The inputs and outputs of the DPAS will be aggregate time-division-multiplexed (TDM) signals at the North American standard rate of 1.544 Mb/s and at the European standard rate of 2.048 Mb/s. These groups (or digroups) will contain 64 kb/s voice channels and digital data channels at a variety of rates. The DPAS patching capability permits dedicated, full duplex cross-connection of any channel in any digroup to any other compatible channel whether in the same digroup or another digroup. The test access capability permits any channel or group of channels to be routed to digital test equipment. The information presented in this technical report provides system level guidance for the application of DPAS in the DCS from the transmission network perspective. The technical characteristics of the existing Technical Control Facility (TCF) are described and the transition to digital operations discussed. The technical characteristics of the DPAS are summarized and functional interoperability with existing analog and digital transmission and switching systems is discussed. Criteria for the general application of DPAS are developed which provides guidance for the: location and sizing, interface and interoperability, and network management of DPAS. Based on this guidance, phased application plans are developed for worldwide implementation. These plans are arranged by area (Europe, Westhem, and Pacific) and are attached as appendices to the basic document.