Telecommunication and access to information society services are factors of great importance for the future development of the Northern Periphery. ICT helps to overcome certain disadvantages caused by long distances and peripheral locations characteristic of the NPP area. The BIRRA project recognises that there is great disparity across NPP regions and also internally between the availability of broadband and associated services in rural and urban areas. While each area is at a different stage of implementation of broadband, the challenges are similar. The project therefore involves a number of activities that aim to focus on learning best practice from the more advanced regions and identifying solutions relevant to the partners own regional requirements. 4 countries are involved in the transnational exchange and transfer of experience in the field of broadband and information communications technology. Achievements: A detailed plan to collect information from politicians and stakeholders has been written and in the autumn of 2005 there is a primary focus on collecting results. The platform for collecting best practice is up and running and the key areas for the eLadder tool and development plans have also been identified. The BIRRA website has been launched and dissemination activities will continue throughout the life of the project.