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 2007 the company made 167.7 million transactions on money transfers between individuals and 404.6 million transactions between physical and legal persons. In 1879 Western Union left the telephone business after losing a lawsuit against Alexander Graham Bell - the patent holder on the phone. In the 1910-1920 years. Western Union is actively engaged in researching, innovating in the field of data transmission.