Afghan women lose lifeline in Taliban internet ban: summary

What we know

• The Taliban has banned fibre-optic internet in five provinces: Balkh, Kunduz, Badakhshan, Takhar and Baghlan.
• The loss of access to the fibre-optic network has stranded thousands of homes, businesses and schools and left them reliant on costly, patchy mobile phone connections.
• The measure is the first large-scale internet shutdown since the Islamist group seized power in 2021, though it is not nationwide.
• Women-led enterprises and students, especially girls taking online classes, are among the hardest hit.
• The internet has been a lifeline for students, especially girls barred from secondary schools and universities, but the shutdown has cut off even that option in northern Afghanistan.

What they said

"A complete ban has been imposed on fibre-optic cable … This action has been taken to prevent immoral activities, and an alternative solution will be developed within the country to meet necessary needs," Haji Zaid, a spokesman for the governor of the Balkh province, said last week.