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, as amended by a Form 10-K/A dated September 22, 1995, 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,
  September 21, 1995