LONDON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The GSMA welcomes today’s announcement by Google and mobile operator Sprint that Sprint has become first to partner with Google to deploy the GSMA’s Universal Profile for Advanced Messaging1. The profile, which is backed by 58 global operators, OEMs and OS providers, upgrades existing operator messaging services, providing users with a common, consistent and globally interoperable service that includes features such as group chat, hi-res photo sharing and read receipts. Sprint’s service is available from today via the Messenger app for Android devices developed by Google to subscribers using Android. In 2017, all new Android devices from Sprint will come pre-loaded with Messenger for Android.

“We are delighted that Sprint has become the first operator to roll out the Universal Profile to their subscribers and hope that this will encourage other markets across the world to follow their lead,” said Alex Sinclair, Chief Technology Officer, GSMA. “A single, open and common universal profile will help to drive the global adoption of RCS services, and make it easier for consumers to enjoy rich, consistent and interoperable messaging experiences regardless of device or network.”

The Universal Profile reduces cost and time-to-market for OEMs by allowing them to use the same client for both operator customers and open market devices. It will also mean that users have uniform feature sets and a consistent user experience. The profile simplifies the process for operators who want consistency across devices and for OEMs who are expected to keep up with ever-changing standards. The Universal Profile will also be supported by a formal GSMA accreditation process.

To find out more about the GSMA Universal Profile please go to: http://www.gsma.com/network2020/universal-profile/. To find out more about Advanced Communications go to http://www.gsma.com/network2020/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Network-2020-006-Advanced-Communications-eBook-edition-1.pdf.

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Notes to Editors

1. The Universal Profile is supported by 58 operators, OEMs and OS providers worldwide including AIS, América Móvil, Axiata Group, Beeline, Bell Mobility, Bharti Airtel Ltd, China Mobile, China Telecom, China Unicom, Claro Brazil, Claro Colombia, Deutsche Telekom, Etisalat, Globe Telecom, Indosat Ooredoo, KPN, M1, Millicom, Megafon, MTS, MTN, Optus, Orange, Personal Argentina, Personal Paraguay, PLAY, Reliance Jio, Rogers Communications, Singtel, Smart Communications, Sprint, StarHub, Telefónica, Telenor Group, Telcel Mexico, Tele2 Russia, TeliaSonera, Telkomsel, Telstra, TIM, Telus, Turkcell, T-Mobile US, VimpelCom, Vodafone and Verizon. It is also supported by device manufacturers Alcatel, ASUS, General Mobile, HTC, Intex Technologies, Lava International Ltd., LG Electronics, Lenovo/Motorola, Samsung Electronics and ZTE, as well as OS providers Microsoft and Google.

About the GSMA

The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with almost 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including handset and device makers, software companies, equipment providers and internet companies, as well as organisations in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, Mobile World Congress Shanghai, Mobile World Congress Americas and the Mobile 360 Series of conferences.

For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate website at www.gsma.com. Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA.