Earlier this week, a research note from analysts at Stifel Nicolaus suggested that a group of private companies had reached "general agreement" on a private network neutrality agreement after FCC-brokered industry talks failed to reach consensus. The companies, including Verizon, Skype, AT&T, Microsoft, and the cable lobby, have been meeting at the offices of the Information Technology Industry Council in Washington, but they have yet to reach a deal.

Two sources tell Ars off the record that the Stifel Nicolaus note was too strong; no agreement has yet been reached, and the parties haven't met for more than a week. The companies do share some similar views on many issues surrounding network management, which is what led them to talk in the first place, but more discussion is necessary and no formal documents have yet been prepared.

After the speculation about a deal, ITIC head Dean Garfield (formerly a top executive in the movie business trade group MPAA) issued a statement yesterday that talked up all the progress the companies were making in crafting something "pro-consumer" (and nothing says "pro-consumer" like private talks between the largest businesses in the country).

"As we work to reach final consensus, we're focused on solidifying what unites us, incorporating new ideas and viewpoints, and, above all, delivering a series of constructive, pro-consumer and innovation-based principles that will only strengthen the Internet as we know it today," Garfield said. "At the end of the day, any recommendations will ultimately be judged by Congress, the FCC and the millions of people who rely on the Internet as an essential part of their lives. Stated simply, this is more than enough incentive to ensure we get it right."