Afghanistan allows third-party communication base stations to complement each other with wind and solar power

The mobile sector has been boosted by the absence of effective fixed-line alternatives. There are now 5 mobile GSM operators competing in Afghanistan's telecom sector: Afghan Wireless (AWCC), Etisalat, MTN Group, Roshan and Salaam Network (Aftel).

Afghanistan's capital requirements for telecommunications infrastructure are tremendous. Neither the state nor the international donor community can provide the vast financial resources necessary to quickly provide for the communications needs of the nation. The participation of private investors is essential and encouraged.

Afghanistan continues to be confronted by challenges due to the instability following years of war and civil strife. Their efforts to establish a functional telecommunications sector virtually from nothing are encouraging. The telecommunications network now covers over 90% of the population.

The Government's Telecommunications Policy is to enable the rapid growth of affordable communications to all of our people so they may experience the Digital Age, wherever they are and whoever they may be. Afghanistan is committed to following international best practices in telecommunications sector reform.

Telecommunications is also necessary for the resumption of productive capacity and stimulating activity in all sectors of the Afghan economy. It will play a critical role in reestablishing the financial system and relieving communication bottlenecks in commercial, governmental and cultural information flows.

The Government intends to separate the Telecommunications Department of the Ministry of Communications, including authorizing the transfer of related assets, to a newly established state-owned enterprise, “Afghan Telecom”. The legal rights of Afghan Telecom will be further articulated in the forthcoming Telecommunications Law of 1382.