China’s telcos join forces to introduce 5G-based messaging service but analysts see uphill battle to unseat WeChat
- New service promised by telcos will face stiff competition from entrenched apps that have added functions to increase their user base and traffic
China’s three biggest telecoms carriers are joining forces to try and take a slice of the country's messaging market with a 5G-based service that will compete directly with Tencent’s ubiquitous WeChat super app.
“Traditional text-based messaging services can’t meet varying consumer demands due to limited functions and sloppy user experiences,” China Unicom, China Mobile, and China Telecom said in a joint white paper on Wednesday, adding that 5G-based rich communication services (RCS) will enhance the user experience and offer more opportunities for smartphone and telecoms equipment vendors.
During a webinar to announce the white paper, representatives from the telcos said 2020 was an important year for China’s 5G development and its commercial applications. The three companies aim to install 500,000 5G base stations this year despite the slowdown in construction and testing caused by the coronavirus outbreak.
Under 5G-based RCS, users will be able to exchange text messages, photos, video and audio directly via the message window on their phones, without needing to download an app, and be able to customise services via an index function similar to app stores.
It will also enable government organisations and firms to provide their services and communicate with users directly.
“RCS is not a new thing. It failed to establish itself as a popular service because of [the incompatible networks] of the three telcos, giving opportunities for open messaging apps like WeChat to grow rapidly,” said Zhao Guodong, general secretary of the Zhongguancun Big Data Industry Alliance.