EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our reports dated February 6, 1997
included in and incorporated by reference in LCI International Inc.'s Form 10-K
for the year ended December 31, 1996 and to all references to our Firm included
in this registration statement.
 
                                                         /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Washington, D.C.
October 6, 1997