Afghanistan Internet Restored After 48-Hour Taliban Blackout

Nationwide Internet Blackout Ends

Afghanistan's internet services were restored on October 3, 2025, concluding a 48-hour nationwide blackout imposed by the Taliban authorities. The disruption significantly impacted various sectors, including commerce and communication, across the country.

Widespread Impact on Daily Life and Economy

The two-day telecommunications shutdown, which also affected mobile phone services, left Afghanistan digitally isolated. It grounded flights, halted commerce, and restricted access to emergency services. Banking operations stalled, financial remittances, crucial for many Afghan households, were interrupted, and trade with neighboring countries slowed sharply. Businesses and aid agencies reported significant financial losses during the blackout. Residents described feeling 'suffocated' and 'blind' during the outage, with one businessman in Kandahar stating, 'We couldn't even do five percent of our normal work.'

Disruption to Education and Information Flow

The internet outage severely affected online learning platforms, a vital resource for Afghan women and girls who are barred from formal secondary and higher education by the Taliban. Students found themselves unable to join classes, cutting off one of the few remaining avenues for education and access to information. A university student noted, 'Our education depends entirely on the internet, but since it came back, the constant disconnections have caused serious problems.' The blackout also hindered humanitarian aid groups, who rely on internet connectivity for outreach, coordination, and aid delivery.

Taliban's Stated Reasons and International Response

While officials initially provided no official reason for the blackout, diplomatic and industry sources indicated that Taliban authorities ordered the shutdown citing 'morality concerns' and to prevent 'immorality' or 'vices'. However, the Taliban government also dismissed reports of a nationwide ban as 'rumours,' attributing the outage to 'decaying fibre optic infrastructure.' International organizations, including the United Nations, urged the Taliban to restore access, emphasizing its importance for humanitarian work and citizens' rights. Human Rights Watch condemned the internet shutdowns, stating they inflict serious harm on people's rights and livelihoods. Amnesty International described the shutdown as a 'reckless move' with 'far-reaching consequences' for aid delivery and essential services.

Post-Restoration Challenges

Despite the restoration of services, many residents reported that the connection remained slow and unstable, with frequent dropouts and significantly reduced speeds. This inconsistent quality, especially in provincial areas like Herat, Kandahar, and Nangarhar, continues to disrupt daily life, education, and business operations. Analysts warn that persistent connectivity issues could further harm commerce, education, and humanitarian coordination in Afghanistan, a nation already facing multiple crises.