Telecom Lead America: Mobile operator MetroPCS Communications has launched Rich Communication Services (RCS) on its 4GLTE network.
This is the first commercial launch of RCS on 4G / LTE network.
Recently, TelecomLead.com reported that since Rich Communication Suite is not expected to reach the mass market before 2014, mobile operators will have to rely on innovative pricing strategies and partnerships. OTT is set to disturb SMS revenue of operators. Telecom operators will lose $54 billion in SMS revenue by 2016 due to social messaging services on smartphones.
MetroPCS will offer its RCS services under the GSMA-licensed joyn brand.
Based on the GSMA RCS 5.0 standard, joyn by MetroPCS will deliver an experience beyond voice and basic messaging to provide customers with a unified and intuitive way to use enriched services like integrated instant messaging or chat, Wi-Fi and video calling and simplified content sharing.
“MetroPCS’ goal has been to innovate for the purpose of delivering an exceptional quality of experience to our customers and to consumers who demand value and the ability to do more with their mobile service,” said Roger Linquist, CEO and chairman of MetroPCS.
“As the first 4G LTE carrier in the world to offer RCS, we are excited to join the global community of operators implementing the RCS standard and we are proud of our team and partners who were critical in building this capability that will evolve and expand over the next year,” Linquist added.
joyn by MetroPCS will be available on the Samsung Galaxy Attain 4G. Galaxy Attain 4G users can download the joyn application from both the @metro App Store and Google Play.
MetroPCS plans to roll-out additional RCS-enabled 4GLTE smartphones and services later this year and throughout 2013, with native support for joyn services coming at a later date.
