The internet connection is only required if the drone is incapable of broadcasting its own local ID signal. This will not be a problem for the kinds of drones that have practical uses in remote areas.
Also, as with many other drone regulations, this does not apply to lightweight units.
From a quick skim of the unpublished document it seems like a compliant transmitter could be built from hobbyist parts for under $100 and weighing a few ounces. Commercial options should have no trouble beating both of those numbers.
It seems like those with drones at the absolute bottom end of the "registration required" range could be limited by this but as long as your drone could handle having a basic flip phone attached to it you shouldn't have trouble with this.
Also, as with many other drone regulations, this does not apply to lightweight units.
From a quick skim of the unpublished document it seems like a compliant transmitter could be built from hobbyist parts for under $100 and weighing a few ounces. Commercial options should have no trouble beating both of those numbers.
It seems like those with drones at the absolute bottom end of the "registration required" range could be limited by this but as long as your drone could handle having a basic flip phone attached to it you shouldn't have trouble with this.