<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary information extracted from the balance sheet of
Primus Telecommunications Group, Incorporated at September 30, 1996 and the
income statement for the nine months ended September 30, 1996 and is qualified
in its entirety by reference to such financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   9-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          DEC-31-1996
<PERIOD-START>                             JAN-01-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               SEP-30-1996
<CASH>                                          20,637
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   30,507
<ALLOWANCES>                                     2,130
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                50,273
<PP&E>                                           8,167
<DEPRECIATION>                                     943
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                  83,773
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           51,853
<BONDS>                                              0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          5
<COMMON>                                           105
<OTHER-SE>                                      25,063
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                    83,773
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               117,234
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  107,372
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                 1,162
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                 593
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 (5,134)
<INCOME-TAX>                                       519
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             (5,653)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                    (5,653)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                    (0.44)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                    (0.44)