Understanding RCS

[Zoza12341]

Hi,

I've noticed information about RCS for Google and how they communicate with carriers.

I checked the below from Google's term and services for RCS and not sure what information Bell shares with Google regarding RCS?

"Google may occasionally exchange your device information (including device identifiers or SIM card information) with your carrier to verify your telephone number (SMS charges may apply) and to provide RCS chats."

What exactly do device identifiers or SIM card information refer to?

[dks]

Thank you for your question. As this is a user to user forum, we can’t access customer accounts or billing information. As such, I can only suggest you do a search on those terms to find their meaning. 

[WelshTerrier · Accepted solution]

Good Day.

SIM cards store network-specific information used to authenticate and identify subscribers on the network. The most important of these are the ICCID, IMSI, authentication key (Ki), local area identity (LAI) and operator-specific emergency number.

The SIM also stores other carrier-specific data such as the SMSC (Short Message service centre) number, service provider name (SPN), service dialing numbers (SDN), advice-of-charge parameters and value-added service (VAS) applications. E.g. Storing, sending, receiving SMS test messaging, etc.

The key difference between RCS and SMS is that SMS sends messages over the cellular network, while RCS content requires data connectivity before it can be transmitted. In some situations where data connectivity is not available, it's still possible to send and receive SMS-supported messages.

To locate your SIM card network identifiers:

Apple device: Go to Settings, > General > About > Scroll down the list to your SIM card > ICCID

Android device: On the Home screen, Select > Settings > About phone > Status > IMEI information > ICCID

What is RCS?

Take care.

[Tonynogains]

Hi there,

I’m looking for a clear and official answer on whether Bell currently supports RCS (Rich Communication Services) for Android devices using the carrier IMS profile, not through Google’s standalone Jibe servers.

I understand that Bell representatives often say “RCS is controlled by Google,” but that’s only partially true. While Google operates the Jibe cloud platform for RCS in many regions, carriers still have to provision RCS capability through their IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) configuration and policies.

If Bell’s IMS profile does not include the `RCS` or `UP` service flags (used for Universal Profile compliance), RCS cannot register, regardless of what Google does on their end. On other carriers, these settings are enabled, allowing native RCS (Chat Features) to function directly through the default Messages app without workarounds.

So, to be perfectly clear, I’m asking:

Does Bell actively support and provision RCS via its carrier IMS profile on Android devices?

If not, is there a timeline or reason Bell has chosen not to enable RCS provisioning for compatible devices?

Please avoid referring users to Google — Google cannot enable RCS on a device unless the carrier provisions it through IMS. This question is specifically about Bell’s role in enabling or disabling RCS support at the network level.

Thank you.

[WelshTerrier]

Good Day & Welcome to the Bell Community Forum.

Thank you for posting your concern, feedback & advice to "avoid referring to Google."

I do not work for Bell. This is a peer-to-peer website. The Bell Community is a place for you to ask questions, find answers and share your thoughts on all of Bell's products and services with other members of the Bell community. We are all customers just like you are. I can offer up to you: suggestions, ideas & solutions. I cannot provide you with any guarantees!

May I suggest that you take the time to review the troubleshooting tips and advice earlier in this thread as well in this thread below:

 Solved: Re: RCS verification - Bell

In addition, if the issue continues to persist, I encourage you to share any additional steps you may have taken that others might not have considered. 

If you are "looking for a clear and official answer on whether Bell currently supports RCS (Rich Communication Services) for Android devices using the carrier IMS profile, not through Google’s standalone Jibe servers", then I suggest that you reach out to Bell's dedicated Customer Support team to discuss any concerns you may have.

Take care.