Exhibit 23.1


               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the  registration  of 1,100,000  shares of common stock under
the 1996 Stock Option Plan of Cellular Technical  Services Company,  Inc. of our
report  dated  March 1, 1996,  except  Note J, as to which the date is March 18,
1996,  with  respect to the  financial  statements  and  schedules  of  Cellular
Technical  Services Company,  Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year  ended  December  31,  1995  filed  with the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission.


/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Seattle, Washington
July 5, 1996