

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in this  Registration  Statement on
Form S-8 pertaining to the Employee  Stock  Purchase Plan 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; such financial statements are not included separately in this
Registration Statement.





                                                       Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P.

Atlanta, Georgia
March 26, 1997


