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                                                                   EXHIBIT 23.1



                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


 We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
 Registration Statement on Form S-4 and related prospectus of Verizon
 Communications Inc. and Verizon Global Funding Corp. for the registration of
 $2,000,000,000 floating rate notes due 2002, and to the incorporation by
 reference therein of our report dated February 1, 2001, with respect to the
 consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedule of Verizon
 Communications Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
 ended December 31, 2000, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
 New York, New York

 November 26, 2001


