CTE Announces Effectiveness of Registration Statement for Resale of Previously Issued Convertible Notes.

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

DALLAS, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2004

Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc. ("CTE") (Nasdaq: CTCO), today announced that the Securities and Exchange Commission has declared effective its Registration Statement on Form S-1 relating to the resale of its issued and outstanding Convertible Notes due 2023, and the common stock issuable upon conversion of these notes. The notes were originally issued in a private placement in July 2003. CTE will not receive any proceeds from the sale by any selling security holder of the notes or the shares of common stock issuable upon conversion of the notes.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such jurisdiction.

About CTE

Headquartered in Dallas, PA, Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc., serves a growing base of business and residential customers with the full array of technologically advanced data and voice telecommunications products and services, including broadband data services and high-speed Internet access, delivered over its 100% digitally switched, fiber-rich network.

CTE's primary operating segments are: Commonwealth Telephone Company ("CT"), the nation's seventh largest publicly held independent local exchange carrier, which has been operating in various rural Pennsylvania markets since 1897; and, CTSI, LLC ("CTSI"), a local exchange carrier operating in competitive markets outside CT's territory, that formally commenced operations in 1997. Jack Flash(R), a broadband data service that uses DSL technology to offer high-speed Internet access and digital connectivity solutions, is offered throughout CTE's service territories. CTE's support businesses include epix(R) Internet Services (www.epix.net), one of the Northeast's largest rural Internet Service Providers ("ISPs"), and Commonwealth Communications, a provider of telecommunications equipment and facilities management services.

A Web site featuring current information regarding Commonwealth Telephone Enterprises, Inc., can be found on the Internet at www.ct-enterprises.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a "safe harbor" for forward-looking statements. Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking. Such forward-looking information involves important risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results in the future and cause them to be different from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, uncertainties related to the Company's ability to further penetrate its markets and the related costs of that effort, economic conditions, acquisitions and divestitures, government and regulatory policies, the pricing and availability of equipment, materials and inventories, technological developments and changes in the competitive environment in which the Company operates and receipt of necessary approvals.