EXHIBIT 23


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



             As  independent  public  accountants,  we  hereby  consent  to  the
incorporation by reference in this  Registration  Statement of our reports dated
February  6,  1997,   included  in  and   incorporated   by   reference  in  LCI
International,  Inc.'s Form 10-K and amended Annual Report on Form 10K/A for the
year ended  December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included in this
Registration Statement.

                                                       /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP



Washington, D.C.
December 23, 1997