I'm sure it can. The question is, will it. Part of the reason Google started updating apps on their side and removing feature updates from Android was because carriers and service providers weren't quick to update anything including security updates. It's one of the big selling points of the pixel line of phones. RCS is a very good example. The main cell providers did not want to take on RCS messaging and went as far as trying to make their own fork. They've done this with wallet apps back in the day as well.

https://9to5google.com/2019/10/25/us-carriers-rcs-android-initiative/

https://www.engadget.com/amp/2019-10-18-google-verizon-t-mobile-pixel-4-rcs-messaging.html

https://www.idropnews.com/news/att-t-mobile-and-verizon-have-given-up-on-their-imessage-killer/156434/