Telecoms news from Afghanistan

Roshan Launches 3G Network in Kabul

Afghanistan's Roshan has launched its 3G network, with coverage initially available in in Kabul, and then rolled out nationwide. ...more.

Afghanistan's Roshan Secures Funding for Network Upgrades

Afghanistan based mobile network operator, Roshan has secured funding from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to support the rollout of the company's 3G and high speed data services throughout the country. ...more.

Afghan telecom regulator to act against unregistered SIM cards

The Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA) February 26 warned telecom companies to identify illegal and unregistered SIM cards within two weeks or otherwise face strict legal action, ...more.

Afghanistan Regulator Denies Issuing a 4G License to Etisalat

Afghanistan's telecoms regulator, ATRA has refuted an announcement by Etisalat Afghanistan that it is about to launch a 4G network. ...more.

Afghan Telecom Signs Deal to Expand Network Coverage

Afghanistan based Afghan Telecom has signed a US$32 million contract with an unnamed Chinese supplier to expand its network to underserved areas, ...more.

Afghanistan launches cell phone literacy programme

Afghanistan has launched a new literacy programme that enables Afghan women deprived of a basic education during decades of war to learn to read and write using a mobile phone. ...more.

UK Overseas Aid to Use Mobile Payments to Reach Rural Afghanis

Afghanistan's Roshan today announced that it will be working with the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) to launch an emergency cash transfer project using its mobile banking service. ...more.

iPhones 'Steal' Real-Life Moments In Afghan Capital

A man is captured as he rushes home with a fresh loaf of bread. A teenager is caught driving an old horse cart during rush-hour traffic. A filthy child is shot while scavenging for scrap metal. ...more.

MTN Awarded 3G License in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's telecoms regulator, ATRA says that it has awarded the country's second 3G license to MTN after the mobile network paid US$25 million for it. ...more.

Etisalat Afghanistan Launches HSPA Services in Jalalabad

Etisalat Afghanistan says that it has launched HSPA services in Jalalabad in eastern Afghanistan. ...more.

Afghanistan Network Signs Up 6 Millionth Customer

Afghanistan based mobile network, Roshan today announced it has surpassed six million active subscribers ...more.

Taliban use radio, modern technology when it suits them

Militants in Pakistan and Afghanistan have been destroying communication devices and bombing radio stations, saying they are un-Islamic, but even as they do, they use those same items to spread their message. ...more.

Roshan Uses Western Union so Expats can Send Money to Afghanistan

Afghanistan based mobile network, Roshan has launched a Western Union supplied Mobile Money Transfer service that enables Roshan's M-Paisa customers to receive money from abroad. ...more.

Afghanistan Seeks Bidders For First Telecoms Satellite

Afghan Minister of Communications and Information Technology Amir Zai Sangin says that country will accept bids from investors to build and place in orbit its first telecommunications satellite. ...more.

Afghan Wireless on Target to Hire 5,000 Local Afghan Employees

Afghanistan's Afghan Wireless says has crossed a significant threshold in hiring more than 4,300 local Afghan employees. ...more.

Roshan to Introduce International Mobile Money Transfer service

Afghanistan based mobile network, Roshan says that it is to launch the Western Union Mobile Money Transfer service. ...more.

US Army to Start Using Androids in Afghanistan

As international communications specialists and armed forces prepare to assemble for the 2012 Tactical Communications conference, one of the key speakers has lifted the lid on immediate plans to deliver Android phones to the frontline. ...more.

Afghanistan Firm to Test Paying Wages by Mobile Phone Transfer

Afghanistan based mobile network, Roshan has started a pilot program to pay salaries with via its mobile banking service, M-Paisa. ...more.

Etisalat Names New Executive Changes at Subsidiaries

UAE based Etisalat Group has announced the appointment of Mr. Ahmed Mohammed Alhosani as Acting CEO of its Afghanistan subsidiary, and Mr. Ahmed Khalfan Al Mutawa as Chief Financial Officer for Etisalat Zantel in Tanzania. ...more.

Vodafone Signs Partnership Deal with Afghanistan Network Operator

Afghanistan based mobile network, Roshan has signed an exclusive "Partner Market" agreement with Vodafone. ...more.