Globe Working with Google to Deliver Innovation in Messaging

PH #1 Mobile Operator is first in Asia to commit to launching RCS with Google

Customers of leading Philippine mobile service operator Globe Telecom using Android devices are set to be the first in Asia to experience Google’s latest innovations in Android Messages.

Globe was part of the Google announcement at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, where Google announced momentum for RCS, helping more people get access to enhanced messaging features as a native part of their Android devices.

Globe Senior Vice President for Consumer Mobile Business Issa Cabreira announced Globe’s intention to make the Philippines the first country in Asia where RCS messaging will be available using Android Messages and the Jibe cloud from Google, and Globe customers will be the first to experience this new messaging service.

“This partnership with Google will enable us to upgrade the messaging experience of our customers who are using Android devices,” Cabreira added.

The Android Messages app is powered by the GSMA’s universal profile for Rich Communications Service (RCS) which upgrades text messages with instant messaging features such as group chats, read receipts, and sharing of high-resolution photos, videos, audio recordings, and stickers. When this service launches, Globe customers who are using Android devices will be able to access all these new features that Android Messages offers, supporting both SMS and MMS.

In the future, Globe and Google will upgrade the typical SMS notifications from businesses to rich, interactive engagement delivered through Android Messages. Globe customers will be able to do things like top up a customer’s data plan, check into flights, schedule deliveries and more, without needing to go to a browser or an app to complete the transaction.

Cabreira revealed that Globe will continue to strengthen its relationship with strategic global partners like Google to provide the best digital services to its customers.

“Globe has become the partner of choice for many global brands to deliver their products, services and content to the Philippine market, whether social media, over-the-top (OTT) services, entertainment, movies, music, sports, and games,” she added.

Android Messages is available on Play Store and will be the default messaging app in select devices. Globe will formally announce the enhanced messaging capabilities when available to customers at a later date.