What is central office (CO)? - Definition from Whatis.com

Definition

central office (CO)

In telephone communication in the United States, a central office (CO) is an office in a locality to which subscriber home and business lines are connected on what is called a local loop. The central office has switching equipment that can switch calls locally or to long-distance carrier phone offices.

In other countries, the term public exchange is used.

This was last updated in July 2000

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