

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration  Statements on
(Form S-8 No. 333-1378,  pertaining to the 360 Communications Company Retirement
Savings  Plan;  Form  S-8 No.  333-1382,  pertaining  to the 360  Communications
Company  1996  Equity  Incentive   Program  and  Director  Equity  and  Deferred
Compensation  Plan; Form S-8 No. 333-1380,  pertaining to the 360 Communications
Company Replacement Stock Option Plan; and Form S-3 No. 333-21331  pertaining to
the  360  Communications   Company  $500  Million  Shelf  Registration)  of  360
Communications  Company of our report dated February 7, 1997 on our audit of the
financial  statements of the Orlando SMSA Limited  Partnership as of and for the
year ended December 31, 1996,  which report is included in this Annual Report on
Form 10-K;  such financial  statements are not included  separately in this Form
10-K.



                                                      Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 1997


