diff --git a/drivers/net/tulip/uli526x.c b/drivers/net/tulip/uli526x.c
index 983981666800..238e9c72cb3a 100644
--- a/drivers/net/tulip/uli526x.c
+++ b/drivers/net/tulip/uli526x.c
@@ -214,7 +214,7 @@ static u32 uli526x_cr6_user_set;
 /* For module input parameter */
 static int debug;
 static u32 cr6set;
-static unsigned char mode = 8;
+static int mode = 8;
 
 /* function declaration ------------------------------------- */
 static int uli526x_open(struct net_device *);