Wi-Fi Accessibility In Afghanistan: Exploring The Need For Wifi Pucks

Internet pucks or WiFi pucks are mobile hotspots that can be purchased by soldiers in the Middle East. They are especially useful for soldiers who are on the move and cannot rely on the same technology they would take with them on vacation. While some soldiers opt for international phone plans, WiFi pucks are a good option for those who want to be able to connect to the internet from anywhere, including on missions. In Afghanistan, WiFi pucks are available for purchase on bases and in marketplaces on Facebook. However, the quality of the connection can vary depending on location, and some soldiers have reported issues with slow speeds or dropped connections. Additionally, the price of data plans for WiFi pucks can be expensive, with costs ranging from $30 to $140 for the device and $30 to $90 per month for data. Despite these drawbacks, WiFi pucks can be a valuable way for soldiers to stay connected and boost morale while deployed in Afghanistan.

Internet access in Afghanistan

In 2022, there were 9.23 million internet users in Afghanistan, with an internet penetration rate of 22.9% of the total population. However, this still means that 77.1% of the population remained offline at the beginning of the year.

Internet access is more common among men than women in Afghanistan. In 2022, 25% of men reported having access, compared to only 6% of women. Women living in large cities or suburbs are more likely to have access to the internet than those in rural areas (9% vs. 2%, respectively). Regionally, women in the western provinces are the most likely to have internet access, with 15% of women in Herat province reporting that they can get online.

The Taliban has restricted internet access at times, frequently suspending connectivity in Kabul and other areas to curb opposition. They have also blocked millions of websites for what they deem to be "immoral" content. However, they have also said they plan to upgrade the country's internet networks to 4G.

Several options exist for those seeking internet access in Afghanistan. Major telecommunication companies such as Afghan Telecom, Afghan Wireless, Etisalat, MTN Group, Roshan, and Salaam Network provide 3G and 4G services. Additionally, mobile hotspots or "wifi pucks" can be purchased and used all over the country. These typically cost around $30-$150, with data plans sold separately.

Cost of WiFi pucks

The cost of WiFi pucks, or portable WiFi hotspots, varies depending on the brand, features, and capabilities. These devices typically range from around $50 to $1000. Here are some examples of the prices of different WiFi pucks:

• Solis Lite: $160, with a lifetime global data plan of 1GB of data per month in 135+ countries.
• Netgear Nighthawk M6 Pro: See price, with Wi-Fi 6E connectivity and the ability to connect up to 32 devices.
• GlocalMe Numen Air 5G: $350, with CloudSIM technology, 12-hour battery life, and the ability to connect up to 16 devices.
• RoamWiFi Portable WiFi Device: Under $200, with 4G LTE connectivity, 18-hour battery life, and the ability to connect up to 5 devices.
• Netgear Nighthawk M1: $200, with 4G LTE broadband, an LCD screen, and the ability to connect and share data with 20 devices.
• GL.iNet GL-MT3000 Wireless Travel Router: $128, a Wi-Fi router that creates a secure network and boosts Wi-Fi signals, compatible with over 30 VPN service providers, and able to accommodate up to 70 devices.

It's important to note that in addition to the cost of the device, you will also need to purchase a data plan, which can vary in price depending on your usage and the number of connected devices. Some plans offer a certain amount of data per day or month, while others provide unlimited data with a fair usage policy.

WiFi puck providers

A WiFi puck is a portable WiFi hotspot device that can be extremely useful when travelling or working remotely. Here is a list of some WiFi puck providers:

Sapphire Mobile Wi-Fi

Sapphire is an all-in-one deployment solution that provides worldwide coverage, eliminating the need to purchase a separate puck or SIM card for each location. It automatically searches for the strongest carrier, ensuring the best coverage everywhere. Sapphire offers multi-country plans, allowing users to monitor their balance and add data as needed. Sapphire also provides password protection for your private local network. It is available at the Exchange.

Solis WiFi Hotspot

Solis offers a rugged and sleek design that is slim enough to fit in your pocket yet durable enough to withstand drops, dust, and water. Solis provides lightning-fast and secure 5G and 4G LTE speeds in over 135 countries worldwide. Every Solis hotspot includes a Lifetime Data plan, offering seamless internet access with 1GB of global data every month. Solis hotspots can be shared with up to 16 devices and automatically switch to the best available 4G and 5G carriers. The battery lasts up to 24 hours, making it a reliable choice for those on the move.

