Constant internet connection needed

Why is a constant internet connection needed for Galactic War?

I have a slower connection while traveling and it makes the game unplayable. I get constant 'hiccups' and sometimes it will just stop for 5-10 seconds then everything will jump ahead. When it is not hiccuping my fps is 50-60 so I don't think that is the problem.
I can check and see the server fps anywhere between 0-30, and closer to zero when it is hiccuping.

Also when I play a "multiplayer" game with only AI why is an internet connection required?

In game descriptions I remember seeing players can host their own servers. Can I host one a LAN to avoid this internet lag?

The issue is that the server software is not released yet. So you can't host any server at all. The ubernet hosts a server for you, somewhere in the cloud. This will change on the release of PA, from that point on you'll be able to create a server locally without any internet connection, because the server software will be made available.

Will the game always require a server, even for single player and AI-only multiplayer games?

Ok, at least in the future I will be able to host the server locally.

I think the text you just quoted states just that: On the release of PA you'll get the server, which means you will be able to play offline. Any game mode you want, including vs AI. (vs AI offline basically means PA will create a server on your local machine and automatically connect you to it)

As coca Colin said you will be able to host a local offline server once PA is released

Server will be always required, but after release it's will be bundled with client so when you want to play offline game will start it for you automatically like Minecraft do. So you won't need to care at all about fact there is some server needed.

Ohh that is perfect! Great idea.

Will the local server be implemented in another early access update, or after the full release?

I was confused and thought Cola meant a dedicated server could be hosted on a box, for hosting multiplayer online games.
I didn't catch that it would be an integrated host in the background on the local machine for single player games. Got it.

At the very latest it'll be at official launch.

you are new to forums and Planetary annihilation, so i suggest you checkout the wiki on http://pamatches.com/.
you'll find many useful information about PA there.