TexasCHLforum.com

The AT&T prepaid GoPhones have SIM cards. The Verizon prepaid phones do not.
At least in my experience. (The newer "4G" phones from Verizon may be different, IDK.)

As far as reception in Houston, it varies. I generally have my personal phone on a different carrier than my work-provided phone, and I've been places inside the loop where Verizon was worthless while AT&T was clear as a bell - and vice versa. This seems particularly true in office and apartment buildings, and is the reason for my wireless diversification.

Oh, and yes, I agree Verizon is being foolish, unless they're trying to get out of the prepaid segment.