Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a next-generation SMS messaging protocol. RCS will allow users to take advantage of features similar to that of mobile chat applications like Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger. It's expected to be as ubiquitous as SMS is today. Unlike SMS however, RCS messages will be sent over Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.

If a Wi-Fi or mobile data connection is not available, messages will be sent as SMS. If RCS enabled users send messages to non-RCS enabled users, the message is converted and sent as an SMS.

While RCS isn't mainstream yet, Google recently announced its support from over 40 carriers and device manufacturers around the globe. Android's Messages app also started supporting it just over a year ago, but it's features can't be seen or used unless the device is connected to a carrier that has enabled it.

To send and receive RCS messages, you need:

An Android device (Not yet available on iOS)
A data plan with a carrier that supports (and has enabled) the protocol
A messaging app that's built to comply with GSMA's Universal Profile

News and Updates

In Australia, telecommunications giant Telstra announced RCS support recently for select Android devices. There are heaps of features that their customers should be excited about: QR code tickets, app-like delivery, branding, custom rich media, typing indicators, high-res multimedia messaging (images, videos, spreadsheets, presentations, etc.), and much more.

Consumers shouldn't be the only ones excited about RCS. When it's released for commercial use, businesses that adopt it will enrich the customer experience by enabling them to do things like food ordering, appointment rescheduling, and seat switching on flights all without leaving the RCS-enabled messaging app.

Current Global RCS Operators:

    

        Country
        Region
      Operator
    

        Albania
        Europe
	Telekom Albania (OTE), Vodafone
    

        Australia
        Oceania
	Telstra
    

        Canada
        Americas
	Rogers, Bell
    

        China
        Asia
	China Mobile
    

        Czech Republic
        Europe
	Vodafone
    

        France
        Europe
	Orange, SFR (Altice)
    

        Germany
        Europe
	Telekom (Deutsche Telekom), Vodafone
    

        Greece
        Europe
	Cosmote (OTE), Vodafone
    

        Hungary
        Europe
	Vodafone
    

        India
        Asia
		Reliance Jio (Reliance Industries)
    

        Ireland
        Europe
	Vodafone
    

        Italy
        Europe
	Reliance Jio (Reliance Industries)
    

        Malaysia
        Asia
	Celcom (Axiata)
    

        Malta
        Europe
	Vodafone
    

        New Zealand
        Oceania
	Vodafone
    

        Norway
        Europe
	Telenor
    

        Portugal
        Europe
	Vodafone
    

        Romania
        Europe
	Orange, Telekom Romania (OTE), Vodafone
    

        Russian Federation
        Asia
	MTS (Sistema)
    

        Singapore
        Asia
	Singtel
    

        Slovakia
        Europe
	Orange, Slovak Telekom (Deutsche Telekom)
    

        South Africa
        Africa
	Vodacom
    

        Spain
        Europe
	Vodafone
    

        Sweden
        Europe
	Telia
    

        Turkey
        Europe
	Vodafone
    

        United Kingdom
        Europe
	Vodafone
    

        USA
        Americas
	AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile
    

*Updated as of: April 6, 2018 - Click for updates from GSMA*

What does an RCS message look like?

Here's a quick glimpse:

Verified Sender ID: All RCS senders will be verified
Custom Branding: Colour selection + logo display
Rich Media Display: QR tickets, seat selection, real-time data, videos, gifs, images, or other custom displays
Custom Buttons: Add links to suggested replies and actions

Here's an example of how a cable company can use RCS to confirm appointment details and help their customers become more familiar with their assigned technician: