EXHIBIT 23(D)
 
                        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), and
Form S-8 (Nos. 33-22866, 33-36986, 33-53559, and 33-69824) of Vanguard Cellular
Systems, Inc. of our report dated April 17, 1997, with respect to the
consolidated balance sheets of Syarikat Telefon Wireless (m) Sdn Bhd and
subsidiary as of December 31, 1996 and 1995, and the related consolidated profit
and loss accounts, statements of shareholders' equity 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 June 30, 1997.

 
                                         KPMG PEAT MARWICK

 
Kuala Lumpur
June 30, 1997