RCS Messaging Update
In September, Fizz updated its network integration to improve compatibility between Android devices and iPhones.
As part of this migration, certain issues were resolved, including an access issue that allowed some customers to use RCS messaging even though their mobile plans did not include texting. This feature is actually reserved for customers with plans that include text messaging. Customers with plans that do not include texting who were previously able to use RCS messaging may notice changes resulting from this update. Fizz continues to offer two plan options: plans without texting and plans with unlimited texting.
Please note that the migration is being rolled out gradually.
What do I need to use RCS?
To use RCS messaging, your mobile plan must include unlimited texting. RCS functionality is tied to the texting option and is not a separate service offered within Fizz plans.
If your current plan does not include unlimited texting, you can review the available plan options in your account.
Why are we making this change?
This network integration update expands device compatibility, particularly for messaging exchanges between Android and iPhone users, while helping ensure a more consistent user experience over the long term.
Need help?
If you have questions about your specific situation, our customer service team is available to review your account and discuss the options available to you.
We appreciate the feedback members have shared regarding this change. Your comments help us better understand the impact of these updates and continue improving the experience we provide to our community.
Thank you.
Comments
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our customer service team is available to review your account and discuss the options available to you.
What are the options? Now you are forcing users to change their plans by adding the unlimited text messaging, thus paying more for the new/current plans.
Such things should be communicated before implementing new features and not post factum.
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The service is going down instead of evolving...
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Pay more for less!!!
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It is sad to see that the issue "that allowed some customers to use RCS messaging even though their mobile plans did not include texting" was treated as a bug instead of a new feature for every customer.
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When RCS was first rolled out on Fizz earlier this year, it was available at no extra charge to anyone with a data plan. This could be 1 GB or more, or those who only use Fizz rewards data. RCS at Fizz was available without the unlimited texts (SMS) add-on, which sits at $3 (non-Québec) or $4 (Québec) today. The add-on was useful for texting contacts who still used SMS. Alternatively, what I do is pay 5¢ to send a SMS text with my Fizz wallet, as even without the add-on, receiving SMS remains free.
Not only is it disappointing to see Fizz charge for RCS since last month, by requiring the unlimited texts add-on, but the add-on for non-Québec members costs more than it did last year. In December 2025, it cost $2, but the following month, it went up to $3. In Québec, it's a $4 add-on, but I don't know if it was cheaper before.
Worse, the Fizz monthly plans available today offer less value than my existing plans. For example, one of my referrals has a 1 GB plan for $16, with 5G service and unlimited Canadian calling. If I sign up for 1 GB with 4G service today, it now costs $18, and if I add unlimited texts, it's now a $21 plan! In another case, going from a 25 GB plan (4G) to a 35 GB plan (5G) costs $5 more today, or $8 more if adding unlimited texts.
I should add that iMessage is not affected by this change. This means that even without the unlimited texts add-on, iPhone-to-iPhone messaging remains available. (iMessage is also available on iPad, Mac and several other Apple devices.) Those who only use the Apple ecosystem might be fine with losing RCS, but in my case and many others, my contacts use a variety of devices. RCS made it easier to securely message other Android devices, and it's a pity that Fizz now charges a fee for RCS.
Neither me nor my circle at Fizz are willing to pay an extra $5 or $8 per month for RCS, especially since we previously had it at no extra charge with Fizz. We are disappointed with the loss of RCS, and we are less motivated to invite friends and family to join Fizz. We hope that Fizz will reconsider its RCS fee, and at the minimum, waive this fee for existing subscribers who could previously freely access RCS at Fizz.
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How does RCS work if I am using iMessage but messaging with someone who doesn't have an iPhone?
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I don't understand from a technical standpoint why Fizz would require unlimited text messages for access to RCS messaging.
When reviewing what has counted as a text message with both Fizz and the provider I used before Fizz, only SMS/MMS messages have shown up or been counted as text messages.
From what I understand, the change now means that Fizz manages the services rather than Google, but unless I'm missing something, the requirement for unlimited text messaging seems to be a business decision which Fizz is presenting as a technical requirement.
It is good to see that RCS messages are now available to iPhone users but it's not right for Fizz to be cutting off RCS access without advance, direct notice to customers who do not have unlimited messaging.
Although this has now been published here after a few weeks of reports of this, how are customers who are not forum users supposed to learn about this significant change?
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RCS runs almost entirely on data (or wifi), a feature which most customers are already paying for.
Framing this change as "resolving an access issue" is shameful an insult to your customer's intelligence.
Here's what this is actually called : paywalling a feature.
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insane thank you all i will try it tomorrow. actually not tomorrow because i'm at work but maybe sunday if I have time
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Thank you!
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Today was my day to lose access to RCS. Now it's showing that several of my RCS group chats are not available.
Fizz did not provide me with any direct advance notice about this and it happened mid-cycle.
I heard reports of this happening a few weeks ago and contacted support at the end of September, shortly before my current billing cycle. At that time, I was told the texting add-on I had would be sufficient if I maintained it. Today, I was told the agent gave me incorrect information and nothing can be done until my new cycle starts at the end of this month. It's especially frustrating as I could have changed it at the end of September if I had been given correct information. I had a screenshot of the information I was provided and relied on, but Fizz won't re-enable my RCS until the my next billing period (as I have since added on unlimited texting).
Not cool, Fizz!! I really hope you will reconsider how this is being rolled out to existing customers.
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ththank you I'll try it
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Just realized that. How come i did not received any notification. 2 accounts are impacted and i have the same plans for the last 2 years. I guess i'll go shopping.
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