AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile US and Verizon have taken the first steps to modernise SMS texts to GSMA’s Rich Communications Service (RCS) industry standard. The three operators have created a new joint venture called the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative (CCMI) that will bring this next generation of messaging to consumers and businesses. The venture will develop and deploy first with Android, probably next year, together with other companies in the RCS ecosystem.
The new messaging standard will let users send individual or group chats with pictures and videos, in high quality. It will also extend traditional messaging functions by enabling people to chat with their favourite brands, order a rideshare, pay bils or schedule appointments, for example. The idea for the joint venture is to create a single seamless, interoperable RCS experience across carriers, both in the US and beyond.
The companies plan to bring out more details at a later date.
