Afghanistan Communications

Telephone

Country code: 93. There is generally a severe shortage of lines for operator-connected international calls.

Mobile Telephone

There is coverage in cities such as Kabul and Herat, and in other small pockets throughout the country.

Internet

The first public Internet service opened in Kabul in late 2003, and several post offices have since been fitted with Internet connections.

Media

Afghanistan's media were seriously restricted under Taleban rule. In late 2001, Radio Afghanistan returned to the air in Kabul after the Taleban deserted the capital. One of the first signs of change was the music broadcast over Radio Afghanistan for the first time in five years. Days later, Kabul TV was back on the air, with a woman presenting the news.
Afghanistan's newly-invigorated press enjoys freedom of expression, although print runs are small. There is a small band of private radio and TV stations. A law bans media criticism of Islam and other religions.

Press

• Hewad and Anis are two government-sponsored daily newspapers.
• Kabul Times is an official, English-language newspaper.
• Kabul Weekly is a private, English-language publication.

TV

• Afghanistan Television is a state-run broadcaster.
• Balkh TV broadcasts from Mazar-e-Sharif.
• Aina TV is a private broadcaster.
• Tolu TV is a Kabul-based private channel.

Radio

• Radio Afghanistan is a state-run radio station.
• Radio Khilid Kabul (RKK) is an FM station set up by NGOs.
• Arman FM is a private FM network, in Kabul and other cities.
• Azad Afghan Radio is a private station in Kandahar.
• Taleban radio re-emerged in April 2005.
• Foreign radio stations on the air in Kabul include BBC, Radio France Internationale and Deutsche Welle.
• USA-funded stations include Radio Free Afghanistan, which uses the name Azadi Radio, and the Voice of America, which brands its Dari and Pashto broadcasts as Radio Ashna ('Friend').

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