Exhibit 23(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 reports dated November 18,
1996, February 26, 1997 and March 17, 1997 included in Vanguard Cellular
Systems, Inc.'s 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

                                   Arthur Andersen LLP

Greensboro, North Carolina,
August 29, 1997