Hi,
Well yes, you need do need access to a server in order to play your map online with others.
There's several options:
1. You can host your own server in-game. It's important to know how to port forward. 2350 is the important port.
2. You can download the
dedicated server from Nadeo to host a server separate from your game install.
Tutorial here.
3. Some servers have
test evenings where maps get tested.
4. Some servers are happy to load up maps at any time, as long as an admin is online.
5. There are also some game server hosting companies that host TM servers for a small monthly fee.
6. You can
create a program for a ManiaPlanet Channel. Nadeo hosts the servers themselves. The program is manually scheduled by Nadeo at a specific time, if the program is accepted. But you can also spin up a test server for an hour at a time whenever you want and have your friends join it.