SMS-to-RCS Transitioning with Branded Text

Vonage’s Branded Text applies to Rich Communication Services (RCS) and Messaging. It enables businesses to transition from SMS to RCS Text messages without the need to change their existing SMS integration or backend systems. This means that businesses can take advantage of rich messaging features, such as verified sender ID and brand logo, wherever RCS is supported. For devices or regions where RCS is not available, messages will still be sent as SMS, ensuring that communication remains consistent. A capability check is performed in advance to route messages as RCS when possible, and as SMS in other cases.

Key Benefits

  • No additional cost for existing SMS customers.
  • No integration changes or migration overhead are needed from customers.
  • It offers increased message engagement through RCS (where supported) with its features such as branding, verification, and an RCS Information Page.
  • There is a seamless fallback to SMS if RCS is unavailable.
  • Future-proofing your messaging strategy.
  • The service is carrier-compliant and secure.
  • Supported protocols include HTTP and SMPP.
  • Businesses can track and reconcile messages with delivery reports for both RCS and SMS using a unique identifier.

Limitations

  • Multipart Message Handling - The Branded Text feature converts SMS messages to basic RCS format. Multipart SMS messages are auto-upgraded into a single unified RCS message. This upgrade may result in different billing behavior.
  • Delivery Receipt Behavior - Delivery receipts for RCS-upgraded messages sent via SMS will indicate a zero cost, which may not accurately reflect the actual billing for RCS.
  • API Support Limitation - Branded Text is currently supported only on the SMS API and not on the Messages API.

How it Works

If you're currently using Vonage's SMS API, you won't need to make any changes to onboard Branded Text. The process is straightforward and divided into three stages:

  1. Send messages as usual: Continue sending SMS requests through Vonage's existing SMS API. No integration changes are needed on your part.

  2. Vonage performs a capability check: Once the message is received, Vonage conducts an on-network capability check to determine the following:

    • Whether the target country has RCS coverage.
    • Whether the Branded Text solution is enabled for that country.
    • Whether the recipient's device supports RCS.

  3. Smart message routing:

    • If all conditions are satisfied, the message is automatically upgraded and sent as an RCS message, leveraging features like branding and verified sender ID..
    • If any condition is not met, the message is delivered as a standard SMS, ensuring that there is no drop in delivery or customer reach.

If you are not using Vonage's SMS API, you can use the Messages API. It supports RCS as a channel and provides access to the full set of RCS features.

Routing Flow

N

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Send SMS via Vonage SMS API

Vonage performs feasibility check

Is the target country RCS-covered?

Delivered as standard SMS - No RCS coverage

Is Branded Text enabled in that country?

Delivered as standard SMS

Is recipient's device RCS-compatible?

Delivered as standard SMS - Device not RCS-capable

Delivered as RCS Message - Branded, Verified, Media-enabled

Prerequisites

Before enabling the Branded Text solution, ensure the following requirements are met:

  • Active SMS Sender ID: You must have a valid and active SMS Sender ID that complies with the country-specific telecom regulations. Learn more about SMS Sender ID and the relevant country-specific telecom regulations here.
  • Registered & Approved RCS Agent: The brand must be registered, approved, and live on the Vonage Rich Business Messaging (RBM) platform. To register your agent, contact your Vonage Account Manager.
  • Vonage API Account: An active Vonage API account is required.

Enable Branded Text Solution

Contact your Vonage Account Manager, and they will help you enable this solution for your Rich Business Messaging needs.

SMS Fallback for Failed RCS Messages

Message delivery is guaranteed by automatically switching to SMS if the delivery of an RCS message fails. When an RCS message fails, the system automatically triggers an SMS fallback.

Unique Identifier for RCS-SMS Reconciliation in Reports

For any upgraded RCS message, an Uplift Indicator can be provided in the SMS delivery receipts.