Exhibit 23a

                      Consent of Independent Accountants

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
(Form S-8, No. 333-66459; Form S-8, No. 333-66349; Form S-3, No. 333-48083; Form
S-8, No. 33-10378; Form S-8, No. 333-33747; Form S-8, No. 333-41593; Form S-3,
No. 333-42801; Form S-8, No. 333-45985; Form S-8, No. 333-75553; Form S-8, No.
333-81619; Form S-3, No. 333-78121-01; Form S-8, No. 333-76171; Form S-8, No.
333-50146; and Form S-8, No. 333-53830) of Verizon Communications Inc. and where
applicable, related Prospectuses, of our report dated February 1, 2001, with
respect to the consolidated financial statements and financial statement
schedule of Verizon Communications Inc. included in this Annual Report (Form
10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
March 20, 2001