Abstract A subcarrier multiplexed radio over fiber (RoF) system using optical single sideband (OSSB) modulation is proposed. OSSB modulation reduces the bandwidth requirements and also combats the radio frequency (RF) power fading issue due to the dispersive effects in optical fiber. Subcarrier multiplexing (SCM) is a technique used to transmit multiple RF signals through the same optical fiber to utilize its large bandwidth. A theoretical analysis showed that OSSB generation with a number of subcarriers can be done by Hilbert transform method employing a single dual drive Mach–Zehnder Modulator (MZM). This technique is very relevant in the emerging 5G standards which require accesses of multiple standards simultaneously (5G, LTE, and Wi-Fi). This paper demonstrates a low cost solution of OSSB-RoF system and more effective utilization of the spectrum. Simulations results showing satisfactory reception of signals up to 50 km.