Provision of scalable streaming audio services over EGPRS

There currently exists a demand for the provision of high-quality streaming media services over mobile access networks in a way similar to the on-line radio stations that can be accessed over the Internet. This paper highlights some of the differences between the characteristics of streaming media services and conversational services. A scalable audio compression algorithm is introduced and its performance over enhanced general packet radio service (EGPRS) access networks is analysed. Enhancements to the EGPRS RLC (radio link control) protocols to allow for selective retransmission of radio blocks, and a prioritisation scheme based on differential thresholding of retransmission parameters are shown to provide significant improvements in the received audio quality.