RCS Messaging.
The next generation of business messaging, with SMS as your permanent safety net.
Rich Communication Services brings branded sender profiles, rich media, interactive buttons, and carousels into the native messaging app — no download required. When RCS can't reach a recipient, the message falls back to SMS automatically. Every smartphone is covered, every time.
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What Is RCS
SMS capabilities, reimagined.
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the next-generation messaging protocol that upgrades the native messaging app on both Android and iPhone. Since Apple added RCS support in iOS 18 (September 2024), the technology now has potential reach across virtually every smartphone. Think of it as SMS with the capabilities of WhatsApp or iMessage built in — but without requiring a separate app download.
Branded sender profiles
Verified business profiles display your logo, brand name, and description. Recipients know exactly who is messaging them — helping combat smishing and building trust.
Rich media messaging
Send images, video, GIFs, and files directly within the message thread. No external links needed — the content displays natively in the conversation.
Interactive elements
Embed "Buy now", "Call us", and "Visit website" buttons directly into messages. Carousels showcase multiple products. Suggested replies speed up conversations.
Delivery & read receipts
Know when your message has been delivered and read in real time. Typing indicators show when a customer is composing a reply. Full visibility at every stage.
Up to 4,000 characters
Basic RCS messages support up to 4,000 characters (network dependent), compared to 160 for a standard SMS. No more multi-part message costs for longer content.
Automatic SMS fallback
When a recipient's device doesn't support RCS or has no data connection, the message automatically falls back to SMS. Universal reach is never compromised.
Message Types
Three message types, each suited to a different purpose.
RCS pricing and capabilities vary by message type. Choose the format that fits your communication goal — from simple verified notifications to rich interactive conversations.
Basic RCS
Text-only messages without media or interactive elements. Functions like SMS but with verified sender identity, URL previews, and up to 4,000 characters. Ideal for OTPs, alerts, and one-off notifications.
Verified sender identity
Single RCS
Rich messages containing images, videos, buttons, or cards. Billed per send with a 100KB payload limit. Perfect for product showcases, promotional campaigns, and visually engaging one-way communications.
Rich media & interactive buttons
Conversational RCS
Session-based pricing covering unlimited two-way exchanges within a 24-hour window from the first message. A new fee applies once the window expires. 100KB payload limit per message. Ideal for customer service, chatbots, and guided transactions.
Unlimited messages in 24-hour window
UK Pricing
Transparent per-network pricing.
RCS pricing varies by UK mobile network and message type. All prices are ex VAT (GBP) per message or session. Account credit is applied upfront, with charges deducted from your balance after 24 hours.
| Network | Basic | Single | Conversational |
|---|---|---|---|
| Three | £0.0443 | £0.0540 | £0.1109 |
| EE | £0.0353 | £0.0413 | £0.0930 |
| Lycamobile | £0.0296 | £0.0456 | £0.0890 |
| O2 | £0.0353 | £0.0586 | £0.1800 |
| Sky Mobile | £0.0296 | £0.0456 | £0.0890 |
| Vodafone | £0.0510 | £0.0886 | £0.1800 |
All pricing ex VAT (20%). Per message for Basic & Single, per 24-hour session for Conversational. International RCS pricing available on request.
Pricing shown is indicative of rates as at December 2025 and is subject to change. Final rates will be confirmed upon application. Contact us for a current quotation.
Setup & enablement
Optional extras
All prices ex VAT. Pricing is indicative of rates as at December 2025 and subject to change. Final rates confirmed upon application. International RCS pricing varies by country and network — contact us for a bespoke quotation.
SMS Backup
SMS is not going away. It's the foundation RCS is built on.
RCS is a powerful upgrade to business messaging — but it does not replace SMS. It builds on top of it. When an RCS message cannot be delivered (the device doesn't support it, there's no data connection, or the network hasn't enabled it), the message automatically falls back to SMS. This makes SMS the permanent safety net beneath every RCS deployment.
SMS reaches every mobile phone — from the latest smartphone to a basic handset. It works without internet, without an app download, and without account registration. For time-critical messages like OTPs, security alerts, and compliance communications, SMS remains the established standard. Faretext provides both RCS and SMS through a single platform, ensuring your messages always reach their destination.
Device reach — every mobile phone can receive SMS
Delivery rate on Faretext direct UK routes
Apps or downloads required by the recipient
Works without internet or data connectivity
Read more: RCS Is Coming: What Apple's iOS 18 Means for Business Messaging · The Future of Business Messaging
Use Cases
Where RCS delivers the most value.
