REC Network Updates (Government Shutdown) 10-03-2025

Updates from REC Networks relating to systems and processes and other extraneous remarks.

10/03/2025 7:35 AM - NETWORK UPDATES ---

ULS: The FCC has kept the Universal Licensing System (ULS) inquiry functions (i.e. to look up ULS handled licenses, antenna structure registrations, etc.) up and running, however the ability to electronically file applications through ULS is not available. We are assuming that this also impacts the batch filing system that is used by amateur radio volunteer examiner coordinators. The database for ULS has not been updated since 10/1. We are keeping our update services to ULS offline until the shutdown is over.

CONTOURS API: The FCC also has not interrupted service on the Contours API. This is good news for us as we have several services (FCCdata, myLPFM, toybox and internal applications) that are dependent on the API for contour mapping and HAAT measurements. We note that if there is a disruption in the Contours API, you will see messages that appear on many of the services that use that API to warn of a disruption.

FCC.TODAY: REC has completely suspended fcc.today for the duration of the shutdown and users are being redirected to an outage message. The Licensing Management System (LMS), which is used for broadcast applications was suspended by the FCC for the shutdown. This includes the ability to look up applications directly in LMS. You can still look up applications in FCCdata, but links to FCC resources, such as actual applications, exhibits and authorizations is not available. On applications involving engineering (that appear on the left side), clicking the [Application Details] button may show a bunch of information from the application that may help you during the shutdown.

URGENT REQUESTS FOR LMS/CDBS DATA ELEMENTS: Please note that our eLMS system does read most non-engineering applications for FM, AM and TV including some of the application details and we do collect most data elements contained within the four-corners of the application. While we store this data in eLMS, we don’t have a self-service method of displaying all of that data. If you have a critical need for data that was on a particular LMS handled broadcast application (we don’t have exhibits, authorizations or correspondence), please contact REC and if possible, we can do a manual search. A donation in connection with such a search is always appreciated (donations are always appreciated!). If you need more details about an application that was originally filed in CDBS (file number beginning with a “B”), you can try our CDBS Historic Search at cdbs.recnet.com. While we do not keep exhibits, we do have an extensive collection of correspondence (letters to and from the FCC, decision documents, etc.) on the CDBS-filed applications. Like with LMS/eLMS, if you need some kind of raw data research, please contact REC to see what we have. Serious requests only. Thank you. Just as a reminder, we do have the raw LMS data dump on the shutdown page and historic CDBS raw data is available on the historic CDBS site.

ETRS: Those who have already contacted REC for ETRS filing, we have your requests. We note that ETRS is still operational however it is still set with the current deadline of 10-3-2025. We are expecting an extension of that date, pursuant to 47 CFR §1.4(e) of the Commission’s Rules. We will once again accept requests for new ETRS filings. We note that we will not be sending invoices during the shutdown. However, if you do request ETRS from REC, you must be prepared to pay any invoice nearly immediately after receiving as any deadline extension may not be that long. Please send requests to lpfm@recnet.com and PLEASE include the word ETRS somewhere in the subject line so it can be easily screened (we do get a lot of spam, lists, etc.)

THE ADVICE IS FREE: If you have any questions on anything that is within our purview, please contact lpfm@recnet.com. The advice is always free, but donations are appreciated.

WE ARE THINKING OF THE FEDS: Broadcasting and the FCC only works, not because of the partisian politics (from both sides) at the top, it’s because of the career federal employees, many of whom have worked through multiple administrations at 1600 and still provide the same top level expertise regardless of who sits on the FCC Bench. Right now, many of these employees are furloughed and even for those considered “essential”, they are not getting paychecks right now. We are thinking about our federal partners and hopefully soon, we can all be back to work. These employees have families. This is not vacation.