A new business messaging tool has been described by a Cumbrian company as a 'blow to fraudsters.'

Mobile communications specialist SMS Speedway, based near Carlisle, is helping businesses make the switch to a new text messaging tool called RCS, which stands for rich communication services.

This tool is said to offer several benefits over traditional SMS texts or WhatsApp messages.

RCS messages can feature a business's logo and brand name, a branded mini web page, and a blue tick verification mark, which assures customers of the message's authenticity.

Senders also receive read receipts.

Currently in use on Android devices, RCS is expected to become available on Apple devices with the release of its iOS 18 software.

Brad Kieser, founder and chief executive of SMS Speedway, said: "Think of RCS as SMS or WhatsApp on steroids.

"It’s the evolution of text messaging, bringing app-like functionality to your customers’ inbox.

"The query we get time and again from clients is ‘Can we have our logo in the message?’ You can’t with SMS but with RCS you can.

"That creates a positive brand impression while the verification feature is a real blow to fraudsters."

RCS eliminates the 'biggest constraint' of SMS, which is the restriction of messages to 160 characters of black and white text with a link.

There is an automatic SMS fallback for messages sent to non-RCS devices.

Mr Kieser said: "Apple’s support for RCS is going to open the floodgates.

"We anticipate almost 100 per cent market penetration by the end of 2025.

"RCS is a very significant product and businesses need to get on board with it now.

"We can help them to do that."

SMS Speedway is working with BT to provide RCS solutions to businesses.

It offers advanced RCS features such as videos and image carousels, interactive buttons and menus, and detailed analytics.

If required, SMS Speedway can integrate RCS messaging with its FaceCheck ID product, providing biometric face verification for added security, and with its AI-based customer service and sales solutions.

Research by BT shows that users value RCS, with 71 per cent feeling more confident about dealing with a business that sends a branded message and 77 per cent preferring a branded message over regular SMS.

Around 90 per cent of RCS messages are opened within 15 minutes, and the likelihood of making a purchase is 27 per cent higher.