Elon Musk's ventures, Tesla and Starlink, are poised to make a significant impact on the Indian market. Recent developments suggest that both companies are clearing the final hurdles for their respective launches in India, signaling a new era of electric mobility and high-speed internet connectivity in the country.
Tesla's entry into India has been long-awaited, with the company planning to begin sales in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. The first Tesla showroom, referred to as an "experience center," is set to open in Mumbai on July 15th. Additionally, a second showroom is expected to open in Delhi by the end of the month. Five Model Y cars have already arrived in Mumbai, and bookings are expected to begin as early as August. However, the initial cost of owning a Tesla in India is estimated to be between ₹65 to ₹70 lakh due to a 70% import duty and other charges. This high cost is because Tesla is initially importing cars directly into India and has no immediate plans for manufacturing in the country. The Indian government is encouraging Tesla to manufacture locally to reduce prices and create jobs.
Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service, is also nearing its launch in India. The company has received a license from the Department of Telecommunications, making it the third entity authorized to provide satellite internet services in India, following OneWeb and Reliance Jio. This license is a crucial step towards commencing commercial operations in the country. Starlink's mission to provide high-speed internet to underserved areas aligns with India's goal of improving rural connectivity. The service aims to deliver fast internet, even to remote villages, using its Gen 1 constellation of over 4,400 satellites in low Earth orbit.
While official pricing details were not available, the setting cost of the Starlink dish device is approximately ₹33,000. The monthly unlimited data plan is expected to be priced at ₹3,000. Starlink also plans to offer a complimentary one-month trial plan for each device purchase. While some reports suggested promotional unlimited data plans might be available for under ₹840 per month, it is unclear whether this rate will be available across India or only in selected areas.
Despite the potential benefits, challenges remain. Starlink's pricing is significantly higher than the average broadband revenue per user in India, which is around ₹400 to ₹600. The high hardware costs, ranging from $250 to $380 globally, may also pose a barrier for many Indian users. Therefore, Starlink's success in India will depend on its ability to adapt to the price-sensitive market and reach areas with limited or no broadband infrastructure.
In conclusion, Elon Musk's Tesla and Starlink are on the verge of launching in India, promising cutting-edge electric vehicles and high-speed satellite internet. While challenges related to pricing and local manufacturing persist, these ventures have the potential to transform India's automotive and internet landscape.
