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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS



         We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement (Form S-8 333-76171) pertaining to the GTE Savings Plan of our report
dated June 1, 2001, with respect to the financial statements of the GTE Savings
Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for the year ended December 31,
2000.




                                                 /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Dallas, Texas
June 19, 2001