So if I get a paygo SIM from ebay (current cost about $7) and a $100 top-up from PetroCan/7-11 then I am looking at $107 for the first year and $100 there after versus over $120 for the Roger's plan. Downside is I would have to get a prepaid SIM for my travels to the US which are all vacations really. I do like to keep in touch with our parents which are all elderly at the moment, yes even while on vacation. TBH, I really won't be using that much while on vacation so I guess the occasional $2.50/minute call wouldn't be a complete disaster.

I'm just incredibly cheap when it comes to cell phones as I see it as a big drain for little gain.

Thanks for the info everyone.