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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements
of Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc. on Form S-8 (File Nos. 33-61489, 33-52656,
33-44894, 33-32023, 33-31385, 33-20216, 33-13857, 2-88754, and 2-88724) of our
reports dated August 8, 1995, on our audits of the consolidated financial
statements and financial statement schedules of Bolt Beranek and Newman Inc. as
of June 30, 1995, 1994, and 1993, which reports are included in this Annual
Report on Form 10-K.
 
                                            COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.
 
Boston, Massachusetts
August 21, 1995
 
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