EXHIBIT 5.1


August 20, 1999


CommNet Cellular Inc.
8350 East Crescent Parkway, Suite 400
Englewood, Colorado  80111

Ladies and Gentlemen:

We are counsel to 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 9,000 shares (the "Shares") of the
Company's Common Stock, to be issued pursuant to the Company's Director
Compensation Plan (the "Plan").  We are familiar with the proceedings undertaken
by the Company in connection with the authorization, reservation and
registration of the Shares.  Additionally, we have examined such questions of
law and fact as we have considered necessary or appropriate for purposes of this
opinion.

Based on the foregoing, we are 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.

We hereby consent to your filing this Opinion as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement.


Very truly yours,

IRELAND, STAPLETON, PRYOR & PASCOE, P.C.


By: /s/ John Lewis
   ---------------
   Vice President