the invention relates to a wireless communication device for a security system that may include a device communicator configured for wireless communication with a security panel and for providing an additional wireless communication path to a monitoring center ; and a premises power supply for removably connecting the device to a power source at the premises . the device may also include an alternate power supply , and an input device for enabling a user to initiate communications . the device may also be programmed so that the device can delay the transmission of an event signal for a predetermined period of time and then initiate transmission of the event signal if it does not receive a signal from the security panel to cancel transmission of the event signal during the predetermined period of time .