EXHIBIT 23.3
 
              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We have issued our report dated February 19, 1998, accompanying the
consolidated financial statements of Phoenix Network, Inc. and subsidiaries as
of December 31, 1996 and 1997 and for each of the three years in the period
ended December 31, 1997, appearing in the Registration Statement. We hereby
consent to the use of our report on the aforementioned consolidated financial
statements in the Registration Statement and to the use of our name as it
appears under the caption "EXPERTS."
 
                                          Grant Thornton LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
April 9, 1998