The new draft ESL seems to have it in for MIBS. The paragraph doesn't actually say, "We're thinking about dumping MIBS," but it does ask, "Are there any substantial benefits for funding MIBS?... Are there any cost savings and efficiencies for funding MIBS?" It seems like they're saying: "OK, we've had MIBS for a couple of years; is it doing any good?" That's rather threatening.
They also ask about narrowing the definition of MIBS so applicants don't face the question: "Is it MIBS or is it BMIC?" I'm all for clarifying the difference between MIBS and BMIC.
Should they get rid of MIBS? No, I think they should expand it. Right now, if you buy an appliance that monitors your network, it's ineligible. But if you buy a service that monitors your network, it's eligible. And if that service installs an appliance on your network, that's eligible. Why?
I think the FCC should just make network monitoring eligible. It's an essential part of operating any network.
The FCC should widen the eligibility of Category Two equipment and services in general. Because with the ridiculously small budget that schools get for C2, there isn't enough to keep switches and APs upgraded, much less pay for maintenance or firewalls or monitoring. So just let applicants decide which of many needs will be covered by E-Rate, and which eligible items will be left unfunded.
And for Pete's sake, raise the per-student budget for C2. We're way under the cap every year, and schools need more to cover eligible items.