Mobile data continued to work for a while after this, but was eventually shut down due to the signal tower being down. This decision was taken to prevent unethical activities.
Fiber-optic networks were shut down in some provinces, such as Balkh, Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, and Nimroz. But now, the internet shutdown has been implemented nationwide, including mobile networks.
It has made international calls impossible in and out of Afghanistan, leaving many families, businesses, and aid organisations unable to contact each other. Local internet providers told the media that the crackdown was carried out on Taliban orders. Meanwhile, NetBlocks, a cybersecurity monitoring organisation, reported that internet connectivity in Afghanistan was at just 14% of normal levels.
Afghanistan will also be affected in businesses by this decision. Online snack merchant in Mazar-e-Sharif said, "We're in the 21st century, but it feels like we're going backwards. All my business is online." Banks, passport offices, and government offices will also be affected.
Impact on girl’s education
A student in Kandahar told local media that without Wi-Fi, she would be unable to attend her online English classes. Another girl said, "The internet shutdown will disrupt my coding and graphic design studies.
Taliban have already banned girls from attending school and university. Therefore, online classes will also become difficult for them.
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