The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):
point of presence
(PoP) A site where there exists a collection of
telecommunications equipment, usually modems, digital leased
lines and multi-protocol routers. An Internet access
provider may operate several PoPs distributed throughout
their area of operation to increase the chance that their
subscribers will be able to reach one with a local telephone
call. The alternative is for them to use virtual PoPs
(virtual points of presence) via some third party.
(1994-12-13)