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
March 17, 1999