Communications in Afghanistan

It has rapidly expanded after the Karzai administration was formed in late 2001, and has embarked on wireless companies, internet, radio stations and television channels.

The Afghan government signed a $64.5 million agreement in 2006 with China's ZTE on the establishment of a countrywide optical fiber telecommunications network.

The project began to improve telephone, internet, television and radio services throughout Afghanistan.

[10] The Afghan government has reported to the UPU several times about illegal stamps being issued and sold in 2003 and 2007.

[16] In January 2014 the Afghan Ministry of Communications and Information Technology signed an agreement with Eutelsat for the use of satellite resources to enhance deployment of Afghanistan's national broadcasting and telecommunications infrastructure as well as its international connectivity.

There are also a number of VSAT stations in major cities such as Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Mazari Sharif, and Jalalabad, providing international and domestic voice/data connectivity.

According to the Ministry of Communication and Information Technology there are 4760 active towers throughout the country which covers 85% of the population.

The Ministry of Communication and Information Technology plans to expand its services in remote parts of the country where the remaining 15% of the population will be covered with the installation of 700 new towers.