SWOT+analysis

 S W O T a n a l y s i s of i C o n n e c t  = o p p o r t u n i t i e s =

As many current television networks are switching from analog to digital, they are letting go of many wireless airwaves, letting go of around 700 megahertz. This is an opportunity for Apple to establish the iConnect network as the wireless airwaves will become available for bidding purchase. Many consumers feel dissatisfied with their current telecommunications provider, with most complaints due to lack of good customer service. Large telecommunications companies such as Bell or Rogers do not focus on the customer in the same way that Apple does, making this an opportunity for the iConnect to convert consumers. = t h r e a t s = = = = t h r e a t s o f t e c h n o l o g I c a l e n v I r o n m e n t =

There are limited cell towers available for Apple to purchase in order to provide the iConnect service. Telecommunications infrastructure is expensive and run by the government. When cell sites become available they go up for bid and therefore Apple must compete with their competitors for the means to even enter into the telecommunications service market. = t h r e a t s o f t h e r e g u l a t o r y e n v I r o n m e n t =

FCC regulates telecommunications providers, and have started to crack down on cell phone services particularly due to many consumer complaints of outrageous bill statements. This could be a threat to iConnect if FCC does add more rules and regulations that must be followed. This could potentially lead to lower earnings for Apple. = t h r e a t s o f t h e c o m p e t i t i v e e n v i r o n m e n t =

The telecommunications service industry is an oligopoly. Although there are only a handful of providers available in Canada, the competition is very intense between these companies. Many consumers are currently locked in contracts with competitors also making it difficult to obtaining these customers. = s t r e n g t h s =

iConnect’s biggest strength is Apple’s already very well known and established brand. Apple has a cult like following of loyal consumers who create high anticipation levels for every new product they come out with, usually leading to them selling out of stock soon after release. The iConnect service would be very attractive to an existing consumer who already owns Apple products. With the addition of iConnect to the Apple brand, they will be offering a unique product and service package, unlike any of its competition. With the ability for one stop shopping, consumers will find convenience in being able to purchase their Apple computers, Mac books and iPhones in the same place as they can sign up for Internet and cell phone service. The added service of providing personal network file sharing is also unique to the iConnect service. An iConnect feature which potential consumers may find very attractive is the option to receive our cell phone service without having to sign up for a long-term contract. They would simply be on a month to month contract, where they could cancel the service and stop paying any time. This is a feature Apple’s biggest competition, Rogers and Bell, does not provide to their customers. This is a strength as customers do not like the idea of being ‘locked up’ in a phone contract. We want our customers to want to receive our service, rather than be stuck receiving our service. How do you leverage you strengths to benefit your opportunities Apple currently has a reputation for offering great customer service. iConnect could leverage this strength to benefit the opportunity of stealing unsatisfied customers from competition. How do you use your strengths to minimize the impact of your threats The existing strong brand behind iConnect may also help to minimize the threat of potential consumers finding it a hassle to cancel out of their existing telecommunications provider contracts. Apple’s reputation for great customer service and iConnect’s personal network file sharing could be perceived as a benefits outweighing the costs of canceling their current contracts. = w e a k n e s s e s =

Although Apple is an established in terms of producing excellent IT products, they will be new to the telecommunications service market, people may be unsure of the quality of their service in comparison to well established competitors in the field. As iConnect is only in the beginning stages, Apple will not posses as many telecommunications towers as other competitors such as Rogers or Bell, this may lead a lower quality of reception, service and overall connection for iConnect users in comparison to current competitors within the market. = How do you ensure your weaknesses will not stop you from your opportunities? =

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">Although Apple is currently not reputable as a telecommunications service provider this does not have to hinder the opportunities of obtaining current unsatisfied customers from competitors. Through strong branded advertisements for iConnect, Apple will market the service as a must have for all Apple product users. = How will you fix weaknesses that can make threats have a real impact ? =

<span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">iConnect will fix weaknesses so that the threats of limited telecommunications infrastructure and established competitors by focusing on the quality of Apple’s customer service. Apple is very customer oriented and therefore will use this service to overshadow the ways in which competitors offer more wireless coverage. <span style="font-family: 'Lucida Sans',sans-serif; line-height: 200%;">