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Ask HN: Would you be interested in using a VoIP system that has an operator?

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Ask HN: Would you be interested in using a VoIP system that has an operator?

#1
In 2026, if there was a voip system, like say an app where when you tap dial an actual human operator would pick up and ask which number you wanted to dial, then connect you to that number.

This isn’t some startup scheme, I doubt very much it would be economical, but just curious other people would want this.

Re: Ask HN: Would you be interested in using a VoIP system that has an operator?

#5
That seems much slower and more error prone than typing in the number.

What might make more sense is more of a concierge. “Please, connect me to the Home Depot in Alren, TX.” They find the number, give options if there are some, and connect the call.

If I’ve already had to get the number to give to the operator, the value is gone.

Re: Ask HN: Would you be interested in using a VoIP system that has an operator?

#6

That seems much slower and more error prone than typing in the number. What might make more sense is more of a concierge. “Please, connect me to the Home Depot in Alren, TX.” They find the number, give options if there are some, and connect the call. If I’ve already had to get the number to give to the operator, the value is gone.

Yeah I agree, that would be neat

Re: Ask HN: Would you be interested in using a VoIP system that has an operator?

#7

That seems much slower and more error prone than typing in the number. What might make more sense is more of a concierge. “Please, connect me to the Home Depot in Alren, TX.” They find the number, give options if there are some, and connect the call. If I’ve already had to get the number to give to the operator, the value is gone.

That existed for decades in the USA just by dialing '411'. It only went away a few years ago in many locations.