Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a user to access the internet from a remote location by using a local internet service provider with whom the user does not have an account. The user logs on to the local internet service provider's system using an identifier that includes the user's identification term and an identifier for the user's home internet service provider server. A first server in the local internet service provider's system determines that the login information includes the identifier for the user's home internet service provider server and sends a query to a second server. The second server verifies that the user's home internet service provider has an account with the local internet service provider and returns an internet protocol address for the home internet service provider's server to the first server. The first server then seeks authorization from the home internet service provider's server to provide internet access to the user over the local internet service provider's system.