What is a TSPS operator?

TSPS Operators, or Traffic Service Position System Operators, were telephone company employees responsible for managing and assisting with operator-handled calls, such as collect calls, person-to-person calls, and other special services. They worked at consoles connected to the TSPS, an automated system introduced to increase efficiency in telephone call processing. While most operator services are now automated, TSPS Operators played a crucial role in ensuring calls were connected correctly and providing customer support during the era of manual telephone operations.