Abstract: A broadband switching network is shown having a plurality of interconnected switching units arranged to transfer cells asynchronously therebetween. A switch control establishes connections for the asynchronous transmission of these cells between ports. A bandwidth control detects the rate at which cells are supplied to an input port; and, in response, requests switch control to allocate bandwidth to the connection. When bandwidth has not been allocated, received cells are downgraded or rejected by a usage control device. The usage control device only allows high priority cells to remain as such when bandwidth has been allocated. The network facilitates logical connections to be established without dial-up procedures. However, customers may be charged in terms of their actual usage made of the network.