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Afghan fiber optic cable severed

Fiber and communications infrastructure knowledge brief Published 27 Jun 2023

Prepared for preliminary research by the ROGER FIBRE knowledge desk. Confirm optical interfaces, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, thermal design and installation limits against current standards and product documentation.

Afghanistan's fiber optic internet has been shut down nationwide by Taliban orders, causing a total communications blackout. Cause of the ShutdownThe Taliban government has ordered a nationwide suspension of fiber optic internet services, citing the need to curb “immorality” and prevent access to certain online content. The directive comes directly from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and has been enforced by the Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA) and the Ministry of Telecommunications.

Local authorities in provinces such as Balkh, Kunduz, Baghlan, Takhar, Badakhshan, Laghman, Kandahar, Helmand, and Nangarhar have confirmed the shutdown.

Scope and Impact

The shutdown affects all fiber optic internet connections, including high-speed broadband and Wi-Fi services in major cities like Mazar-i-Sharif. Mobile networks remain partially operational, but ordinary phone services are severely disrupted because mobile towers rely on fiber optic infrastructure. The blackout has left citizens without reliable internet or phone access, effectively severing Afghanistan's connection to the global communications network.

Consequences for Society and Economy

Government and Public Services: Online government services, banking, and customs operations are disrupted. Businesses and Education: Companies and educational institutions face difficulties operating remotely due to the lack of high-speed internet. Media and Communication: Radio and television transmissions are affected, and residents must rely on slower, often costly mobile data.

International Connectivity: Afghanistan's fiber optic links to neighboring countries are disabled, limiting international communication and trade.

Technical Context

Fiber optic cables transmit data using light signals, providing faster and more stable internet than mobile networks. The shutdown of these cables has a cascading effect on mobile and fixed-line telephone services, as most communications infrastructure depends on fiber connectivity.

Political and Social Context

The Taliban has previously restricted access to apps like TikTok and PUBG and blocked pornography websites, citing moral concerns. The current fiber optic shutdown represents a broader effort to control digital communications and enforce social restrictions, despite the significant economic and social costs. In summary, the fiber optic internet in Afghanistan has been deliberately cut by Taliban authorities, resulting in a nationwide communications blackout that affects internet, phone services, government operations, businesses, and education, with the stated goal of enforcing moral regulations.

Afghan fiber optic cable severed - ROGER FIBRE ATELIER [PDF]

Afghan fiber optic cable severed

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Technical note

This reference is intended for preliminary fiber and communications infrastructure research. Optical interface, fiber type, port or core capacity, electrical input and output, enclosure protection, cooling, installation limits and applicable standards must be verified for the specific project.

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