Patent ID: 7849177

Claim:
A method, comprising: receiving a request at an aggregator for internet access service, the request including an identity of a network access provider (NAP) selected from a plurality of NAPs each identified by a corresponding one of a plurality of NAP identifiers in a database associated with the aggregator, an identity of a subscriber requesting the internet access service, and a payment authorization for the internet access service; accessing the database further including a plurality of Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) operator identifiers, a plurality of access point identifiers and a plurality of Internet Service Provider (ISP) identifiers; wherein each WLAN operator identified by the plurality of WLAN operator identifiers provides internet access service through an ISP identified by a corresponding one of the plurality of ISP identifiers, and operates at least one access point identified by the plurality of access point identifiers; verifying that a subscriber identified in the request is currently a registered user with the selected NAP; and verifying the payment authorization for the requested internet access service.