From Verizon at AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon form joint venture to transform messaging experience (https://www.verizon.com/about/news/att-sprint-t-mobile-and-verizon-form-joint-venture-transform-messaging-experience)
QuoteAT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon have created a joint venture to deliver a Cross Carrier Messaging Initiative (CCMI), a next generation of messaging service to consumers and businesses. The service, based on GSMA's Rich Communications Service (RCS) industry standard, will enable an engaging way for consumers to interact and transact with each other and with businesses.
According to Goodbye SMS texting, hello RCS | ZDNet (https://www.zdnet.com/article/goodbye-sms-texting-hello-rcs/),
QuoteThis will include group chats, video and audio messaging, high-resolution images, read receipts, and indicators when someone is replying to your message in real-time.
The replacement messaging service is expected to start on Android phones in 2020.