Duane DeFreitas
Do you remember [the story on BBC](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/4572215.stm) about the Internet-enabled Amazon adventurer Duane DeFreitas? The story started to interest me, so I tracked him down for an interview. And he was kind enough to share us an image from his big photo collection, of an ant-eater somewhere in Amazonia.
]]>Finding Duane was amazingly easy thanks to the powers of Internet search engines. So we got hooked up easily. But as the BBC story said and as you can also read below, he doesn’t have a microphone so he can’t speak, and we did this interview using Skype’s (text) Chat feature. And to thank Duane, we are sending him some Skype Starter Packs, containing a headset and some SkypeOut minutes, to get going on two-way speech. (Reportedly, shipping to Duane’s ranch is quite possible, so we’ll see how that goes.)
**How did you end up in that jungle in the first place? How did you become an “adventurer” — I would assume that you are not originally from Amazonia?**
Well, I came to this area in 1970 to work on a cattle ranch as a vaquero (Dadanawa Ranch). I was born in Georgetown which is the Capital city of Guyana. At that time, this area was very remote with no road in, only access by light aircraft.
In 1982 I started travelling in to the jungle on expeditions with people from this area, then after a while started taking guests. Birdwatching, fishing exploring etc. The land south-east of the ranch has no one living there or working and is basically pristine and rich in wildlife.
Also, my sons and friends became interested and are involved in conservation.
**Interesting! So… when and how did the computers and Internet show up there? I would guess that they were not around in 1970 or 1982 
**
I had been looking for an affordable way to get internet for years, but no telephone or electricity or roads here. Eventually about 2 years ago a company started selling satellite internet out of Georgetown, so I got one as prices had dropped substantially since I first started investigating. To power it I used solar panels and charge controllers etc. And so have been online basically since then.
Last year I heard of Skype from my cousin who does computer stuff in the West Indies. He told me it was real good and free. Recently my niece started using it in Canada and sent me some info, so I downloaded. But i guess i need some other equipment as i can hear conversations real good but can’t talk out.
**Would I be correct to say that at this time you have no phone connectivity there? Or do you also have a satellite phone or something like that, apart from computer?**
No sat phone here. We use radio as other means of communication. A few years ago we were loaned a sat phone by a zoo who we were doing some work with and it was good, but that project is over.
**How is your impression on Skype so far? Have you chatted with old contacts or found new ones? Do you do text only or also one-way calls as you said? Is there any functions missing that would make your work and life easier?**
I have listened to my friends in Barbados, and to niece and daughter at school in Canada, and type replies to them. I really like it, it has been very clear and seems like no kind of delay, just wish I had a way of talking. I am sure when I do, will use it much more and contact friends and business acquaintances.
I am not sure of its possibilities as but just the ability to phone and talk is great. Can it fax stuff?
**Sorry, we don’t have the faxing capability at this time. But what we do have is that you can transfer files, so if the materials are on the computer, no need for fax.**
**One last question… would you have any message or advice, from your own experience, to people who are thinking of using Skype in remote areas where we would usually think that you cannot use computers and Internet? we’ve seen Skype being used also in Himalayas over wireless connections and such…**
Well my experience is very limited , but I think once you have a connection, probably satellite in any remote area, it is very nice to hear the person you are talking to and makes for much more personal and clear whatever communication is taking place and I would recommend it for people in similar conditions as my own. Also it makes talking over the phone a lot more affordable.
**Thanks for all your time and effort on this! Bye.**
Nice animal
Nice interview
Nice pic
stange animal
Well done, a very good interview. What exciting times we live in when it is possible to talk to people even in the remotest parts of the globe!!!!! all we need now is vSkype over satellite. Brilliant stuff.
How do you send packets out on a sattelite connection? That would explain the performance (or lack thereof) on the connection. Last I remembered, what happens is that outgoing packets are sent via a phone line [or, I suppose in this case, by some other means of communication, e.g. radio], and incoming packets come in via sattelite. This usually results in a very interesting bandwidth ratio, e.g. 300 kilobytes down and 4 kilobytes up per second. Considering the way Skype works, this would create an interesting situation.
In this scenario, it might be worth looking into Skype having the capability of using different codecs in each direction (e.g. high bandwidth one way, low bandwidth the other way, if one person has high in/out and another has high in, low out). This assumes this isn’t already possible (I haven’t been able to check at the moment.)
Video Skype over any means (satellite sounds difficult, but anything else, e.g. wired anything-but-dialup) would be wonderful, especially a cross-platform version (e.g. supporting Linux, OS X, and Windows). Satellite and dialup might have lower fps counts (it may end up going to seconds per frame, as opposed to frames per second), but it would still be … usable, to a certain extent. [Maybe when sending packets out, see if audio is using most of the connection -- if not, then squeeze in a video packet.] Logically, it would make sense to prioritize audio traffic here.
