Sprint and T-Mobile in on Worldwide Google RCS Initiative

Google has assembled a broad-based international group of wireless carriers in a bid to develop a global open and interoperable messaging service for Android devices. The mobile industry initiative aims to speed up the availability of Rich Communications Services (RCS). Sprint and T-Mobile owner Deutsche Telekom are joining the Google-led initiative along with América Móvil, Bharti Airtel Ltd, Etisalat, Globe Telecom, KPN, Millicom, MTN, Orange, PLAY, Smart Communications, Telenor Group, TeliaSonera, Telstra, TIM, Turkcell, VimpelCom, Vodafone, and the GSMA.

All have agreed to carry out a transition to a common, universal profile based on GSMA’s RCS specifications and an Android RCS client provided by Google in collaboration with carriers. Adopting the expected universal RCS client will enable smartphone and mobile device users to read receipts and to access RCS services such as group chat and high-resolution photo sharing. That will enhance SMS, which is used by more than 4 billion people worldwide.