Overview

• Internet watchdogs report connectivity flatlined around 1% after earlier readings near 14%, with telephone services also degraded.
• Flight-tracking data shows multiple cancellations at Kabul International Airport as banks, hospitals, newsrooms and NGO operations face widespread disruption.
• The United Nations urges immediate restoration of nationwide access, while rights groups warn the cutoff disproportionately harms women and girls relying on online learning and work.
• Afghan operators say they are following directives and cannot restore service without approval, as TOLOnews reports 3G/4G shutdown orders leaving only slower 2G in some areas.
• The nationwide outage follows mid-September provincial fibre bans ordered under Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to curb perceived ‘immorality,’ with authorities promising an undefined domestic alternative and no timeline.