Battlefield 2142 - Singleplayer mode

[Beiramar]

Hello,

I'd like to ask a couple of things: Does BF-2142 requires internet connection even to play the singleplayer mode?
And about the locked content: It is unlocked as I (my soldier) get promoted to higher ranks, right? But can I get theese promotions by playing offline (singleplayer)?

I'm asking this because I bought a legal copy of the game, get it installed on my PC, but was unable to play. I don't have any internet connection at home (yet), but the game requires the creation of an account at EA's servers prior to anything else.
I had to go to my girlfried's home (she has a dial-up connection) in order to actually play it.
And I'm concerned about this rank promotion matter because even when I get internet access at home, it will be dial-up. In other words: no multiplayer.

Regards