Afghanistan Mobile Operators Explained: Roshan, AWCC, Etisalat, Salaam & ATOMA

3 min read By Admin

Afghanistan has five main mobile operators: Roshan, Afghan Wireless (AWCC), Etisalat, Salaam and ATOMA (formerly MTN). Whether you are sending airtime or data from abroad, they all work the same way — you enter the number and the network is detected for you. This guide explains each operator, how to tell them apart by number, and how to top up any of them online.

The five Afghan networks at a glance

Operator Number prefixes Top-up guide
Roshan 072, 079 Roshan top-up
Afghan Wireless (AWCC) 070, 071 AWCC top-up
Etisalat 073, 078 Etisalat top-up
Salaam 074, 075 Salaam top-up
ATOMA (formerly MTN) 076, 077 ATOMA top-up

Full detail on reading a number is in our guide to Afghan mobile prefixes.

Roshan

One of Afghanistan's largest and oldest networks, with wide coverage across the country. Numbers start 072 or 079. You can send Roshan airtime or Roshan data packages online.

Afghan Wireless (AWCC)

Afghanistan's first GSM operator, with strong nationwide coverage. Numbers start 070 or 071. Send AWCC airtime or AWCC data packages.

Etisalat

A major network across Afghanistan's cities and provinces. Numbers start 073 or 078. Send Etisalat airtime or Etisalat data packages.

Salaam

Operated by Afghan Telecom, with a growing footprint. Numbers start 074 or 075. Recharge with the Salaam top-up guide.

ATOMA (formerly MTN)

Rebranded from MTN Afghanistan, still one of the country's big carriers. Numbers start 076 or 077. Recharge with the ATOMA top-up guide.

How do I top up any Afghan operator?

You do not need to know the operator at all — enter the full number and the network is detected automatically. Then choose airtime or a data bundle, pay in your currency, and it is delivered in seconds. See the full walkthrough in how to recharge an Afghan mobile number online.

Frequently asked questions

How many mobile operators are there in Afghanistan?

Five main ones: Roshan, Afghan Wireless (AWCC), Etisalat, Salaam and ATOMA (formerly MTN).

How do I know which operator a number is on?

By its prefix: 072/079 Roshan, 070/071 AWCC, 073/078 Etisalat, 074/075 Salaam, 076/077 ATOMA. You do not need to check — it is detected when you top up.

Can I top up all Afghan networks online?

Yes. You can send airtime or a data bundle to any of the five networks online from abroad, delivered in seconds.

Is ATOMA the same as MTN?

Yes. ATOMA is the rebranded MTN Afghanistan; the numbers (076, 077) are unchanged.

Do I need to pick the operator when I top up?

No. Enter the full number and the correct network is chosen for you automatically.

Top up any Afghan operator now

Whichever network your family is on, you can send airtime or data in seconds — the operator is detected for you. Sending from a specific country? See our guides for the USA, the UK, Canada, Germany, Australia and the Netherlands.

Need to send a top-up?

Recharge any Afghan network in seconds — no account needed.

Start a top-up