In the early forties of the 20th century, Western Union has used the first time a commercial intercity microwave transmission system. Each money transfer is protected with control number, that allows you to track and to ensure prompt payment of money specified by you person. 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 incomes for 2007 have made $4,9 billion US dollars, and the quantity of transactions has made 572 million. Thanks to cooperation with Western Union the Associated Press at the end of the XIX century took almost monopolistic position in the U.S. market news.