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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 333-76171) pertaining to the GTE Hourly Savings Plan of our
report dated June 1, 2001, with respect to the financial statements of the GTE
Hourly Savings Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year
ended December 31, 2000.




                                        /s/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Dallas, Texas
June 19, 2001



