switchboard operator

Manual line router

A switchboard operator is a person who manages a telephone switchboard, connecting callers by plugging cables into the appropriate jacks.

Before automated switching, operators were essential to completing phone calls: The switchboard operator connected me to the overseas line.

The job was once ubiquitous but has largely disappeared with digital technology.

Related

plugs · cords · headset · connect · receptionist · calls · jacks · console · central office · dial · direct dial · ring · circuits · patch · transfer · hello · speaking · hold

Categories
Opposites
automation

switchboard operatorautomated system

Machine-driven operation without intervention

voicemail system · AI assistant · machine · algorithm · phone tree

technological era

switchboard operatornetwork engineer

Professional managing digital infrastructure

network administrator · IT support · digital native · chatbot · virtual assistant

communication direction

switchboard operatorspam filter

Software blocking unwanted email

firewall · censor

Family

switch, board, operator, switches, switched, switching, boards, boarded, boarding

Familiarity
Top 500,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G