Messages
1C1 Recall the requirements to send messages only to other amateur radio stations and only using UK Amateur frequencies.
The Licensee shall only address Messages to other Amateurs or to the stations of those Amateurs. A "Message" means a signal which conveys information to or from Radio Equipment operated by an Amateur in accordance with a United Kingdom Amateur Radio Licence; All non amateur radio licence holders who gain access to the amateur bands are considered as pirates. Do not speak to them but should you inadvertently come across one don't be the policeman of the bands - just ignore and stop the conversation.
Should you be called by a station in response to your CQ call and that other station fails to give a callsign when asked then break off the contact and assume that they were a pirate. The Licensee shall be permitted to use the Radio Equipment to discuss any topics of mutual interest with other Amateurs, and to seek to receive and impart any information and any ideas. The items that you talk about must be personal to you or be of a technical nature. You will often hear stations telling each other about their equipment especially their rigs and antennas.
Broadcasting means talking to anybody who happens to be listening. It also usually linked to that fact you would not be expecting a response. Thus calling CQ is not Broadcasting as you are very much wanting a reply. Talking on amateur radio frequencies as if you were a radio station for general reception of those listening is not permitted.
Recall that a 'Net' or 'Network' refers to transmissions to three or more Amateurs with whom communication and identification has been established.
Recall that transmitting for general reception, that is to anybody who may be listening, is not permitted other than for CQ calls.
The origin of some of the text on this page is from the RSGB with additions by the web master