Exhibit 23.2
                                                                                

                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                                        
   As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Registration Statement on Form S-4 of our McLeodUSA
Incorporated reports dated January 27, 1999 (except with respect to the matter
discussed in Note 16, as to which the date is March 5, 1999) and to all
references to our Firm included in or made a part of this Registration
Statement.


                                                         /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
                                                         -----------------------

Chicago, Illinois
April 21, 1999