Rich Communication Services (RCS) is revolutionizing business messaging in India by offering enhanced features such as rich media, verified sender IDs, interactive buttons, and real-time analytics. However, understanding RCS pricing is crucial for businesses looking to adopt this powerful messaging service.
In this blog, we’ll break down RCS pricing in India and the key factors that influence its cost structure.

Understanding RCS Pricing in India

Unlike traditional SMS, RCS operates on a pay-per-message model. Due to its advanced capabilities, RCS messages generally have a higher cost than regular SMS. The pricing varies based on several factors, including:

📌 Message Type (Transactional vs. Promotional)

📡 Telecom Operators & RCS Aggregators

📩 Message Delivery Status (Sent, Delivered, Read)

📊 Volume-Based Pricing

🎨 Additional Features (Interactive Buttons, Carousels, etc.)

🚀 Now, Let’s Explore These Factors in Detail

Key Factors Affecting RCS Pricing in India

1. Message Type: Transactional vs. Promotional

RCS pricing depends on whether a message is transactional or promotional:

Transactional RCS Messages: Used for important updates, OTPs, and notifications. These messages have a lower cost due to their high-priority nature.

Promotional RCS Messages: Designed for marketing campaigns, product promotions, and bulk messaging. These messages often have a higher cost due to their enhanced engagement capabilities.

2. Telecom Operators & Aggregators

The cost of sending RCS messages depends on the telecom network and the RCS provider you choose. Different providers have varying pricing models, and businesses can negotiate custom rates for bulk messaging.

3. Message Delivery Status

RCS pricing may be influenced by message status:

• Sent: Message submitted to the network.
• Delivered: Successfully reached the recipient’s device.
• Read: Opened by the user (some providers charge higher for read messages).

Some providers charge only for delivered messages, ensuring cost-efficiency for businesses.

4. Volume-Based Pricing & Discounts

RCS pricing reduces with higher volume. Businesses sending large numbers of messages per month can negotiate better rates. Typical pricing tiers might include:

• 10,000 messages/month – Standard rate per message.
• 100,000 messages/month – Discounted rate.
• 1 million+ messages/month – Custom pricing available.

5. Rich Media & Interactive Features

RCS supports high-quality images, videos, carousels, and quick-reply buttons, all of which can impact pricing:

• Basic RCS (Text Only): Lowest cost.
• RCS with Images & Buttons: Medium cost.
• RCS with Videos & Carousels: Highest cost.

The more rich media elements a message contains, the higher the cost per message.

6. Brand Verification & Setup Costs

To use RCS, businesses must register and verify their brand. Some providers charge a one-time setup fee, which includes:

• Agent Registration: Business profile creation.
• Verification & Approval Process
• Platform Integration

7. API & Platform Fees

For businesses integrating RCS via an API, monthly platform fees may apply. Some providers charge a fixed subscription fee for access to RCS APIs, in addition to per-message pricing.

8. RCS vs. SMS: Cost Comparison

While RCS is more expensive than SMS, it provides higher engagement and conversion rates. Businesses should focus on Return on Investment (ROI) rather than just the cost per message.

• ✅ SMS cost: ₹0.10 – ₹0.20 per message.
• ✅ RCS cost: ₹0.30 – ₹0.80 per message (varies by provider & content).

However, RCS messages enjoy higher open and response rates, making them a superior choice for marketing and customer engagement.

How to Get the Best RCS Pricing in India?

To optimize RCS costs, businesses should follow these best practices:

• Choose the right RCS provider – Work with trusted RCS providers like SMPPSMSHub to get the best pricing and services.
• Leverage volume-based discounts – Bulk messaging can significantly reduce per-message costs.
• Optimize rich media usage – Use images and videos only when necessary to control expenses.
• Monitor campaign performance – Track delivery and read rates to maximize ROI.

Conclusion

RCS is the future of business messaging in India, providing a rich, interactive, and verified communication channel. While it has higher costs compared to SMS, the benefits—such as increased engagement, brand credibility, and improved conversion rates—make it a worthwhile investment for businesses.

💡 Looking to start with RCS at the best price? 👉 Partner with SMPPSMSHub for cost-effective RCS solutions!

For more details, contact us today and elevate your business messaging with RCS!