The recent strides made by Orange in the mobile broadband market have been "amazing", according to one expert.

David Allen of Tech Watch has pointed to the recent Digital Media Index report released by the operator for the period August to September 2008.

The figures showed a massive upsurge in dongle sales compared to November 2007 to January 2008, less than a year previously.

Mr Allen commented: "This growth is almost unprecedented at an amazing 2,139 per cent which by any standards is a remarkable figure and represents a huge amount of new users of the network."

Mobile data usage recorded by Orange has also doubled over the last three months, with the use of USB modem sticks thought to have played a major part in the development.

Orange is currently offering 30-day mobile broadband deals including a 3GB download allowance for £20 per month.