Various embodiments of methods and systems for modem management in a portable computing device are disclosed. An exemplary method recognizes an input of a key performance indicator (“KPI”) from a plurality of performance indicators. Based on the key performance indicator either manually by a user or automatically based on system status information, the exemplary method determines a particular modem management and control strategy designed to optimize performance of the modem based on the key performance indicator. The determined modem management and control strategy is implemented to cause adjustment of a modem performance level such that the key performance indicator is optimized. Exemplary KPIs include, lower device temperature, maximization of the percentage of time that the modem is operating at a maximum advertised LTE speed, maximization of the average data throughput, maximization of battery life, and minimizing LTE speed transitions over time.