To gain visiting access to a wireless local area network (W-LAN), the operator of which administers a visitor authentication, authorization and accounting (VAAA) server, a user requesting such access must have a valid cellular mobile account, a portable computing device with a browser and a valid W-LAN card from another operation that administers a home authentication, authorization and accounting (HAAA) server. The user, inputs, via the VAAA server, identity information that enables the HAAA to issue a personal identification number (PIN) which is encoded and forwarded to the user's mobile telephone. This encoded PIN is transferred to the browser to authenticate the requested visiting access, and the costs of such access are billed to the user's cellular mobile account. The requested access is achieved via the user's browser. The user may employ the browser to convey the identity information, to the VAAA via the W-LAN, or via the mobile telephone.