Afghanistan experienced a second consecutive day without internet and mobile phone connectivity on Tuesday after the Taliban administration severed the country’s fibre-optic infrastructure.
Earlier this month, the authorities began disabling high-speed internet in several provinces, citing the need to curb “immoral activities,” following directives from the supreme leader, Hibatullah Akhundzada.
By Monday evening, mobile signals and internet access had steadily diminished across the nation, dropping to less than 1% of normal capacity, according to the internet monitoring group NetBlocks.
This marks the first instance since the Taliban’s 2021 takeover and the enforcement of their stringent interpretation of Islamic law that the country’s communication networks have been completely shut down.
“Without phones and internet, we feel completely cut off,” shared Najibullah, a 42-year-old retailer in Kabul. “Our entire business depends on mobile devices. Deliveries are coordinated through phones. It feels like a holiday; everyone stays home. The marketplace has come to a standstill.”
Shortly before the blackout, a government insider informed AFP that the fibre-optic cables would be disconnected, which would also disrupt mobile phone services.
“Between eight and nine thousand telecom towers will be deactivated,” the official stated, adding that the shutdown would continue “until further notice.”
“There is no alternative communication system available… this will impact banking, customs, and all sectors nationwide,” the source, who requested anonymity, explained.
Despite warnings from some officials about the potential economic damage, the Taliban leader reportedly insisted on enforcing a comprehensive internet blackout across Afghanistan.
Diplomatic insiders confirmed to AFP on Tuesday that most mobile networks had been disabled.
A United Nations representative noted, “Our operations are heavily disrupted, relying now on radio transmissions and limited satellite connections.”
In Afghanistan, telephone services frequently depend on internet infrastructure, sharing the same fibre-optic cables, especially given the country’s limited telecommunications framework.
In recent weeks, internet speeds have been sluggish and unreliable throughout Afghanistan.
On September 16, Attaullah Zaid, spokesperson for Balkh province, stated that the internet restrictions were ordered by the Taliban leader. “This action aims to prevent immoral behavior, and alternative communication methods will be introduced nationwide to address connectivity needs,” he announced on social media.
At that time, AFP reporters observed similar internet limitations in northern provinces such as Badakhshan and Takhar, as well as southern regions including Kandahar and Helmand, eastern Nangarhar, and central Uruzgan.
NetBlocks, an organization specializing in cybersecurity and internet oversight, described the blackout as “indicative of a deliberate service disconnection.”
AFP lost all contact with its Kabul office at approximately 5:45 pm (13:15 GMT) on Monday.
“Due to the shutdown, I am completely cut off from my family in Kabul,” said a 40-year-old Afghan residing in Oman, communicating via text message and requesting anonymity. “I have no information about what is happening, and I am deeply concerned.”
In 2024, the Afghan capital had promoted its 9,350-kilometer (5,800-mile) national fibre-optic network-primarily constructed under previous US-supported administrations-as a key initiative to integrate the country globally and alleviate poverty.
