diff --git a/roles/1-prep/tasks/main.yml b/roles/1-prep/tasks/main.yml
index 911e31df5..96ff6779d 100644
--- a/roles/1-prep/tasks/main.yml
+++ b/roles/1-prep/tasks/main.yml
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@
 
 - name: Install ~12 network/wifi/related packages + Squid if necessary + configure /etc/sysctl.conf -- full configuration LATER in 'network', after Stage 9
   include_tasks: roles/network/tasks/install.yml
-  when: network_install
+  when: network_install and network_installed is undefined
 
 - include_tasks: uuid.yml
 - include_tasks: ubermix.yml