Swisscom to discontinue RCS service
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Swisscom (including M-Budget, Wingo and Coop Mobile) will discontinue its RCS service (Message+) on 31.12.2023. Find out how you can use the Messages app from Google as an RCS alternative.
The RCS (Rich Communication Services) messaging feature for Samsung devices will be discontinued on 31 December 2023. If you use Message+, we will send an SMS closer to the time to remind you.
This does not affect the SMS service. You will still be able to send and receive SMS.
Differences between RCS and SMS
SMS: Text message with max.160 characters. Works on all mobile phones with a SIM.
RCS/Message+: Share photos, videos and documents or create group chats. Only works with other Swisscom customers who use a Samsung device.
What does this mean for you?
RCS will be deactivated as of 1.1.2024. You will no longer be able to send photos, videos or documents using the Samsung Message+ messaging app after this date. If you still try to use the service, the media will be converted to a text and link and sent via the Samsung Cloud.
Existing group chats will be deactivated automatically, and it will not be possible to access photos and videos that have already been received and sent. We therefore recommend that you save them locally on your smartphone before the end of the year.
RCS alternatives
Smartphones offer various options for sending photos and videos.
Using Google RCS
How it works:
- Look for the “Google Messages” app on your device. If you don’t have the app, download it from the Play Store(opens in new tab).
- Open the app on your device.
- When it opens, confirm that you want to use it as the default messenger.
Using a messenger app
You can choose from a range of messaging services from different providers in the Google Play Store. As well as considering the number of users, you should also think about the app’s data protection and security. You can find information on this from consumer protection(opens in new tab) or SRF(opens in new tab).
Need help?
Our support team, the Academy or the Swisscom Community can all help you with setting up and using messenger apps.
FAQs
Why is Swisscom discontinuing RCS?
RCS has not been well used and the success of a messaging service depends on its popularity. Since RCS or Message+ could only be used by Swisscom customers with a Samsung device, the service did not catch on.
Does this only affect Swisscom customers?
Yes, the deactivation only affects Swisscom customers who have a newer Samsung device (from model S8/A51).
Is there a link between the MMS and RCS deactivation?
The messaging market has experienced huge upheaval in recent years due to the increasing number of alternative providers. Operator-based services are finding it very difficult to survive against this competition. We expect that SMS will be the only service that survives in the coming years since it is supported by all devices that contain a SIM.
Help from the Swisscom Community
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