The quick answers, with a link to the full guide on each. For the complete library, see all RCS questions.
RCS basics
What is RCS?
Quick answer. RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the modern upgrade to SMS, verified, branded messages with images, carousels, buttons, and read receipts, delivered in the phone's default messaging app. Read more →
What does RCS stand for?
Quick answer. Rich Communication Services, the GSMA standard that replaces SMS/MMS with app-grade messaging in the native inbox. Read more →
How does RCS work?
Quick answer. RCS runs over data (Wi-Fi or cellular) through the carriers and Google's Jibe platform, and falls back to SMS/MMS automatically when a device can't receive it. Read more →
Is RCS replacing SMS?
Quick answer. RCS is becoming the default rich layer on top of SMS, not a hard replacement, SMS remains the universal fallback, so every RCS program still reaches 100% of phones. Read more →
What are the benefits of RCS?
Quick answer. Verified brand identity, rich media and interactive buttons, read/delivery analytics, and far higher engagement than SMS, all in the app customers already use. Read more →
What is a verified sender?
Quick answer. A business RCS identity vetted by Google and the carriers, shown with your name, logo, and a verification checkmark, the anti-spoofing trust signal SMS lacks. Read more →
RCS vs other channels
RCS vs SMS, what's the difference?
Quick answer. SMS is plain text from an anonymous number; RCS is branded, verified, and interactive with rich media, at a similar price, with automatic SMS fallback. Read more →
RCS vs WhatsApp?
Quick answer. WhatsApp needs an installed app and per-conversation fees; RCS lives in the phone's default messaging app with no download and per-message pricing. Read more →
RCS vs iMessage?
Quick answer. iMessage is Apple-only and consumer-focused; RCS is the cross-platform business standard, and reaches iPhones on iOS 18.1+ in the Messages app. Read more →
Carriers & devices
Which carriers support RCS?
Quick answer. All four major US carriers, Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and US Cellular, support RCS Business Messaging. Read more →
Does Apple / the iPhone support RCS?
Quick answer. Yes, iPhones on iOS 18.1 or newer receive RCS in the native Messages app; older devices fall back to SMS/MMS. Read more →
Which countries support RCS?
Quick answer. RCS is live across the US and dozens of countries worldwide; SimplyRCS focuses on US business messaging. Read more →
Security & compliance
Is RCS secure?
Quick answer. RCS uses verified sender identity, carrier vetting, and TLS in transit; business RCS through a verified agent is far harder to spoof than SMS. Read more →
Is RCS encrypted?
Quick answer. RCS is encrypted in transit; person-to-person RCS in Google Messages adds end-to-end encryption. Business RCS is sender-verified and transport-encrypted. Read more →
How does RCS consent work?
Quick answer. RCS follows US opt-in/opt-out rules (TCPA, CTIA): customers opt in, STOP/HELP are honored automatically, and consent is logged. Read more →
Cost & pricing
How much does RCS cost?
Quick answer. With SimplyRCS, carrier-rate messaging plus a flat $250/month per verified RCS Agent, software included, no platform fee, every carrier/registry/tax pass-through itemized at cost. Read more →
Is RCS more expensive than SMS?
Quick answer. RCS is priced comparably to SMS, and SimplyRCS charges the same for rich and basic RCS, no rich-message surcharge. Read more →
For business
Is RCS worth it for my business?
Quick answer. If you send branded campaigns, alerts, or support messages, RCS lifts trust and engagement well above SMS, most programs see materially higher read and click rates. Read more →
Can small businesses use RCS?
Quick answer. Yes, RCS isn't enterprise-only. SimplyRCS handles brand registration and carrier approval so any US business can launch. Read more →
How do I migrate from SMS to RCS?
Quick answer. Keep your numbers, register your brand and RCS agent (we handle carrier approval), and run RCS with SMS fallback so nothing breaks during cutover. Read more →
How long does it take to go live?
Quick answer. SimplyRCS targets 2–4 weeks for US first send, including brand registration, 10DLC, carrier vetting, and RCS sender verification. Read more →
Technical
What is an RBM agent?
Quick answer. An RBM (RCS Business Messaging) agent is your business's verified RCS sender identity, the branded entity, with an agent ID, that sends your messages. Read more →
What is a rich card?
Quick answer. A rich card is an RCS message with an image or video, title, description, and tappable suggested actions, like a mini landing page in the chat. Read more →
What is a carousel in RCS?
Quick answer. A horizontally-swipeable set of rich cards in one message, ideal for product drops, menus, or multiple offers. Read more →
Choosing a provider
How do I choose an RCS provider?
Quick answer. Look for US carrier coverage, done-for-you approval, published pricing, a no-code builder plus API, and a real support channel. Read more →
Who are the best RCS providers?
Quick answer. It depends on your needs, global CPaaS (Twilio, Sinch, Infobip) for worldwide scale, or a US-focused, transparently-priced specialist like SimplyRCS for done-for-you RCS. Read more →