Twilio, T-Mobile help developers build IoT solutions over cell-networks

by Abhinav Mohapatra

Cloud communications platform for developers, Twilio, has partnered with T-Mobile to unveil Twilio Programmable Wireless. Claiming it to be the first communications platform designed for developers to easily program cellular connectivity. Bringing easy to use API’s to developers and businesses, Twilio Programmable Wireless can now enable a wide range of Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and customized communications for any device that is connected over the cellular network.

Jeff Lawson, CEO and Co-Founder, Twilio says:

“Modernizing communications and moving it into the realm of software has been Twilio’s mission from day one. With enterprises needing to manage mobility more than ever before and the unrealized promise of IoT, there’s never been a better time to lift the barriers on cellular communications. Our partnership with T-Mobile opens the doors to use cases we’ve only dreamed about until now. With access to programmatic wireless, we’re really excited to see what developers and businesses will build now that this barrier has been removed.”

The need for Twilio Programmable Wireless

The unveiling comes in the wake of challenges that developers used to face while building solutions with cellular connectivity. In the case of IoT, builders have had no choice but to resort to Wi-Fi or other short-range connectivity, which inhibits adoption due to added configuration needs and lack of ubiquitous coverage.

From an enterprise IT perspective, the loss of control IT departments face when mobile phones and tablets are outside sanctioned phone systems has prohibited innovation. With programmable cellular capabilities, developers and enterprises can now create their own customized carrier solution with the ability to program every call, text and data packet that interacts with a mobile device.

“We’re bringing our wildly successful un-carrier strategy to developers. While the old-guard carriers stifle innovation and try to lock up all the value for themselves, T-Mobile has a different philosophy; we openly partner with world-class companies, like Twilio, to empower entrepreneurs and ignite wireless innovation. By partnering with Twilio to deliver these capabilities to Twilio’s vast developer network, we support developers in building the cellular-connected solutions of tomorrow,” says Mike Sievert, Chief Operating Officer, T-Mobile.

Offerings

  • API-driven Cellular Connectivity: The new ‘Devices’ API enables developers to provision Twilio SIM Cards directly from their applications. Software can now remotely control SIM activation, data usage and bandwidth limits. The commands API provides machine-to-machine connectivity even in areas without data coverage or to preserve battery power. The same API provides granular usage data.
  • Full Communications Stack: In addition to data, Twilio SIM Cards will fully support Twilio Programmable Voice and Programmable SMS, giving developers access to the power of the Twilio cloud for both machine and human communications.
  • Self-service: With usage-based billing, transparent pricing and API-driven procurement of SIM cards, Twilio Programmable Wireless greatly simplifies the deployment and management of connectivity.

The company claims that the Twilio Programmable Wireless will be available broadly in the fourth quarter of 2016 and the pricing will be based on volume. For IoT use-cases, pricing starts at $2 per SIM per month and data usage starts at $0.10 per MB metered across a pool of devices. For high-bandwidth use-cases, data usage is $25 for the first GB and $15 for each subsequent GB.