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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.8



                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


   
As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the use of our report 
dated March 30, 1998, for PrimeWatch, Inc. (and to all references to our firm) 
included in or made part of the Registration Statement on Form S-4 of Golden Sky
Systems, Inc. (Registration File No. 333-64367 Amendment No. 1 dated 
November __, 1998).
    


   
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
    

   
Raleigh, North Carolina,
  November 25, 1998.