EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       [Letterhead of Ernst & Young LLP]
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
    
  We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" and to the
use of our report dated February 9, 1998 (except Note 2, as to which the date is
March 12, 1998), in Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement (Form S-4) and
related Prospectus of WAM!NET, Inc. for the registration of $208,530,000 of
13 1/4% Senior Discount Notes due 2005, Series B.    

s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 
Minneapolis, Minnesota
    
July 29, 1998