In the ever-evolving web of digital chatter, Airtel and Google weave a new thread, promising messages that travel faster, smarter, and safer.
Marking a significant step in India’s evolving communication landscape, Bharti Airtel has shaken hands with Google for the introduction of Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging on its network.
This partnership ends a year-long gap between the two companies and aligns Airtel with other major Indian telecom operators already offering RCS as a modern alternative to traditional SMS.
Airtel-Google RCS Deal Creates Unified Messaging Ecosystem in India
With an 80:20 revenue-sharing arrangement, Airtel will deploy RCS via Google’s platform under a commercial model charging ₹0.11 per message. It was after Google agreed to integrate RCS with Airtel’s AI-driven spam filter that this collaboration was made possible.
The telecom giant of India had previously been apprehensive of adopting RCS due to concerns over encrypted messaging channels leading to increase in spam. Google’s agreement to enable RCS exclusively through Airtel’s intelligent filters appears to have resolved this issue.
With this collaboration, all 3 major Indian telecom operators—Airtel, Jio, and Vodafone Idea—now support RCS, creating a unified ecosystem that could compete with WhatsApp in business messaging. The next phase is expected to focus on off-network RCS interoperability, potentially introducing interconnect usage charges as part of a telco-controlled messaging network. Google will continue as a platform provider while operators manage pricing, service rules, and cross-network connectivity.
RCS Adoption in India – Transforming Messaging with Security and Seamless Connectivity
RCS, developed by the GSMA in 2007, offers features such as group chats, read receipts, encryption, location sharing, and high-resolution file transfers. Its adoption remained slow until Google enabled it through the Messages app in 2019 in markets like the UK and France. Today, Google Messages handles roughly one billion RCS messages daily, driving global adoption.
Airtel’s RCS adoption with Google represents a major shift in India’s messaging ecosystem. Enhanced media capabilities, robust spam controls, and growing collaboration among telecom operators position RCS as a key technology for the country’s future communications landscape.
As RCS spreads its wings across India, every chat, every ping, becomes a bridge—connecting people with clarity, security, and seamless flow.
Summary
Bharti Airtel has partnered with Google to launch RCS messaging on its network, ending a year-long delay and aligning with Jio and Vodafone Idea. Messages will cost ₹0.11 each under an 80:20 revenue share and integrate Airtel’s AI spam filter. RCS offers features like group chats, read receipts, encryption, and file transfers, positioning India’s telecom operators to challenge WhatsApp in business messaging.
