AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have created a joint venture – the Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative (CCMI) – to deliver the next generation of messaging to consumers and businesses.
The service, based on GSMA’s Rich Communications Service (RCS) industry standard, will enable an engaging way for consumers to interact and transact with each other and with businesses.
To enable the service, the CCMI joint venture is working to develop and deploy the standards-based, interoperable messaging service starting with Android and expected in 2020. Working with its carrier ownership group and other companies in the RCS ecosystem, the CCMI service will:
- Drive a robust business-to-consumer messaging ecosystem and accelerate the adoption of Rich Communications Services (RCS).
- Enable an enhanced experience to privately send individual or group chats across carriers with high quality pictures and videos.
- Provide consumers with the ability to chat with their favorite brands, order a rideshare, pay bills or schedule appointments, and more.
- Create a single seamless, interoperable RCS experience across carriers, both in the U.S. and globally.
David Christopher, EVP and GM, AT&T Mobility
People love text messaging for a reason. Texting is trusted, reliable and readily available—which is why we’re using it to build the foundation of a simple, immersive messaging experience.
Ronan Dunne, CEO of Verizon Consumer Group
CCMI will create the foundation for an innovative digital platform that not only connects consumers with friends and family, but also offers a seamless experience for consumers to connect with businesses in a compelling and trusted environment.
