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                                    Exhibit 5
                      OPINION OF PRESTON GATES & ELLIS LLP




                                January 17, 2001



VoiceStream Wireless Corporation
12920 SE 38th Street
Bellevue, Washington 98006


         Re:      Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

        In connection with the registration of 12,234,201 shares of common
stock, par value $.001 per share (the "Common Shares") of VoiceStream Wireless
Corporation (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission on a
Registration Statement on Form S-3 (the "Registration Statement"), relating to
the sales, if any, of the Common Shares by the selling shareholders, we have
examined such documents, records and matters of law as we have considered
relevant. Based upon such examination and upon our familiarity as counsel for
the Company with its general affairs, it is our opinion that:

        The Common Shares being registered are, or will be at the time of
issuance by the Company, legally issued, fully paid, and nonassessable.

        We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                                                     Very truly yours,


                                                     PRESTON GATES & ELLIS LLP


                                                     By: /s/ RICHARD B. DODD
                                                     --------------------------
                                                     Richard B. Dodd