RCS Messaging
The interactive, native channel for customer engagement
Enable trusted, branded and interactive conversations through the mobile messaging channel consumers already know and use. RCS allows businesses to deliver rich content such as images, videos, carousels, suggested replies, and action buttons through a secure and verified channel.
What is RCS (Rich Communication Services)?
RCS is a GSMA defined global messaging standard designed to enhance and monetize traditional SMS. Users can access RCS functionality within the same SMS app they currently use. RCS has been enabled by default on most new Android phones since August 2023, and Apple has started introducing RCS support across selected markets and operators, accelerating global adoption.
RCS messages are delivered over IP connectivity, including mobile data and Wi-Fi networks, providing users with an app-like conversational experience without requiring the download of a separate application.
Lead with RCS
Send messages with your logo, colors, and verified sender ID to build trust and strengthen brand recognition.
Customers immediately know who is contacting them, reducing friction and boosting engagement.
Create dynamic two-way conversations with carousels, quick replies, suggested actions, and clickable buttons.
Guide customers seamlessly through each step of the journey, driving engagement, faster decisions, and higher conversions.
RCS drives higher open, read, and response rates by combining rich media, branding, and interactive elements within a native messaging experience.
Compared to other channels, RCS enables more engaging and measurable customer interactions that improve campaign performance and conversion outcomes.
RCS enables verified and branded business messaging through operator and platform validation mechanisms. Customers can easily access trusted brand information directly within the messaging experience, including contact details, website, email address, and privacy information.
This increased transparency, helps reduce spoofing and phishing risks while strengthening customer trust and engagement.
Enable customers to browse products, schedule appointments, complete purchases, and connect with support directly within the messaging conversation.
With interactive and app-like experiences inside the native messaging app, RCS reduces friction and simplifies the customer journey from discovery to conversion.
Access detailed delivery, read, engagement, and interaction metrics to measure campaign performance in real time.
Gain actionable insights into customer behavior, optimize messaging strategies, and maximize campaign effectiveness and ROI.
RCS messages are delivered directly to users through their native messaging application.
No additional downloads or installations are needed, enabling immediate customer engagement.
Built on GSMA standards and supported by mobile operators, device manufacturers, and major technology providers, RCS continues to evolve across the global messaging ecosystem.
Its interoperable and flexible framework provides a scalable foundation for next-generation enterprise communications and customer engagement.
RCS Offers Users a Richer, More Secure and Interactive Solution
Trusted Branding
Display your verified brand name, logo, colors, and tagline directly within the messaging experience to increase trust and recognition.
Richer Media
Engage customers with high-quality images, videos, GIFs, carousels, and downloadable files within a native messaging environment.
Digital Wallet Integration & QR Codes
Enable fast and secure access to tickets, loyalty cards, coupons, boarding passes, and more through digital wallet integrations and QR code functionality. Connect messaging interactions with seamless mobile wallet experiences across supported devices and platforms.
Easy, One-Tap Replies
Simplify customer interactions with suggested replies and smart response options tailored to your brand experience.
One-Click Upsell Opportunities
Your shortcut to a larger basket size with anything from priority boarding to seat upgrades.
Time-Saving Actions
Connected to the Mobile ecosystem.
*Examples shown are for illustration purposes only
Google Adds Search Visibility
In selected markets, customers can start a trusted and branded conversation via RCS with a business instantly, creating a frictionless path from search to engagement.
Two Categories of RCS Messages
NON-CONVERSATIONAL
Deliver rich, branded notifications and campaigns through a one-way communication model. Ideal for alerts, authentication, reminders, and promotional messages.
- Up to 3,072 characters per message
- Verified sender identity and branded profile
- Rich content including images, carousels, suggested replies, and action buttons
- One-way communication from business to consumer
- Ideal for notifications, alerts, authentication, and promotional campaigns
- SMS fallback available where supported by the service provider
- No customer response required
CONVERSATIONAL MESSAGES
Enable real-time, two-way interactions that allow customers to engage directly with your brand.
- Up to 3,072 characters per message
- Verified sender identity and branded profile
- Rich content including images, carousels, suggested replies, and action buttons
- Interactive two-way conversations between business and consumer
- Ideal for customer support, engagement, sales, and service interactions
- Billed based on a 24-hour conversation session
- Supports both A2P and user-initiated (P2A) conversations
Test Your RCS Message in Action
Design Rich Cards and Carousels in minutes with the iBASIS RCS Mockup Builder — no technical setup required.
REACH YOUR CUSTOMERS MORE EFFICIENTLY
are more likely to purchase online if can ask questions in real time**
are more likely to read RCS messages than emails**
are more likely to engage with a brand through RCS**
*Source: Google Business Communications
RICH COMMUNICATION SERVICES
Enhance Your Brand Recognition
Display your full business name, logo, and color scheme, increasing brand visibility and trust. Amplify your brand using your images, videos, and animated GIFs as well.
Enrich Your Content
Use QR codes for tickets, seamless transactions, contacts, calendars, dialers, maps, tracking URLs, and predefined replies.
Improve Message Delivery
Higher open rates and lower spam rates due to recognizable sender identity.
Improve Security and Trust
Build trust with customers through verified sender status. Reduce risks of fraud with verified sender and end-to-end encryption features.
New Revenue Stream
As SMS stagnates, RBM is an exciting channel for brands that need new sources of revenue.
Prepare for the Future of Messaging
Align with the evolving messaging landscape and stay ahead of competitors.
POWER YOUR BUSINESS MESSAGING
SMS
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FAQ
1. Will RCS replace SMS?
RCS is the natural evolution of SMS, enhancing traditional messaging with rich media, interactivity, and branded experiences. However, SMS continues to play an important role due to its universal reach. In practice, SMS and RCS often work together, with SMS serving as a fallback channel when RCS is not available on a device or network.
2. Are RCS messages safe?
RCS offers brand verification for all users and end-to-end-encryption.
Find out more in our article, “How secure is RCS?”
3. What are the differences between RCS and SMS?
There are many differences between RCS and SMS, e.g. RCS has no character limit and can include images and videos.
Learn more in our article RCS vs. SMS.
4. Does iBASIS offer an RCS API for integration into existing systems?
Yes, iBASIS enables RCS integration through our powerful Messaging API. This interface was specifically designed to allow companies to seamlessly integrate RCS capabilities into their CRM systems, apps, or marketing software.
5. Do customers need to download an app to receive RCS messages?
No. RCS messages are delivered directly to the native messaging application on supported devices. Customers can receive and interact with RCS messages without downloading or registering for a separate application.
6. Can customers receive RCS messages while roaming?
Yes. Because RCS is delivered over mobile data or Wi-Fi rather than traditional signaling channels, customers can continue to receive and interact with RCS messages while roaming internationally. This helps businesses maintain consistent customer engagement regardless of the user’s location.
7. How can I know if a customer can receive RCS messages?
Businesses can use RCS capability checks or fallback mechanisms to determine whether a device supports RCS. When RCS is unavailable, messages can automatically be delivered through alternative channels such as SMS.
RCS WITH iBASIS
iBASIS simplifies the transition from A2P SMS to RCS Business Messaging, offering a guided approach to unlock the full potential of conversational messaging.
As a trusted partner of Google and mobile operators worldwide, iBASIS supports RCS deployment in every market where it is available. With RCS available on Android and Apple devices, by default, adoption is growing rapidly.
Embark on your RCS Business Messaging (RBM) journey with iBASIS today!