In the early forties of the 20th century, Western Union has used the first time a commercial intercity microwave transmission system. 1980 - for the first time in the history of Western Union revenues from money transfers exceeded the income from the telegraph service. As a result of 2011, net income of Western Union has increased by 28% to $ 1.165 billion, the company reported. In 1935, Western Union has put into operation first intercity fax communication. In October 2006 the company made an initial public offering of shares on the New York Stock Exchange, becoming independent from First Data company.