In the early forties of the 20th century, Western Union has used the first time a commercial intercity microwave transmission system. As a result of 2011, net income of Western Union has increased by 28% to $ 1.165 billion, the company reported. In October 2006 the company made an initial public offering of shares on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming independent from First Data company. The Western Union Company is a financial services and communications company based in the United States. Western Union provides consumers and businesses with fast, reliable and convenient ways to send and receive money around the world, to send payments and to purchase money orders. Western Union for more than 130 years provides money transfer services to its customers.