Twilio, T-Mobile Allow Developers to Program IoT Solutions via Cellular Network

Developers will soon be able to implement customized Internet of Things (IoT) solutions and communications for any device on their cellular network thanks to the upcoming launch of the Twilio Programmable Wireless platform.

The Twilio Programmable Wireless platform is a joint service from Twilio and T-Mobile that allows developers to program cellular connectivity via a series of APIs, according to the announcement. Twilio previewed the platform on Monday at the SIGNAL developer conference.

Twilio said the ability to create customized carrier solutions via cellular networks will free developers from the restrictions they normally face when attempting to build IoT solutions on Wi-Fi and other short-range connectivity. This is potentially a huge deal for the channel as well, because it could lead to greater adoption of IoT solutions, which will undoubtedly need to be sold and served to organizations by trusted advisors. However, for now only developers utilizing T-Mobile’s cellular network will have access to the service.

“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.”

Straight from the press release, Twilio Programmable Wireless includes:

• API-driven cellular connectivity, including a ‘Devices’ API that allows developers to provision Twilio SIM cards directly from their applications. An additional commands API will allow developers to have machine-to-machine connectivity in areas without data coverage or to preserve battery power.
• Full support for Twilio Programmable Voice and Programmable SMS
• Usage-based billing, transparent pricing and API-driven procurement of SIM cards

Twilio is currently demoing a preview build of the platform, with the general release of Twilio Programmable Wireless scheduled for Q4 2016. Pricing will be based on volume.