diff --git a/lib/network.py b/lib/network.py
index 2d554d61d..cafcea486 100644
--- a/lib/network.py
+++ b/lib/network.py
@@ -217,7 +217,7 @@ class Network(util.DaemonThread):
         # to or have an ongoing connection with
         self.interface = None
         self.interfaces = {}
-        self.auto_connect = self.config.get('auto_connect', False)
+        self.auto_connect = self.config.get('auto_connect', True)
         self.connecting = set()
         self.socket_queue = Queue.Queue()
         self.start_network(deserialize_server(self.default_server)[2],