Before sending a notification, dispatching a job, or performing remote maintenance, ask the operator: can this device be reached now, through data or SMS?
AMobile data on
ResponseData + SMS
The phone has mobile data on and can be reached through both data and SMS.
BData off
ResponseSMS only
With data off, the phone can still be reached through SMS.
CPhone off
ResponseUnreachable
If the phone is off or outside coverage, the response is “unreachable.”
PurposeCheck whether the device can receive a notification before sending it, and choose the right channel.
SubscriptionA subscription version is also available: the operator sends a notification when the device gains data access, switches to SMS only, or disconnects.
Device Reachability Status: How it works
- Send device detailsThe service provider sends a phone number or another device identifier.
- Check connectivityThe operator checks whether the device is currently connected to the mobile network and which channels are available.
- Status responseThe response includes reachable, the available channels in connectivity, and the update time.
Device Reachability Status: API spec
Spec name
Device Reachability Status (CAMARA open-source spec)
API calls
POST /retrieveInput
device: phone number, etc.Subscription
Subscriptions v0.8.0: events reachability-data, reachability-sms, reachability-disconnected
Typical uses
Checking whether a device is online before dispatching a job or performing remote maintenance
| Response fields | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| reachable | Whether the device is reachable | true |
| connectivity | Available channels: DATA, SMS, or both | ["DATA", "SMS"] |
| lastStatusTime | Time the status was last updated | 2026-10-13T10:41:00Z |
Responses for three scenarios (excerpts)
AMobile data on
reachable
trueReachableconnectivity
["DATA", "SMS"]Reachable through both data and SMSlastStatusTime
2026-10-14T10:41:00ZStatus update timeBData off
reachable
trueReachableconnectivity
["SMS"]Reachable only through SMSlastStatusTime
2026-10-14T10:41:00ZStatus update timeCPhone off
reachable
falseCurrently unreachablelastStatusTime
2026-10-14T10:41:00ZStatus update timeSpec source: CAMARA DeviceReachabilityStatus r1.2 (Device Reachability Status v1.1.0, Subscriptions v0.8.0)