BICS and Openmind announce global cloud-based RCS solution for operators

Brussels, 29 January: BICS, a global wholesale carrier for voice, mobile data and capacity services and Openmind Networks have today announced the launch of a hosted RCS service to allow operators to quickly, easily and efficiently deploy the full range of next-generation rich communication services.

Available to both fixed-line and mobile providers, the solution combines the Openmind Traffic Control platform and BICS’ market-leading IPX infrastructure. The BICS solution is based on RCS and IMS standards and allows operators to select the apps that offer the best rich communication experience for their end-users. When fully adopted, these industry standards will support a whole ecosystem of new services and enable operators to increase the speed of innovation in the sector.

Legacy circuit-switched voice and VoIP, SMS and MMS back-up services are fully interoperable and available through this solution using the BICS IPX infrastructure. This offers complete and ubiquitous cross-generational communication services to end-users.

RCS is a GSMA initiative designed to offer next generation communications services combining voice, video, chat, group chat, media sharing and many more communication systems through a single, ubiquitous app running on smartphones, tablets and laptops. Using RCS will mean the customer experience for these new services reaches the same level of universality as voice and SMS.

“The addition of these services to our portfolio means our customers can not only offer voice and data services but also convergent services to strengthen their credentials as innovative communication service providers,” said Mikaël Schachne, VP Mobile Data Business, BICS.

“Moreover, as a hosted service, mobile operators can launch RCS services rapidly and with minimised efforts. This model enables providers to act decisively in the fast moving battlefield of next generation personal communication services. BICS’ market-leading IPX backbone is central to ensuring global availability and carrier-grade levels of service for cloud-based RCS services.”

Alex Duncan, CEO, Openmind, said: “The partnership between Openmind and BICS to develop this offering blends technology and market reach. Mobile operators now have the opportunity to quickly launch a richer set of services, not available elsewhere, from an independent, well known, globally connected and established wholesale carrier.”