At a high-profile event unveiling the latest internet package by Roshan Telecommunications Company, Afghanistan’s telecommunications sector received a spotlight for its transformative growth and development. Atta Mohammad Yari, the technical deputy of the Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA), highlighted the sector’s significance and achievements, stating that 25.9 million Afghans currently use telecommunications services, with the industry providing employment opportunities to approximately 118,000 individuals.
Yari revealed that over $2.8 billion has been invested in the telecommunications sector to date, underscoring its critical role in the nation’s infrastructure and connectivity. “In the past year alone, $187 million has been invested in the sector. We are steadily witnessing an expansion of investments, which is promising for the country’s digital future,” he said.
The distribution of SIM cards across Afghanistan further demonstrates the sector’s extensive reach, with 33.9 million SIM cards issued to citizens so far. This accessibility has been instrumental in fostering communication and connectivity, even in remote areas of the country.
The expansion of fibre optics in Afghanistan
Yari also emphasised the role of fibre optics in the nation’s technological and economic advancement. “Fibre optics is an infrastructure that significantly enhances land-based communications and drives economic development in many countries. Afghanistan is now connected to 9,138 kilometres of fibre optic cables, which serve as the backbone for connectivity in major cities,” he explained.
This substantial development in fibre optic infrastructure has made reliable internet services more accessible, supporting sectors like education, healthcare, and commerce. By bridging the digital divide, fibre optics has become a catalyst for growth and modernisation in Afghanistan.
Launch of roshan’s alpha prime internet package
Amidst these technological advancements, Roshan Telecommunications Company introduced an innovative new internet package named Alpha Prime, designed to cater to the evolving needs of its customers. The package promises to deliver a suite of features, setting a new standard in Afghanistan’s telecom market.
Abdul Aziz Niazi, Senior Deputy of Communications and Marketing at Roshan, shared details about the Alpha Prime package. “This package is a game-changer. It includes unlimited minutes to the Roshan network, generous minutes to other networks, and, most notably, unlimited WhatsApp access—a feature that is currently unmatched by any other telecommunications provider in Afghanistan,” he stated.
The inclusion of unlimited WhatsApp is particularly significant, as it addresses the growing demand for affordable and reliable communication tools in both personal and professional settings. WhatsApp’s popularity as a versatile platform for messaging, voice calls, and video calls makes it an essential service for millions of users.
A call for healthy competition
The Afghanistan Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (ATRA) used the occasion to urge all telecom companies in the country to focus on enhancing service quality through healthy competition. ATRA’s call aligns with the broader objective of ensuring that Afghan citizens receive better and more reliable telecommunications services.
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“ATRA is committed to fostering an environment where telecommunications providers compete fairly, leading to improved services for all citizens,” Yari remarked. He stressed the importance of innovation and customer-centric approaches to maintain momentum in the sector’s growth.
Telecom sector as a driver of progress
The telecommunications industry has become a cornerstone of Afghanistan’s economy and a driver of social progress. Investments in the sector have created employment opportunities and enabled Afghans to access global markets, modern education, and healthcare services. The expansion of fibre optics and the introduction of competitive internet packages like Alpha Prime are pivotal steps towards a connected and digitally empowered Afghanistan.
As the nation continues to rebuild and modernise, the growth of the telecommunications sector signals a brighter future. With more investments on the horizon and a commitment to innovation, Afghanistan’s telecom industry is poised to play a vital role in the country’s development.
The introduction of Alpha Prime and the ongoing expansion of fibre optics exemplify how technology can be leveraged to bring transformative changes, fostering a more inclusive and connected society.
