Aussie Broadband launches self-service, affordable NBN plans. Good or just okay?

Aussie Broadband's unveiled its digital-first challenger brand, Buddy Telco, promising a no-frills NBN connection and cheaper prices.

According to Aussie Broadband, Buddy Telco's digital self-service model will appeal to more tech-savvy consumers who want affordable NBN, a reliable connection and easy set-up plus troubleshooting support.

Key takeaways:

• The NBN plans will run off the same infrastructure and automation that powers the Aussie Broadband network.
• Users will be able to manage their connection, upgrades, outages and usage through the Buddy Telco app, Buddy Telco website and live chat support.
• Prices for its fixed-line NBN plans will start at $65 a month for NBN 25 and go up to $99 a month for NBN 1000 (more on plans and price below).

It's banking on its award-winning premium support model to take Buddy Telco to 100,000 customers in 3 years.

This is very timely given recent NBN price hikes. It also makes things quite steamy since amaysim and Boost Mobile have both said they'll be launching NBN plans soon.

What plans are available and most importantly, what are the prices like?

Buddy Telco by Aussie Broadband will be focusing on unlimited data fixed-line NBN plans across five speed categories.

Here's a look at the plans and prices available including promotional discounts. We've also looked at how much similar plans from Aussie Broadband cost.

As you can see, there's a $10 to $30 a month difference in ongoing prices depending on the plan.

Typical evening download speeds, which is what you get during busy hours of the day (7-11pm), are similar to what Aussie Broadband's plans achieve.

Why is there no NBN 250 plan?

Aussie Broadband has said it's focusing on popular plans initially, but "we will review any further additions to Buddy's product set in the weeks and months post-launch as the brand establishes itself in the market".

Can I bring my own modem?

Yes! BYO modem is a prominent feature. In fact, Buddy Telco doesn't offer modems following its promise of keeping things very simple.

"Buddy is only operating on a BYO hardware model initially, so users without an existing modem or router will be redirected to alternative plans on the Aussie Broadband site where they can select hardware," an Aussie Broadband spokesperson told Finder.

For users with their own modem or router, any hardware that currently works with an NBN connection today will be compatible with a Buddy Telco service.

What does customer support look like?

I suppose that's the main concern. What happens if you have general or technical concerns? What about outages?

Live Chat will be serviced from the hours of 11am-7pm AEST by Australian staffers based out of Aussie Broadband's Perth call centre.

"There are elements of AI incorporated into the live chat functionality, as well as aspects of machine learning built into the network management, analytics and other backend functions that monitor the user experience," the spokesperson explained.

"Live Chat will be AI-driven in the first instance, but for issues that require further assistance, our live chat team will be on-hand during staffed hours to help direct users to troubleshoot and resolve any issues they might have."

Is Buddy Telco by Aussie Broadband actually affordable?

Compared to Aussie Broadband's premium NBN plans? Yes, definitely.

Compared to other NBN providers? It's definitely giving them a run for their money.

You'll now be able to pit Buddy Telco against the likes of affordable NBN providers such as Tangerine, SpinTel, MATE, flip and Kogan.

Since NBN is all about sign-up discounts, it just depends on which provider is offering the best promos at any given point.

How can I sign up to Buddy Telco?

You can head straight to Buddy Telco's website or download the app to sign up.