Digicel starts cellphone operation in Honduras

TEGUCIGALPA, Nov 19 (Reuters) - Digicel, a Bermuda-incorporated wireless firm, launched operations on Wednesday in Honduras, where it plans to invest $450 million to beef up its business and take on larger competitors.

Digicel, present in more than 20 countries, will run against leader Tigo, from Millicom International Cellular (MICC.O), Claro, the unit of Latin America's biggest cellphone operator America Movil (AMXL.MX) (AMX.N), and state-owned Hondutel.

There are 5 million cellular users in Honduras, according to government estimates.

Digicel payed $80 million for a concession to offer cellular phone services for 25 years in Honduras, a country with a population of 7.5 million. (Reporting by Gustavo Palencia; Editing by Gary Hill)