Irvine FAQ
Demographics
Demographics | |
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Incorporated | December 28, 1971 |
Form of Government | Charter Law, City Council - City Manager |
City Incorporated Area | 66 miles |
Sphere of Influence Area | 74 miles |
Elevation | 45 Feet (City Hall) |
Average Annual Rainfall | 10-13 inches |
Average Temperature: Jan | 56 degrees |
Average Temperature: Aug | 71 degrees |

Irvine’s strength is its people. The City is the success it is today because of the more than 249,595 hard-working and community minded citizens who have chosen Irvine as their home. Irvine’s population has grown significantly over the past 40 years, with population increases averaging 20 percent per year between 1970 and 1980. Between 1980 and 1990, the average increase dropped to 8 percent per year; and since 1990, the annual increase has averaged 4 percent per year. Because Irvine is a relatively new City and started with a young population base, only 12.7 percent of Irvine’s population was in the over-55 category in 1990. By the year 2020, however, 28 percent of the City’s population is expected to be over 55.
Year | Population |
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1971 | 10,081 |
1975 | 31,750 |
1980 | 60,600 |
1985 | 84,400 |
1990 | 109,700 |
1995 | 120,000 |
2000 | 141,200 |
2005 | 179,975 |
2006 | 188,172 |
2007 | 195,080 |
2008 | 202,947 |
2009 | 207,380 |
2010 | 212,117 |
2011 | 218,353 |
2012 | 223,870 |
2013 | 231,363 |
2014 | 242,651 |
2015 | 250,384 |
2016 | 258,386 |
2017 | 266,122 |
2018 | 277,453 |
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Irvine is the 85th largest city in the US as of July 2013 (data released May 2014).
Age | |
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Median Age | 34.4 (National Median Age = 37) |
Ethnicity | |
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White | 48.8% |
Asian | 41.2% |
Hispanic | 9.7% |
Black | 2.1% |
Multirace | 4.6% |
Other (Includes Pacific Islander/Some other race/American Indian) | 3% |
Based on U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 American Community Survey
Income | |
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Median Household Income | $93,823 |
(owner occupied) | $113,329 |
(renter occupied) | $60,423 |
Income per capita | $41,898 |
Based on U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey
Quality of Life
A Vision Realized
Irvine’s community has been shaped in the vision of its original master plan. The goal was to create a city in which people could easily work and play. It should be safe, easy to access, with lots of amenities and opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. For almost 40 years now, Irvine has been living and realizing that goal of balance between work and play.
Parks and Landscape Areas | |
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Community Parks | 19 parks |
Neighborhood Parks | 39 parks |
Athletic Fields | 81 fields |
Sports Fields | 155 acres |
Off-Street Bicycle Trails | 54 miles |
Open Space Preservation Areas | 5,600 acres |
Streetscape | 872 acres |
Trees | 71,035 |
Circulation System: | 1,922 lane miles |
Housing | |
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Dwelling Units* | 106,331 |
Median Value** | $820,000 |
Median Rent | $1,997 |
*City of Irvine Land Use Database - excludes institutional housing
**(Single Family, condominiums and new homes)
DataQuick: Home sales recorded in January 2012
Based on U.S. Census Bureau, 2016 American Community Survey
Safest big city in america for 11 consecutive years (2004-2014)
Part 1 violent crimes only | 1st safest in U.S. |
Based on U.S. Census Bureau, 2010 American Community Survey FBI Crime Ranking: Cities over 100,000 Population
Average Family Size | 3.13 |
Average Household Size | 2.61 |
Education Enrollment Grades (K-12) (IUSD) | 29,055 |
Number of Post Offices | 6 |
Average Commute Time | 22.5 mins. |
Workforce Occupations
