Text messaging has many drawbacks including the lack of interactive content except for third parties such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. There is, however, a new protocol, called the Rich Communications Services or RCS that can create a new standard of text messaging across the world.
RCS has been developed to greatly enhance messaging capabilities with the new Advanced Messaging Standard. RCS also supports a larger 8,000-character limit, higher quality picture messaging up to 10 MB in size, group chats, sharing locations, and video calls. It also reads receipts and typing indicators like other familiar features in text messaging applications.
The new technology can be combined with contact applications to see whom the service is sponsored and for friends and groups to be exchanged. RCS also aims to surpass the capabilities of many text messaging applications. This can also be used when you are in a telephone conversation to exchange media, location and other information. This is also a boon for businesses as they can also send and receive personalized messages with business information and the ability to share high-quality, interactive content such as photos, video clips or GIFs.
Nevertheless, all contacts must use a compatible message app and network in order to send and receive RCS messages. Fortunately, when the receiver does not accept RCS, the device will fall back on SMS or MMS.
By principle, the launch of RCS would prevent having to agree to a third-party program. This service is connected to your mobile phone number and those features are left out of the package for potential phone owners. The goal is to provide an interoperable and consistent communication service through all mobile devices and networks.
Why RCS is Important
GSMA’s Universal Profile connects with RCS. GSMA is a global network provider and business association working towards the creation of universal industry standards. The Universal Profile provides a set of Advanced Calling and Messaging features and how communications services must support those functions.
In November 2016, Version 1.0 of the Standard Universal Profile made its debut and includes the main features. These include contact discovery across regions, messages, group chat, file transfers, audio messages, video messages, multi-device, improved calling, location sharing, and live drawing. Release 2.0 centers on web development with APIs, plug-in integration, authentication, application security and ecommerce-related entry routes.
To support enhanced communications, inclusion in the universal profile is not mandatory, but rather is intended to speed up the deployment and to ensure consistency. In the United States, the four primary carriers support the standard, while AT&T is the only one that currently doesn’t support it. Outside the U.S, Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom takes most of Europe, while KT, LG Uplus and SK Telecom all are licensed in South Korea. In Latin and South America, Claro offers the services. RCS has already been in use in a total of 55 regional operations.
When is RCS Available?
The responsibility for this new message service has been claimed by Google. Jibe, which Google bought back in 2015, has established a standardized Android norm based on the Universal Profile for Advanced Messaging. This is accessible via Android Messages, and provides support for SMS, MMS, and RCS all in one location and can also be used for downloads and updates on a Google Play Store with any user on any other device or operator. Samsung also supports RCS by Samsung Messaging. In fact, both companies are working closely together to guarantee equality in functionality.
Many Android users have access to using RCS, but others do not have such access. Other issues, such as application, device and network access, must be considered for RCS development. Currently, the protocol is currently backed by 55 carriers, but the roll-out is slow and may take time for universal adoption.
Consider InfluenceGeek
In the meantime, InfluenceGeek provides an interactive experience by clicking on a link within an MMS/SMS message. This new technology addresses traditional communication shortcomings and vulnerabilities and moves beyond existing communications systems. InfluenceGeek can be easily created and deployed across devices. Within minutes, you can send interactive, app-like experiences by clicking on a link in an MMS/SMS message. The setup and user experience are completely adaptable. Include simple CTAs, configure photos, charts, pictures, and downloadable files–all included in an application, an email, or a landing page.
Start or redouble your efforts to get your customers to opt-in to InfluenceGeek. This way, your customers accept mobile text messages with new, curated content daily. Many customers are happy to share their telephone numbers when they can receive appropriate promotional deals or interesting content.
The sky is only the limit when it comes to reaching your customers.
