Understanding Vonage’s Branded Text: Intelligent SMS-to-RCS Transitioning

Question

What Is Vonage’s Branded Text Solution and How Does It Ensure Reliable Message Delivery?

Applies To

• Rich Communication Services
• Messaging

Answer

Vonage’s Branded Text offering is designed to help businesses upgrade their messaging experience by seamlessly transitioning from SMS to RCS, without needing to change their existing SMS integration or backend systems.

This means businesses can enjoy the benefits of rich messaging (such as verified sender, logos, and media content) wherever RCS is supported, while maintaining uninterrupted reach via SMS in regions or on devices that don't support RCS.

In short: RCS when possible, SMS when not — always ensuring message delivery.

How Does Branded Text Work?

If you're already using Vonage's SMS API, you don’t need to make any changes to onboard Branded Text. The process works as follows:

1. Send Messages As Usual: You continue sending SMS requests through Vonage's existing SMS API — there are no integration changes required on your side.
2. Vonage Performs a Capability Check:Once the message is received, Vonage performs an on-network capability check to determine:
   - If the target country has RCS coverage
   - If the Branded Text solution is enabled for that country
   - If the recipient's device supports RCS
3. Smart Message Routing:
   - If all conditions are met, the message is automatically upgraded and sent as an RCS message, leveraging features like branding, verified sender ID, and media.
   - If any condition is not met, the message is delivered as a standard SMS, ensuring no drop in delivery or customer reach. 

Why Use Vonage Branded Text?

• No additional cost for existing SMS customers
• No integration changes or migration overhead
• Increased message engagement through RCS where supported
• Guaranteed delivery via fallback to SMS
• Future-proofing your messaging strategy

For businesses looking to modernize their communications while retaining maximum reach and reliability, Vonage Branded Text is a smart and scalable choice.

If you're interested in enabling Branded Text or want to understand if your market or customers are eligible, reach out to your Account Manager.