The Federal Communications Commission canceled meetings with Internet companies aimed at brokering a deal on protecting consumer access to the Internet. The move comes after the agency was criticized for attempting to sign an agreement with little public input.

The canceled talks come as news broke out of a possible deal between between Verizon and Google that would let Verizon give priority to certain Web content on its fixed-line networks. The deal, which involves partners in the Android wireless phone platform, does not apply to Verizon's mobile networks.

Insiders say that progress had been made between FCC officials and AT&T, Verizon, Skype, Google, a cable trade association and a coalition for firms such as Amazon and public-interest groups. The parties had been hammering out a deal that would prohibit Internet service providers from dictating what subscribers are able to access on the Web.

In a statement, Eddie Lazarus, chief of staff to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski said that the series of meetings has been "productive on several fronts, but has not generated a robust framework to preserve the openness and freedom of the Internet -- one that drives innovation, investment, free speech, and consumer choice,"

"All options remain on the table as we continue to seek broad input on this vital issue."