EXHIBIT 23.1




                                  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 March 7, 1997
included (or  incorporated  by reference) in the Shared  Technologies  Fairchild
Inc.  Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1996 and to all
references to our Firm included in this registration statement.


                                                  /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP


Washington, D.C.
June 25, 1997