US, November 19, 2009 - In a move to help bolster the company's online sales revenue, Sony Computer Entertainment president Kaz Hirai stated the PlayStation Network may see a premium subscription-based service on top of its current free-to-play online model.

"SCE will further increase sales by offering users new entertainment through the combination of hardware, software, peripheral and PlayStation Network," said Hirai (via Eurogamer). "Especially in the online area, we are studying the possibility of introducing a subscription model, offering premium content and services, in addition to the current free services."

When asked for comment, Sony Computer Entertainment America stated they have nothing to officially announce at this time.

"We are looking into a variety of options but have nothing to announce at this point in time," a SCEA spokesperson told IGN.

It's unlikely Sony would begin charging for online play such as Microsoft does with its Xbox Live service. This premium model would most likely center around additional video or game content, such as exclusive first-looks at trailers and demos.