It depends on what you mean by creating an independent IT consulting network. Informal networks (i.e. talking to other consultants, going to events, generally business networking) certainly do exist and they're as helpful as in any business. Sometimes they help you generate new leads, sometimes you'll learn about interesting new opportunities and in general knowing other people from the industry will help you learn and share useful information about how to run your business.

Then there are sales-orientied networks like Gun.io . Do you have something in mind more along those lines?