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                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.6


                   CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

         As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the
incorporation by reference in this registration statement of our report, which
includes a matter of emphasis, dated April 14, 2000, included in the STAR
Telecommunications, Inc.'s Form 10-K/A for the year ended December 31, 1999 and
to all reference to our Firm included in this registration statement.


                                             /s/ ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP

Los Angeles, California
October 4, 2000