What component transformed the early telephone system from a point-to-point novelty into a genuine public utility?

Answer

The introduction of the central switchboard, manned by human operators.

The introduction of the central switchboard, operated by human attendants, was the mechanism that transformed the rudimentary, two-point connection system into a functional, public utility.

What component transformed the early telephone system from a point-to-point novelty into a genuine public utility?
inventionlifeAmericanbell