The four main mobile operators in Kabul are MTN Afghanistan (now Afghan Wireless), Roshan, Etisalat Afghanistan and Salaam — with Roshan and AWCC (Afghan Wireless) generally offering the most reliable 4G/LTE coverage in the urban core. Network performance has fluctuated since 2021 due to operational challenges, but Kabul remains the best-covered city in Afghanistan.
If you are travelling to Kabul (humanitarian work, journalism, family visits, NGO assignments), a Cellesim eSIM for Afghanistan connects you to the strongest available local network without needing to register a SIM in person — a particularly useful advantage given the current operating environment for foreign travellers.
Operator overview in Kabul
- Afghan Wireless (AWCC) — the oldest GSM operator in Afghanistan, generally good 4G coverage in central Kabul, Wazir Akbar Khan, and along the airport road.
- Roshan — strong urban coverage, popular with NGO workers and diplomats, often considered the most consistent 4G provider.
- Etisalat Afghanistan — owned by Emirates Telecommunications Group (UAE), reliable in Kabul and along main highways.
- Salaam — state-affiliated operator, good urban coverage but variable rural reach.
- MTN Afghanistan — South African MTN exited operations in late 2024; existing infrastructure may operate under successor entities.
Coverage quality by Kabul district
- Wazir Akbar Khan, Shar-e-Naw, Shahr-e-Naw (diplomatic and business areas): 4G coverage from Roshan and AWCC, suitable for video calls.
- Karte Char, Kart-e-Seh (university and residential areas): solid 4G.
- Khair Khana, Macroyan (residential): generally good 4G.
- Outer districts (Pul-e-Charkhi, Qala-e-Naw): 3G dominant, intermittent 4G.
- Beyond Kabul perimeter: coverage drops significantly; Highway 1 has spotty 4G between major towns.
Practical recommendations for travellers to Kabul
- Cellesim Afghanistan eSIM connects automatically to whichever local operator has the strongest signal in your location — you don't need to choose manually.
- Activate the eSIM before you fly while still on stable Wi-Fi at home — installation in-country can be slower.
- Download offline maps of Kabul in Google Maps or Maps.me before arrival; data may be intermittent in some districts.
- Keep your home SIM active for SMS verification and emergency contact reachability on your usual number.
- Internet speeds in Kabul are typically 5–25 Mbps on 4G — sufficient for WhatsApp, email, video calls and basic web work.
Important: telecommunications regulations and operator availability in Afghanistan can change rapidly. Verify current network status and your travel advisory before departure. A Cellesim eSIM avoids the need for in-person SIM registration, which can be a significant advantage for foreign travellers under the current operating environment.