1 EXHIBIT 16.1 [ERNST & YOUNG LLP LETTERHEAD] EXHIBIT 16.1 TO FORM 8-K November 23, 1999 Securities and Exchange Commission 450 Fifth Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20549 Gentlemen: We have read Item 4 of Form 8-K dated November 23, 1999 of IXC Communications, Inc., and are in agreement with the statements contained in the first and second paragraphs on page 2 therein. We have no basis to agree or disagree with other statements of the registrant contained therein. ERNST & YOUNG LLP ----------------------------------- Ernst & Young LLP