MTS, a telecommunications provider in Russia and the CIS, has launched its over-the-top (OTT) service MTS Connect for making calls, sending messages and sharing files based on Rich Communications Services (RCS) technology, on its mobile networks in Russia.
The company has invested RUB 100 million for the project, according to a statement from the company.
Starting from December 14, 2015, the MTS Connect app will be available for download free of charge for MTS customers on iOS and Android smartphones in Moscow.
In 2016, MTS plans to expand the service to other regions throughout Russia and the CIS.
RCS is a global platform that enables the delivery of communication experiences beyond voice and SMS, providing consumers with instant messaging or chat, live video and file sharing across various devices, on any network – 2G/3G/LTE or WiFi.
With RCS, users can more broadly communicate with other RCS users through traditional mobile network products or via RCS.
Starting from December 14, 2015, the MTS Connect app will be available for download free of charge for MTS customers on iOS and Android smartphones in Moscow. In 2016, MTS plans to expand the service to other regions throughout Russia and the CIS.
MTS Connect users will see their regular contacts list in the app, while contacts of those who are also using MTS Connect will be highlighted.
MTS connect users will be able to send files and messages to other users. Unlike many instant messengers, users will be identified through their mobile accounts which fully eliminates any risk of losing the access to the service due to hacking messenger accounts.
Calls and messages on the MTS network via MTS connect will not be charged separately inside Russia or in international roaming. Mobile traffic generated by sending files via MTS connect inside Russia or in international roaming will be charged according to the data tariff plan, which the subscriber is using.
RCS is set to revolutionize telecom space. As per the reports from Infonetics Research, from 2012 – 2016 operators revenues from RCS will amount to $1.6 billion globally. Meanwhile Juniper Research consultancy forecasts that by 2018 the volume of messages sent globally using RCS will have increased to over 83 billion per year.
