Afghanistan- Telecom Companies in Balkh Shut Down Services at Nights

(MENAFN- Daily Outlook Afghanistan) MAZAR-E-SHARIF- Telecom services are shutting down their services in the last two nights inthe northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif apparently due to 'security threats,residents and local officials said.
Thetelecom companies have not commented on this decision but sources said that thetelecom companies shut down their activities due to security threats.
BalkhPolice Chief Gen. Munir Ahmad Fayiz said the offices of the four major telecomcompanies – Afghan Wireless, Roshan, Etisalat, and MTN – were closed for 24hours for disconnecting their services in the last two nights.
Hesaid telecom companies have not shared the problem with the police.
'Thereis no major security threat to them [telecom companies in Mazar], the Policechief said. 'We have not been informed about any threats to them. We sealedtheir offices according to the warning we had given to them.
Theshutdown in services has increased the price of the SIM card ofgovernment-owned Salaam Company to Afs1,200, almost $15 – in the blackmarket.
'Wewill introduce them to judicial institutions if they sold the SIM cards morethan its normal price, said Mohammad Taqi Poya, the head of Directorate ofTelecommunication and Information Technology in Balkh.
Balkhresidents said the issue is concerning and it must be solved.
'SIMcards are not available; they are found in the black market, said KhwajaSharif, a Balkh resident.
'Peopleare facing problems and all communications were disconnected, said Qadir, aBalkh resident.
Headof Balkh Provincial Council, Afzal Hadid, said efforts are underway to solvethe problem.
'Whatis the solution? Those who want to create a problem for our people must bestopped. We are trying to find alternatives and I am sure that this problemwill be solved in the near future, he said. (Tolo news)

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