Alpha test "soon"

[Aldora]

Seems there's a lot of confusion going on.

Yeah, indeed.

Source: http://game.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/interview/20120820_554086.html?ref=twitter

...

For the 7th Umbral Era story, when will it end? Also when will the server stop?
Y: For the timing once we are to the point where we can announce the date will let you know. Please wait little bit more.

Doesn’t seem too far away but will the current server stop when alpha test starts?
Y: I think that’s a close line. Not all people will be able to participate in alpha test and alpha test itself is for server load testing.

So for alpha test not all current FFXIV players get to participate?
Y: This is basically server load test so it’s impossible for everyone. And it’s not for them to play but to actually participate in the testing. For playing, that will be from beta.

In another interview i've read that the server would be shutdown for the conversion process when the beta starts.

Basically, we should wait for an official post on Lodestone announcing when the servers will be taken offline. Then we will know for sure when the servers will actually be taken offline and what it will mean for everyone regarding the Alpha/Beta Access and billing process.