A system and method for accessing the internet on a per-time basis, through an Internet service provider (ISP), includes an access station. Application software is provided to an electronic terminal, from which Internet access may be attempted. Upon initiation of the application, the access station is dialed, and a number of processing steps serve as a precondition to permitting the electronic terminal to access the Internet through the Internet service provider. In particular, upon an initial attempt to access the Internet, the access station sets up an account in which the telephone number from which access is attempted is utilized for subsequent billing purposes. The access station further determines whether the telephone number from which access is desired is within an acceptable network, is associated with an undesirable credit risk, and is a valid telephone number. In the event the electronic terminal passes these validation procedures, the access station transmits account information to the electronic terminal and directly to the Internet service provider. Additionally, the access station transmits an ISP identifier (such as a modem telephone number) whereupon the electronic terminal initiates a communications link with the Internet service provider.