The Taliban government on Wednesday rejected reports of a nationwide internet ban in Afghanistan, saying old fiber optic cables are worn out and are being replaced.

Axar.az informs, citing AP, the announcement was the Taliban’s first public statement on a communications blackout that has disrupted banking, commerce and aviation.

Last month, several provinces confirmed an internet shutdown because of a decree from the Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada to combat immorality.

“There is nothing like the rumors being spread that we have imposed a ban on the internet,” Taliban officials said in a three-line statement in a chat group with Pakistani journalists.