EXHIBIT 23
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.:
     As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation
of our reports dated November 18, 1996, February 26, 1997 and March 17, 1997
included in this Form 10-K, into the Company's previously filed Form S-4
Registration Statement No. 33-35054, Form S-3 Registration Statement No.
33-61295, 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 28, 1997.