Digicel as made a $60 million investment in creating a new mobile telecommunications network in the small South American nation of Suriname.

By doing so it heralds the end of a 25-year telecoms monopoly in the country, which borders Brazil and has a population of around half-a-million.

Digicel said it is the first operator to offer a continuous service across Suriname, French Guiana and Guyana.

Ronald Venetiaan, president of the Republic of Suriname, said: "We are heralding a positive new era in telecommunications development in Suriname and I'm delighted that Digicel has come to Suriname to be a part of this change. We are confident that the company will have a positive impact on the lives of the people of Suriname as well as encourage further growth in our economy."

Digicel Group CEO Colm Delves commented: "Reaching our 23rd market is a significant milestone for us and I want to welcome Suriname to the Digicel family. This is going to be a very exciting market for us and bodes well for our growth strategy ahead as we continue to build our customer base and roll out network in the Caribbean and beyond. We are proud to offer the best coverage, the best quality and the best value to the people of Suriname."

Digicel's investment in the Caribbean and the Central American region now exceeds $1.5 billion.