wrote in message
ups.com

[snip]

A great number of radio amateurs in other parts of the
world pay a yearly license fee. In some countries, radio
amateurs are forbidden to participate in public service
work. I don't know how it is in the U.K. now (maybe Ivor
can fill us in), but it used to be forbidden to use a
phone patch in the U.K.

It still is. We now have Echolink of course, where repeaters are linked
via the internet (over a phone line of course) but direct connection with
the PSTN is still forbidden.

As far as emergency service work goes, we have RAYNET (Radio Amateur
Emergency Network) but that has IMHO degenerated into little more than
helping with organising parades etc. which is why I got out of it many
years ago. If there's a genuine emergency somewhere then I'll be happy to
assist in whatever way I can, but I have no desire to stand around on
street corners watching marathon runners.

BTW we now have a lifetime licence here, which means no more renewal fees
(I suspect the dwindling numbers mean it's not worth collecting) but you
do have to confirm that you are still active every 5 years.

73 Ivor G6URP

PS am I still the only UK call on here..?!