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The operator is going off the hook for millions of customers.Starting in January, AT&T customers with digital landlines won't be able to dial 411 or 0 to reach an operator or get directory assistance.

Before smartphones, landline telephones were the way most people kept in touch. And until direct dialing became common, a switchboard operator's assistance was often needed to help with long-distance ...

Phone companies began to cut their ranks of operators, automate services and charge customers fees for calls.As companies increased prices, demand for directory assistance plunged. Meanwhile, the ...

*(CNN) — The operator is going off the hook for millions of phone customers. Starting in sometime this month (January), AT&T customers with digital landlines won’t be able to dial 411 or 0 to reach an ...