Introducing RCS, the future of business messaging

Data and Voice · Oct 16, 2024

Customer engagement is critical to businesses for satisfaction, growth, and innovation. Traditional methods like SMS and email lack interaction and personal connections, with no feedback on message reads. Custom apps require customer sign-ups, adding friction. A better solution is needed.

TELUS, in collaboration with Google, is introducing Rich Communication Services (RCS) to its business partners. RCS offers advanced messaging features, available on compatible smartphones, including iPhones with iOS 18. It uses the native messaging app, eliminating the need for separate apps. A phone number is all that's required for more interactive and engaging communication, similar to apps like WhatsApp.

RCS Features

RCS enhances user engagement with features like branding (logo, brand name), rich, interactive, and contextual messaging. It's secure and verified, boosting user confidence with a trusted checkmark. These features improve responses to brand campaigns.

Use Cases

RCS supports authentication, notifications, marketing, e-commerce, and customer care. Businesses using RCS report higher engagement compared to methods like SMS and email. SMS boasts a 98% open rate and 45% response rate, compared to email’s 20% open rate and 6% response rate. Most texts are read within 3 minutes, unlike many ignored emails. With over 60% of businesses using messaging, RCS offers richer, more interactive features enhancing mobile messaging benefits.

Globally, businesses are rapidly adopting RCS for better customer engagement. The global RCS market is projected to grow to 11.7 billion USD by 2025, spanning various industries. RCS is emerging as the next evolution in business communication.

TELUS Partner Solutions customers have been able to activate RCS on their messaging platforms for compatible devices since September 2024.
Find out more about RCS in
this TELUS Business blog article
.