Why is 10-digit dialing necessary?

A while back, the FCC established ‘988’ as a nationwide three-digit phone number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This new dedicated number goes into effect July 16, 2022. To make this work, area codes that use ‘988’ as a prefix (the first three digits of a seven digit number) will need to use 10-digit dialing. There are 82 area codes in 35 states that use ‘988’ as a prefix and ‘785’ & ‘620’ are two of those area codes.

October 24, 2021 is the hard deadline when 7-digit dialing will stop working and everyone will need to start using 10 digit dialing.  Read the FCC customer guide for all the details.

How this affects Polaris customers

A lot of TSCPL customers get phone notifications from Polaris. To ensure they keep getting their notices without disruption, we need to make a few changes to our data entry process as well as in the system.

Patron account procedure changes starting today, August 2

• Include area codes with ALL phone number updates.  This includes local, long distance, land line, and mobile numbers.
• Verify the area code on existing accounts:
  • When you are helping a customer and notice they only have a 7-digit phone number.
  • When a customer calls and reports they are not getting phone notices any longer.
  • When a non-customer reports we are calling them about items (holds or overdues).

System changes starting today, August 24

•  New [blank] patron accounts will automatically populate the Phone 1 field with a ‘785’ area code.
• Digital Services will bulk change 7-digit phone numbers to 10-digit on patron accounts set to receive phone notices with area code ‘785’ [ASAP].