Afghanistan gets first mobile phone network

NEWS The people of Afghanistan are to get their first mobile phones. The Afghan Wireless Communications Company (AWCC) has begun installing a mobile phone network in the capital Kabul and will make test calls over the coming weeks. Afghanistan has not had a landline infrastructure since its more recent troubles began in 1978. Afghans wanting to make international calls had to either visit a call centre in Kabul or cross the border into Pakistan. International calls will be possible by March, the company stated. AWCC also intends to bring the net to Afghanistan with the creation of a data network. However, concerns have been voiced about culturally sensitive content.