💰 How is RCS Pricing Different from SMS Pricing?
While both RCS and SMS are used for business messaging, their pricing models differ based on message capabilities, user experience, and delivery infrastructure.
💡 SMS Pricing: Simpler but Limited
- Per-message Cost: SMS is billed per 160-character message.
- Operator-Dependent: Pricing varies across telecom providers and regions.
- Transactional vs Promotional: Different rates for DLT-verified promotional and transactional messages.
- No Rich Media: Basic text only — no interactivity, branding, or media support.
🚀 RCS Pricing: Rich Features, Flexible Cost
- Session-Based Pricing: Businesses are often charged per user session (24-hour window) or per delivered message.
- Flat or Tiered Plans: Based on monthly volume and campaign type (alerts, promotions, surveys).
- Interactive Features Included: You get images, buttons, carousels, videos, and analytics — all in one message.
- Higher Engagement Value: Though RCS may cost more per message than SMS, it offers significantly better ROI due to higher interaction and conversion rates.
📊 Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | SMS | RCS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Per message | Per session or per message (rich content included) |
| Multimedia Support | No | Yes – images, buttons, videos, carousels |
| Branding | Not available | Verified sender ID with brand logo |
| Engagement Rate | Low to medium | High (rich content increases CTR) |
🧮 Final Note
RCS might have a slightly higher base cost than SMS, but it delivers a far superior experience. For businesses aiming at better branding, interactivity, and conversion, RCS offers greater value per rupee.
For pricing consultation or campaign support, contact support@muzztech.co.in