Industry | No. in Industry |
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Professional, scientific, management, admin., information and waste mgmt. services | 85,960 work in this industry |
Manufacturing | 29,272 work in this industry |
Finance and insurance, and real estate and rental and leasing | 35,678 work in this industry |
Retail trade | 12,794 work in this industry |
Arts, entertainment, and recreation, and food services | 22,502 work in this industry |
Wholesale trade | 17,549 work in this industry |
Educational services, and health care and social assistance | 44,387 work in this industry |
Other services, except public administration | 7,064 work in this industry |
Construction | 11,751 work in this industry |
Transportation and warehousing, and utilities | 3,968 work in this industry |
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting, and mining | 873 work in this industry |
Leading Employers
Source: City of Irvine 2012-2013 Budget Summary
Top Employers | |
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University of California, Irvine (Education) | |
Irvine Unified School District (Education) | |
Blizzard Entertainment Inc. | |
Broadcom Corp. (Computers - Chipmaker) | |
Edwards Lifescience Corp. (Heart Valves) | |
Verizon Wireless (Communications) | |
Kaiser Permanente Hospital | |
Parker Hannifin (Aircraft Parts) | |
Allergan | |
Western Digital | |
St. John Knits | |
Nationstar Mortgage | |
B. Braun Medical |
Largest Life Science Companies |
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UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, IRVINE |
EDWARDS LIFESCIENCES LLC |
ALLERGAN INC |
KAISER FOUNDATION HEALTH PLAN INC |
B BRAUN MEDICAL INC |
GLIDEWELL LABORATORIES |
ALCON RESEARCH, LTD |
PFIZER INC |
HOAG HOSPITAL IRVINE |
ADVANCED STERILIZATION PRODUCTS |
TYCO HEALTH CARE GROUP LP |
TEVA PARENTERAL MEDICINES INC |
MASIMO CORPORATION |
ST JUDE MEDICAL |
Largest Software & Digital Media Companies |
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BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT INC |
STRATACARE LLC |
QUALITY SYSTEMS INC |
GOOGLE INC |
PACIOLAN INC |
EPICOR SOFTWARE CORPORATION |
ALEKS CORPORATION |
A2Z DEVELOPMENT CENTER INC |
EMC CORPORATION |
ORACLE AMERICA INC |
MIND RESEARCH INSTITUTE |
BACKBONE ENTERTAINMENT INC |
CLINPHONE |
AUTHORITY PARTNERS INC |
GLOBAL EVISIONS SOLUTIONS INC |
SENSORMATIC ELECTRONICS LLC |
MIRTH CORPORATION |
AMPRONIX INC |
OPEN TEXT INC |
Largest Banking, Real Estate & Financial Institutions |
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CAPITAL GROUP COMPANIES GLOBAL |
IRVINE COMPANY COM’l & RES |
NATIONSTAR/GREENLIGHT |
WELLS FARGO BANKS |
CORELOGIC SOLUTIONS LLC |
LPS DEFAULT SOLUTIONS |
BALBOA LIFE AND CASUALTY LLC |
DISCOVER HOME LOANS INC |
LSI TITTLE COMPANY INC |
OPTUMRX INC |
PRICE WATERHOUSE COOPERS LLP |
QBE FIRST INSURANCE AGENCY INC |
ERNST & YOUNG LLP |
KPMG LLP |
GENPACT MORTGAGE SERVICES INC |
NEW AVALON INC |
AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE |
NETWORK CAPITAL FUNDING CORPORATION |
EXCEL MORTGAGE SERVICING |
FIRST AMERICAN SMS INC/FIRST AMERI- |
Hotel and Conference Facilities | Capacity |
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Atrium Hotel | 210 Guest Rooms - 13,000 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Candlewood Suites Irvine Spectrum | 122 Guest Rooms - 98 suites - 24 bedroom suites |
Courtyard By Marriot Irvine John Airport/OC | 153 Guest Rooms - 14 suites - 1,250 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Courtyard by Marriot Irvine Spectrum* | 210 Guest Rooms - 14 suites - 8,500 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Doubletree By Hilton Irvine Spectrum | 252 Guest Rooms - 4,000 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Embassy Suites Irvine/Orange County Airport | 293 Guest Rooms - 275 suites - 2,200 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Extended Stay America Irvine Spectrum | 149 Guest Rooms - 149 suites |
