

                           Exhibit 99.1


                           PRESS RELEASE

                                            FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                Contact:  Philip H. Yamman, VP Investor Relations
                                                   (716) 987-3301


             ACC CORP. ADOPTS SHAREHOLDER RIGHTS PLAN


          ROCHESTER, NY, (October 3, 1997) - ACC Corp. (NASDAQ;ACCC) today
announced that its Board of Directors had adopted a Shareholder Rights
Plan.  In connection with this plan, ACC's Board of Directors declared a
dividend of one Preferred Stock Purchase Right on each outstanding share of
ACC Common Stock.  The dividend will be distributed on October 15, 1997 to
shareholders of record on that date.

          Subject to certain exceptions, the Rights will be exercisable
only if a person or group acquires 15 percent or more of ACC's Common Stock
or announces a tender or exchange offer which would result in ownership by
a person or group of 15 percent or more of the Common Stock.

          Each Right, which is not presently exercisable, will entitle its
holder to buy one one-thousandth of a share of Series A preferred stock at
an exercise price of $150.00.  Each Right will entitle its holder (other
than the acquiring person or group) to purchase, at the exercise price,
shares of the preferred stock or shares of the acquiring company having a
market value of twice such price.

          The Company can redeem the Rights for $.01 per Right before the
acquisition by a person or group of 15 percent or more of the Company's
Common Stock and thereafter under certain circumstances.

          According to ACC, the adopted plan is very similar to plans
adopted by many public companies.  The plan is designed to assure that
shareholders are not deprived of their rights to share in the full measure
of the Company's long term potential, while nor preventing a fairly valued
bid for the Company.

          Further details concerning the Rights Plan are contained in a
letter that will be mailed to all ACC shareholders after the Record Date.

          ACC Corp. is an international telecommunications holding company
headquartered in Rochester, New York.  ACC subsidiaries provide
telecommunications services to business, residential and student customers
in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany, as well as
specialized programs for colleges, universities, and other carriers.



