



                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.5





                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the registration  statements of
360 Communications Company on Form S-8 (No. 333- ) of our reports dated February
13, 1997 and March 21, 1996,  on our audits of the  financial  statements of the
New York SMSA Limited Partnership.



                                                       Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

New York, New York
March 27, 1997

