The Taliban has ordered the suspension of internet and mobile phone data services across Afghanistan, a significant move that has disrupted connectivity and affected essential services including flights and financial transactions. This unprecedented decision has left many Afghans isolated from the outside world, as reports from diplomatic and industry sources reveal the far-reaching implications of the outage.
The Taliban administration has not provided an explanation for this drastic action, and attempts to reach officials for clarity have proven unsuccessful. The United Nations has urgently called on the Taliban to restore services, warning that the disruption poses a severe threat to the well-being of Afghan citizens. The UN emphasized that Afghanistan, already facing crises stemming from an earthquake, drought, and the influx of millions of refugees, cannot endure further isolation.
According to NetBlocks, an international internet monitoring organization, Afghanistan’s internet access had already dwindled to approximately 1% prior to this suspension. The disconnection was implemented in stages, culminating in the shutdown of telephone services reliant on internet infrastructure. A private media outlet, Tolo News, reported that telecommunications regulators set a one-week deadline for ending 3G and 4G services while retaining only the outdated 2G standard.
The blackout’s repercussions are significant; individuals dependent on internet services, such as Shabeer, who worked for a private provider, have found their employment halted. Moreover, the inability to communicate has exacerbated the distress for families separated from loved ones, both within Afghan borders and abroad.
Arafat Jamal, representative of the UN refugee agency, stressed the critical role of communication in humanitarian efforts, especially in light of the recent earthquake. Jamal characterized the service interruption as “unnecessary,” noting that such actions would severely burden the Afghan population.
This situation is part of a broader trend of hardline policies under the Taliban regime, including restrictions on women’s rights and educational access. Women’s rights advocate Sanam Kabiri has condemned these measures, asserting that the Taliban is systematically suppressing the Afghan populace. Many women, who had turned to the internet for employment opportunities amid restrictive labor conditions, now face additional obstacles due to the service shutdown.
Despite the bleak circumstances, there remains a glimmer of hope as the international community continues to advocate for dialogue and resolution to the instability in Afghanistan. Urgent efforts to restore connectivity and provide aid are critical in alleviating the suffering of the Afghan people during these trying times.