Heard about the site earlier this week (I think in the Metro) and have been majorly impressed. I myself would like to keep in contact with someone at University, but have to dial an 0870 Dog'N'Bone number. To avoid this we use a SIP based VoIP account and computer to computer this is free.
Last year I was in University accomodation (specifically Bath), and they also used the Dog'N'Bone system. Far too expensive, and as Skype are well known we decided to give that a go. No problems with it, until after last Christmas when the University computing services decided to ban the use of Skype on all computers connected to its network (the ResNet). I carried on using Skype for a few days, but eventually was kicked off the system and had to beg a grovel to be allowed back on. No idea how they tracked it, though I guess they just check various ports for the signature Skype signal.
Anyway, the University gives this reason for banning Skype:
http://www.bath.ac.uk/bucs/network/Skype.shtmlBasically, it seems Skype is a peering (p2p) program and when it finds a really fast network (i.e. like those found at Universities) it tries to route calls via these networks. So if you used Skype at home, and called someone else at home (on Skype or not), your call may be routed through the University network even if both parties have nothing to do with the uni. Obviously, the uni doesn't like carrying data that has nothing to do with it, so it has banned Skype.
To me, this seemed like a fair explanation. Why some uni's are banning SIP protocols I have not idea (nothing to do with Dog'N'Bone I'm sure.....)
The reason I post this here is that most people have mentioned that Skype is banned, but it hasn't been explained yet. Maybe other Universities ban Skype for different reason? Let us know!
Also, if anyone does know how to call Liverpool University Derby & Rathbone Hall without having to dial 0870 757 61**, that'd be greatly appreciated...