Programmable Wireless: Cellular Connectivity for IoT
Twilio Programmable Wireless provides cellular connectivity access for IoT devices around the world. Our Programmable Wireless SIMs let you add cellular data and messaging to your Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Our Programmable Wireless API let you to manage massive fleets of IoT devices the way you choose.
Whatever your use case, your hardware, or however how far you’ve progressed on your IoT journey, this page will provide you with the resources you need to build with Twilio.
Not a developer? Please see our Programmable Wireless product page.
Keen to cut to the chase and go straight to our cutting edge IoT technologies? Check them out here.
Programmable Wireless SIMs
There are two different SIMs to choose from depending on your use case and hardware. Both SIMs are available in multi-size SIM card (2FF/3FF/4FF) and embedded (MFF2) form-factors. Both SIMs types can be managed using the Programmable Wireless API or the Programmable Wireless Console.
The Programmable Wireless SIM
This adds 2G, 3G, or LTE cellular connectivity to your IoT devices. In the US, Programmable Wireless SIMs will connect to the T-Mobile USA network. Outside of the US, Programmable Wireless SIMs provide access to T-Mobile’s partner networks one which they are subject to network steering.
With pay-as-you-go data metering, Programmable Wireless SIM usage is billed per megabyte. This gives you the flexibility to use as little or as much data as you need with no commitments. Learn more about pricing here.
The Twilio Narrowband SIM
Use Twilio Narrowband SIMs to access T-Mobile NB-IoT network in the US. They are not able to be used outside of the US.
Narrowband technology is designed to support massive Internet of Things (IoT) use cases, which are typically low bandwidth for low-power devices that send small or infrequent packets of data. Narrowband reduces the cost of connectivity and lowers the cost of hardware.
There are two data-metering plans for Narrowband SIMs, one for prototyping and another for production. Learn more about these plans here.
Get started with Programmable Wireless
Kick off your IoT endeavors by ordering a Twilio Programmable Wireless SIM. If you plan to use a Twilio Developer Kit, a SIM comes included, or you can head to the Console to order some SIMs.
Need a hand getting going? Here’s some helpful guidance.
You can use the SIM with a compatible IoT device, or a mobile phone or tablet. Whichever gadget you use with your SIM, here’s what you need to know.
If you run into trouble, help is always at hand here.
If you have any questions related to data pricing, please check out our pricing page or contact our sales team.
Build your IoT product
Twilio Developer Kits enable you to bring your ideas to life by making it easy to prototype IoT products. Our Developer Kits come ready with hardware components, software tools, sample code and Twilio SIMs for connectivity.
Want to know more about Narrowband IoT? Check out our guide.
Quickstart guides
The following walkthroughs will help you get from the drawing board to deployment wherever your hardware will be implemented.
Extend your app with cutting edge connectivity
You’ve proven your concept and you’ve designed your product — you’re now ready to take it to market. It’s time to learn how to manage your SIM’s cellular connectivity and monitor your usage. Whatever your use case, Programmable Wireless will help you stay connected.
Planning to go to production scale? Check out our regional and international carrier support and learn how to save money with our rate plans.
Enhance your IoT product with these powerful Twilio Programmable Wireless SIM features.
Trust Onboard: the secure IoT web
Trust Onboard provisions Twilio SIM cards with two X.509 certificates which can be used to authenticate IoT devices in HTTPS connections to your systems to cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure.
VPN for IoT: protected communications
The Programmable Wireless Virtual Private Network (VPN), with the help of Twilio Interconnect, creates a secure, encrypted tunnel using Internet Protocol Security protocol (IPSec) to allow data to flow in total security between your cellular IoT devices and servers.
IoT fleet command and control
The Programmable Wireless API enables you to programmatically manage global fleets of cellular IoT devices.
Voice and text for IoT
PRE-RELEASE Twilio SIMs can make and receive voice calls, and send and receive SMS messages using TwiML® in the style of Programmable Voice and Programmable SMS. Follow these guides to find out how:
Programmable Voice and Programmable SMS are offered as a Pilot for Programmable Wireless SIMs. It is not recommended that you use this functionality to power a production system today.