EXHIBIT 24(a)

  



                 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS




To Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.:

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our
report dated February 23, 1994 included in Vanguard Cellular
Systems, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1993
and to all references to our Firm included in this registration
statement.



                              ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.


Greensboro, North Carolina,
   May 3, 1994.