EXHIBIT 23(B)
                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Board of Directors
Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc.:
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the previously filed
registration statements on Form S-4 (No. 33-35054), Form S-3 (No. 33-61295),
Form S-8 (No. 33-22866), Form S-8 (No. 33-36986), Form S-8 (No. 33-53559) and
Form S-8 (No. 33-69824) of Vanguard Cellular Systems, Inc. of our report dated
April 11, 1997, with respect to the consolidated balance sheets of International
Wireless Communications Holdings, Inc. and subsidiary as of December 31, 1995
and 1996, and the related consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'
equity (deficit), and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended December 31, 1996, which report appears in the Form 10-K/A of Vanguard
Cellular Systems, Inc. dated April 15, 1997.
                                         KPMG PEAT MARWICK LLP
San Jose, California
April 14, 1997