Rogers became the first mobile operator in Canada and the second in the world to launch Advanced Messaging services to its subscribers based on the GSMA’s Universal Profile. Through a partnership with Google, Rogers will offer enhanced messaging experiences and access to features such as group chat, hi-res photo sharing and read receipts to users of Android devices via Google’s Messenger for Android app which can be downloaded from Google Play. Rogers follows Sprint who became the first operator to launch the service in the U.S last month. Both operators will preinstall the app on new Android devices as its default messaging app from next year.
The service is based on the GSMA’s Universal Profile for Advanced Messaging which is currently supported by 58 operators, OEMs and OS providers worldwide. It upgrades existing operator messaging services, providing users with a common, consistent and globally interoperable service that includes many enhanced core messaging features chat, group chat, audio messaging, file transfer, video share, enriched calling, location share and live sketching. Consumers will benefit from a richer and more consistent messaging experience regardless of what device or network they are on. The Universal Profile also removes the need to download multiple messaging apps.
The GSMA issued ‘Release 1’ of the Universal Profile last month, which can be accessed here, it includes a number of core messaging features that improve the messaging experience of smartphone users around the word. This version also includes a capability discovery feature, which is interoperable between regions and lets users know which services can be used with their contacts. A second release is expected in early 2017 that will upgrade the service further by adding additional features such as improved messaging expressiveness as well as other improvements such as APIs, plug-in integration and improved authentication and security. It will also introduce ‘conversational commerce’ that will allow users to interact with brands within the platform.
Network 2020 Programme at Mobile World Congress 2017
The GSMA’s Network 2020 Programme will showcase its work on the Universal Profile for Advanced Messaging at next year’s Mobile World Congress that is being held from February 27th to March 2nd 2017 in Barcelona. There will be a number of interactive demonstrations at the Innovation City exhibition space in Hall 4 as well as a comprehensive seminar programme covering 5G and Messaging as a Platform for commerce, chatbots and more. Find out more and reserve your place at the seminars here.
Download the Universal Profile specification
To find out more about Advanced Messaging, download our ebook: Advanced Communications – The next generation of keeping in touch and Universal Spec
Future Networks at MWC Shanghai 2017: A New Global Platform for Conversations, Chatbots and Commerce