EXHIBIT 23.0--CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

     We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in  Registration  Statement
(Form  S-3 No.  33-58161),  Registration  Statement  (Form  S-3  No.  33-61437),
Registration  Statement (Form S-3 No. 333-01735),  Registration  Statement (Form
S-3  No.   333-12433),   Registration   Statement  (Form  S-3  No.   333-39221),
Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 2-94805),  Registration Statement (Form S-8
No.  33-40353),  Registration  Statement (Form S-8 No.  33-73620),  Registration
Statement (Form S-8 No.  333-41197) and in Registration  Statement (Form S-8 No.
333-67261)  of  our  report  dated  February  13,  2002,  with  respect  to  the
consolidated  financial  statements and schedule  included in this Annual Report
(Form 10-K) of Inter-Tel, Incorporated for the year ended December 31, 2001.


Phoenix, Arizona             /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP
March 22, 2002