Transmission bandwidth consumption during the on-hold condition in telecommunications
is reduced in a telecommunications system providing communication channels for
the transmission of data between system stations. Two bandwidth states for each
connecting channel are provided: an active state granting maximum bandwidth for
the transmission of data and, for an on-hold condition, a minimal activity state
for the connecting channel granting a minimal bandwidth. The active state prevails
during the communication unless detecting means detect an on-hold condition in
said connecting channel. Then, means responsive to a detection of on-hold condition
switch to and provide a minimal activity state for said connecting channel granting
a minimal bandwidth.
