I can confirm this one, I went to two apple stores here in Houston (Galleria and Willowbrook) I tried asking the rep if they sell AT&T iphone 5 device only without contract. He said they could but I am limited to buy only 2 units and I have to pay the full price each of $749 + tax 8.25% for 32 gig. No problem I said, I ended up getting it on Willowbrook branch after I was undecided initially at Galleria branch.
I could not wait for the unlocked Iphone 5 to come out officially and decided that if this is still locked to ATT network I can always return it back and wait for the unlocked one.
Hooked it to Itunes and after restoring it got the UNLOCKED message. Placed my tmobile nano sim and it worked... Still on EDGE though but patiently awaiting for tmobiles refarm..
North side of houston have 3G now lol. I'm on 1960 and i45.