<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-99.23 (A)
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>mva1_71119ex23a.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
<TEXT>


                                 EXHIBIT 23.(a)

                      CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

                  INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


<PAGE>


       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM
       --------------------------------------------------------

We hereby consent to the use in this Registration Statement on Form S-1
of our report dated March 8, 2005 relating to the financial statements
of PHL Variable Insurance Company, which appears in such Registration
Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the heading
"Experts" in such Registration Statement.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Hartford, Connecticut
April 19, 2005
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>