David, the "Verizon iPhone" may not be the best iPhone 5 choice. Remember, there are only 3 versions of the iPhone 5 that will be used globally (two GSM and one CDMA). All the US CDMA carriers will be using the same A1429 version.

Sprint gives you 450 talk minutes and UNLIMITED data for $79.99, while Verizon gives you unlimited minutes, but limits you to 2GB of data for $100. While Verizon is well ahead in 4G LTE rollout, Sprint currently has 4G LTE in only 30 cities and the entire interstate highway system, and is expanding LTE to 100 cities this year. It also has 3G coverage over 92% of the US population. Since the phone is exactly the same and the global capability is no different, it may well make more sense to opt for the Sprint plan.