Taliban Shut Down Internet and Mobile Networks Across Afghanistan
An internet watchdog reports that connectivity at less than 1% of normal levels, forcing residents and businesses to rely on radio and limited satellite links to communicate.
Taliban security personnel stand over the Pashdan Dam, also known as Band-e Pashdan, in the Karukh district of Herat province on August 31, 2025.
Mohsen Karimi / AFP
An internet watchdog reports that connectivity at less than 1% of normal levels, forcing residents and businesses to rely on radio and limited satellite links to communicate.
Afghanistan entered a second day without internet and mobile services on Tuesday, September 30th, after the Taliban cut the country’s fibre optic network. Earlier this month, the government had started limiting high-speed internet in certain provinces to curb “vice,” following orders from the secretive supreme leader Hibatullah Akhundzada.
The move has effectively shut down high-speed internet in several regions over two days, leaving tens of thousands without access and sparking concern among locals.
According to internet watchdog NetBlocks, by Monday night, Afghanistan’s mobile and internet connectivity had fallen to under 1% of usual levels. It is the first time that communications have been fully cut off since the Taliban took control in 2021 and enforced Sharia law.
“We are blind without phones and internet,” said 42-year-old shopkeeper Najibullah in Kabul.
“There isn’t any other way or system to communicate … the banking sector, customs, everything across the country will be affected,” said an unnamed official. Reports indicate that the Taliban leader disregarded warnings from officials earlier this month about the economic consequences of cutting the internet and instructed authorities to implement a nationwide ban.
According to diplomatic sources, mobile networks were mostly shut down on Tuesday. A UN source added that “operations are severely impacted, falling back to radio communications and limited satellite links.” In countries with limited telecom infrastructure, telephone services often rely on the same fibre optic lines as the internet.
“Because of the shutdown, I’m totally disconnected with my family in Kabul,” a 40-year-old Afghan said, requesting anonymity. “I don’t know what’s happening, I’m really worried.”
