System and method for providing access to a network in a communications environment

A method for authenticating an end user in a network environment is provided that includes positioning an identification element in a first device that is operable to provide an interface for an end user. The first device is further operable to communicate with an internet protocol (IP) network and with a second device. The end user is then authenticated with a selected one of the first and second devices through the IP network using the identification element such that the end user may operate the first and second devices in multiple access networks that cooperate to provide connectivity to the end user. Each of the access networks is operable to facilitate communications between the end user and the IP network.