In the early forties of the 20th century, Western Union has used the first time a commercial intercity microwave transmission system. In order to increase competitiveness and market expansion of its services, Western Union launched a program of loyalty Western Union Gold Card for customers, who has repeatedly made money transfers via Western Union. In October 1871 the company has implemented the world's first telegraph money order. After a century money transfers have become a major source of income for Western Union. Number of active holders of "Golden Card" of Western Union amounted to 9.5 million people worldwide.