Discover Simon Petrus’ SIM-less phone, a Namibian teen’s invention using radio frequencies to revolutionize rural communication. Explore his inspiring journey!
In 2016, a young innovator from Namibia’s rural Ohangwena Region stunned the world with a groundbreaking invention: a “SIM-less” and “airtime-free” mobile phone. Simon Petrus, then a Grade 12 student at Abraham Iyambo Senior Secondary School, created a device that operates using radio frequencies, eliminating the need for traditional SIM cards or cellular networks. In 2025, his story continues to captivate audiences on platforms like X, symbolizing the untapped potential of African innovation and the challenges young inventors face in bringing their ideas to life. This article explores Simon Petrus’ SIM-less phone, his inspiring journey, and why his story remains a beacon for rural communication solutions.
The Birth of a Namibian Prodigy’s Vision
Simon Petrus grew up in Okongo’s OshitishaHaihonya village, a remote area where access to modern technology was limited. Raised by unemployed parents who invested approximately N$2,000 (about USD 146 in 2016) in his projects, Simon’s passion for innovation shone early. In 2015, at age 18, he won first place at the NamPower national schools’ competition for a dual-purpose seed drier and cooler, designed to aid Namibia’s subsistence farmers. This early success foreshadowed his next, more ambitious project: the Simon Petrus SIM-less phone.
Over two years, Simon painstakingly built his SIM-less phone using salvaged parts from old telephones, television sets, and two-way radios. The result was a multi-functional device that not only enabled calls without a SIM card or airtime in areas with radio frequency coverage but also featured a built-in TV, radio, light bulb, fan, and charging sockets, all powered by a radiator-based system. “I wanted to create a solution for rural communities where network coverage is unreliable,” Simon told New Era in 2016. His invention won first place at a regional science competition in July 2016, earning accolades for its potential to democratize communication in underserved regions.
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How the SIM-Less Phone Works
Unlike conventional mobile phones that rely on cellular networks, Simon’s SIM-less phone leverages radio frequencies to facilitate communication, functioning similarly to an advanced two-way radio. This makes it a game-changer for rural areas where telecom infrastructure is sparse. The phone’s ability to operate without airtime or a SIM card addresses a critical barrier for low-income communities, where connectivity costs can be prohibitive. Additional features, like the integrated TV and radio, make it a versatile tool for both communication and entertainment.
Simon’s ingenuity didn’t stop at functionality. By using recycled components, he demonstrated how resource constraints can fuel creativity, offering a model for sustainable African innovation. His science teacher, Taimi Vatileni, praised his originality, noting, “Judges thought an engineer was behind this, but Simon built it entirely on his own,” as reported by Ventures Africa.
Challenges and Setbacks for the Namibian Inventor
Despite early recognition, Simon’s journey was fraught with obstacles. His SIM-less phone drew international attention, with media outlets like Africanews hailing him as a symbol of African innovation. Mobile Telecommunications Limited (MTC) promised a scholarship to support his education, and journalists from the Netherlands sought interviews. However, when Simon failed Grade 12, MTC withdrew their offer, leaving him to navigate his future without institutional backing.
Regulatory hurdles further complicated his path. The Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) prohibited the device’s operation, citing its lack of registration within the country’s telecom framework. Simon also faced intellectual property concerns, as others attempted to replicate his work. “I anticipated Namibians would be using a phone without a SIM card by now,” he told Eagle FM in 2022, expressing frustration over the lack of support from government and private sectors.
Undeterred, Simon enrolled at the Namibian College of Open Learning (Namcol) to improve his grades and later pursued an electronics engineering degree at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre, graduating in 2023. Even while unemployed, he continued refining his SIM-less phone prototype, aiming to enhance its portability and marketability for rural communities.
Why Simon’s Story Resonates in 2025
Simon Petrus’ story regained traction in 2025, fueled by public X posts from accounts like @AfricanHub_ and @Joe__Bassey, which celebrated his ingenuity and called for renewed support. Articles on platforms like africaglobalnews.com and educationghana.org have framed his journey as a case study in the challenges African innovators face, including limited access to funding, mentorship, and development pipelines. As Simon himself noted in 2023 to Namibian Sun, “Governments support young innovators formally, but they don’t help us take our inventions to new heights.”
The renewed interest also reflects the ongoing relevance of his SIM-less phone. With global discussions around affordable rural communication solutions intensifying, Simon’s invention offers a blueprint for connecting remote regions without reliance on costly telecom infrastructure. Though not yet commercialized, the prototype’s potential to bridge digital divides keeps it in the spotlight, as seen in X discussions like this search.
The Road Ahead for Simon Petrus
Now in his mid-20s, Simon remains committed to his vision. “I’m still working on the same project, but I need the right people to guide me,” he told Namibian Sun in 2023. His call for collaboration underscores a broader need for ecosystems that empower young African inventors. As he prepares for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Simon’s story is a clarion call for investment in grassroots innovation.
For Namibia and beyond, Simon Petrus represents the promise of a generation ready to solve local challenges with global impact. His journey challenges us to ask: how can we ensure that the next Simon Petrus has the resources to transform a prototype into a world-changing reality?
Share this story to inspire others and explore more tales of African innovation on The Interview Times. For more on Simon’s SIM-less phone, read coverage from New Era or Africanews.
This article draws from reports by New Era, Ventures Africa, Africanews, Eagle FM, Namibian Sun, and public X posts, chronicling Simon Petrus’ SIM-less phone journey through 2025.