Hilton Garden Inn/Orange County Airport | 170 Guest Rooms - 1,500 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Hilton Irvine/Orange County Airport | 302 Guest Rooms - 23,000 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Hotel Irvine | 526 Guest Rooms - 36,000 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Irvine Marriot | 485 Guest Rooms - 27,000 sq. ft. of meeting space |
LA Quinta INN & Suites Irvine Spectrum | 147 Guest Rooms - 24 suites - 1,320 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Residence INN Irvine John Wayne Airport/OC | 174 Guest Rooms - 1,202 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Residence INN Irvine Spectrum | 112 Guest Rooms - 112 suites - Board rooms seats: 8 |
Springhill Suites Irvine/John Wayne Airport/Orange County | 132 Guest Rooms - 132 Suites - Board Room seats 12 |
Wyndham Irvine/Orange County Airport | 335 Guest Rooms - 1 suite - 7,500 sq. ft. of meeting space |
Hyatt House Irvine Orange County Airport | 149 guest rooms, 117 suites, 2,750 sq. ft of meeting space |
AC Hotel Irvine | 176 guest rooms, 788 Sq. ft. of meeting space |
Hampton Inn & Suites Orange County Airport | 162 guest rooms, 52 suites, 2,500 sq. ft of meeting space |
Homewood Suites Irvine John Wayne Airport | 161 guest rooms, 161 suites, 2,500 sq. ft of meeting space |
Courtyard Irvine Spectrum | 210 guest rooms, 14 suites, 8,000 sq. ft of meeting space |
Business Growth
City of Irvine Active Business Licenses - (Dec 2015 ) | |
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Number of Irvine Businesses Licenses | 23,672 |
Number of Irvine Licensed Businesses operating inside city boundries | 15,589 |
Government and Taxation
City Government | |
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City of Irvine Mayor | Christina Shea |
Mayor Pro Tem | Anthony Kuo |
City of Irvine Council Member | Melissa Fox |
City of Irvine Council Member | Farrah Khan |
City of Irvine Council Member | Michael Carroll |
County Government | |
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Supervisors of Orange County – District 1 | Andrew Do |
Supervisors of Orange County – District 2 | Michelle Steel |
Supervisors of Orange County – District 3 | Donald P. Wagner |
Supervisors of Orange County – District 4 | Shawn Nelson |
Supervisors of Orange County – District 5 | Lisa A. Bartlett |
State Government | |
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CA State Assemblymen representing Irvine | Cottie Petrie-Norris |
State Assemblymen representing Irvine | Steven Choi |
State Senator Representing Irvine | John Moorlach |
US Representative (45th) | Katie Porter |
US Senators for California | Dianne Feinstein |
US Senators for California | Kamala Harris |
Registered Voters | |
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Registered as of November 2015 | 105,081 |
Orange County Registrar of Voters 2015
Workers Comp and Unemployment
Employment Stats | |
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Employment Base | 209,557 |
Labor Participation Rate – Male | 72% |
Labor Participation Rate – Female | 60% |
Unemployment Rate (Irvine) | 3.1% |
Higher Education
High School Graduates | 97% |
College Graduates | 65% |
Based on U.S. Census Bureau, 2008-2012 American Community Survey
Education Enrollment Community College (IVC) | 4901 |
Education Enrollment4 Year University(UCI) | 22,236 |
Transportation
Sometimes strategic location makes all the difference
Strategically located in the heart of Southern California between Los Angeles and San Diego, surrounded by major freeways, on the perimeter of John Wayne/Orange County Airport and only one hour from LAX, next door to the premier west coast ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, Irvine delivers the benefits of connectedness, proximity and customer accessibility.
To see the Irvine Chamber Trusted Partners for all your transportation needs go here.
