**Afghanistan Goes Offline as Taliban Cuts Nationwide Internet Services**
*By Mudit Dube | Sep 30, 2025, 10:49 AM*
Afghanistan is currently experiencing a nationwide telecommunications blackout after the Taliban government ordered a complete shutdown of all telecom services. This drastic measure follows weeks of increasingly restricted fiber-optic internet connectivity across the country.
According to Netblocks, an internet watchdog group, Afghanistan is now under a “total internet blackout.” International news agencies have also reported losing contact with their offices in Kabul amid this widespread disruption.
### Widespread Impact on Communications and Media
The Taliban’s shutdown affects more than just fiber-optic internet connections. Mobile internet and satellite television services throughout Afghanistan have also been severely disrupted.
A Taliban official has stated that the telecom blackout will remain in effect until further notice. Meanwhile, Tolo News, a privately owned Afghan news channel, has urged its viewers to stay updated via their social media platforms as their television and radio networks face ongoing interruptions.
### Airport and Transportation Disruptions
The telecommunications blackout has extended its impact to Kabul airport operations. Flight tracking service Flightradar24 reported the cancellation of at least eight scheduled departures and arrivals on Tuesday.
Locals in Kabul noted that fiber-optic internet services stopped functioning around 5:00 PM local time (12:30 GMT), suggesting that the blackout’s full consequences might become more apparent when banking services and businesses reopen on Tuesday morning.
### Official Confirmation from Netblocks
Netblocks confirmed the nationwide telecom shutdown, reporting that current connectivity levels are only at 14% of normal. The organization emphasized that the blackout appears to be an intentional disconnection initiated by the Taliban authorities.
### Background: Taliban’s Crackdown on Internet Access
The Taliban’s crackdown on internet access began earlier this month, progressively limiting high-speed internet availability in several provinces. Users across Afghanistan have complained about slow or non-existent connectivity for weeks.
In the northern Balkh province, provincial spokesperson Attaullah Zaid announced a complete ban on fiber-optic internet, citing orders from the Taliban leadership to implement the measure. Zaid stated this action was taken “to prevent vice.”
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This ongoing internet blackout marks a significant setback for communication and information flow within Afghanistan, raising concerns over the impact on media freedom, business operations, and civilian life throughout the country.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/afghanistan-under-total-internet-blackout-taliban-cut-telecom-services/story