Exhibit 23.1




            CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of Socket
Communications, Inc. for the registration of 2,662,638 shares of its common
stock and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
February 18, 1999, with respect to the financial statements and schedule of
Socket Communications, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-KSB) for
the year ended December 31, 1998, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.


                                                     ERNST & YOUNG LLP





San Jose, California
February 4, 2000