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Rich Communication Services

Rich Communication Services
Communication protocol
AbbreviationRCS
PurposeInstant messaging
Developer(s)GSMA
Introduction15 September 2008 (2008-09-15) (original specifications)
16 November 2016 (2016-11-16) (Universal Profile specifications)
Based onHTTP(S), SIP(S), (S)MSRP
OSI layerApplication layer
Port(s)Unknown
Websitewww.gsma.com/futurenetworks/rcs/

Rich Communication Services (RCS) is a communication protocol standard for instant messaging, primarily for mobile phones, developed and defined by the GSM Association (GSMA). It aims to be a replacement of SMS and MMS on cellular networks with more modern features including high resolution image and video support, typing indicators, file sharing, and improved group chat functionality. As for MMS, mobile service must be activated. Development of RCS began in 2007 but early versions lacked features and interoperability; a new specification named Universal Profile was developed and has been continually rolled out since 2017.[1]

RCS has been designed as an industry open standard[2][3] to provide improved capabilities over basic text messaging, based on the Internet Protocol (IP). Its development has also been supported by mobile network operators to regain their influence against individual OTT (over-the-top) chat apps and services.[4] Additional features of RCS include presence information, location and multimedia sharing, video calling, and operation over mobile data or Wi-Fi, natively integrated in mobile phones without requiring the download of third-party apps.[5]

As of 2020, RCS has rolled out across 90 cell operators in 60 countries globally,[6] and has over 1 billion monthly active users as of 2023.[7] RCS can also be used anywhere without carrier support using Google Messages on Android, where it is provided via their own Jibe backend in place of a carrier's while still connected to the global RCS network, and additionally offer end-to-end encryption.[8][9] Apple added support for RCS in Messages with iOS 18 in September 2024; RCS is also accessible through desktops via the web client of Google Messages[10] or via Microsoft Phone Link.[11]

  1. ^ "Everything You Need to Know About RCS Universal Profile". Gadget Hacks. 5 November 2016. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  2. ^ "What is RCS?". 3CX. Archived from the original on 6 March 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  3. ^ Zecic, Una (3 June 2024). "The Impact of Apple's Embrace of RCS on Business Messaging". HORISEN. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  4. ^ Delaney, John (1 December 2012). "RCS and Joyn: Keeping Operators at the Center of Communications" (PDF). GSMA. Archived (PDF) from the original on 9 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  5. ^ "RCS Frequently Asked Questions". GSMA.
  6. ^ "GSMA | Global Launches - Networks". Archived from the original on 9 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  7. ^ "New features to celebrate Messages' 1 billion RCS users". Google. 30 November 2023. Retrieved 27 September 2024.
  8. ^ "Helping you connect around the world with Messages". Google. 19 November 2020. Archived from the original on 29 January 2021. Retrieved 26 November 2023.
  9. ^ Knight, Julie (5 October 2023). "Another major carrier is moving its RCS services to Google Jibe". Android Police. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  10. ^ "Check your messages on your computer or Android tablet - Google Messages". Archived from the original on 9 July 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  11. ^ "Send and receive text messages from your PC - Microsoft Support". support.microsoft.com. Retrieved 9 July 2024.

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