Human based operators still exist - basically think of anywhere you call and you get a human being who then connects you internally the right extension instead of automatic dialing systems. A lot of companies still have receptionists who function as operators connecting you with the right people internally.
It wouldnt be as efficient for sure and you wouldnt be able to handle anywhere near the volume of calls that a computer system can handle - but it would definitely allow, for instance, MilGov or CivGov to use human operators at switching stations to make phone calls where the lines were still intact.
Thats where the DISCCOM units come into play with the human operator switching stations that can connect to civilian phone systems when needed.
The real limitations would probably be the ability to generate power for operating the phones and switching stations. The more power you can generate the more phones and switching stations would work - the less power you have the more likely you have something like the town phone where there is one phone working.
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