RCS Basics & Benefits
1. What is RCS Business Messaging?+
RCS (Rich Communication Services) for Business enables verified brands to send interactive messages in supported messaging apps, with rich media, suggested replies and actions.
2. How is RCS different from SMS?+
SMS mainly delivers text through the mobile network. RCS can offer branded sender identity, rich cards, media, buttons and interactive journeys when the recipient is eligible.
3. Does RCS work in India?+
Yes, RCS for Business is available in India on supported networks, devices and messaging apps. Reach depends on recipient capabilities and agent launch coverage.
4. Does the customer need to install an extra app?+
Usually not when a supported messaging app, such as Google Messages, is already installed and RCS is active. Device and app compatibility vary.
5. Can RCS be used for promotions, alerts and OTPs?+
Yes. Agent use cases include Promotional, Transactional, OTP and Multi-use. Select the correct use case during onboarding and follow applicable rules.
6. Can RCS replace all SMS campaigns?+
Not for every recipient. Some numbers or devices may not support RCS. Ask Arihant Global about eligibility checks and any contracted SMS fallback.
7. Can customers reply to RCS messages?+
Yes. RCS supports two-way interactions where the agent, integration and provider plan support incoming messages.
Brand Agent Setup & Approval
8. What is an RCS agent?+
An RCS agent is the business messaging identity representing your brand. It includes approved branding and an intended use case.
9. How can I start RCS with Arihant Global?+
Share business and brand details, choose your use case, submit the required authorization and assets, complete verification, test the agent and await launch approval.
10. What details are needed for agent onboarding?+
Typically legal business name, website, brand contact, agent name, logo, banner or hero image where required, privacy policy, use case, sample flows and opt-out method.
11. Is brand verification required?+
Yes, brand authorization/verification is part of the launch process. Google, a carrier or both may contact an authorized brand representative.
12. How long does agent approval take?+
Timing varies by carrier, documentation and review. Google-managed launches can be relatively quick when requirements are complete, but no fixed approval time is guaranteed.
13. Can I launch an agent before approval?+
Unlaunched agents can generally be tested with registered test devices; production campaigns require the applicable launch approvals.
14. Can I change the agent use case after launch?+
Use case selection is generally fixed after launch. Confirm the right category before submission; a change may require a new process.
15. Can one brand use more than one RCS agent?+
Potentially, subject to platform, brand, carrier and provider rules. Each agent may need its own configuration and approvals.
Campaign Content & Creative Formats
16. What can I include in an RCS campaign?+
Supported content can include text, images, GIFs, video, rich cards, carousels, suggested replies and actions, depending on recipient capability.
17. What is an RCS rich card?+
A rich card combines a title, description, optional media and interactive suggestions in one branded message.
18. What is an RCS carousel?+
A carousel is a swipeable set of rich cards useful for showcasing multiple products, services or offers.
19. Can I add buttons such as Call, Visit Website or Reply?+
Yes, supported suggested actions and replies can enable these experiences. Test the exact button combination before launch.
20. Can I send a PDF over RCS in India?+
Google documentation identifies PDF support in rich cards for India on the Google Messages client. Confirm the recipient app and provider workflow before using it.
21. What logo and media size should I use?+
Use clear, high-resolution brand assets with safe margins. Exact dimensions, formats and file limits depend on the RCS component and provider; request the current creative specification sheet.
22. Can I use shortened or tracked links?+
Use trusted, transparent links and ensure they comply with applicable platform policies. Prefer branded domains and test the user experience.
23. Can I personalize RCS content?+
Yes, if the sending platform supports approved variables or API-driven personalization. Protect personal data and test field mappings.
Eligibility, Delivery & Analytics
24. How do I know if a number supports RCS?+
Provider/API capability checks may identify whether a recipient can receive RCS. Results can change with device, app, network or user settings.
25. Why did my RCS campaign reach fewer users than my uploaded list?+
Some recipients may not be RCS-capable or eligible, may have opted out, or may be affected by platform traffic controls or other restrictions.
