EXHIBIT 23 (a)

            CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM













            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 February 22, 2006 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 7, 2006