SUNPAC can be described by the mission statement above. But that doesn't say what really lies behind the name. The short answer is...packet radio users. The users are people who make use of the network or run systems themselves, such as nodes, BBSs and DXClusters, and others who help maintain the network in working order.

WHAT DO WE DO?

The packet network in general terms evolved by default and relies heavily on facilities provided by individual amateurs at their own QTHs to move traffic around. Although the efficiency of this way of doing things has improved due to the advent of internet linking, nevertheless breakdowns in the network would occur when the amateur moves house or loses interest in packet. So SUNPAC overlaid a proper backbone network using the hilltop sites of GB7IW, GB7HP and GB7SW. These provide high speed, reliable feeds into the various BBSs and DXCluster. We liaise with our neighbour groups so that our network is fully integrated into the UK network as a whole.

WHAT WE DON'T DO

We do not provide any finance to private installations. However we can give advice and may have equipment to loan.

DO YOU BENEFIT?

Anyone who sends/receives mail, uses the DXCluster, or makes user to user contacts via a local node is benefiting from our services. You will probably be using part of our network for access and that same network was the provision of mail into and out of your BBS and it provided linking for the Cluster to receive its DX spot information.

HOW TO JOIN

If you are southern packet user, please help offset the costs of running the network by becoming a member. Annual site fees plus the costs of maintenance run into hundreds of pounds each year. Annual membership June to May is only £7.50, less than 15p a week. A membership form is available here for printing and sending to our Treasurer.