The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has finally agreed to lower the one-time charge that it had imposed on nine telecom operators whose permits were quashed by the Supreme Court of India in February last year, according to emerging media reports.

Citing anonymous sources from the DoT, some media reports suggest that the DoT has agreed to lower the charge from Rs 2,764.29 crore that it had originally demanded the telecom operators to pay to Rs 1,989.18 crore.

The one-time charge has been levied for airwaves that the operators continued to hold till 15th of February 2013, despite the cancellation of their permits by the apex court.

The Cabinet had endorsed the recommendation to impose the charge on the telecom companies both prospectively and retrospectively. The charge came into effect from 1st of January this year. But, all major operators challenged the charge in court.

The biggest hit by the charge will reportedly be borne by Unitech Wireless Pvt Ltd. Unitech Wireless is reportedly facing a charge of Rs 515.63 crore. Sistema Shyam Teleservices, Videocon Telecommunications and Idea Cellular ware expected to face a one-time charge of Rs 490.96 crore, Rs 478.09 crore and Rs 162.17 crore, respectively.