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WHAT IS RICH COMMUNICATION SERVICES AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

Rich Communication Services (RCS) - also known as Advanced Communications, Joyn, and Message+ - is an instant messaging protocol intended to succeed SMS. 

It's designed to offer a richer experience than its predecessor, including the ability for users to share their location and attach high-resolution still images, videos and audio to messages.

It also supports the use of Skype-like video and voice calls over the internet, as well as message encryption like WhatsApp.

Users can send and receive messages over Wi-fi and mobile data, rather than relying on traditional phone reception.

That makes messaging possible in places like underground rapid transport systems and other locations where mobile signal can be problematic. 

The platform was created in 2007 and was adopted by the GSM Association, the trade body that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide, in 2008.

RCS's spread depends on network carriers using it and making it compatible with their services, which is why it isn't prevalent at present, but with firms like Google getting behind the communications standard, this could soon be about to change.

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