EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "SUMMARY--Selected
Consolidated Financial Data" and "Experts" in the Proxy Statement/Prospectus
of CommNet Cellular Inc. that is made a part of the Registration Statement
(Form S-4) and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated
December 6, 1996, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of
CommNet Cellular Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended September 30, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
                                          /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                          ---------------------------
                                          ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Denver, Colorado
August 12, 1997