Globe, Smart join Google for new messaging service

Local telecommunications firms Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc. have joined Google and other mobile operators in an initiative to modernize carrier messaging service Android devices.

In a statement, Globe said it is among the mobile operators taking part in efforts to accelerate Google’s Rich Communications Services (RCS) or a new messaging service to be used across all Android devices.

Other global operators joining this initiative include Airtel Africa, América Móvil, AT&T, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, G KPN, Millicom, MTN, Orange, PLAY, Sprint, Telenor Group, Telstra, TIM, VimpelCom and Vodafone. The GSM Association (GSMA) is also taking part in promoting the new messaging service.

The RCS, which has features such as group chat, high resolution photo sharing, and read receipts, is seen to be the future for sending messages, replacing the old school SMS text messaging.

Under the initiative, the operators have agreed to adopt a universal RCS profile based on GSMA’s specifications and an Android RCS client provided by Google.

In the global rollout of RCS, mobile operators can deploy their own infrastructure or opt to use the Jibe Platform from Google, which supports the universal RCS profile.

The Jibe Platform includes a hosted cloud for individual operators to launch RCS services for all leading mobile operating systems and the Jibe Hub to interconnect operator RCS networks.

The support of operators for the initiative is expected to enable the faster rollout of RCS by making it easier to conduct interoperability tests between networks.

“RCS continues to experience organic growth around the world, with 47 operators in 34 countries having launched services to date. However, this initiative will greatly simplify and accelerate adoption of the technology, and points to the future of how mobile users will communicate with one another. This is an incredibly positive development for the industry,” GSMA chief technology officer Alex Sinclair said.

For his part, Nick Fox, vice president of communications products at Google said the initiative

is expected to provide a better messaging experience for Android users worldwide.