From Martin Hdlow in Kabul...
Some up-to-date information on the radio situation in Afghanistan......
USAID (the US Government's aid agency) is currently installing a VSAT
satellite system at Radio-Television Afghanistan in Kabul. (It should be
ready by the end of the week). This will be used to send the Radio Kabul
signal via satellite to shortwave transmitters in Norway and somewhere
in the Gulf. The programmes will then be rebroadcast back into
Afghanistan using Radio Free Afghanistan (RFA) and VOA facilities. This
whole arrangement is being put in place especially to provide
information to people in Afghanistan about the Loya Jirga process. (This
is the body to take-over from the Interim Administration in mid-June). I
expect the programmes to start soon, so keep an ear on the relevant
frequencies.
In addition, we are advised that the IBB (International Broadcasting
Board) also from the USA is to provide two x 400 KW mediumwave
transmitters to be based in Kabul. One will transmit Radio Kabul
programmes and the other VOA and RFA. In addition, two FM transmitters
for Kabul are being supplied. I am not sure when the AM transmitters
will be installed.
Kind regards.
Martin