The Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology of Afghanistan has given all active telecom companies until Sunday, 7th of Saratan (Cancer), to reverse the recent increases in internet and telephone package rates and return them to their previous levels.
Kabul 24: This directive comes after several companies unilaterally raised their tariffs, triggering widespread public dissatisfaction and complaints from consumers across the country.Atta Mohammad Yari, Deputy Technical Director of the Afghanistan Telecom Regulatory Authority (ATRA), emphasized during a related meeting that access to affordable and high-quality telecommunications services is a fundamental right of citizens.
He stressed that the authority is fully committed to protecting consumer rights and will take all necessary steps to safeguard them.
Yari highlighted the critical role of internet and mobile services in daily life, education, e-commerce, and access to information. “In the current economic situation where Afghan citizens are struggling to meet their basic needs, any unreasonable increase in communication service prices is unacceptable,” he said.
The deputy director warned that companies failing to comply with this order by the deadline will face strict legal action. Possible measures include heavy financial fines, operational restrictions, and even suspension or revocation of operating licenses.
He added that ATRA’s monitoring teams are continuously overseeing the market and will thoroughly investigate all public complaints.This decision by the Ministry arrives amid growing concerns over rising costs of internet and phone services.
Many Afghans, particularly students, small business owners, and residents in remote areas, have strongly criticized the price hikes, describing them as a major obstacle to digital development and economic activity in the country.
Experts believe that reverting prices to their previous rates will ease the financial burden on households and improve broader access to digital services.
The move is also expected to help restore public trust in the telecommunications sector.
ATRA has urged citizens to report any violations or non-compliance by telecom companies through official channels. Contact numbers and complaint systems will be announced soon to facilitate public oversight.
This initiative forms part of the government’s broader efforts to regulate the telecommunications market, prevent monopolistic practices, and ensure fair pricing.
Officials hope that full implementation of this directive will not only stabilize prices but also lead to improved service quality, allowing citizens to benefit from reliable, high-speed internet and stable communications at reasonable costs.
