diff --git a/tempest/cmd/javelin.py b/tempest/cmd/javelin.py
index 3c41dd9..1aab14e 100755
--- a/tempest/cmd/javelin.py
+++ b/tempest/cmd/javelin.py
@@ -282,6 +282,8 @@
         If in check mode confirm that the oldest sample available is from
         before the upgrade.
         """
+        if not self.res.get('telemetry'):
+            return
         LOG.info("checking telemetry")
         for server in self.res['servers']:
             client = client_for_user(server['owner'])
diff --git a/tempest/cmd/resources.yaml b/tempest/cmd/resources.yaml
index 19ee6d5..2d5e686 100644
--- a/tempest/cmd/resources.yaml
+++ b/tempest/cmd/resources.yaml
@@ -57,3 +57,4 @@
     name: javelin1
     owner: javelin
     file: /etc/hosts
+telemetry: true