As a result of a technical error in the EE network, customers of EE's Orange brand were bombarded with unwanted text messages over the weekend.

The marketing messages which the customers received from the mobile carrier were related to the Magic Numbers service which offers users free calls to favourite Orange Mobile and Orange Broadband Wireless and Talk numbers.

The messages largely comprised SMS reminders to the customers about their eligibility with regard to the addition of certain numbers - which can be called for free - to their plans. The message read: "Hi from Orange. Congratulations: you can now add another Magic Number." The message was followed by a link which users had to click if they wanted to add an extra magic number to their account.

Due to an EE network error, the text messages were sent out by Orange to its customers multiple times; with one of the customers having particularly complained that he received as many as 90 marketing messages.

Meanwhile, EE has acknowledged the multiple-messaging problem infuriating the Orange Mobile UK customers; and extended an apology. In a message posted to the customers, the company's community team member Miles said: "If you've received any of these duplicate messages, please accept our apologies for any inconvenience. Remember: you're not charged to receive magic number reminders."