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Exhibit 23.1
CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3, No. 333-_____) and related Prospectus of
Global TeleSystems, Inc. for the registration of shares of its common stock and
to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 4, 2000,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Global
TeleSystems Group, Inc. included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1999 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
/s/ Ernst & Young LLP
McLean, Virginia
October 2, 2000
