At&T's International Reach: Exploring Service Availability In Afghanistan

In response to the events in Afghanistan in 2021, AT&T offered its customers unlimited talk and text to Afghanistan. This offer was valid for all AT&T Postpaid, Prepaid, and landline customers from August 25, 2021, through September 6, 2021. Additionally, AT&T provides international day passes for $12/day, allowing customers to get talk, text, and high-speed data in over 210 destinations. However, it is unclear if Afghanistan is one of these destinations. One source mentions that AT&T iPhone users in Afghanistan can unlock their phones and use a local SIM card or purchase an international data package, indicating that AT&T may not have direct service in the country.

AT&T's response to the events in Afghanistan

AT&T is responding to the events in Afghanistan by offering its customers unlimited talk and text to Afghanistan. This offer was valid for all AT&T Postpaid, Prepaid, and landline customers from August 25, 2021, through September 6, 2021. The company is supporting efforts to keep its customers connected in response to the recent events in Afghanistan.

AT&T is also offering customers additional information and tips for disaster preparedness, which can be found on the AT&T Disaster Relief and Network Recovery page.

In addition to their response to the situation in Afghanistan, AT&T has a history of providing relief to those affected by natural disasters, such as the California Fires and the earthquake in Haiti. They also prepared their networks for Tropical Storm Henri.

AT&T is committed to keeping its customers connected and offering support during difficult times.

International plans for AT&T customers

AT&T offers a variety of international plans for its customers to stay connected while travelling outside the US. Here are some of the key options:

International Day Pass

The International Day Pass® allows customers to use their phones in over 210 destinations and on select international flights. It costs USD 12 per day for each line, with an additional USD 6 for each extra line on the same account. The pass includes unlimited high-speed data, talk, and text, just like at home. There is no extra charge after 10 days per line, per bill.

AT&T Business Passport

The AT&T Business Passport is designed for business and government customers, offering connectivity in more than 210 destinations. It provides unlimited text messages and 250 minutes of talk time for a flat monthly fee. There are no data caps, and calls from the US to 85 countries are also included.

AT&T Business International Calling

This plan offers unlimited calling from the US to 85 countries and discounted calling rates to 140 countries. It is available for business and government customers with a qualified wireless service agreement.

AT&T Cruise Packages

These packages are designed for customers who want to stay connected while on a cruise ship at sea. The Cruise Basic package offers 100MB of data and 100 minutes of talk time for USD 60 per line, while the Cruise Plus package provides 1GB of data and unlimited talk for USD 100 per line.

International Calling Add-On

AT&T also offers an International Calling add-on for USD 15 per month, which provides unlimited minutes to over 85 countries and discounted rates for calls to more than 140 countries.

AT&T's disaster relief efforts

AT&T has one of the world's largest and most advanced disaster recovery programs, with a commitment to helping communities recover from disasters. The company's Network Disaster Recovery (NDR) program has been in operation since 1992 and has responded to countless events, including fires, hurricanes, tornadoes, and winter storms. With over $1.1 billion invested in the U.S. alone, the NDR team's sole purpose is to rapidly restore connectivity to areas affected by disasters.

AT&T's disaster response includes meteorologists, disaster responders, and volunteers who are trained and ready to deploy anywhere globally at a moment's notice. The company equips its disaster responders with cutting-edge tools and remains committed to investing in technology to keep customers connected. This includes hundreds of portable communications solutions, network recovery support trailers, and equipment ready for rapid deployment.

In addition to its technological response, AT&T also provides relief to affected communities through donations and support. For example, in response to Hurricane Ian, AT&T and the AT&T Foundation donated $400,000 to organizations supporting restoration work in Florida. The company also waived talk, text, and data overage charges for affected customers and provided charging stations in impacted areas.

Overall, AT&T's disaster relief efforts are characterized by their advanced technology, rapid response, and commitment to helping communities recover from a range of disasters.

AT&T's international day pass

AT&T International Day Pass® allows customers to use their phones in over 210 destinations and on select international flights. This includes making calls, sending texts, and using data.

The service costs $12 per day for one line, with an additional charge of $6 for each extra line used on the same calendar day. However, you will never pay more than 10 daily fees per line, per bill period. After 10 days, you can continue using the International Day Pass for the remainder of your billing period at no extra charge.

To avoid paying the daily fee, you can turn off data roaming in your device settings when you don't plan to use your phone.

International Day Pass® is automatically added to smartphones with eligible rate plans when you arrive at an included destination. If you don't want to use the service, you can remove it by following the instructions in the text that AT&T will send you.

International Day Pass® covers over 210 destinations, but if you use your phone in destinations not included, pay-per-use rates will apply.

To use the International Day Pass®, you need to have an AT&T unlimited, AT&T 4GB, or Mobile Share plan.

AT&T's iPhone services in Afghanistan

AT&T offers iPhone services in Afghanistan, although it is important to note that the U.S. Department of State's Travel Advisory for Afghanistan is Level 4: Do Not Travel. This is due to safety concerns such as armed conflict, civil unrest, crime, terrorism, and kidnapping.

AT&T has offered its customers unlimited talk and text to Afghanistan in the past, and it is likely that similar offerings will be made in the future. In the meantime, AT&T customers can take advantage of the AT&T International Day Pass, which provides talk, text, and high-speed data in 210+ destinations, including Afghanistan, for $12/day.

If you are an AT&T customer planning to use your iPhone in Afghanistan, there are a few options to consider for staying connected:

• Add an international data package: This option can be expensive, with 120 MB costing $30, but it is easy to set up by calling AT&T.
• Go without a data package: This option may be more or less expensive than the first option, depending on your data usage.
• Unlock your phone to use with a prepaid SIM card: This option is likely to be cheaper than the first two options, but it may void your warranty if unlocked via hacking software.
• Use Wi-Fi only: This option is free but limits your connectivity to areas with Wi-Fi access.

It is worth noting that the cell tower infrastructure in Afghanistan is not as reliable as in other countries, so it is recommended to rely on Wi-Fi and DOD/contractor networks when possible.

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