In the early forties of the 20th century, Western Union has used the first time a commercial intercity microwave transmission system. In 1935, Western Union has put into operation first intercity fax communication. Each money transfer is protected with control number, that allows you to track and to ensure prompt payment of money specified by you person. Separation of the companies had two objectives: first, to give Western Union the opportunity to develop more intensively, and secondly, to help First Data to return to its original activity (in 1992 the company separated from the payment system of American Express as an independent financial services company). In October 2006 the company made an initial public offering of shares on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming independent from First Data company. Western Union made so that the time in all of American civil services was the same.