http://ffxiv.zam.com/story.html?story=21451
Quote:
- What kind of time frame are you thinking of for the beta test?
Tanaka: We don't intend to set a specific time frame for the test, but if we begin too close to a finished product, we cannot apply the opinions and reactions of the users. Therefore, we want to let users try out the game in its unfinished state, and from there we will take in user feedback and gradually build together towards a final version. However, we have to avoid making it too much trial-and-error, or it would be more of a development process than a beta test, which could pose problems. For instance, the servers would need to be shut down for days at a time while the developers work on the game, and I think it would be difficult to run a smooth beta test. I can't really say anything definitive about the length of the beta test at this time.
According to this you can sort of infer that the Beta has not even begun, nor do they have a specific plan or dates set in stone as to when they will begin it.