RCS FAQ
RCS stands for Rich Communications Services. It is a next-generation SMS protocol and universal standard between mobile operators and phones. Since 2008, RCS has been supported and promoted by the GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications), as well as many telecom carriers, mobile OS creators like Google and Android, and mobile phone manufacturers like Samsung, Sony, Google Pixel, and more.
RCS is an upgrade to SMS messaging that combines the global reach, popularity, high open rates, and immediacy of SMS and MMS, with the rich, experiential communications capabilities of chat
applications like WeChat, WhatsApp, Skype, etc. RCS supports both person-to-person (P2P) messaging, and application-to-person (A2P) messaging (for businesses.
Gupshup’s out-of-the-box RCS Business Messaging solution enables businesses to create engaging customer interactions with a rich UI, and contextual messaging. For early access, click here.
An RCS message combines the capabilities of simple SMS messages with the feature-rich, engaging messages of chat applications. With an RCS message, individuals and businesses can exchange messages with emojis, video, audio, and high-resolution images. They can also
exchange group chats, get read receipts and view in real-time when someone is replying to their message.
A partnership between Google and Samsung allows RCS to work seamlessly between their respective apps: Android Messages and Samsung Messages. Currently, iOS does not support the protocol, so Apple users cannot send or receive RCS messages.
The RCS Business Messaging solution from Gupshup supports every business communication need, at every stage of a customer journey, all the way from acquisition, to retention and loyalty.
RCS is very much like WhatsApp, with everything (live chat, multimedia support, etc.) handled via the user’s data network (mobile or WiFi). For it to work (on Android), the mobile carrier, and the user’s device and the messaging app must all support the protocol. The recipient’s device, carrier, and OS must also support RCS, otherwise, all RCS messages from the sender will revert to plain SMS in the recipient’s interface.
RCS works because of the Universal Profile, a single industry-standard set of features and technical enablers to simplify RCS development and global deployment. In the U.S., four big carrier networks, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint, have formed the Cross Carrier Messaging
Initiative (CCMI) to standardise RCS, independently of Google.
To enable RCS messaging in a compatible phone (e.g. Samsung with Android Messages), users only need to follow the on-screen prompts from within the app.
In November 2019, Google announced the rollout of RCS as Android’s primary texting platform in the U.S. Chat is a protocol based on the RCS Universal Profile global standard that enables subscribers using different devices and carriers, and from different countries, to communicate with each other.
This means that anyone who uses the Android Messages app – which many Android phones come with by default – can send and receive RCS messages. Users who don’t have Android Messages installed on their device can download it for free from the Google Play Store.
On the Android Messages app, RCS supports read receipts, group messages, rich multimedia, and real-time chat (over Wi-Fi or mobile data). Users can also send and receive high-res photos and videos, and see if a recipient is replying to their message (typing indicator).
Businesses can leverage the features of RCS to enhance customer communications with rich B2C messages. They can send branded information, share high-def content like images, videos, gifs, PDFs, etc., send live updates, show product carousels, and even allow customers to take some action from within the app.
RCS uses either Wi-Fi or mobile data to send messages. So as long as the senders and recipients’ phones and carriers support RCS, and both devices are connected to the Internet, RCS will work. On a mobile network, text-based conversations on RCS use only a small amount of mobile data.
For sending large files, images or videos, they will count significantly towards the data limits set by the carrier. Therefore, it’s usually better to send such files over Wi-Fi (unless the WiFi requires additional payment for RCS messages). Roaming charges may also apply for mobile data.
The initial RCS partnership involved Google and only one phone manufacturer – Samsung. But now many phones are compatible with RCS. Manufacturers that support RCS include Google Pixel 3, 3a, and 4 series, Archos, BQ, Cherry Mobile, Condor, Fly, General Mobile, HMD Global, HTC, Kyocera, Lanix, Lava, LeEco, LG, Micromax, Motorola, MyPhone, QMobile, Sony, Symphony, Wiko, Samsung Galaxy S9, S10, and S20 series, Samsung Galaxy Note 10 series, and ZTE.
The availability of RCS on these devices depends on the country and carrier network. With its Early Access Program, Google is helping brands adopt RCS business messaging. To know more, request early access through Gupshup. Click here.
RCS is available for free to all users that use an Android phone with the Android messages app. The app is also free to download (if not included in their phone by default). Sending and receiving RCS messages via WiFi is usually free unless the WiFi requires additional payment. Sending messages via the mobile data network may attract charges.
