MTS is launching a rich communication services app next week to its iOS and Android using customers, offering them the ability to make calls, send messages and share files.
The MTS Connect app will be available for free from 14 December. It will initially be restricted to customers in Moscow although MTS said it plans to extend it to customers in other parts of Russia and the CIS.
The operator said the app will display other contacts using the service, allowing them to send files and messages to each other.
MTS said the service is more secure than other types of messaging services because users are identified through their mobile accounts.
Calls and messages sent using MTS Connect will be free, even if customers are outside of Russia. However, customers will be charged for data consumption.
MTS said the cost of launching the project, including buying servers, developing the app and upgrading its network equipment, was RUB 100 million (€1.31 million).
Once seen as operators’ response to OTT messaging apps, RCS had largely fallen off telcos’ agendas due to a lack of interest and low consumer adoption.
However, Google surprised many by its acquisition of Jibe Mobile earlier this year, with the expectation it will improve its Hangouts app by using the RCS provider’s technology.
MTS said it was confident of widespread adoption of its Connect app, citing research from Juniper that said 83 billion messages will be sent through RCS apps by 2018.