EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
 
    As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement on Form S-4, filed by NEXTLINK
Communications, Inc. (the "Company") of our report dated February 22, 1999
included in the Company's annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 1998 and to all references to our Firm included in this
registration statement.
 
                                                         /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP
 
Seattle, Washington
April 6, 1999