diff --git a/electrum/network.py b/electrum/network.py
index 4509b6382..3df3f51d7 100644
--- a/electrum/network.py
+++ b/electrum/network.py
@@ -442,6 +442,7 @@ class Network(PrintError):
         self.disconnected_servers = set([])  # note: needs self.interface_lock
         self.protocol = protocol
         self.set_proxy(proxy)
+        self.start_interface(self.default_server)
 
     @with_interface_lock
     def stop_network(self):