CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.:
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our report dated March 8, 1994 and our report dated November 4, 1994 included
in this Form 8-K, into the Company's previously filed Form S-4 Registration
Statement No. 33-35054, Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 33-22866, Form S-8
Registration Statement No. 33-36986, Form S-8 Registration Statement No.
33-69824 and Form S-8 Registration Statement No. 33-53559.
                                         (Signature of Arthur Andersen LLP)
                                         ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Greensboro, North Carolina,
  February 13, 1995