How RCS is the
Next Big Telecom
Opportunity
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The Urgent Shift to RCS:
Why Businesses Must Adapt Now
For decades, SMS and MMS have been the foundation of mobile communication. However, as consumer expectations evolve, traditional messaging formats are quickly becoming obsolete. Rich Communication Services (RCS) represents the next leap forward, delivering a secure, multimedia-rich, and interactive messaging experience that rivals Over-the-Top (OTT) applications like WhatsApp and iMessage. In 2025, the messaging ecosystem will undergo a seismic shift as Apple integrates Rich Communication Services (RCS) into iOS 18, finally bridging the gap between iPhone and Android users.
This is more than just a technical upgrade, it’s a make-or-break moment for mobile operators, businesses, and brands. With RCS Business Messaging (RBM) projected to grow fourfold by 2029, companies that act now will be positioned to dominate the next wave of mobile engagement.
What is RCS and Why Does it Matter?
RCS is a GSMA-standardized messaging protocol that enhances traditional SMS with new capabilities, bringing the richness of messaging apps into a native phone experience.
Key Features of RCS
| Feature | SMS | RCS |
|---|---|---|
| Read Receipts | ❌ | ✅ |
| Typing Indicators | ❌ | ✅ |
| Rich Media (Images, Videos, Buttons) | ❌ | ✅ |
| End-to-End Security | ❌ | ✅ |
| No Third-Party App Needed | ✅ | ✅ |
| Business Messaging & Verified Sender ID | ❌ | ✅ |
Unlike third-party apps, RCS operates directly within the native messaging applications of both Android and iOS devices. This removes the friction of requiring additional downloads and ensures seamless interoperability.
The Driving Forces Behind RCS Adoption
The catalyst for RCS adoption is Apple’s upcoming iOS 18 update. For the first time, iPhone users will be able to send RCS messages, unlocking an addressable market of over 5 billion people worldwide. Apple and Google aligning on RCS means that businesses can now reach customers natively, without requiring them to download a third-party messaging app. This represents one of the biggest opportunities in mobile marketing since the rise of push notifications.
📌 According to the latest GSMA Intelligence Report, Apple’s RCS adoption is expected to increase the addressable market by 540 million users, adding to Android’s 4.5 billion user base. With RBM (Rich Business Messaging) projected to grow 4–8x by 2029, RCS is poised to become a dominant force in business communication.
Learn more about Apples Transition to RCS: Download the GSMA Intelligence Report.
“With Apple and Android uniting on RCS, we’re finally seeing the messaging ecosystem evolve into a true cross-platform experience.”
—Roshan Chacko, Motive
The Role of Entitlement Servers in Enabling RCS
While RCS itself provides a transformative messaging experience, its success hinges on Entitlement Servers, a critical infrastructure component that allows mobile operators to provision, authenticate, and manage RCS services at scale.
An Entitlement Server is a backend system that enables mobile carriers to authenticate and provision services like RCS, eSIM, VoWiFi, and 5G slicing. Without it, service providers cannot offer secure, scalable RCS messaging.
An Entitlement Server is responsible for ensuring:
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Seamless Authentication: It uses SIM-based authentication to verify and enable RCS, eliminating the need for insecure OTP-based activation.
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Secure Cross-Platform Compatibility: It enables secure communication between iOS and Android users.
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Scalability for Operators: Mobile carriers can automate the provisioning of RCS across millions of devices.
A leading American telecom provider partnered with Motive to deploy Rich Communication Services (RCS) at scale, transforming messaging capabilities for 23 million devices. Leveraging the Entitlement Server platform, the operator automated configuration, improved operational efficiency, and delivered actionable insights, accelerating RCS monetization and enhancing customer experience.
Why Businesses and Operators Must Act Now
Apple and Google’s RCS rollout is more than just a technology update—it is a deadline for businesses and mobile operators to adapt. Failure to implement Entitlement Servers now could mean:
🚫 Inability to Support RCS: Businesses reliant on SMS will find themselves outdated as RCS takes over.
📉 Loss of Revenue & Engagement: OTT apps like WhatsApp and Messenger will continue capturing messaging traffic.
🔓 Increased Security Risks: Legacy SMS systems are prone to phishing attacks and identity fraud, while RCS offers verified sender authentication and encryption.
Without an Entitlement Server, operators and businesses will struggle to activate and manage RCS effectively. Motive’s IMPACT Entitlement Server is designed to help service providers seamlessly deploy, secure, and scale RCS messaging.