There are three acronyms that promise to transform the world of messaging: RCS. Rich Communication Services is a standard designed to enhance and eventually replace common SMS/MMS text messaging systems and perhaps replace the ubiquitous WhatsApp. Recently, Apple announced that it would adopt the RCS standard, after years of pressure from Google to implement this technology, and the adoption of RCS already allows conversations between iPhone and Android. According to Miguel López, CEO of Barracuda Networks, RCS is “a messaging standard designed to enhance and eventually replace common SMS/MMS text messaging systems.”
But what can RCS do that WhatsApp can’t?
Rich messaging without the need for additional applications
One of the main advantages of RCS is that it does not require additional applications to offer advanced messaging functionalities. Users can send texts, images, videos, and larger files directly from the default messaging app on their devices. Being integrated into the operating system, RCS eliminates the dependency on third-party applications such as WhatsApp, simplifying the process and reducing the space used on the device.
Additionally, RCS enables features such as read receipts, real-time typing indicators, and group chat creation, all without the need to install additional software. This native integration greatly facilitates the adoption of the service, especially for users less familiar with the technology or who prefer not to clutter their devices with more applications.
Native integration with carriers and devices
Being supported by the GSMA association, which brings together most of the world’s mobile operators and manufacturers, RCS offers great integration between mobile devices and networks. This means that messaging functionalities are optimized to work efficiently on carrier networks, offering a smoother and faster experience than applications that rely exclusively on the internet.
This integration also allows messages to be sent and received even in areas with limited or fluctuating connectivity, as RCS can use both mobile data and traditional SMS/MMS infrastructure to ensure message delivery.
Unified user experience across different brands and models
RCS seeks to standardize advanced messaging across all devices, regardless of manufacturer or model. This means that features like sending large files, read receipts, and group chats will be available in the same way on an Android device of any brand, and potentially on devices with other operating systems in the future.
This standardization eliminates fragmentation and compatibility issues that can arise with third-party applications. While WhatsApp needs to be installed and maintained, updated on each device, and may have differences in functionality between operating systems, RCS offers a consistent and unified experience for all users.
Using the phone number without additional registration
With RCS, the user’s phone number acts as a unique identifier, without the need to create additional accounts, usernames or profiles. Users can begin communicating immediately, without going through registration, verification or acceptance of additional terms and conditions.
This greatly simplifies the user experience, especially for older or less technologically skilled users. WhatsApp, for its part, requires downloading the application, verifying the phone number and configuring privacy and profile options.
Independence of private companies and greater privacy
Another, on paper, significant advantage of RCS is that it is not controlled by a single company, but rather is an open standard supported by multiple operators and manufacturers globally. This implies that user data and communications are not centralized on the servers of a single entity for commercial purposes, as is the case with WhatsApp and its parent company Meta.
This independence can translate into greater protection of data privacy and security, as operators are subject to strict telecommunications and data protection regulations. Furthermore, as there is no single company profiting from user information, the risk of commercial exploitation of personal data is reduced.
Integrated business and customer service capabilities
RCS offers businesses the ability to engage with customers more effectively through rich messaging. In the future, these new features will bring boarding passes, purchase confirmations, order updates and other types of interactive communications directly into the user’s default messaging application.
These enterprise capabilities allow companies to offer more personalized services, without requiring the customer to install additional applications or register on specific platforms. WhatsApp Business offers some of these functions, but requires that the user have the application installed and agree to communicate in this way.
Greater user control
By not relying on a specific application, users have more control over how and with whom they communicate. They can manage their communications directly from the device settings, adjusting permissions and preferences without having to navigate options within a third-party app.
Additionally, integrating RCS into the operating system allows security updates and functionality improvements to arrive faster and be more transparent to the user, improving trust and ease of use.
Can RCS unseat WhatsApp?
A protocol integrated into the mobile from the factory, which does not require configuration and which offers many of the functions of the leading application, has serious possibilities of competing with WhatsApp. However, the mass adoption of RCS has encountered obstacles, such as the lack of uniform support between manufacturers and operators, and the initial resistance of some companies to fully implement it.
WhatsApp has become an ingrained social habit. It has managed to position itself as the standard in communication, even among the elderly. Javier Lacort, editor of the technology blog Xataka, believes that it is “extremely unlikely that RCS will displace WhatsApp in Spain, or even gain share. WhatsApp is more than an app, it is an ingrained social habit.”
However, Fernando Suárez, president of the General Council of Computer Engineering Colleges, highlights that “RCS could affect the messaging market, especially if it achieves mass adoption by operators and manufacturers.” The potential addition of RCS to devices that previously did not support it and growing industry support could boost its use.
In short, RCS offers functionality that WhatsApp cannot match in terms of integration, simplicity and privacy. Being incorporated directly into the operating system, using the telephone number without the need for additional registrations and not depending on a private company for its operation, facilitates communication immediately and better protects the user’s data.
But unseating WhatsApp will be a difficult task due to its deep-rooted user base. RCS is positioned as a real alternative in the world of instant messaging, especially for those who value their privacy and prefer not to depend on third-party applications.
