Programmable Wireless
Programmable Wireless, developed in partnership with T-Mobile USA, provides cellular connectivity access for Internet of Things (IoT) devices by leveraging T-Mobile’s partner networks around the world. Our Programmable Wireless API allows you to manage massive fleets of IoT devices just the way you choose.
You can choose from two different SIMs 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 Console.
The Programmable Wireless SIM
Use Programmable Wireless SIMs to add 2G, 3G, or LTE cellular connectivity — Broadband IoT — to your devices. Send information to and from your devices over cellular data or via machine-to-machine (M2M) SMS.
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 around the world.
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 Programmable Wireless SIM pricing here.
Outside of the United States, Programmable Wireless SIMs are subject to network steering.
If you are interested in having access to multiple networks in the United States, or having the freedom to choose from the best networks around the world with no network steering, we encourage you to check out Super SIM.
The Narrowband SIM
Use Programmable Wireless Narrowband SIMs to access the T-Mobile NB-IoT network in the United States.
Narrowband enables Massive IoT: connectivity that supports huge volumes of low-complexity devices that send or receive messages infrequently. Typical use cases include low-cost sensors, preventative maintenance monitors, utilities meters, and location trackers. Devices like these are often deployed in challenging radio conditions, such as in building basements or outdoors at the extremes of network tower coverage. They often rely solely on battery power and may need to stay operational for years between maintenance checks. Narrowband’s technical fundamentals reduce the cost of connectivity and lower the cost of hardware.
For more information about the Narrowband SIM and Massive IoT, please see this page.
The Narrowband SIM supports data only. It does not support M2M SMS messsaging.
Twilio Narrowband SIMs can only connect to the T-Mobile NB-IoT network in the United States. They are not able to be used outside of the US.
Get started
To try out Programmable Wireless, for Broadband or Narrowband, you need a Twilio account, an appropriate SIM, and a device to host the SIM.
- Create a trial Twilio account if you don’t already have one, and upgrade to a full account by adding payment details.
- Follow this guide to order some SIMs and prepare them for use.
- Try a SIM out in a device. The following guides, based on popular IoT development platforms, are a good place to begin:
• Get Started with Programmable Wireless and the Raspberry Pi
• Get Started with Machine-to-Machine SMS Commands
Further assistance
For guidance on specific topics, check out the Programmable Wireless > Help and Support section in the navbar on the left.
If you have any questions, please contact support@twilio.com.
Need some help?
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