TUAW threw out the idea that XM may be setting up a subsription service to download songs to your “XM Digital Music Player” (aka the device formally known as the SkyPod) based on a survey they received. Orbitcast reported on a similar survey a little while back, but the subscription model wasn’t mentioned at the time - this new survey seems to stray away from one-offs and instead focus on a Napster-To-Go style business model.

Here’s my take on the whole thing:

1. A Subscription service would only work if the price was reasonable. I’m already paying for Satellite Radio, I don’t want to pay much more for a song I just heard. Charge me a reasonable price (TUAW suggests $5.99/month - I’m leaning more towards $2.99/month).
2. Goes perfectly with the Ultimate Playlist branding strategy. XM would be the natural evolution from the iPod.
3. Sets the groundwork for my Satellite Podcasting wish. Adam Curry playing a ‘best of’ Podcast Channel loses the essence of podcasting which is: micro-customization. For my custom listening experience, I don’t really care what Adam Curry feels is cool, I want to listen to my own taste of podcast. This subscription service would provide an interface to save the podcasts I want. Custom radio is the future.
4. Give me the ability to keep the songs even after canceling my XM subscription. Chances are, I won’t ever cancel because it gives me simple access to a massive library of songs, but just make me feel comfortable by not adding that restriction. It’s a deal breaker.
5. And the Digital Music Recorder? This is the kicker. Needs to have a good capacity, portability, and an interface that makes me drool. The accompaning interface must be extremely intuitive because you’re managing both your own songs and XM’s songs.

Forbes is reporting that XM Satellite Radio is rumored to be dropping it's long standing relationship with Boeing, in favor of Loral, to build it's next powerful new satellite estimated to cost more than $200 Million.

While no official decision has been released, it's rumored that other industry officials have been discussing the decision, and Loral's internal email system has leaked the confirmation that XM made its choice.

Boeing manufactured the XM-1 and XM-2 satellites that turned out to be faulty, which resulted in the launching of XM-3 in February and the planned launch of XM-4 in 2007 to replace the dying birds. These buggy birds left many at XM with a salty taste in their mouth and they've been battling it out with insurance companies to make sure they don't need to foot the bill. Loral coincidently manufactures SIRIUS' satellites.

According to WSJ Online, this new satellite is intended to be a spare to back up XM's four other satellites, though they say they're not ordering anymore for at least a few years. XM-3 and the upcoming XM-4 should remain operating for 15 years.

Designed to have more than 20Kw of power (the current Boeing satellites are 18Kw), apparently this bird would be one of the most powerful commercial spacecraft ever built in terms of electric power. No word as to what model the Loral is.

((( Speculation Alert )))

Somehow Ted Koppel has the tendency to throw off the speculation alert alarm, and this is definitely up there in the speculation rating (I’d give it an 8 out of 10), but an article in Boston.com does have a very peculiar snippet:

“The other day I saw Cal Ripken, who was in the building for an interview on the baseball channel. Then I noticed Ted Koppel, who had come out of the CEO’s office, talking about who knows what.”

Could be nothing, could be something. But it’s a funny coincidence since I also threw the speculation alarm on Ted Koppel joining Sirius not even a month ago. Busy man.