Traffic Management
The City has established a traffic management facility called the Irvine Research and Control Center (ITRAC) to monitor, manage and research traffic circulation throughout the City. The ITRAC Center allows the City’s traffic engineers to monitor on-line traffic conditions from City Hall and make appropriate adjustments to the signal timing. Using advanced detection technologies, such as CCTV cameras and video image detection systems, the City’s traffic engineers can obtain real-time traffic flow, counts, speed and delays. The City of Irvine currently has CCTV cameras installed at various locations citywide.
The City is committed to providing the safest, most efficient and advanced Traffic Signal System available. If you have any community traffic concerns, questions, or suggestions, please call the Irvine Traffic Research and Control Center (ITRAC) at (949) 724-7324.
The City of Irvine is located at the junction of three of Southern California’s busiest freeways. The Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles are less than 40 miles away.
John Wayne Airport
John Wayne Airport is owned and operated by the County of Orange. It is the only commercial airport and one of two general aviation airports in the county and is located approximately 35 miles south of Los Angeles, between the cities of Costa Mesa, Irvine and Newport Beach.
John Wayne Airport plays a unique and crucial role in the Orange County community. It is the only airport in Orange County that provides commercial passenger and air-cargo service and is the primary provider of general aviation services and facilities in the county. It is home to local law enforcement air operations and to medical/mercy flights. JWA is the gateway through which millions of passengers travel each year to their homes, their families, their vacations, and their businesses.
The Airport spans 500 acres and two runways serve commercial and private aircraft: a 5,700-foot main runway and a 2,887-foot general aviation runway. Ten commercial, two commuter and two all-cargo airlines operate at John Wayne Airport. The Airport serves almost 9 million passengers and handles more than 15,000 tons of cargo each year. Approximately 600 general aviation aircraft are based at the Airport and are supported by facilities offering aircraft fueling, hangar space, maintenance services, aircraft sales, charter flights and flight instruction. SNA is the three letter designator assigned by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
To go directly to the John Wayne Airport Website click here.
Direct Destinations
Atlanta
Calgary
Chicago (O’Hare & Midway)
Dallas/Fort Worth
Denver
Honolulu
Houston
Las Vegas
Maui
Minneapolis/St. Paul
Newark
Oakland
Phoenix
Portland
Sacramento
Salt Lake City
San Francisco
San Jose
Seattle
Vancouver
Air Carriers
Alaska
American
Continental
Delta
Frontier
Mesa
Southwest
United
US Airways
WestJet
Irvine Station
The Irvine Station, located in the Spectrum area of the city, is a growing transportation hub in South Orange County. As the busiest station in Orange County serving over a million commuters annually, the Irvine Station is currently served by Amtrak and Metrolink passenger rail services, as well as being a hub for express, local and rail-feeder bus services operated by the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). Recently non-stop FlyAway services to LAX were added by Los Angeles World Airports, expanding the transportation opportunities to the commuters of Orange County.
Street Address
Irvine Station
15215 Barranca Parkway
Irvine, CA. 92618
(Cross streets: Barranca Parkway and Ada)
Hours of Operation
For administrative/business information, please call (949) 724-7365 during normal City Hall business hours.
Attendant Hours
On-Site 24-Hour Security
(949) 724-7777
Amtrak Counter
6:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m./ 7 days a week
(800) 872-7245
Complimentary 1,500 parking spaces available in new parking structure (Limited to 72 hours overnight parking only.)
Amenities
Restrooms, pay phones, ATM machines, food services, bike lockers, vending machines, information kiosks, newspaper stands and a Quik-Trak ticket machine are available at the station.
Coming soon: Strawberry Cafe and bakery
Tenants
Amtrak, StarWok Express, and Spectrumotion.
