On January 28, 1878, the first
telephone switchboard went into operation in
New Haven, Connecticut. It was set up by Coy, Herrick P. Frost, and Walter Lewis and with an investment of $600; the switching equipment was developed and built by Coy. The company was named District Telephone Company of New Haven. Coy took over the switching operation and thus became the world's first operator; Frost was the first salaried operator. Eight telephone lines were available to the company's initial 21 customers. After Lewis left, Coy and Frost sold a blocking minority to the investor as capital requirements increased. The
Southern New England Telephone Company was formed from the company in 1882. Coy was involved in the publication of the world's first telephone directory on February 21, 1878. It consisted of a single sheet of paper and contained 50 names. It was produced by Coy and the District Telephone Company financiers. == Death and legacy ==