Ion cyclotron frequencies are generally three orders of magnitude (electron-to-ion mass ratio) smaller than the electron cyclotron frequency. Here we propose a novel way of generating electrostatic fluctuations along the magnetic field in the ion cyclotron frequency range by modulated electron heating in regions with a non-zero gradient of the magnetic field strength along the magnetic field line. A possible conversion mechanism of these electrostatic fluctuations into shear Alfvén waves is also presented.