July 31, 2002
Afghan Wireless Opens First Internet Cafe in Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan-- Afghan Wireless Communication Company (AWCC) has opened Afghanistan's first Internet cafe in the Intercontinental Hotel, Kabul. AWCC views this launch as another step towards liberating and empowering the people of Afghanistan through the provision of readily available information and communication. The cafe offers broadband access from eleven workstations.
The Internet cafe was piloted by AWCC during the time of the recent Loya Jirga (grand assembly) in Kabul. Political and tribal leaders from all over Afghanistan took part in the selection of the current transitional government at the Loya Jirga and journalists and other attendees of the Loya Jirga used the adjacent Internet facilities provided by AWCC.
Ehsan Bayat, chaiman of AWCC, said, "The launch of the first Internet café is part of AWCC's strategy to bring voice and data communications to the people of Afghanistan. We are experiencing phenomenal response to the availability of the mobile phone on our network and expect similar demand for the Internet throughout the Afghan society and economy. In the months and years to come I expect the Internet to facilitate the growth of our economy as it has in the rest of the developed world".
Interest in the cafe is expected to be high following the overwhelming popularity of the GSM mobile phone service launched by AWCC in April this year. Like the cellular phone network, readily available Internet connectivity is a significant step towards restoring commercial and cultural mobility for Afghans inside and outside the country. AWCC's mission is not only to enhance communication within Afghanistan, but to put millions of Afghan emigres back in touch with their friends and family.
In the coming months, Internet connectivity will expand in tandem with AWCC's deployment of communication systems to the main cities and Provincial capitals of Afghanistan. |
