RCS has been touted for years as the next big step in mobile communication - and internationally, the development is well underway. In several markets, RCS is already used on a large scale and the results show higher engagement and more interaction than classic text messaging.
But in Denmark, the picture is more nuanced. That's why we often get the same question: How far along is RCS in Denmark - right now?
In this article you will get the current status of RCS in Denmark and the Nordics.
The goal is to give you a clear picture of:
- What's possible right now
- What to expect in the short and medium term
- How you should approach the technology in practice.
Want to know more? Read also What is RCS?
What is the status of RCS - right now
Although RCS is technically mature and widespread in several international markets, its use in Denmark is still limited. This is mainly due to a combination of lack of operator support and differences in how RCS is implemented across devices.
In short, it means:
- RCS in Denmark can only be received by a small percentage of mobile users.
- The penetration is significantly higher in other Nordic and European markets.
- RCS can still be used in practice to test the format on individual campaigns - but not yet implemented as a fully scalable channel in Denmark.
RCS in Denmark 🇩🇰
- Number of recipients: Approx. 5% of Danish mobile users can receive RCS messages.
- Telcos: Supported by telco 3 - expected to be supported by Norlys, Telenor and Nuuday in autumn 2026.
- Devices: Available on Android devices. Expected to be available on iOS devices in Denmark in autumn 2026.
- Use case: Primarily used for tests and pilot projects.
RCS in Norway 🇳🇴
- Number of recipients: Approx. 20% of Norwegian mobile users can receive RCS messages.
- Telcos: Telenor and Telia support RCS.
- Devices: Available on Android devices. Expected to be available on iOS devices in Norway in autumn 2026.
- Use case: Used for tests and larger campaigns with many recipients, especially for companies with a Nordic presence.
RCS in Sweden 🇸🇪
- Number of recipients: Approx. 30% of Swedish mobile users can receive RCS messages.
- Telcos: All Swedish telcos (Telia, Tele2, Telenor and 3) support RCS.
- Devices: Available on Android devices. Expected to be available on iOS devices in Sweden in autumn 2026.
- Use case: Used for testing and major campaigns as Sweden is the most mature RCS market in the Nordics.
Note. Last updated in January 2025
What does it mean to you?
Looking at the Nordic region as a whole, the picture is clear: RCS is most advanced in Sweden, well on its way in Norway - and still at an early stage in Denmark. This means that RCS can already be actively used in the Nordic region, but the technology is not yet ready for large-scale scaling.
If you have a large Nordic or international customer base, RCS can already make sense as a test channel in selected markets - typically with SMS as fallback to ensure full reach.
There are several reasons for this.
#1 Competitive advantage
Although RCS cannot yet be used for full scaling in Denmark, the format can provide a clear competitive advantage for companies that start early. When a relatively small part of the market experiments with RCS, the format becomes more visible and stands out to the recipient. This can mean more attention and increased engagement - especially in segments where recipients are already used to classic SMS communication.
#2 Test, test, test
RCS allows you to test new formats without risking reach. With SMS as a fallback, you can experiment with RCS in practice and gain concrete insights into content, interaction and performance now and build concrete experiences before the channel becomes widely available - without changing your overall strategy.
#3 Get to know the channel
Theearlier you start working with RCS, the better you will understand the strengths and limitations of the channel. Technically, creatively and strategically. By starting to work with the channel now, you'll be in a stronger position when RCS becomes more widespread in Denmark.
Not quite ready to test RCS yet? Then it's still a good idea to keep up with developments and start thinking about the possibilities of the format.
What you need to do now
Although RCS is not yet fully deployed in Denmark, there are several things you can do now to stand strong as the technology matures - and gain value here and now.
1. Collect mobile permissions
First and foremost, you should secure and expand your permission base. RCS can be sent to the same mobile permissions as SMS, so the better control you have over consents and data, the easier you can test and scale your RCS marketing later.
2. Experiments with RCS
Secondly, it makes sense to test RCS in a controlled environment if you have a reasonable permission base. With SMS as automatic fallback, you can experiment with RCS without compromising on range or performance. This gives you early insights into format, engagement and user behaviour.
3. Follow the development
Finally, you should follow developments closely, both technically and commercially. RCS is moving fast in the Nordics, and the timing for Denmark is highly dependent on carriers and platforms.
The companies that have already taken a strategic position will be the fastest to realise the potential when RCS becomes widely available.
To summarise:
With RCS, it's no longer a question of if - but rather when it makes sense to switch on the channel.
So spend 2026 preparing, testing and learning - so you're not starting from scratch when RCS becomes a reality in Denmark and the rest of the Nordics.
