A wireless communication system (20) includes a base station (22) that is capable of communicating with a plurality of mobile stations (24). The base station includes a modular device (50) that allows flexibility in locating the various operative electronic components (52, 54, 56, 58) of the base station. Disclosed examples include a radio frequency head module (55) that packages components traditionally associated and located with a radio in a manner that allows them to be located with the Tx and Rx portions of the radio or at a remote location. One example includes a radio frequency coupling for communications between the radio (54) and the radio frequency head module (55). Other examples include intermediate frequency couplings (70, 74).