The backward branch of the electrostatic ion cyclotron wave has been observed, we believe, for the first time. The wave, which was driven by a phased antenna structure inserted in a neon plasma, exists in the parameter ranges 2T/sub i//m/sub i/ << (..omega../k/sub parallel/)/sup 2/ << 2T/sub e//m/sub e/, n..cap omega../sub i/ < ..omega.. < (n+1)..cap omega../sub i/, T/sub e/ greater than or equal to T/sub i/, and ..omega../sub pi/ > ..cap omega../sub i/. Double-tip probe interferomety data agree with the theoretical dispersion relation.