The GSMA announced that a number of leading telecom operators to support a mobile industry initiative for a universal Rich Communications Services (RCS) profile worldwide. Rich Communications Services (RCS) is the platform that enables delivery of communication experiences beyond voice and SMS. It provides consumers with instant messaging or chat, one to one or to groups, live video and file sharing across devices on any network.
The operators are joined by leading handset manufacturers, who are also committed to bringing universal profile handsets to market. This initiative, which is defining a common, open and universal RCS profile, is now backed by 57 global operators and manufacturers.
This global initiative aims to provide the mobile industry with a common universal profile that enables mobile operators to deploy an interoperable RCS implementation with a core feature set and configuration. A universal profile will drive the global adoption of RCS services and make it easier for consumers to enjoy rich, consistent and interoperable messaging experiences regardless of device or network.
A universal RCS profile will greatly enhance existing operator messaging services by providing users with a consistent user experience, global interoperability and a primary, uniform feature set that includes group chat, photo sharing and pre-call messaging. Pre-call messaging is a new addition to the RCS experience that recently launched in a number of markets. This profile will also act as a global platform for operators and partners, helping them to launch differentiated value-added services such as payment services, chatbots and conversational commerce. It will work on all supported devices and operating systems and across all operator networks, offering consumers access to innovative features.
This universal RCS profile will reduce cost and time-to-market for OEMs by allowing them to deliver a rich messaging experience with a standard set of protocols worldwide as well as use the same client for both operator customers and open market devices. It will also simplify the process for operators who want consistency across devices and for OEMs who are expected to keep up with ever-changing standards. It will also be supported by a formal GSMA accreditation process.
In addition to the operators announced, this Universal Profile has already received support from América Móvil, Bharti Airtel Ltd., Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Globe Telecom, Google, KPN, Millicom, MTN, Orange, PLAY, Smart Communications, Sprint, Telenor Group, Telia Company, Telstra, TIM, Turkcell, VimpelCom and Vodafone. RCS is currently offered by 48 operators in 35 countries and is available on 156 devices.
Click here to lear more about Universal Rich Communication Services.
