RCS Is Taking Over the World of SMS. Or Is It?

​First of all, let’s take a closer look at RCS. RCS Business Messaging is described as “a communication protocol between mobile-telephone carriers and between phone and carrier, aiming at replacing SMS messages with a text-message system that is richer, provides phonebook polling, and transmits in-call multimedia.” In short, it is a messaging service that operates like SMS but offers more features for richer communications. 

Read more: RCS vs. SMS Messaging: A Comparison >

RCS Messaging Has Higher Stability Than Chat Apps

Similar to SMS, RCS will operate on telecom networks, offering the stability of the telecom network whilst also adding the features of other internet-based chat apps. Besides that, RCS will be similar to the popular consumer chat apps like Facebook Messenger or WhatsApp in the sense that it will be free to use by consumers. This whilst consumers are being charged for each sent SMS, either in money or data. 

For internet-based channels to work, these require an active internet connection. And that is exactly why the traditional SMS channel still wins over these chat apps in stability, reliability, and security. So, this new channel offers the stability of SMS and the free rich features of OTT chat apps. But what does RCS have, that traditional SMS messaging doesn’t? 

RCS Messaging Does What SMS Doesn’t

Though SMS has long dominated the mobile messaging landscape, SMS remains a text-only communication channel. Compare that to chat apps like Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp (not available for business yet), which allow you to send media files such as maps, boarding passes, instructional videos, and so forth. This results in a richer way of communicating. And that’s just what RCS brings. 

King and Queen

Because of its many added features, RCS will soon complement SMS as a communication channel that helps you reach and engage with your customers. However, it is unlikely that SMS will be replaced completely. More probably, RCS and SMS will co-exist to help you reach your goals in the best way possible.   

Google is now working with mobile service providers, including CM.com, to bring this new type of messaging to business. With RCS Business Messaging companies will be able to move beyond pure text messages to create branded, interactive messaging experiences.