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 3,005,909 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

                                      /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


San Jose, California
July 6, 1999