Abstract: Customer premises equipment (CPE) which allows a user programmable access carrier selection. Users can program one or more alternate access carriers to use at different times and/or different days of the week. After the feature has been programmed, the CPE determines which access carrier to use and inserts the appropriate alternate access code prior to releasing the dialed digits. The invention allows a telephone customer to take advantage of varying rates and promotional programs without having to remember the details of each provider's plans and the provider access codes for each call.