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
_________ ___, 1998