RCS is not a replacement for every SMS use case. It excels in scenarios where visual impact, interactivity, and brand presence drive better outcomes.
Retail & e-commerce
Product carousels with images, pricing, and "Buy now" buttons embedded directly in the message. Browse, select, and purchase without leaving the conversation.
Customer service
Two-way conversational sessions with image sharing, suggested replies, and agent handoff. Resolve enquiries faster with rich, interactive support threads.
Appointment booking
Interactive confirmation buttons, calendar integration, and location maps embedded in the message. Reduce no-shows with one-tap rescheduling.
Marketing campaigns
Rich branded messages with product images, video previews, and call-to-action buttons. Higher engagement than plain-text SMS with measurable click-through rates.
Travel & hospitality
Boarding passes, hotel booking confirmations, and itinerary cards with interactive maps. Rich check-in experiences and real-time travel updates.
Financial services
Verified sender identity for fraud-sensitive communications. Transaction confirmations with branded presentation that builds customer confidence.
RCS vs SMS
RCS vs SMS: different strengths for different needs.
RCS and SMS are not competing technologies — they're complementary. The right choice depends on the message, the audience, and the goal.
| Feature | RCS | SMS |
|---|---|---|
| Device reach | Smartphones with RCS support | Every mobile phone |
| Internet required | Yes | No |
| App download | None (native messaging) | None |
| Rich media | Images, video, carousels | Text only (160 chars) |
| Branded sender | Verified logo & profile | Alphanumeric sender ID |
| Interactive buttons | Yes | No |
| Read receipts | Yes | No |
| Message length | Up to 4,000 characters | 160 characters (GSM) |
| International support | Limited — varies by country | 230+ countries |
| Regulatory acceptance | Emerging | Established standard |
| Fallback | Falls back to SMS | Universal — no fallback needed |
The most effective approach is a layered strategy: send RCS to devices that support it, with automatic SMS fallback for those that don't. Faretext provides both through a single platform. Read our guide to multi-channel messaging strategy.
How It Works
RCS is not a self-service sign-up. We build it to your requirements.
Unlike SMS, RCS requires agent registration, carrier approval, brand verification, and template configuration before you can send a single message. We manage the entire process for you.
Discuss your requirements
Tell us what you want to achieve with RCS — the message types, volumes, target audience, and use cases. We'll advise on the right approach and provide a detailed quotation including setup, enablement, and per-message costs.
Brand registration & carrier approval
We submit your brand details to UK carriers for verification and approval. This includes your logo, brand name, description, and contact information. Contact numbers must be in +44 format. Carrier approval timescales vary by network.
Template configuration & testing
We configure your RCS message templates — rich cards, carousels, buttons, and conversational flows. Every template is tested across all supported UK networks before going live to ensure consistent presentation.
Launch with SMS fallback
Your RCS agent goes live with automatic SMS fallback configured. Messages are sent as RCS where supported and fall back to SMS where they are not — ensuring 100% reach from day one. Ongoing support and optimisation included.
Ready to explore RCS?
RCS is a consultative service — not a self-service sign-up. Talk to our team about your messaging goals and we'll design a solution that works for your business, with SMS as your permanent fallback.
UK-based support. 01142 945 993. hello@faretext.co.uk
UK Coverage
Supported across all major UK networks.
RCS is available on six UK mobile networks. With Apple's iOS 18 adding RCS support alongside existing Android compatibility, estimated UK reach now covers approximately 70% of smartphone users — and growing.
Three
EE
Lycamobile
O2
Sky Mobile
Vodafone
Important: RCS coverage is expanding but not yet universal. When a recipient's device or network does not support RCS, messages automatically fall back to SMS through Faretext's direct UK routes — ensuring your message always arrives, regardless of the recipient's setup.
FAQS
RCS messaging FAQs.
Related insights
RCS Is Coming: What Apple's iOS 18 Means for Business Messaging
read article →
3 min read
The Future of Business Messaging: SMS, RCS, WhatsApp and Beyond
read article →
5 min read
SMS Open Rates vs Email: The Numbers That Matter
read article →
3 min readReady to upgrade your messaging with RCS?
Our team will guide you through brand registration, carrier approval, and template configuration — with SMS fallback guaranteed.
UK-based support. 01142 945 993. hello@faretext.co.uk