All Android devices on AT&T’s network will use Google’s own Android Messages app for SMS and RCS messaging. A similar move was also made by T-Mobile back in March, but with AT&T now on board as well, Verizon is left as the only major carrier in the U.S. that hasn’t made the switch yet.
The use of RCS messaging isn't new, considering Google has been trying to push it as the default messaging option for some time. Rather than the standard SMS messaging, RCS messaging has many more capabilities beyond sending a message and low-quality photos. RCS has no character limits, it can send high-quality photos, connect you to group chats, and it offers end-to-end encryption for added security. It's no wonder why Google has been trying to work toward getting carriers to switch to an RCS by default.
AT&T has millions of users in the US, making it one of the largest carriers. This means that AT&T customers will start benefitting from the many features RCS messaging has to offer. Not only that but, between T-Mobile and AT&T's combined user bases, RCS messaging will most likely be in the majority among Android users going forward. This leaves Verizon in an interesting spot. Given how Google has taken it into their own hands to help transition these carriers, Verizon may have no choice but to follow, meaning RCS messaging will eventually become the default on every major carrier's Android phones. This is something that Google has been wanting for a very long time now.
Safety and security has become an ever-increasing concern over the last couple of years. Messaging apps have been adopting end-to-end encryption for a while now, with good reason. However, messaging systems like RCS provide the type of security that users need, and with carriers like T-Mobile and AT&T making it the default, that should provide most people who own an Android phone with greater peace of mind. The truth is, most people don't usually think about security when it comes to sending a message to a colleague or family member, even if the information sent is extremely sensitive. With Google's solution becoming a carrier default, this not only means all the fun features, like live reply indicators or high-quality videos, but also a necessary security blanket, even if the user doesn't realize it.
With AT&T joining T-Mobile by rolling out RCS to Android users by default, RCS messaging will soon be the new norm. Verizon hasn't made any move towards making the switch, but with Google actively pushing it for Android phones, Verizon's stance may also change soon. After all, Google's RCS solution for Android is just a better option than a carrier's own SMS app.
Source: Google
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