability when billed.

Satisfaction of Performance Obligations

Frontier satisfies its obligations to customers by transferring goods and services in exchange for consideration received from the customer. The timing of Frontier’s satisfaction of the performance obligation may differ from the timing of the customer’s payment.

Bundled Service and Allocation of Discounts

When customers purchase more than one service, revenue for each is determined by allocating the total transaction price based upon the relative stand-alone selling price of each service. We frequently offer service discounts as an incentive to customers, which reduce the total transaction price. Any incentives which are considered cash equivalents (e.g. gift cards) that are granted will similarly result in a reduction of the total transaction price. Cash equivalent incentives are accounted for on a portfolio basis and are recognized in the month they are awarded to customers.

Customer Incentives

In the process of acquiring and/or retaining customers, we may issue a variety of incentives aside from service discounts or cash equivalent incentives. Those incentives that have stand-alone value (e.g., gift cards not considered cash equivalents or free goods/services) are considered separate performance obligations. While these incentives are free to the customer, a portion of the consideration received from the customer is ascribed to them based upon their relative stand-alone selling price. These types of incentives are accounted for on a portfolio basis with both revenue and expense recognized in the month they are awarded to the customer. The earned revenue associated with these incentives is reflected in “Other” revenue while the associated costs are reflected in “Cost of services”.

Upfront Fees

All non-refundable upfront fees assessed to our customers provide them with a material right to renew; therefore, they are deferred by creating a contract liability and amortized into “Data and Internet service” for fees charged to our wholesale customers and “Other revenue” for fees charged to all other customers, using a portfolio approach over the average customer life.

Customer Acquisition Costs

Sales commission expenses are recognized as incurred. According to ASC 606, incremental costs in obtaining a contract with a customer are deferred and recorded as a contract asset if the period of benefit is expected to be greater than one year. For our retail customers, this period of benefit has been determined to be less than one year. As such, the Company applies the practical expedient that allows such costs to be expensed as incurred.

Taxes, Surcharges and Subsidies

Frontier collects various taxes, Universal Service Fund (“USF”) surcharges (primarily federal USF), and certain other surcharges, from its customers and subsequently remits these taxes to governmental authorities. During the predecessor period, USF and other surcharges amounted to $83 million for the four months ended April 30, 2021.

In June 2015, Frontier accepted the FCC offer of support to price cap carriers under the Connect America Fund (“CAF”) Phase II program, which was intended to provide long-term support for broadband build commitments in high cost unserved or underserved areas. We recognized FCC’s CAF Phase II subsidies into revenue on a straight-line basis over the seven-year funding term which ended on December 31, 2021. We have accrued an amount for any potential shortfall in the household build commitment that we deem to be probable and reasonably estimated, and we do not expect that any potential penalties, if ultimately incurred, will be material in comparison to the established accrual.

In May 2022, Frontier accepted the FCC offer under the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (“RDOF”) Phase I program, which provides funding over a ten-year period to support the construction of broadband networks in rural communities across the country. Frontier accepted $37 million in annual support through 2032 in return for the Company’s commitment to make broadband available to households within the RDOF eligible areas. We will recognize the FCC’s RDOF Phase I subsidies into revenue on a straight-line basis over the ten-year funding term which will end March 31, 2032. The Company is required to complete the RDOF deployment by December 31, 2028. Thereafter, the FCC will review carriers’ RDOF program completion data, and if the FCC determines that the Company did not satisfy applicable FCC RDOF requirements, Frontier could be required to return a portion of the funds previously received and may be subject to certain other requirements and obligations. We will accrue an amount for any potential shortfall in the household build commitment that we deem to be probable and reasonably estimated.

Cash Equivalents Cash Equivalents:

We consider all highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Restricted cash of $17 million is included in “Other current assets” as of December 31, 2021, and $30 million and $34 million are included in “Other assets” on our consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively.
Short-Term Investments Short-Term Investments:

Given the long-term nature of our fiber build, we have invested cash into short-term investments to improve interest income while preserving funding flexibility. We have classified these short-term deposits and other investments that have original maturities of greater than three months but less than one year as short-term investments.

As of June 30, 2022, short-term investments of $2,300 million are comprised of term deposits earning interest in excess of traditional bank deposit rates, maturing between July 15, 2022, and November 15, 2022, and placed with banks with A-1/P-1 or equivalent credit quality. These short-term investments are in scope of ASC 320, Investments - Debt Securities. The short-term investments’ original maturity is greater than 90 days but less than one year, and they are classified as held to maturity, recorded as current assets, and are accounted for at amortized cost.
Definite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets Definite and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets:

Intangible assets are initially recorded at estimated fair value. Old Frontier historically amortized its acquired customer lists and certain other finite-lived intangible assets over their estimated useful lives on an accelerated basis. Upon emergence from bankruptcy, customer relationship intangibles were established for business and wholesale customers. These intangibles are amortized on a straight-line basis over their assigned useful lives of between 11 and 16 years. Additionally, trademark and tradename assets established upon emergence are amortized on a straight-line basis over 5 years. We review such intangible assets annually, or more often if indicators of impairment arise, to determine whether there is evidence that indicates an impairment condition may exist that would necessitate a change in useful life and a different amortization period.
Lease Accounting Lease Accounting:

We determine if an arrangement contains a lease at inception. Right-of-use (ROU) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating and Finance lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. As most of our leases do not provide an implicit rate, we use our incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date in determining the present value of lease payments. The operating and finance lease ROU asset also includes any lease payments made and excludes lease incentives. Our lease terms used in accounting for leases may reflect options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. Lease expense for operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. ROU assets for operating leases are recorded to “Other Assets”, and the related liabilities recorded to “Other current liabilities”, and “Other liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets. Assets subject to finance leases are included in “Property, Plant & Equipment”, with corresponding liabilities recorded to “Other current liabilities”, and “Other liabilities” on our consolidated balance sheets.

We assess potential impairments to our leases annually, or as indicators exist, if indicators of impairment arise to determine whether there is evidence that indicate an impairment condition may exist. We continue to review our real estate portfolio and, during the first quarter of 2022, determined to either terminate or market for sublease certain facilities leases, which triggered an impairment of $44 million for our finance and operating lease assets recorded as restructuring charges and other costs. See Note 9 for further details.