The Smartphone Revolution In Afghanistan: Unlocking A Digital Future

As of 2021, there were an estimated 18 million mobile phone users in Afghanistan, with some sources citing a figure of 22.68 million mobile subscriptions. This number has been steadily increasing since 2002, with a peak of nearly 70 mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in 2017. In 2021, the number of mobile subscriptions per 100 inhabitants decreased slightly to approximately 56.5. It is worth noting that many individuals have more than one mobile connection, which can skew the data.

Mobile connections in Afghanistan

Mobile communications in Afghanistan have rapidly expanded since the Karzai administration was formed in late 2001. The country has a highly competitive mobile market, with five mobile GSM operators competing in the telecom sector. These include Afghan Wireless (AWCC), which was the first operator to start 4G/LTE services in 2017, and Salaam Network (Aftel). There is also a sixth provider, Wasel, which is based on CDMA instead of GSM and is concentrated in the Northern Provinces and Kabul.

According to 2013 statistics, there were 20,521,585 GSM mobile phone subscribers and 177,705 CDMA subscribers in Afghanistan. The number of mobile connections in Afghanistan was 27.04 million in January 2021, equivalent to 68.7% of the total population. This number had increased by 38,000 (+0.1%) between January 2020 and January 2021. In 2022, there were a total of 22.82 million connections in Afghanistan, including 22.68 million mobile phones. This corresponds to an average of 0.57 mobile phones per person.

The mobile sector in Afghanistan has been boosted by the absence of effective fixed-line alternatives. The introduction of wireless carriers and the expansion of wireless companies have improved mobile communications in the country. Afghan Wireless was the first wireless carrier in Afghanistan, followed by Roshan, which began providing services to all major cities within the country. There are also a number of VSAT stations in major cities such as Kabul, Kandahar, and Herat, providing international and domestic voice/data connectivity.

Afghan Wireless has invested over $400 million to develop Afghanistan's wireless communications network. The company has a system of 1027 base stations and additional transmission capacity, ensuring that their network is available even in the most remote areas. Afghan Wireless is the only wireless company that provides service to every province in Afghanistan.

Internet users in Afghanistan

Afghanistan has made significant strides in expanding access to communication services since the formation of the Karzai administration in late 2001. The country has invested in wireless companies, internet services, and broadcasting infrastructure. As of 2022, internet access is available in all 34 provinces of Afghanistan, and it is used by over 9 million people. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, with 7.65 million internet users reported in January 2020, 8.64 million in January 2021, and an estimated 7 million residents with access in 2020, representing about 18% to 20% of the population.

The expansion of internet access in Afghanistan has been facilitated by the establishment of numerous internet service providers (ISPs). Up from five functional ISPs in 2003, Afghanistan now has over a dozen ISPs and supports twenty-two internet hosts and seven main ISPs. Additionally, the country has been working to improve its telecommunications infrastructure. In 2006, Afghanistan signed a $64.5 million agreement with China's ZTE to establish a countrywide optical fiber telecommunications network, improving telephone, internet, television, and radio services. This has contributed to the increase in internet users, with an estimated 18.4% of the population having access in 2020, compared to 4.76% on average between 1990 and 2020.

Despite the progress made, there are still challenges and limitations to internet access in Afghanistan. Government regulations and cultural factors have played a role in shaping the online environment. The Afghan government has implemented laws and policies to monitor and restrict certain types of online content, particularly those deemed contrary to Islamic values, national security, or public morality. Additionally, the cost of purchasing necessary equipment and recurring expenses associated with internet service providers can be prohibitive for some, especially in poorer areas.

Overall, Afghanistan has made significant progress in expanding internet access, with an increasing number of users and improved infrastructure. However, there are still efforts needed to address the digital divide and ensure equitable access for all.

Mobile-cellular subscriptions in Afghanistan

The growth in mobile-cellular subscriptions has had a significant impact on Afghanistan's economy and society. Over 60% of the population now uses cell phones, which have become integral to daily life. The use of cell phones extends beyond communication, with people using them for financial transactions, online banking, and accessing news and entertainment. The telecommunications industry is a significant contributor to the economy, generating $148 million in 2015 and providing over 140,000 jobs.

The Afghan government has actively promoted the development of telecommunications, signing a $64.5 million agreement with China's ZTE in 2006 to establish a countrywide optical fiber network. This project improved telephone, internet, television, and radio services across the nation. Additionally, the launch of Afghansat 1 in 2014 further enhanced Afghanistan's broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain. The Taliban and other insurgent groups have consistently interrupted cell phone services, particularly at night, to hinder anti-insurgent activities and coordination among security forces. The disruption of cell phone services also serves as a propaganda tool, highlighting the Afghan government's inability to provide protection and stable services to its citizens.

To counter these interruptions, the United States has invested millions of dollars in developing a parallel phone system that the Taliban cannot interdict. Additionally, the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology plans to expand its services to remote areas by installing 700 new towers to cover the remaining 15% of the population who lack access.

Mobile phone companies in Afghanistan

The number of mobile cellular subscriptions per 100 inhabitants in Afghanistan reached a peak of nearly 70 in 2017, with approximately 56.5 mobile subscriptions registered for every 100 people in 2021. There were 27.04 million mobile connections in Afghanistan in January 2021, equivalent to 68.7% of the total population.

Some of the leading mobile phone companies in Afghanistan include:

• Afghan Telecom: Provides 4G services and is part of the country's Telecom Development Fund.
• Afghan Wireless: The first mobile services company in Afghanistan, providing 4G services.
• Etisalat: One of the largest telecom companies in the world, providing 4G services in 34 provinces.
• MTN Group: Provides 4G services and is the first operator to announce its exit from the market following the Taliban's return to power.
• Roshan: One of the leading telecom companies in Afghanistan, providing 4G services and covering more than 287 districts and cities.
• Salaam Network: Provides 3G services and was the only successful bidder in a 4G spectrum auction.

Mobile communications in Afghanistan

In 2006, the Afghan government signed a $64.5 million agreement with China's ZTE to establish a countrywide optical fiber telecommunications network. This project improved telephone, internet, television, and radio services across Afghanistan. By the end of 2013, about 90% of the country's population had access to communication services.

The number of mobile phone users in Afghanistan has grown substantially over the years. As of 2016, there were approximately 18 million mobile phone users in the country, with some sources citing 22.68 million mobile subscriptions in 2021. This growth in mobile communications can be attributed to the introduction of wireless carriers, with companies like Afghan Wireless, Roshan, Etisalat, MTN, and Salaam providing 4G services in major cities.

Mobile penetration rates in Afghanistan have climbed significantly, reaching almost 100% by 2020. However, the return of the Taliban regime in 2021 has disrupted the telecom sector and the country's economy. The Taliban's interference with cell phone service and destruction of cell towers have impacted the industry. Despite these challenges, mobile communications continue to play a crucial role in Afghanistan's society and economy.

The telecommunications sector has contributed significantly to Afghanistan's economy, injecting $148 million in 2015 and providing over 140,000 jobs. It has also facilitated advancements in the banking and financial system, with mobile money systems allowing subscribers to make money transfers and electronic bill payments. Additionally, the spread of mobile phones has enabled access to news and entertainment resources, especially for the country's large youth population.

Looking forward, the Afghan government has ambitious plans to connect the entire country with fibre optics and expand internet access through the 3G network. While the deteriorating security situation remains a concern, the fast-growing communications network stands as one of the few success stories in Afghanistan's recent history.

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