Abstract: A time division multiple access communications system includes a plurality of terminals coupled to a common signal path, or bus. In one form of the invention, time slots are allocated on a relatively static basis to various requesting terminals to establish communication links over the bus. Control of bus access and communication link formation is distributed over the entire system, wherein at least one terminal having the slot allocation capability may address selected other terminals and allocate the capability among those other terminals. In a second form, subscriber terminals contend for access to the bus. In a third form, a dual mode communication system is provided incorporating both the allocation and contention modes of operation.