diff --git a/code/game/machinery/telecomms/telecomunications.dm b/code/game/machinery/telecomms/telecomunications.dm
index d89abed932d..f77a6b34413 100644
--- a/code/game/machinery/telecomms/telecomunications.dm
+++ b/code/game/machinery/telecomms/telecomunications.dm
@@ -360,7 +360,8 @@
 
 			if(is_freq_listening(signal))
 
-				totaltraffic += traffic // add current traffic to total traffic
+				if(traffic > 0)
+					totaltraffic += traffic // add current traffic to total traffic
 
 				// If signal has a message and appropriate frequency