The Irvine Station Parking Structure has retail spaces available for lease. For more information, visit website or contact us at (949) 724-7365
(800) USA-RAIL (872-7245)
http://www.amtrak.com/
Pacific Surfliner (San Diego to San Luis Obispo)
(800) 371-Link (5465)
http://www.metrolinktrains.com/
Speech and Hearing Impaired: (800) 698-4TDD (4833)
TRIPS
(949) 724-7433 (724-RIDE)
Transportation to destinations within Orange County (wheelchair accessible vans and buses) for Irvine residents with disabilities and older adults. Available to Irvine residents with permanent disabilities and senior citizens over 65 years of age. Enrollment for eligible use is required. Waiting list for those certified as eligible.
http://www.cityofirvine.org/cityhall/cs/seniors/transportation.asp
Connecting Bus Services
(714) 636-RIDE (7433)
For specific time information, please refer to the OCTA Website
Station Link 480: Irvine Station to Lake Forest (weekdays only)
Station Link 482: Irvine Center and Discovery to Irvine Station (weekdays only)
Route 86: Costa Mesa to Mission Viejo (weekdays only)
Route 188/188A: Laguna Hills to Irvine (weekdays only)
Route 211: Seal Beach to Irvine Express (weekdays only)
(Bus Stop on Barranca & Ada)
Route 758: Chino to Irvine Spectrum Express (weekdays only)
Other Transportation
Shuttle Vans
Super Shuttle
(714) 517-6600
UC Irvine Vanpool
(949) 824-7486
All vans require advance reservations
Taxis
24/7 Yellow Cab
(888) 247-8294
ABC Ride Taxi
(714) 809-9000
California Yellow Cab
(877) 935-5692
Checker Cab Co.
(877) 829-9234
Orange County Yellow Cab
(949) 364-7000
Yellow Cab of Greater Orange County
(714) 535-2211
Click here for a current list of all licensed taxicab companies in Orange County
Shared Use Electric Station Vehicle Program
949) 824-1999 Ext. 212
Zero Emission Vehicle • Networked Enable Transport
University of California, Irvine
http://www.zevnet.org/
Ridershare Services
(949) 72-SHARE
Spectrumotion is an Association funded solely by the property owners in Irvine Spectrum. Its mission is to reduce traffic congestion by promoting ridersharing. Ridersharing is a general term that encompass many alternatives to driving alone such as carpooling, vanpooling, riding the train or bus, cycling, walking and telecommuting. Spectrumotion provides financial assistance to commuters who vanpool, ride the train, or take the bus. Spectrumotion also have an Emergency Ride Home program for ridershare participants. www.spectrumotion.com
Bike Locker Use and Termination of Use
City of Irvine provides secure bike lockers at the Irvine Station to promote use of the multi-modal transportation facility. There are 54 existing bike lockers. For more information and reservation, please contact Mitch Thomman at (949) 724-7777.
Utilities
Water
Leading in Efficiency & Reliability
Established in 1961 the Irvine Ranch Water District provides water, sewer, recycled water and urban runoff services to more than 300,000 residents and numerous major employment centers.
The Irvine Ranch Water District is an independent special district serving central Orange County. Governed by a five member publicly elected Board of Director, IRWD has one of the most diverse water supply portfolios in Southern California with investments in groundwater wells, treated groundwater systems, imported water, urban runoff treatment, and in one of the most extensive water recycling systems in the nation. IRWD’s overarching goal is to provide a reliable water supply at the least possible cost to our customers. IRWD customers enjoy some of the lowest water rates in Orange County.
Providing our customers with safe, high quality drinking water is IRWD’s top priority. The District’s drinking water is safe and meets or exceeds all quality standards set by both the state and federal government. Approximately 65 percent of IRWD’s drinking water supply comes from local groundwater sources pumped through IRWD’s extensive well system. The remaining 35 percent of IRWD’s drinking water comes from the Colorado River and the State Water Project and is imported by the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.
Water recycling is an essential component of IRWD’s water supply portfolio. A core IRWD value is that water is too valuable to be used just once. The use of recycled water extends drinking water supplies and is a key component of IRWD’s conservation and water use efficiency programs. Every gallon of recycled water used saves a gallon of drinking water.
