Company snapshot
| Category | AT&T | Rackspace |
|---|---|---|
| Status | active | active |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
AT&T operates a content delivery network (CDN) as part of its telecommunications portfolio, leveraging its global network infrastructure to deliver content for enterprise and media customers. The CDN focuses on video streaming, live events, and secure content delivery, utilizing AT&T’s extensive fiber and 5G networks. It serves large organizations, including broadcasters and businesses requiring high-bandwidth applications. The service integrates with AT&T’s broader connectivity offerings, such as private networking and cloud solutions. As of 2025, AT&T continues to expand its fiber footprint, aiming to reach over 50 million locations by 2029.
Rackspace Technology, founded in 1998, offers a content delivery network (CDN) designed to accelerate content delivery by caching assets closer to users. The service integrates with Rackspace’s broader cloud offerings, including Cloud Files, and supports businesses needing reliable content distribution. It is primarily used by enterprises leveraging Rackspace’s managed cloud services, particularly those with complex infrastructure needs. The CDN is built to reduce server load and improve user experience through global content distribution.
Network & Architecture
AT&T’s CDN operates across 38 data centers globally, with points of presence (POPs) in North America, EMEA, APAC, and LATAM. It leverages the company’s telecom backbone, including its fiber-optic and 5G networks, for low-latency content delivery. The network is optimized for video streaming and live events, with strong peering agreements with major ISPs. Its North American presence is particularly robust, though its coverage in emerging markets like Africa and parts of Asia is less extensive compared to competitors like Cloudflare or Akamai. The architecture emphasizes integration with AT&T’s private network services for enterprise clients.
Rackspace CDN operates a global network with points of presence (POPs) across North America, EMEA, APAC, and Latin America, though specific POP counts are not publicly detailed. It leverages partnerships with major cloud providers and uses Akamai’s infrastructure for content delivery. The service is optimized for integration with Rackspace’s cloud storage but may have limited flexibility for standalone CDN use. Its global footprint ensures low-latency delivery for enterprise customers, with a focus on North America and EMEA.
Feature comparison
| Feature | AT&T | Rackspace |
|---|---|---|
waf | ✓ | ✗ |
bot_mitigation | ✗ | ✗ |
ddos | ✓ | ✗ |
rate_limit | ✗ | ✗ |
http3_quic | ✗ | ✗ |
tls13 | ✗ | ✗ |
tiered_cache | ✗ | ✗ |
origin_shield | ✗ | ✗ |
instant_purge | ✓ | ✓ |
stale_while_revalidate | ✗ | ✗ |
stale_if_error | ✗ | ✗ |
image_optimization | ✗ | ✗ |
video_vod | ✓ | ✗ |
video_live | ✓ | ✗ |
drm | ✗ | ✗ |
hls_dash_packaging | ✗ | ✗ |
websockets | ✗ | ✗ |
signed_urls | ✗ | ✗ |
edge_compute | ✗ | ✗ |
functions | ✗ | ✗ |
kv_storage | ✗ | ✗ |
api_first | ✓ | ✓ |
realtime_logs | ✓ | ✓ |
log_push | ✗ | ✗ |
terraform | ✗ | ✗ |
Legend: ✓ = Supported, ✗ = Not supported, — = Not listed
Pricing
AT&T’s CDN pricing is enterprise-only, with custom contracts based on bandwidth, storage, and service level agreements. No public per-GB pricing is available, and there is no free tier or pay-as-you-go option. Pricing details require direct contact with AT&T’s sales team, as no dedicated pricing page is publicly accessible.
Rackspace CDN operates on an enterprise-only model, with pricing typically bundled into broader Rackspace cloud contracts. No public per-GB pricing is available, and there is no free tier or pay-as-you-go option. Custom pricing requires contacting Rackspace sales for quotes tailored to enterprise needs.
Integrations & DevEx
AT&T’s CDN offers an API-first interface for configuration and monitoring, with real-time log access for analytics. Documentation is available but lacks support for Terraform or other infrastructure-as-code tools. SDKs are limited, and there’s no mention of CI/CD integrations or migration tools. The focus is on enterprise workflows, with less emphasis on developer-centric features compared to providers like Fastly or Cloudflare.
The CDN provides a robust API for managing services, with documentation available at https://docs.rackspace.com/docs/cdn. It supports programmatic control over caching, domains, and content refreshes. Real-time logs are available for monitoring, but there’s no public support for Terraform, SDKs, or CI/CD integrations. Migration tools are limited, primarily designed for integration with Rackspace’s Cloud Files.
When it fits
- Enterprises needing a telecom-backed CDN integrated with private networking or 5G for secure, high-bandwidth content delivery.
- Media companies requiring robust video-on-demand and live streaming with global reach and DDoS protection.
- Organizations already using AT&T’s connectivity services, seeking seamless CDN integration.
- When it fits:
- Enterprises already using Rackspace’s cloud services, seeking seamless CDN integration.
- Businesses needing global content delivery with a focus on North America and EMEA.
- Teams requiring API-driven CDN management and real-time logging.
- When it doesn’t:
- Small businesses or startups looking for pay-as-you-go or free-tier options.
- Users needing advanced security features like WAF or DDoS protection.
- Organizations prioritizing edge compute or video-specific CDN capabilities.
When it doesn’t
- Small businesses or developers looking for pay-as-you-go pricing or a free tier, as AT&T targets enterprise clients.
- Users needing advanced edge compute, image optimization, or developer-centric tools like Terraform support.
- Customers prioritizing extensive POP coverage in Africa or smaller APAC markets, where AT&T’s presence is limited.
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History & Notes
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