diff --git a/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_send_management_frames.c b/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_send_management_frames.c
index 75e347016a..87f2ee95bb 100644
--- a/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_send_management_frames.c
+++ b/core/mac/src/pe/lim/lim_send_management_frames.c
@@ -2058,9 +2058,8 @@ lim_send_assoc_req_mgmt_frame(struct mac_context *mac_ctx,
 		pe_debug("Populate VHT IEs in Assoc Request");
 		populate_dot11f_vht_caps(mac_ctx, pe_session, &frm->VHTCaps);
 		vht_enabled = true;
-		if (pe_session->enableHtSmps &&
-				!pe_session->supported_nss_1x1) {
-			pe_err("VHT OP mode IE in Assoc Req");
+		if (pe_session->gLimOperatingMode.present) {
+			pe_debug("VHT OP mode IE in Assoc Req");
 			populate_dot11f_operating_mode(mac_ctx,
 					&frm->OperatingMode, pe_session);
 		}