Computer Dictionary of Information Technology

virtual point of presence

(virtual PoP) A point, via which users can connect to an Internet access provider, which is not operated by the provider. The user is charged by the telephone company for the call to the virtual point of presence which relays his call via some third party circuit to the Internet provider's central location. This is in contrast to a physical point of presence (PoP) which is operated by the Internet provider themselves. The advantage of a virtual PoP is that the provider can keep all their modems in one location, thus improving availability and maintenance, but users do not have to pay long-distance call charges to that point.