The folks over at Sirius Backstage have learned that Sirius is planning on offering an online-only subscription which has reportedly been given the moniker, "Sirius Internet Radio Plus."

The new internet-only service will provide both music at "CD quality" and select talk channels (yes, including Howard) at a whoppin' 48kps. The current free Sirius Internet Radio service (which is included with a regular Sirius subscription) offers streaming audio at a mere 32kps.

According to SBS, Sirius Internet Radio Plus will run you $12.95 a month, with 3 additional SIR Plus subscriptions for $6.99. If you're an existing subscriber, you can upgrade to SIR Plus for an additional $2.99 a month.

No additional channels will be offered according to SBS, this is simply an upgrade in sound quality.

Compare this to XM's existing XM Radio Online (XMRO) service, and you have to wonder what Sirius is thinking (if in fact these numbers are true). XM Radio Online offers up to 64kps - for free - to current subscribers. And if you want an Internet-only subscription, XMRO will only run you $7.99 and month.

I really hope Sirius has something more up their sleeve for this one.

[Sirius Backstage]

UPDATED: Music will actually be provided in "CD quality" and talk in 48kps. 

AOL Radio will start carrying Bob Dylan's weekly XM Satellite Radio show "Theme Time Radio Hour" this Wednesday, August 30th.

AOL Radio listeners will get to play catch-up and listen to 18 previous shows as part of XM's Theme Time Radio Hour marathon starting this Friday, September 1st at 6pm ET.

They'll also get the treat of listening the premiere of Bob Dylan's much anticipated Modern Times album, to air today and tomorrow, with on-demand streaming available throughout the week (all part of AOL Music's Full CD Listening Party).

[AOL Radio Info Page]

Interesting, there seems to be a growing interest in Internet Radio in the satellite radio industry. First Sirius registers for SIR: Sirius Internet Radio, and now XM has applied for Power Shift.

The trademark app simply give the description of Power Shift being "entertainment services, namely, an on-going radio program for broadcasting via satellite digital audio radio services and over the Internet."

So judging by the name and description, this sounds like a service that will switch between the XM  satellite signal (SDARS) and an Internet feed.

View the full trademark application at Satellite Radio TechWorld. 

SIRIUS Satellite Radio has filed for a series of trademarks all revolving around the accronym "SIR" for Sirius Internet Radio. All three applications provide the following decription...

Radio broadcasting services; webcasting services; streaming of audio, visual and data information via a global computer network, mobile telephone or other electronic or digital communications network or digital communications device; electronic and digital transmission and delivery of voice, data, text, images, graphics, signals and messages via a global computer network, mobile telephone or other electronic or digital communications network or device; providing audio, visual and data information available for download via a global computer network, mobile telephone or other electronic or digital communications network or digital communications device

I assume this can only be related to the rumored WiFi service support on the upcoming Sirius Stiletto SL100 and the Zing-powered device (whatever it'll be called).

[via Satellite Radio TechWorld]
Thanks Rubicon!