For Immediate Release
August 11, 2004

Creating a New Fiber Optic Network for Afghanistan
Fact of the Day

Afghanistan's leaders are determined to build their economy, and the United States continues to help. One recent contribution to the Ministry of Communications will help create a fiber optic network connecting Afghanistan's major cities -- Kabul, Kandahar, Herat, Mazar e-Sharif and Baghlan. When complete, the 2,476 km fiber optic ring will be capable of serving as a telecommunications backbone for approximately 90 percent of Afghanistan's population. The United States stands ready to assist Afghanistan's leadership as they modernize their country.

SOURCE: American Embassy, Kabul, Afghanistan.