In this paper we examine the use of variable rate coding concepts for TASI and packet speech transmission systems. The paper is divided into three major parts. In the first part, the theoretical performance of variable rate coding is analyzed for multiple user (TASI) applications. Potential gains are experimentally determined from twoparty telephone conversation data for up to 12 shared conversations on a channel. In the second part of the paper, the buffer control mechanism for a dynamic buffer scheme for coupling a variable rate coder to a fixed rate (or slowly varying rate) channel is analyzed. It is shown that the buffer control can be modeled as a second-order control system and, under adverse parameter settings, the system can be unstable. By an appropriate design and parameter setting, the buffer control can be stabilized, The insight developed from this particular buffer control mechanism may also lead to a better understanding of other buffer control problems in variable rate transmission or packet systems. In the third part of the paper, a practical method is analyzed for implementing a variable rate ADPCM system for multiple user applications. Examples of computer simulations of the system are presented.