Exhibit 23.1

                                                  Consent of Ernst & Young LLP




               CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
         Statement (Form S-8), pertaining to the Amended and Restated 1992 Stock
         Option Plan of Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., of our reports dated
         December 16, 1997 (Global TeleSystems Group, Inc.), February 21, 1997
         (EDN Sovintel), and December 23, 1997 (Hermes Europe Railtel B.V.),
         included in the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (No. 333-36555) of
         Global TeleSystems Group, Inc., filed with the Securities and Exchange
         Commission.



                                                     /s/Ernst & Young LLP

         Vienna, Virginia
         February 4, 1998