Best Buy Mobile Hotspots

Best Buy offers a range of mobile hotspots, including the Solis Lite 4G LTE Global Wi-Fi Hotspot + PowerBank, which is rated 3.9 out of 5 stars and priced at $159.99. Another option is the NETGEAR Nighthawk M1 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot Router, rated 4.4 out of 5 stars and priced at $199.99. Best Buy also offers no-contract hotspots, such as the Simple Mobile Moxee 4G, rated 3.4 out of 5 stars and priced at $49.99.

TP-Link AC750

The TP-Link AC750 (Model TL-WR902AC) is a travel router that can be used with a 3G/4G USB stick or connected to a WiFi network. It allows users to create their own little WiFi network, which is especially useful when there is a limited number of devices that can connect to the internet. It is small, lightweight, and can be charged using a battery, making it a portable and convenient option.

Internet cafés in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has experienced decades of conflict, with the country facing security risks from attacks by insurgents like the Taliban and the Islamic State group. Despite these challenges, the country has witnessed the emergence of internet cafés, particularly in the capital city of Kabul, catering to the needs of Afghans seeking access to the online world.

In March 2012, Afghanistan witnessed a significant development with the opening of its first women-only internet café in Kabul. Named the Sahar Gul Internet Café, it was established by the Young Women4Change (also known as Young Afghan Women for Change) activist group. The café was named after Sahar Gul, a 15-year-old Afghan girl who endured severe domestic abuse and was a victim of torture by her husband and in-laws when she refused to be forced into prostitution. The all-women staff at the café provide a safe and comfortable space for Afghan women to utilise the internet without fear of harassment or unwanted attention from men. The laptops available for use were donated by a private company, and a telecommunications firm provided free internet services for a year to support the initiative.

The women-only internet café in Kabul highlights the efforts of Afghan women to address the challenges they face in a male-dominated society. It serves as a haven where women can freely surf the web, network, and discuss their issues openly. This initiative is particularly important in a country where women have traditionally been "supervised" by male relatives and faced significant obstacles in accessing public spaces. The success of the Sahar Gul Internet Café in Kabul has sparked hopes of expanding similar initiatives to other provinces, recognising that women across Afghanistan encounter similar difficulties in accessing the internet safely and comfortably.

While the internet cafés in Afghanistan, including the women-only café, offer a glimmer of progress and empowerment, it is important to note that the country continues to grapple with civil unrest, armed conflict, and safety risks. The future of women's rights in Afghanistan remains uncertain, with ongoing concerns about potential compromises in any power-sharing deals between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

Internet access for soldiers

Internet cafes

These are available at some bases, but soldiers will have to pay $5 to $10 per hour for use and spend time waiting for their turn.

MWR (moral welfare and recreation)

Most deployment locations have an MWR, which provides a few computers for free internet access. Wireless may also be available, but it is often extremely slow as so many people are trying to share the bandwidth. Troops are allowed 20-30 minutes per session and there is usually a wait.

Personal internet access

Soldiers can have internet access in their living quarters, but it is very expensive. The internet access and expense are shared with other soldiers. For example, in Afghanistan, many soldiers share the internet bandwidth and expense of $60 per person per month. In Iraq, each person pays $100 per month. Each soldier has their own laptop computer, and all access is wireless. The soldiers are typically responsible for getting the equipment up and running.

In addition to these methods, soldiers can also purchase mobile hotspots, known as "wifi pucks", which work all over the theatre. The cost of these pucks varies depending on the brand and the amount of data included, but they typically range from $30 to $150. Some pucks only work with one specific network carrier, while others work with multiple carriers.

Internet Service Providers in Afghanistan

• Afghanistan Faiz Satellite Communication (AFSAT)
• Ariana Network Services
• Asan Network Services
• IO Global Services Limited (IOG)
• Liwal Telecommunications LLC
• PACTEC International
• Unique Atlantic Telecommunication LTD

Frequently asked questions