Interpreted by Rick Fearns, K6VE, SCAPS Chairman

As current Chairman of SCAPS, I believe it is appropriate for me to summarize the "policy" with regard to the exchange of traffic between the Internet, and Packet Radio (ax.25 SCAPS/WESTNET BBS’s). As with any "policy", the statements listed below are subject to change, as determined by the membership at large, at any time. The "policy" that is outlined below is derived from discussion(s) held at previous SCAPS meetings, as well as my observation of the practices of our member sysops.

"P" and "T" (Personal and NTS) Traffic:

SCAPS/Westnet affiliated BBS sysops embrace the concept that they will accept and forward ALL traffic, whether they agree with the specific content or not. Specific exceptions, of course, are messages that an individual sysop feels may be a violation of FCC Rules and Regulations, or otherwise against the law. Each sysop agrees to forward all "P" and "T" mail to its destination, which may or may not be the individual sysop’s own BBS. Each sysop can and does determine individually how "P" and "T" messages are obtained, and there seems to be no particular objection(s) to the open exchange of "P" and "T" traffic between the Internet and Amateur Radio, or vice-versa. Sysops are concerned that habitual use of forwarding circuits "shortcoming" ham radio may be destructive, because the superiority of Internet forwarding could remove the incentive to maintain that part of the amateur radio network. Care must be exercised by the individual sysop when accepting traffic from Internet sources, as ham radio Rules and Regulations do not permit the degree of freedom that the Internet currently enjoys. The same is true in reverse, for reasons in Part 73. Seeing to it that Ham Radio is not used for illegal traffic is the primary responsibility of the individual sysop involved. By FCC definition, the originating station is responsible, in addition to the originating network BBS, for traffic that is contrary to the Commission's Rules and Regulations! Each sysop is accountable to the FCC to operate under the terms and conditions of its individual license grant.

"B" (Bulletin) Traffic:

SCAPS/WESTNET BBS’s agree to the same terms and conditions of forwarding as stated for "P" and "T" traffic, above, with regard to the acceptance or rejection of individual messages. However, the flow of bulletins generally in to and out of an ax.25 BBS is routed according to a definition of a network advanced by WESTNET. In other words, Bulletin forwarding in to and out of the Internet, is not supported by the Westnet sysops, unless the Internet link is so defined as a part of the network. What an individual sysop posts on his/her individual BBS is not of concern for SCAPS/WESTNET. The concern is that any route that utilizes the Internet (or telephone modem) may serve to "short circuit" and ultimately replaces all or part of a ham radio networks along the same path. As with any "policy", there are shades of "gray". What about a BBS that's "shadowed" or out of reach of the amateur radio network? Would a "ham" resort to HF more readily if there were no Internet? The answers to these questions are individual, and when combined, form to become a part of a "policy" that's dynamic and on-going.