Afghanistan is entering the era of sophisticated 3G and 4G telecom services. Afghan Minister of Communication and Information Techonology, Amirzai Sangin said that licensing and tender process for 3G and 4G telecom services will start from the first of August next month. There has been wide expansion of 2G mobile telephone service in Afghanistan and there are 17 million mobile subscribers. AIR Kabul correspondent reports that with the commencement of sophisticated 3G and 4G services Afghan people will be availing of the benefits of the latest and world class technology in the field of telecommunication.Mobile telephony in Afghanistan started in 2003-2004 when the first two licenses were issued for providing GSM mobile services in the country. Afghan people have taken full advantage of telecom services. Today there are 17 million 2 G mobile subscribers all over the country and this service covers 80 per cent of the population.There are currently five licensed mobile networks operating in Afghanistan. Moreover, it has created over 100,000 jobs nationwide. More than US $1.6 billion dollar has been invested in modern telecom infrastructure. With the announcement of 3G and 4G telocom license tendering process from the next month, Afghanistan is entering the age of latest telecomm services. It will not only provide sophisticated data, video and audio services on mobile phones, but also expand mobile internet penetration in the country.