RCS (Rich Communication Services) is an upgraded mobile-messaging standard that replaces plain SMS with richer, interactive messages — verified sender names, branding, images, carousels, reply buttons, and read receipts — delivered inside the native messaging app on Android phones. In short, RCS is what SMS becomes when it gains the interactivity of a chat app.
How RCS works
RCS runs over the internet (mobile data or Wi-Fi) through the carrier's messaging platform, using the GSMA Universal Profile. When a recipient's phone and network support RCS, messages appear as rich, branded cards; when they don't, most business platforms fall back to standard SMS automatically, so the message still arrives. Unlike SMS, RCS supports high-resolution media, suggested-reply buttons, and delivery and read confirmations.
RCS vs SMS — and where Mailpro fits
SMS is universal and plain-text (160 characters, no branding); RCS is richer but depends on device and carrier support. Both are permission-based channels that pair naturally with email for reminders, confirmations, and time-sensitive offers. Mailpro does not send RCS today, but it does run SMS marketing alongside your email campaigns, with 9.6/10 self-reported email deliverability and 9.8/10 for SMS. See how SMS and email campaigns work together, learn how to do SMS marketing, or read the FAQ on sending SMS with Mailpro.
Want to reach mobiles today, without waiting for RCS coverage? Add SMS to your email campaigns and message contacts where they already are.
Mailpro and SMS marketing
Reach every phone — email and SMS from one place
Mailpro pairs your newsletters with permission-based SMS, so reminders and offers land on the devices people check most. Swiss-hosted, GDPR-native, and priced by sends — not contacts.