Each subscriber is allocated at least one channel. Each channel carries time-multiplexed digital telecom. service signals. The subscribers are grouped together and each group is connected via a single optical waveguide to a shared transfer point. The multiplexed signal is divided at the transfer point amongst the channels after opto-electronic conversion. At the transfer point the channels belonging to any one subscriber are combined into a first subscriber time-multiplexed signal which is sent via an electrical line to the subscriber and there transferred to at least one connection point where demultiplexing occurs and the signals are distributed amongst the various pieces of equipment.
