Internet of Things
Twilio provides products and services to help you innovative Internet of Things (IoT) applications, connect them to reliable cellular networks worldwide, and secure them for life. Our developer documentation will show you how to integrate our connectivity and device builder tools into your products and your cloud.
- Global cellular IoT connectivity
- Microvisor: your IoT device security guardian
- The Twilio Programmable Asset Tracker
Device, meet network
Twilio IoT connectivity is delivered through Twilio SIMs that are fully manageable via our software APIs and the Twilio Console. With Twilio SIMs, you can go from prototype to production with CAT-M1, LTE, Narrowband, and, where available, legacy 2G/3G:
- Super SIM — Multi-network connectivity for IoT deployments across the world.
- Programmable Wireless SIM — Connectivity for Broadband IoT applications through T-Mobile’s global partner networks.
- Programmable Wireless Narrowband SIM — Connectivity for Massive IoT applications on T-Mobile’s NB-IoT network in the United States.
Twilio SIMs are available in multiple card and module form-factors — and, for Super SIM, as eSIMs for eUICCs — and are backed by powerful APIs from which you can construct sophisticated fleet management infrastructure.
Programmable Wireless or Super SIM?
Both Programmable Wireless and Super SIM provide access to hundreds of cellular networks around the world, through one SIM, with one simple bill and pricing model. Differences exist in pricing — mostly affecting African countries — and certain functionality.
| Super SIM | Programmable Wireless | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage | Multiple global tier-1 networks | T-Mobile USA and its roaming partners |
| Connections | 2G, 3G, 4G, Cat-M (global) | 2G, 3G, 4G (global) NB-IoT (US only) |
| Network steering | You control which networks your devices use, wherever they are deployed | Subject to T-Mobile USA’s steering |
| Flexibility | Twilio’s Distributed IoT Mobile Core provides unified functionality via one API across all supported carriers | Dependent on networks’ own cores |
| Performance | Twilio’s Distributed IoT Mobile Core provides consistent global latency rates | Dependent on networks’ own cores |
We generally recommend new customers choose Super SIM. However, contact Support through the Console or Help Center for a recommended solution after a conversation about your specific technical requirements.
Try out Twilio SIMs
Start developing an IoT product incorporating Twilio SIMs using our first steps guides to get your proof of concept or prototype up and running.
The Twilio Distributed IoT Mobile Core
Mobile cores are a key part of any cellular network: they manage SIM access, and route traffic across home and roaming (‘visited’) networks. Twilio’s Distributed IoT Mobile Core was built solely for IoT. It is deployed to multiple data centers around the world to provide our customers with total flexibility and scalability for their global deployments. Devices get a consistent connectivity experience, whether they’re deployed in Los Angeles, Berlin, Taipei, or Nairobi. The result: less device downtime, and a real choice of which networks to use in any given region.
Choose a cellular module
Need assistance selecting a suitable cellular module and integrating it with Twilio SIMs? Consult our Cellular Module Knowledgebase for general and module-specific advice and insight.
Our Works with Super SIM program spotlights modules that give device designers an optimal experience with Super SIM.
Select pre-built hardware from our partners
Partner products have a Twilio SIM already on board. You don’t need to register a SIM with Twilio to get started — it’s already built in!
Microvisor: breakthrough IoT device security
Twilio Microvisor is a sophisticated new solution to the unique challenges posed by IoT product lifecycles:
- How you can ensure your devices will always be protected against an exponentially increasing number of attack vectors, throughout their entire operational lives.
- How you can keep device application software up to date at sites where end-users may be unwilling or unable to perform this crucial task.
- How you can diagnose issues with devices that may be located in a different country, in another continent — or even in motion.
Find out more about the high-level Microvisor architecture and how it will enhance your IoT application. Or jump right in and start developing with the Microvisor Nucleo Development Board. Our selection of sample apps will allow you to explore the platform and its many features.
Twilio Microvisor is in Public Beta.
Programmable Asset Tracker
Twilio’s Programmable Asset Tracker is the first fully customizable asset tracking system that is ready to deploy with production grade application code right out of the box.
Say goodbye to fixed-functionality closed asset trackers that are designed to please everyone, but rarely meet the needs of each customer’s specific use case.
Say hello to a feature-rich asset tracker that combines a solid hardware specification with an open source application that not only lets you tailor any of the device’s functions to your needs but comes with full source code loaded into an online IDE to allow you to start customizing and deploying personalized product from anywhere in the world.
Twilio Programmable Asset Tracker is in Private Beta.
Learn how to join the Programmable Asset Tracker private beta program.
Help!
We can all get into difficulty when we’re beginning a new project. Sometimes we’d just like a little further clarification about a feature or a setting before continuing.
Whichever Twilio IoT SIM you are working with, you can get immediate assistance by visiting the appropriate Help & Support section of the developer documentation in the left-hand sidebar.