A method and apparatus for providing selective access to a network, between an end device and a network such as the Internet through one or more access network terminating devices includes determining an access capability for each access network terminating device and comparing the access capability with a preferred access capability associated with a user preference. Best access is determined based on a comparison of the capabilities of the access network terminating devices and the preferred capabilities. Once a match is found, one of the access network terminating devices is selected based on the comparison and the end device is configured according to the access capability of the selected one of the access network terminating devices. Access capabilities include, for example, cost of access, coverage area, and QoS. While communicating with the network the end device continues to detect if new access network terminating devices are available. The access capability for each of the new access network terminating devices is determined and compared with the preferred access capability and/or the current access capabilities being provided to the end device. One of the new access network terminating devices can be selected based on the comparison and the end device configured according the access capability of the new access network terminating device.