AbstractThis paper presents an overview of the concepts underlying the implementation of the TDMA/DSI technique in the INTELSAT satellite system, together with a description of preliminary ideas on the system management of TDMA networks. The TDMA project is an INTELSAT response to steady growth in international services, and the TDMA system uses digital techniques for enhancing capacity on a satellite. The establishment of the system requires international co‐operation on an extensive scale; all the decision‐making components in INTELSAT's structure have contributed to the planning and implementation of the system. Preliminary ideas on network management are discussed. The methods used for establishing internationally agreed procedures and for orchestrating the maintenance of reference stations are descri