I doubt channels would require an Internet connection, but they might offer it as an option for accessing more content. Like mine, your TV probably doesn't have a means of selecting the Internet link at all by itself, so something else would be needed.
I suppose it's possible to add on another box for that purpose, but your TV company would know more about that. Personally, it's not the kind of thing on which I'd be inclined to spend much money, if any.