How did the job of a switchboard operator differ from that of a telephone technician?

Switchboard operators manually connected calls by plugging wires into a switchboard, facilitating communication between callers. Their role required strong interpersonal skills and quick decision-making. In contrast, telephone technicians focused on the installation, maintenance, and repair of telephone systems and equipment. Technicians worked behind the scenes, ensuring the infrastructure functioned properly, while operators directly interacted with customers.