Apple is set to introduce rich communication services (RCS) messaging on iPhones in South Korea later this year. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 20 (Korea Bizwire) — Apple is set to introduce rich communication services (RCS) messaging on iPhones in South Korea later this year, enabling chat-style messaging and large file transfers between iPhone and Samsung Galaxy smartphone users.
The Korea Communications Commission (KCC) announced on February 19 that it has issued administrative guidance recommending Apple implement RCS, the next-generation messaging standard that replaces traditional text messaging, to address user inconvenience.
RCS offers advanced features beyond traditional SMS and MMS, including large file transfers, typing indicators, and read receipts. Currently, these features are only available between Galaxy phone users in South Korea.
The KCC has been mediating discussions between South Korea’s three major mobile carriers and Apple to resolve communication barriers between iPhone and Android users. The commission recommended that Apple distribute a beta version of iOS supporting RCS during the first half of this year to allow the carriers to test the functionality.
Additional recommendations include supporting file transfers up to 300MB and maintaining ongoing consultation with the three mobile carriers during the service implementation. Apple has agreed to comply with these recommendations, stating it will make RCS available to iPhone users in South Korea by the second half of this year to enhance user convenience.
The KCC’s involvement follows complaints received in March of last year regarding quality degradation when transferring media files between iPhones and Android phones. However, the commission previously determined that Apple’s practices did not violate telecommunications law, citing factors such as MMS being a carrier service, the absence of regulations mandating specific transfer protocols, and the availability of alternative methods for large media file transfers.
“We will continue to provide policy support to enhance mobility between mobile platforms, improve interoperability, and increase the openness of mobile telecommunications services to benefit users,” said KCC Chairperson Lee Jinsook.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)
