Google is adding RCS (Rich Communications Services) messaging to its Google Fi mobile virtual network, making the next generation of texting available to compatible devices.

The internet giant announced its plans to focus on RCS within its Messages app last month, as it revealed it would be killing off its Allo chat app in favour of promoting the RCS standard. Now, we have been given the first glimpse into where the company is heading with RCS.

The rollout of RCS chat on Google Fi will see the messaging standard arrive on Pixel phones, the Motorola Moto G6 and Android One-based Moto X, as well as the LG V35 and LG G7. In addition, those with compatible Android phones and the Google Messages app set as default, will also gain access to RCS messaging.

The introduction of RCS by Google follows the rollout of limited support by the likes of Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile in the US, and Vodafone in the UK.

Elsewhere, Google is giving Google Fi subscribers faster 4G LTE coverage in 33 countries, including the UK and Ireland, most of mainland Europe, Scandinavia, Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, and Kuwait.

RCS messaging has already become available to subscribers, while the faster network speeds will arrive ‘in the coming weeks’.