The time slot interchange capabilities of modern digital loop carriers are utilized to provide direct connectivity from the calling modem's line to an internet access modem bank through the digital loop carrier, thereby bypassing the local central end office. A call which is to a telephone number of an internet access provider's modem is routed to a bypass initiator. If the bypass initiator detects that the call is from a number which is serviced by a digital loop carrier having a local central end office bypass capability, then the bypass initiator issues a bypass command. The digital loop carrier establishes the bypass connection, but does not break the signaling connection on the initial call which was routed from the digital loop carrier through the local central end office to the bypass initiator. Once the bypass connection has been established, the bypass initiator sends a disconnect signal through the signaling connection of the initial call. The local central end office performs the permanent signal treatment procedures, resulting in the calling modem's line being placed in the permanent signal state at the local central end office, so that the telephone system will know that the calling modem's line is unavailable for incoming calls. When the bypass connection is complete at the end of the internet session, the calling modem's line goes on hook and is reported to the local central end office in the conventional manner.