1. The early STD non-local rates/distances were
a - up to 35 miles,
b -35 to 50 miles
c - over 50 miles
The 'c' distance was still shown until early 1974 but the charge for 'b' & 'c' was shown to be the same from about the end of 1973.
2. Call offices were limited to single unit fee until the end of multi-metering c1958 when they were then able to dial any calls listed as 'local' - they were still untimed until the exchange was converted to STD working. There were exceptions to this - I remember an exchange which still had untimed local calls as late as 1995 ! A local call just registered as a single unit and they could talk all day!
3. Pre-STD, You dialled '0' for the operator (or as STD approached in some areas it became '100' by fitting a
Dial No 20LA which allowed a '1' to be dialled without putting money into the A/B box ) and she knew you were using a coinbox as you came up on a circuit with a red lamp/opal rather than a white one. She would ask what number you wanted and she would then request you insert the appropriate fee for the call (which muted the microphone in your handset) You would then be connected and have to press button A to deposit the money and unmute your microphone so you could speak when the called number answered. Trunk calls were timed with a
Clock 44 in the cord circuit which the operator started when the call was answered - it put the 'three minute' pips on shortly before your three minutes was up. The operator then came on circuit and requested further payment.
Ian J