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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.8
    
 
   
                         INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
    
 
   
We consent to the use in this Registration Statement of PhoneTel Technologies,
Inc. on Form SB-2 of our report dated November 17, 1995, relating to the
financial statements of Cherokee Communications, Inc., appearing in the
Prospectus, which is part of this Registration Statement.
    
 
   
We also consent to the reference to us under the heading "Experts" in such
Prospectus.
    
 
   
/s/  Deloitte & Touche, LLP
    
 
   
Dallas, Texas
    
   
November 14, 1996