diff --git a/code/game/machinery/telecomms/presets.dm b/code/game/machinery/telecomms/presets.dm
index ce5e9a743bc5..3e815988b726 100644
--- a/code/game/machinery/telecomms/presets.dm
+++ b/code/game/machinery/telecomms/presets.dm
@@ -211,6 +211,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_EMPTY(all_static_telecomms_towers)
 	bound_width = 64
 	freq_listening = list(COLONY_FREQ)
 	var/toggle_cooldown = 0
+	on = FALSE
 
 /obj/structure/machinery/telecomms/relay/preset/tower/mapcomms/attack_hand(mob/user)
 	if(user.action_busy)