LAS VEGAS -- All of the exciting new devices and discussion about high-bandwidth 4G (Fourth Generation) data services (up to 100Mbps) here at CTIA have the comm equipment guys salivating: It's likely to mean a boom in new business for building backhaul networks, the plumbing that carriers need to haul all of the data to and from the mobile towers. There are deals to be had, as Alcatel-Lucent announced a new deal with Verizon for backhaul networks paving the way for 4G. In addition, equipment vendors were announcing new gear that can accommodate service providers that need to overhaul their networks for mobile upgrades. For example, Huntsville, Alabama-based Adtran yesterday announced a flexible new Ethernet mobile backhaul product, the NetVanta(R) 8044M,  that can easily swap between copper and fiber.

As I've been in the media industry nearly all my life, I understand spin. And I'm continually fascinated by how the mainstream media often "buys the spin" when they report technology stories. No better example than how they all piled on Cisco's new router announcement this week, often just quoting the press release as fact. Here at the Rayno Report we embark in a battle against the spin. in the interest of truth, let's take you through the Cisco story again and show you who's right and who's wrong. Here's a prime example of what's wrong: This terrible piece of journalism in AOL's DailyFinance: "Cisco Unveils Its New Superfast Network Router." The headline is hilarious, it could pass as an Onion piece. And the story that follows is pathetic, almost  a pure regurgitation of the press release. Do some analysis folks! pick up the phone! I quote from the story: "Networking giant Cisco (CSCO) on Tuesday unveiled a new network router it says 'will forever change the Internet and its impact on consumers, businesses and governments.'" That's the lead. If you parse it, it's really just Cisco's own subjective propaganda, there are no factual statements in the lead.  The reporter, Sam Gustin, has made the press release the story. He's handed control to Cisco.