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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23(a)
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement
of General DataComm Industries, Inc. and Subsidiaries on Form S-3 of our report,
dated December 22, 1997 on our audits of the consolidated financial statements
and financial statement schedule of General DataComm Industries, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996 and for the years ending
September 30, 1997, 1996 and 1995, which report is included in the Annual Report
on Form 10-K.
 
/s/ Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.
 
COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
Stamford, Connecticut
January 5, 1998