SWOT Analysis of the Telecom Industry

Telecommunications are ways to spread messages over long distances. While at one point in history fire signals might have been used to spread this information, today telephones, television, and computers are used. A SWOT analysis of the telecom industry will focus on the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and strengths of the organization. The industry would conduct a SWOT analysis to understand what its problems are so they can be fixed and the business can be improved.

The strengths in a SWOT analysis for the telecommunications industry focus around the things the business does best. The industry can focus on the types of assets it owns, the human capital is possesses, where the business makes its money from, and what experience exists. The industry might have a particularly good record with phone call quality, according to customers, or it could be the only provider of a particular successful product. Once the analysis is complete, the goal will be to maximize the strengths.

The telecom industry's weaknesses in a SWOT analysis center around what the business is not doing well. The business may be losing money in a particular area, or could be without resources to better the business model. Especially within the telecom industry, which can change quickly, it is essential to be honest and upfront about what the current weaknesses are, so they can be eliminated in the future. The analysis will be inaccurate if all weaknesses are not included.

The telecom industry's opportunities in a SWOT analysis include those variables that are out of the control of the industry, but could benefit the business. Perhaps new customers will enter the market or the government will supply subsidies to supply the newest piece of technology. Since technologies that the telecom industry supplies change so frequently, it is essential that the businesses know what types of products are soon-to-be-supplied, so they can have the proper marketing prepared.

The threats in a SWOT analysis for the telecom industry focus on the issues that are coming from the outside that might negatively impact business. These could include new competitors opening their doors, or a failing economy. The telecom industry sells products that are key for communication, but are not essential if someone is trying to cut their budget. Free use of computers and extremely cheap phones are available for use in public facilities. Poor economic conditions could keep people from buying a new phone or computer, and could hurt business.

Once the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats have been listed, a two-by-two grid should be created with the opportunities and threats on the left side and the strengths and weaknesses on the top. The industry should brainstorm about ways to take advantage of strengths and opportunities while also minimizing the weaknesses and threats.