Oi cmo vai teu flog esta chow chousaso teu flog quando ´puder passe la no meu flog ta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
very nice, Our company América Link Internet works with implatation of InterNet links saw radio and satelite in remote regions of Brazil, thus more and more people can use and know the advantages of the InterNet and skype free phone
Alex Rezende
CEO – Chief Executive Officer
rezende@americalink.com.br
:: Brasília-DF
SCIA Quadra 14
Conj. 06 Lote 05
CEP – 71200-010
Brasília-DF/Brazil
http://www.americalink.com.br
Tel:+55(61) 8139-1586
Very nice picture, but my guess is that it is from the Pantanal and not the Amazon. The Pantanal is a massive area of swampy grasslands across Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia,and because of its open landscape, it is actually easier to see this kind of wildlife there.
Analyse multicritère
Fun Article
I can concur that Skype works very well. When I was installing new radar equipment in Santiago de Chile’s international airport I used Skype pc-2-phone and pc-2-pc to keep in touch with collegues and my wife back in Norway.
Surprise!!! The sound quality was ALWAYS better with Skype than if I would phone from my hotel room to Norway.
The name of this animal is “Tamanduá” and I´m not sure if that pic is Amazon or not!!! But that´s great anyway, Skype rates in Brazil must go down
hello!!very good interview!! for me «skype» has a place in my desktop forever!! i love this program, because it´s a program which help many people, like duane de freitas. and helps me!! LOl
Every night i call to my uncle, who lives in cape verde via skype, and we can talk whatever the time we want, basically we can talk about everything, without any price!!
I live in portugal, and i hope that this program can arrive to all the remote areas like amazonia or Africa.
Finnally i’d thank to all of skype team and i’ll thank you with some of portuguese words: Obrigado pelo vosso empenho em juntar cada vez mais as pessoas atraves de um simples clique!!
Pictures from Brazil (Mato Grosso, Pantanal, waterfalls)
http://fotos.terra.com.br/album.cgi/2352
how are you
I used skype from the CMH Lodge in the Bugaboos (BC, Canada) which is connected over satellite and it worked much better than a skypeout from Calgary to Banff. Even the video quality was good.
Esta é a melhor ferramenta para comuicação. Rápida e eficiênte, deixa a concorrência com água na boca.
Se você ainda não baixou para seu micro não sabe o que está perdendo.
Nota 1000 em comunicação IP por Voz (VoIP).
Abraço
Marcos Eustáquio
http://www.artelier.com.br
I’m From the Amazon! I think we are at the boonies, yeah, but here we have internet conection and the skype.
I’m very glad to know that we can touch the hole world through the internet andvantages and the skype.
I have called places that I thought I could of never reached. Places like Kenya, Madagascar, Egypt, Cyprus, South Africa.. simply incredible.
It’s a very interesting animal. I guess I’ve seen two of ‘em in São Paulo Zoo. I remember a child screaming: “Eles estão brincaaaaando…” In my native Czech language its name is “Mravenečník”. I agree that the lower prices are the better it is, but still I can call to Brazil (from the Czech Republic) cheaper than inside my country… Before I used to pay about 1€ per 3min, now I can call 50min per 1€ to SP. But I’m starting to regret joining to the EU because before I didn’t have to pay the VAT when ordering something from internet.
I think is awesome that this service is helping people that live in remote areas to communicate with friends and family!!!
sweet
Good Article
Now, with satellite internet, you have two modems, one for upload and one for download. The download speed is about twice as fast as it is with cable (about 500 kb/s, cable is about 256 kb/s). I wonder if Skype is better than the VoIP service from companies like Vonage (for satellite connections)?
I hope MSN and Yahoo also can do the same…. not only these but also there are lot of other chatting facilities too with quality enhancement… anyway thank you skypers
Excellant…
Good performance…clear voice…
Article is too good. just today i installed skype and really i got good link to be in contact with remote places too. I would like to thanks skype team to provide such a extraordinary services to the world.
I’m also in the middle of Amazon forest and I also Skype! I work as a tour guide in Uakari Floating Lodge, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil, and I was Skyping with my parents for the first time this week. We have a poor radio connection that sometimes work and sometimes don’t.
And Skype is really helping me keep in touch with my parents and friends! Thank you for that!
How to make to send Fax? It is possible? Some forecast for this?
Thank
Anderson
Swiat sie zrobil taki malutki, pozdrawiam z pustyni czyli Las Vegas
Great article on the amazon. I would like also to know how you can use satellite communications with skype as opposed to using the proverbial phone line. would be much faster and easier.
It is great to here that skype is being used in so many remote areas of this planet, keep up the good work
Hi! I am one of the millions of satisfied Skype users. I would talk with my relatives in the U.S. for hours. The voice quality is excellent and the delay is really negligible. I am not sure if it would be possible to hook up a webcam in my pc and use it on skype. That way, you not only get audio on skype but likewise video.
