TPG Telecom has slammed claims by former NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian that its proposed network-sharing deal with Telstra would hurt business customers and resiliency in regional Australia, arguing the facts suggest the opposite.

Berejiklian, now head of enterprise, business and institutional at Optus, claims a multimillion-dollar network-sharing deal between her telco’s two biggest rivals would provide less choice in the regions, which could be problematic during natural disasters and for local businesses. But her position has been rejected by TPG Telecom, which says it has the support of regional businesses.

“This deal will allow TPG and our MVNOs [mobile virtual network operators] to better service business, enterprise and government customers who have regional offices or demand better national coverage,” said TPG Telecom’s external affairs boss, James Rickards.

“Optus’s allegations ignore supportive submissions from groups including National Australia Bank, Charles Sturt University, Canberra Business Chamber and several regional councils.”

Of the 92 submissions made to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission so far, 64 are supportive of the deal while 20 parties are strongly opposed. The remaining submissions do not comment specifically on the merits of the transaction. The ACCC is still considering its position on the transaction, which would allow TPG to use Telstra’s mobile network in regional areas in exchange for spectrum.

Supporters include the Australian Trucking Association — which believes the sharing would improve regional mobile connectivity and support the transport industry — as well as councils in Bellingen, Coonamble, Narrabri, Broken Hill, Bourke and Moree. It is also welcomed by industry bodies Regional Development Australia Peel in Western Australia, the Gippsland Regional Executive Forum, the Canberra Business Chamber and the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. They believe it would create more competition and support regional businesses.

Submissions that strongly reject the proposal come from Optus and affiliated businesses as well as industry body Commpete, which says the public benefits claimed are “theoretical and unquantified”. Rivals Macquarie Telecom and Pivotal also reject the deal on the basis it would reduce competition.