Can You Hear Me Now? Telecommunications Remain Resilient in War Torn Afghanistan

Abstract

"The power of telecommunications, brought to Afghanistan six years ago, has helped connect millions of Afghans while effectively transcending regional, religious, and ethnic divides to do so. Unlike most development projects in Afghanistan which tend to be focused on the major urban centers, (Kabul alone receives 50 percent of all reconstruction aid), both urban and rural Afghan communities have benefited significantly from the implementation of reliable communications. During the Taliban regime's reign of power only a single telecommunications company existed. There are now six major telecom firms competing in Afghanistan's expanding digital market place. Telecommunications is the largest legitimate enterprise in Afghanistan's economy and it continues to expand at a break neck speed. Roshan, Afghanistan's largest wireless provider, now provides coverage to over 226 cities and towns across 33 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces in Afghanistan, according to a statement issued on Roshan's webpage. MTN, the second largest telecommunications company in Afghanistan, currently provides service in 27 provinces and 241 cities and towns, according to MTN spokesperson Ms. Nozipho January-Bardill."