<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE OPTEL,
INC YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31, 1998 FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               AUG-31-1998
<CASH>                                         123,774
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   11,261
<ALLOWANCES>                                   (1,803)
<INVENTORY>                                          0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                     0
<PP&E>                                         302,033
<DEPRECIATION>                                (33,989)
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 627,170
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                                0
<BONDS>                                        429,278
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                    207,458
<COMMON>                                            28
<OTHER-SE>                                    (46,710)
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   627,170
<SALES>                                              0
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                64,963
<CGS>                                                0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                   28,825
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                35,847
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              48,477
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (67,754)
<INCOME-TAX>                                         0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                           (67,754)
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                (6,644)
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (74,398)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                  (31.45)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                  (31.45)