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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements 
(Form S-8 Nos. 333-66723, 333-66731, 333-68125, 333-68619, 333-68623, and 
333-68625) pertaining to the various stock option, warrant, and other employee 
benefit plans of World Access, Inc. and subsidiaries of our report dated March 
26, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule of 
World Access, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended 
December 31, 1998.

                                       /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia
April 9, 1999