Afghans wanting to access news online including via some of VOA’s websites are being met with blank screens and error messages.
For at least two weeks, people in several provinces have reported problems when trying to access websites via their cellphones when using the networks of some privately owned telecoms carriers.
The websites affected are VOA’s Pashto and Dari sites and the websites for Azadi Radio, which are run by VOA’s sister network, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Other international public broadcasters, including the BBC, and VOA’s English-language website appear to still be accessible.
Affected carriers include the privately owned telecommunication companies Afghan Wireless, Roshan, and Etisalat Afghanistan, which is a subsidiary of a United Arab Emirates-owned company.
The news sites were still accessible via Wi-Fi, or on the Salaam state internet provider, as well as…
