

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1


                    CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the Registration  Statements of
360 Communications  Company and in the related  prospectuses of our report dated
February 26, 1997,  with respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements and
schedule of 360 Communications  Company and Subsidiaries included in this Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1996:

      $500 Million Shelf Registration                 Form S-3 No. 333-21331

      Retirement Savings Plan                         Form S-8 No. 333-1378

      Replacement Stock Option Plan                   Form S-8 No. 333-1380

      1996 Equity Incentive Program and Director
      Equity and Deferred Compensation                Form S-8 No. 333-1382





                                                      Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois
March 26, 1997
