Exhibit 23.b
                                
                                
                                
                                
           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 March 24, 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.

PRASETIO, UTOMO & CO.

/s/ Prasetio, Utomo & Co.

Jakarta, Indonesia
August 29, 1997