Because the system of accounting for hotels recognizes the telephone activity as separate department for revenue purposes,one often hears about the telephone department.Buy only in largest hotels there is a really separate organizational unit to match this designation,and in such hotels,it is headed by a chief operator.The telephone service in many properties is handed by a person who also serves as a second desk clerk.Many properties, particularly those of approximately 100 units with automatic phone systems,require the desk clerks to operate the switchboard as part of their regular duties.