A system for providing a cloud-based service capability exposure function (SCEF) includes a cloud computing platform having at least one processor. A cellular device connectivity (CDC) service module implemented by the processor for provides SCEF services, including determining whether to invoke Internet of things (IoT) service handling based on content of received messages and forwarding messages requiring IoT service to a service capability server (SCS) or an application server (AS) for receiving the IoT service handling. At least one cloud access interface allows IoT devices and network equipment external to the CDC service module to access the first CDC service module. The cloud computing platform, the CDC service module, and the cloud access interface are hosted by a cloud service provider separate from a mobile network operator hosting the network equipment external to the CDC service module that access the CDC service module via the cloud access interface.