Citizens Communications Selects AT&T to Provide National Backbone to Its Long-Distance Network.

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 27, 1998--Citizens Communications, one of the nation's largest community-based communications providers, has selected AT&T to provide the nationwide network for its long-distance product. The value of the contract is $54 million over three years.

Under terms of the agreement, AT&T will provide Citizens Communications with transport and termination for all its 1+ domestic traffic originating from Citizens Communications' 12-state, local serving areas, as well as for some of its international traffic.

"The new agreement with AT&T positions us to offer our customers the world's premier network," said Lee Jobe, Citizens Communications operating vice president. "It also enables us to provide a more cost-effective, long-distance service to our local exchange customers."

"AT&T's wholesale business is important to the company's aggressive growth strategy. Our contract with Citizens Communications is a clear indication of the value our customers place on AT&T's reach and reliability," said Barbara Peda, vice president of AT&T's wholesale market.

Citizens Communications, offers local telephone, advanced calling features and long distance services to its 1 million customers in 12 states and Internet, cellular, and teleconferencing in selected markets. Citizens Communications is part of Citizens Utilities (http://www.czn.net) (NYSE:CZN)(NYSE:CZNPr), a growth company that also provides natural gas, electric, water and wastewater treatment services throughout the United States. Citizens Utilities' subsidiary, Electric Lightwave Inc. (Nasdaq:ELIX), is a competitive local exchange telecommunications company providing service in the western United States.