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 has announced its plan to support RCS technology by the end of 2024.
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.
RCS Offers Users a Richer, More Secure and Interactive Solution
Trusted Branding
With your brand name, logo, and tagline
Richer Media
Images, videos, and GIFs
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 Google ecosystem
*Examples shown are for illustration purposes only
RCS Message Phase-to-Phase
Basic Message
- Only 160 characters
- Logo and brand verification
- Price similar to SMS (may vary depending on carrier)
- Charged by message sent and received
Single Message
- Unlimited characters
- Logo and brand verification
- Image, buttons, carousel, etc
- Charged by message sent and received
Conversations
- Unlimited characters
- Logo and brand verification
- Image, buttons, carousel, etc
- 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 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.
Become Future-proof
Align with the evolving messaging landscape and stay ahead of competitors.
Power your Business Messaging
SMS
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Power Your Business Messaging
For Brands
Based on conversion and revenue rates, early RCS use cases can more than double sales results with relevant, visual, and engaging communication over RCS as a channel.
For End Customers
Genuine, personalized, meaningful, and transparent two-way communications from companies and their communities.
Develop stronger relationships with end customers through branded, engaging, two-way conversations.
Use Cases for RCS Messaging
Enhance Your Brand Recognition
The global restaurant chain Subway created interactive campaigns to connect with customers and drive engagement and sales through RCS in the United States.
- Subway wanted to deliver possibilities for engagement and on-brand customer experiences different from their normal SMS campaigns, so they decided to try RCS.
- Subway ran two offers. The first week they promoted two foot-long sandwiches. The second week, it was a meal deal.
- The conversion rate was 140 percent higher than for SMS for the two-sandwich deal, and 51 percent higher for the meal deal.
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!