A 19‑year‑old electronics student from Abraham Iyambo Senior Secondary School in Ohangwena Region of Namibia, Simon Petrus has created a pioneering mobile phone that functions without a SIM card or airtime. The device relies solely on radio‑frequency transmissions, allowing calls wherever sufficient signal exists, and was built from spare telephone and television parts over two years, funded by his unemployed parents with about N$2 000 (~US $120) in support .
The prototype, housed in a sizeable box powered by a radiator system, connects to radio waves directly. In addition to voice calls, it features a TV receiver, a light bulb, a fan, and a charger socket. While not pocket-sized yet, it demonstrates the feasibility of off-grid communication.
In July 2016, Petrus won first prize in the regional leg of the NamPower Schools Innovation Competition. The preceding year, he also earned a gold medal for a two‑in‑one seed dryer and cooler. His physical sciences teacher, Taimi Vatileni, confirmed that Simon conceived the invention without expert assistance.
Despite attracting international attention and promises of support, including from telecom giant MTC, Petrus faced hurdles in progressing with the project. He failed to complete Grade 12 and couldn’t secure consistent funding or regulatory approval from the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN), which cited the absence of a formal application for type‑approval. By 2023, he graduated in electronics engineering from the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre, yet his handset remains a prototype awaiting further development.
Petrus’s invention underlines Namibian ingenuity and resourcefulness. In regions with poor or no telecom infrastructure, such a radio‑frequency‑based handset could offer a lifeline, significantly reducing dependency on SIM cards and traditional networks. The device is especially relevant for remote rural communities, echoing broader efforts across Africa to enhance grassroots connectivity.
Technical development: The next step involves refining the design into a portable form and securing CRAN approval for legal operation.
Funding & partnership: Collaboration with tech companies or NGOs could help secure both financial backing and access to regulatory pathways.
Impact potential: If scaled, this technology could revolutionize connectivity in underserved rural areas, offering a no‑SIM, radio‑only alternative to traditional telecom.
Simon Petrus stands as proof that breakthrough innovation often emerges from places with limited resources. His SIM‑free, airtime‑free phone challenges conventional telecom models and, with the right support, could transform connectivity in remote regions. It’s a vivid testament to Namibian talent and the potential of grassroots technological solutions.
