International Telephone Operators

[OldGuy0003]

Yes. You had to watch out not being caught by ACO's and Switchman checking position holding time in traffic reports...

[OldGuy0003]

I thought TSPS positions were automatically disconnected from the call after a preset amount of time?

[George75605]

@OldGuy0003

Actually, some calls took longer to handle than others, and you had to stay with them until they were completed, while your productivity was being measured to a merciless and unrealistic standard. It was very stressful. You were supposed to release them from your position, using keys on the left side of the console, but you could work around that several different ways if you were sharp enough and a customer had said the wrong thing. You could listen in, but at your own risk.

[George75605]

I was a Bell System Operator on TSPS in Dallas in the early '80's...what a trip. Any former Operators out there who got fired for having too much fun listening into calls and punishing the mean customers?

[jrsnyderjr]

I was one of the first male operators in a AT&T International Operator Center.

lol! what a typical customer: "do I get charge extra for bouncing off this satellite?" Nope...and it was the only circuit available.

[Shinygummi]

Excellent!