Exhibit 99.1


                                                   Citizens Communications
                                                   3 High Ridge Park
                                                   Stamford, CT 06905
                                                   203.614.5600
                                                   Web site: www.czn.net
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Michael Bromley
Investor Relations
203-614-5218
mbromley@czn.com



            Citizens Communications Closes Sale of Electric Lightwave

Stamford,  Conn.,  August 1, 2006 - Citizens  Communications  Company (NYSE:CZN)
today  announced  that  it  closed  on  the  sale  of its  subsidiary,  Electric
Lightwave,  LLC ("ELI"),  to Integra  Telecom  Holdings,  Inc.  ("Integra")  for
aggregate  consideration  of  approximately  $247  million,  consisting  of $243
million in cash plus the  assumption  by Integra of $4 million in capital  lease
obligations,  subject to customary adjustments pursuant to the terms of the sale
agreement.  Citizens  expects to  recognize a pre-tax gain on the sale of ELI of
approximately $125 million.

About Citizens Communications Company
Citizens  Communications  Company (NYSE:  CZN) is a full-service  communications
provider  and one of the  largest  local  exchange  telephone  companies  in the
country. Under the Frontier brand name, the company offers telephone, television
and internet services,  as well as bundled  offerings,  ESPN360 streaming video,
security  solutions  and  specialized  bundles  for  small  businesses  and home
offices.  Additional  information  about  Frontier's  products  and  services is
available  at  www.frontier.myway.com  and   www.frontieronline.com.   For  more
information about Citizens Communications, visit www.czn.net.

This document contains forward-looking  statements that are subject to risks and
uncertainties  that could cause actual results to differ  materially  from those
expressed or implied in the statements. These and all forward-looking statements
(including oral  representations)  are only predictions or statements of current
plans that are  constantly  under  review by the  company.  All  forward-looking
statements may differ from actual results.  The foregoing  information should be
read in  conjunction  with the company's  filings with the U.S.  Securities  and
Exchange  Commission  including,  but not limited to,  reports on Forms 10-K and
10-Q.  The  company  does not intend to update or revise  these  forward-looking
statements to reflect the occurrence of future events or circumstances.

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