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 to this registration statement on Form S-4 (the "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
 
June 22, 1998