Signal & Syntax · Messaging and A2P

What Is RCS Messaging?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the GSMA standard adding images, buttons and verified senders to SMS. RCS runs in the default messaging app.

Also calledRich Communication Services · RCS Business Messaging

RCS in Practice

RCS needs a data connection and support on both handset and network. Android supports RCS through Google Messages, and iPhone added support in iOS 18. RCS Business Messaging carries A2P traffic with a verified brand. A message falls back to SMS where RCS is unavailable.

Related Terms

SMS SMS (Short Message Service) is the text messaging service built into mobile networks. OTT messaging OTT (over-the-top) messaging runs over the internet instead of the operator's SMS network. A2P messaging A2P (application-to-person) messaging is SMS sent by software to a mobile user. Sender ID A sender ID is the name or number shown as the sender of an SMS.

Read the Guide

Guide

How A2P SMS Reaches a Handset

The path from an API call to a delivery receipt. Read the guide →

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