Exhibit 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 22, 1999,
included in NEXTLINK Communications, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
year ended December 31, 1998, and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

Seattle, Washington
August 24, 1999