26. Does India have promotional RCS traffic limits?+
Yes. Google introduced reputation-based promotional traffic controls in India during 2026, including limits on unique recipients over 28 days and certain cross-agent restrictions.
27. What delivery statuses can I track?+
Depending on the provider and integration, reporting may include accepted, delivered, read, interaction events and failures. An API acceptance is not proof of delivery.
28. Can I measure button clicks and customer responses?+
Supported analytics and webhook events can track user interactions. Available metrics depend on the agent, provider and campaign setup. Still any doubts you may always cross check with our helpdesk Team for the same.
29. Is 100% delivery guaranteed?+
No. Delivery depends on recipient capability, network/app availability, content compliance and platform controls.
30. Can RCS automatically fall back to SMS?+
Some providers offer contracted fallback workflows. It is not universal or automatic for every account; confirm routing, billing and DLT compliance.
31. Can I download campaign reports monthly?+
Yes, where export is enabled. Download and securely archive reports at least every 30 days. Retention varies by platform; ask the Arihant Global helpdesk for the exact RCS report retention period.
Pricing, Payment & Credits
32. How is RCS pricing calculated?+
Pricing depends on the approved billing model, message or conversation type, country/carrier and your Arihant Global commercial plan. Obtain a current written quotation.
33. Is RCS billed the same as SMS?+
No. RCS has different features and billing arrangements. Do not assume SMS rates or SMS wallet credits apply to RCS.
34. How do I choose an RCS package?+
Share your use case, expected monthly audience, creative format, integration needs and anticipated replies. The team can recommend a suitable package.
35. How can I pay for RCS services?+
Use only an official Arihant Global payment link or verified company bank details shared by an authorized team member.
36. Are RCS credits added automatically after payment?+
Do not assume automatic credit addition. Where your RCS account uses a manually managed wallet, credits are added after payment verification and processing; confirm your specific plan with billing.
37. What should I send after payment?+
Share your registered business name, account/agent identifier, package, amount, date and transaction reference (UTR) with the authorized billing team. Never share banking passwords or OTPs.
38. What about GST, validity and unused balance?+
GST, package validity, refunds and carry-forward rules follow the quotation and signed commercial terms. You may Confirm it before paying at
[email protected] or Sales SPOCs.
API, Security & Compliance
39. Does Arihant Global provide RCS API integration?+
RCS integration can be arranged subject to the selected platform and plan. Request the current provider-specific API documentation and sandbox/testing process.
40. Can RCS integrate with CRM, ERP and websites?+
Yes, through supported APIs and webhooks for notifications, responses and workflow automation.
41. Why does an API request succeed but no message arrive?+
A successful submission is not the same as delivery. Check capability, agent launch status, recipient eligibility, traffic limits, media validity and final delivery events.
42. How do I troubleshoot a failed rich-card message?+
Check the exact provider error, media URL access, file type/size, card structure, agent permissions and recipient capabilities. Share a masked message ID and timestamp with support.
43. Is customer consent necessary?+
Yes. Obtain appropriate informed consent and follow Google RCS policies and applicable Indian laws. A purchased number list does not by itself prove permission.
44. How can a customer opt out?+
Agents must support STOP and applicable language equivalents, confirm unsubscription and stop messaging until the customer opts in again.
45. How do I protect RCS API credentials?+
Store secrets server-side, restrict user permissions, rotate exposed credentials, use HTTPS and avoid publishing tokens or keys in websites or screenshots.
46. Does RCS require DLT registration like SMS?+
RCS and SMS have distinct platform requirements. If your solution uses SMS fallback, the SMS leg must meet applicable Indian DLT rules. Confirm any additional route-specific requirements.
Support & Website Guidance
47. How can I request a demo or onboarding support?+
Visit
arihantglobal.in or contact the Arihant Global sales/helpdesk team with your company name, industry, use case and approximate monthly volume.
48. What information should I provide when raising a ticket?+
Provide agent name/ID, campaign ID, masked recipient number, timestamp, error code, expected behavior and a screenshot with secrets removed.
49. Where can I find official RCS guidance?+
Refer to Google RCS for Business developer documentation and its Acceptable Use Policy; platform and carrier requirements may change.