BACKGROUND
enac_lpfm (every nook and cranny) is a legacy (pre-eLMS) table that is used in several REC systems to store specific critical data elements in a single file instead of in a relational database (which is the basis for CDBS, LMS and eLMS). This table is used mainly for FM channel searches, bulk reports and similar functionality where search speed is essential. enac_lpfm is updated directly from the daily FCC LMS data load and does not use eLMS as a data source and therefore is authoratative for filings.
ISSUE
Since the conversion from CDBS to LMS, there have been various issues regarding certain facility types, such as vacant allotments due to the unusual way the FCC is treating these now in LMS. CDBS did a better job at distinguishing between a "vacant" allotment vs.a "used" allotment. LMS does not have this distinction as clear as the old system. As a result, enac_lpfm was showing allotments for FM facilities that are already on the air and do not need to be separately protected. As a result, this may impact some LPFM channel searches in tools such as myLPFM. This issue was a side-effect from a previous fix needed to restore protected Canada and Mexico FM allotments to the ENAC table.
RESOLUTION
To resolve the issue, we built a separate table in the eLMS space includes all of the vacant FM allotments currently listed in ยง73.202. Each day, when the enac_lpfm program runs, it will load up that table and only include allotment records for the communities and channels on that table as requiring protection (in addition to the regular authorized facilities that also require protection).
