Afghanistan Mobile Networks Restored After 48-Hour Nationwide Telecommunications Shutdown by Taliban

Oct 02, 2025 12:15 am CST

Mobile and data networks returned to Afghanistan on Wednesday after a 48-hour nationwide shutdown imposed by Taliban authorities. The blackout, which reduced connectivity to just 1% of normal levels, followed earlier restrictions on high-speed internet in some provinces to prevent "immorality." The unprecedented communications cut severely disrupted daily life, closing businesses and airports, while leaving the country virtually isolated from the outside world. The Taliban government has yet to comment on the shutdown or its restoration.