EXHIBIT 23.8

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


   We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
Amendment No. 2 to 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 January 31, 2002, 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,
2001, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


/S/  ERNST & YOUNG LLP

New York, New York

May 20, 2002