**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, following orders from the Taliban government to shut down all telecom services. This move comes just weeks after the Taliban began cutting fiber-optic internet connections across various parts of the country.
Internet watchdog Netblocks has confirmed that Afghanistan is now under a “total internet blackout.” International news agencies have reported losing contact with their Kabul offices due to this widespread disruption.
### Widespread Impact on Communications
The Taliban’s telecom shutdown has affected not only fiber-optic internet but also mobile internet and satellite television services throughout Afghanistan. A Taliban official stated that the shutdown will remain in place until further notice.
In response, Tolo News, a privately owned Afghan news channel, has urged viewers to stay updated by following their social media pages amid expected disruptions to their TV and radio broadcasts.
### Airport Operations Disrupted
The blackout has also impacted air travel. Kabul airport experienced cancellations of at least eight scheduled flight departures and arrivals on Tuesday, according to flight tracking service Flightradar24.
Many residents in Kabul reported their fiber-optic internet connections going offline around 5:00 PM local time (12:30 GMT). The full impact of the blackout may become more apparent once banking and business operations resume on Tuesday morning.
### Official Confirmation from Netblocks
Netblocks, an organization specializing in cybersecurity and internet governance monitoring, confirmed the nationwide telecom blackout. They reported that current connectivity levels stand at just 14% of normal capacity.
The group noted that the pattern of disruption “appears consistent with the intentional disconnection of service,” indicating a deliberate action by the Taliban authorities to cut off internet access.
### Taliban’s Ongoing Crackdown on Internet Access
This nationwide shutdown follows earlier actions by the Taliban to curb internet access, which began earlier this month. High-speed internet has been effectively disabled in several regions, with many users reporting slow or no connectivity.
In the northern province of Balkh, provincial spokesperson Attaullah Zaid announced a complete ban on fiber-optic internet, citing orders from the Taliban leadership. He stated the measure was taken “to prevent vice,” reflecting the government’s strict approach to internet regulation.
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The ongoing blackout underscores growing concerns over information access and freedom of communication in Afghanistan under the current regime. As the situation develops, residents and international observers await further updates on when services might be restored.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/afghanistan-under-total-internet-blackout-taliban-cut-telecom-services/story