Hola dear Skype! I love you! I am a nice woman from Guatemala (Central America). I am a visual artist (not a designer, just pure art). I think your invention is brilliant, and I think your attitude is right. How else will the world turn and how else will new comers make their way up through a great invention like yours? You deserve great things, I sincerly hope you keep making it and bring us more stuff!! Of course, none of the money is worth discussion if in your hands there is not a genius proposition, which is not our case. I think Skype is insipiring, it makes me happy, it provides new light as far as how things can be done no matter the field. I am able to transfer the greatness of your example into my own life, which is what life is all about, isn´t it? I just wanted to congratulate you and tell you that no matter what happens, you are doing the right thing and you are making the world a better place. Thank you. Please don´t give up ever. Keep working here or there, Skype or Kazaa, or something else in the future. I am sure it will be great!
I have a little suggestion for the future. I don´t know how the issue of the fares works, it is WAY TOO SOON now to mention it but since this portal is open now… I think fares to the furthest places in the world (meaning the third world, since space and time are changed by your invention and internet in general, furthest doesn´t mean much anymore) should be more condescending. To call Guatemala for example, it costs around US 15 cents, Euro 10 cents. It is cheap!! But you have spoiled us now since calling New York is only US 3 cents and Euro around 2 cents. Hope you can, in the future, make better deals for us, the most remote people in the world, inhabitants of the wonderful edges of the world.
Cheers!
Yasmin Hage.
yasmin.hage@gmail.com
UVA prodocshons.
purauva@gmail.com
Grupo de usuários do Skype no Brasil.
http://br.groups.yahoo.com/group/skype_brasil
Associem-se para trocar conhecimento e tirar dúvidas.
Abraços,
Genivaldo Rocha
Administrador do grupo
Skype should provide this guy with a headset.
Hello everybody! Very nice article with this man in Amazon. Some people recognized the anteater as a especimen from brazilliam swamp and cerrado areas. But is a misconception to think Amazon as only rainforest. Amazon area is as large as Europe and there are lots of different habitats there, despite the preponderance of rainforest. Regarding the fax topic. Fax is one of those old technology that insist to survive. If you have a computer you don’t need to send faxes to someone who have a computer, it is a fact. But sometimes that is not true. The best approach to Skype is wait until everybody has a computer and don’t bother developing fax support. Adobe PDF can be used as a means to send facsimiles over the net much more efficiently.
Regards,
Georges Lacombe
Interesting article
I am wondering what the cost of satilite service is, and how fast the connection speed is for him. Anyone know?
sure interesting
Skype from the Amazon, well again it just proves that not only being FREE, but is able to offer a vital tool which other companies would expect to be paid, and I am sure it would have been expensive.
It just reiterates the concept that there are things in life which are FREE, and lets hope it stays that way, and YES I have seen the interview on the BBC re Skype mobile, we are all awaiting with baited breathe.
For those who dont know, Skype was developed by 2 Danes. Fed ide.
Mr.Duane is a great conservationist. Congratulations!
Wilson
BitCão-Treinamento de Cães
http://www.bitcao.com.br
Very interesting animal as like as program!It s coll to comunicate via internet!It s easy and fun!
Just wanted to thank SKYPE for bringing my family together
again. I can’t tell you how wonderful it is to speak with
everyone and see them too. It is so difficult to be far
away from the family and with skype we can even have a cup
of coffee together. This is the best gift anyone can have.
Thanks to all of you! Shelley
Great invention, Skype. This invention allows others to talk freely and without typing ‘typos’, others can hear what you’re saying clearly. Thank You Skype! =]
P.S – er.. nice animal you’ve got up there.
The jaguar is so… cute Cute cat, anyway… wish I had a pet lion or a cheetah for that matter
HI I am Nikhil I live in a village One . My friend one day goves me skype invitation. By using that i can type now fastly. I can able to make new friends. Thank u very much skype Thnk u
ja nie wjem co to jest HTML
NIE WJEM JAK ZA INSTALOWAC SKYPEOUT A CHCEM PROSZE O POMOC JAK TO SIE INSTALUJE
A virgin Skype user-Very unsual stuff and very clear and quick…
Not sure what article I am responding to, but this letter comes from David in San Francisco and here are some of my comments:
I made my first call using Skype tonight…but something very interesting happened…
Having no callers on my list, I searched for my brother and sister in law, and Skype actually generated abnd dialed a name and number…which was picked up and after a few minutes of dialogue, we realized that infact, I had contacted another couple (not my brother and sister in law) …
This is very exciting stuff…I have read about it in magazines about apple computers, bu assummed that it was way beyond my understanding
Now I will be yacking to all my friends about this wonderful software.
Signing off, because I have to call friends and family in Italy,Brasil, England and Vietnam
you have my blessings
david in san francisco
I use SkypeOut out of Botucatu, in the state of Sao Paulo – this is an area with an almost world class infra-structure. Despite of this I experience often such a long delay that normal talking is not possible at all. I know quite a lot of other users around here, several of them in the 20 million city of Sao Paulo, that experience the same problem… May be the company can do something for us!
I found the fax question very interesting. To add fax capability to Skype would be the icing on the cake and would really provide a totally portable office system. I hope you can develop this facility soon, possibly in conjunction with SkypeOut and perhaps an extra SkypeOut number if necessary.
Hello everybody,
IS it possibe to send or receive fax via skype.
RT