Exhibit 5.1


                                December 4, 1995

CommNet Cellular Inc.
5990 Greenwood Plaza Boulevard, Suite 300
Englewood, CO  80111

   Re:  Registration Statement on Form S-8 covering offering of 1,090,745 shares
        of Common Stock of CommNet Cellular Inc.

Ladies and Gentlemen:

          I am General Counsel for CommNet Cellular Inc., a Colorado corporation
(the "Company"), and in such capacity have examined the Company's Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (the "Registration Statement"), being filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission in connection with the registration under the
Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of the offering of a maximum of 1,090,745
shares (the "Shares") of the Company's Common Stock, to be issued pursuant to
the Company's Omnibus Stock and Incentive Plan (the "Plan").  I am familiar with
the proceedings undertaken by the Company in connection with the authorization
of the Plan and the authorization, issuance and sale of the Shares.
Additionally, I have examined such questions of law and fact as I have
considered necessary or appropriate for purposes of this opinion.

          Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that the Shares have been
duly authorized and, upon issuance, delivery and payment therefor as
contemplated by the Plan, will be validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

          I hereby consent to your filing this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.
 

                                    Very truly yours,

                                    /s/ AMY M. SHAPIRO

                                    Amy M. Shapiro
                                    Senior Vice President
                                    and General Counsel