EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-3 Registration Statement of United States Cellular
Corporation, of our report dated January 29, 1997 (except with respect to the
matter discussed in Note 16, as to which the date is February 4, 1997), on the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of United
States Cellular Corporation and Subsidiaries, included or incorporated by
reference in the United States Cellular Corporation Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1996, and to the incorporation by reference in this Form S-3
Registration Statement of our compilation report dated February 25, 1997, on the
combined financial statements of the Los Angeles SMSA Limited Partnership, the
Nashville/Clarksville MSA Limited Partnership and the Baton Rouge MSA Limited
Partnership, included in the United States Cellular Corporation Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1996. We also consent to all references to our Firm
included in this Form S-3 Registration Statement.
 
/s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Chicago, Illinois
July 29, 1997