Why require Internet if "We don't use Internet"

Cablevision claims that they don't stream TV shows over the Internet, that their iOS app in fact streams the show from your cable box. However, then why is an Internet connection required? If you ever lose connection, your TV watching is interrupted by this notice:

I think Cablevision should stop lying and get their act together. Not only does their services randomly go down often, but don't block my TV streaming access on an iPad just because YOU screwed up my Internet again.