Was your BlackBerry issued to you by your employer?
I'm guessing you do not work for Verizon.
If you did not get your BlackBerry from your employer, you are probably on BIS (BlackBerry Internet Service). So your answer for the AP news application would be "no."
Try this: Manage Connections > Services Status (at least that is the 8330 menu path).
If you are connected to BES it will be so noted. If not, I'm not sure what it will say (I'm on BES) but it will be clear whether or not you are on BES.
Posted from my CrackBerry at wapforums.crackberry.com