Bermuda-based cell phone operator Digicel has expanded its operations in the Caribbean by launching in the British Virgin Islands.

Digicel has invested $17 million to build a brand-new network from scratch in the territory.

But the company will have to compete hard for business — mobile penetration among the BVI's 23,000 inhabitants is already around 90 percent.

"This is an exciting time for us both here in BVI — and more widely — as we continue to expand our global presence and delight customers with what we do and how we do it," Colm Delves, Digicel Group's chief executive officer, said.

Digicel, which operates in Bermuda as well as being domiciled on the Island, is the largest mobile operator in the Caribbean.

The BVI becomes its 25th market in the Caribbean and Central America and 30th market worldwide.