Company snapshot
| Category | Level3 | StackServices |
|---|---|---|
| Status | defunct | defunct |
| Founded | — | — |
| Headquarters | — | — |
| Website | — | — |
| Docs | — | — |
Overview
Level3, originally Level 3 Communications, was a multinational telecommunications and internet service provider that operated a global Tier-1 network and content delivery network (CDN) until its CDN services were discontinued in 2023. Acquired by CenturyLink (now Lumen Technologies) in 2017, it provided core transport, IP, voice, video, and content delivery for medium-to-large internet carriers. The CDN focused on video delivery, large object caching, and edge computing, serving clients across North America, Latin America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Level3’s CDN is no longer active, and its network assets are now managed under Lumen Technologies.
StackServices, previously known as StackPath, was a content delivery network (CDN) provider that offered edge computing and content delivery services, targeting businesses needing low-latency solutions. It operated a global network of points of presence (PoPs) and provided features like instant cache purging, real-time logs, and an API-first approach. The company served industries such as gaming, media, and e-commerce. StackServices ceased operations in November 2023, following a strategic shift to focus on cloud computing, leading to the shutdown of its CDN services.
Network & Architecture
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Feature comparison
| Feature | Level3 | StackServices |
|---|---|---|
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
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Integrations & DevEx
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When it fits
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When it doesn’t
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History & Notes
Level3 was a major player in the CDN market, leveraging its Tier-1 network to deliver high-performance content delivery, particularly for video and large files. Its acquisition of companies like Genuity, WilTel, and TW Telecom expanded its footprint, but the 2017 merger with CenturyLink shifted focus to broader network services. The CDN’s shutdown in 2023 was part of Lumen’s strategic pivot, though specific reasons for discontinuation were not publicly detailed. Some network assets may still support Lumen’s non-CDN services.
StackServices, under its former brand StackPath, was known for its global CDN footprint and developer-friendly features like instant cache purging and real-time analytics. The decision to discontinue CDN services was part of a broader pivot to edge cloud computing, announced after unsuccessful attempts to sell the business over 18 months. Some customers reported service reliability issues prior to the shutdown, which may have influenced the decision to liquidate assets. No revival of the CDN service has been reported, and the focus has fully shifted to other computing services.