Why Comcast, AT&T and other Internet providers might not sue the FCC after all

Internet providers are widely expected to sue the Federal Communications Commission to overturn the agency's new network neutrality rules. Who will fire the opening salvo, and when, is becoming the subject of a new Washington parlor game -- at least until the rules are actually published. But will the country's biggest broadband companies be part of the mix? That's the question facing companies such as Comcast and AT&T even as they're hoping those same federal regulators approve a set of multibillion-dollar mega-mergers.

AT&T is seeking FCC and Justice Department approval for its $49 billion merger with DirecTV. Comcast, meanwhile, has proposed a $45 billion merger with Time Warner Cable. And Verizon, which appealed the FCC's previous net neutrality rules, has a pending deal with Frontier Communications that also needs federal approval. All this adds up to a minor dilemma for Internet providers. Do you sue and potentially put your deals at risk? Or do you sit back and let others move on your behalf?