IRWD’s sanitary sewer system collects wastewater coming from homes and businesses within the IRWD service area. Sewage is conveyed to two treatment plants through more than 800 miles of sewer distribution pipelines. The Michelson Water Recycling Plant in Irvine treats up to 18 million gallons of wastewater per day while the Los Alisos Water Recycling Plant in Lake Forest treats up to 5.5 million gallons per day.
Irvine Ranch Water District
(949) 453-5300
www.irwd.com
Irvine Ranch Water District (IRWD) provides domestic water service, sewage collection and water reclamation to the City of Irvine and portions of surrounding communities. Contact the IRWD for more information on their quality water service, in addition to free water conservation devices, home and business water audits utilized to increase conservation, landscape workshops, water awareness tours and information on emergency preparedness.
IRWD works with companies to ensure they are maximizing efficiencies and low costs. They even offer a performance-based savings program to incentivize companies to find opportunities to save water.
IRWD will pay $3 for every 1,000 gallons of water saved in a year; half of the money is paid upfront and the balance is paid upon actual water savings.
If companies submit ideas for special projects or upgrades that are water-efficient, IRWD is there to help companies qualify for their Commercial and Industrial Water Use Efficiency Incentive Program. For more information, contact Amy McNulty at (949) 453-5634 or mcnulty@irwd.com.
Southern California Edison
(800) 655-4555
www.sce.com
Southern California Edison (SCE) is the electrical utility provider for the City of Irvine, offering convenient, 24-hour customer service. SCE provides electrical power to homes and businesses, in addition to providing information on energy efficiency, rotating outages, emergency preparedness, electrical safety tips, and tree planting guidelines to ensure non-interference with electrical utility lines.
SCE has plans to invest up to 21.5 billion dollars over the next 5 years to expand and improve their electrical system and is committed to environmental responsibility. Nearly 17% of the electricity provided to customers is sourced from alternative and renewable energy.
Irvine is also a test site for Smart Meters; and SCE works closely with Ford Motors on the development of hybrid vehicles.
Southern California Gas Company
(800) 427-2200
www.socalgas.com
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is the provider of natural gas to those residing or operating a business in the City of Irvine. The Gas Company also provides customers with appliance services (hook-ups and safety checks), an energy efficiency and rebate program, direct-assistance program for limited income customers, and information on emergency preparedness and air quality. Contact The Gas Company during business hours for more information.
SoCalGas also provides incentives to commercial and industrial operations who are willing to replace equipment and/or improve processes. They also offer incentives for companies building new or expanding facilities.
Orange County Sanitation District
(714) 962-2411
www.ocsd.com
The Orange County Sanitation District is responsible for wastewater, water reclamation and watershed protection. They are responsible for controlling air emissions, conserving and recycling natural resources and monitoring the impacts of treated wastewater releases on precious ocean marine life.
Telecommunications
Verizon Wireless
Have their Southern California headquarters in Irvine. The presence of local technologies, opportunities with other companies, the diversity in talent are all reasons they chose to call Irvine home. Verizon operates the nation’s largest wireless voice and 3G network. Plans for a 4G network in select cities are underway. Orange County’s largest amphitheater, the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater, is also located in Irvine.
Cox Communications
A major provider of advanced cable, video, voice and data services. Products include high-speed Internet access, digital telephone, as well as cable, and data transport solutions.
AT&T
Offer a full range of end-to-end network, voice, data, and IP solutions to wholesale customers. Products include an extensive portfolio of Virtual Private Network (VPN), Voice over IP (VoIP) and other offerings—all backed by innovative security and customer support capabilities.
tw telecom
Offers Orange County businesses a choice in national communications providers. tw telecom provides managed network services, specializing in Ethernet and transport data networking, Internet access, local and long distance voice, VoIP, VPN and security, to enterprise organizations and communications services companies throughout the U.S., and globally. As a leading provider of integrated and converged network solutions, tw telecom delivers customers overall economic value, quality, service, and improved business productivity.