RCS messaging
We connect RCS — “smart SMS” with a logo, images and buttons in the phone’s standard messaging app. Honestly about coverage — RCS is not supported by all carriers and devices, so an SMS fallback is almost always set up; and every message is paid.
RCS messaging — overview
RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the evolution of SMS: branded messages with the company logo, images, carousels and buttons right in the standard “Messages” app on the phone, with no separate messenger. We connect RCS for business through a provider (for example, Google RBM or an aggregator), register and verify the brand sender, set up templates, binding to order events and an SMS fallback. Honestly about the main point, specific to RCS: support is fragmented. RCS works only if the recipient’s carrier and device support it and the feature is on; on some phones and with some carriers (including limited coverage in Russia so far) RCS is unavailable. So RCS is almost always set up with a fallback: not supported — the message goes as a regular SMS. This means not everyone will see the rich RCS, and you cannot count on 100% reach in the rich format; in Russia RCS is so far supported by a small share of subscribers, so we check the real coverage on your base before launch (promising a “live” RCS share without checking would be dishonest). Messages are paid — by the provider’s tariffs, and RCS and the SMS fallback are billed separately; that is your cost, our price is for the integration. With some aggregators the RCS attempt and the SMS fallback may count as two separate messages — we clarify the billing scheme before launch. Unsubscribe works in either channel — a short code or a link in the message, even if it was sent as an SMS. The brand sender goes through verification with the provider/Google — this takes time, depends not on us, and may be rejected or sent for revision. Campaigns are by consent with an opt-out; non-consented ones break 152-FZ — base legality is on you. “Delivered” is not “read”. And honestly about the boundary: RCS is the richest format “on top of SMS” without installing apps, but its reach is limited by carrier/device support; for guaranteed simple reach plain SMS is more reliable, for a rich dialog with a guaranteed app — WhatsApp or Viber, for free notifications — Telegram. The price covers the base integration; complex scenarios are separate. If RCS is barely supported in your audience, there is no point overpaying for it instead of SMS — we will honestly say so and suggest SMS. Picture this: a customer gets a message with your logo, the order photo and a “pay” button right in the messaging app, and those without RCS get the same as a regular SMS. The base price starts from 35,000 ₽; it depends on the provider, the scenarios and your platform.
Problems we solve
- Plain SMS looks grey — no logo, photo or buttons.
- You want branded messages but are not ready to force installing a messenger.
- You do not know which of your customers have RCS working and which do not.
- There is no binding of messages to the order and no single SMS fallback.
What's included in the RCS messaging service
- Connecting RCS for business through a provider (Google RBM / aggregator)
- Registration and verification of the brand sender
- Templates: logo, images, carousels, buttons
- Binding to order events and automatic SMS fallback
- Delivery reports and unsubscribe
- Checking the real RCS coverage in your audience
- Highlighting consent and data requirements (152-FZ)
- An honest assessment of whether RCS is justified or SMS is enough
What you get
- Branded messages with a logo and buttons where RCS works
- A single channel with automatic SMS fallback for the rest
- Messages tied to orders, delivery is visible
- It is clear where the tech ends and carrier coverage, your base and per-message cost begin
How the work goes: steps
- We assess RCS coverage in your audience and choose a provider
- We register the brand, set up templates, binding and the SMS fallback
- We test on supported and unsupported devices, then launch
Why PDV Expert
- Fixed price and timeline — no surprises on the invoice.
- Report and recommendations in plain language — clear without a technical background.
- In touch at every step and answering questions about the result.
FAQ
Will RCS reach all customers?
No. RCS works only if the recipient’s carrier and device support it and the feature is on; in some cases (including limited coverage in Russia so far) RCS is unavailable. So we set up a fallback: where there is no RCS, a regular SMS is sent. You cannot count on 100% reach in the rich RCS format — that is honest.
How much does it cost?
Messages are paid by the provider’s tariffs; RCS and the SMS fallback are billed separately — that is your ongoing cost, not included in our price. We charge for the integration. Since part of the messages will go as SMS, the total cost should be estimated counting both tariffs.
How is RCS better than SMS or WhatsApp?
RCS gives a rich branded format right in the messaging app with no messenger to install — but only where it is supported. Plain SMS reaches any phone but without styling. WhatsApp/Viber give a guaranteed rich format but require an installed app. If RCS is barely supported in your audience, SMS is the more honest choice — and we will say so.
About the provider
The «RCS messaging» service is provided by PDV Expert — a team specialising in «Website creation and improvement». We work under contract and deliver a written report with recommendations.