diff --git a/roles/network/tasks/main.yml b/roles/network/tasks/main.yml
index 4071d53f3..fe61a9c0f 100644
--- a/roles/network/tasks/main.yml
+++ b/roles/network/tasks/main.yml
@@ -47,6 +47,11 @@
   include_tasks: squid.yml
   when: squid_install and FQDN_changed and iiab_stage|int == 9
 
+#preprep for backends
+- name: Netplan in use on Ubuntu 18.04+
+  include_tasks: netplan.yml
+  when: is_ubuntu and not is_ubuntu_16
+
 #### Start services
 
 - include_tasks: avahi.yml
@@ -63,12 +68,6 @@
   when: is_redhat | bool
   #and not installing
 
-- name: Netplan in use on Ubuntu 18.04+
-  include_tasks: netplan.yml
-  when: is_ubuntu and not is_ubuntu_16
-  #when: is_ubuntu_18 | bool
-  #and not installing
-
 - name: NetworkManager in use
   include_tasks: NM-debian.yml
   when: is_debuntu and network_manager_active