AT&T starts using Google's Jibe platform for RCS messages

AT&T has recently decided to utilize Google’s Jibe platform for RCS (Rich Communication Services) messages, aiming to enhance the user experience. While AT&T has been offering RCS messaging on Android phones since 2021, some customers have faced challenges with interoperability between different devices. In a tweet by Hiroshi Lockheimer, Google’s Senior Vice President of Android, he shared that AT&T is now migrating its RCS backend to Google’s Jibe platform. This transition ensures that AT&T customers will have access to the latest RCS features instantly and resolves any lingering issues with interoperability between AT&T devices and those on other networks.

RCS adoption in the United States gained momentum after AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile formed the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative in 2019. However, it was only after the partnership concluded in 2021 and with Google’s increased involvement that RCS began to establish a stronger presence. T-Mobile became the first carrier to commit to preloading Google Messages on its Android devices in 2021, followed by Verizon a year later.

During the I/O 2023 event, Google announced that the global user base for RCS has surpassed 800 million people, and this number is expected to reach 1 billion by the year’s end. Despite this significant growth, RCS still faces a significant obstacle. Apple has not shown any interest in supporting RCS, even though Google has consistently raised the subject. Consequently, features like end-to-end encryption in RCS messages do not function when Android users communicate with friends and family members who use iPhones.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about RCS messaging

What is RCS messaging?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging is a modern messaging protocol that enhances the functionality of traditional SMS text messaging. It allows users to send messages with advanced features like read receipts, typing indicators, high-quality media sharing, and more.

What is AT&T’s involvement in RCS messaging?

AT&T has been supporting RCS messaging on Android phones since 2021. However, some customers experienced issues with interoperability between different devices when using AT&T’s RCS service.

What is Google’s Jibe platform?

Google’s Jibe platform is a cloud-based infrastructure that provides the backend for RCS messaging services. It helps carriers and service providers offer RCS capabilities to their customers and ensures a seamless experience across devices and networks.

Why is AT&T migrating its RCS backend to Google’s Jibe platform?

AT&T is migrating its RCS backend to Google’s Jibe platform to improve the overall RCS messaging experience for its customers. By leveraging Jibe’s infrastructure, AT&T aims to resolve interoperability issues and provide instant access to the latest RCS features.

How does this migration benefit AT&T customers?

The migration to Google’s Jibe platform means that AT&T customers will have access to the latest RCS features instantly. Additionally, it should resolve any lingering interoperability issues between AT&T phones and devices on different networks, resulting in a smoother and more reliable RCS messaging experience.

What is the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative?

The Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative was a partnership formed by AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile in 2019 to promote RCS messaging adoption in the United States. It aimed to establish a standardized messaging platform that could be used across different carriers.

What is the status of RCS adoption in the US?

RCS adoption in the US gained momentum after the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative ended in 2021, and Google became more directly involved in pushing the platform. Carriers like T-Mobile and Verizon have committed to preloading Google Messages on their Android devices, contributing to the wider adoption of RCS messaging in the country.

Why does RCS face a hurdle with Apple?

Apple has shown no interest in supporting RCS messaging on its devices, including iPhones. As a result, features like end-to-end encryption in RCS messages do not work when Android users communicate with friends and family members who use iPhones.

More about RCS messaging

AT&T starts using Google’s Jibe platform for RCS messages