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 Level3’s CDN is no longer active, and its network assets are now managed under Lumen Technologies.

Sunset timeline

  • 1985: Level 3 Communications founded as a subsidiary of Peter Kiewit Sons’ Inc, initially focused on diversified businesses.
  • 1998: Rebranded to Level 3 Communications, emphasizing telecommunications and internet services with an IPO on NASDAQ.
  • 2011: Acquired Global Crossing, expanding its Tier-1 network and CDN capabilities.
  • 2017: CenturyLink acquired Level 3 Communications for $34 billion, integrating it into what is now Lumen Technologies.
  • 2023: Lumen CDN services shut down, marking the end of Level3’s CDN operations.

Migration guidance

Users of Level3’s CDN services should have migrated by the end of 2023, as the service is no longer operational. Recommended alternatives include Akamai, known for its robust global CDN and security features, or Cloudflare, which offers developer-friendly tools and a free tier. For telecom-focused CDNs, AT&T or Tata Communications provide similar global reach. Enterprises needing video and large object delivery may consider Amazon CloudFront for its integration with AWS. Check Lumen’s official site for any remaining network service options: https://www.lumen.com.

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.