Innovation: Namibian Student Invents Phone That Make Calls Free of Charge

A Grade 12 learner in Namibia has invented a phone that doesn’t need airtime to make calls. The schoolboy in the country’s Ohagwena Region came up with a sim-less mobile phone that does not require airtime to make calls to solve the country’s problem.

The boy identified as Simon Petrus, a pupil at Abraham Iyambo Senior Secondary School created the phone using spares from a phone and television set, New Era reports.

The phone is complete with a light bulb, fan and charger socket, the handset functions off power supplied through a radiator and is able to make calls to anywhere through the use of radio frequencies.

The invention, which is made up of a radio system, is attached to a box and also allows the user to view one TV channel on it.

Petrus is reported to have won a gold medal at national level last year for his invention of a two-in-one machine that that works as both a seed drier and cooler.

His invention of two years has been highly sponsored by his unemployed parents, the schoolboy admitted and he hopes the invention would be successful and be able to be carried further.

The development marks the latest in a series of innovative projects by students within the southern African nation.

Joshua Nghaamwa, a self-taught inventor, is reported to have created a satellite using parts from radios, cellphones and other electronics, The Namibian reports.

The satellite, believed to strengthen internet connectivity, is small enough to fit in a laptop bag and has a USB port that allows it to be connected to a modem, router or cellphone, increasing internet speed and allows for a better online experience.

Nghaamwa says he wants to introduce the device throughout the African market, so as to boost ICT on the continent.