Upoc
Networks' mobile community solution will make legendary sports stars from the
New York Giants and the New York Knicks accessible via two text chats this
month.
The text chats with football star Harry Carson and basketball star John
Starks, which will be available to wireless users in the tri-state area, are
being made possible in connection with Verizon Wireless sponsorship of the New
York Giants and New York Knicks.
"Upoc Networks moderated text chats are an ideal medium for professional
sports franchises to increase interest in the team and connect with their fans,"
said Upoc Networks CEO David Friedenshohn.
The chats are open to all wireless users. Participants in the Starks chat
will be entered to win two tickets to a Knicks game and a chance to meet
Starks.
Following the 2004 Summer Olympic Games in Athens, Greece, Upoc helped
AT&T Wireless host two chats with U.S. athletes, one with all-around gold
medalist gymnast Carly Patterson and another with gold medalist swimmer Michael
Phelps.
With the current economic climate, wireless operators face shrinking marketing budgets and reduced consumer spending.
Globally, the credit crunch is very much alive, and operators will be tightening their belts into the foreseeable future by putting off capital purchases.
