Quote:
Originally Posted by Legbreaker
One small point. With the computerisation/automation of the telephone system, just how much of the equipment necessary to switch back to human operators still exists?
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I was in the USAF and as late as the late 80s, many base level switchboards were still 100% human operated using manual plug and patch systems. Some of us had to be cross-trained to operate them in case the civilians ever went on strike. I went through this at Charleston AFB, SC and also Hahn AB in Germany. Most (if not all) of the US bases in Germany at that time still utilized manual switchboards. Computerized versions began showing up circa 1987 even these relied on a human operator to connect calls, we just pushed buttons rather than plugging cords.