EXHIBIT 5.1


                       [Davis Wright Tremaine LLP Letterhead]


September 15, 2000


MDU Communications International, Inc.
108 11951 Hammersmith Way
V7A 5H9
Richmond, B.C., Canada

Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-8, Filed September 15, 2000

Gentlemen:

In connection with the Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed September 15,
2000, (the "Registration Statement"), by MDU Communications International,
Inc. (the "Company") with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to
the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), you have requested us to
furnish our opinion as to the legality of the shares of common stock of the
Company which are being registered thereunder (the "Common Stock").

We have examined the Registration Statement, the initial prospectus to be
delivered in accordance with Item 1 of Form S-8, the Certificate of
Incorporation and the Bylaws of the Company, and certain records of the
Company's proceedings as reflected in its minute books, and the originals, or
certified, conformed or reproduction copies, of such other documents,
certificates and records as we have deemed relevant or necessary as the basis
for the opinions hereinafter expressed.  In rendering our opinion, we have
assumed the genuineness of all signatures on original or certified copies,
the authenticity of documents, certificates and records submitted to us as
originals, the conformity to original or certified copies of all copies
submitted to us as certified or reproduction copies, the legal capacity of
all natural persons executing documents, certificates and records, and the
completeness and accuracy as of the date of this opinion letter of the
information contained in such documents, certificates and records.

Based on the foregoing, we are of the opinion that the Common Stock has been
duly authorized, and when issued and delivered by the Company and paid for as
contemplated by the Registration Statement, it will be legally and validly
issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

We hereby consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.  In giving this consent, we do not admit that we come
within the category of persons whose consent is required by the Act.

Very truly yours,

Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

/s/ Davis Wright Tremaine LLP