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                                                                   Exhibit 23(a)


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated March 7, 1996
included or incorporated by reference in LCI International, Inc.'s Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1995 and to all references to our Firm included in
this registration statement.


                                                             ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Washington, D.C.,
  November 26, 1996