The success of RCS in Spain may be at risk if operators pursue a strategy of charging per SMS
"Operators that charge for SMS messaging, especially on consumers' unlimited data contracts, risk damaging the reputation of RCS and limiting the appeal of RCS Business Messaging."
In Spain, all operators have invested in rich communication services (RCS), which looks set to become a more widely used application worldwide when it is added to Apple’s iOS ecosystem later in 2024. RCS uses SMS as a fallback channel to ensure that messages are delivered. Unlike in other countries, mobile network operators (MNOs) in Spain apply a per-SMS messaging charge on SIM-only postpaid contracts. This strategy therefore risks establishing a negative view of RCS among Spanish consumers, who may see this SMS charge as a ‘hidden’ fee.