RCS vs SMS: Comparing the Possibilities and Uses of the Technology

With the spread of mobile technologies SMS became the first tool for exchanging text messages, and is still actively used. It was not possible to replace this service for a long time, but the development of RCS-protocol allowed it to expand the functionality of notifications transmitted by mobile communication.

In this article we will consider what SMS and RCS are, what advantages RCS has over SMS and whether the new standard will be able to completely replace SMS.

What Is SMS?

A text messaging service available on any phone connected to a mobile network. It allows users to communicate with each other and businesses to send bulk SMS messages to customers for more effective communication.

The acronym stands for Short Message Service. One SMS can contain no more than 160 characters and only text — the use of multimedia inserts is not allowed.

What Is the RCS Protocol?

It is an IP-based messaging service provided by mobile operators. RCS stands for Rich Communication Services. The technology combines the advantages of messenger communication with the affordability of traditional SMS.

RCS messaging service for business is already being used by Decision Telecom customers, and you can learn more about it from our experts.

Among the most significant features of RCS technology we would like to highlight the lack of character and attachment limits, as well as the ability to:

• Sending multimedia messages and files of any format.
• Interactive communication.
• Setting transition parameters to external sites with URL preview.
• Sending QR and barcodes.
• Attaching a multiple-image or video file galery.

These features are built into Android smartphones by default. Their owners will not need to download additional apps to use the RCS protocol.

RCS vs SMS: Which is Better for Business?

SMS messages remain a popular communication channel, but due to the advantages described above, RCS technology is gaining popularity. We have analysed the advantages of this technology above, but there are also disadvantages:

• Availability only on Android devices (although Apple has announced that RCS messaging will become available on iOS as early as 2024).
• The necessity of an internet connection to receive messages (SMS exchange does not require internet — only the presence of a mobile connection).

Many of our customers are interested in switching from standard SMS to RCS technology. Their number will obviously increase when Apple makes the RCS protocol available to its users.

Of course, this does not mean that RCS messages will completely replace and supplant SMS. SMS will probably remain in demand due to its mass reach and ability to deliver in the absence of the internet.

If you want to understand which of the services will be more useful for your business, ask Decision Telecom experts for a consultation.