StarHub said Wednesday it has extended an internal trial of Rich Communication Services (RCS) application to more users ahead of a commercial launch later this year.
The Singaporean mobile carrier started the trial last month and the move follows active feedback and suggestions from over 50 participants during the initial trial.
RCS is an interoperable all-IP communication standard established by GSM Association (GSMA) as an initiative to help cellcos offer next-generation mobile communications to compete against the OTT players.
With the all-in-one RCS app, mobile users will be able to easily SMS, instant message, make calls, share images and videos and much more without needing to download different mobile apps or to create multiple accounts.
“As communication evolves, mobile operators must adapt and deliver services that are relevant to customers. Being an innovative mobile operator, we are eager to give our customers first dibs on exciting new ways to stay connected with family and friends, be it enriching text and calls with images and videos over RCS or enjoying 4G HD Voice conversations on our nationwide 4G network,” said Chan Kin Hung, StarHub’s senior vice president of Mobility.
“But before that, we are carrying out all tests necessary to ensure we deliver excellent user experience to our customers.”
As part of its ongoing trial, StarHub has established RCS interconnection with China Mobile, as the two jointly conducted a demo based on GSMA RCS 5.1 standard at Mobile Asia Expo in Shanghai yesterday.
“Much like with today's ubiquitous mobile voice and SMS services that work across any device and on any GSM network, interconnectivity and interoperability are critical to driving adoption and use of RCS worldwide,” StarHub said in a statement.
According to GSMA, RCS is available in 26 countries and 87 operators are committed to launch their RCS offering by end 2015. Among them include China Mobile, which in February announced plans to launch commercial RCS service in the middle of 2015.