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<p>By 24 October 2019 over 1.25 million businesses had joined the new MTD service
and over 1.75 million VAT returns had been successfully submitted using MTD-compatible
software.</p><p> </p><p>HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) have worked with and taken feedback
from stakeholders including Defra and the National Farmers’ Union, to help shape the
design and to understand the impact of the MTD service. An assessment of the impact
on smaller, rural businesses is included within the wider Impact Assessment.</p><p>
</p><p>Broadband connectivity was presented as a particular challenge for some rural
communities. The Government has committed more than £1 billion for the next generation
of digital infrastructure, with the Chancellor recently announcing a £5 billion commitment
to fund gigabit-capable (speeds of 1,000Mbps>) deployment in the hardest to reach
20% of UK premises. This will close the digital divide and ensure rural areas are
not left behind.</p><p> </p><p>Those that cannot go digital are already not required
to join MTD.</p>
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