Exhibit 5.1





                                   February 2, 2000
Socket Communications, Inc.
37400 Central Court
Newark, CA 94560

     Re: Registration Statement on Form S-3

Ladies and Gentlemen:

     We have examined the Registration Statement on Form S-3 to be filed by
you with the Securities and Exchange Commission on or about February 4,
2000 (the "Registration Statement") in connection with the registration
under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, of a total of 2,662,638
shares of your common stock (the "Shares"), to be offered for sale by the
selling stockholders named therein.  We understand that the shares are to
be sold by the Selling Stockholders to the public as described in the
Registration Statement.  As legal counsel for Socket Communications, Inc.,
we have examined the proceedings taken, and are familiar with the
proceedings proposed to be taken, by you in connection with the sale and
issuance of the Shares.

     It is our opinion that, upon completion of the proceedings being taken
or contemplated by us, as your counsel, the Shares, when sold in the manner
described in the Registration Statement and in accordance with the
resolutions adopted by the Board of Directors of the Company, will be
legally and validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

     We consent to the use of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement, including the prospectus constituting a part
thereof, and further consent to the use of our name wherever it appears in
the Registration Statement and any amendments thereto.

                                       Very truly yours,
                                       WILSON SONSINI GOODRICH & ROSATI
                                       Professional Corporation


                                       /s/ Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati