RCS Messaging
What is RCS (Rich Communication Services)?
A rich messaging protocol with a global standard established by the GSMA, RCS helps modernize SMS globally. Users can access RCS functionality within the same SMS app they currently use. RCS has been enabled on new Android phones since August 2023, and Apple currently supports RCS technology in 10 countries, with more to follow.
A channel-like SMS owned by MNOs, RCS Messages are delivered over 3G, 4G, and 5G networks. As a rich messaging protocol, it offers images, video, action buttons, and conversations in a smartphone app-like experience through the native messaging app of the phone.
Lead with RCS
Send messages with your logo, colors, and verified sender ID to reinforce trust and brand identity.
Customers immediately know who’s contacting them, reducing friction and boosting engagement.
Embed carousels, quick reply buttons, and suggested actions to drive clicks, guide responses, and accelerate conversions.
Make every message a mini customer journey.
RCS delivers higher read and response rates by combining visual content with interactivity.
It outperforms traditional SMS with richer, more actionable user experiences.
RCS verifies business senders at the network level, significantly reducing spam, spoofing, and phishing.
Customers gain confidence and act when they trust whose messaging they are receiving.
Let customers explore, book, purchase, and chat with support without leaving the message thread.
It’s seamless CX, from discovery to decision.
Access granular delivery and engagement metrics to monitor performance and refine strategy.
Track every interaction to maximize ROI.
Rich messages are delivered directly to Android users’ native messaging apps.
No downloads. No delays. Customers engage instantly, without added steps.
Built on GSMA standards, RCS evolves with devices, carriers, and user expectations.
It’s a flexible foundation for next-gen enterprise messaging.
RCS Offers Users a Richer, More Secure and Interactive Solution
Trusted Branding
With your brand name, logo, and tagline
Richer Media
Images, videos, GIFs and Files
Google Wallet Integration with QR Codes
Provides fast, secure access to everyday essentials, natively in Android tickets, coupons, cards, and more
Verification
Customer safety and trust with verified sender info
Easy, One-tap Replies
Suggested replies customized to your brand
1-Click Upsell
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
Three Types of RCS Messages
Basic Message
- Only 160 characters
- Logo and brand verification
- Price similar to SMS (may vary depending on carrier)
- One-way communication
- Charged per delivered. If not delivered: Fallback to SMS
Single Message
- Unlimited characters
- Logo and brand verification
- Image, buttons, carousel, etc
- One-way communication
- Charged per delivered. If not delivered: Fallback to SMS
Conversations
- Unlimited characters
- Logo and brand verification
- Image, buttons, carousel, etc
- Two-way communication
- Charged by 24h session
Reach Your Customers More Efficiently
are more likely to purchase online if they can ask questions in real time*
more likely to be read 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.
Become Future-proof
Align with the evolving messaging landscape and stay ahead of competitors.
Power your Business Messaging
SMS
vs
RCS
FAQ
1. Will RCS replace SMS?
As RCS is not yet available for all mobile phones and in all networks (more on that in our article on RCS availability) SMS remains an alternative that can be used on all mobile phones.
2. Are RCS messages safe?
RCS offers brand verification for all users and end-to-end-encryption for Android users.
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 on RCS vs. 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!