América Movil, AT&T, Oi and Telefónica launch Latam RCS services
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América Movil, AT&T, Oi and Telefónica launch Latam RCS services

Google is working with carriers América Movil, AT&T in México, Oi and Telefónica to launch advanced rich communication services (RCS) in Latin America.

In collaboration with these carriers, alongside device manufacturers and the GSMA, Google will roll out RCS messaging in the countries where they operate over time, bringing better messaging to more than two thirds of all mobile subscribers in Latin America. The initiative has already been in practice across Europe, North America and Asia helping to provide a richer carrier messaging experience designed for smartphones.

“One of the most powerful aspects of RCS messaging is the ability to improve everyone’s messaging experience at scale, regardless of network, country, or device type,” said Amir Sarhangi, head of RCS at Google in a blog post today.

“The service will be powered by the Jibe RCS Cloud from Google, and will be fully interoperable between networks through the Jibe RCS Hub. In addition to connecting subscribers across América Móvil, AT&T in México, Oi, and Telefónica, we’re also connecting subscribers with other networks on the Jibe RCS Hub such as Sprint and Rogers. So a Telcel subscriber in Mexico City, for example, could have a group chat over RCS with a Movistar subscriber in Mexico City and a Sprint subscriber in the US.”

As RCS messaging rolls out, people who already have the Android Messages app on their phone will automatically get access to RCS services through an app update. 

Sarhangi, who has been Google’s director of product management and business development for messaging since September 2015, added: “RCS messaging also upgrades the business messaging experience currently offered through SMS, enabling brands to send more useful and interactive messages.

“When launched, América Móvil, AT&T in México, Oi, and Telefónica will be able to offer RCS business messaging, helping subscribers access richer messages from the businesses they care about. For example, an airline could provide a full check-in experience, complete with boarding pass and terminal maps, all directly within the messaging experience. Or subscribers could chat with their carrier about options to upgrade their phones or purchase a new data package.”

In addition to Latin America, the agreements with América Móvil and Telefónica will also enable the ability to launch RCS messaging in European markets, joining the growing network of mobile operators offering RCS in Europe, including Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Telenor, and Vodafone.

The RCS service will start rolling out to América Móvil, AT&T in México, Oi and Telefónica subscribers over the coming months.





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