Cord switchboards used for these purposes were replaced in the 1970s and 1980s by TSPS and similar systems, which greatly reduced operator involvement in calls.

When did the switchboard become obsolete?

The use of cord switchboards for these purposes was replaced in the 1970s and 1980s by systems that reduced operator involvement in calls.

Do switchboard operators still exist?

Short answer: yes. The job just looks much different than it used to. Today's telephone operators are specialty agents, working directly in customer service to manage large volumes of phone calls, or in places like hotels or other hospitality facilities that may have their own internal phone systems.