Methods and apparatus that provide user access control within wireless networks such as those having both fixed and portable nodes. In one embodiment, the network comprises a 3G cellular network or Interworking WLAN (iWLAN), and the portable nodes comprise Home Node B (HNB) base stations. The HNB is configured to authenticate new users, and provide network access while still maintaining user privacy. The portable nodes also may operate in a number of different operating modes which provide different functional control over user access. In one variant, an easy-to-use owner-assigned ID based access control mechanism with a reliable unambiguous user ID is utilized. Methods for providing access control across differing network architectures and protocols, such the aforementioned iWLAN, and business methods, are also described.