Orange has been named the UK’s best mobile broadband provider in an independent consumer poll.

In the latest YouGov Dongle Tracker Survey, the broadband supplier finished top in nine of 15 categories to be named the top provider for overall mobile broadband quality. Orange garnered especially high ratings in the ease of use, staying connected and overall network coverage categories.

The impressive showing marks the second consecutive occasion that Orange has finished top in one of the UK’s most stringent and well regarded broadband surveys.

Asif Aziz, Director of Broadband and Home at Orange UK, attributed the results to a company-wide drive to improve customer service as well as keen price points for its range of mobile broadband products.

Mr Aziz drew particular attention to the launch in August of an industry-leading mobile broabdand dongle deal priced just £4.89 per month over 18-months. This entitles buyers to a free dongle and a 500MB usage allowance.

He said: “Being rated as top for our mobile network operator performance is a real honour and fantastic achievement.

“At Orange we’re committed to delivering a consistent and high quality user experience and have shown that we also offer great value for money with propositions starting from less than £5 per month.”

The latest results augur well for the company’s performance in future surveys, especially in the light of the mooted Orange and T-Mobile merger. The uniting of the companies’ delivery infrastructure would result in the creation of the UK’s largest and most extensive 3G mobile broadband network and give the companies a strong competitive advantage among UK telecos.

Orange recently announced it is to embark on a major £4 million promotional push for its broadband services. This is to focus principally on the scale of the company’s broadband network, which currently covers 93 per cent of the UK as well as the recent launch of a fast home broadband package that offers customers speeds of up to 20Mb.