




                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No.  333-1378)  pertaining  to the  360  Communications  Company  Retirement
Savings Plan of our report dated June 19,  1997,  with respect to the  financial
statements and schedules of the 360  Communications  Company  Retirement Savings
Plan  included  in this Annual  Report  (Form 11-K) for the period from March 7,
1996 (date of inception) to December 31, 1996.


                                                      Ernst & Young LLP

Chicago, Illinois
June 25, 1997

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