A method for providing a radio architecture for a long term evolution (LTE) communication system is disclosed. According to one aspect, a radio provides power pooling and direct up-conversion of signals to be transmitted. Power pooling is provided by adjusting the gain and phase of each of a plurality of carrier signals in a digital matrix based on feedback signals received from an analog matrix, such that the output signals are coupled to one or more selected radio output ports. Direct up-conversion is achieved by up-sampling and filtering the carrier signals to be transmitted.