EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
   
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Amendment No. 1 to the registration statement of our reports
dated February 6, 1997 included in and incorporated by reference in LCI
International Inc.'s Form 10-K and amended Annual Report on Form 10K/A 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.
November 6, 1997