EXHIBIT (23)


CAROLINA TELEPHONE AND TELEGRAPH COMPANY
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-3,  No.  33-64476)  of Carolina  Telephone  and  Telegraph  Company and in the
related  Prospectus  of our report dated  January 21, 1998,  with respect to the
consolidated  financial  statements  and  schedule  of  Carolina  Telephone  and
Telegraph  Company included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 1997.




                                                    s/ERNST & YOUNG LLP
                                                    ----------------------
                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP



Kansas City, Missouri
March 23, 1998