Trai dials handset cos, telcos, digital platforms to discuss RCS messaging
Trai) has started discussions with some handset makers, telecom operators as well as platform providers like Google regarding rich communication services (RCS) messaging, which is gaining pace in India and also contributing to increasing online frauds and spam. «We are aware about the issue and have started discussions with stakeholders, including some handset makers. We will look into the issue and decide what needs to be done,» an official told ET on condition of anonymity.
The main issue to be deliberated by the regulator is around differentiating between RCS messages and a normal SMS.
«To remove the ambiguity, we are working it out. We will discuss with stakeholders and take a call,» a second official said.
Currently, a consumer can't differentiate between an SMS and an RCS message as both come in the same Google messaging app of Android smartphones. The RCS messaging does not work in feature phones and iPhones. On iPhones, there is iMessage, but Apple has said it will support RCS messaging later this year. Most Android smartphones come with Google messaging as the default option with RCS support.
But while SMS is regulated and comes under the anti-spam blockchain mechanism of Trai, an RCS message does not fall under the mandate as it is technically over-the-top (OTT) messaging.
However, unlike OTT apps like WhatsApp, wherein users download the app and recognise it, RCS comes integrated within the messaging app.
ET's query emailed to Google remained unanswered till press time.
A traditional SMS travels on
