Here is possibly another useful link:

http://www.kielradio.de/GB/Start_GB.htm

As was pointed out, you can have e-mail service via the HAM networks and for free. The above is a comercial one providing e-mail services, plus weather and position reproting for a anual fee of Euro 300 ex-vat.

The modems are the same as used on the HAM nets. They sell the latest types which are supposed to do 2400 Bd. I plan to give this a try for this year and see how well it works. Will let you all know.

They also sell complete kits with transceiver. They choices they offer is the Australian Barret, the Icom 710 and a Sailor. The cheapest is the Barret. Interestingly I haven't seen that one mentioned anywhere here.