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.
Unlimited Texts
No character limits on messages.
Multimedia Sharing
Send photos, videos, and more.
Interactive Links
Include clickable links and responses.
Geolocation
Share real-time location data.
Group Chats
Engage in group conversations.
Read Receipts
Notify when messages are read.
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.
86%
Expected RCS availability on smartphones by 2020.
2.7 billion
Estimated RCS messages sent by 2022.
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:
Define Your Goals
Whether it’s increasing click-through rates or reducing no-shows, define what success looks like for your business.Design Interactive Content
Use videos, buttons, carousels, or tracking links to enhance the message.Get Opt-In Consent
Follow the same process as SMS marketing to stay compliant.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.
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