Exhibit 99.1


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

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

               Citizens Communications To Sell Electric Lightwave

Stamford,  Conn., February 7, 2006 -- Citizens  Communications  (NYSE:CZN) today
announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its subsidiary
Electric Lightwave ("ELI") to Integra Telecom Holdings,  Inc. The total proceeds
from  the  sale  are  $247  million  including  $243  million  in cash  plus the
assumption of $4 million in capital  leases,  subject to customary  adjustments.
The sale is expected to close during the third quarter of 2006 and is subject to
regulatory  and other  customary  approvals  as well as the funding of Integra's
fully committed financing.  The price will result in a book pre-tax gain on sale
of approximately $130 million.

ELI is a  facilities-based  integrated  provider of  internet,  data,  voice and
dedicated access services to businesses and other carriers in the western United
States. Cities and surrounding areas served by ELI are: Boise, Idaho;  Portland,
Oregon, Salt Lake City, Utah; Seattle, Washington; Spokane, Washington; Phoenix,
Arizona; and Sacramento, California.

The expected use of net cash proceeds is for general corporate purposes.

Integra is a facilities-based  integrated communications provider that primarily
serves  small  and  mid-sized  companies  located  in the  business  centers  of
Minnesota,  North Dakota, Oregon, Utah and Washington.  Integra expects to close
2005 with $155  million in revenue  and 280,000  lines in service.  Integra is a
private company whose primary shareholders are Boston Ventures,  Bank of America
Capital and Nautic Partners.  Integra's financing commitments are being provided
by Goldman  Sachs  Specialty  Lending  Group and CIBC World  Markets  Corp.  The
company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon.

About Citizens Communications
More information about Citizens can be found at 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.


                                       ###