The different applications for which ATM broadband networks can be used are discussed. With regard to the ATM layer, the CCITT has standardized two kinds of virtual connections: virtual channel connections (VCCs) and virtual path connections (VPCs), where a VPC can be considered as an aggregate of VCCs. It is shown that two large groups of applications can be supported using either the VPC or VCC concept. In the first range of applications, only semipermanent VPC connections are supported. In the second, fully on demand VCC connections are offered to the subscribers. A flexible broadband signaling capable of handling all sorts of manipulations in a multimedia environment is described. The signaling is shown to be applicable to distributive digital TV