Afghanistan's Internet Restored After 48-Hour Nationwide Blackout

Nationwide Connectivity Returns

Internet and mobile telecommunication services were largely restored across Afghanistan on October 1, 2025, bringing an end to a 48-hour nationwide blackout. The disruption, imposed by Taliban authorities, had plunged the country into communication darkness since September 29, 2025, significantly affecting daily life and critical services.

Blackout's Origins and Stated Reasons

The telecommunications shutdown began on Monday evening, September 29, impacting both fiber-optic and mobile internet services across all Afghan provinces. Internet watchdog Netblocks reported that online connectivity collapsed to less than 1% of normal activity during the blackout. While the Taliban did not issue an immediate official statement on the nationwide outage, some officials, including spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, attributed the disruptions to 'decaying fiber-optic cables' that required replacement. However, this explanation was met with skepticism, as the shutdown followed weeks of regional internet restrictions in northern provinces like Balkh, Baghlan, Badakhshan, Kunduz, Nangarhar, Takhar, Kandahar, Helmand, Uruzgan, Nimroz, and Herat, which Taliban officials had explicitly justified as a measure to 'prevent immoral behavior' or 'immorality.'

Widespread Impact on Afghan Life

The 48-hour blackout inflicted severe consequences across various sectors. The private sector reported millions of dollars in economic losses, with trade, industry, transit, and domestic commerce grinding to a halt. Businesses relying on online transactions and mobile transfers were paralyzed, and even ticket sales and flight operations were disrupted. Beyond commerce, the outage impeded access to essential services such as education, media, and healthcare.

The impact was particularly acute for Afghan women and girls, who, already facing bans from secondary and higher education, rely heavily on online learning platforms. The blackout severed this crucial connection, isolating them further. Humanitarian aid organizations also faced significant challenges, as internet connectivity is vital for outreach, coordination, and aid delivery in a country grappling with multiple crises. Many Afghans described feelings of 'being suffocated' and 'living in caves' during the blackout, unable to communicate with family members both domestically and abroad.

International Condemnation and Future Uncertainty

The internet shutdown drew swift condemnation from international bodies and human rights organizations. Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the United Nations urged the Taliban to immediately restore internet access, highlighting the severe harm to human rights, livelihoods, and access to information. The UN mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) warned that the blackout threatened economic stability and deepened the country's humanitarian crisis.

While the restoration of services has brought temporary relief, the incident underscores the fragility of internet access in Afghanistan and raises concerns about future restrictions. Observers warn that such disruptions could further isolate the country and undermine confidence in its economic and social stability.