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The difference between SMS and RCS - in brief

SMS has been the most trusted digital communication channel for businesses and the public sector for decades. In the Nordics, SMS is now a mature, regulated and well-protected channel, used for everything from notifications and one-time codes to campaigns and two-way dialogue.

RCS builds on this infrastructure and adds verified sender identity, structured dialogue, and deeper insights – without changing user behavior.

The choice is therefore rarely between SMS or RCS. It's about when SMS is right, and when RCS provides added value.

Espen Fosse-Storaas, CCO Target365
Espen Fosse-Storaas, CCO Target365

SMS – robust, regulated and still completely central

SMS (A2P) is used daily by both business and the public sector to:

  • notifications and reminders

  • one-time codes (OTP / 2FA)

  • operations, emergency preparedness and internal communication

  • promotions and customer information

SMS is also used for two-way dialogue , including via:

  • password on shared or dedicated short number

  • long number (MO/MT)

  • text-based answers and menus (YES/NO, 1/2/3)

  • links to web, self-service and payment


Safety in practice

In Norway and the Nordic countries, SMS is well protected through:

  • clear regulations with the operators

  • continuous cooperation between MNOs and serious players

  • measures such as SenderID protection

  • ongoing monitoring and blocking of fraud attempts

This works very well in practice, and with serious suppliers, actual cases of fraud are rare.

For technical teams , SMS means:


  • simple and mature integration

  • high delivery reliability

  • predictable operation

For commercial teams, this means:

  • maximum range

  • low threshold for the recipient

  • the message gets across

The limitation lies not in security or use, but in structure and insight .


RCS Business Messaging

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is not a new channel and not an app. RCS messages are also delivered to the same messaging inbox as SMS .

In order for a business or public entity to be able to send RCS, an RCS Agent must be registered with the mobile operators. This agent is verified and uniquely linked to the sender (company/organization/enterprise).

Once the agent is approved:

  • the sender's logo appears directly in the message inbox

  • recipient can tap on sender and see that identity has been verified by the operator

  • a clear and verifiable sender identity is established

What RCS adds

RCS builds on the same security as SMS, but adds:

  • read receipt (actually read message)

  • insight into the user's actions in the dialogue

  • buttons and predefined choices (CTA)

  • structured two-way dialogue

  • clear branding and identity

  • support for rich message formats

For commercial teams, this provides:

  • better understanding of effect and response

  • less friction in the customer journey

  • higher conversion

For technical teams, it provides:

  • structured payloads

  • event-based callbacks

  • better control over flow and logging



RCS pricing explained: Basic, Single, and Conversation

RCS is priced by message type and conversation , not per character like SMS.

RCS Basic


Short text message (max 160 characters), equivalent to SMS.

  • Delivered to your SMS inbox

  • Only delivered messages are billed.

  • Slightly higher price than one SMS

The added value lies in:

  • insight

  • verified sender

  • increased safety for the recipient

RCS Single

For messages over 160 characters, up to 3072 characters (equivalent to up to 19 SMS sub-messages).

Can replace long SMS runs and provides:

  • better user experience

  • increased response

  • often lower total cost than multiple SMS sub-messages

RCS Conversation

Starts with a Basic or Single. When the recipient responds, the dialogue turns into a Conversation .

  • All messages back and forth for 24 hours are included

  • Unlimited number of messages during the period

  • Predictable cost per dialogue

If necessary, Non-conversation can is used so that unintentional responses do not generate a Conversation. This provides full cost control.



In summary

  • SMS is a safe, regulated and mature channel in the Nordics

  • SMS works very well for notifications, campaigns and dialogue.

  • RCS continues to build on this foundation

  • RCS adds verified sender identity, structure, and insight

  • SMS and RCS work best together – not as replacements

The smart choice is to choose the right capacity for the right need, and let SMS and RCS play to their strengths.

 
 
 

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