In an age where customer communication takes place primarily over the Internet, businesses need tools that are more flexible than relying solely on traditional telephones. One of the most popular and powerful solutions today is Twilio - a global telecommunications infrastructure platform trusted by millions of businesses.

If you have ever heard of “Internet calling” or “integrating switchboards into software”, it is likely that Twilio technology is behind it.

What is Twilio?

Twilio is a cloud-based communication platform (CPaaS).

Simply put, Twilio allows you to make calls, send messages, authenticate users or create virtual customer service switchboards - all via the Internet and API, without the need for hardware infrastructure private.

Twilio's featured services include:

• Voice: Make calls, receive calls, record and manage calls over the Internet.
• Messaging: Send SMS, WhatsApp or multi-channel messages to global customers.
• Video: Integrate video calling into your website or app.
• Verify: User authentication service (OTP, 2FA).
• Email (SendGrid): Send transactional emails, marketing emails with high inbox rates.

With Twilio, businesses can build their own communication infrastructure, customized to their scale and needs without having to hire a switchboard or install complex software.

How to create a Twilio account in detail

Step 1. Register an account

• Access https://www.twilio.com/try-twilio
• Fill in name, email, password, or quickly register with a Google account.
• Confirm your email via the link Twilio sent to your inbox.

Step 2. Verify your personal phone number

After logging in, Twilio will ask you to enter your phone number to send a verification code (OTP).

This step helps increase security and activate your trial account (Trial).

Step 3. Receive Recovery Code

After completing the verification, Twilio will display market Recovery Code - a backup code to restore access if you lose your authentication device or have a security issue.

This code will only be displayed once. Keep it safe in a password manager or personal security note.

Step 4. Personalized Onboarding

After creating an account, Twilio will take you to the “Personalized Onboarding” section.

Here, the system asks you a few questions to customize the experience, for example:

• “What do you want to build with Twilio?”
• “Which channels do you plan to use?”

You can choose according to the purpose of use, such as Limitations:

• Voice if you want to make calls, receive calls, or build a virtual switchboard.
• Messaging if you're interested in SMS or WhatsApp.
• Email if you need a transactional email service (SendGrid).

There's no “right” or “wrong” answer - just choose according to your actual needs.

Step 5. Explore the Twilio Console

Once you've completed the onboarding, you'll be taken to Twilio Console - main admin page.

Here, you can:

• View account information (Account SID, Auth Token).
• Manage phone numbers (Buy / Active Numbers).
• Configure Voice, Messaging, Verify...
• Monitor activity logs and reports.

Step 6. Upgrade your Twilio account for actual use

After completing the registration process and verify, your account is still in Trial Account status, you can only perform test operations or call verified numbers.

To start using Twilio for practical purposes such as making phone calls, sending SMS, or buying international numbers, you need to upgrade your account (Upgrade Account) according to the following steps:

 1. In the upper right corner of the interface, click on the Admin menu.

 2. In the list, select Account billing.

 3. On the Manage Billing page, click Upgrade Account.

 4. Provide Twilio with your details and add a payment method - either a credit card or a business account.

Once completed, your Twilio account will be fully unlocked:

• You can purchase a new phone number.
• Make and receive real calls.
• Send international text messages or SMS marketing as needed.

Small tip: When upgrading, Twilio will ask for payment method verification. Make sure your card is authorized for international payments (or use Visa/Mastercard to ensure success).

Benefits of having a Twilio account

Flexible and cost-effective

Instead of investing in a physical switchboard, separate line or SIM, you can simply create a Twilio account to deploy a virtual switchboard, SMS, or user authentication system.

Pay-as-you-go pricing makes it easy for small businesses to access and control their budgets.

Global operations, unlimited locations

Twilio supports over 180 countries – you can buy international phone numbers and contact customers anywhere, whether you are working in Vietnam or abroad.

Easy integration with other software

Twilio has an open API, making it easy to connect with CRM, ERP, chatbot, or self-developed platforms.

This way, you can manage your contacts, customers, and communication data in one place.

High reliability & international standard security

Twilio is trusted by many large corporations (Airbnb, Netflix, Lyft...).

Standardized system ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, GDPR, ensuring user data is always safe.

Suitable for all business sizes

Whether you are a small business individual, a startup or a medium or large company, Twilio has a suitable service package - from testing to professional operation.

Results discussion

Twilio is the first step for businesses to take control of their communications systems – flexible, modern, and cost-effective.

With just a few minutes of registration, you can have a “mini switchboard” on the cloud, ready to make calls, send messages, or verify users anywhere.