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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



              CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



     We have issued our report dated August 25, 1999, accompanying the
financial statements of PDQ.Net, Incorporated contained in the Internet
America, Inc. Form 8-K/A, Amendment No. 3. We hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference of said report in the Registration Statements of
Internet America, Inc. on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-70461, 333-72109, 333-72111,
333-77153, 333-80277, 333-80285, 333-92295).



/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
GRANT THORNTON LLP


Houston, Texas
May 15, 2000