diff --git a/config.sample.json b/config.sample.json
index 3733310..6448561 100644
--- a/config.sample.json
+++ b/config.sample.json
@@ -12,6 +12,8 @@
     "http_command_server": {
         "apikey": "PLEASE_CHANGE_ME",
         "listen_port": "2110"
-    }
+    },
+    
+    "disable_delete_inbox_on_startup": false
     
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/lib/modem.js b/lib/modem.js
index 3be3937..01e026c 100644
--- a/lib/modem.js
+++ b/lib/modem.js
@@ -224,14 +224,16 @@ function init() {
         logger.info('Querying signal strength');
         await writeToPortAndWaitForOK('AT+CSQ\r');
 
-        logger.info('Deleting existing messages');
-        // await writeToPortAndWaitForOK('AT+CMGD=0,4\r');
-
         await readManufacturer();
         await readModel();
         await readIMEI();
         await readIMSI();
 
+        if (!config.disable_delete_inbox_on_startup) {
+            logger.info('Deleting existing messages');
+            await writeToPortAndWaitForOK('AT+CMGD=0,4\r');
+        }
+
         port.unpipe(parserWaitForOK);
 
         registerSignalStrengthBackgroundQuery();