WASHINGTON — The chairman of the Federal Communications Commission said on Monday that he intended to aggressively promote and protect competition in the telecommunications industry, including making sure that smaller mobile phone companies have a reasonable chance of buying public airwaves in auctions next year.

The chairman, Tom Wheeler, also said that the F.C.C. would continue to ensure that the Web remained fully open, allowing users “to access all lawful content” regardless of what company provides the Internet service.

“Regulating the Internet is a nonstarter,” he said. But, he added, “The Internet is not a law-free zone. It depends upon standards of conduct. And it depends on the ability of the government to intervene in the event of aggravated circumstances.”

The remarks, which Mr. Wheeler made at Ohio State University, his alma mater, are the first public outline of his priorities since he became chairman, and they signal his intention to take a combative stance against any efforts by the telecom giants to squash competition.