The disclosed subject matter provides for systems, devices, and methods facilitating carrier-driven bearer path selection. Carrier-driven bearer path selection enables a carrier to assert bearer path selection policies. Bearer paths available to UEs can be checked for compliance with a carrier's policies. Preferred bearer paths can be designated to the UE for selection. Designation of preferred bearer paths can, in an aspect, be related to route cost, path requests, or path characteristics. In addition, complex bearer path schema can be determined. In an aspect, complex bearer path schema can include asymmetric routing, bonding, and multiplexing. The subject disclosure can enable a carrier to improve management of the carrier's network resources by driving bearer path selection determination to UEs.