EXHIBIT 23.1

                      [LETTERHEAD OF ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP]

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement on Form S-4 filed by NEXTLINK
Communications, Inc. (the "Company") of our report dated February 14, 2000
included in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1999 and to
all references to our Firm included in this registration statement.


                                          /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Seattle, Washington
April 26, 2000