A “Universal Rate Control Mechanism with Parameter Adaptation” (URCMPA) improves real-time communication (RTC) sessions in terms of delay, loss, throughput, and PSNR. The URCMPA automatically learns network characteristics including bottleneck link capacity, inherent queuing delay, inherent packet loss rates, etc., during RTC sessions. The URCMPA uses this information to dynamically adapt rate control parameters in a utility maximization (UM) framework. The URCMPA operates reliable RTC sessions across a wide range and combination of networks near full throughput rates while maintaining low operating congestion levels (e.g., low queuing delay and low packet loss). Examples of networks applicable for use with the URCMPA include, but are not limited to, combinations of mobile broadband (e.g., 3G, 4G, etc.), WiMAX, Wi-Fi hotspots, etc., and physical networks based on cable, fiber, ADSL, etc. The URCMPA can also dynamically adapt operating congestion levels relative to competing TCP flows to maintain fair use of network resources.