diff --git a/drivers/net/rtl8139.c b/drivers/net/rtl8139.c
index 54f74906..4fbf150a 100644
--- a/drivers/net/rtl8139.c
+++ b/drivers/net/rtl8139.c
@@ -482,7 +482,7 @@ err_t rtl8139if_init(struct netif* netif)
 	/* maximum transfer unit */
 	netif->mtu = 1500;
 	/* broadcast capability */
-	netif->flags = NETIF_FLAG_BROADCAST | NETIF_FLAG_ETHARP | NETIF_FLAG_LINK_UP;
+	netif->flags |= NETIF_FLAG_BROADCAST | NETIF_FLAG_ETHARP | NETIF_FLAG_LINK_UP;
 	/* hardware address length */
 	netif->hwaddr_len = 6;