Widespread telecommunications service disruption in Afghanistan leaves millions of citizens without access

A new report from the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) shows that a two-day nationwide telecommunications blackout has deprived millions of citizens of access to communications and has had serious consequences for the daily lives of the health sector, trade, and humanitarian operations.

UNAMA emphasized that this widespread disruption not only disrupted citizens’ connections with families and essential services, but also affected relief activities, aid deliveries and even public security.

This report is being published at a time when Afghanistan’s telecommunications infrastructure continues to face technical, security, and management challenges, and there is a need for urgent investment to ensure the sustainability of services.