> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.gpu-fi.uk/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.gpu-fi.uk/gpu-infrastructure/gpu-operators.md).

# GPU Operators

Covers the planned role of operators in GPU infrastructure.

{% hint style="info" %}
**GPU operator participation is planned for Phase 3.** No external operators participate in Phase 1.
{% endhint %}

### What is a GPU operator?

A GPU operator is a contributor who provides real physical GPU hardware to the GPUFi infrastructure layer.

This is a future model. Operator onboarding is not currently open.

### How the operator model works

```
Operator
  ↓
Provides GPU
  ↓
GPU enters rental infrastructure
  ↓
GPU generates rental activity
  ↓
Rental fee
  ↓
70% to operator
```

The intended economic incentive is 70% of rental fees for the operator. The roadmap does not define the destination of the remaining rental fees.

### Why operators matter

Phase 2 is intended to begin with GPUs purchased through the treasury. Phase 3 is intended to expand the physical infrastructure layer through external contributors.

Operators provide the hardware layer. GPUFi provides the ecosystem context. This model is intended to move beyond GPUs purchased directly through the treasury, without guaranteeing infrastructure growth.

### Operator economics

| Component       | Phase 3 design                    |
| --------------- | --------------------------------- |
| Hardware        | Contributed by external operators |
| Rental activity | Generated by contributed GPUs     |
| Operator share  | 70% of rental fees                |
| Admin           | Planned permanent renouncement    |

### Current status

| Phase   | Status                                                    |
| ------- | --------------------------------------------------------- |
| Phase 1 | No external operators                                     |
| Phase 2 | Initial GPUs are intended to be purchased by the treasury |
| Phase 3 | External operator participation is planned                |

Hardware requirements, minimum GPU counts, hosting requirements, geographic restrictions, and an application process have not been specified.

The next planned infrastructure layer is the [Inference API](/gpu-infrastructure/inference-api.md), which is intended to serve developer compute demand in Phase 4.


---

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