An active antenna array for use in a beamforming antenna system. The antenna array includes multicarrier power amplifiers coupled to each antenna element wherein the outputs of the multicarrier power amplifiers are linearized. The antenna array communicates with a base station control unit located at the base of the cellular tower in digital baseband. Fiber optic transmission lines couple the antenna arrays with the base station control unit. Multicarrier linear power amplifiers may be coupled to the antenna elements to linearize the outputs of the antenna elements. Alternatively, a predistortion circuit is coupled to the antenna elements to linearize the outputs of the antenna elements when multicarrier power amplifiers are used.