EXHIBIT 24
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.:
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our report dated February 20, 1995 included in this Form 10-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. 33-53559 and Form S-8 Registration
Statement No. 33-69824.
                                         ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Greensboro, North Carolina,
March 30, 1995.