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EXHIBIT 23.1
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of Williams
Communications Group, Inc. for the registration of common stock, preferred
stock, depositary shares, debt securities, warrants, stock purchase contracts
and stock purchase units and subscription rights and to the incorporation by
reference therein of our report dated February 17, 2000, except for the matters
described in the second paragraph of Note 1 and in Note 3, as to which the date
is June 15, 2000, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and
schedules of Williams Communications Group, Inc. included in its Annual Report
(Form 10-K/A) for the year ended December 31, 1999, filed with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.
Ernst & Young LLP
Tulsa, Oklahoma
January 10, 2001