Fonada AI is an omnichannel AI agent platform that enables businesses to build and deploy conversational AI agents across WhatsApp, Voice Telephony, RCS Messaging, Web Widget, and Chatbot channels in under 5 minutes. It features a no-code flow builder, RAG knowledge base, 70+ tool integrations, and automated workflows for customer engagement.

What is RCS messaging?

RCS (Rich Communication Services) is the next-generation upgrade to SMS. Unlike traditional SMS limited to 160 characters of plain text, RCS supports rich media (images, videos, audio), interactive buttons, carousel cards, and verified sender branding. RCS achieves 85%+ open rates compared to SMS's approximately 20%, making it highly effective for business messaging.

How long does it take to set up an AI agent on Fonada?

You can build and deploy a fully functional AI agent in under 5 minutes using Fonada's no-code platform. The process involves four simple steps: Choose your channel (WhatsApp, Voice, RCS, etc.), Configure your AI (personality, behavior, LLM provider), Add knowledge (upload documents or connect data sources), and Deploy. Your agent is immediately live and ready to serve customers.

What channels does Fonada support?

Fonada supports 5+ communication channels: WhatsApp Business API with templates and rich media, RCS Messaging with rich cards and carousels, Voice/Telephony with real-time speech-to-text and text-to-speech, Web Widget with voice and chat capabilities for websites, and text-based Chatbot for any platform. Deploy once and engage customers everywhere.

What is the difference between SMS and RCS?

SMS is limited to 160 characters of plain text with no media support, while RCS supports 8,000+ characters, rich media (images, videos), interactive buttons, carousel cards, and verified sender branding. RCS has ~85% open rates vs SMS's ~20%, and ~35% click-through rates vs SMS's ~2%. RCS also provides read receipts and typing indicators that SMS lacks.

Is Fonada SOC 2 compliant?

Yes, Fonada is SOC 2 certified with enterprise-grade security. We offer 256-bit encryption for all data, role-based access control, comprehensive audit logs, API key management, and GDPR compliance. Our platform guarantees 99.9% SLA uptime with automatic failover systems.

What automation features does Fonada offer?

Fonada includes pre-built automation templates for abandoned cart recovery (recover 15-30% of lost sales), payment link follow-up, and invoice reminders. The visual flow builder allows you to create custom conversation flows without coding. Automations can trigger based on user behavior, time delays, or external events via webhooks.

What LLM providers does Fonada support?

Fonada supports multiple LLM providers including OpenAI (GPT-4o, GPT-4, GPT-3.5 Turbo) and Groq (LLaMA 3.3-70B Versatile, Mixtral 8x7B). For voice capabilities, we integrate with ElevenLabs for natural-sounding text-to-speech. You can choose the best model for your use case and budget.

What is the best AI chatbot platform for WhatsApp in India?

The best fit depends on your use case, but teams in India often prioritize platforms with reliable WhatsApp Business API delivery, RCS and voice in the same stack, no-code and AI-native flows, India-friendly pricing, and local compliance. Fonada is built as an India-focused omnichannel AI agent platform: you get WhatsApp plus Voice, RCS, and web in one place, 70+ integrations, a visual flow builder, and enterprise SLAs—ideal for support, sales, and automation at scale.

How do I build a voice AI agent for customer support?

On Fonada you define the agent in the visual builder, connect your knowledge base and tools, enable the Voice channel, and map intents to flows (e.g. order status, refunds, handoff to a human). Configure speech-to-text and text-to-speech, set business hours and routing, then test in the playground and deploy to your telephony or widget. No separate voice stack is required; the same agent can run on chat and voice.

What is the difference between AI agents and RPA?

RPA (robotic process automation) typically automates rule-based, repetitive tasks in fixed UIs and systems using scripts and selectors. AI agents use large language models and tools to understand natural language, reason over context, and take multi-step actions (APIs, CRM, search, handoffs). RPA is great for stable back-office routines; AI agents are better for open-ended conversations, personalization, and channel-native customer engagement.

Can AI chatbots handle multiple languages?

Yes. Modern AI agents on platforms like Fonada can converse in many languages in the same flow—driven by your chosen LLM, prompts, and knowledge base. You can set a default language, detect user language from messages, and route to localized templates (e.g. WhatsApp) or voice. Consistency in tone and brand voice should be set in the system instructions and reviewed per locale.

How much does WhatsApp Business API cost?

WhatsApp Business API pricing has two parts: Meta conversation-based pricing (varies by country, category, and session type) and your BSP or platform fees. On Fonada you typically pay for platform usage, conversations, and optional add-ons. Exact numbers change by region and message category—use Fonada’s pricing page or contact sales for current rate cards, currency (e.g. INR), and any volume or enterprise plans.

What integrations does Fonada support for e-commerce?

Fonada supports 70+ tool integrations, including e-commerce and ops: order and catalog systems, payment links, abandoned cart and payment reminders, CRM and helpdesk, webhooks, and custom APIs. Use cases include cart recovery, order status, COD confirmation, and returns—exposed in the no-code flow builder and agent tools. Connect your stack via native connectors or custom integrations.

How does Fonada compare to Gupshup, Infobip, Twilio, and Bird?

