Gotcha. I used to do the same thing and once my next upgrade comes around, i'll also be going with the 1 year contract.
Does Verizon still offer 1 year contract option? I think they said they are discontinuing early 1 year upgrade option and removing the new every two year discount beginning this February. It's probably due to their iPhone introduction. It's quite frustrating for me if they really do that. On top of that they will likely increase data plan charge for 4G which we don't know yet how good it will be.
My contract with vortex will end in spring next year and I will consider switching carrier depending on how things turn out with Verizon.