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Title	KCC ISSUES ADMINISTRATIVE GUIDELINES TO APPLE FOR RCS ADOPTION
Date	2025-02-21	Read	11601
iPhone and Galaxy users will be able to exchange large files Apple Inc.’s iPhone will support Rich Communication Service (RCS), the next-generation messaging service, allowing large file transfers and chat message exchanges between iPhones and Samsung Electronics’ Galaxy devices. The Korea Communications Commission (KCC, Chairperson Lee Jinsook) announced on the 19th that, to resolve user inconvenience, it has taken measures to ensure Apple adopts RCS to iPhones as a replacement for the existing messaging services. RCS is an advanced version of Short Message Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) that offers features such as large file transfer, typing indicators, and read receipts. To resolve the inconveniences between iPhone and Android users, the KCC has mediated the discussion between three major mobile carriers and Apple. On the same day, the KCC issued the following administrative guidelines to Apple: ▲ Release a beta version of the iPhone Operation System (iOS) in the first half of this year for the three mobile carriers to test RCS functionalities. ▲ Support large file transfers of up to 300MB. ▲ Maintain ongoing discussions with the three mobile carriers throughout the service introduction. Currently, RCS is available only between Galaxy users in Korea for messaging and data transfers. However, once Apple supports the service on iPhones, it will be accessible between Galaxy and iPhone users. File transfers between iPhones and Galaxy devices via text messages are limited to 1MB MMS attachments. With Apple’s adoption of RCS, users will be able to send large files of up to 300MB. Apple stated that this is part of its effort to enhance user convenience and added that it will support RCS on iPhones in compliance with KCC guidelines so that Korean iPhone users can use the service by the second half of this year. In March last year, the KCC conducted an inspection, following reports of a loss in quality when files were transmitted between iPhones and Android phones. The inspection confirmed that the resolution of photos and videos was degraded. However, the KCC explained that it cannot be considered a violation of the Telecommunications Business Act for the following reasons: ▲ Apple cannot be held accountable, as MMS is a service provided by mobile carriers. ▲ There are no regulations mandating a particular transmission method to improve compatibility between devices. ▲ There are other alternatives to transfer large files such as messenger services. KCC Chairperson Lee Jinsook said, “The KCC will spare no effort to support policies that promote openness in mobile communication services and improve user convenience by enhancing compatibility and interoperability across mobile platforms.” ### The Korea Communications Commission
File	250219 (보도자료) 방통위, 애플에 차세대 문자·데이터 전송 서비스 도입 행정지도 실시.hwp 20250219_News_Release_RCS.docx

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