Suriname has officially entered the digital streaming era with the launch of Telesur Plus, its first indigenous streaming platform. Unveiled on Tuesday at the Assuria High Rise by Vice President Gregory Rusland, Telesur Plus aims to rival global giants like Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video. The platform offers a diverse range of content, from international football matches, including World Cup qualifiers, to the latest films from Nollywood, Bollywood, China, and Hollywood.
Telesur Plus is accessible via smartphones through its dedicated app, computers via its website (https://telesurplus.sr), and currently on Android smart TVs. CEO Doric Ramlakhan highlighted the platform’s strategy: ‘We’ve acquired rights from foreign channels and pay a monthly fee to access their content. Additionally, we’re integrating local content by collaborating with Surinamese TV stations and influencers.’
One of the platform’s standout features is its monetization model for local creators. Social media influencers and content creators can upload their videos and earn revenue based on viewership. Jean Luc van Charante, CEO of Ineffable, a partner in local content generation, praised the initiative: ‘This platform provides visibility and a monetization opportunity for Surinamese creators, which is often inaccessible on other platforms.’
Subscription to Telesur Plus is flexible and affordable, with no credit card required. Users can activate their accounts via SMS using a Telesur number, with packages ranging from 1 to 30 days, the latter costing SRD 240. Ramlakhan emphasized the platform’s accessibility: ‘We want it to remain affordable and inclusive for all Surinamese.’
Telesur Plus marks a significant milestone for Suriname’s digital landscape, offering a localized alternative to international streaming services. As Ramlakhan stated, ‘This is the first true Surinamese streaming platform, designed to reflect our culture and meet our needs.’