System and method for using scalable session initiation and termination in mobile broadcast/multicast services

A computer program product, included on a computer-readable medium, for scheduling a Join or Leave procedure in a MBMS system, comprising:

• computer code for initiating an operation selected from the group consisting of a Join operation and a Leave operation;
• computer code for determining whether a current time is within a protection period;
• computer code for, if the current time is within a protection period, calculating a first random time and scheduling an operation message to be sent at the first random time;
• computer code for if the current time is outside of a protection but within an allowed period, immediately transmitting the operation message;
• and
• computer code for, if the current time is outside of a protection and outside of the allowed period, calculating a second random time and scheduling the operation message to be sent at the second random time.

An electronic device, comprising:

• a processor;
• and
• a memory unit communicatively connected to the processor and including:
• computer code for initiating an operation selected from the group consisting of a Join operation and a Leave operation;
• computer code for determining whether a current time is within a protection period;
• computer code for, if the current time is within a protection period, calculating a first random time and scheduling an operation message to be sent at the first random time;
• computer code for if the current time is outside of a protection but within an allowed period, immediately transmitting the operation message;
• and
• computer code for, if the current time is outside of a protection and outside of the allowed period, calculating a second random time and scheduling the operation message to be sent at the second random time.