The telephone automatic exchange was invented as measure for competitive advantage by a practicing undertaker in 1889.

In 1889, Kansas undertaker Almon B. Strowger wanted to prevent telephone operators from advising his rivals of the death of local citizens. So he invented the automatic exchange, or “stepping switch”, which led to the automation of telephone circuit switching.

The telephone automatic exchange was invented as measure for competitive advantage by a practicing undertaker in 1889.