The Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA) said it has activated six telecom sites along the Kabul-Jalalabad highway to provide drivers and passengers with access to telecommunication services.
Jalaluddin Shams, the spokesperson for ATRA, said that a total of 24 telecom sites are planned for the country’s highways, with six already operational along the Kabul-Jalalabad route, and work is underway on the remaining 18 sites.
The ATRA spokesperson stated: “A total of 24 telecom sites are planned, with six already activated along this important route, and the construction of the other sites is progressing rapidly.”
Drivers and passengers on the Kabul-Jalalabad highway said they previously faced serious challenges due to the lack of telecom services on this highway, but now these challenges have been somewhat resolved.
They urge authorities to further expand telecom services on the country’s highways and improve internet services as well.
Mujahid, a passenger, said: “In the past, when the road was blocked, people would wait for two days and we couldn’t contact anyone. Now, it’s improved, and we’re happy. We hope it improves further.”
Del Agha, a driver, said: “My car broke down, and I waited here for two days. The phones didn’t work. Now it’s better. When needed, I call a mechanic, and he arrives within an hour, fixes the car, and we go.”
This comes as the high cost and low quality of internet services have been a constant source of criticism from citizens, with many in remote areas lacking access to telecom services.
Previously, the acting Minister of Communications and Information Technology had said they are working to expand telecom and internet services to remote parts of the country.