Russian firm Protey deploys 4G network in Afghanistan

Protey, a Russian telecom equipment developer, installed 4G mobile network systems in Afghanistan last year, a development reported by the Vedomosti business newspaper on Thursday. The systems are designed to provide mobile services for an estimated 10 million people.

Protey has been subject to U.S. sanctions since last year, designated for operating in an economic sector identified as supporting Russia’s military-industrial base.

This work occurred amidst evolving relations between Moscow and the Taliban, which assumed power in Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. forces. On April 17, Russia's Supreme Court removed the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organisations, where it had been since 2003. This action by Russia's Supreme Court precedes formal recognition of the Taliban government.

The installation of a 4G core network in Afghanistan marks Protey's first export of its technology, according to Vedomosti. This core network was developed in collaboration with Russia's state telecom provider Rostelecom and is presented as a domestic solution intended to replace foreign hardware and software.

Protey's activity in Afghanistan follows the departures of major telecom suppliers such as Ericsson and Nokia, and the scaling back of operations by Chinese firms, including Huawei and ZTE, since the Taliban's return.

Rostelecom Vice President Alesya Mamchur stated that the Russian-made core network was installed in 2024 across four of Afghanistan's 34 provinces. The specific regions were not named. Mamchur indicated that the equipment is expected to facilitate mobile service for up to 10 million of Afghanistan's approximately 40 million residents.

Since the Supreme Court's decision, Russian and Taliban officials have discussed transitioning trade payments to national currencies, constructing railway lines, and rebuilding a Soviet-built highway connecting Kabul with northern Afghanistan and Central Asia.

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