EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

     As independent public  accountants,  we hereby consent to the incorporation
by  reference  in this  Current  Report of our reports  dated  February 16, 1998
(except with respect to the matter discussed in Note 15, as to which the date is
March 16, 1998) included in Qwest Communications  International Inc.'s Amendment
No. 1 to Form S-4  Registration  No. 333-49915 and to all references to our Firm
included in this Current Report.


                               ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP


Columbus, Ohio
October 13, 1998