Residents of Kabul have expressed frustration over a shortage of SIM cards and long wait times at telecommunications company centers. Many are struggling to purchase SIM cards as several selling branches have halted their activities.
Local residents report that they often wait for days without success. “They keep us waiting for several days, then say that we don’t have new SIM cards available,” said Sedis, a pseudonym used by one resident. Another resident, Mohammad, echoed this sentiment, stating, “When I went to get a SIM card, they told me that SIM cards are unavailable.”
Sources within telecommunications companies have indicated that the Taliban has instructed these companies to prioritize the registration of SIM cards. The registration process itself has also become more challenging, requiring an electronic ID card or passport.
“Now, anyone who does not have an electronic ID card or passport has to bring a friend with an electronic ID card to the company to register the SIM card,” said Ahmad, another Kabul resident.
These sources also revealed that the Taliban has imposed restrictions on the distribution of SIM cards, causing companies to lose millions of Afghanis in profits.
