An apparatus and method of configuring a number of retransmissions for an automatic repeat request (ARQ) scheme (e.g., hybrid ARQ) includes configuring one or more first maximum retransmission numbers based on respective one or more first predetermined values and independent of a second maximum retransmission number. The first maximum retransmission numbers may indicate a maximum number of retransmissions related to respective service flows operational with the base station. The second maximum retransmission number may indicate a maximum number of retransmissions related to control messages transmitted in the wireless network, and may be configured based on a second predetermined value. The configuration of the first maximum retransmission numbers may include the maximum retransmissions numbers associated with a specific user in communication with the base station. Further, at least one of the first maximum retransmission numbers of a particular user may be reconfigured to a third predetermined value.