Connection client without an internet connection

It seems some users must be logged into the connection client to use their Bentley application.  I don't need to (I am a channel partner), but two customers had to.  Even if they have a checked out license.

But what if they don't have an internet connection, since it appears that in order to login to the connection client one needs an internet connection?  If this is the case, then users in the middle of the desert or offshore can't use their Bentley application.