EXHIBIT 23.7

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

   We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Proxy Statement/Prospectus that is made a part of the Registration Statement on
Form S-4 of Verizon Wireless of the East LP and Verizon Communications Inc. for
the registration of a limited partnership interest of Verizon Wireless of the
East LP and common stock of Verizon Communications Inc., and to the
incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 1, 2001, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule of Verizon Communications Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.

/S/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York
February 8, 2002