Cloud Communications API platform, Twilio, has launched the latest addition to its IoT proposition at the Signal Developer Conference in San Francisco.
Twilio Super SIM is built on Twilio’s mobile core infrastructure along with an expanded set of tier-one carrier relationships enables developers developers to use a single API to deploy Internet of Things (IoT) devices globally with the confidence that Twilio can optimise network performance on tier-one carriers based on the location the device is deployed in.
There are several components that uniquely combine to provide the stack for the Twilio Super SIM; the Wireless Super Network, Twilio’s mobile core infrastructure, an Over-The-Air (OTA) platform, and SIM hardware with custom SIM software. A novel combination within the wireless industry and is the foundation for Twilio’s vision of providing one SIM with one API with global reach – the first major step in building for the new era of the IoT.
“The paradigm of build once and deploy globally simply doesn’t exist today in the IoT industry, today, with Twilio Super SIM, developers can see network optimisations 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,” explains Chetan Chaudhary, General Manager and Vice President of IoT at Twilio.
By bringing together Twilio’s mobile core and Wireless Super Network to provide one SIM with one API, The Twilio Super SIM is tackling the complexity of network connectivity and providing a single trusted relationship to manage wireless connectivity. This therefore lowers the barriers of entry to the IoT market, regardless of whether you’re a single developer or an established brand. With the addition of the Twilio Console and APIs, developers have the necessary tools to enable them to select the right network or allow Twilio’s intelligent defaults to do it for them.
What is 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 including Singtel, Telefonica and Hutchison 3G (Three).
What about the Twilio Wireless Super Network?
By combining the mobile core infrastructure with the Wireless Super Network, Twilio has been able to add wireless connectivity. As a result and through partnerships with Singtel, Telefonica and Three, Twilio can provide access to wireless connectivity from multiple tier-one operators through a single global interface. Furthermore, as Twilio expands its Wireless Super Network to include additional wireless connectivity, customers will benefit with expanded choice, coverage and resiliency.
“IoT deployments have many layers of complexity, including the myriad networks devices use to connect to the Internet”
“Deployments that leverage mobile 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,” adds Stacy Crook, Research Director, IoT at IDC.
Twilio Super SIM offers developers:
- A cloud-based mobile core that continually improves and which is deployed globally for low latency and high availability.
- Working in cooperation with Singtel, Telefonica and Three, Twilio provides developers access to multiple networks in every country, resulting in competitive rates with a single billing relationship.
- Intelligently connects IoT devices to the right network wherever the Twilio Super SIM is deployed.
- A granular view of SIM network selection and usage that provides flexibility and transparency by giving developers the control to review connections, choose networks and view usage all in a single interface.
- A “build once and deploy globally” approach via a globally deployed mobile core infrastructure and multiple operator profiles on a single SIM.
Twilio Super SIM is currently in private preview. However, a public beta will be offered in spring 2019 with flexible pricing options.
