Broadcasters looking to partner with new channels to get new customers and dollars might do well to consider cellphone carriers as they expand to speedy 4G networks, according to Schurz Communications’ Kerry Oslund, VP of Digital Media.

Speaking at BIA/Kelsey’s Digital Strategies for Broadcasting conference in Jersey City, NJ, Oslund said that four services being launched by Sprint, for instance, will be affordable and provide an excellent alternative to cable. Best of all, in a joint venture, “the subscriber belongs to both partners. It reduces the cost of customer acquisition,” he adds.

Ultimately, Oslund envisions an environment in which the 4G network could be used to provide reduced prices for a wide variety of services, including online newspapers. It could also bring in a new generation of product placement in programming.

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