Twilio Introduces Global Super SIM for IoT Developers

Twilio, the cloud communications platform, has introduced the Twilio Super SIM, built on Twilio’s mobile core infrastructure, and an expanded set of tier-one carrier relationships with Singtel, Telefonica and Three Group, which power Twilio Programmable Wireless.

With the Twilio Super SIM, developers can use a single API to deploy Internet of things (IoT) devices globally with the confidence that Twilio can optimize network performance on tier-one carriers based on the location the device is deployed in. Twilio unveiled the latest addition to its IoT offerings today at SIGNAL, its customer and developer conference.

The powerful combination of the Wireless Super Network, Twilio’s mobile core infrastructure, an Over-The-Air (OTA) platform, and SIM hardware with custom SIM software provides the stack for the Twilio Super SIM. This combination is novel in the wireless industry and is the foundation for Twilio’s vision of providing one SIM with one API with global reach. The Twilio Super SIM is the first major step in building for the new era of the IoT.

Twilio’s Mobile Core Infrastructure

Twilio’s mobile core infrastructure is a complete software implementation of a mobile core, 2G, 3G and LTE Evolved Packet Core (EPC) in the cloud, which means it is inherently global. Following the cloud principles of multi-tenancy, scalability and availability, Twilio’s mobile core is the software layer that controls the wireless connectivity for the Twilio Wireless Super Network.

It provides the features that developers have come to expect from cloud services: global scale, high availability and fast iteration cycles. As with other Twilio products, the Twilio’s mobile core will continually improve over time with hundreds of software updates per month. It intelligently routes traffic to provide network redundancy, flexible network steering, reduced latency and access to the best in-country networks.

“The paradigm of build once and deploy globally simply doesn’t exist today in the IoT industry,” said Chetan Chaudhary, general manager and vice president of IoT at Twilio. “Today, with Twilio Super SIM, developers can see network optimizations occur over the air without having to reconfigure their device. Developers expect this kind of experience when deploying software, and Twilio’s relationships with tier-one network operators enables it to offer developers the kind of development experience they deserve.”

Expansion of the Twilio Wireless Super Network

With Twilio’s mobile core, Twilio is able to add wireless connectivity through the expansion of the Twilio Wireless Super Network. By working with Singtel, Telefonica and Three Group, Twilio can provide access to wireless connectivity from multiple tier-one operators through a single global interface. This enables Twilio to leverage relationships with hundreds of networks around the world. As Twilio expands its Wireless Super Network to include additional wireless connectivity, customers will benefit with expanded choice, coverage and resiliency. Twilio’s multiple first-party relationships give developers confidence that they can trust connectivity from Twilio.

Twilio Super SIM

The Twilio Super SIM brings together Twilio’s mobile core and Wireless Super Network to provide one SIM with one API. By tackling the complexity of network connectivity and providing a single trusted relationship to manage wireless connectivity, the Twilio Super SIM lowers the barriers of entry to the IoT market - regardless of whether you’re a single developer or an established brand.

Through the Twilio Console and APIs, Twilio offers developers the control to choose the right network at the right time or rely on Twilio’s smart defaults to intelligently choose networks. The Twilio Super SIM offers unparalleled debuggability and visibility into IoT deployments.

"IoT deployments have many layers of complexity, including the myriad networks devices use to connect to the Internet”, says Stacy Crook, research director, IoT at IDC. “Deployments that leverage cellular connectivity can be especially tricky, as developers often have to deal with multiple carrier contracts and APIs to connect and manage their device fleets globally. Offerings that help simplify global cellular connectivity management for developers will be a welcome addition in the market."