A protector for a portable wireless communication device that has a housing and a keypad. One embodiment of the protector may comprise a cover member that is pivotally attached to the housing and selectively pivotable between a first position wherein the cover covers the keypad and other positions wherein the keypad is exposed. The cover may be provided with one or more openings or notches to permit access to certain components on the keypad such as a thumbwheel, etc. without removing the cover member. The cover member may be provided with a latch to retain the cover member in position. If desired, an antenna may be coupled to the cover. The antenna may be physically coupled to the device's receiving and transmitting circuitry or it may be capacitively coupled thereto.