EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                      [Letterhead of Arthur Andersen LLP]
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement of our report dated March 12, 1998
included in NEXTLINK Communications, Inc.'s Form 10-KSB for the year ended
December 31, 1997 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.
 
                                          /s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
 
Seattle, Washington
 
May 29, 1998