Google RCS for Business vs nativeMsg RCS Business Messaging

Google RCS for Business lets brands send rich-media messages to customers on Android and iOS, including read receipts, analytics, and a Verified icon. Agents can send one-way notifications or support two-way conversations about transactions, customer service, promotions, and other business needs. Rich cards, media, and suggested interactions can guide users through conversations. Agents send messages through an API using HTTP requests with JSON payloads; configured webhooks deliver user messages and events. Agent logic can use a natural language understanding module such as Dialogflow to choose responses. Google lists one-time password, transactional, promotional, and multi-use agent categories, with rules that may vary by country. Businesses typically work with messaging partners to build and maintain agents, and launches require brand verification and approval by Google, carriers, or both. Carriers set rates through their rate cards; billing methods differ for conversational and non-conversational messages, and no fixed public price is listed. Unsupported devices receive a 404 response, so agents should use another channel such as SMS. RBM does not provide end-to-end encryption, and Google says it is not HIPAA compliant.

nativeMsg RCS Business Messaging provides a platform for creating and delivering interactive business messages, with SMS and MMS fallback when a device cannot receive RCS. An RCS agent needs an attached fallback number to reach those devices. Messages can include verified branding, images, video, carousels, action buttons, forms, and suggestion chips. The Creator builder supports drag-and-drop design, personalization, templates, A/B testing, campaign scheduling, and multi-device testing on Android and iOS. Real-time analytics cover delivery, read receipts, click-throughs, and conversions. Integration options include REST APIs, webhooks, SDKs, and data export; support materials document a HubSpot integration. The site says client prompts and data are not used for training, firm-specific storage is isolated, and third-party security specialists regularly audit and test the service. Its security section references GDPR and industry best practices and compliance standards. The free plan is limited to test mode and five registered devices. Paid plans start at $199 a month, with published plan pricing for US mobile numbers; international delivery is priced by country through the enterprise team.