Taliban Imposes Nationwide Internet and Mobile Shutdown

The Taliban imposed a nationwide internet and mobile data shutdown in late September, severing fibre‑optic links and cutting 3G/4G services so connectivity fell to roughly 1%, and officials said the ban would remain “until further notice” to curb alleged online “immorality.” The blackout grounded flights at Kabul airport, disrupted satellite TV and media outlets, froze banking and remittance systems, and left businesses, markets and humanitarian operations largely paralysed. UN agencies, human rights groups and aid organizations warned the shutdown risks significant harm, undermining earthquake relief, emergency services, access to education—especially for women and girls—and freedom of expression. Telecom firms say they are following Taliban directives while monitoring groups such as NetBlocks confirmed the near‑total collapse in traffic after phased cuts that also affected telephone services. Analysts and intelligence sources suggest the move may reflect internal power struggles over control of key infrastructure, including the Bargam fibre hub, and say limited government connectivity appears to be preserved while the rest of the country is cut off.