Dear Andrew

Re: High Speed Low Cost Computer Networking.
--------------------------------------------

I am contacting you because I believe that the
Luton and Dunstable area computer network club
(which is part of the nationwide Consume project)
may be of interest to yourself and others in the 
University.

The project is a non-commercial one to establish
a broadband (11Mbps) wireless network for all
households, amateur clubs, voluntary  and other
non-profit organisations in the area.

A demonstration network is working in London.

The Government Radiocommunications Agency (RcA)
are aware of the project (which is country-wide)
and have not raised any objections to our use
of (free) licence-exempt waveband (2.4GHz).

A technical network summary and details of the L&D Club
that is being formed to promote the network are at:

http://www.swimsite.dabsol.co.uk

Full details, database of current nodes, etc. can be found at:

http://www.consume.net

There are many academic aspects to the network
e.g. router algorithms that Luton University researchers
may be interested in.

The entry cost is low, with a set of equipment costing
about £350 - possibly shared and serving several users.
This could help to share costs of a gateway to the Internet
e.g. through (NTL) Cable Modems.
For success the network depends on a high density of
users within an area to achieve radio connectivity.

At this stage we are only trying to estimate interest
and map likely location of nodes to confirm connectivity.

Let me know if you would be interested in participating. 
As a "Speculative Member" there is no commitment. 
You can wait and see if local connectivity grows to reach you.
Give your Post Code so that your location can be mapped.

From Paul Clarke (Local Club co-ordinator)
swimsite@freeuk.com

P.S. Please forward this to your Colleagues
(Feel free to change the text as you think fit)