A system and method are provided for distributing wireless network access parameters in a multi-mode communications user terminal (UT). The method includes: establishing a link between a UT and a first communications network (i.e., a cellular network); accessing a parameters server via the first network; downloading access parameters for a wireless, second communications network (i.e., a Wireless Local Area Network); and, using the downloaded access parameters to establish a wireless link between the UT and the second communications network. The downloaded access parameters may include information such as a security key, Service Set IDentifier (SSID), traffic channel allocation, and optimization parameters including transmit power, quality of service (QoS) settings, and operational mode. Alternately, the database may cross-reference UT ID to parameters such as QoS, IP address, gateway information, subnet mask, Domain Name Server (DNS) information, or geographical location.