If you're sending airtime or data to a relative's Afghan number and aren't sure which network it's on, the first two digits after the country code usually give it away. Afghanistan's five main operators were assigned their own prefix ranges, so a number almost always belongs to one network consistently.
The good news: you don't actually need to memorize this. Enter the number on the recharge widget and the correct operator is detected automatically. This guide is for when you're just curious, or want to double-check before asking a relative for their number.
Afghan mobile prefixes by network
A +93 number looks like +93 7X XXX XXXX. The "7X" part is what identifies the network:
| Prefix | Network |
|---|---|
| 070, 071 | AWCC (Afghan Wireless) |
| 072, 079 | Roshan |
| 073, 078 | Etisalat |
| 074, 075 | Salaam (Afghan Telecom) |
| 076, 077 | ATOMA |
So a number like +93 72 123 4567 is on Roshan, while +93 74 123 4567 is on Salaam.
Why this matters
Afghan numbers don't port between networks the way some countries allow, so a prefix reliably tells you the operator. Knowing this is useful if you're reading a number off a message or photo and want to sanity-check it before topping up, or if a relative only gave you digits without saying which network they use.
How to top up once you know the network
- Go to the recharge widget and enter the full number with +93.
- The operator is confirmed automatically from the prefix — you'll see the network's logo appear next to the number.
- Pick an airtime amount or switch to the Data plans tab for a data bundle.
- Pay by card — the credit lands on the line within seconds.
Frequently asked questions
Can a phone number switch networks and keep the same prefix pattern?
No — in Afghanistan, prefixes are tied to the network operator, not portable between providers, so a given prefix always points to the same company.
What if I'm not sure the prefix I have is correct?
Enter the number on the recharge widget. If the network can't be detected, you'll see a prompt to select it manually rather than guessing wrong.
Does ATOMA show up under a different name anywhere?
Yes — Afghan telecom's own systems sometimes list ATOMA as "MTN," but it's the same network and detected the same way from its prefixes.