RCS does function over a data connection (and WiFi!), however unless you’re sending large files over the wire it’s probably not going to have any effect on your data bill. Text messages are a handful of kilobytes large at worst. SMS/MMS have lots of issues to do with security and capability, and most handsets support it in some form already.
Very unsurprising that Discord consumes a bunch of data but that’s not really a “messaging app”.
If Signal is consuming too much data, it’s because you’re in too many group chats with photos and videos. You can change the settings so media will only download over Wi-Fi.
RCS does function over a data connection (and WiFi!), however unless you’re sending large files over the wire it’s probably not going to have any effect on your data bill. Text messages are a handful of kilobytes large at worst. SMS/MMS have lots of issues to do with security and capability, and most handsets support it in some form already.
Not everyone has a large data plan. I am very aware of how much messaging taxes my data plan: the entirety of my data is already used by it.
You are mistaken.
I’m really not. 75% of my data this month has been used by Signal and Discord.
Very unsurprising that Discord consumes a bunch of data but that’s not really a “messaging app”.
If Signal is consuming too much data, it’s because you’re in too many group chats with photos and videos. You can change the settings so media will only download over Wi-Fi.
Many people do use Discord as a messaging app. I am really only using it for private messages when I am on data.
I only have two Signal contacts, and no group chats. Video is set to download only on WiFi, but I do need to be able to see images.
If you’re using Discord for private messages, you are making another mistake.
You say that as if I don’t already know it. But what am I supposed to do, abandon every friend who prefers it?
I don’t know what you know. You’re the one who said you were using it for “private” messaging. Just letting you know.
Then disable RCS chats in the settings? I doubt traditional SMS is going anywhere soon.