Quick start for 5G messages

Availability and access

Choose a message path

Both 5G message paths share the same required stages. The path you choose determines which template type you create and whether you add media assets:

• Plain text messages — Create a plain text template in Step 5. Media assets are not required.

• Rich media messages — Add media assets in Step 4 and have them reviewed before you send, then create a rich media template in Step 5.

• Pricing — Plain text templates and rich media templates correspond to different prices when you send messages.

• Persistent menu — Step 3 is optional in both paths. If you do not want to configure the persistent menu now, skip it.

Workflow overview

The following table lists the stages of the 5G message workflow, whether each stage is required, and the estimated time for each stage. Each stage is described in the sections that follow, together with its console and API entry points.

In API operation names, 5G message resources are identified by RCS. For example, the operation that creates a 5G message template is named CreateRCSTemplate.

Step 1: Complete the preparations

Register an Alibaba Cloud account and complete identity verification, then activate Short Message Service. To use Short Message Service through the API, you also need to create an AccessKey in Resource Access Management (RAM).

5G messages are an independent sub-service and must be activated separately before first use.

Entry point:

• Console — Activate Short Message Service

Step 2: Add a 5G signature

Before you add a 5G signature, you must have a domestic message signature. If you do not have one yet, first apply for a domestic message signature. After the domestic message signature enters the Available - Normal or Available - Abnormal state, you can upgrade it to a 5G signature.

When you upgrade to a 5G signature, you must provide additional information such as a logo and industry. After you submit the information, the following steps are performed in order:

1. Carrier 5G signature real-name registration

2. Carrier 5G signature listing

These steps take additional time to complete.

Entry points:

• Add 5G message signature

• API — UpgradeToRCSSignature, GetRCSSignature

Step 3: Edit the persistent menu

The persistent menu is a capability unique to 5G signatures. After a mobile user opens the message, operation buttons are pinned at the bottom or in the upper-right corner. The interaction form varies by phone model.

After you edit the persistent menu, it is pushed to each carrier. Because this operation involves refreshing the menu display on mobile devices, it generally takes effect gradually within one day.

If you do not want to configure the persistent menu now, you can skip this operation.

Entry points:

• Edit 5G message fixed menu

• API — AddRcsSignMenu, QueryRcsSignMenuByVersion

Step 4: Add media assets

Based on carrier policy restrictions, you must have your media assets reviewed in advance before you send rich media messages. The review generally completes within hours. Supported media assets include images, videos, and audio. When you upload, prepare the media assets and their thumbnails.

If you only want to send plain text messages, you do not need to add media assets.

Entry point:

• Add 5G message materials

Step 5: Add a 5G template

Adding a 5G message template is a prerequisite for sending 5G messages. Depending on your sending requirements, create a plain text template or a rich media template. After you create a template, it is reviewed, which is expected to take 1 to 3 business days.

Entry points:

• Add 5G message template

• API — CreateRCSTemplate, QueryRCSTemplate

Step 6: Send a 5G message

Use an approved 5G message template to create a batch task and send 5G messages to target users. You can send the messages from the console or through the API.

Entry point:

• API — SendRCS