RCS

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a modern mobile communication standard that transforms the native messaging app into an interactive channel for customer communication and sales processes.

Unlike external messaging apps, RCS is built into the default SMS application on billions of smartphones, so users don’t need to install any additional software. Communication is based on the phone number – a universal identifier that is still far more common than an email address.

This technology allows you to guide the customer through the entire process – from offer presentation and variant selection to final confirmation – all within a single message thread. This shortens the purchasing funnel and eliminates points where the customer might drop off.

A high level of security is ensured through sender verification (Brand Agent), building trust from the very first message. RCS is not intended to replace other channels but serves as their ideal complement.

Key Advantages

• Brand Identity Verification: Every sender is verified via a Brand Agent, which builds trust, increases security, and eliminates the risk of phishing.

• Rich Media: The ability to send high-quality photos, videos, product carousels, and files engages recipients much more effectively than text alone.

• Interactivity: Call-to-action (CTA) buttons and suggested replies help guide the user from interest to conversion within a single chat window.

• Native Experience: Messages appear in the phone’s default messaging app, eliminating the need to install additional software.

• Advanced Analytics: Access to delivery and read receipt statistics allows for precise evaluation of campaign effectiveness.

• Reach Stability (Fallback): Enables cascade campaigns with automatic fallback to SMS, ensuring that all recipients are reached regardless of RCS support.

• Easy Consent Management: Supports smooth opt-in and opt-out processes directly from the chat window.

Security of Communication

RCS was designed with maximum security in mind – for both brands and end users. A multi-level verification system effectively eliminates phishing attempts and builds trust in the channel. The key security elements are:

• Multi-level Sender Verification: Before a brand is approved to send messages, it must pass a verification process conducted by the mobile operator and the integrator.

• Brand Profile and Verification Mark: Every conversation features the brand's profile (logo and name), and a special Verified Badge appears next to the sender's name, confirming the profile's authenticity. This not only serves as a security feature but also builds the brand's prestige and credibility.

Global Availability

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a global standard with rapidly growing adoption worldwide. Its availability to end users depends on two main factors: the device’s operating system and the local mobile operator’s support.

Android RCS is natively supported on Android and available to billions of users worldwide. The main requirement is the Google Messages app (often preinstalled as the default messaging app, sometimes simply called Messages). Availability is widespread across numerous countries and mobile operators, including major carriers in North America, Europe, and Asia. To receive messages, users must have the Google Messages app set as their default and have RCS chat features enabled in the settings.

iOS Apple has announced support for RCS starting with iOS 18. This will integrate RCS into the native iMessage app, significantly expanding the channel's reach to iPhone users. The full functionality and rollout schedule for business messaging on iOS will depend on Apple’s implementation and the timelines of individual mobile operators worldwide. This is a major development that will make RCS a truly universal channel.