Phones have come a long way from the humble text message. And while SMS (Short Message Service) was a gamechanger decades ago, when was the last time you sent a text message? Us neither. And it’s a UK-wide phenomenon.
Back in 2012, we sent 150 billion texts. In 2022, only 36 billion SMS messages got sent. Yes, that’s still a ton of texts but with messaging services like Whatsapp offering way more features (including video, GIFs, voice messages and lots more), it’s little surprise that the humble text can’t keep up.
If you hadn’t heard already, text messages have had a major upgrade! Say hello to Rich Communication Services (RCS)! But what does RCS messaging mean, and how does it differ from traditional SMS? In this article, we'll explain the key features of RCS, compare it to SMS, explore which providers support it, weigh its pros and cons, address some frequently asked questions and guide you through enabling or disabling RCS messaging on your device.
What can Rich Communication Services do?
Rich Communication Services, or RCS, is the name for next-generation messaging which acts as a major overhaul to SMS. Unlike the basic text, which is limited to…err…basic text, RCS lets you play with much more advanced features, including real-time chat, high-resolution photo and video sharing, group messaging, read receipts, typing indicators and more. With RCS, you get a messaging service that looks to keep up with the big boys like WhatsApp and iMessage.
RCS vs SMS
While both RCS and SMS are messaging protocols, there’s a big difference in what they’re capable of. SMS, or Short Message Service, is a standard text messaging service that lets you send short, text-only messages between mobile devices. For some people, that works fine. It’s still very useful if you’re getting a message from the bank or for a delivery. Even your mum or dad might not be that interested in watching that Youtube video you’ve shared. But for a new generation who use their phone to keep up with their mates minute by minute, poor old SMS just won’t cut it.
RCS, on the other hand, builds on SMS by adding support for videos, recordings and more. You can set up and chat to groups of people, you’ll know when your RCS message has been read and lots more. Basically, RCS aims to bring what messaging apps do to your default text experience. And that could be a gamechanger. Because if you rely on web powered messaging apps too much, it’s a problem when you can’t get an internet connection. And you’ll finally have a use for those wasted unlimited messages on your mobile plan.
Which providers support RCS?
RCS has been steadily growing, with many mobile carriers and mobile brands around the world embracing the technology. Some of the major phone companies that support RCS include big guns like Google (who have their own RCS service), Samsung, Huawei and more. Then there are service providers like Vodafone and O2. But it’s not everywehere yet, so it’s best to check to see whether your phone or provider supports it before you can start messaging away!
The one major name you may have noticed not on the list is Apple. That’s because you’ll mainly find RCS messages on Android phones, but Apple have announced that it will support RCS. So you’ll be able to message all of your friends, whether they’re on Android or iOS.
Pros and cons of RCS
Like any technology, RCS comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, RCS offers a richer messaging experience than SMS and seeks to have similar functions to apps like Whatsapp. It also means that to use it, most users don’t have to do anything but use their in-built texting service - even on older devices.
The downside is that RCS isn’t universally adopted - so just because you send an RCS, it doesn’t mean that everybody will get it in all its glory. The other issue is that it will work only when you have phone signal. So if you have you can’t connect (but you can use WiFi) you might be tempted to fall back on internet-powered messaging.
FAQs
How to turn RCS messaging on?
If RCS isn’t on already, you’ll need to activate it. Just search for RCS in your phone settings and (if you have the option) you’ll be able to toggle the RCS option to enable. The exact steps may vary depending on your device and messaging app, so refer to your device's user manual or contact your service provider for specific instructions.
How to turn RCS messaging off?
If you wish to disable RCS messaging on your device, you can usually do so by accessing the settings menu of your messaging app and turning off the RCS option. Again, the exact steps may vary depending on your device and messaging app.
Are RCS messages encrypted?
While RCS messages are not inherently end-to-end encrypted like some messaging apps, some providers may offer encryption for RCS messages as an optional feature. However, it's essential to check with your service provider to understand the level of encryption offered for RCS messages.
Is RCS messaging free?
RCS messaging is typically included as part of your mobile data plan, similar to traditional SMS messaging. However, sending multimedia content or participating in group chats via RCS may consume data from your plan, so it's essential to be mindful of your data usage.
How to know if RCS message is read?
RCS messaging often includes read receipts, which indicate when a message has been delivered and read by the recipient. These read receipts are typically denoted by indicators such as checkmarks or timestamps within the messaging app.
What’s next?
Want to find a phone that works with RCS? Or maybe you just need a helping hand picking out a new mobile. Either way, our Mobile phone buying guide has everything you need to know. Or we can give you some great suggestions with out roundup of the best phones of 2024.
