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What is the goal of GUPS?
The goal of GUPS is to create a consortium between academic institutions worldwide to encourage free knowledge transfer through free calling over the internet. With GUPS, PC users have the ability to phone any university in the world, free of charge. By eliminating traditional telecommunication costs, our goal through this program is to see increased collaboration and information dissemination between students, faculty and researchers from all institutions throughout the world.

What are the benefits to being a member of GUPS?
Free University to University calling. International applicants are able to reach your campus and talk to faculty at no cost. Any PC in the world may call your university campus free of charge. Creates a university consortium for students globally to enhance distance learning. Allows access to people in remote areas of the world for information dissemination. The creation of an environment of free knowledge transfer to enable collaboration. Faculty can always be connected and accessible even from remote locations.

What is required to connect to GUPS?
In order to qualify for the GUPS program, a university must be able to route an entire prefix within an area code. Universities must have a T1 digital PRI card to interface with their current telephone system called a Public Branch Exchange (PBX) system. If you have both of these things in order, all you need is a Linux PC with a T1 digital PRI card and Asterisk software configured to your university settings. If you qualify, you may receive the Linux PC pre-installed with Asterisk software and PRI card for free. If our university has the correct hardware/software, what do we need to get into the system? If you already have the software and hardware necessary, click here for configuration data.

How does a university apply to receive hardware?
Fill out an application here and we will contact you if you are eligible to receive a free system configured for your university specifications. REEF will be supplying a secure Linux based PC that is provided along with Asterisk software, a multi-protocol open source PBX to universities that qualify.

What other universities are participating in the GUPS program?
The following universities have successfully routed over tens of thousands of minutes: UC San Diego, UC Santa Cruz, UC Irvine, University of Oklahoma, University of Philippines, Indiana University and BYU. We are rapidly expanding the list of universities to our global network.

How can students participate in this program?
Students may participate in this program using SIP software such as, Gizmo Project to call universities worldwide free of charge.

Is it possible for a company or for-profit University to participate with GUPS?
Yes, it is possible although it will not be possible for REEF to provide the necessary hardware. The organization will be responsible with providing the required equipment, but we can provide a list of the equipment needed. To find out more information, please visit: http://sipphone.com/peering.