ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Long-distance operator

A long-distance operator is like a big helper that helps people who need to talk to someone who is far away. Think of a phone call like mailing a letter, except it's faster and you can talk to the person on the other end right away. But sometimes when you want to talk to someone who is really far away, like in another state or even another country, your regular phone might not work. That's where the long-distance operator comes in.

They work for a special company that helps you connect to someone who is further away than your regular phone can reach. They use special equipment and computer systems to help you make the call. You tell the operator the number you want to call, and they work their magic to make sure your call goes through.

Sometimes the long-distance operator can also help you with things like making sure your call is clear and helping you figure out how much money the call will cost. So basically, a long-distance operator is like a superhero for people who need to talk to someone far away and need a little extra help to make it happen!
Related topics others have asked about: