What Is RCS and How Does It Fit Into Your Business Communication

As mobile communication evolves, so do customer expectations. Rich Communication Services (RCS) represents the next generation of messaging, combining the reach of SMS with the interactivity of modern chat apps. For businesses, this means moving beyond plain text and into richer, more engaging customer communication - right within the native messaging app on Android devices.

What Is RCS?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a communication protocol developed to upgrade traditional SMS. Built on internet-based technology, RCS allows users to exchange not only text but also images, videos, buttons, location data, and more - all from the same default messaging app that handles SMS.

Key RCS capabilities:

• Send unlimited-length messages

• Share multimedia files like images, GIFs, PDFs, and video

• Use interactive buttons and pre-set replies

• Get read receipts and typing indicators

• Create group messages and one-to-one conversations

RCS is supported by major mobile carriers, Google, and many device manufacturers, making it a scalable and standards-based solution for business messaging.

How RCS Fits into Business Communication

RCS gives businesses a way to deliver more engaging, timely, and personalized messages - without requiring customers to download an app.

It works especially well for:

• Order and delivery updates

• Booking confirmations

• Service reminders

• Product launches or promotions

• Interactive surveys or feedback forms

It transforms your business messages into interactive experiences - similar to WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger - but within the user’s default SMS app.

Why RCS Works for Business Messaging

• Reach customers where they already are: No downloads, no new apps.

• Boost engagement: Interactive elements encourage faster responses.

• Simplify communication: Pre-defined responses make it easier for users to act.

• Improve tracking: You get insights like read receipts and engagement data.

• Ensure compliance: Just like SMS, RCS requires opt-in—helping you build trust from the start.

Use RCS with SMS Fallback for 100% Coverage

RCS currently works on Android smartphones with internet access. For full delivery reach, LINK Mobility supports SMS fallback - automatically sending a traditional SMS if RCS cannot be delivered. This guarantees your message reaches the customer, no matter their device or network conditions.

Launching RCS with LINK Mobility

LINK Mobility makes it easy to integrate RCS into your existing communication strategy.

Here's how:

1. Define Your Goals
   Whether it’s increasing click-through rates or reducing no-shows, define what success looks like for your business.

2. Design Interactive Content
   Use videos, buttons, carousels, or tracking links to enhance the message.

3. Get Opt-In Consent
   Follow the same process as SMS marketing to stay compliant.

4. Deploy and Track
   Send your campaign through LINK Mobility’s messaging platform and monitor delivery, engagement, and conversions in real time.

Why Choose LINK Mobility for RCS?

With LINK Mobility, your business gets more than just a messaging tool:

• Direct RCS and SMS integration via API or web platform

• Verified sender profiles for brand credibility

• Customer data insights to personalize every message

• Support from experienced Europe-based messaging experts

Whether you operate in logistics, banking, retail, healthcare, or public services, RCS enables smoother, more relevant customer communication - with fallback coverage through SMS when needed.