EXHIBIT 23(A)
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.:
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
by reference in this registration statement of our report dated February 20,
1995, included in Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.'s Form 10-K for the year ended
December 31, 1994, and our reports dated March 8, 1994 and November 4, 1994,
included in Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.'s Form 8-K filed on February 13,
1995 and to all references to our firm included in this registration statement.
                                         ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Greensboro, North Carolina,
  July 24, 1995