Afghanistan's telecommunications landscape grapples with unique challenges and innovative solutions, largely due to its rugged geographical features and dispersed population distribution. Vast mountainous terrains and desert expanses make traditional wired networks impractical, thereby necessitating the adoption of alternative infrastructure solutions. Extensive mobile telecommunication networks have emerged as a key solution, with almost 90% of the population now having access to mobile services. Internet penetration, however, remains relatively low due to infrastructural limitations. Interestingly, regional disparities in the nation, such as the concentration of resources within urban territories like Kabul, have led to an uneven telecommunications infrastructure development. Despite this, Afghanistan has seen the implementation of unique innovations like portable solar-powered mobile phone chargers and internet-connected classrooms, providing vital connectivity in remote and strife-ridden regions.

ITU Region
Region-3
Geographic Region
Regulatory Body
Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority
Afghanistan on the world map

Mobile Network Operators

The are 5 companies operating mobile networks in this region.

Afghan Wireless AWCC Logo
Afghan Wireless Communication Company, also known as Afghan Wireless and AWCC, is the first wireless communications company in Afghanistan. It was founded in 1998 by Afghan-American telecommunications entrepreneur Ehsan Bayat. The company is a joint venture of Telephone Systems International and the Afghan Ministry of Communications, with the latter owning a 20% stake. Afghan Wireless is headquartered in Kabul and provides 4G LTE and other services, such as internet and mobile payments to subscribers across Afghanistan's 34 provinces. In 1998, Bayat secured an exclusive license from the...
Country
Etisalat Afghanistan Logo

Etisalat Afghanistan is a subsidiary of the Emirates Telecommunications Group Company PJSC, commonly known as Etisalat. The parent company, Etisalat, is an Emirati-based multinational telecommunications services provider that operates in multiple countries across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The company's services include both wired and wireless telecommunications, and it has the right to issue licenses for owning, importing, manufacturing, using, or operating telecommunication equipment in the country.

Etisalat Afghanistan started its operations in Afghanistan in August 2007. The company...

Country
MTN logo
MTN Afghanistan is a subsidiary of the South African multinational telecommunications corporation, MTN Group Limited. The parent company was established in 1994 as M-Cell, with MTN Afghanistan being a later addition. MTN Group's controlling shareholder as of 2001 was reported to be Johnnic Holdings, with Irene Charnley serving as the chairperson. In 2020, MTN Group decided to sell its shares in Syria, Afghanistan, and Yemen, indicating a shift in the company's strategic focus. This decision was influenced by the observation that these assets contributed less than 4% to group earnings in the...
Country
Roshan Afghanistan Logo

Roshan is a leading telecommunications provider based in Afghanistan. The company (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Limited) was established in 2003 and is owned by an investment group consisting of Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, Monaco Telecom International, and Telia Company. Roshan has been instrumental in the development of Afghanistan's telecommunication infrastructure and has played a significant role in the country's economic growth. The company offers a range of services including mobile voice, data, and internet services.

Country
Salamm Afghanistan Telecom Logo
Salaam Afghan Telecom, also known as Afghan Telecom (AfTel), is a telecommunications company operating in Afghanistan. Established under a 25-year license, AfTel provides fixed line, wireless voice and data services across the country. The company was initially a government-owned entity, but in 2005, it was spun off into a private organisation by the Afghan Ministry of Communications, which still maintains oversight and control. The company's leadership includes Ajmal Ayan, who took on the role of Director General and CEO in March 2018, and Mohammad Waris Fazli, who became Chief Information...
Country
Wireless Spectrum Bands