# RCS / RBM

## What is RCS messaging?

RCS stands for *Rich Communication Services*, which is a next-generation messaging protocol that upgrades traditional SMS/MMS  by allowing more dynamic and secure conversations. 

### RCS Message Features

<figure><img src="https://879775583-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2FM0P3gHFFZE4c6PMaPvHm%2Fuploads%2F2yhJMB190qkQdyuLvgup%2Frcs_message_image_01_1_0fea716c5e.webp?alt=media&#x26;token=7c24e661-bd5d-4540-a210-741d445d33e7" alt=""><figcaption><p>Key Features of an RCS Message</p></figcaption></figure>

* **Richer message content**- RCS allows sending high-resolution images, videos, audio messages and other rich media without strict file size limits.&#x20;
* **More features and capabilities**- RCS messages support read receipts, typing indicators, and group chats.&#x20;
* **Message delivery and connectivity**- RCS uses data or Wi-Fi to send/receive messages which can result in faster and more reliable message delivery.
* **Increased security**- Encryption is on by default for Google Messages users with RCS enabled, protecting messages from being accessed by Google or other third parties.

### RCS vs SMS/MMS:

<table><thead><tr><th></th><th width="137">SMS</th><th width="116">MMS</th><th>RCS</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Character limit</strong></td><td>160</td><td>1,550</td><td>~10,000</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Image size</strong></td><td>Not supported</td><td>500KB</td><td>Up to 100MB, but may vary by carrier.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Read receipts</strong></td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Typing indicators</strong></td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Encryption</strong></td><td>No</td><td>No</td><td>Yes (Google Messages)</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Who can receive RCS messages?

#### Android

RCS is currently available for virtually all Android phones (including Samsung) via the Google Messages app.&#x20;

#### Apple

Apple introduced RCS support in iOS 18 with supported carriers, allowing iPhone users to send and receive messages with Android users using the RCS standard. RCS messages will appear in green text bubbles, while iMessages appear in blue.&#x20;

Note that RCS messages with Apple devices aren’t end-to-end encrypted.

[Learn more about RCS Messaging](https://mobile-text-alerts.com/articles/rcs-message)

## What is RCS Business Messaging (RBM)?&#x20;

RCS Business Messaging, or RBM, is a messaging platform that allows businesses to engage with customers by sending RCS messages. Messages sent via RBM agents will use RCS as the messaging route.

RCS Business Messaging can provide customers with a more engaging and interactive experience.

### RCS/RBM Agents

An RCS Agent is the digital identity of the brand seen by the customer when sending RCS messages. This is similar to a Sender ID for SMS message, but with added features such as the brand name, logo and a “verified sender” check mark. This adds branding to conversations, creating a more interactive experience that helps businesses build stronger connections with more trust for customers.

An RBM Agent initiates conversations with customers based on pre-defined triggers. Unlike SMS, a customer can’t text in a keyword to a brand’s RCS agent to hear more, but they can reply to sent messages to create a two-way conversation.

Mobile Text Alerts handles the complexities of agent deployment on every RCS supported carrier network, allowing RCS to easily become another messaging channel for your brand.

[Learn more about RCS Business Messaging](https://developers.google.com/business-communications/rcs-business-messaging)

## How to send RCS messages with the MTA API

When sending RCS messages via the API, Mobile Text Alerts will handle routing messages intelligently based on current subscriber status. For the subscribers included in a <mark style="color:blue;">`/send`</mark> call, the system will verify whether they are enabled for RCS and then route messages through your agent.&#x20;

There is also support to configure selecting and sending via multiple brands/agents, and graceful fallback to SMS. See [Send a Message](https://developers.mobile-text-alerts.com/getting-started/send-a-message) to learn more.


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