EXHIBIT 23(A)
                   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 26, 1997 included in this Form 10-K/A, 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-3 Registration Statement No. 33-69824.
                                         ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
Greensboro, North Carolina,
  April 14, 1997