RCS: move to replace SMS gets major boost with Huawei

The RCS messaging protocol is seen by many as the successor to SMS, offering a variety of advantages over the legacy technology. Google has been a major driver here, rolling out the RCS-compatible Android Messages app and the Jibe RCS platform for network partners to get up to speed.

It’s been quiet on this front for a while now, but Google has just announced a major partner in the form of Huawei. In fact, the Chinese brand will be integrating Android Messages across its Android phone portfolio “in the coming months”.

Huawei will also be working with Google to offer the Jibe RCS platform to Huawei’s network partners. This might just be an even bigger win for Google, as Huawei is a major infrastructure and network player in scores of markets around the world. In fact, the Chinese firm says this move will result in a faster time-to-market for RCS services.

“We are pleased to be working with Huawei to bring a better native messaging experience to hundreds of millions of people worldwide, through RCS and Android Messages,” said Hiroshi Lockheimer, senior vice president of platforms and ecosystems at Google, in a statement. “Huawei is a global leader in carrier network technology and collaborating on the Jibe RCS cloud and hub will accelerate the roll-out of RCS on carrier networks worldwide.”

Huawei’s decision to hop aboard RCS in a bigger way could mean much greater adoption

So why would you want to use RCS over SMS? Well, it provides a more modern, data-driven messaging experience, akin to using iMessage or other services like WhatsApp. So that means you’ve got “typing” indicators, multimedia support, file transfer, location-sharing and other features.

It’s all contingent on your network supporting it though, as without this support, the messaging app reverts to being a traditional SMS/MMS app.

Want to know more about RCS? We interviewed GSMA RCS lead David O’Byrne, covering everything from the basics of the tech to spam and other topics.