EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statements No. 333-46001 and No. 333-46025 of American Tower Systems Corporation on Form S- 4 of our report dated March 2, 1998 on the December 31, 1997 and 1996 financial statements of OPM-USA-INC., appearing in this Current Report on Form 8-K of American Tower Systems Corporation. DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP Boston, Massachusetts March 20, 1998