All five provide messaging CPaaS in some form, but focus differs. Comparison (high level): (1) Core positioning — Fonada: omnichannel AI agent platform (WhatsApp, Voice, RCS, web) with no-code + RAG; Gupshup, Infobip, Twilio, Bird: broad CPaaS with conversations API and varying low-code and partner ecosystems. (2) India / RCS: Fonada emphasizes India-first programs including Jio RCS; check each vendor for current RCS and regional coverage. (3) AI depth: Fonada is built around multi-step AI agents, tools, and knowledge; others add AI through products or partners—evaluate your need for a single product vs. self-assembled stack. (4) Abandoned cart and commerce: Fonada offers templates and flows for recovery and e-commerce; compare feature depth and time-to-launch. (5) Table — Primary strength | Fonada: AI agents, omnichannel, India focus | Gupshup: long-standing WhatsApp ecosystem | Infobip: global supernetwork and suite | Twilio: developer-first APIs, broad U.S. adoption | Bird (MessageBird): global messaging and Inbox. Choose based on your channels, country, budget, and whether you need a unified AI product versus raw APIs.

2026 Comparison Guide

SMS vs RCS
Complete Comparison

Why businesses are upgrading from SMS to RCS messaging. See verified data: 42% higher engagement, 2.5x conversion rates, and 20% CTR.

42%

Higher Engagement

2.5x

Conversion Rate

20%

Click-Through Rate

42%

Higher Engagement

vs SMS (Sinch 2024)

2.5x

Conversion Rate

vs SMS (Sinch 2024)

20%

RCS Click Rate

vs 2-5% SMS

1B+

RCS Users

growing to 2B by 2025

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

A detailed look at how SMS and RCS compare

Feature

📱 SMS

✨ RCS

Character Limit

RCS allows much longer messages without splitting

160 characters

8,000+ characters

Rich Media

RCS supports high-resolution media inline

Images, Videos, GIFs, Audio

Interactive Buttons

Enable one-tap actions like buy, book, or call

Up to 4 action buttons

Carousel Cards

Horizontal-scrolling product showcases

Verified Sender ID

71% of customers cut ties if trust is broken (Sinch 2024)

Limited (varies by carrier)

Full brand identity with logo

Read Receipts

Know when messages are delivered and read

Typing Indicators

Show when someone is typing a response

Engagement Rate

Source: Sinch RCS Research 2024

Baseline

42% higher

Click-Through Rate

Up to 10x better CTR with interactive buttons (Sinch 2024)

~2-5%

~20%

Conversion Rate

Source: Sinch RCS Research 2024

Baseline

2.5x higher

Avg. Engagement Time

Rich content keeps users engaged longer (Sinch 2024)

< 10 seconds

~45 seconds

Cart Size Impact

E-commerce benefit from rich product showcases (Sinch 2024)

N/A

9% larger carts

Suggested Replies

Pre-defined quick response options

Location Sharing

Built-in location sharing and maps

Via link only

Native map integration

File Sharing

Send documents, PDFs, and larger files

MMS (limited size)

Up to 10MB files

Global Users (2023)

RCS expected to add 1B users by mid-2025 (Sinch 2024)

5B+ devices

1B active users

Universal Reach

SMS works on every mobile phone; RCS has SMS fallback

100% of phones

Android + iOS 18+

Cost per Message

RCS costs more but delivers 2.5x higher ROI

Lower

Slightly higher

Why Upgrade to RCS?

The business case for next-generation messaging

42% Higher Engagement

Businesses see 42% higher engagement with RCS compared to SMS. (Source: Sinch 2024)

2.5x Better Conversion

RCS delivers 2.5x higher conversion rates with interactive buttons and CTAs. (Source: Sinch 2024)

71% Trust Factor

71% of customers cut ties if trust is broken. Verified sender with your logo builds instant credibility.

9% Larger Cart Size

E-commerce businesses see 9% larger cart sizes with rich product showcases. (Source: Sinch 2024)

How to Migrate from SMS to RCS

Get started with RCS in 4 simple steps

Sign Up for RCS

Create your Fonada account and verify your business identity.

Brand Registration

Create Rich Templates

Design interactive templates with images, buttons, and carousels.

Launch with Fallback

Send RCS with automatic SMS fallback for 100% reach.

SMS vs RCS: FAQ

Common questions about upgrading from SMS to RCS

Yes! Apple adopted RCS in iOS 18 (2024), so RCS now works across both Android and iOS. For older iOS versions, messages automatically fall back to SMS. This means RCS can now reach nearly all smartphone users.

Ready to Experience RCS?

Start sending rich, interactive messages with 42% higher engagement & 2.5x conversions

Automatic SMS fallback No credit card required Setup in 5 minutes

SMS vs RCS
Complete Comparison

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Why Upgrade to RCS?

42% Higher Engagement

2.5x Better Conversion

71% Trust Factor

9% Larger Cart Size

How to Migrate from SMS to RCS

Sign Up for RCS

Brand Registration

Create Rich Templates

Launch with Fallback

SMS vs RCS: FAQ

Does RCS work on iPhone?

Will RCS replace SMS?

Is RCS more expensive than SMS?

How many people use RCS?

How long does RCS setup take?

Ready to Experience RCS?

SMS vs RCSComplete Comparison

Feature-by-Feature Comparison

Why Upgrade to RCS?

42% Higher Engagement

2.5x Better Conversion

71% Trust Factor

9% Larger Cart Size

How to Migrate from SMS to RCS

Sign Up for RCS

Brand Registration

Create Rich Templates

Launch with Fallback

SMS vs RCS: FAQ

Does RCS work on iPhone?

Will RCS replace SMS?

Is RCS more expensive than SMS?

How many people use RCS?

How long does RCS setup take?

Ready to Experience RCS?

SMS vs RCS
Complete Comparison