According to reports from several companies and internet service providers in Kabul, the Taliban’s Ministry of Communications and Technology has ordered that the expansion of fiber optic lines be halted until further notice. Reports indicate that Afghan Telecom has sent emails to all relevant companies, informing them of the suspension of any digging and technical activities.
The email instructed companies not to carry out any excavation or fiber optic-related work until new official instructions are issued. Some internet service officials have warned that the delay in these activities will halt the development of high-speed internet in Afghanistan.
Sources also say that Mullah Abdul Ahad Fazli, the new Taliban Minister of Communications, has ordered restrictions on fiber optic and Wi-Fi services for the general public. It is reported that the ATRA authority told companies in a meeting that fiber optic and Wi-Fi services in residential areas would be cut, limiting people’s internet access.
The Taliban Ministry of Communications and Technology has not yet issued an official statement regarding these reports, but informed sources within the ministry say that the Taliban are trying to prevent this decision from becoming public.
Internet company officials are concerned that if this decision is implemented, ordinary people will be deprived of high-speed internet services, which would have widespread negative effects on business, education, and daily communications.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
