Apparatus and methods for streamlined cell activation in a wireless network. In one embodiment, the apparatus and methods provide enhanced wireless services which utilize bandwidth-efficient setup/configuration messaging and cell activation, including for very large numbers of cells, and which do not overwhelm data backhaul(s) associated with wireless nodes used for communication. In one embodiment, a message protocol is used wherein a prescribed number of cells of a given DU (e.g., all, a prescribed subset, etc.) are activated without having to enumerate or include specific data relating to the cells being activated. In one variant, this “global” activation is conducted using an Activate All Cells IE (Information Element) disposed with the F1SETUP RESPONSE message issued by a controlling CU entity within a 5G-NR infrastructure. In other variants, cells of multiple DUs can be controlled simultaneously, such as via distribution of a system-wide global activation IE.