How far can the telephone cable reach?

The telephone cable mentioned in Roald Dahl's "Going Solo" is capable of reaching about three miles. This distance is significant in the context of the story, as it reflects the limitations of communication technology during the period in which Dahl was writing. The specific mention of three miles suggests a blend of realism and the historical setting, as well as the challenges faced during the era. While other distances may seem plausible, the chosen three-mile reach aligns closely with the experiences and context presented in Dahl's narrative. The other distances—one mile, five miles, and ten miles—do not accurately reflect the functionality of the telephone systems described in the book, thus underscoring the importance of the three-mile specification in understanding the technological landscape of that time.