A distributed base station radio system includes first channelized to broadband conversion unit that receives first downlink channelized data for first radio frequency band from first channelized radio frequency source; and first universal remote radio head communicatively coupled to first channelized to broadband conversion unit. First channelized to broadband conversion unit converts first downlink channelized data into a first downlink broadband signal. First channelized to broadband conversion unit communicates the first downlink broadband signal to first universal remote radio head. First universal remote radio head receives first downlink broadband signal. First universal remote radio head frequency converts the first downlink broadband signal into first downlink radio frequency signals in first radio frequency band. First universal remote radio head is further configured to transmit first downlink radio frequency signals in first radio frequency band to first subscriber unit.