A method for modem management in a portable computing device, the method comprising: receiving an input of a key performance indicator for the portable computing device selected from a plurality of performance indicators comprising two or more of lowering device temperature, maximization of the percentage of time that the modem is operating at a maximum advertised speed, maximization of the average data throughput of the modem, maximization of battery life, and minimizing speed transitions of the modem over a duration of time; based on the received key performance indicator, determining a modem management and control strategy for a modem operable for aggregation of multiple carrier bandwidths; and characterized by implementing the modem management and control strategy, wherein implementing the modem management and control strategy comprises: selecting a first number of carrier bandwidths to aggregate with the modem for a first time period to adjust a modem performance level such that the key performance indicator is at a desired level and an average power consumption level during the first period of time does not exceed a thermal power budget level; and selecting a second number of carrier bandwidths to aggregate with the modem for a second time period to adjust the modem performance level such that the key performance indicator is at a desired level and an average power consumption level during the second period of time does not exceed a thermal power budget level, wherein the second number of carrier bandwidths is different from the first number of carrier bandwidths. receiving an input of a key performance indicator for the portable computing device selected from a plurality of performance indicators comprising two or more of lowering device temperature, maximization of the percentage of time that the modem is operating at a maximum advertised speed, maximization of the average data throughput of the modem, maximization of battery life, and minimizing speed transitions of the modem over a duration of time; based on the received key performance indicator, determining a modem management and control strategy for a modem operable for aggregation of multiple carrier bandwidths; and characterized by implementing the modem management and control strategy, wherein implementing the modem management and control strategy comprises: selecting a first number of carrier bandwidths to aggregate with the modem for a first time period to adjust a modem performance level such that the key performance indicator is at a desired level and an average power consumption level during the first period of time does not exceed a thermal power budget level; and selecting a second number of carrier bandwidths to aggregate with the modem for a second time period to adjust the modem performance level such that the key performance indicator is at a desired level and an average power consumption level during the second period of time does not exceed a thermal power budget level, wherein the second number of carrier bandwidths is different from the first number of carrier bandwidths. selecting a first number of carrier bandwidths to aggregate with the modem for a first time period to adjust a modem performance level such that the key performance indicator is at a desired level and an average power consumption level during the first period of time does not exceed a thermal power budget level; and selecting a second number of carrier bandwidths to aggregate with the modem for a second time period to adjust the modem performance level such that the key performance indicator is at a desired level and an average power consumption level during the second period of time does not exceed a thermal power budget level, wherein the second number of carrier bandwidths is different from the first number of carrier bandwidths.